[Game Thread] Twin Shields

[dbaque]

Aira finds Katherine in traveling clothes (albeit elegant), rather than her usual frilly dress. The siren greets the heroine and explains the others' absences: "Good morning , Aira. I slept quite soundly; I trust you did as well. My aunt, you remember, takes breakfast with mother. And Louis rarely takes breakfast. As you may have noticed, he's a rather light eater." Now that she mentions it, of the few meals Aira has seen the large man eat, the portions were barely any larger than Katherine's slim ones. "The southern courtyard is terribly quiet at this hour. He'll be waiting for you there when we're done with breakfast."

[kaylara]

Aira greeted Lady Katherine with a warm welcome. Indeed, it left me wondering if I neded a night gown. she grinned. You look like you are preparing to travel as well. Going out to charm the masses? she asks somewhat jokingly but point on as she looks around at the empty table.

Tis a pity, you have a fine dining area and it sems hardly used. Family should spend some time together over a nice breakfast. It's the most important meal of the day.

After they chat a bit and eat, Aira eventually grabs her gear and makes her departure to the southern courtyard.

[dbaque]

Shrugging, Katherine answers: "Dinner has always been our main family meal time, even with father (rest he in peace). As for some nightwear, if you plan to stay on after you get back, we can get something made for you." She seems to think of something before shaking off the silly idea. "The masses, no. Just House Slith to the south," she frowns a bit, "though they'll be a tougher audience by far."

After breakfast, Katherine follows Aira outside, where they find Lord Galliberos armored, packed, and waiting in the courtyard. He's discussing something with Lady Anastasia, matters of state no doubt. He notices the heroine emerging and turns to her with a cordial nod: "Good morning, m'lady. Refreshed and ready to head out?"

[kaylara]

Replying to Lady Katherine as they head to the cortyard, I may need to take you up on that offer when we return. I hope things go well for you there. If you need me just let me know. I could always disguise myself for you to lend aid if needed.

Upon arriving in the southern courtyard, Aira greets both, Indeed, you look prepared as wellas she noticed they were discussing something, Please don't let me interrupt. Ake your time, we can depart when you are ready.

Looking over next to her, Aira asks Lady Katherine, Too bad House Silth is in the opposite direction we will be traveling, else we could drop you off. Have you ever seen a dire falcon? Here's what it looks like.

Once Lord Louis gives the all ready. Aira's form changes to a large falcon, big enough for two to ride. Aira bends down to allow the Lord to mount her.

After Lord Louis is situated, Aira gives a bow and a screech to the others as they take off into the air, they circle once then begin heading northeast. As the go, Aira climbs higher and higher in altitude. The land seems to become brighter and clearer while the noise of the city becomes quiet and there is just the sound of them alone and aloft in the bright blue sky. The air begins to chill as they enter the couds and winds pick up.

Then suddenly a large gust begins to carry them as Aira folds up her wings and seems to be standing or riding the cloud.

[dbaque]

While he really shouldn't be by now, Lord Louis is surprised by the heroine's latest shape. Though admittedly feeling odd about the unusual creature shape, riding without a saddle, and to say nothing of being atop a (quite comely) shapeshifting dragonness, the knight deftly hops onto her and settles himself comfortably. Beyond the warm feel of his Aura of Courage: +4 morale vs fearheartening aura, Aira feels some of his holy She gains his +3 Divine Grace bonus to saves while he's mounted on her.wards wrap around her comfortingly. His kinswomen wave them off as they take to the air.

Fearless as the knight is, the initial rush of freedom from the earth's hold is one of breathtaking wonder and awe. Vast expanses of land increasingly stretch out beneath them. In the quiet, contemplative skies, the land seems so precious and peaceful, and he gains some appreciation of how the dragonness must see things from this vantage.

Seeing his mount? Transport? Escort? Whatever she is, seeing her relax on her cloudy perch, the knight finds his voice again, his breath visible in the frosty air: "'Tis magnificent, m'lady. To soar thus and see the beauty of the world at nearly a glance, 'tis a most inestimable blessing." Realizing something, he asks: "M'lady, can you speak in this form?"

[kaylara]

Aira rests atop the cloud as the two are pushed along by the winds. Yes, this form has a mouth and tongue. Bawk. Along with the occasional compulsion to Bawk. Her head turning slightly so she can see him with one eye, Welcome to my realm. as she nudges the scene below, The landscape can be seen from end to end. From this vantage point, House Gallibros looks small as they begin drifing farther and farther away.

This is one of many abilities that I possess. It is called cloud walking. I can traverse any fog or mist as if it were firm ground. Bawk, It comes iin handy when travelling. Often perch, bawk, on a high cloud than wake up on the other side of the realm here. as she ruffles her feathers a little, allowing the Lord to nestle his hands, legs and buttox into its warmph to prevent any chill.

The cloud we are on is traveling faster than I can fly. So we ride it. as she peers below, observing the area, Well now that we are completly alone. Whats on your mind? Bawk

[dbaque]

"A eminently useful talent, m'lady. Though you needn't worry about the chill," he remarks at her curling him closer, "I told you I minded not the cold." As he claims, she can feel that the knight is not even shivering despite the cool air.

"Why fancy you that I've something on my mind, m'lady?" Louis queries with a curious smile. He didn't deny it, though.

[kaylara]

Feeling almost at home in the comfort of his aura, Aira's eye zoomed in at him. Hmm, do you deny it? ... Bawk...

[dbaque]

"Nay, not as such, m'lady," Louis answers, "From the sublime panorama, to the whistling rush of flight, down to the droll worry of whether you roll in your sleep," doing an excellent job of not snickering, "I'd be concerned if I didn't have something on my mind." Meeting her avian eye, "Or mean you something more personal?"

Then again, it's going to be just the two of them for company amid the solitude in the skies for the better part of a day, so he opts to air out so more of his musings. "Well, you have left me with some lingering questions, m'lady ... two, no three really. The first, your other request, the one you said you'd tell me later. The second, if you feel so inclined after this quest, whether I could possibly afford the retainer for a dragon," Louis chuckles some, before his look turns more serious but puzzled, "The third, ... your comment about your feelings symbolized ... in my scabbard's design."

[kaylara]

Aira's head shifts a bit closer as her avian eye zeros in on Lord Louis's eyes.

To answer your first question. Now is not the time, I will let you know when it is and fully understand your stance. Bawk. she tilts her head a few times in contemplation followed by a very soft, Bawk.. bawk... Well you already have a good cook. Bawk, I would rather see how our friendship works out. I'm not mercenary for sale. as her falcon chest seems to stand out as she begins to say in a firm voice, For I am Aira Ru, Protector of Bawk!?! Alstenot.. having lost her punch line with the bawking, her ranting of titles was cut short. Wow that bawk is really annoying. as she shakes her head.

Aira's avian eye peering at his waist, where his sword is sheathed. As a noble warrior, I would think you understand the significance of a sheathe. Bawk, I will share with you my feeling that night, I wanted to be an ornate sheathe, something that shows not only beauty but also that which can bear temperament, Bawk, and carry (you)r sword when needed and act as a haven to protect you. A sheathe that can withstand the sands of time and always be at you side, to be that thing you can rely on and not live without. she paused a moment wondering if that was the wrong thing to do as she looked away and put her head down into the cloud as thoughts began to run thru her head, Well, he asked.. But you didn't have to tell him...But why lie to myself and him?

OOC lol oh if I was a chaotic dragon, she would test out that ring of feather falling your wearing... after commenting to her about rolling in her sleep... you'd accidentally get dumped

[dbaque]

OOC Getting dumped off is exactly what he's worried about (ok, not really much). She tilts, and he slips off and down through the clouds.

Her rider begins chortling at her disrupted litany: "Heavens, I can see why. Mayhap, your grand epithets can keep until your tongue is less unruly and more amenable to the occasion."

Seemingly not surprised by her explanation, the youthful lord is quiet and still in thought. "You bear the same sentiments now, even after you have soundly bested me in our contest?" he asks at last, his expression difficult to read, though that might be because he is still deciding what to think. He cracks the tension after a moment: "I apologize for the prying questions, m'lady, when we've only just met. You needn't answer. Prithee, a lighter one: what do you like to do to past the time when you are up here riding the clouds and winds? We've an entire day to sit and wait for our stop."

[kaylara]

Aira looked out off into the distance. Not much we can do, Bawk, except talk, eat, rest. Hmm, Lighter questions, What things do you enjoy the most?

[dbaque]

"What, you don't have some favorite game of counting the clouds or something while riding like this?" the knight jests with her, "Not sure how much will be applicable up here, but, well, I find riding very relaxing. I've always enjoyed passing the time reading a good tale. Hm, that's a thought," he remarks, "We could trade stories to pass the time. We've a lot more time available than during dinner last night, m'lady. Tell me something from your childhood."

[kaylara]

Aira would have smiled if her beak could, Yes, I use to sometimes create stories based on the cloud shapes. Take those clouds for instance, one looks like a ship and the other a giant turtle. The ship is trying to outrun the dragon turtle as it shoots a jet of steam at it, just falling short of reaching it's destination. Bawk

Aira tilted her head a few times looking about, before begging to spin tales of her childhood over the next few hours. Most of the stories are lessons learned, one particular one stood out though, the tale of her hatching in trouble.

-- Aira's Hatching --
Encased by a cocoon of warmth and safety Aira slumbered, without any thought or emotion in blissful oblivion, until a violent series of spasms break the tranquility causing the cocoon of safety to crack and break. This disturbing new revelation to her mind is quickly replaced by a magnificent mental explosion where the combined academic and mental prowess of centuries of dragons pours into her head. This mental change briefly stunned her as she came to terms with her existence. But such existential contemplations are discarded in favor of examining her environment. Looking around Aira could see she was currently in a large stone room of what seems an old ruin, around her is placed a small amount of treasure in what appears to be an offering.

While Aira examined the room she was in, further out of the complex a battle is raging, between a group of kobolds and a human party of fifteen men, four of which being mercenaries, and not really interested in eliminating the kobolds, but in acquiring treasure abandon the fight and slip away searching for the kobolds treasure horde. This group of mercenaries consisting of a warlock, fighter, cleric, and wizard make their way to the treasure room where Aira was located.

When they enter Aira examines them as she stretched her wings. All the men tense, while the adventuring party is visibly shaken, they quickly realize that she is young and beatable, the piles of treasure doing much to bolster their courage. The group charges Aira with the fighter yelling “The treasure shall be ours!”

The fight ensues with much biting clawing and gas from Aira’s breath weapon. The ferocity of her attacks eventually overwhelms the party, as first the fighter and then the cleric fall, both dead. The wizard attempts to flee, but find himself paralyzed. Meanwhile the warlock scowled at his dead companions in disgust and looking wistfully at the pile of treasure, quickly flees out of the room.

As Aira’s battle ended, the battle further out of the complex has reached its conclusion with many injured and dead yet victorious kobolds, their leader a wyrmpriest by the name of Karnack did not miss the group of four who had evaded the main fight, and quickly rushed to the treasure room, where he hoped the dragon egg had not been damaged or defiled. When the kobolds arrived at the treasure room and beheld the hatched dragon, they fell to their knees in worship.

Karnack bravely approaches Aira and proclaims “Oh mighty dragon it is most fortuitous that you have hatched now, we your most unworthy servants are pleased you were not harmed. You parents shall return soon.”

---

Aira looks at the young lord, Your turn...

[dbaque]

"You have a cult of kobolds at your home?" asks Louis amusedly and a tad incredulously.

Louis then began his tales of a young boy, one who always seemed younger and smaller than his peers growing up, a boy who hunted and rode like the other nobles, but even more enjoyed quiet time in the temples or sitting on a hill looking up at the stars. He added one poignant tale of the boy at the threshold of manhood.

Father & son on his defense of the fort Louis announces himself before entering his father's chambers. After Louis had successfully repelled an attack by raiders on a royal fort, Lord Philip Galliberos sent for his son. He notes his father reviewing a few letters, reports from the fort commander. Upon spying Louis, Lord Philip sets them aside and dismisses the guard, leaving the two alone. Louis walks up, helmet in hand, offering a bow, before asking: "You wanted to see me, father?" While the young lordling normally had keen eyes for the moods of others, the cool Lord Philip was always difficult for his son to read. "I have heard the reports of your defense of the fort," his father says enigmatically, "how you took over for the wounded commander and manned the wall at the fore." Louis nods a moment before the Lord Philip's mailed hand flies out and cuffs the lad soundly on the head. Shocked more than injured, Louis stares as his father mutely but obviously baffled. His father rarely, if ever, struck him, & the last time was years ago. Lord Philip finally breaks the silence, "That was for placing the heir apparent of Nichen so recklessly in the worst of the fighting." 'Recklessly?' Louis thinks in consternation, "What would my lord have had me do?" he asks coolly, though puzzlement and an underlying color of youthful defiance cannot be missed either. "Demonstrate discretion & far more reluctance to throw your life away, even for your men. They are the ones sworn to die for you, not the other way around," the words so at odds to every sentiment and motion in Louis' soul. Holding up a hand to stay a retort, Lord Philip continues: "Nay, to lay one's life in defense of another is a rare, magnificent quality. However," eyes sternly gazing upon his son, "it ill befits a ruler, whose life is no longer his own, but his people's. It bespeaks poor regard of his duty to them and cheapens their very real dependence on him. To throw your life away is to cheat and rob Nichen of her right to you." The young prince's head droops as his father's words bear the ring of truth. His brows furrow in thought & confusion. 'I have served happily at duty's beck & call, all my life. How is it now she sounds so alien & strange?' Finding his tongue again, Louis asks in earnest: "What then? Is all magnanimous impulse of nobility & valor to be cast aside?" Even more unexpectedly than the earlier blow, Lord Philip embraces his son heartily. His father then moves to rest his hands on his son's shoulders at arm's length before answering the almost comical confusion on the youth: "That was for a valiant, inspiring stand & rising to the occasion, my son." A rare but warm smile graces his father's lips, "for which I cannot be prouder of you." Cowed, touched, confused, along with further indiscernible feelings, Louis nods his thanks & manages to ask: "My lord, ... father, ... rebuke & praise both for the same deed? ... What am I to do then? Am I to serve duty alone & scorn valor? ... How did you manage to reconcile these two masters?" With a far-off look, heavy with the weight of many years, "With age & wisdom, Louis. Still even then, with terrible difficulty & not a few missteps. More than that I know not, other than this counsel: Serve both zealously, and, more often than you might suppose, duty & valor will find their own peace with each other."

Concluding his story, Louis sighs: "Lord Philip has been much missed these years (rest he in peace). I often wonder how he would be faring amid these trials were he still with us."