Event! The Prodigal Return

[Alexian]

DRAKENWALD FOREST



The Drakenwald Forest was the only area outside of the mountain region of Draconis; the land just between the Empire of Draconis and the Kingdom and the closest milestone towards the Remus Empire at the same time, while possessing secrets known only to the royal lineage of Draconis. There were depths within the forest however that had gone untouched by any aside from the ancient Fae and one of these was laid ruins not touched since time immemorial. Crystal-hued water drained down waterfalls through opening above, while elderwood moss touched almost every corner and grew with wild flowers. Only one side of the ruins went untouched, an arch that lead into a room older than the rest of the ruined building. Ancient lines of magic that hadn't been activated in more than a thousand years glowered with old magic, causing a spire of pure white spirit energy to rocket upwards and out of the ruins. This spike raised up hundreds of miles high, able to be seen by anyone who was looking in that direction even though it was daytime. Anyone who attempted to sense the magic would have all sensory organs numbed for the next hour.

As the old magic died down and the spike evaporated back to where it had originally came and the amount of luminosity within the chamber died down, a single figure was seen. The male stepped forwards, carrying himself out of the chamber and into the ruins proper while the door to the chamber sealed behind him. The man stood at five feet and six inches in height, handsome with hair of pure white spiking here and there while some sort of flower was set behind his hear. The man wore a set of robes of various hues though predominantly white and wielded a slightly warped quarterstaff of mahogany with an emerald gemstone atop, using it as a walking stick for the moment. He irradiated magic like none witnessed before, though the elements of Water, Earth, and Lightning made up the invisible aura that surrounded him.

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This world had grown in the last thousand years, can't help but feel overjoyed that my gift has spread so far. So then... where should I visit first? It's quite odd the way that Vallinor has shifted, so perhaps that should be my first visit...

[Alexian]

The white rubes bristled against the trees and brushed through the wind here and there as the male stepped out of the ruins and into the Drakenwald Forest proper. Perhaps flight or teleportation would get him to where he wished to go faster, however if one simply went from point to point without viewing the scenery or enjoying the travel then traveling would no longer be half the excitement. And so, the white haired male decided to walk throughout the forest that had aged immensely since he last saw it. The massive trees concealed most of the sunlight, beams of light eventually breaking through the canopy very sparely. He looked upwards, gazing into the small pockets of sky, as he went onward. The male mused in a lilting voice, admiring something about this forest as he spoke.

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Hmm... how things are changed. When last I walked this land these ferns were not much more than eight to ten feet in eight but now they crowd the sky. I know that my master would love to see how things have grown and changed, but I'm sure he'll get to see it too.

The trees began to thin as the blue sky revealed itself in small strips here and there, and the man reached the midst of the forest where the conifers hadn't grown so close together. They still did a good job of blocking out the blue sky even though they were starting to spread out. The male reached into his robes with his left hand, the quarterstaff held in his right firmly set with one end on the ground. He revealed a single piece of vellum sheet rolled into a scroll, and began to read words lost to time. His eyes momentarily shone green, then a smile enveloped his thin lips. As he came to a clearing, the male sat down on a tree trunk and waited. What was he waiting for, well that was yet to be seen but likely the wait itself wasn't as important to the male. Quickly, he replaced the scroll into his bag and withdrew a strip of jerky that he consumed in quick order.

[Hedgehog]

Eri comes to the forest edge, it wasn't very long ago that she departed from this place to seek adventure. It wasn't to long after then, that she spotted a light shooting upwards from the forest. Now she is back, concerned about her home... She takes a deep breath and walks into the forest.

She decides to keep her Curved sword equipped for now, considering on doubling back to let someone else handle this.. But it is her home, and she made the hefty device on her back to keep the Empire --her home-- safe... "I.. I'm sure someone else is on the way to investigate"

[richkyuubi]

Somewhat deeper in the forest, walking thou the ferns and trees, as silent as the wind that blew weaved between the branches and leaves in a orchestra of serenity, was another being, woefully unaware of the great beam of magical might that had occurred, but felt a great power flow thou the air, was being careful and cautious as they knew not where they were, or what was going on, all they knew is this was generally away from the feeling and the forest thinned out.

The being was unaware that fate had plans for him, as he slowly began to turn his path, and would be soon passing within sight of the strange being, seeming unaware of there presence at first, standing up briefly to look at the sky above, smiling, and showing off there rather odd form, even for a Fae, and the fact they wore a simple, if well made, loincloth, there strange lightish brown horns contrasting heavily with there black fur, causing them to stand out more in the light. "...This...feels right...Yeah...im sure of it"

[WumbologyMajor]

The sudden spike of magic caught Vael somewhat off-guard, as the Leviathan Dragon was flying within a fair distance of its epicenter. He was flying a route he took fairly often, and at high speed; at approximately 200 Aria, or around twice the speed of sound, it was rather difficult for Vael to alter his trajectory. As a result, it was a solid half hour before the gigantic but surprisingly nimble dragon landed on the edge of the forest.
Those nearby might notice a flash of bluish-white light (not nearly as prominent as the magical pillar, of course), accompanied by a rushing sound, as if a vast but invisible object were soaring swiftly through the air, as Vael (now in humanoid form) began to enter the depths of the forest.

[Alexian]

As quickly as the strips of jerky were produced they were eaten, the feeling of 'roughing it out here with the mortals' brought a thrill to the lad as he sat on the knotted trunk of wood in an attempt to wait for... someone or something. Perhaps it was the great dragon Vael or perhaps it was the elven maiden Eri, or the moon fae known as Alex Raven - or perhaps it was all three of these. Either way, as he prepared for the destined meeting the lad retrieved a small rod of yew from his bag and began to play the ancient tune on the rod as if it was a flute - a beautiful and airy tune emanating from the clearing for the next minute until the rod was placed in his lap.

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People sure know to take their time in this day and age, that's good. These mortals should know to stop and smell the roses instead of rushing throughout life. I'm sure that Master will be pleased with my report once I return.

[richkyuubi]

-The furred fae's ears perk up as they hear the sound of the Yew rods tune, and with curiosity and wonder they begin there approach, there tendrils grabbing on a tree or bush along the way as he silently gets to the source of the noise...and when close enof, he makes sure his loincloth is decent, and walks into view proper. "um...excuse me...but..was that music coming from this way???"

[WumbologyMajor]

The dragon took his time traversing the forested area, and though he was not particularly stealthy an individual, he was adroit enough to avoid making so much noise that he would not hear the melody that began to ring out between the branches of the trees. Upon noticing the sound, he instinctively took note of its direction; though he was not fully certain, he began to suspect a connection to the earlier spike of magical energy that had first caught his attention, though he was not fully certain of his calculations' accuracy.
Oddly the first thing that crossed his mind when he saw the faun interacting with the youth was that the music was that of the fae's instrument rather than the other (for such creatures were known to make such music) but he quickly took note of the error of such an assumption. He took a step out into the open and, with his silvery hair glistening under what light managed to trickle to the forest floor, began to approach the others.

Silvery-Haired Stranger:

I do wonder...would I be correct in assuming the music came from here? There is much that is intriguing about this situation, not the least of which being the magic that appears to have gone wild here just minutes ago...

[Alexian]

From on high within the air far above the clearing within the Drakewald Forest was a crimson-scaled fire dragon of elder age roughly fourty feet in width and length if not more. On the back of the dragon rode another figure barely visible in the atmosphere due to how high he stood. Not many would be able to make out the Emperor of Dragonis guiding his companion down the airstream at the speed of three aria. Eventually the crimson dragon would touch down within a far corner of the clearing, releasing a flash of light in his wake. As the light subsided, the dragon had shifted and become a man standing at six feet in height with crimson-hued tresses spiked back in chaos and wearing some sort of foreign military uniform. The other man aside him was none other than the Emperor Kirin Tsuchi. He appeared to be roughly in his late teens in appearance, lightly tanned with an athletic, nimble build. Kirin was quite the hunk with a handsome countenance and finely toned body, crimson tresses of silky hair hanging cropped short to frame his face with blue eyes. Kirin adorned an outfit of silken blue and white under chainmail hauberk of wyvernsteel and an extremely ornate rapier within it's scabbard at his hip - it's guard almost looking like dragon wings and had a sapphire diamond set in the hilt. "Ahh, this must be the cause of that spike of spirit energy I sensed earlier. Greetings, I am Emperor Kirin Tsuchi of the Empire of Draconis."

---

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You've arrived, that is good; and not a single moment after it was ordained by master. Greetings mortals, quite the pleasure to make your acquaintances. I am the Sage Melchior, and I come from the world of the gods. I have come to visit Trinor at the behest of my master Merlin and to warn you of the calamity that is to come. Also aye, the musical tune did indeed come from me, Sir Dragon.

The silver-haired male spoke honestly and forthmost before those who have gathered before them, but his eyes most often caught upon the visage of none other than Kirin Tsuchi and hung for a moment before carrying on to look at the others briefly. His handsome countenance carried a pleasant smile, and he seemed to be dressed within ornate robes of white with azure-hued embellishments. He raised the rod up perpendicular to his body and tapped it once, extending into a beautiful staff of yew that seemed to radiate subtle traces of magical energy.

[richkyuubi]

The Panther like Fae would have fallen on his ass at the arrival of the crimson dragon, just as he was to reply to the odd looking Silvery-Haired Stranger, and stairs off in pure awe, and fear at what was transpiring...blinking in surprise when he hers the one claiming to be Sage Melchior passes his warning.

"A Calamity?? I should go then...i...don't think Ied be any..um..useful with that...the...dragon man there and...wh..whoever that is..is..probably better suited for this" They state as they slowly get off the ground, looking nervous.

[WumbologyMajor]

Vael, upon recognizing the emperor, greeted him with the standard formalities. The dragon did have something of a name for himself within Draconis as a powerful force of nature, and so the emperor may even have known his name if not his face (Vael certainly knew that of the emperor, for who would not?).

Silvery-Haired Stranger:

Rav'atan; it is an honor to meet you. And to the others, it is a pleasure as well. I am Vael Ta'sanar...

(Note: Rav'atam translates to "mighty ruler" in Draconic, and is the standard honorific used for the dragon emperor)

At being referred to as Sir Dragon, he appeared surprised, as though the fact that this man could see through his altered form had not yet occurred to him. As the fellow spoke, his expression became more and more one of deep concern.

Vael:

I see...there's a lot to parse there. You'll have to forgive me if I'm a bit unnerved by this, though I will say I am not fully surprised. I have been experiencing odd qualms of late, though seemingly for no real reason; perhaps these are simply my innate connection to this world and its environment warning me.

[Alexian]

"The honor is mine, mi'lord Vael Ta'sanar. It is not often that I meet with one of the guardian dragons of Draconis - especially one of the ones for keeping our lands in such fine pristine conditions and free of foul tempering. I'm sure you knew my father Sagariel Tsuchi rest his soul. I can only hope that you have found the last ninety-nine years underneath my reign pleasant." Kirin responded with a warm smile once Vael had revealed who he was exactly by telling the group of his name - and of course the very Emperor of Draconis would know who the adult dragon was simply by name. Kirin then looked over to the Fae with a warm smile of greetings.

"Ahh greetings, I've heard about the Fae from my mother but I've never seen one myself - my mother was a half-fae or what is commonly known as an elf. Why don't you stay for a bit? There's safety in numbers after-all and we are rather close to Vallinor here.."

---

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Not quite, young Fey of the Plane of Nature; one of your kind will be needed to quell the calamity. Only one of the plane of nature can quell the rage of the wilde spirits after all.

Replied Melchior in a soft dulcet voice speaking directly to that of Alex Raven; some form of sadness seemed to hang within the air as he spoke though it was unknown the reason for such. He then looked over towards the red-haired males who were the last to arrive and noticed the two artifacts being worn by the smaller of the two - and knowing this to be none other than the Descendant of Nehir Alakkan who had been a friend of his own during the ancient early days of Trinor. Melchior sucked in fresh breath before he began speaking towards Kirin directly.

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Greetings, Tsuchi; it has been ages since the times in which I enjoyed the company of your ancestor Nehir Alakkan who brought peace to dragons and who was the first of the Dragonians. It brings back fond memories, which saddens my heart that I bear such news. And yes I am are of your true nature Sir Dragon; I see everything for what it truly is - as part of being an immortal never-ending being such as myself.

[WumbologyMajor]

Vael smiled, a knowing glimmer in his eye. Of course the emperor of dragons would know that the best way to please a dragon was to stroke his ego. And yet Vael also knew that the young Emperor was likely quite genuine in his respect for the guardian dragons, a quality which could be related to the general goodness that had created this relatively peaceful reign of his.

Vael:

You share with your father the kindness required of a good emperor, it seems. And certainly it shows, for the Empire is quite well-off as of now. Although it appears we are now at a time where we must bring our strength to bear...what calamity is it that is supposed to await us, sir Melchior?

[richkyuubi]

Alex looks a bit stunned as the others seem to react positively at them, causing them to step further out of the shadows, tail flicking curiously, a tendril still holding onto a nearby tree as the others relax in a flowy fashion behind them....but the more that is stated the more they lightly frown.

"....I'm...not sure how much help i can be...nor do i know if i am what you say..i...don't know much actually...im sorry if this is...a problem?"

They rub a arm nervously, and looks to the new comers with interest, wondering what there like..and wondering how many people would appear hear...

[Alexian]

"Yes I'd also like to hear about this cataclysm and what the followers of the dragon gods may do to prevent it. I know that if it has to do with one of the cardinal planes of creation, we can utilize a method to enter the Plane of Spirit and through there traverse to the Plane of Nature.." Kirin responded to Melchior with a quixotic look, thinking about Jecht Dragonheart who was the Sacra Dragos - or one who had spoken to and been chosen by all five dragon gods. As such he could likely call upon the powers of Ryujin the Spirit Lord with the air of the guardian dragon Vael Ta'sanar and his own dragon companion. They could momentarily channel their energy into Jecht to open the way, but of course it wouldn't be easy - even if it was easier than trying to find a more direct way in. And there was the matter of collecting Jecht.

---

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Not quite sure what help you can be, my Moon Fae friend? Do you not feel the lure of nature in every rock, blade of grass, tree branch, brook or stream? Have the Fae truly declined in our absence from the realm?

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Hmmn, perhaps it has been too long after all. Perhaps first we should find a way to open the Portal to the Plane of Nature which my fellow apprentice and demi-god Morgan LeFey has closed as part of her plot. Se is responsible for the cataclysm I speak of. As far as what Cataclysm, it is brought due to the closure to the Plane of Nature.

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You see, the nature spirits cannot return to Trinor, cannot revitalize the Yggdrasil which is this world's lifeblood. Only a Fae attuned to nature may re-open the gate though an instrument - a key - is also needed. Though if you use Mr. Tsuchi's method then you will not require a key. But be careful, a cost must be payed to travel through the Plane of Spirit.

[richkyuubi]

The Fae nods slowly, looking about.
"I dont...really know...my memory is super fuzzy...but...being closed to nature feels nice...i...felt something pull me hear...so...maybe i just...forgot how to?"
They smile at this and stands proud...in there loincloth.
"but...if you think i can help, then ill gladly help!~"

[WumbologyMajor]

Vael rubs his chin.

Vael:

I see...we must not tarry, then. The cost we must pay; what is the nature of it? Or what sort of key is it that we must obtain? I must say that if this Morgan le Fay is sane, she might reconsider such a plan that could doom our entire world...

He looks to Melchior, then to the moon fae, then back at Melchior.

[Alexian]

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In this case, utilizing the method which Mr. Tsuchi stated, the cost would be some of your own spiritual essence which must be permanently given, diminishing your lidespan to an extent. It would need to be given from everyone, though an adult dragon such as yourself were to sacrifice, it would be enough. You would lose a couple hundred years, to be precise.

The words spoken, true to the consquence, as Melchior examined all possible outcomes that could be reached by using this method. Though it wouldn't require such sacrifice, the path towards the ancient Moonglade Glaive would instead be fraught with hardship. And so the ancient wizard truly wondered which in this case was the better path. Regardless, as a Demi-God the path was not his to choose but rather those of this world itself so the best that Melchior could do was lay the options on those present at current time. If only his master Merlin was within reach of the Demi-God's call then this could be resolved easily, yet it had been a hundred years since Melchior had felt his master's presence. Most certainly, Morgan had something to do with this! Perhaps once the issue of the Cataclysm had been resolved, he could get back in touch with his master.

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The key I speak of is the ancient, fabled Moonglade Glaive, known as the 'Terragenetrix' in the ancient language of spirits and Fae. This 'key', I can sense, remains in-place where it was originally created. The last fortress of the Fae and also the location of an alternative gate to the Plane of Nature - The Druidic Keep of Eilt Druin. The path towards Eilt Druin will be frought with danger, as the monster-children of Goddess Othos have made it their home.

[WumbologyMajor]

Vael shakes his head and emphatically responds,

Vael:

I'd assert that the key is the only good option, then. It's better we should face challenges now than lose years of our lives later down the road. It's virtually not even a question, the way I see it.

Dragons are known for their long lifespans, but also for getting stronger with time; the potential to die before reaching peak strength is an obvious and insurmountable dealbreaker for Vael, who seems confident that the challenges won't be something he can't overcome — especially when working with others to figure them out.

[Hedgehog]

Eri finally worked up the courage to enter the forest.. After taking a good 10 (or 60) minutes to tune up her Drive Blade and ensure it will be ready for anything. Just the same, she kept her Curved Sword out in case the Drive blade turned out to be overkill for whatever she may encounter..

“Okay.. Enough stalling. This is my home and it’s best I make sure it’s okay.” Eri slowly goes deeper into the forest..

[Alexian]

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Very well, then I will teleport us as close as I can safely reach towards the warped groves, once all are in attendance. There is one of you still on her way, and trust me when I say that you will need all the help you can get. Even with a Dragon and the Dragon Emperor.

Spoke Melchior in response to Vael'tsanar, settling the quarterstaff of Mahogany upon ancient flagstone. The gemstone of emerald shone with the auras of Earth, Water, and Wind as the Wizard began to channel a spell of unknown yet ancient origin. Potentially, a spell lost to the annals of time and history immemorial known only to those who have lived since such ancient times. Either way, the spell being channel exuded the aura of an S-rank spell, before green light began spilling from the gemstone to reveal a series of runes that would gather along an arch of magical power. The doorway was erected, and through the portal was shimmering white light.

[WumbologyMajor]

Vael turns to sequentially face each of the others in turn as though to take a mental head count, then nods.

Vael:

Shall we be off, then? I suppose this is some form of gating spell, though I haven't ever seen one cast myself, and the magical theories behind it are mostly buried by the sands of time. Pray tell, sir wizard — where does this portal lead? Not for lack of trust but more so out of curiosity, so that I can be prepared for the destination.

[Hedgehog]

Eri, having only recently caught up, Is wary of the new door way but everyone present seems trustworthy enough to her. She moves closer to the gateway ”So uh… where are we going again? I wasn’t really paying attention, but if there’s fun to be had, I’m in!”
Her cheery nature shining through now that she feels at ease with the people around her. Some animals may have even felt more at ease now that she was calm. Truly odd.. and what’s more odd, she was lugging around some large weapon on her back along with several other arms, and yet she was only wearing light leather armor!

[Alexian]

Rippling energy passed through every fibre of your being as you moved through the gateway and into what appeared to be the back court of the lower grounds belonging to a momentously colossal keep built as part of the adjoining mountain's granite. To the south, a mirrored pool of water - once as clear as a mirror though now with algae had turned murky green. Ahead, the entrance to the ancient keep awaited, important articles of ancient history weathered and overgrown by flora. At what was once a grant entranceway, vines and flora had taken hold and sheathed the once-grandiose nature of Eilt Druin. Specifically, Eri would feel something rather strange, as if some ancient part of her Fey Heritage as an elf was calling to her. She could feel the greenerie as if every vine and wildflower was an extension of herself, and could discern an overwhelming sentience behind it all. For those with greater hearing, they would discern the presence of monsters by the hundreds afar, deep past this entrance within the heart of the keep.

---

Kirin Tsuchi

Kirin quickly issued a mental message to his companion to return to dragon form and thus did Imrinth the Conqueror, mighty elder red dragon, shone with red mana as his form stretched long and wide whilst simultaneously growing red scales across the lengthening gap of his body. Eventually, the man would be standing at thirty feet tall with scales of crimson hue covering his bulging muscles, with sharp bone covering his lower jawline with a pair of curved bones arcing above his head. Imrinth's orange-hued eyes focus intently on whatever may hold his interest, and mighty wings with a twenty-feet wingspan stretch high. Imrinth's legs are powerful and each has four razor-sharp claws upon them.

"No doubt the monsters have already caught our scent. We must prepare for the throng of war with the wicked creatures. for it is an imminent reality. Assuming that Melchior will provide no aid to our cause, I ask you, guardian dragon, to stand at my left as my companion has my right." spoke the Emperor with a charismatic yet commanding tone as the heritage sword Auroralie, wielded by the great dragon emperors and forged in the creation flame of the Dragon God Rah. Golden flame would then produce from Auroralie's blade.

[Hedgehog]

Eri Still wasn’t sure what was happening as no one had bothered addressing her question. However she wasn’t totally clueless anymore either, as her Growth had allowed her a deeper connection with her surroundings. “Well.. barring that little light show, it seems I’ll be in the dark until I find out for myself,” She remarks. She doesn’t seem bitter in spite of her words. Inside she did feel a tad frustrated, but seeing the spectacle Kirin made, she had come to believe Kirin was a bit preoccupied with their own thoughts. Regardless of circumstances, she knew Monsters were indeed ahead.
She raised her blade and whistled for her own companion to join her now, “Rocky! Here boy!” no sooner than she called out, a blur of Gray quickly leapt from the bushes to her side and followed her through the gate. She started to hum a light tune as the wolf with big brown eyes panted lightly and nudged against her, “good boy~” she continued humming as she pressed onward now.