Death, Life & New Hope

[Kanashii]

She had flown, flown until her wings could no longer suport the heavy load she carried. Crashing down into the trees below the great white dragon let out a low growling groan as the anchent trees broke under her weight, some of them removing the silver white scales of her backside. Lifting dim amber eyes to gaze about the surrounding forest while her front legs fumbled with something she had been clutching in her grasp, a large brown shimmering dragons egg about the size of a human child. Letting out a low grunt as if pleased it had suffered no damage durring the fall she turned about at the snap and russle that had sounded close by--something was there.

It had followed her from her nest sight, the dreaded creature that ate the eggs of dragons whole. But no, she would not let it get the last of her children. Leaning down low the dragoness nuzzled the small egg that was giving off tiny scuffles and squeaks. "Hush small one." The great white dragon cooed down to the unborn chick that seemed to fall silent instantly.

Without warning the lion sized scaled beast brust from the brushs nearest the egg, reaching out to grab for it with lustful claws. The white dragon let loose a roar of rage, slamming her tail down hard on the ground and beating the creature back, breaking its spine in two. Though she knew it not to be over... where there was one--there was more.

And sure enough two more of the creatures came from opposing sides, one latching onto the back of her neck to sink blackened deadly poison jaws into her scales, burning like acid right through to the fleshy skin while the other went for the egg. Letting loose a roar of agony she ignored the one on her neck and swallowed the egg theif with two snapps of her large jaws. Grabbing the one on her neck with a low hiss she tossed it aside after smashing its skull under her powerful grasp.

"I have failed you... little one..." The great white dragon whispered down at her egg, the poison rushing through her vains and attacking the heart and lungs, causing the magnifisent beast to fall back to the ground and curl its head around the egg protectivly. "I only wish... y-your safety in this harsh and dangerious world..."

Leaving the large brown egg in plain view of all who saw it, the dragon gave a low howling cry, and died. Bree left the world of the living to fly in the endless skys of all those dragons who had died before her, though she left with worry and sadness for the little chick that was now completely defenceless and without a master...Hm, maybe a romance? Anyone have any female characters that could fall in love with little ol' Zayden? He needs a Master too. Whoever hatches him is his Master. xD Ah and make sure to name him, "Zayden" Whoever dose name him. xD -

[HoudiniDerek]

Guang was running flat-out...and had been for several miles, although each mile seemed to take more and more time. Soon, he would have to stop and rest...if possible. Guang jumped a tree root snagged on the path and continued to run. The sounds of pursuit were slowing, but there was no guarantee that it would stay that way for long. He had to find a place to hide or a way to throw them off of his trail.

He risked a look back as he ran through a clearing. He tripped over something in the path and went windmilling across the clearing, landing in a heap on the far side. The brief respite allowed his followers to catch up. The party of Orcs stopped at the edge of the clearing as Guang made it to his feet.

Guang drew his sword and risked a glance to his left. It looked like an egg, but it was gargantuan. What could have left that...and why here? Guang's eye was distracted by a movement to the side. A spasm of some large animals. The Orcs saw it too and were uneasy. Suddenly, they vanished.

Guang sighed and put his sword away. He moved over to the bushes and peered beneath. His breath, already coming in short and rapid gasps, stopped. It was a dragon...dying from a wound. Guang was stunned. He had learned his whole life that dragons were extinct. Instantly it dawned on him...the egg!

Guang went back to the clearing and knelt down. He could hear some sounds from within the egg. Not knowing what else to do, Guang picked up the egg and left the clearing, heading the opposite way from the Orcs.

********************

Two days later, Guang cleared the Selkia, egg still in tow. He came to a small hamlet and paid for some food and supplies. He then started out towards the forest, hoping to find a clearing within sight of the valley so he would not be too far within the confines of the Selkia...just in case the Orcs were still around.

He built a fire and cooked a meal. He put the egg by the fire, not knowing if it needed heat or not. Watchful, but still tired, Guang checked the perimeter traps he had set up and went to sleep.

[Kanashii]

It was true the night was as silent as the grave, everything seemed to be at peace.. accept for an annoying tapping sound coming from somewhere. It was rather irritating having that constant scratching and squeaking taps hit a infant human sized stone as it wriggled on the spot. Yet.. how foolish someone would be to think it a stone--the egg! Of course.

The egg was scuffling and scrabbling then began to roll. Guang had not been to close to the near by hill... but it was enough to get the egg started. It rolled around with amazing speed toward a large tree at the bottom, surely it would smash against it and the creature within be killed instantly.

But what luck! The egg gave a weak tremble and turned past the tree and deep in the wood, yet not that far away from where Guang was. After a few moments the egg stopped by a poll of water that was soaking into the moonlight, the egg touched the very edge of the water and seemed to jump away.

A crack appearing at the top and then exploding into millions of tiny pieces--the pieces burned and crumbled into ash's, leaving the tiny gray dragon chick to blink up with violet eyes at the moon, then around at its surroundings. It gave a tiny cry then began peeping continuously, waking and alerting every demon or beast that there was a defenseless dragon hatchling crying out for its mother.

Of in the distance yet not to far away a loud and howl called out, only making the tiny wet hatchling shiver in fear and cower, crying out more loudly for its parent.

[Slaner]

Tristran awoke suddenly to the non ceasing cries of what seemed to be a baby of some sort. Tristran slowly rose to his feet and picked his curved sword up from the ground and placed his bow securely on his back. He left his small camp, in search of the creature creating that shrill noise.

Tristran followed the river for some time, his mind growing more tense with every step. If it was a baby of a dangerous species, wouldn’t it’s mother be close at hand? Tristran’s hands tensed around the hilt of his sword.

He made his way down the river until he found the little creature. Tristran’s eyes grew wide and his jaw began to drop. It was a dragon! Tristran had heard tales and legends of heroes slaying dragons, but to see one right in front of you was something completely different. Tristran sensed no danger from the dragon child, so he sheathed his sword. He walked to the side of the dragon to see if it was injured at all. “Don’t worry little one,” Tristran said in a calming tone. “I’m not going to hurt you.” Tristran gave the dragon and friendly grin and looked over the dragon for injuries.

A rustle in the bushes caused Tritran to unsheathe his blade once again. He watched the forest for any movement, but nothing stirred. He slowly turned from the bushes, directing his attention back to the dragon. All of a sudden, something crashed through the bushes and sprinted toward Tristran. Before he could act, Tristran was knocked to the ground, face-to-face with a creature he had never seen or heard of. It resembled a lion, but scales covered it’s entire body. Another one of the creatures had come out of the bushes now and circled the dragon, it’s eyes never leaving it’s prey. Tristran was pinned to the ground, unable to reach his sword a few feet from his hand.

Tristran had little time to devise a plan, or his life and the dragon’s life would come to and end. Tristran pulled his small dagger from his sleeve and took careful aim. He threw the dagger right into the creature’s eye. It howled in pain and moved away from Tristran, giving him the opening he needed. He quickly reached for his bow and strung an arrow into place. He let it loose and it found it’s place into the howling creature. It fell lifeless to the forest floor, leaving only one beast left. It charged at Tristran, rage and anger filling it’s eyes. Tristran rolled quickly to the side and sent another arrow into the air. It hit the creature in the shoulder. It winced at the pain, but continued it’s assault against Tristran. He tried to jump to the side, but the beast’s claws slashed across his side. He strung one last arrow and let it fly into the beast’s head. It released one last growl before dying. Tristran fell to the ground, dizzy and disoriented. Poison, he thought, as he slowly inched his way to the dragon. Tristran pulled a small flask from his pocket and looked at the gash. He poured the white liquid on his wound, causing it to fizz and sizzle at contact. Tristran groaned at the pain, but forced himself to pour the rest of the liquid on the wound. The bleeding had stopped and the poison seemed to be fading away. “You are a lucky one,” Tristran chuckled to the dragon youth.

[HoudiniDerek]

Guang awoke suddenly, the forest still around his camp. He looked over to the egg, and saw that it was missing. He jumped to his feet and went over to the patch of grass he had laid it in the night before. It looked to have been rolled away. The dragon inside? Guang thought incredulously.

Guang tracked it through the brush and paused at the clearing to a river. He saw a man being attacked by some lionesque creatures, two of them. Guang saw from the corner of his eyes more approaching the clearing from the opposite side.

Guang drew his sword and ran through the forest, closing the distance between the other two before they could reach the clearing. Guang sliced one from behind and caused the other to turn and snarl. Using the talent of his kind, Guang darted towards the nearest tree and jumped into the lower branches, his long arms coming to his advantage and pulling him up just as the creature's snout collided with the trunk. Guang dropped and sliced him as well.

Seeing both dead, Guang cleaned his sword and returned to the clearing, seeing the man cleaning his wound and telling the dragon how lucky he was.

"You too are lucky, my friend," Guang said, stepping out from the bushes, sheathing his sword.

[Kanashii]

The hatchling made chirping barks at the beasts as Tristran bravely fought the dragon eaters. Though once one of them turned its red eyes upon the newborn it squealed and hid behind a rock, trembling and still dripping wet with the smelly green insides of its egg. Tristran had fought bravely and the hatchling looked up in time to see Guang make his appearance.

After the lizard lions had been chased off howling into the night the hatchling moved forward apprehensively and lifted its nose into the air, sniffing at the pair of them and then shifting a little closer as soon as it smelt no danger about them. Tristran had just spoken as well as Guang, both speaking calm and friendly. Stumbling forward towards Tristran the little dragon sneezed smoke from its nose then fell over on its belly, exposing both the cord that had attached to the egg, and its gender.

A small almost giggling sound rose from the hatchlings throat as it blinked up toward Tristran then Guang--both of them it believed to be its parents and thus... both of them it would share mind speech with--once he was old enough to bare it. Giving another low sneeze and beginning to shiver he righted himself, still blinking with much curiosity up at the two who looked nothing like himself.. though he was still to young to understand that they where humans and he a dragon..

The first order of business is he needed a name.. and not just any name--a name worthy of his kind. Being a dragon, most likely the last of his kind the hatchling would live his life alone with humans or any other race that differed so drastically from himself. Though... if Tristran and Guang accepted him and traveled together, who knew? Maybe they could find another dragon... or at least a place to keep the last dragon safe from dragon slayers all waiting to get their hands on the last... the bounty higher then any out there... the scales and claws worth more then a kings riches.

[Slaner]

Tristran, still injured from the fight, slowly got to his feet to face the new arrival.
“Why hello there,” Tristran said, bearing the pain as best he could.
“This little guy would be yours I’m guessing?” he asked pointing to the dragon hatchling.
Tristran was still amazed at how he ended up being with a dragon. It all seemed so surreal. Tristran looked at his gash once more to see blood seeping out of the wound once again. He got down to his knees and bent close to the river. He began cleaning the wound, trying to stop the bleeding and clean it so it would not become infected.

He turned back to the man that had come through the bushes.
“I can see you ran into those nasty creatures as well. My name is Tristran by the way.”
He watched as the dragon began to roll around on the grassy floor, as if the attack on its life never happened. The purity and goodness of children, Tristran thought to himself. They are not affected by the world around them yet and do not have their lives corrupted by society and others. Tristran smiled and remembered his own childhood. The days when he was not working, he would play with friends in the streets and go on one of their “adventures” to fight a mythical beast and save the princess. It was funny how every game they played had a happy ending. It’s a shame life wasn’t a game.

[HoudiniDerek]

Guang nodded as the man introduced himself as "Tristran" and as he watched the dragon playfully. He noticed that the man's wounds were still giving him trouble and he might need help. Sensing no danger, Guang came further into the clearing.

"My name is Guang," he said, stopping a few feet from Tristran. He took a small jar of salve from his pack and handed it to the man. "It should help keep the wound from bleeding."

Guang sat on the grass and watched the dragon playing, amazed as well that terror could turn so quickly, even at that age. Guang talked to Tristran, telling him of the way he had stumbled across the egg and the dead mother of the dragon.

"I guess he belongs to me as much as anyone," Guang said, forming the thought as he went. "I am not sure that anyone can raise a dragon...in fact, most people don't believe they exist anymore. I figured to take care of it until it needed me and then let it go."

Guang looked over at Tristran before continuining. "Unless that is something you intended for yourself..."Kanashii, I am going to delete your post that is not part of the RP...just to keep everything clear. It is easier to PM comments. :) -

[Kanashii]

The dragon blinked up toward both Guang and Tristran, tiny violet eyes gazing with wonder up toward the two men as they talked. He could hardly understand a word of what they where saying, though still seemed deeply interested in the sounds they where making. His mind was one tracked toward their voices... though he heard a new sound, a growling rumble that slightly frightened him.

It was nothing to really be scared of, after a few minuets of searching for the source of the noise he found it.. his belly. Making tiny squeaks and cries up at both men to get their attention. Once he was sure he had it the dragon crawled up into Tristran's lap and began nibbling at his fingers. Not roughly yet hard enough that he would get the message of what the little chick wanted.

Hopping down and then curling itself around Guang's legs the dragon hatchling seemed to purr, a deep rumble from within its throat while another rumble came forth from its stomach. Normally the chick would have eaten by now, its parent would have killed a cow or a bear... some beast with lots of meat on it, allowing the chick to grow strong and be able to fly by only a few weeks of age.

[HoudiniDerek]

Before Guang could receive an answer to his attempt at feeling Tristran out, the little dragon jumped up on Tristran's lap and began nibbling at his fingers. Both men stared for a moment at the dragon, then shared a look. They did so again a moment later when the little dragon jumped down and curled up around Guang's leg.

"I think our little daredevil is ," Guang said, chuckling at the image of the little dragon prancing around a few moments before. "I think I have something left over from my meal earlier."

Guang dug in his back and pulled out the remains of some dried deer he had shot and cooked earlier in the day at the campfire. It was a little tough, but it would give the dragon something to do and practice on while the men talked. Reaching down, Guang stroked the dragon until it looked at him and tossed the remains to the side, hoping the dragon would take the bait and let the men continue their chat in peace.

"It is all I have at the moment, little man," Guang said softly. "It will have to do."

[Slaner]

Tristran took the flask from Guang with an appreciative nod and poured it onto his wound. It stung somewhat, but relief upon the gash soon followed. Tristran laughed as the dragon youth began nibbling on his fingers. Guang pulled some food out for the little one, but that would not sustain the dragon for too long.

Tristran got to his feet and turned his attention to Guang.
“The only reason I came across the egg was because I heard its cries in the night. I followed the river to see what it was. Then I find a dragon none the less!”
He looked back to the dragon as it was nibbling on the scraps of meat.
“Now the real question is what do we do with the little guy?”
Tristran pondered the outcomes. They could raise it and release it when I was ready. They cold leave it for the forest to decide its fate. But Tristran knew only one option.
“We can’t stay here. More of those lion-like creatures will come and I’m sure we don’t want to tangle with them again.”
Tristran walked up to the dragon and hoisted it up into his arms.
“We should get going now.”

[HoudiniDerek]

"We can return to my camp on the edge of the forest," Guang said, putting his returned flask back into his small pack. He watched Tristran gather up the dragon, content for the moment it seemed that it had eaten something. Guang led the way through the forest, talking as he did so.

"I agree that we don't have many options in this instance," Guang said, sidestepping a snake hole in the ground. "My original plan was to wait until it hatched, care for it (or find someone too) until it was old enough to go out on its own. I am still planning on something like that. What were your thoughts on the matter?"

[Kanashii]

The hatchling sniffed at the air as he smelt something near by... meat, food. He arched his back when he felt a hand stroke him and began to let loose with a low humming noise that sounded almost like purring. Opening his mouth and making tiny crackling sounds up toward the meat in Guang's hands he hissed at it when it was flung away, quickly scampering after the meal and pouncing at it where it had fallen.

Guang was right it was tough meat though the chick sucked and chewed at it until it was all settled nicely in his belly. Giving a tiny burp and cry for attention the chick was suddenly lifted into the air by Tristran, its feet dangling limply below it. The hatchling gave a low squeak and flapped his tiny wings, not yet strong enough to fly. Finally tired of flapping about it curled itself into Tristran's grasp and fell asleep, the low rumbling humming still coming from it as it rested in the mans arms, like a little human baby--with a tail and wings.

Its nap lasted until they had reached the edge of the forest, a camp sight that was of Guangs making. Opening both bright violet eyes the dragon wriggled out of Tristran's arms and with a heavy smack landed hard on the ground--though it did not seem to faze the tiny creature at all, he scampered away from the two and raced around the camp, it was apparent what he had seen that made him so crazy--a dragonfly. The buzzing bug flew skillfully out of his reach though he snapped and jumped at it.

After a few minuets at this fruitless attempt to catch the dragonfly the little dragon let out a loud cry that was soon followed by a fearful alarmed sound, racing away from both Guang and Tristran the little dragon ran into the forest and hid behind the bushes under a tree, eyes peering out and tiny body trembling. What had made the little creature so scared was brought to both mens attention.. a man had come riding in on a chestnut horse, his eyes narrowed as he gazed about the cap sight. At his side was a sword, his body coated in shinning armor with a crest imprinted across it, a dragon killers mark.

His hair was long and pure white, the same with his skin. He was tall.. thin and evil looking--no wounder the dragon had fled. "You there.. Sir." His voice was cold and direct, to the point. "Have you or your son seen or heard a dragon?" His emerald eyes glanced across the forests edge, sweeping over the spot where the hidden beast still lay.. still and silent. "I was tracking a large one--she got away before I could history her or the last or her eggs." He said this matter-of-factly. Seeming to have no problem with killing a dragon.

"I released the Draco Killers on her. I'm sure they finished the job.. but I want to make sure the last of that race is gone for good." His eyes narrowed still more when the dragonfly buzzed out of the bushes and whizzed away. "If you see anything... Find me at once." Kicking gently at his horse he road off into the forest, far from sight. The dragon did not come from the bushes until the sound of the mans horse had died away completely. Chirping weakly it curled up around Guang's leg again, whimpering and nuzzling its face against his pants leg.

[HoudiniDerek]

Guang watched until the man was gone and felt the little dragon curled up around his leg. He looked over at Tristran who was frowning in the direction the man had gone.

"Well, son," Guang said lightly, realizing that he probably looked and was the older, "What do you make of that?"

Guang reached down and patted the little dragon who looked to be shaking uncontrollably still. It was a shame that people would kill animals, especially in their child state, but Guang knew he was not all that different: He didn't do it for fun or occupation though.

Guang looked up at Tristran, who was staring at him again. "I know that man," Guang said. "I have heard of him for a long time." The silence that filled the little campsite was immense as the two men stared off. "His name is Rushnit."