The Way of the Dragons/Ritual/Dragon Protection/RP's

Roleplay from Sorsha McDowell

Sorsha had been summoned to the ritual and arrived as expected in full armor. Beneath her armor, she was dressed plainly, but well enough to continue the rest of the evening. Arriving with the rest of the knights chosen to attend, she waited for the ceremony to begin. When the Lady appeared dressed in only a sheer fabric, Sorsha recognized her from Cenarious’ estate and her body tingled with the same feeling of kinship from before.

At the display of nudeness beneath the fabric she politely averted her gaze. The ceremony began and Sorsha felt herself lifted, as if her soul was truly part of the ceremony.

When Lady Kisharianda called upon Sairy’s strength, something seemed to flow from Sorsha’s body to the ceremony. She didn’t understand the sensation completely, yet felt as if her entire body hummed with the powerful call. She seemed to lose control of her senses and watched the ceremony as if from someone else’s eyes.

When it came time for her anointment, Sorsha felt completely rejuvenated as if seeing from a fresh perspective. Her mind was newly focused and at peace. She smiled at the queen and bowed her head.

She truly felt a part of something now, as if she had truly found her place.

Roleplay from Cenarious Stormrage

While the ceremony had been taking place Cenarious had been shocked to see Kisharianda's garb for the evening. He had at once wanted to drink in her beauty with his eyes while at the same time he had felt the urge to take off his cloak and charge across the clearing to cover her up. As a man well accustomed to war and leading men, Cenarious had held his shock in check, projecting a calm and dignified exterior even as his mind raced. This was not how he had envisioned his second meeting with Kisharianda, yet there was little he could do to rectify the situation. The one thing he could do was to offer her some semblance of modesty by averting his eyes from her near naked form. Keeping his eyes on the ground before her he could still follow the ceremony though obviously he would be missing the show that the rest of those gathered were sure to enjoy. His mind warred over the thought of her body so openly displayed before him, this was his chance to see his future bride in all her glory and it was surely her own decision to so display herself, she could hardly blame him for looking, could she? Despite the torture this dilemma caused in his mind, Cenarious's gaze never wavered from the ground, not once did he peek at her beauty throughout all of the ceremony. Now that the ceremony was over, the gathering was beginning to break up as the newly anointed made to leave the clearing. Cenarious attempted to blend with the crowd as he fought to ignore the burning and itching both on his skin and in his chest. Trying hard not to sweat and to breath as little as possible he attempted to appear casual during his rush out of the clearing but as tortured as he was he couldn't be certain of how successful his attempt had been. His last thought before spotting MoMo bouncing around a top a carriage was how glad he was that he had hired it for the ride home, as he would shortly need the privacy in which to recover.

As he neared the road Cenarious whispered a prayer under his breath, "May the world weep in tribute to my Queen's grief."

Upon finally reaching the carriage door Cenarious yanked it open and dove inside the shadowy interior with MoMo in fast pursuit. Sparking off the protection spell MoMo jumped and sucked on his slightly singed fingers. Unable to contain himself any longer Cenarious let loose a ragged breath to burn away the remenants of Fafnir's fiery protection. To be so wrapped in another's element was stiffling and rather painful. He hadn't been sure what would happen when Kisharianda cast her spell on him but he had been forced to risk it. His Queen would hardly keep him on as her Champion if she had seen him reject the protection of her guardian dragon. Surely the luck of the dragons was with him this night as Kisharianda hadn't seemed to sense anything out of the ordinary about him, not to mention Fafnir choosing to keep his secret, as he most certainly must have sensed Cenarious's heritage. On that final thought, and with the first droplets of raining beginning to strike the carriage's roof, Cenarious succumed to the drain and passed out on the carriage seat.

Though Cenarious couldn't feel the heat he could suddenly see the sun beating down high overhead. Looking around Cenarious saw that he was standing in the middle of a large cloud as it moved slowly through the skies. The serene landscape was broken suddenly as the bright rays of the sun reflected off the radiant black scales of the massive dragon that burst up through the very cloud he was standing on. Effortlessly hovering in the air before him the Great Dragon Raviel lowered his head down to speak to Cenarious face to face, almost as a parent might when seeking to speak to their child at eye level.

Raviel spoke in a voice that resonated through the clouds surrounding them, "A normal man could accept the blessings of the Great Elemental Dragons, but as my blood flows through your viens you will never be normal my child. The Wind and Rain can not be caged by flame nor trapped by earth. As one of my children you are blessed far greater then the multitude of humans who walk this world without the blessing of dragon's blood in their veins, yet you can never be so bound by Fire or Earth. Do not forget your heritage, nor your duty, my child."

"I would never spurn your gift Great One. You ordered me to return to your birth place in Port Raviel and to protect the Queen and her new realm with everything that I am. I only took the risk so that I could continue to fullfill my oath to Queen Katayanna, the oath you bid me to take Great Father." Cenarious responded humbly.

"I didn't say that I did not understand your reasons," Raviel responded solemnly, "but it was foolish to take such a risk with your mortal life. This is not the kind of secret you can keep forever my child. One day D'Hara may well learn of your ancestory and when that day comes we shall see how open Katayanna is to the influence of another dragon on this world. I owed it to my parents to aid Fafnir's chosen and what better a way to do so then to send his chosen a champion of my own bloodline to protect them. Do your duty my child, protect Fafnir's chosen, and protect the island on which I myself was born for this convergence of sky and sea will forever be sacred to me."

The creaking of the carriage door awoke Cenarious from his dreaming. He still felt a bit drained from the blessing but speaking with the Storm Rager had revitalized him quite a bit. Opening the carriage window Cenarious reached out his hand and let the rain pour in. Reveling in his ties to the elements Cenarious took strength from the storm that surround him. He had intended to head home for some rest but now that he was feeling so energized perhaps seeking out Kisharianda would be a better use for his evening.

Roleplay from Katayanna Ogren

Katayanna arrive at the site of the ceremony early. She was filled with great anticipation for what was to come. She had only seen Fafnir one time in person when she ventured to the region of Dragon’s Roost so long ago.

Kisharianda and her went over the ritual many times to make sure that each knew their parts.

As the circle was being cast she could feel the awesome power of the dragons more acutely than she had ever felt before. Each of them seemed to resonate a part of her. When Kisharianda was completing the circle, Katayanna felt another presence, another dragon in the sky. Was she seeing things, was this an illusion brought on by the ritual. No, she could feel the pride of the great mother within her and that too of the part of her that was Sairys. A memory of a legend that she had once heard. Could this dragon be the same one from the legend she had heard as a child. She had always thought that as a mere story as she had never found any other references to this black dragon. If this truly was he, then where has he been, and why was he here now. Every fiber of her being at this moment was atuned to the Dragon’s but she could not feel his resonance within her… or could she. She looked at Kisharianda and knew that she had seen him too. She felt only the pride of the Dragons at his presence. That was good enough for her, it was their Rite and if they saw no danger, then so to should she be at peace with this new dragon’s presence.

During the part of the ritual that spoke of her father, she found that not a single tear wanted to be released. Only the joy that her father had now was closer to the Dragons that he loved so much. Katayanna smiled, she could now release her feelings of loss and rejoice in the knowledge that she knew that she could call upon his wisdom any time she needed it simply by invoking the Dragons.

Katayanna unlike many of the others not surprised at Kisharianda’s ritual gown. She knew that none of the men present would ever look upon her again in the same way. Truly, many would not want to make her their enemy. One with the power to call upon the dragons and not have just one appear, but all four in attendance was not one to make your enemy. And this one had managed to do something that no other to her knowledge had managed to do. She had inadvertently called forth a fifth Dragon, one that had not mad himself know to man more than a few times in all of history. This one truly was Dragon Kin, in more ways than one.

After the ceremony she invited all those present to join her for drinks and fellowship in the estate that she had commandeered for her time here. The old estate of Mathias Ridder, When he was Emperor of Shadovar. It was a place that she felt safe and comfortable in. And she did not think that he would mind. She even found a case of her family mead that she had sent to him months before.

When it began to rain softly, she could feel the energy in the very air itself and the rain did not seem to truly touch her.

Roleplay from Colin Bedwyr

Colin had raised his eyebrows at the summons, and when he arrived in full battle-gear, he was even more surprised at what took place. As soon as he realized the form of the ritual, he averted his eyes, choosing instead to keep a close watch on his Queen instead. Since Marshal Cenarious seemed to be too distracted by a bit of pretty flesh to do his job properly, Colin would do it for him. He also made a note to find out if Cenarious was this weak to all women, or merely Lady Kisharianda...It could be a problem either way.

So he was extremely surprised when one of the Dragons manifested. There were several possibilities for this. Hallucinogenics seemed to be out, as everyone else reacted in the same way. Some masquerade was...possible...But he couldn't off-hand come up with even semi-convincing explanations for half of the physical events that occurred. Which left out-and-out magic, or the three supernatural forces in the known world that actually manifested. Undead were right out, and monsters were not known for intelligence or powers of this nature. As for magic...If they had magic this powerful, they would have a far greater degree of temporal power. Which left...

Daimons. These people had managed to summon some variant of the Daimons. Colin nearly went into a full-blown panic before settling himself. Even from Arlian's tales of Beluaterra, there were Daimons and Daimons. These were obviously Daimon Lords, to travel thus and speak intelligently and show such powers. And...Obviously they could be dealt and reasoned with, though via strange methods. They had obviously succeeded where the Daimons of Beluaterra had failed, and convinced some number that they were true Gods...

This was...Unexpected. It remained to be seen whether any true protection was granted, or whether the "Dragons" merely enjoyed playing with their worshipers. If Colin were a betting man, he'd place money on the latter. But...Regardless...They weren't, yet, working against him. And if going along with a few rituals and the like would prevent the atrocities Arlian had described...It would be worth it.

Colin saw no other options but to accept, for the moment, these "Dragon Gods". This didn't stop him from shaking at the end of the ceremony when he was "anointed" with the blood...Like all Bedwyr's, he believed in the power of blood, and being touched by the stuff...He resolved to wash it off in a clear stream as soon as possible.

And he would have to consider very carefully the rest of the actions he took...

Roleplay from Cenarious Stormrage

Within the gathering of D'Haran nobles at the Queen's estate Cenarious stood with his back to the wall and kept his eye on the entrance as he sipped his brandy. The last report from his Stormguard said the Queen was walking here from the grove and yet she still had not arrived. "She must be taking her time." Cenarious thought. With his Stormguard ghosting her trail it was unlikely she'd meet any difficulties as they were ordered to meet any such problems long before she did.

Taking of sip of his brandy Cenarious noticed the Queen arriving. Now perhaps he could enjoy the party as well his third encounter with Kisharianda.. assuming he could find her..

Roleplay from Katayanna Ogren

A memory came to her. A sarcasm that her father used to use quite often. She said it aloud “Never mess with a Dragon, for thou art crunchy and taste good roasted”, This brought a smile to her face. Those that stood against her would find out for themselves. She felt that she could almost fly with power that she had surging with in and around her.

She walked to the carriage and started to get in……. No. She had far too much energy, she would walk, it was not far just a couple of miles.

“Captain! I do not see, but I know you are here.”

Captain Halmaan came around from the other side of the carriage. “Yes your majesty, you know me well”

“Captain, I shall walk to the estate. Let the detail you have assigned to guard me know that they are only to approach if I am accosted. I want the solitude”

“Yes Your Majesty”

Captain Halmaan turned and quietly issued the orders. And was gone again.

Katayanna started walking, she was not in a hurry. She would take her time getting there.

Roleplay from Katayanna Ogren

Katayanna enjoyed her walk to the estate, she spent the time going through memory lane and al the times that her father would take her on trips to different parts of Sirion and pilgrimages to places around Akesh temple to the Dragon holy sites and many other places as well.

When she arrived festivities were well on the way. Her nobles were enjoying themselves and talking about all they had seen. They seemed amazed that they all had seen the same things. many it appeared were convinced that some drug had been used to cause mass hallucinations.

And the talk of Magick we everywhere.

Katayanna waved the harold away, not wanting to be announced and took a seat off out of the way where she could sit and just watch for a while.

Roleplay from Mathias Ridder

A small fishing boat slowly pulls into Port Nebel’s harbor carrying a dark figure. As the ship completes docking the he steps off the boat carrying with him a large satchel that jingles with each step he takes. The figure then turns to the vessels owner and hands him 5 silver pieces for the trip, and continues on his way through the streets of Port Nebel. He continues his way through the streets in his muddy chainmail greaves and steel boots. His aketon showing through his torn green surcoat with a faded black cross across it. His face invisible behind his Iron great helm with a small cloth turban tried around it. As he walks through the town he seems to be on the constant defensive with his hand seemingly glued to his steel longsword. The paranoia of this man was very obvious, and everyone around him knew it. Probably the only reason he was not bothered during his walk was because of how well he carried himself. There was a sense of purpose and determination emanating from him. As he neared his destination, a couple of guards approached him. “Halt! Who are you, and what is your purpose here?!” screamed the guards as they rushed towards the man. Their swords drawn and pressed against him, he just reached into a pouch next to his scabbard and pulled out a letter of invitation. “Oh I’m sorry mi lord we didn’t notice that it was you.” said the guard. The man replied, “There is no need to apologize for simply doing your job, now could you please remove your swords from my neck, I would prefer not to get a shave.” With that he continued on to the estates front door. He then burst open the doors to his estate immediately grasping the attention of everyone there. Even though mostly everyone was wearing their full gear for the ceremony, and after party he seemed to stand out. As he walked through the crowd towards the queen everyone stopped what they were doing and stared at the man they did not recognize. When he finally reached the Queen he took the satchel from his back and threw it in front of the Queen. With the satchel hitting the ground it’s contents spilled out onto the floor. It was gold and by the looks of it hundreds of it. He then dropped to one knee and said, “Milady, I have heard that you have come across some financial difficulty, well let this lessen your worries.” With that he turned around and began to remove his bandana like turban followed by his iron great helm, and threw it all to the floor. It was Lord Mathias back from his mission to the west. “People please, just because you let yourself into my house uninvited doesn’t mean you can’t have fun. Now please feast, dance, have fun!” With that Mathias walked toward the banquet table and grabbed himself a fistful of fruit and bread along with a large tankard of ale stilling seeming to have the attention of everyone in the room.

Roleplay from Katayanna Ogren

Katayanna still sat off to the side watching everyone enjoy themselves when suddenly the front door was thrown open immediately garnering the attention of every noble and warrior in attendance. A figure in muddy chainmail and a great helm entered as if he owned the place and stopped to look at those gathered and upon seeing her started walking toward her. This caused a slight alarm to sound inside her. but surely no one would be foolish enough to attack her when she was surrounded be so many loyal to her. they would not get but a few steps the moment they drew a weapon.

Then she noticed the surcoat and knew that this man did indeed own this place. A smile crossed her face and she quietly wave her guard back, this was not threat.

He tossed a sack to the ground that spilled hundreds of gold coins upon the floor.

He then dropped to one knee and said, “Milady, I have heard that you have come across some financial difficulty, well let this lessen your worries.” With that he turned around and began to remove his bandanna like turban followed by his iron great helm, and threw it all to the floor. It was Lord Mathias back from his mission to the west. “People please, just because you let yourself into my house uninvited doesn’t mean you can’t have fun. Now please feast, dance, have fun!” With that Mathias walked toward the banquet table and grabbed himself a fistful of fruit and bread along with a large tankard of ale stilling seeming to have the attention of everyone in the room.

Katayanna smiled broadly and rose to follow her long time friend and companion. waving to one of her guards to pick up the gift offered, and following Sir mathias to the banquet table.

"Your Highness! It is good to see you back safe and sound. And by the look of it, the return of your spirit and love of life"

Katayanna knew that what she did next would have rumors all over the realm by morning. She swung him around and gave him a great hug and a kiss on the cheek.

She grabbed 2 glasses from the table, some of mathias's best glasses, and poured them both from the bottle of her family mead that was on the table. handing him one of the glasses, she turned to the nobility that were still a bit stunned.

"A toast!" she loudly porclaimed To the man that has supplmented our taxes for the past weeks allowing us to build the army that we now have." She pause to allow everyone to take this in.

"His Highness, Sir mathias Ridder, previous Empoeror of Shadovar, future Duke of Paisly, and my Fiend!"

With this Katayanna downed the entire glass of mead. The nobles of D'Hara joined her in her toast and the party started once again.