Return of The Champ

[Aelodil]

In a lake far yet near, the water churned. A massive creature hobbled to the surface and slowly but surely began shrinking in size until a young youthful man with a sword hung to his side. The man had a handsome face yet with ragged clothes that hung off of him, giving him a sickly hue. He remembered the one person he had met. Yet even she was not completely human. A spartan by the name of Ri'Shei had discovered his old home in the old lake he dwelt in and that had forced him into leaving. Although she had promised that she would not tell anyone about his home, he did not fully trust her and of course with the other dragon who lived along the river coursing nearby had mistook the rumors that the dragon had actually been him. After a few skirmishes with Empire soldiers he had retreated to a lake near the city of Gil'ead. Many had already made their own rumors of him and his lake.

Of course the lake was magical after being infused with his presence. The water glowed with a greenish hue similar to the leaves of the trees. Some would throw coins inside the lake and wish a wish and the next day they would return to have their wish true. Some wishes Camarat would do himself after inspecting their minds just to amuse himself but as the years wore on, some people began to offer tributes more than just coins. Some would bring their children, still young toddlers and slit their throats above the lake and let the blood slip into the water. It sickened Camarat how the humans behaved.To give up a few coins would be understandable but to sacrifice one's own child is wrong.

And so, Camarat had made an appearance. Of course he only let them see the shadow he had cast and then roared loudly. The humans had began to avoid the lake more and more but he had heard that the soldiers in the city were being amassed to come and attempt to harpoon him out of his own lake! It was absurd. Of course however, a Varden spy had heard and sent a message back to the Varden. A risky maneuver indeed. But whatever side were to get the only known Dragon spirit to have left the forests of old would gain a very large advantage. If the Empire were to coax him into joining them then the Varden would be doomed, having both a Spartan and a Dragon spirit against them. Yet, if the Varden were to coax him into joining them they would have less of a disadvantage as before. Honestly Camarat had no care for the politics but decided if a Varden spy would come to coax him he would at least listen to the man. For the mean time, Camarat wandered aimlessly thinking around the lake he called home.

[Brenton]

Out of the darkness that had started to encroach upon the land rose a figure large and menacing that could not be defined well until suddenly the man stepped into the light. He stood at six feet and three inches with broad shoulders, even broader than the average Urgal, and had long arms and legs that were set with heavy muscles. Covering his body was a pair of form fitting black pants with a black sword belt and combat leather boots. He wore a tight red silk shirt with a silver cotton shirt over that and a black leather vest over that. His back was covered in a red, silver, and black cape that had a strange insignia on it. Hanging in his face was shaggy white hair that made it hard to see the piercing green eyes but even easier to see the scar running across his face. On his jaw was a well grown white goatee that did nothing but accentuate the golden color of his skin.

The man wore a huge sword with a white blade on his hip and he carried himself like someone who knew all about war and how to win a war. Yet for some reason he wore a silver half mask that covered his lower face and made it look like the man was afraid to let anyone know who he truly was. Slowly the man walked forward and suddenly he saw someone walking aimlessly around ahead of him, another male. Silently Kialandi slipped into the shadows again and watched carefully.

[Aelodil]

Normally Camarat would have continued to wander around the lake. Kialandi had hidden himself well and it was nothing but centuries of practice that had Camarat aware of him. He didn't know where he hid exactly but he knew he was being watched. He twirled to the trees around him and said lightly,"Come out. If you are a lost adventurer I will compensate you with whatever supplies I may have. However if you are part of the Empire leave now. I do not allow intruders such as the Empire's soldiers enter my domain. There was a time I would allow it, but now that I know of their plans.. or in fact maybe your plans in case you are part of the Empire I do not allow it." His tone was not threatening nor rough just a brisk warning.

Camarat then turned around and head back to the front of his lake. He looked at the shadows cast by a tree and smiled at the sight of another man. This man however was much larger than himself."Come out of the shadows and let us talk. Tell me of your business near my home then we can have something to eat if you wish it. If you remain in the shadows then I will assume you came here on orders to capture me and will react violently at any attempts of catching me. Otherwise, if you are a friend, step out." he told the man. Again his voice was soft and even with an elve's enhanced ears it would have been hard to catch his words. Camarat removed his hand off Vasilis' hilt not knowing he had already reached for it.

[Brenton]

Slowly, Kialandi stepped out of the shadows and tried to make his posture seem as unthreatening as possible but he couldn't relax and move his hand from his blade when he knew nothing about this person. Even though he had said that he wasn't a part of the Empire, Kialandi knew that didn't mean he was friendly to the elves or the Varden in any way. Why are you hiding out in the wilderness like this? Even the Empire isn't stupid enough to go somewhere that they believe is haunted or cursed. The man felt his head spin as he forced himself to stay in his bipedal form but for some reason this man seemed like he would understand about Kialandi being a dragon spirit. It took all of his will power but the dragon spirit was able to fight it down and realize he was being watched carefully.

[Aelodil]

Camarat waved his hand in a friendly manner, beckoning the man to come closer."I am but an old man hiding in whatever place I may claim as home. If people avoid it then the place is ten times more worth it to inhabit. You see, I am not very familiar to the world. In fact it has been a very long time since I last saw a city or people." he said his eyes growing damp."Surely you are hungry? Come, have a bite or two of what is left of my hunt from yesterday. He went to a tree that had many of it's branches hanging down near the water. He grabbed a little bag from the tree and opened it. He took out a rough strip of meat and handed it to the stranger."Camarat. My name is Camarat. I didn't in fact catch your name." he introduced himself while beckoning for the other man to sit beside him next to a tree stump.

"Hush and listen while I tell you of a tale. If you are smart enough then you will know it's connection to me. Long ago, there was a young and naive elf. He thought that if it was possible to be both a dragon and an elf then it would be perfect. And so he brought this subject to an elderly Rider who frowned but agreed to fuse the elf to a willing dragon. The result was an elf whi could change to a dragon at will. Now of course however this had it's penalties. Both elves and dragons were deeply connected with nature and magic and so when the trees died the result, called a dragon spirit felt pain beyond recognition. Later on, a bold dragon spirit decided to venture out of the old forest the dragon spirit's called home after his friend Navarig betrayed him and his friends and killed the man's friends in their sleep." said Camarat eyes growing damp, the glimmer drooping and his voice cracking with emotion.

[Brenton]

As Kialandi took the piece of meat he listened to what this man, Camarat, was saying and of the story he was telling to him like it was just a fantasy. Yet pieces of it rang in his memory for some reason even though the larger man knew not why he remembered it or even how he remembered it. Slowly though he went back to the fact that the man had mentioned dragon spirits and all of the humans or even elves were oblivious to the race unless they had been told. This man seemed different for some reason and so Kialandi stretched a bit and took a few steps back from the man, letting his form glow with a white light that surrounded him with warmth. The light pulsed and blurred the lines of his body until suddenly the body was no longer a large man but was instead a large white dragon, majestic and powerful. Kialandi gave a knowing look to Camarat and then cast his mind toward the man who he suspected was a dragon spirit. I am called many things in many languages but you may know of my adopted father Morzan. My adoptive name is Kialandi Morzansson, heir to the Forsworn in a way but an outcast from my family. I am not someone who is ignorant nor am I stupid by any means so, Camarat, why do you not show me your own dragon form?

[Aelodil]

Camarat was impressed. The young man was not insolent."Well, you've got me Kialandi. Yes I am indeed a dragon spirit much the same as you are. I am however more open-minded and less stubborn. I will show you my dragon form if that pleases you but be careful. My shape in human form and passing as a young man is a decieving look. I age back to the near start of our race. My dragon form is rather large. he told Kialandi as he walked back a little bit then threw his arms wide out and inhaled then exhaled. Suddenly his transformation began.

In the place of the young man was a dragon, large and with reddish orange and tinted with gold streaks scales. His neck had the mane of a lion and he had six pairs of legs. He shook himself and sighed in relief. It had been a long time since he had turned into a dragon."Know this Kialandi. Now that you know of my identity I know you will definitely attempt to coax me to joining the Varden's cause. I will hear you out yet if I decide to stay here and stay Neutral I will be sure to it that you swear never to tell anyone of my identity. he informed the younger dragon spirit as he returned to his frail human form and waited to hear him out.

[Brenton]

Kialandi, thoroughly impressed and awed at the size of Camarat, shimmered yet again and stood once again as his human form. Slowly he pulled the mask from his face and allowed Camarat to see the scar along his face that was the only mark that marred what would otherwise be a beautiful face. He shuddered and put the mask in his belt while he contemplated what to say to make it known what he had to say. Finally the dragon spirit stiffened and looked right at Camarat with anger in his eyes an hatred in his voice. You think an oath will bind me in any way? You may be older than me, elder, but I am still strong and have fought Nelfarion with no fear shown. I know no fear for anyone and after seeing that monstrosity I know that you have nothing that can harm me. As for persuading you to join the Varden, I stand neutral I this forsaken land and fight not between the Empire and Varden. My side is with the Elven Empire and their king Brenton Bromsson who also showed great courage in the fight against the dragon spirit Nelfarion and his rider Ashendale. After seeing my friend die at the hands of those two then yes I hate all they stand for but they are against the Empire as far as I can tell. I did not come here to persuade you to join our cause and to fight a war that you need not involve yourself in. Yet I did not come forth to listen to you tell me you will ensure I keep your secret. There is only one thing I beg of you and that is that you join to protect the nature in Du Weldenvarden since Nelfarion no longer is injured when the trees are burned and the forest destroyed. With you and I, the elves might be able to stop him and save the land from dying.

Kialandi didn't show fear but his hand instinctively dropped to his hip and the sword at his side that rested within easy reach. Even those as old as Camarat were able to be killed and sent back to the nature so that the earth could decide what to do with their bodies. If it came to it then Kialandi would fight to his last breath but he hoped that the fellow dragon spirit would see reason and realize that he would not be threatened and then let go with it.

[Aelodil]

Camarat noddd his head,"I apologize if my words dealt a blow to your pride. I did not mean for that to happn. However as for Nelfarion.." he said his voice sinking."Nelfarion was once known throughout or forest. He was my friend and companion Navarog until he betrayed us. However that is indeed troubling news that he managed to enter Ellesmera." he stopped to take a deep breath then continued,"If indeed this is true about what you say then it is time I believe. It is time for me to meet my old rival and enemy and to stand beside the beloved forest of the elves. I will accompany you to Ellesmera and teach you the ways that were long forgotten. However I ask of you and the elves to keep my true identity secret. Even to your Varden allies."

Camarat stood up and packed some food and gems. Then he took out a lavishly decorated elven robe of old times meant for formal and honorable meetings and councils. Finally he turned and told Kialandi,"I was told you would seek me out sometime. I have waited for this time to offer you the one gift your father left you. You may not have his sword but he gave me something to keep for you. Later when Galbatorix twisted him he seeked me out and tried to retrieve it but I held my ground." He took out a beautiful ruby colored dragon armor and dropped the pieces in front of Kialandi and helped him fit into it. He smiled wearily then turned to a dragon and took off for Ellesmera.

[Brenton]

Kialandi roared as he changed back into his dragon form and allowed Camarat to fit the armor to his body even though it was very unnecessary against most of his enemies. The armor was finely made of metal long since forgotten colored ruby red just like Zar'roc when he had seen it. Now if only Kialandi had been able to get that blade as well then maybe he would have his father's sword and his dragon's armor. It was sad that now he couldn't remember the name of Morzan's dragon but so be it. As Camarot finished with the armor and turned into a dragon himself, the large white dragon stretched and rose into the air while mentally preparing himself for what was going to happen. Over his time of being out on his own he had met two other dragon spirits aside from Camarat. One was just a girl, no older than seventeen, while the other was an older spirit who wanted nothing but to spend all of his time in the wilderness. Yet now he had found Camarot and it was time to return to Ellesmera while thinking about things other than Skailah who he had left in the forest without completing her training.

[Aelodil]

They fell high and hard ti reach their destination but finally they made it to Ellesmera. At the borders Camarat unexpectedly swerved down to speak with the guardian. He told him their story in a short conversation of thoughts and was admitted into the city. As he entered however, he turned to his frail form of a half-elf and reached out to Kialandi,"I would rather prefer to keep my identity a secret between me you and the king. No one else is to know if you would not mind." His voice not giving a chance for an arguement. The robe he had addorned before flight attracted many curious eyes but he refused to meet those eyes or let the guard around his mind down while he headed straight for the palace of the king. However upon arrival two guards crossed their spears to the entrance.

Camarat coughed into his hand and attempted to move aside them. They shuffled to block him yet again."Gentlemen, would you do me a favor and move aside now? I am not here on vacation." he demanded rather angry."The palace is off-limits sir. None other than those with official business may enter." said one of the guards briskly. Camarat bristled. He had no time to waste arguing with these two lads."You would do well to move. Me and Kialandi have gravely important business here. You would not wish to upset him by delaying us now would you?" he informed them. One licked his lips and sighed then said,"I am sorry but orders are orders. You will have to wait until Sir Kialandi comes here himself.". Canarat threw his hands up in anger and stood there mumbling and looked back, waiting for Kialandi.

[Brenton]

Kialandi landed and as he did he returned to his human form. Quickly the man brushed his hair out of his eyes and walked toward the palace where he could already see that the guards were barring the entrance. I swear on the lives of the royal family that if you do not move and admit this man then I will have you stripped of formal rank. Do you understand me clearly? As Kialandi reached the gates he saw one guard begin to move but the other didn't. The second guard was younger and more of a fool as he stepped forward to challenge Kialandi with his spear leveled. We admit no one who acts high and mighty. By the royal decree of Laetri we are not to admit anyone until Nelfarion is dealt with. Kialandi sighed and in a blur he was behind the guard with his sword against the man's throat. I am Kialandi, adopted son of Morzan and royal advisor to the late king. You will let me and my companion pass or I will alert Laetri to your death after I have you strung up outside the city. The second guard agreed and soon they were passing into the hall where Laetri should be.

[Aelodil]

Camarat placed his hand upon Kialandi's shoulder as they walked into the large room."Not every problems' solution is violence. I will teach you that later on in lessons if you agree to allow me to tutor you. Many problems only have violence as a solution. But many others can be resolved with a cup of tea and some chatter. Bear that in mind." he told Kialandi softly. As they reached the main room before the hall to the throne, Camarat was astonished. It had been a long time since he had seen elven architecture and it was a pleasant sight. Finally they helped themselves into the room where Camarat spotted a young man on the throne with a medium sized dragon with blue scales laying behind him. Camarat, pride shining knew he should kneel or bow but those were formalities he reserved to his teachers and elders. Not to a king.



Laetri's sharp eyes snapped towards the doors as they opened to admit a man who could have passed as a normal human. A young man yet his eyes beheld memories. Old memories. Frail and small in size this figure carried himself with a certain nobility. Yet he had no dragon and as far as Laetri knew, he was not of royality. Laetri doubted he was an ordinary elf. Yet he had no dragon so he was rather confused. Until he saw the man accompanying him. Kialandi tread behind Camarat at a brisk pace and his expression led him to believing he had had troubles with the guards. Now that Kialandi was here Laetri suspected if the man with him was a dragon spirit as well. He spoke up with a surprisingly young voice,"Hello Kialandi Morzansson. I apologize if you had trouble with the guards." he then turned to Camarat and said,"I am Laetri. Acting king until Brenton is to return. For I am certain he will. We must believe it. Now what may your name be if I may ask?""Camarat." was the response. Laetri nodded and asked Kialandi,"So, what business do you wish to speak of Kialandi?"

[Brenton]

And at least showing some respect to a king is going to help you as well. Maybe I can introduce you properly to Laetri when we aren't busy. The dragon spirit spoke in a soft tone as he watched the way that Camarat reacted to the acting king when they entered the room. He sighed and listened to them explain who they were and then he did the elven traditional greeting. My apologies, milord, but your guards were barring the way and one of them decided to try and bar my way after I explained. It took a little more explaining but now I think the young lad knows where he stands with me. As for this business that we are here for, I am sure you remember Nelfarion. Camarat has information about the twisted dragon spirit that may help the elves take him down finally or at least make him stay away. As for Ashendale I don't know who will take care of him but I did meet some friends who are strong in the outside world. One of them is a young rider named Zander who seems to know Brenton from somewhere and the other is a young dragon spirit girl who is willing to learn.

Kialandi looked at Camarat meaningfully as he mentioned the female dragon spirit that he had met back on the edge of Du Weldenvarden. He hoped that the elder would know that he would need help training her but maybe he would have to explain more at a later time when he contacted Skailah. The man turned back to Laetri and smiled slightly as he remembered that the acting king had been saved by Brenton so obviously he would remember who Nelfarion was. I'm sorry that you had to watch Brenton die when he saved you. He was a great friend to all of us and that is why I talked to Camarat earlier about this. He actually said that he knew Nelfarion from the past but that I'll let him explain to you for himself because I wouldn't want others to explain my history for me. Slowly Kialandi stepped back and rested his shoulder against the back wall while he waited for Camarat to explain everything in detail.

---

The green dragon had grown considerably since he had hatched, nearly a year ago, and now he could hold the fourteen year old rider on his back with ease. It was a warm day and they were flying toward the city of the elves. They had met with a strange man earlier in the month and he had said to fly to Ellesmera to meet with Laetri, king of the elves. So now Zander rode on Glaeran toward the city and smiled when he saw the palace ahead. Soon they were landing and they were at the gates but two guards were blocking the way. One of them was rather sullen and didn't appear to be ready to listen to reason so the fourteen year old human climbed down and stretched. He heard the pops and cracks as his joints eased themselves. In a matter of a few seconds the two guards were at attention and three more were nearby while one ran inside to alert the king to his potential threat. Zander smirked and drew his sword with relative ease while he sized up his enemy with a skilled eye. After training with a bow you had to know to spot flaws and he could see that the two guards with the spears didn't trust his skill. Instantly he reacted and within a minute the two spears were on the ground broken in half while he had three swords at his throat and two injured guards at his feet.

[Aelodil]

Laetri nodded. He knew he should not have allowed the young elf to guard the palace. He had had reputation of being sullen and a stuck up stubborn brat. At the mention of Brenton's death Laetri nodded, tears materializing in his eyes as he remembered his faithful friends' last words. At the mention of Nelfarion a cold sharp look entered his eyes making it obvious that Laetri had not forgiven Nelfarion nor his rider Ashendale. He clenched his right hand hard and let out a sharp yell. The guards instantly turned to him, weapons at the ready. He waved them off with his left hand. He had forgotten that Ashendale had broken his wrist. He watched Camarat with curiosity. Who was this man exactly to know all this? He would learn soon enough.

(Short post for Laetri, sorry, posting from my phone on my way home)

Canarat saw Kialandi peering at him intently. Camarat was surprised as he felt Kialandi's meanings from his mind. There was another dragon spirit roaming free. A young girl at the age of seventeen and Kialandi wanted his help to teach her. He looked at Kialandi and nodded."Take me to her and I will help you. Not only will I teach her but you as well." he informed Kialandi. Then he turned to Laetri but was cut off by a guard who shoved him aside and ran to the king yelling,"Sir! We have an intruder at the gates! He says he wishes to meet you but as the guards barred his path he became agressive." Camarat for one was sick of the problems the guards were making and delaying them. He informed Laetri that he will be back as he stormed outside.

At the gates was a young man being pinned to the ground with three swords to his neck. Camarat looked at the guards and said,"Put your arms down. This man was indeed requested by Laetri." He helped the man up and smiled. He apologized for the behavior of the guards and took him to Laetri and Kialandi. He then started his story,"First off you must know, I am a dragon spirit. I age back to the near beginning of our race along with Nelfarion. Back at that time me and Nelfarion, or as he was known, Navarog, were friends and companions along with Nafi and many others. However Navarog was taken from right beneath us and tainted and corrupted. He came back to us and he slaughtered my companions in our sleep. I chased him in anger and sorrow. I was betrayed by my best of companions. But in the end he escaped. Now that he has re-emerged I must face him in battle. I will have my vengeance upon that accursed man." his voice soft. A tear trickled down his face and dropped to the ground.

[Brenton]

Kialandi nodded and was about to reply to Camarat when he felt the disturbance outside just a few seconds before the guard ran in and pushed past his companion. Instead of growing angry he breathed in and watched as Camarat stormed outside only to return about three minutes later with someone that he knew. Well, Zander, I did not expect to see you again so soon. You might as well join in this conversation for I have plans for you to help us later on in the fighting. With that he turned to the king and listened to the story that Camarat told. Most of it he already had heard but he was getting a few extra details that he had not known so he listened intently. Finally the dragon spirit was done and Kialandi took in a deep breathe. As you know, milord, there are few of us left on this planet that we know of. I have only ever met four other dragon spirits in my time of living aside from myself but we are strong individually. As a group we are even stronger. I date back to a little before the Fall when Morzan found me and took me in as his adopted son. You have seen how brave and strong I was in the fight against Nelfarion but not even I was able to take him down. Yet now we have Camarat who dates back even further. Dragon spirits get stronger with age and so he by far surpasses my strength. We may have a chance.

Kialandi turned to Zander who had remained quiet this entire time and was standing there in awe that he was in front of the elven king. This is Zander Ryans, a rider who I met when roaming after Brenton's incident with the magic. He is strong as well and I believe that for fourteen he may be one of the strongest people I know. If we can get him to fight for us as well then we may stand a chance. Also in this part, he is Empire royalty, son of a lord and lady, so he could be able to rally some of the more loyal militia to help us against Ashendale. Nelfarion will be our problem, riders and dragon spirits, but Ashendale should be able to be taken down by a few riders interspersed with a bunch of soldiers.

Kialandi looked at Camarat and nodded as he realized he hadn't said anything about the dragon spirit girl. Her name is Skailah and she acts like she is from another time yet she is only as strong as a seventeen year old with limited knowledge of the dragon spirits. I tried to help her as much as possible before I met another elder who told me to meet him a day's travel out. He refused to help but told me of you so I left her to find you. She should be at a small lake in the edge of the forest still but I just hope we can help her before it is too late. Kialandi made sure to keep the conversation mental but he looked at Laetri while he did so he could see what reaction he would have.

[Aelodil]

Laetri was shocked. Another dragon spirit? He should have known. But that meant they had a chance! Finally they could take their vengeance on Nelfarion. The boy Kialandi had summoned, Zander, had a strong build for his age and seemed rather well-fit. He nodded at the boy who was mystified saying,"A pleasure to meet you Zander. I am Laetri, acting king for now although I shouldn't be here ruling over my people. They need me down under the sea at the Water Citadel but now that the Guardian Riptide has been awakened I can revert my attention back here. Also, Kialandi, this is excellent news. That means we finally stand a chance against Nelfarion. But he is not our only problem. What of Ashendale? Even if you and Camarat manage to ring about more dragons to fight Nelfarion, after the battle with him you will be exhausted. And last time when he managed to fight us in a one on one battle he easily broke my wrist before I had time to even swipe at him. Who will deal with Ashendale? We have not that many riders to spare."

By the end of the conversation, Laetri was dripping with sweat. He wiped his brow and dismissed the trio. He had not heard the conversation between Kialandi and Camarat but he knew what it was about roughly."Go Kialandi with Camarat. Zander if you wish you may accompany them or you may stay here with me. We can have a rather nice chat. Either way it is up to you, you are welcome to do whatever you please. In fact.. all three of you take this." he said then took out three rings. One was embedded with solid gold in the middle, that he handed to Camarat. Another had a ruby embedded within it and he handed it to Kialandi. The last one had an emerald in the middle which he handed to Zander."If the guards are to give you trouble again then simply touch the gem in the ring and send your thoughts to me and I will order them to allow you passage." he informed them right after saying the elven greeting once again in a farewell. He gave them the honor and spoke first.

((Ah, I could have it happen that Skailah could be Nafi's long lost sister and so that would help Camarat help her and Kialandi in turn. Or if you don't want Camarat to know anything bout Skailah then that's fine too. Up to you.))

Camarat found himself delighted by the new king. Laetri was an excellent young man. However with the compassion Laetri had been weeping about the king he had replaced, he suspected the king before as well to be a just and fair ruler. Hopefully after they overpower Nelfarion they could figure out where the old king had gone and bring him back. In the meantime, Camarat strode outside and ran his way to the lake Kialandi had described. As he reached there he did indeed find a young lady. Most people would have been startled in his place if they came not to find her, but in Camarat's case he was shocked to have found her. She had the similiar beauty as Nalfi used to have. In that moment Camarat flashed back to long ago when Navarog was still with them and Nalfi told them about her lost twin sister. Her name was... Skailah.

The breath was taken from Camarat. He remembered the pain he had felt when Nalfi had died but Skailah looked just like her. The venerable old dragon spirit stopped and approached her. She had her back to them as she investigated the lake. He put his hand on her shoulder making her jump and turn around swiftly. She struggled against him but he kept a firm hold until she saw Kialandi and relaxed. She looked at Camarat sweetly and asked him if he was with Kialandi,"Yes I am indeed accompanying Kialandi. He told me he needed help to teach you and so I agreed. he told her, still transfixed. He shook his head and smiled."Kialandi says you tell him that you are a dragon spirit and that you remember long ago what had happened at the near beginning of our race. However he does not beleive you. For honestly, you could pass for a seventeen year old dragon spirit at most. Yet you posess powers you comprehend but forgot long ago. Now that I am here I will remind you both what it was like. Firstly however, I want you two to start with The Dance of The Crane. Simple really. It is meditating while keeping track of everything going around you while your body is in motion." he said loud enough for Kialandi to hear. Then he demonstrated and gestured for them to begin.

[Brenton]

Zander took the ring while he watched the other two takes theirs but he didn't leave when Kialandi and Camarat did. He felt like they were going to be going somewhere else and so they wouldn't need him there plus he knew that the two were strong even though they looked like normal humans. Slowly the human rider turned to Laetri and bowed just slightly. "Your highness, I am not sure my accompanying them would be a good thing and besides the two guards I knocked out won't be too happy with me. Perhaps you and I could chat for a little bit and figure out more about this Ashendale that I will be fighting supposedly."

Kialandi took the ring and walked out of the palace, passing the guards who had been beat by Zander so easily. The younger one glared at him and started to get up but his partner pulled him back down with a harsh command to relax. The dragon spirit grinned and then took off running after Camarat who had gone after Skailah. It was just a short time before the lake came into view and he saw Camarat and Skailah. Visibly the girl relaxed and he sighed but then Camarat said to do the Dance of the Crane and immediately he groaned inwardly. This had not been on his agenda.

Although he knew he didn't exactly have to do the meditative dance he still started it and felt his mind begin to calm and soon he was looser than before. Kialandi finished and looked at Camarat expectantly, waiting for more instruction or at least an explanation for the shock that was on the elder's face.

Skailah was stunned to see Kialandi relent and begin the dance but she knew that if he did it then she would too because he had explained information to her. Of course she had no idea what this other man was talking about but she knew that she had been talking to Kialandi about her brief memories and that she woke up here but still why was this man so shocked to see her?

When she finished she drew in a breath and looked right at Camarat with confusion in her gaze. Not to be rude, but how do you expect to train myself or Kialandi and why do you look so shocked to see me when I don't know you from the next guy on the path?

[Aelodil]

Camarat laughed inwardly at Kialandi's expression. It looked as if he had just attempted to swallow a lemon whole and it had turned bitter. Skailah however had a long tongue. Perhaps too long for her own good. Camarat smiled at her questions."Well my dear, the reason why I expect to train you or Kialandi is simple: Neither of you remember how we dragon spirits used to train long ago while I do. You do not have the training I had while I do. You do not posses the same knowledge as I do. And last but certainly not least, I was asked to. And so due to all those reasons, show the proper respect to your mentor. As for why I am so shocked to see you.. that is a completely other story. I once knew your twin sister, Nafia. That was however long ago, before Navarog, or as you know him, Nelfarion, murdered her.. Well, now, none of that. It is a story for a later time." he answered her.

He stood and stretched. Kialandi, as Camarat knew, had built enough upper body muscle and was a good hand with a sword. Skailah however he was not so sure. Camarat took a sword still in it's sheathe from one of his bags and handed it to Skailah."Now, Skailah, if you would be so kind as to blunt your weapon, we shall have a duel. Once I spot your weaknesses and strengths I will set you off to do a bunch of different kinds of chores along with Kialandi. In the mean time Kialandi, I want you to climb that tree," he gestured to a large tree nearby before continuing,"Preferably in human form and stay up there. Meditate some more and cool off your anger and hatred. Then I will call out to you and you two will begin the roots of your training." he told him. In the mean time, Camarat blunted Vasilis and gestured for Skailah to attack first.


Laetri nodded."Yes indeed Zander. We have much to talk about." However he shook his head in disapproval as Zander slightly bowed. He waved his hand, gesturing for Zander to follow him to a large room. Inside the room was Agaravel, fully asleep. She had finally became about a year old and was magnificent to behold. Her blue scales were beautiful and she was huge."Formalities to me do not apply to my friends. You are now a friend of mine Zander and I do not ask of you any formalities. You may do whatever you may please in Ellesmera as long as it is within the law. Now, let me tell you about Ashendale. Come sit beside us." he told Zander, patting the couch he had sat on.

"Ashendale is a very dangerous opponent Zander, that is the first thing you must know about him. Do not mistake him for weak in the arms due to his frail and thin shape. My broken wrist is a testifacent to his strength. He had caught me in a magical barrier alone and would have easily killed me had Brenton not caused that explosion that took him to the void. He is far beyond cruel and is mad beyond reason. The sole opponents that can withstand the might of the elvish people and the spirits within our forest would be Nelfarion and Ashendale. Nelfarion you need not worry about. The dragons and the dragon spirits like Kialandi and Camarat will deal with him. Another tip of advice, do not attempt to communicate with us with your mind during the duration of the battle. Ashendale generally keeps his mind inside himself but Nelfarion tends to roam around. Now, as messed up as Ashendale is, Nelfarion's mind is as bad if not worse. Nelfarion himself may be bad but his mind is at least 20 times worse if not more. Bear that in mind. Now, any questions?" Laetri asked. Then he went to the kitchen and came back with a tray full of fruits and vegetables and two cups of tea. Laetri began munching on an apple and sipping his tea while eyeing Zander.

[Brenton]

Skailah looked at the sword in utter despair and shook her head vehemently at the thought of killing anyone, especially now that she knew he sister had been killed. Her hands shook slightly and small flickers of greenish blue energy rippled over the surface of her skin as she tried to suppress fear. Skai closed her eyes and withdrew into her mind, quickly coming up with a way out of this situation with a sword. Instantly, the girl spun and dove into the lake, turning into her dragon form and swimming to the bottom of the watery area. Skailah couldn't use a sword and never would because they were used only for fighting and she would only fight if cornered.

Kialandi had turned and stared at the tree, tall and majestic, that was obviously going to be difficult for a human to climb. He sighed and walked up to it to look at the tree to see what was around it and how he could climb but the first branch was too high to get to it as a human. Yet he would not give up and would do this as a human because it was a challenge. Kialandi breathed in deeply and then breathed out slowly as his mind focused and he saw that around that tree were tree others that could be used as springboards to get to the branch. The dragon spirit backed up and sprinted toward the first tree as he jumped and pushed off toward the second and then the third. Soon he was resting on the first branch and he looked up again to see if he could get to the next branch that easily.

Zander walked with the king toward the large room and sat down when Laetri motioned for him to but he was slightly uneasy about the situation. Suddenly he heard the bit about a man, royal, being taken somewhere and he gasped as he remembered a man who had passed below him on a large golden dragon that looked tired. Quickly the human boy tried to remember everything he had seen and decided he knew what to do. "This person, Brenton, did he have a gold dragon and wear a crown like it was his birth right as well as an empty sword sheathe?"