Ancient Power (Ragdar)

[Brenton]

The heat was unbearable for most living beings aside from the great dragon laying curled up within the belly of the volcano. It was his duty to rest inside and to guard the sole passage to the Staff of Tarloc until someone came forth to take it up again. To this day very few even knew of its existence and none had asked about it in so many years. Slowly Inferno stretched just enough to look back at the hidden opening and then up at the Fire Branch's Main Citadel. He was certain Ragdar was getting ready to ask about the staff and that he was there. The only question was whether he knew about the Bracelet as well. That artifact lasted long enough in Brenton's hands to prove to Inferno that it didn't need reacquired.

[Aelodil]

"This is going to go so bad.." came the voice from Lenora, the sound in her voice making it clear that she did not approve of Ragdar's decision.

"It'll be okay, Lenora. Even if he will get mad I'm confident he won't kill me.. probably." came the reply from Ragdar. He felt slightly worried, but not enough worried to stop him from going through with his plan.

"Oh yes, you sound so very convincing Ragdar. What are you going to do? You can't very well walk up to him and ask for the artifacts. Besides, you already know Brenton has the bracelet." she told him, slightly annoyed. Ragdar was a good Rider and so far a good Elder but sometimes he could be so arrogant it annoyed her.

Feeling a slight anger pulse through him at the reminder that Inferno had given Brenton the bracelet instead of him, the Elder, he said, "I won't pursue the bracelet. Especially considering I doubt he'll give it to me. Not sure if you recall but Brenton has no love for me and I'm pretty sure Inferno doesn't either. All I intend to do on behalf of the bracelet is ask why he decided to give it to someone other than me. Besides, it's a good opportunity to finally sit down and talk with him."

Lenora didn't say anything further. She couldn't bring up any rational objection. It was just she didn't think Inferno would take gladly to his judgement being questioned. Passing through the lava, they walked into the large belly of the volcano. Noticing Inferno curled up, they walked a little closer before giving their show of respect. But they were quite prideful so the furthest they did was a slight, not even half bow of the head.

"Inferno," Ragdar called out to the ancient Guardian, "I'm pretty sure you know why I'm here. I'm here to look for the Staff of Tarloc. I'm also here to ask why you gave the bracelet to Brenton. You know well as I do that he is unstable. He has darkness surrounding him. Besides, shouldn't you give the bracelet to the Elder of the Fire Branch to help him protect the Branch? It seems rather redundant that you'd not." he explained. He was honestly puzzled why Inferno had given Brenton the bracelet.

When you die, your world ends. The world may go on, but in your eyes, the world ends with you.

-Carpe Diem

[Brenton]

Inferno looked up at Ragdar and Lenora as they entered the bell of the volcano. Without acknowledging the questions, Inferno nodded to Lenora and spoke to her. Your rider thinks he is strong enough to make me a scared whelp like he once was. Either that or he has lost all wisdom by questioning my judgment. It is nice to see you Lenora.

With that he snorted and shot a small superheated plume of flames at Ragdar before continuing. Ragdar, you act as if you have no darkness around you but let me ask. Have you actually gotten to know Brenton? I have watched his actions and realized what you deem as foolish and malevolent is actually misguided but righteous intentions. He would have made a much better Elder than you have been to the Fire Branch. On top of that, the puny man has stood toe to toe with two of the five Guardians and had fights with three of the Elders but had strength enough not to hurt them. He has wisdom and power which you lack. Yes he is brash and impulsive but when he faced off against Nelfarion and the Nether controlled by Ender I saw that he needed help. So I bequeathed him the power he earned. Besides every Elder aside from you spoke to the Guardians on day one and from the Fire Branch it was Brenton who went out of his way to say hello to me. I see him as another Tarloc and you as a stand in. If you want the staff then prove you deserve it.

[Aelodil]

Ragdar was about to make a snide comment. He had never been a scared whelp - he had gone through hell and back without breaking a tear, without any fear. And he would have if Lenora didn't assault his mind with all her force, stopping him. "LENORA! Why did you do that?" he lashed at her before calming himself. His head throbbed slightly from her force.

"He already hates you. Try not to get yourself killed you idiot. Learn to swallow your pride some time. It could come in handy, believe me." she scolded him angrily. But she knew Ragdar would have none of it.

Looking up at Inferno with a fiery determination, Ragdar said, "I don't think I'm strong enough to make you scared. I know I don't have even a fraction of the power needed to make a Guardian scared. Especially the Guardian that helped train me and Lenora. What I do know is that I never was scared. Not once did I shy away from something or make a half arsed attempt. Do or don't. I faced everything I had to with a smile on my face. You know I'm right. After all, the only reason Glaedr would have chosen me was if I was worthy. The only reason you would have trained me was if you saw that I had it in me. I don't want to anger you but I won't keep quiet as I'm called a scared whelp." his voice full with fiery determination.

"It's nice to see you too Inferno. Please, try not to get too angry at Ragdar. He means well, believe it or not. Sometimes he's just a little too hot headed for his own good. Plus he's got that issue with his stubborn pride. But sometimes he does have a point. Believe me, he is anything but a scared whelp." she said, both greeting Inferno and defending Ragdar.

Without bothering to ward off the flames, especially considering all they did was help him recuperate, Ragdar listened. Raising an eyebrow, he began, "Tell me Inferno. What do you consider wisdom? Going out of his way to pick a fight with Guardians and Elders? If he had become Elder I'm pretty sure we'd already be at war again. If the Elders and Guardians he picked fights with weren't so forgiving, I'm pretty sure they would have fought him. Besides, no matter who he may be, the other Elders, including myself, have power and backing. Out of us all the youngest are Laetri and I. Plus we are no push overs. Nonetheless, I'm not here for the bracelet. I was simply confused why you gave it to someone other than the Elder. Plus, I'm sorry I didn't come to speak to you immediately but I was stuck in a jail cell if you recall. By the strongest Rider alive at the time, too."

Ragdar could live with not having the bracelet. What he couldn't live with was being call a stand in. Immediately he went from composed to on fire - literally. An edge entered his voice as he said, "Inferno.. say what you will. But I'll tell you one thing not to say. Do not imply that there is someone out there who looks after the well being of this Branch more than I. You didn't pay attention, of course, but I've fought many a battle to secure the magic needed to repair the Citadel. I've fought many a battle to ward off enemies who would want to harm those from this Branch. I gave my all to this Branch. To protect what I have left. You may hate me, fair enough. I never said I was a great person. But don't shun me. I was chosen as Elder for a reason. That reason was to protect this Branch at all costs. Even if I have to burn all our enemies myself. At all costs, I will protect the Fire Branch. That includes you, Inferno." knowing well Inferno would not take kindly to his reaction. But at that moment and time, he didn't care. He would obtain the power to protect the Branch no matter the cost.

When you die, your world ends. The world may go on, but in your eyes, the world ends with you.

-Carpe Diem

[Brenton]

((Figured I have time for a couple posts.))

Inferno snarled at Ragdar and was preparing to crush him when Lenora spoke to the Guardian. Slowly he calmed down and then returned the conversation to a somewhat peaceful standing. Ragdar, you may dislike what I have to say and feel that my choice of wording is improper but the truth is sometimes hard to accept. In your youth you were just as brash as Brenton in now and so have no right to cast judgment upon his actions as you would do the same. You are, in my opinion, the worst Elder this Branch has ever seen and will be that way until the day you can prove otherwise so don't get high and mighty thinking you are better than me. Even now, you speak of defending the Fire Branch from her enemies and in the same thought tell me that you will kill me to accomplish that goal. Have you considered maybe those enemies you defeated were but a fraction of the ones I destroyed to aid in your personal growth? I am the Guardian and therefore have to protect my Branch and her members with great care which means I have done more than you. Ragdar Galbatorixsson, Glaedr went off of what he thought would be best but trust me when I say you have serious misgivings about your worth. A true Elder of Fire has to be brave enough to face any opponent and not shy from the challenge of heavily out numbered odds. At the same time they must be wise enough to accept a peace offering and to then watch carefully to make sure they are ready for anything. Brenton may have angered the Water Branch and Psychic Branch ad well as the Elder of the Air Branch but he never once did them any harm and even after being insulted by the Water and their words, he accepted to back down. Yes I intervened to show Riptide that it would be unwise to continue but after leaving the air was still tense and Brenton left. He has many faults but qualities to make for a fine Elder and the best part is he never aspired for the position. He spoke out against some choices for a lack of trust in them but never tried to dethrone them. This is truly the best tell for a proper Elder. The bracelet stays with him but the Staff of Tarloc has three trials first. In the Fire Citadel, find an item worth nothing of monetary value but priceless in its heart. Second the protector of the Staff lies in the hottest part of this domain. Defeat it without killing it. And last, every member has Fire craft but can not take of the belly of the Volcano for it burns too wildly. Make a mark of your rank from these flames without mortal magic and you will be able to pass me again.

((The first trial is the youngest member. They are unable to be sold but the most valuable because they will lead the Branch to its survival long after the rest.))

[Aelodil]

((Sorry I'm putting all the trials into one post, if you meant for them to be separate. I've got a lot of studying to do.. among other activities so QQ)

"I've fought legions alone and not flinched as I walked from the battlefield leaving it a blazing abyss. I made alliances all around to keep the peace so that my people would not suffer from war. I fought wars alone to shield them from suffering. If this test is what I need to do so I can prove myself in your eyes, then so be it. It won't be the last, I'm sure." he said, his voice fueled with fiery determination. Looking to Lenora he said, "Wait here. I won't be long, believe me." as he turned to walk out the entrance, his robes blowing around him with his furious stride.

Looking at him as he walked out, Lenora gave a slight sound of disappointment and sadness. Turning to Inferno, she asked, "Did you have to say that? I know he doesn't get emotional about that, but I do. You know as well as I do that he's done his job so far rather well and that he's not as worthless as you say he is. So why did you have to say that, Inferno?" her voice not demanding, nor questioning, but rather confused and slightly hurt in Ragdar's stead.

Treading through the Citadel, Ragdar walked to the most recent addition to the Branch, the boy he had started training just the other day. He was still quite young, just only twenty two years old. The boy was startled when he noticed Ragdar and hastened to bow his head. The people in the Fire Branch had pride that would not allow them to bow - no matter who to, but they did show respect. Ragdar waved it off and asked, "Can you wait for me there?" pointing to where he had just come from. The boy seemed confused but didn't argue, rather nodded as Ragdar thanked him and ran off. He went back to where Lenora and Inferno were and proceeded to the innermost chamber of the volcano where he saw what seemed to be an apparition made of fire and lava.

Not bothering with trying to talk the apparition into getting him to give him the staff without a fight, he unsheathed Arucane. The apparition turned to him and without a word flung fire and lava at him. Ragdar didn't panic until the fire actually burned him. Going into a slight panic, he tried to calm himself as he wondered why the fire wouldn't obey him. "Calm your mind, still yourself. Find the serenity in the chaos. Calm your bloodshed, still your blade. Find the peace in the carnage. Only when you manage this will you have become a true master of fire." the apparition mouthed, sounding ancient as the volcano.

Ragdar, at first confused, figured it out in time to stop getting severe burns that wouldn't heal. Instead he was awarded for his effort by burns across his body that would heal into scars later on. Not the best, but better than dead. He caught onto what the apparition said and quickly the fire obeyed him, twirling around him furiously, waiting to be unleashed. But he knew better than to succumb entirely to the bloodshed and chaos and rage. Instead he maintained a balance between it and peace, calm, and serenity. "Thank you." said Ragdar just as the apparition said the same. Sending a lance he crafted out of the fire into the apparition, he stabbed it through it's heart. Instead of simply fading however, it exploded into light. All that was left behind was a robe.

Take the robe. It served me well when I was Elder. Perhaps Inferno will recognize you now. Go, Ragdar. Go knowing that you bear my approval and my mark. You are my heir now." came a voice ringing through the chamber. Donning the robe, Ragdar noticed the fact that it was completely red. The hood was long enough to cover his entire face and it was a full sleeve, covering the burns he just got. Muttering a spell, he healed those burns into scars. Not pretty as smooth skin, but prettier than burns. Walking back out to where he asked the young man to wait, he led him into the chamber where Inferno rested in.

((I guess that would make the most sense to be the protector of the staff, so..))

"Inferno.. was the protector who I think it was? Was that Tarloc that I encountered there? he asked Inferno, his voice slightly changed. It was arrogant and fueled with that same fire as before, but now it had a sense to it. An ancient sense to it. Shrugging, he moved to the ground next to the flames at the bottom of the chamber. Thinking back as to how he had controlled the flames earlier, he began to control the flames, forging them into the mark that marked him as Elder as it fused with his newly acquired robe as if it was tailored into it. Walking back to Inferno, he said, "So I did your trials. And I passed. I even got the blessing of someone. Here is the item, priceless in its heart. After all, who will carry on our legacy other than the youngest?"

When you die, your world ends. The world may go on, but in your eyes, the world ends with you.

-Carpe Diem

[Brenton]

Inferno watched with half lidded eyes as Ragdar acted slighted but then left to attend to the trials. As he left Lenora spoke and Inferno simply showed her Tarloc as a youth. The old Elder hadn't been like either Brenton or Ragdar alone but more as a combination of the two. He also had changed when Inferno was harsh upon him. Without explaining more, the ancient being kept his focus on what was happening. Finally Ragdar returned wearing Tarloc's red robe unadorned by the mark yet but it meant he had bested the old Elder.

It was what remains of Tarloc. Each Elder when they pass takes the role of one of the ttrials while I supply the rest. Now that you have seen that and succeeded I will give you the Staff of Tarloc and explain better. Ragdar even your predecessor wasn't perfect and you probably assume I see Brenton as the likely heir. The truth is Tarloc was savage and never knew true serenity but still he came to be the Fire Elder and is the only one to become a true Master of Fire. Yet that didn't happen until I was harsh with him as well. The truth is my words were the fourth trial you had to pass to gain my approval. Elder Ragdar, Brenton Bromsson shall keep the Bracelet and has lesser powers of Fire to you but only because he is the second living being to look like a decent prospect for Elder. If the day comes that you should die then I will request him. You however get the Staff and Tarloc's robe as well as acceptance. You are this Branch's Elder and will remain so until you pass on. Now, welcome youngling. I am Inferno of the Fire Branch. What you were just part of was the passing of the second artifact of the Fire Branch to Elder Ragdar. Young man, Lenora, bear witness please.

Inferno moved his tail to a small patch of lava at Ragdar's feet and touched it there. Slowly the fire swirled into a mini vortex to show the Staff at the bottom of a case made from Tarloc's Fire Craft. As the staff was brought out, Inferno spoke once more. Long ago Tarloc crafted three items for the Fire Branch and decreed more should come once he was succeeded. Those were the Fire robes which were thought to burn with him, his Bracelet connected to my power which is in the hands of another, and the Staff of Tarloc which I bequeath to thee. With this you control the volcano and now can make up to three more artifacts if you choose. Remember, this Branch is about equal balance between force and wisdom. I would suggest her artifacts should reflect that.

[Aelodil]

Lenora watched the memories of Tarloc through Inferno's eyes, surprised by it all. The man was.. frighteningly like Ragdar. She hadn't ever met Brenton in person so she wouldn't know, but she took Inferno's word for it. If he thought that the old Elder was a lot like a combination of the two.. she shivered. Must have been one hell of a hectic life with him. Maybe not bad, per say. But definitely hectic and crazy. "I see.. well then. I guess that that's that." she told Inferno, beset with worry. When Ragdar returned but ignored them, she was scared. Her fear rose when he went to the fire that no one could control. She was about to call out when she noticed the symbol on his new robe. Confused, she noticed that his face was covered by the long cowl.

Giving a crazy grin, Ragdar said to Inferno, "And here I was thinking we were getting along. Don't worry Inferno. I don't plan on dying to anyone anytime soon. Nor do I plan on annoying any of the Guardians. Though if that day should come, I'll be sure to give him one hell of a time if he decides to reclaim the Staff. Tarloc sure as hell did put quality before quantity." he made sure the deep set cowl of his new robes kept his face and the new scars covered.

"Wha - what. Elder Ragdar, what's happening? Why are we - what.. what is going on? Why are you wearing that robe? What happened to your face to have you cover it?" stammered the young Rider. Turning to him, Ragdar rest his hand on the boy's shoulders, letting his own fiery personality flow through to the man. Quickly, the man stood up straight again. It seemed as though Inferno's very presence was too much for the boy. Ragdar wouldn't keep him longer than necessary.

Lenora felt proud and honored to bear witness to such a ceremony. After all, Ragdar had gone through hell for that. She was glad to see him rewarded amply. "Gladly." she said in response to Inferno as he moved his tail, unfurling the fire.

Ragdar's burning red eyes were seared with the image of the Staff. He was no longer aware of anything around him save the Staff, himself, Inferno's words, and Lenora. Stepping forward, he grabbed the Staff as he heard the same voice from earlier rumble, "I pass on my title to you, Ragdar. You are this generation's Master of Flames. You better live up to that." before disappearing.

With an arrogant smirk, Ragdar said to Inferno, "Don't worry, I have an idea as to what I'd make. Don't think I'll make them just yet, but soon definitely. Both to keep this legacy intact and to prepare in case war comes upon us. Young man, I thank you for your help. You are dismissed." tapping the young man lightly who, without anymore prompting, dashed out the chamber. Ragdar focused on the Staff, feeling the power in his hands. He was no old man to need a Staff to help him walk, but it was definitely sturdy enough that he felt confident as using it as a weapon. In fact.. he felt a power in it, urging him on. Grimacing, he realized that he must be careful not to get too carried away. Sitting on the edge of the rock that extended to the middle of the volcano, Ragdar sat cross legged as though meditating, Arucane and the Staff across his lap.

"I hope you do not mind, Inferno, but I would very much like to spend some time here with you. There's a journey I must embark on with my legions soon. Before I go, I would like to hear about you. As you said, I was not there to talk to you when the Branches were unsealed. I don't think I am at fault considering how much of a pickle I was in. Nonetheless, I'm here now. I'm fairly certain you more or less know all about me but in case you don't I'll tell you; I was a part of an organization in the Empire. We were 13, much like the Forsworn. Each of us represented a different element. I represented, as you could guess, fire. One of us alone was said to be the equivalent of even the best of legions. They made the mistake of plotting to overthrow the king and trying to enlist my help. I picked them off one by one. Ever since, I've been feared by those who knew me. What about you? What is your story?" Ragdar said, taking a deep breath after such a long speech.

When you die, your world ends. The world may go on, but in your eyes, the world ends with you.

-Carpe Diem

[Brenton]

Inferno sat quietly in the volcano listening to the now full Elder has he spoke of his past and the things he endured. Slowly the Guardian reminisced about his past and then started his story.

Long ago, millenia before any known species existed here, a force created something known as Alagaesia. Out of her birth came a spark that formed slowly into a being known as Inferno. I was violent and destructive in nature so immediately found the volcano. It was many generations later that I created the Hadarac desert by landing too hot on the plains. From there people started hunting me for my power. Finally peace arrived in the form of a young man creating the Rider Branches. I was designated Guardian of Fire and left in charge of training the Elders. My only Elder before you is Tarloc but he became like my Rider and we created this area and fortress.

((Sorry for taking so long but I had a huge idea for this monster post. Then I got myself sick and lost the motivation to post.))