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Post by Ivaii on Sept 28, 2013 0:33:18 GMT -8
-- Kearin Talorian of Brown (M) Zephril -- It was that time of year again, the time of year when they would be disbursed into the area around their hall and sent to find and test the children for Trainees. Already there had been a rumor going around that multiple dragoness' were sure to rise soon, and that there would be eggs in the Sand Wallows. Of course, these incoming Trainees wouldn't have their dragons for another year, but it was always good for them to see the new pairs so that they knew what they would have to look forward to.
Kaerin and Zephril had been given Kamyrr to patrol and Test that day. Others would be going around the little homes and the little villages. Did he get that easy spot? Nope, 'course not. He was one of the only Testing 'Warriors in Kamyrr. At least he wasn't in Wilame though, that would have been a nightmare and a half.
You are thinking too much once again, Kearin, came the ever present voice of his dragon. Zephril was settled in the square, watching as the children were being gathered before the celebration started. Testing day was always a big excuse to have a party and let everyone have fun.
Kearin hummed and leaned against the side of his dragon. "I always think too much. Now stop telling me what to do and focus on gathering everyone so that we can take the new Trainees and go home."
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Post by Lynn on Sept 28, 2013 0:40:22 GMT -8
She had heard that the Testing would be today. Rumor traveled fast in her world, especially if it meant profit for all involved, and she had already been approached several times asking to pair up with one of the others. She had declined though, though she hadn't explained why.
It was simple really. This year, SHE would be standing for the Test, if not directly. Nodding to herself, the child slipped through the shadows to the edge of the square, looking at the exquisite brown beast resting therein. Oh to have such a partner, she thought longingly. Unknown to her, the Circlet shimmered softly, a bit more brightness glowing from the depth of its gleaming sapphire, and her telepathic thought whispered on the breeze to the dragon.
Oh to be free of this life, to have such a noble and gallant purpose... To know what they have... The thought faded out and the gem became nothing more than a pretty bauble once more, winking knowingly even in the depths of the shadows in which the girl, brown haired, green-eyed street rat Wraith, stood and hid.
She was watching the Merchants as they gathered, feeling almost sorry for them. They'd never been able to catch her, nor would they. She was young and quick of foot, if not the most powerful being. But fleetness and youth had served her well in the past. There would be a few pockets to pick should the dragon leave without her along she thought, but it was touched with disdain. She hated this life. Oh how she hated it...
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Post by summerrain on Sept 28, 2013 7:24:38 GMT -8
She didn't even know Testing was supposed to be today, but the Atrina clan had to wait for Natya's Moonpool's Clutch Hatched. She heard the whisperings, her incredible magical potential heightening her hearing when she focused. She didn't realize it was because of her First Class magical abilities. She heard the wisps of thought on the wind, looking toward the direction it came through.
"Natya, is something wrong?" Malkai asked his youngest child.
"I heard something from that direction," Natya responded. A group of young children ran past, toward the dragon, and they said Test. Her eyes widened. "Father, the trainee Test is today!" she said excitedly. She looked at him eagerly. "May I father? Please? I'm not going to be clan leader unless something really bad happens, and I want to do something important! Besides being a hunter for the Atrina Clan. Being a Dragonwarrior means I could make a difference! And they could help me develop my magical skills!"
"Well, I see no problem with you taking the Test," Malkai said after a moment. Natya's face lit up and she headed toward the testing site with her father, being careful to keep up appearances as the Atrina Clan leader's youngest daughter. She stopped near the Dragon, awed by the beast. She'd never seen one from so close. The only dragons she'd ever seen were in the sky. Malkai put his hand on his daughter's shoulder. She looked at him for a moment before finding the 'warrior of the Dragon. Her quiver strap went from her right shoulder to her left hip, with her hunting knife on her right hip. She wore an identical outfit to her father, which they had deemed their market clothing. A nice white shirt with black leather trousers. She looked at her father again, and he nodded, so she stepped forward.
"I am here to take the Test," she told Kearin after a moment.
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Post by Ivaii on Sept 28, 2013 17:58:10 GMT -8
Kearin didn't have a chance to react to the girl that walked up and said that she was going to take the test when Zephril lifted his head and stared at a spot in the shadows. The brown scaled beast stood and moved around the potentials gathered there, moving forward until he stopped in front of Wraith. He lowered his head and nosed her forehead gently where the circlet sat. This one will do well. Can you hear me little magician? The brown asked of Wraith, turning his head to peer at her with one large eye. She spoke to me before I spoke to her. This is great power, she will be a great 'Warrior, he said to his own 'Warrior partner.
Kearin turned his head and looked over to where his dragon partner stood. "Well then bring her over, Zeph. We have more to test than just her," he said, laughter lighting up his eyes briefly before he looked back at Natya. "Sorry about that, Zeph does have a mind of his own. So, the first step is to see if you can power a rune. Would you do that for me?" he asked, looking at her. If she passed, she would become a Trainee and he might be assigned as her keeper after she bonded to her dragon.
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Post by Lynn on Sept 28, 2013 18:15:54 GMT -8
Wraith's eyes widened as the beast came nearer, and she squeaked slightly in fear. Had he somehow sensed her thoughts about the merchants? Was she to be caught and punished then? But no, all he did was lower his nose to her circlet. And then...
This one will do well. Can you hear me little mage?
The words slid into her mind, and her eyes went wider still in utter shock. "Y-yes, noble dragon, I-I can hear you," she whispered, stuttering in her surprise. She COULD hear the dragon! She heard him perfectly, in fact. Shivering faintly, she bravely raised a hand to touch the hard scales, cool beneath her sweating palm. He was beautiful, she thought, then glanced over as his 'Warrior spoke, telling the dragon to bring her with him. "I-I guess we shouldn't k-keep him waiting," she murmured, still very surprised that her goal for the day had been so swiftly achieved.
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Post by summerrain on Sept 28, 2013 18:46:51 GMT -8
"I can do more than that," Natya said quickly, smiling slightly. She heard her father's mental voice within her own mind.
Do not show off, my daughter, Malkai told his daughter. Save that for when they begin to teach you advanced magics. Remember, Natya, you are my daughter.
I understand father, Natya responded with mindspeak. She pulled out her bow, which was inscribed with multiple runes the way her first teacher had taught her. She drew an arrow and pointed it at the trunk of a dead tree, then narrowed her eyes. The runes started to glow as she knocked the arrow and pulled it taunt. When she released the arrow, it shot through the tree trunk, a good fifty yards away, and shattered the dead bark, sticking deep into the trunk. She turned back to the 'Warrior. "I am the youngest daughter of the Atrina Clan's leading bloodline..." She took a breath, readying herself for the speech she'd been preparing. "My name is Natya Atrina. When I was a young child, before I completed the apprentice ceremony of the Atrina, I was examined by a mage from a merchant caravan who told me I have the powers of a first-class mage." She stopped. Her voice had been a little shaky, as if she wasn't entirely confidant with herself. But she had just demonstrated her skills as a mage.
"I taught myself how to carve these runes," she continued, holding her bow in both hands and turning it so the 'warrior could see them. "I..." She sighed softly, then moved closer to the man so her father couldn't hear. "I'm the youngest daughter, so I... I know I wouldn't ever become clan leader... I... I want to do something useful with my life and-" She gasped softly and put her bow back in the quiver. "Sorry... I'm babbling..."
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Post by Ivaii on Sept 28, 2013 18:55:08 GMT -8
Kaerin watched as she aimed, fired, and stuck the arrow deep in the tree. He recognized the tint of magic in the air and a grin split his face in to as he turned back to the girl. He listened to her speech in silence before he nodded his head. "Well then, I doubt that we'll have to have Zeph talk to you then. You seem to have plenty of magic to go around," he said, amused lightly. "It's a pleasure to meet you Miss Natya Atrina. I'm Kearin Talorian, and you'll make a fine Trainee."
Zeph rumbled happily as her hand touched his scales before he bobbed his head, turning easily in the area and moving back over to his rider. He continued to check and make sure that she was following him though, he didn't want to lose her in the group of potentials. Of course they couldn't take them back to the hall until the others had been tested as well, but at least they had found two for East Hall. A majority of the trainees transferred to South or North Hall because it was more "appealing" than the jungle. So really, East Hall had been having to fall back on new Trainees with only a little bit of training to bond with the dragons. It wasn't ideal, but that's what had been going on because of the lack of them in their home Hall. Both 'warrior and dragon hoped that it wouldn't come to this anymore in a few years.
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Post by Lynn on Sept 28, 2013 19:01:37 GMT -8
Wraith was quick to move to his side, avoiding the eyes of the merchants who knew what she was, hiding in the mighty beast's shadow. She wasn't an official Trainee yet, after all, and she didn't want to get called out on her less than reputable past. She'd never had a choice, not with where she'd been born. She was no Nobleman's daughter, with a silver spoon in her mouth, nor even the daughter of one of these merchants. She could only hope and pray that this was over and done with quickly, so she could begin her new life.
Her sapphire glowed to life, and her biggest fear was revealed to the dragon without her knowledge. What if I am not allowed to go because of what I've been? The glow faded, leaving the poor child as clueless as ever as to the true extent of her power.
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Post by summerrain on Sept 28, 2013 20:43:41 GMT -8
Natya's eyes lit up when he told her that she could be a Trainee. She turned back to her father, smiling brightly. He nodded once, smiling back at her. She turned back to Kaerin. "You know the Moonstone Yandori that laid a Clutch a few days ago?" she asked him. "She's mine... My hunting partner." She turned back to the dragon and walked toward him.
"Hello there," she said to him. She didn't want to touch his mind without his permission, as it was considered rude to intrude on the thoughts of another. "Your name is Zephril, yes? It is a pleasure to meet you." She felt, rather than saw, her father come near.
"I will return to the Clan and tell them the good news," he told her. "We shall stay a few more days before we must move on to the next town. However, there shall be a celebration for you. Very few Atrina have become Dragonwarriors. It is an honor, my daughter, for you to have the chance." Natya turned to him, still smiling.
"Thank you father," she said quickly. "I promise to make you and the Clan proud!" With that, her father gave of an unusual display of affection by putting a hand on Natya's head. She laughed softly.
"I will miss having you as one of our hunters, though," he said to her before he walked away. He knew she was safe with the Dragonwarrior.
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Post by Ivaii on Sept 28, 2013 21:49:53 GMT -8
Zephril turned his head to look at the young girl as her mind floated into his. You will not be turned away because of your past. It will be used to your advantage n the battle field, he said calmly. Now come along, we must test the others as well. The brown moved forward and then stood next to his rider.
Kearin smiled at Wraith and then at Natya, humming happily at their find. One was a Level 1, the other was easily borderline Level 1. Oh yes, this was a good find for the Testing day. Often times it was a lot of level 3's and occasionally a level 2. He did pause though with the mentioning of the yandorei clutch being from her moonstone. "Oh, that's very good. Do you plan on letting the other trainees bond to them?" he questioned her.
Then she moved on to Zephril and the brown lowered his head to her as well. It is very good to meet you as well Natya. You will also be a fine trainee, he said in response to her. We will take care of your daughter, sir. he said to the man, sitting back on his haunches and looking down at him.
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Post by Lynn on Sept 28, 2013 21:57:04 GMT -8
When he spoke to her again, she blinked up at him, startlement written all over her face. "How did you...?" she asked, very confused. She hadn't spoken aloud had she? She knew she'd done so in the past when she was truly lost in thought, so it didn't seem implausible. It just hadn't happened in some time so it surprised her. She liked the sound of his voice, strength and masculinity within it. He was a Brown, yes, but he was a strong Brown. And she admired all of the 'Warriors and their magnificent beasts.
When the Yandorei clutch was mentioned, her eyes lit up. "Oh that would be so neat," she said, then blushed and lowered her eyes. "I-I'm sorry. I shouldn't have... I'm sorry." She fell silent, still blushing furiously and hunching her shoulders slightly in a purely defensive way.
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Post by Sophia on Sept 29, 2013 0:25:34 GMT -8
Gideon approached the square, his hand playing nervously with the leather band on the opposite wrist. His fingers traced the green crystal until his mother's slightly wrinkled hand came to rest on his own smooth one, bringing it to a stop.
"Calm my child, there is no need to worry," she said. "You need to be confident in your abilities, otherwise they will not."
The young boy nodded and her hand dropped. A small girl with golden brown curls and bright blue eyes came up and grabbed his hand. "You will do wonderful brother! Once they see how great you are they will have to take you!"
Gideon smiled and dropped to a knee, ruffling the girl's hair. "Thank you Kana, I'm sure they'll see that if I try my best," he said as a smaller girl with the same curls only much lighter and pale grey eyes instead of bright blue, came running up beside the older girl.
"Do your best Baba!" She cried, giggling. He couldn't help but chuckle lightly as he lifted her into her arms and nuzzled her nose. She had been slower to learn speech than most and so brother being one of the words she had difficulty saying, it was shortened to Baba for her. Some teased her for her slow progress but Gideon had worked with her every day and couldn't be more proud with how hard she worked and how far she'd come.
"I'm going to miss you all," he said, bending to set his sister back on the ground. He wrapped his arms around Kana and hugged the two girls tight. "Kana, make sure you help Nirem with her speech every day and look out for her and mother," he said once he pulled back.
She put on a serious face and gave a sharp nod. "I can do it! Leave it to me brother!" she cried.
Standing he looked to his mother with a loving and gentle smile.
"Thank you mother for everything you have done, I'm sure father is looking down on us with pride," he stated.
Her eyes teared up and she nodded, pulling her son to her chest. "He couldn't be more so, now go out there and work hard. We all have faith in you."
Nodding he pulled back. She placed a kiss on his forehead and stepping away he gave them one last look before pressing his way through the crowd.
After some effort, the dragon and its rider came in sight. He smiled and rushed forward to join the girls already there. "I wish to take the test as well!" he proclaimed, bowing deeply to show respect, just as he his mother had taught him.
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Post by summerrain on Sept 29, 2013 18:57:06 GMT -8
Natya heard the voice of the dragon, then the whispered words of the girl. She turned to the girl, eyes locking on the blue gem in the circlet she was wearing. "I see," she said quietly, walking up to the girl. "You're a magician," Natya told her. She pointed at the circlet. "That thing you're wearing, it's your Focus. I saw it light up a moment ago. It's letting you release your magical abilities."
She laughed when the 'Warrior asked about the eggs. "Of course," she told him. "There are sixteen eggs, which means at least that many Yandorei babies. I can't take care of all of them. I'd be surprised if one of them Chooses me, in all honesty, seeing as Moony's a bit possessive. But she might make an exception for one of her children..." She suddenly looked thoughtful. It lasted only a moment though. She turned to the Dragon. Her father nodded at him before walking away. She smiled at him, tentatively reaching her mind out to him.
I look forward to working with you, she told him, her mind-voice softer and a bit sweeter than she appeared to be. She softly retreated from his mind.
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Post by Lynn on Sept 29, 2013 19:13:57 GMT -8
Wraith hunched back into the dragon as she was approached by the Yandori's owner, then her eyes widened in shock. "I'm a what!?" she said, blinking. She knew a small amount of talent had to be present for a dragon to Bond to-everyone knew that, schooled or not-but she was no Magician. And what was that about her circlet? She pulled off the silver band and looked at it intently, the sapphire gleaming in the light coming down on it. Was that why all those odd things had started happening after she got it? she wondered. The ice blade and crystals, the wounds healing seemingly on their own, the voices whispering at the edge of her mind... Was that why?
"I never knew," she murmured softly.
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Post by Ivaii on Sept 29, 2013 19:50:31 GMT -8
Kearin smiled as Natya and Wraith spoke for a moment, amusement flashing in his eyes. He let them speak, turning to the boy that had just ran up to them. "Alright then," he said, pulling a rune-inscribed leather out of his pocket and passing it to him. "I want you to power this rune, it's a simple fire rune," he said calmly. "Every trainee learns to make these in their first month at the Hall," he explained to him. "Then we'll just see if you can hear Zephril speak to you."
The brown dragon nodded his head towards Natya, amusement seeming to roll off of him in waves before he laid down to await the rest of the testing.
Kearin was distracted again by Natya as she mentioned that of course she would let others bond to the yandorei eggs. A smile quirked his lips and he nodded. "Good, it will be a treat for the trainees. We typically only find the aryvole near the East Hall," he said.
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