Emron Gravenson's Story

The pounding on the dead, and fallen leaves of the forest floor under the paws, hooves, what have you of the Skin-Changer pack known as the Berserkers bellowed around. They were late. A meeting had been called of the five leaders of the realm to the temple Morsalos, the ancient ruins that the alliance was forged against the invading Orcs. With the traveling Sorceror's deadline soon coming up the leaders have called for gathering to discuss the situation. The Humans, Mages, Elves, and Dwarves have been awaiting the Skin-Changers for some time now. The Humans have their best guards there, Captained by Iliana Tarly, the Mages have brought the Inquistion lead by the Inquistior herself, Morganna Fiera, the Elves have brought their own elite guard lead by Lysanthir Khiiral, and as for the Dwarves, the Royal Spymaster hand picked several Dwarven warriors to accompany them. Though most are merely drinking buddies. But they are still talented warriors in their own right.

Jorgon stood there within the crumbling temple tapping his foot in annoyance. "So at what point should we begin thinking about forming a search party for the flea-ridden savages? I'm starting to feel like the buxom lass who I stood up to be here. I probably should have sent a message. All well, what is it you humans say? 'One pair of legs closes, and another opens'?" He asked with a wink aimed at Iliana, breaking the increaseingly uncomfortable silence amongest the groups. Before another word could be said they were interupted by the thunderous roar of a lion. The unmistakeable Talzon leaped forth onto a fallen stone pillar, and released another bone chilling roar. The groups, save for the Elves, became increasingly nervous, and gripped their weapons tightly. Soon more of his kind began to reveal themselves.

"I think you should appologize for calling them flea-ridden savages." Jorgon whispered to his adopted brother Emron followed by a slight nudge to his side. Talzon stepped off the fallen pillar, and strode towards the group. If not for his many scars his animal form would be considered quite majestic. But instead he's quite the fierce sight, and let us not forget his piercing yellow eyes. His bones began shifting under his skin, and he started to stand up right as he turned more humanoid. He walked up to Lord Dyron, with each step just oozing authority. At this point he was mostly human, save for the fur on his face, his glowing eyes, large fangs, hairy arms, and clawed hands.

Talzon stood before the king mage, and lowly growled at him. Talzon glanced beside him, and saw the Princess of Nelmos. He growled at her much more loudly, almost becoming a solf roar. Before this escalated any further they were once agian interrupted. This time by a loud screeching roar from the sky. It sounded like the mixture of two animals, a lion roaring over the sound of a eagle screeching. This caused Talzon to back away slowly from Dyron, and become more human like, losing his fangs, and claws, and extra fur. All save for his glowing yellow eyes which remained transfixed upon the king in a fierce stare that said he was ready, and willing to rip his head off.

From a large hole in the ceiling swooped down a magnificent sight, a mighty Griffon, his father Carnell. The Skin-Changer king reared his head back, and released another, even mightier screeching-roar. This caused any remaining Skin-Changers to forcibly revert to their human forms. Whether they wanted to or not, they could not refuse the call of their Alpha. Talzon was no different. He backed away further from the mages, and his eyes returned to normal. Carnell lowered his wings, and covered his head. And then in a mere second his wings transformed into a cloak, and he stood up in his human form.

"Apologizes for our tardiness. We were forced to make a quick stop to deal with some bandits. It could not be helped." Carnell stated with a slight bow. "Aye, you're here now, and that's all that matters. Let us be down with this. I don't know how much more I ca' take of the Elves stench." Graven smirked. "Ah there's that Dwarven wit I've heard so much about. I'm not impressed." Tamardiel replied in cool, collected manner. "That's quite enough. We shall proceed to the meeting room. The rest of you await our return. Oh, and do try not to kill one another." Queen Malan interjected, bringing the conversation back on topic. "Dyron do be a dear, and open the door." She ordered. "Of course, my pleasure." Dyron replied.

Dyron made his way over to a large wall, running his hand along the groves of it's surface. He then abruptly stopped. He pressed his hand upon the stone, and a bright light outlined a door in front of him. The stone bricks then began lowering into the ground, revealing a secret room with only a large stone table inside. The four other rulers entered the room one by one, and finally Dyron entered the room. He stomped his foot on the ground, and the stone wall rose up, and sealed them inside to insure privacy.

---

---

---

---

---

---

Emron stood beside his friend, bored out of his mind as he stood there waiting like everyone else for the shifters to arrive. It really was not appropriate for them to be this late and though Emron was often this late for such things, he was not this late this late. Like he at least had the grace to have Jorgan or someone run ahead to tell whoever he was keeping waiting why he was being kept waiting.

Emron looked up as Jorgan began talking, looking to him with a look of impatience as he waited to hear what he had to say. Emron rolled his eyes at Jorgan's words, finding that they were normal for the dwarf and though they were partially true, were perhaps a bit harsh for the shifters. They weren't all flea ridden. They couldn't be.

"Now, now Jorgan, they can't all be flea ridden," Emron stated the 'nows' out loud while he whispered only loud enough for Jorgan to hear the last part. "You are literally begging to be arrested by literally everyone here," Emron pointed out softly as he gave smiles to all those around them that were looking pointedly at the dwarves.

When the prince of the shifters arrived, Emron's eyes widened and his hand, already on his sword, tightened in it's grip. He wasn't scared of the shifters, that was impractical. He was scared of having his blood spilt over Jorgan saying something stupid. When his friend spoke to him again, Emron's eyes widened further and shook his head as he looked to Talzon.

"It was him," Emron whispered with a point at Jorgan and a nod of the head. Emron looked away as Talzon began shifting, finding the sight rather unhealthy for his constitution. Emron wanted to roll his eyes at Talzon's display, but with great control, restrained. He was a caring person, yes, but caring for those that thought themselves to be the best and that the world owed them were not on Emron's list of those to care for.

Emron looked at Talzon with his contempt entirely concealed, instead, holding a face of nonchalance and blankness. Emron watched as Talzon's father obeyed and reigned in his unruly son. He was thankful as though the elder was rather magnificent and certainly more powerful than his son, he was also one who seemed to be more... respectable.

Emron watched the exchange between al the shifters before giving a slight nod and bow to acknowledge Carnell. Emron, upon hearing his father complain of the elves, looked to Lysanthir with a barely concealed smile while biting back his laughter. His father truly was ridiculous in Emron's own eyes. However much he was not pleased with his father though, Emron couldn't take the barely veiled insult from Tamardiel. There was no need to insult all dwarves, just most. That was suitable to Emron.

When the queen of the human country spoke up, Emron was thankful. The woman was one that spoke of authority without words and you just didn't cross her for any reason. Emron was comfortable with joking with many royalty such as her son Ross, though it was more teasing than joking, yet Emron would never joke or tease the queen of Melcotin whatsoever.

When the mage king opened the door, Emron watched in fascination as the door opened to reveal a table and chairs. Emron knew better than to attempt to follow into the room, instead watching his father as he took his seat. Emron then moved to sit on a nearby pillar base that had fallen long ago. He looked around at the other royals and their guards, guardians, and friends. It was a sight that would cause many to cowl, yet Emron honestly couldn't care less who he was in the presence of. He really would rather be in a town, or working.

He was not going to admit though that both the elven and the mage princesses were rather beautiful and he might or might not be embarrassed to talk to them. Mer he could probably speak a few words to, though the Princess of Nelmos... Emron would only speak to her after a few drinks. Possibly four. Probably more.

As Athelia's guardian spoke, Emron stifled his laughter again, succeeding in only producing a cough. It was amusing to say at the very least to hear the words that he had thought but not wanted to say. He wasn't going to step in, let the royalty who had actual problems battle it out with words.

He did give a smile at the small party though, his eyes on Athelia though as soon as he saw her move, he looked away, fearful that she had seen him watching her. He looked to Jorgan pointedly, pretending as if he was waiting for a response from his friend rather than looking as if he hadn't been doing something.

---

---

---

---

---

---

Ross stood next to his mother, openly staring at all of the different species around him. He was fairly close to the elf princess and her guardian. He kind of knew the dwarf prince and his friend. Ross didn't know where he stood with the princess of Nelmos, and he certainly didn't know what to think of the shifters who were late.

It wasn't often that Ross was able to openly look at them all and not be chastised about it. He could claim he was just looking after all, not outright staring as he actually was. Ross looked with raised brows to the dwarves as they began speaking. He aimed a pointed question at Iliana that Ross just widened his eyes at. He suddenly found a great interest in the skies above as he waited for a response from his friend. He need not defend her. In reality, he knew he would only embarrass himself since she was far more than capable of defending herself. .

Rather than being filled with terror at the sudden roar of a lion, Ross looked at the place the roar came from, a small smile creeping onto his lips. He found his hand on his waste where he held his knives regardless though. When he saw that Lysanthir and his guard were not gripping their weapons, Ross took a breath and stood, resuming the calm exterior he certainly didn't feel.

Ross looked to the prince of the shifters as he appeared, his eyes wide as he studied the shifter. Watching, he stiffened slightly when Talzon seemed to challenge the princess of Nelmos and her father. Ross had read plenty to know that the challenge could mean a great deal of things, or nothing, or everything. To be honest, Ross really just wanted to ask Talzon what he meant by the roar though he knew that it was probably an improper time to be doing so.

When a griffin appeared, Ross's mouth did open slightly as he studied the king of the skin changers, the beauty and grace of the creature nearly rivaling that of the elves though Ross would never admit that out loud to Lysanthir. He did not need to hear that Ross thought him beautiful or graceful.

Ross watched fascinated as the skin changers around their alpha appeared to be forced back into their human forms when there was a screech like roar from their king. Ross smiled, his mouth still open in wonder before he realized it and shut his mouth quickly.

Ross looked around for the other's responses to Carnell's words before copying their responses. He knew etiquette and all, but etiquette was not always they way to go or the rule to follow when dealing with a species that Ross was not as familiar with. The dwarf king made a comment only to then be followed by the elf king, their everlasting feud rather evident in their exchange.

Ross then heard his mother speak up and looked straight ahead, putting on his best court face of blankness yet lack of boredom as he had been chastised about that. Ross watched then as the king of the mages moved forward to reveal a secret room which Ross watched open with wide eyes and his mouth again slightly open. It wasn't often he got to witness such magic, a rarity in his own personal world actually.

Ross's thoughts then went back to what his mother said. Maiming? Did she really think they would maim one another? They were not that beastly the entire lot of royalty... Were they?

Ross watched as the other royals moved about. The mages were practically challenging the skin changers while the dwarves seemed not to care. He then turned his gaze back to the human Talzon with his eyes studying the skin changer openly. Ross thought over Morganna's, Athelia's guardian and the mage known as the Red Witch, speech. Athelia wasn't entirely harmless. She could be dangerous.

Ross looked at Athelia then before looking to Iliana. "Would it be creepy to ask her about her magic and what she can and can't do?" He asked his friend for advice with a curious look as he then turned his gaze back to the princess with a musing appearance now.

"Respect is something earned, not demanded through bloodlines or titles. Only those worthy of it get it." Talzon replied to the red witch's demand of an apology. He looked over to his second-in-command, and sighed slightly. "Don't worry about her. She isn't worth our energy. And let us not sully this place with mage blood." He stated to Ahuiliztli. He could feel the looks he got from everyone, not just the mages. He could tell they were rather fearful of him, and were hesitant about what he was going to do next. He slightly grinned at this. He wouldn't have it any other way.

Jorgon stroked his beard, and nodded his head in agreeance with Emron on changing the subject. "Yes, we should change the subject. I've got the strangest rash on my-" Jorgon started to say but he was interupted by the arrival of the mage princess. "...Toe. The rash on my toe." He said with a grin trying to save face. "Of course my dear you can sit with us! You're already making the conversation a hundred percent better." He smirked with a charming smile followed by a raised eyebrow as if he was proposing something.

Talzon walked past the Dwarves, and the Princess, and rolled his eyes at Jorgon. "Hmm....Oh better subject!" Jorgon said as he raised his hand up. "Hey tall, dark, and hairy hold up!" He said as he stood in front of Talzon. And just then realized the tremendous height difference. "Wow, what do they feed you people? Anyways I have a scholarly question about the Skin-Changers if you'd indulge me." He stated, still with his smile on. Talzon groaned, and rolled his eyes. "Yeah, when you Skin-Chargers are rutting do you ever change into animals during? Does that count as beastality? Do your Skin-Charger lasses prefer you animal forms?"

"We're done here." Talzon groaned, and then he walked away from Jorgon. "What? Like no one else was wondering about it." Jorgon replied to the strange looks he got from the other Dwarves. Talzon walked over to Meredine who was with the humans. "Mer, how are you today?" He asked in a much more friendly demeanor. He looked back at the mage princess breifly, and then he returned his gaze back to his friend. "What do you know of this Athelia?" He asked. He was rather curious about her, she didn't seem to have the same reaction to him as the other mages.

---

---

---

---

---

---

Emron found that the ability to speak left him as Athelia asked to sit with him and Jorgan. The princess backed him up! She was actually agreeing with Emron! He had taken her side first, but it still counts. He would argue it as much as it takes should Jorgan disagree later on.

Emron had been busy sighing to Jorgan, feeling as if though he was still defeated even if he did or did not prevent something bad from happening, he wasn't quite sure either way. Jorgan began talking about something that was rather... Emron wasn't quite sure how to describe it though he had the good grace to at least try to cover it up, though the repetition caused Jorgan to run his hand over his face. Having her ask though, it made him jump up. She was only slightly taller than him which was pretty amazing since he in general was supposed to be inches shorter. One of the tallest dwarves, Emron was thankful for his height even if he normally wasn't so self conscious.

"Of course, please. I beg you, anything to keep me from that talk," He says with a pleading smile before giving Jorgan a pointed look that said he still had no desire to hear of his rash later.

Emron seats himself next to the mage princess though at a distance that would be appropriate and allow him to make conversation that made sense. It was then tht Jorgan decided for yet another subject change and appeared to want an early death as he approached Talzon. As Jorgan says he has a scholarly question, Emron looks at his friend curiously. He already knows that whatever question it is, it is not a good one, yet Emron is curious what his friend has to ask.

That is, until his friends ask the question. He looks at the princess then to pass of the pretense of having never heard Jorgan so he could pretend he didn't hear Jorgan ask the question. "How are you doing princess?" Emron asks though he finds it to be a stupid question as soon as it leaves his mouth. He wants to bash his head in, feels as if Jorgan should just go ahead and do it now, but he gives a small smile that says he is genuinely interested. He isn't sure if his shyness towards her is visible, but prays it is not.

"I mean... How... I guess... I mean... How are you?" Emron finishes, realizing through his stuttering that he really wasn't asking a stupid question as he was really interested, not faking it at all. How was she doing? It was also a safe question.

---

---

---

---

---

---

---

---

Ross huffs as he is told not to assist. He knew they were only trying to advise him and help him and keep him safe, yet... It was as if he was the child. He was nearly Iliana's age. A few years younger yes, but not far enough behind that it was as if he was a child.

He knew Iliana would probably pick up on his temporary negative attitude before he had managed to hide it. He hated that he couldn't keep his feelings hidden constantly like his mother could. It was also just downright annoying.

"What skin changers and mages do... So skin changers and mages are like elves and dwarves, yet who are humans... Never mind," Ross states as if he figured it out. He really just didn't want to talk more if it gave the opportunity to put himself down more. He hated when he did it to himself, but it was easier to blame oneself when you knew it wasn't the fault of others. D*mn his reasoning.

Ross was too deep in thought of self loathing and excitement over Lysanthir's touch to listen to the dwarves or the mages or the skin changers until one approached the little group of elves and humans.

Ross silently raised a brow at Lysanthir in response to Mer giving Talzon a peck. It wasn't something that should surprise him as much as it did, but it did. He just wasn't really expecting it at the moment.

Ross considered Mer's words. Why was it that she believed Athelia's father had kept her hidden? She was rather pretty, though Ross did not feel himself attracted to the little mage nearly as much as the pretty elf beside him.

Ross caught Iliana's raised brow at him and found a sudden extreme interest in his shoulder that Lysanthir's hand happened to be on. His face reddened though Ross managed to keep most of the blush under control. Ross feigns hurt at Iliana's words of a lack of a decent fight for a long time. "Honestly, you couldn't have said it more terribly," Ross sighs with an over dramatic fake sniffle before wiping away a fake tear and looking at her with a lazy smile that was more common on his face.

Ross feels Iliana's words of him being younger more than ever when she gives him that look. He gets that they are family, but couldn't everyone perhaps treat him like he isn't so fragile? Or stupid? Or naive? Or perhaps he is just being stupid? Or Fragile? Or Naive? Ross inwardly kicks himself at his lack of knowing what he is feeling towards everyone today, other than Lysanthir, and his certainty that Iliana is still an amazing friend, one that just doesn't know his own, deeper thoughts at the moment.

"I swear, if we get through this encounter without a fight, it will be a miracle," Ross admits with a shrug and a raised brow as he marvels at the group's inability to communicate in a more civilized manner.

Ross looks to Iliana, begging with his eyes and nothing more for advice with Lysanthir as he looks at him with only his eyes so she at least has a general idea of what he is trying to communicate. Perhaps she could advise him what to do about his love life that seemed messed up and confusing at the moment.

Jorgon turned to face the redheaded mage as she spoke to him, with a devilish smile crossing his lips. "Well, my dear, that is our loss." He smirked at her statement about not being around the Dwarves that often. "Yes, Dwarven craft is superior. No offense my lady, but we've got acsess to the better metals, and ores from deep within the mountians. Much stronger than any metals you have here on the surface." He stated with a note of pride. "And as for being lucky, being around such visons of loveliness as you Miss Firea, and your Princess Athelia, and Miss Jiklo, I would imagine myself as so." He stated with a satisfied grin. She hadn't told him her name, but he knew already. He was a Spymaster after all.

Talzon accepted Mer's peck with the slightest of smiles. "What can I say, I like to make an entrance." He said with a slight joking air to him. Vastly different then how he was acting before. He listened as his friend told him what little she knew about the Mage Princess, even though he could already guess what she told him. "Yes, she is quite......pretty." He stated, his gaze almost piercing through her. "For a mage of course." He said as he turned to face Mer, but he would glance over to the princess infreqently.

"Well if you need some information about our fellow....party goers, you simply had to ask." He smirked as he leaned beside Athelia against a ruined old pillar. "Where should we start......Oh! My favorite subject, me! I'm Jorgon Glarson, inventor, adventurer, Majestic Lion and lover extraordinaire." He stated as he pointed to himself. "Of course you know the Baby Child here, Emron." He said as he lightly patted him on the head, treating him almost like a kid.

"Let's see......um the Humans, Prince Ross, and....um....Captain Iliana I believe. The Elves..." Once he mentioned the Elves he groaned in disgust. "The redheaded lass is the princess, Meredine. And the flat chested lass with her is Lysanthir....wait that's a man. Those are some very delicate features for a male." He explained. "And of course we have our furry friends. Tall, dark, and sullen over there is Talzon the Berserker as I'm sure you're well aware of. Hmm.....do ladies really find that broody, and mystery type that attractive?" He asked as he rubbed his chin. "Perhaps I should start acting that way." He muttered. "Oh, and his companion Ahuiliztli. Impressed?"

Soon the stone opened up as the rulers stepped out of the meeting room. They all stepped out, and each went to their own courners of the room, and each gave a look at their children to come, and meet with them. Talzon went over to his father of course, being readily at his side. "Talzon, Ahuiliztli, you two must embark on an journey with the other royals here, and their companions. This task is of the upmost importance, and must be handled with the greatest of hast." Carnell stated as he placed his hand on his son's shoulder, and smiled proudly at him. "But.....of course father. Whatever you wish." Talzon was a little apprenhensive at this, but he figured his father knew best.

"Allow me to go say goodbye to my men." Carnell gave a nod of approval, and let him go. "Ahuiliztli, a moment if you please. I would like to ask something of you. I know this goes without saying, but will you please look after Talzon. I know he is very powerful, and doesn't need it, but he is still my son, and I still worry about him." He asked with a concerned look.

"Lads, come here." Graven ordered as he placed his hands on the shoulders of Emron, and Jorgon. "You'll be going on a venture with the other children, and their companions. But remember, no matter what you two are family, and family must trust one another over all others." He stated in a serious tone. "Of course father, as you wish." Jorgon replied in a surprisingly serious tone as well. He held great respect towards his adoptive father, and would do anything for him.

"Mereline, Lysanthir. You two are going to venture out with the other royals, and their companion. And Mereline, always remember, you represent the Elves wherever you go. So do keep that in mind." She stated rather coldly, and calmly. She trusted that she didn't need words of endearment to give her daughter.

"Ross, my darling little boy." Malan said as she placed her hand on Ross's cheek, and rubbed it with her thumb. "You are stronger than you know my boy, you are my son after all. You were born to lead, let no one tell you different. Ever." She added. She then looked over to Iliana. "You two are to accompany the others on a journey. Be careful."

"Athelia, you are to accompany the others, along with Morgianna of course." Dyron rather bluntly stated. "Remember to trust no one. Especially not those....savages." He said as he glared over at the Skin-Changers, clearly showing his distain towards them.

Once all their goodbyes were said Queen Malan walked to the center of the room, drawing all attention towards herself. "Alright, you will journey to the farest reaches of our realm, to the mountians in the north. There you will find a cave at the higest peak. From there we cannot say, for we don't know." She explained. "We trust in you this task." And with that she, and the other rulers left to their homes with their forces that arrived, leaving the royals, and their companions in the ruined temple.

Talzon looked around at the others. "We best get going, we need to make as much headway towards the mountians as possible before we lose the daylight. It will be harder for you to travel in the dark." He said, taking charge. "Oh? And who died, and made you boss?" Jorgon stated as he folded his arms. "You, if you don't shut up. I know these woods better than any of you, I can get us there."