Inikhethadaternock's Story

The City of Wer'Guawysvern, a place full of mystery and its own intrepid heroes and villains, seat to the great sand dragon Inikhethadaternock and his mighty palace built into the side of a mountain were he can overlook his domain with an earthen gaze filled with greed and excitement.
This story however takes place within the grand chambers of the sandy one as he lay upon a large bed of warmed sand while being taken care of by several strange creatures who kept their features hidden by robes and hoods made of the finest dwarven silks while the room was filled with the scent of sweet meats and a feast worth killing for. "Confn vrak, come to me and kneel, as there is much to discuss in the way of future events and the possibilities of it all seem to enthrall me in the effort of controlling more than this single city filled with its vast riches and refined tastes." The Lord of the Sands spoke as he lowered his gaze upon his trusted City administration only to take in a large breath of air to taste her scent and shake his head showing how pleased he was.

Inikhethadaternock slowly rose up from his sand bed only to wave his servants off leaving the two alone in the massive room. The Sand Dragon was a massive hulk of muscle and as he brought a clawed finger up to scratch at his spiked chin he simply sat back down as he regarded his spawn before him. "I did not call you in here to speak of such things as the people always comply with my will." The sand dragon began to chuckle and shook his head only to reach for what would appear to be a rather large saucer that was filled to the brim with a clear liquid amber of some kind. " Hofibai sjek astahii siofmea astahii tiliw tir tikil weyotiprevi. Enough about the common people though. I wish to speak of other things along the lines of history Qenna L'Tone. I wish to speak of the progress my other two children have been making. You were present when the order was given to force that woman to hand over Symir Urthador? She should have knew better than to defy me as he eldest daughter came so willingly."

Inikhethadaternock raised the saucer to his toothy maw only to down half of it after his half-breed daughter had stuck a finger into it only to let a sigh of relief escape his death trap of a mouth. "Argel Wine imported by the dwarves. Jorn Gareif does not fear me as he and I both know that a journey to his kingdom would be a wasted effort but he still sends me gifts so that I can keep him in favor when it comes to the economy of the city." The dragon lord spoke only to then lower his gaze down at Qenna L'Tone. "And what of Aurora Urthador, his eldest sister, what news on her training from the monks of the sands?"

Inikhethadaternock looked down at the woman who was before him just to ponder what she had meant by that question of hers. The fixation that some people had was almost unbearable to deal with while others were rather acute at their tasks. "Let me tell you a story about a man who once ruled the world of commerce using whores as his primary form of business." The Mighty sand dragon spoke as he set the rather large saucer down just to cross his arms and lean in a bit. "This man I knew for several years before I devoured all of his wealth and his business just to leave him stranded in the desert for four nights before he keeled over. He once had a whore who cried every day when customers were at its highest and he did everything within his power to make her happy." Inikhethadaternock waved his left clawed hand around just to give a toothy grin as he looked down at his daughter before him. "He tried and tried and could do nothing for her. He brought her riches and she still wept, he brought her affection and she still wept, he brought her finally a child who was blessed by the gods and told her it was her own son and still she wept. Finally after months of getting no coin out of her he found someone who wanted to buy a sad girl. Were she is now is not known but this man did make his money back ten fold thanks to her sadness. My children are mine and their worth is only as good as their skills."

"Yes actually." It was high time he would let her know of what he had heard on high winds through his little birds just to raise his scaly clawed hand allowing the arcane energy just ripple off him like water as the illusion he was wanting to create began to envelop the entire room. Several beings standing around a table and each challenging the other to see who would control all of Gaia. "One god will rule over all the lands of Gaia and I wish to have no part in dealing with my throne being taken by someone who does not compare to me in the slightest. You will need to make sure the city is well defended and to make sure that those two children are ready to fight for their father, perhaps even you if the time comes. On other news of the less important kind it seems that a rather famous tavern I visited once will be throwing a party as part of a festival of some kind. I will require you to go in my place as I will have other things that must be taken care of. The party takes place in one week."

"The Suzerain,wer ulhar darastrix? Yes you might be right. I will send you to deal with that." The large sand dragon spoke only to ponder who else he actually knew from that location. "If you do this then you will have no need to attend that party for me. I will send another then."

"I will send Symir to the party and Aurora will escort you to the realm of this blue dragon. I am fully confident of her abilities unless you wish for me to pick another?" The last bit of his question was filled with a tired annoyance but the sand dragon knew the tacitness of keeping his things in working order. "I will also provide you with a gift. Though I would rather destroy it than anything else I wish to give to you several tomes on the art of soul sorcery and a wagon filled with two barrels of dornish whiskey and two large chests of emeralds and rubies. Hand these things to either the dragon or whoever is next in command."

Inikhethadaternock looked at his half-breed daughter with distaste only to reach and grab her by her back only to turn her about. "We are done. Do not fail me in this task Qenna for failing me will be the least of your concerns."

"Qenna L'Tone! Do not test my patience!" The dragon bellowed as he found himself grabbing for the half breed he brought into this world only to think of who he could replace with her if needed. "If you desire my affection so then know that you are still alive. Think about that while you deal with the paperwork and ruling of running my city." The sand dragon slammed his large scaly clawed hand down upon the ground and his servants from before came rushing back in with jewels in hand as they were going to rub them into their masters scales. "Now Administrator if that is all I wish to ponder on my next move."

The message was recieved quickly and a reply was even quicker than usual. The Lord of the Southern Sands seemed angry as he was awoken from his slumber for such a trivial matter.

"[b]Qenna L'Tone, you dare, tell me you are not as ignorant as to say no to such an activity. You are to be my eyes and ears for when I am not present. Would you rather me have Aurora?!"[/b]

The draconic voice seemed to rumble inside her head and she would suddenly feel the dragons eyes siting upon her and the scene she was present at. Inikhethadaternock simply growled slightly and scratched at his scaly hide only to make note of his growing hunger. "I am not sure what pains me more. Knowing that the brightest of my bastards is making second guesses or that they have yet to think like a true dragon. Give my blessing to this supposed lord, if he could be called such, and enjoy the meal. Maybe a descent meal will set your mind straight. during the festivities question my son and make sure he knows full well the crimes he has committed are of the highest offense. He will be reprimanded of course but not sentenced to death like so many before him due to leaving his post." The sandy dragon would suddenly grow silent as he remained in his home and ave a toothy grin as his servants brought in several mammoth sized platters of foods from all corners of the multiverse for their lord to devour. "I am sure you will not bother me again unless it is important. My blessings be with you and those of Tiamat."

Symir glanced at the assassin Redmane only to nod before speaking up. "My lady I assure you everything will do just fine."

Redmane did not like where this was going, in thoughtful look she turned towards Symir, "I'm so going to kill her first wrong move she makes." Her look said. No questions asked, she was totally hacked off at that moment. So much so that she had duty to worry about as well. And also a fake friendship she had to keep up.

Her true target was Jorn, giving her this task only made that slightly easier. Until this tailed creature showed up. Geezuz. Why did missions have to go horridly wrong every singlt stinkin' time ?

Qenna just smiled as she placed her hands behind her back along with her staff which was now coiled within her tail "My apologies I was a little fast with my words. I would be honored to join you for dinner my lord. I thank you greatly for your hospitality. I am weary from my travels and could do with a good meal" She said with a humble bow and low incline of her head "I also wish to give my Lord's blessings upon you in thanks for such an offer" She said while casting an eye on Symir warily and then the woman.

She seemed...animalistic in her glances, something she would have to rectify but at a later date. Right now, her priority was her brother and charge. After all, she had a job to do

The lord of the manner simply smiled and made his way down the hall waving the three to follow after him as he asked one of his serving girls to add another plate to the feast for their most honored guest. Symir walked with his bow in hand but simply placed it within its sheath only to then give a quick glance to his fathers adviser. "You know I am sure there are plenty of things that you would be willing to ask. Maybe you could even be humble enough to hear my side of the story and allow me to go free once this little party is over?" The young nobles question fell on Qella L'tones ears while he turned to Redmane and smirked slightly. He knew full well that the events to come had to look genuine in order for things to go off without a hitch so he stopped one of the servants and made a small gesture to his bow and the quivers he carried on his person. "Please set these things in my room. I will retrieve them later."

The Great city of Wer'Guawysvern sat bellow and the oracles and wizards of the mighty desert city began their works in the name of their great scaly Lord of the Southern Sands. Inikhethadaternock simply offered a toothy smile as he rose from his sandy throne and donned a silk robe to cover his bare sun-kissed skin. His elvish appearance he now took moved with grace as he took a scroll from a kneeling robed servant all the while his Hidden Claw strode right beside him keeping her silence until he was ready for her words.

"You know, Aurora, there is a fine line of wonderful news that I am willing to take." Inikhethadaternock commented as he unrolled the scroll and looked over the inscribed work only to smirk. "I was wondering how that assignment went. So you outright killed the man in public?" The Dragon quested slyly. Aurora simply nodded and kept her pace with her lord as they walked.

"I called him out for his betrayals and when he tried to deny them I silenced him." Aurora quickly commented. She kept her eyes forward as the two stepped into the daylight. "My lord what are you going to do about the newcomers who sit high above? Ra'Zahr and that wizard said that they would arrive but we have no idea as to what kind of force they have. Their technology from what I am informed is magical in nature but..." Aurora began to trail off the subject as her gaze fell upon Symir who only offered his own smile as he strode past the two.

"Aurora." The sand dragon chirped a bit as he continued to smile. "Go after that loving brother of yours and let him know that lunch will be served shortly. I expect him to be present during the festivities and for the arrival of our guests if they decide to come down from that lofty spot of theirs."

The Hidden Claw simply nodded and turned about to go after her brother. The King of Wer'Guawysvern simply continued on his way and began to look over his territory just to then bring his gaze up too the sky above. His keen vision brought a smile to his face as arcane energies began to flow heavily around him.

"Bring on the feast then."

Silence was all the Qenna would give towards the two, following quietly behind the King of the Sands. Qenna sighed inwardly as she strode along behind and listened to the words spoken between her sister and father 'Fools...the lot of them' She thought to herself as she leaned slightly on her walking stick, the Staff hummed with a power all it's own, her fingers brushing up and down the golden lines and runic markings while her gaze shifted to look at it 'I take it you already know a good deal about that thing in the sky dont you?' She asked, the tiefling would say while running her fingers through her hair to brush it from her face.

'Always...' The Staff replied as it said further 'It is a very curious design, however, I would need to interface directly with one of their minds to learn anything further. All I can infer is that their magic is almost superior to your own' Qenna nodded and would sway her tail back and forth gently as her gaze lifted up at the thought of a feast 'Great...another feast with the boring dignataries...wonderful of days' She said with a roll of her eyes and allowed her presence be known by a sharp rapping of her staff on the ground "My Lord...do you desire my contact with regard to those whom rest above our heads?" She asked him

Her face was practiced and even in tone, cold, steely eyes watching her Father while her grip on her staff tightened gently though she did bow her head "If necessary, I could arrange quarters for them and their number to stay within the city walls" Qenna offered.

The king of the sands simply turned to look at his wonderful court wizard only to frown slightly as there was still plenty to do.

"You know Qenna it is almost unbearable when you ask such simple questions." The sun kissed elf offered her a mock bow. His blue eyes seemed to glow as they held their gaze upon his half bread child. "I actually wish you to be present for when the new arrivals show themselves. After all Ra'Zahr and that large hatted wizard did promise me that those guests of ours would be most famished and tired."

Inikhethadaternock began to straighten himself up and popped his neck only to look over the vast ocean before them and the desert at their backs. "Have the people who work within my halls prepare a great meal and the dining hall. Make sure there is extra sand upon the floor and the cooling lamps in place, the blue flames. Once this is all done and over with I will require my maps and documents from our personal library to see what can be done with our new found friends to make them comfortable."

Qenna sighed gently while tapping the ground with her staff "Very well my lord but may I make one point known. How am I to know your will when you do not share it with me? I may be your advisor and a high tier Chrono-mancer but there are literally an endless amount of outcomes your will could be based on the current situation. Time is fickle like that" She said and would turn to head out for the servant's quarters to begin the preparations "Time...what is the nature of it?" She said to herself then snapped her fingers and disappeared as time itself froze all around her. even the Great Sand King would find himself immobile to her while she headed onward

'My Lady, you sound angry...' The staff hummed as the Tiefling nodded a little "I am Heim but now is not the time to be venting frustrations and troubles. Now, there is work to be done and perhaps once the evening has come, I may shed a tear or two in the oasis" Qenna would arrive at the quarters and snapped her fingers again loudly as time resumed and she began to organize the servants for the feast's preparations.

"Sire, we have located an adequate civilization and have synchronized the arcanogram. Shall we establish contact?"

"Aye, initiate the broadcast."

Several minutes after the conversation between the King of the Sands and his underlings, when the King was alone with his thoughts, a hum of magical energy stirred the air. The flames of the nearby fire flickered and churned with the hum. A blast of wind erupted through the room as the flames ascended several feet in the air. Cosmic energy flowed through the flames, warping and shifting them into a radiant golden yellow. An aura of soothing and calming tranquility and peace flowed from the fire place along with a soft tune that melted away anxiety and tension. The radiance flowed from the hearth and melded into a tall humanoid form.

The figure grew in size until it nearly doubled the height of the king's elven form. A golden brown mane surrounded his fierce and noble feline face and flowed down his shoulders and back like a shining waterfall. Long flowing robes covered the being's large and muscled body. His eyes shone like two stars that were illuminated with an aura of great wisdom, power, nobility, virtue, and honor. A massive jagged broadsword covered in glowing runes rested in his paw-like hands. He gripped the hilt and held it downward like a cane. The image of golden light and warm flame shimmered as he raised a clenched fist to his chest in a salute.

"Greetings, friend," the being said in a rich, strong, yet tender voice. "I am Neodin Shadowslayer, son of Lo'din the Fearless, King of Arydia, Head Councilman of the Khroniktan Alliance, High Priest of the Chosen, and Prophet of Leolik. On behalf of all the free peoples of Khroniktus, I extend a banner of peace and friendship towards you and your race. Please respond if you can understand me."

The King of the Sands simply offered a bow and a warm smile before he opened his mouth.

"A fine greeting indeed, Neodin Shadowslayer, son of Lo'din the Fearless, King of Arydia, Head Councilman of the Khroniktan Alliance, High Priest of the Chosen, and Prophet of Leolik. I also wish to extend a warm hand and embrace a wayward people to the lands of Gaia."

The sun-kissed elf offered his warmest greetings while straightening himself up. Inikhethadaternock could only smile as the opportunity that presented itself was to rare to pass up. With these new people they would need to know what this land could provide and its dangers as well. Asides from that the sand dragon began to ponder something more as he looked at the massive figure that stood before him.

"I am blessed by the luck of the Prophets it seems for I was foretold of your arrival actually. I wonder if you would be willing to accept my invitation to a feast in your honor Neodin Shadowslayer. You and your people have traveled far and I am sure that the splendors I have to offer would be a welcome comfort to such a powerful king."

Meanwhile in the lower city Ra'Zahr and Bigsby ate their own meals discussing the local politics of the massive sand dragon while Symir and Aurora went about on their own tasks. The massive city seemed to glow as the suns falsely set behind the clouds within the sky as the last light gleamed off the city and its crushed minerals that lined the crevices between each golden brick. Within the dragons main hall a massive feast was being set and prepared by the finest cooks and the air within smelled greatly of spices and fine drink. Many of the people within began to celebrate as the priests of the city began to spread word of the possible arrival of new guests and honored friends.

The Aryite King gave the elf a reassuring smile before inclining his head. "I accept the invitation into your household, Lord of the Sands, on behalf of my convoy and myself. We will arrive at the gates of your city by late afternoon on the morrow to ensure ample time for your staff to prepare. Until then, King Inikhethadaternock."

With that, the shimmering image of King Neodin faded and the flames returned to the hearth.

---------

The next day.

The massive crystalline vessels continued their orbit. Cosmic and arcane energies surged across their surfaces and formed ripples of pulsating light like waves on a golden sea. A dozen smaller ships crafted from the same crystalline material emerged from the ripples and descended towards the world below. They penetrated the atmosphere - leaving contrails of superheated ozone in their wake. Dry desert winds whipped against the smooth faces of their hulls.

The Khroniktan ships glistened like desert diamonds in the radiance of Gaia's dual suns. Some were rectangular like long sea-faring ships while others were more faceted. They approached the edge of the city before slowing to a silent halt. Galleys, the long rectangular vessels, descended to the ground while their sleek diamond-shaped Trireme cousins remained aloft like guardian angels. They took defensive positions in the sky - passive yet alert.

A single vessel flew ahead of the herd and landed at a stone's throw from the city gate. It landed with its broadside facing the city. The vessel hovered above the ground, causing a barely perceptible disturbance in the sand beneath. Swirling light resonated on the side of the ship.

Several pairs of armored feet emerged from the light. Gallant figures clad in golden plate radiated with an aura of mystical and divine energy. They towered head and shoulders above the residents of Wer'Guawysvern and were thick as boulders. Large broadswords, shields, maces, and bows were sheathed on their backs. Fur, ranging from a glossy black to pale yellow, covered the entirety of their bodies. The fur that adorned their feline-like faces and heads were neatly trimmed, tied back, or braided into dreadlocks. Other manes were gray and thinned. Large banners, bearing their gold and red standard, were gripped in the gauntlets of the two front Aryites.

The armor-clad lion-men marched lockstep to a rigid rhythm of snares, toms, and bass. However, none of the Aryite Chosen wielded any instruments among their arms. It was as if the cadence resonated from the air itself, or an invisible orchestra of spirits had materialized to guide the holy warriors. Two columns of ten marched with five paces between them.

“Shemot!... Imaki!... Shemo’ imak’ shemot!” barked one of the Aryites in sync with the cadence.

“Magtzeer!” he shouted. The columns and marching beat ceased at the order. “Lehuka nazeh makedat!” As one, the two lines pivoted inward and stood rigid with soldierly discipline.

“Ledaha!” The soldiers, in a robotic sync, stretched their gauntleted paw-hands behind their backs and unsheathed their large broadswords. Their blades resonated with runes of courage, righteousness, and virtue. They gripped the runeblades in both hands and placed the tips against the ground.

Another figure emerged from the ship. His mountainous body was wrapped in long flowing robes of royal purple, pure gold, and shining silver. A long furred tail swayed behind him. King Neodin Shadowslayer stood two heads above the other Aryites and towered at twice the height of the Gaians. A golden brown mane, laced with strands of silver and gray, surrounded his fierce and noble feline face and flowed down his shoulders and back. His eyes shone like two stars that illuminated an aura of great wisdom, power, nobility, virtue, and honor. He held a massive runesword in his grip. Runes similar to those carved into the blades of the Aryite Chosen, but much more ancient and powerful, glowed with a soft golden luminescence on the blade. Neodin wielded the blade like a cane - or a scepter. A crown of polished silver adorned his brow. The band was crafted of pure gold while studs of firm bronze fastened it and the silver body together. Crimson rubies adorned the tips of the headpiece.

The Aryite Chosen lowered to their knees and bowed their heads in deep reverence to their King and High Priest as he walked down the aisle between the columns. They rose to attention after his passing.

Several other figures followed King Neodin. Some were other Aryites dressed in fine silks and expensive jewels. Other, much smaller creatures, were interspersed with the Aryites. They stood shorter than the Gaians with their backs hunched. Long beaks protruded from beneath linen hoods while talons slid through the sand. The creatures rotated their heads every which way to take their surroundings. A large assortment of colors, ranging from forest greens, earthy greys, to electric blues painted their fine robes.

"Presenting King Neodin Shadowslayer," one of the Aryite's declared, "King of Arydia, Head Councilman of the Khroniktan Alliance, High Priest of the Chosen, and Prophet of Leolik; and accompanying delegation of the Khroniktan Alliance!"