Golden Vale

Parisa made her way out of the woods and to a watering hole. It had been four days since she ran away from her home and so far no one had followed her. She had hidden in trees and bushes and even in someone's house. Now she was exhausted and thirsty. Making sure no one was around, she ran, and dropped to her knees. Cupping water into her mouth she laughed at how cool and satisfying it was on her dried lips and tongue. It had been a couple days since she had actual water. Anything from berries hardly did a thing.

Now she was here. She liked this place a lot. The animals were friendly and the butterflies loved her. It wouldn't be hard to make a home here. Though she had seen a few humans along the way, there were not so much that it would be a problem. Checking around one more time she dropped her cloak and spread her wings. They were almost translucent with a hint of brown and green. Her twin brother had the same pair.

"Ahh, this feel so nice." She stretched. "It has been forever since I could let you guys out." They flapped happily.

Overhead, a shadow went over the trees. It was large, but not so large as to be gargantuan but large enough to be considered threatening by most on this planet. She had been here for some years now with her mate and while he slept, she took it upon herself to see more of this world and to enjoy the world around her.

Cynder flapped her wings and flew lower over the forests of the Golden Vale, far enough from home to be alone yet close enough to retreat should the rowdy humans get too curious. She let out a delighted roar as she flapped her wings ever harder and barreled her way towards the tree tops. Spying a spot in the forests that had a small lake, the black adult wyrm soon landed upon the edge of the pool and lowered her head to drink.

Completely unaware of the fairy that was nearby, she was just simply content to drink and enjoy the crispness of the waters that no doubt came from a spring that ran through the mountains.

She had been twirling when she saw the shadow rush over, but hadn't got a good enough look at it. She knew it was big, that's for sure. Thinking safety in the woods would be best, she hurried to the trees in just enough time to hear the roar and froze, it was definitely a dragon.

Her parents had told them stories of dragons. Some of them good and some of them bad, but none of them had ever actually seen one so to them dragons were things of myths and lore. Most of her siblings didn't believe in them and even took the time to tease her about the fact that she believed that they were real. There were always some truth in myths, legends, lore, etc. Now she was watched as one landed about a few hundred yards away from her. If only she could show her siblings and a parents, but there was no way she could 1. Get the dragon over there. 2. Get her family over here. 3. Or go back home.

The dragon before Parisa was black as night with red under its wings and body. The thing that caught her eyes the most were the blue gyms and silver color. Was this dragon someone's pet or ride? From what she heard dragons were creatures to always be feared good or bad and that if good they would stand side by side with humans, elves, and fairies.

She tired getting closer, using the trees as shields, this was an opportunity and she took it. If she died, and she hoped she wouldn't, at least she would have been doing something she wanted to do.

Cynder's maw dipped below the water so she could drink, eyes closed as she breathed out several plumes of black smoke from her nostrils as her tail swayed back and forth. The bladed claws and tail tip gleamed in the sunlight which cast some spots with light in the reflection. As the wind blow, she could smell something. Something rather close to her which caused her eyes to open sharply and looked about the trees. She took in another breath and exhaled again.

"Come out. I can smell you you know" She said, hunched over slightly as if to pounce. But her eyes went to the treeline, sniffing the air a few times.

"I haven't smelled one of your kind before. You must be one of the denizens of this world that I have not yet encountered. Come out so I may see you. I promise I will not harm you"

The Dragon sounded female, though it was very gravelly of a voice as the female moved away from the water and laid down on her belly while curling her legs underneath herself. Her fore paws went out in front of her while her wings closed and nestled themselves against her body. She laid her head upon her paws and simply waited for whatever it was to come out.

"A what? A Dragon? Show me!"

A small white sparrow fluttered about in Rika's face, chirping and telling her what was seen. The roar could have been proof, but there are some things in the forest that could make that sound. The sparrow tweeted and chirped before fluttering off into the foliage. Rika dashed forward and quickly scaled a tree.

With the precision and grace of an acrobat, she jumped between branches, swung on vines and slid down mossy logs to quickly navigate through the woods she so desperately guarded.

A dragon could be bad news, depending on the type and gender, the whole forest could be in danger. There were a few caves around in which large hoards of treasure might be found and Rika knew of the fierce passion in which Dragons coveted gold. She dashed quickly and silently through the woods until she reached the lake.

She stayed hidden in the darkness of the brush as she spied the Black Wyrm. Other than the Silver Dragon, she had never seen another. Great stories were woven around the Great Serpents and their potential. Cynder frightened Rika, though she was magnificent.

Parisa tensed, she didn't even think about them smelling. How could she forget such a thing? She slowly emerged from the trees, her wings were still out and her cloak still on the ground where she had dropped it. Her silver hair shinned in the sunlight and almost made her wings invisible.

Her hand made a small gesture, like a wave. "H-Hello...I uh...I was here first, but it isn't mine. You can totally drink from the water too. I was just...I wasn't trying to sneak up on you. I was actually curious you see, my parents... they... they told us stories when we were younger. Some good and some bad, though I hear the bad ones come from humans." She rambled on and on. Her eyes averted to the river and anything around the dragon to where she didn't have to make eye contact.

Her hands fidgeted with her ivory dress. Any form of bravery was almost gone.

Cynder spied the fairy peeking out, then emerging from the trees not too far off. Of course she was free to drink from the lake, it was there after all. Her head tilted slightly to the left, letting out a heavy breath in which a thick plume of black smoke came from her maw as she rose up to her full height. She made a few steps forwards to get closer to the small creature then laid back down once again, now able to get a better look at her.

Her tail curled inwards and rested by her side as her head slowly lowered down to inspect the creature and took in a few deep breaths then exhaled through her nostrils. With a slow motion, she leaned in and gently rubbed her snout against the tiny fairy in an attempt to calm it down.

"You are alright small one. I don't plan on eating one so small nor would I want to. You are certainly not on my list of favorite foods. In fact, I have never seen such a creature like you. Save for back where I come from. What is your name small one? My name is Cynder"

The Dragoness's eyes shifted towards the trees and scanned the treeline for a moment as another scent caught on the wind. Yet for now, she was more intrigued by this small fairy then whatever was lurking in the trees. After a second, her attention turned right back to the fairy with her head down so she could give the tiny thing her full attention.

Rika was transfixed on Cynder, she was completely different from the Silver Dragon. Rika jumped slightly at the black plumes of smoke, a fire dragon. A fire Dragoness to be exact. Rika quickly dashed around the tree line to find a different angle to observe from.

Then Parisa stepped out of the shadows and towards the Dragoness. It was a Fairy, they didn't live in this part of the woods. The situation grew curiouser and curiouser. A small field mouse scurried next to Rika and began squeaking softly. She reached down and picked the small rodent up and held it level with her eyes. "Go tell your king to spread word of a fire dragon in the Golden Vale, tell him to send word to all corners of the forest to prepare for anything"

The mouse squeaked and scurried off into the woods. Rika's attention returned to the Dragon and the Fairy who were conversing. She kept her eyes trained on the Dragon, her body was crouched and ready to leap and attempt to save the Fairy if the dragon turned violent.

Her body tensed as the dragon got up and walked toward her, only to lay back down again. She wanted to relax, but this was all so new to her. She had to play it safe, though when she was nudged softly by the dragon's muff a small giggle let out. Warm and cold at the same time. She never felt that before.

Carefully reaching out she gently petted the dragon. Rough warm skin ran under her hand. It sort of felt like the cloth they used for their weapons back home. Her hand shot back, what if it was the skin of dragons they used. Shaking her head, that couldn't be. Her people were no match for dragons, let alone one.

"My name is Parisa Evanthe Winters, 7th daughter and twin of the Winters family. It is nice to meet you Cynder, Dragon of....where ever we are." She smiled gently swayed some. "I am not from here though. Oh no, I am from a place some kind of far away." She turned back where she came from and pointed. "My people, my family..." She turned back to the dragon, "they want me to marry and follow the same footsteps everyone takes. No questions asked. I simply do not wish to wed someone I do not love and would like not to be put in a boxed life."

Parisa's eyes followed Cynder, but saw nothing. Then she leaned in, smiled, and whispered, "I am, after all, a Butterfly Fairy."

"I am afraid I do not know the marriage customs of your kind or of those whom walk on two legs. But I do know that we as the females must submit to our males but only to those we find worthy. My mate is a strong male but he knows that I am worthy of his respect. We find our mates in the time that we decide to take them. An odd way of phrasing it but its the best I could do. I am not one for such matters as this is more instinct"

The female let out a plume of smoke from the sides of her maw to avoid breathing it out of her nostrils onto the poor fairy. Her head inclined up and down to nod before she lifted her head again to sniff the air a few times. The scent had moved and her eyes now moved about the tree line before speaking up.

"For a hunter, you are terrible at hiding your scent. Come out so I might see your face and know your scent better"

Cynder rose and turned to face towards the source of the scent, Rika though she couldn't see her through the foliage. While moving, her tail swept in front of Parisa to keep her out of view of who or whatever might be dwelling within the trees. She growled a deep, bellowing growl from within her throat and chest. Her maw dripped a green viscous fluid that dripped down onto the ground. Where it struck, there was an intense sizzling as the earth below began to be eaten away by a very potent acid.

"Parisa stay behind me just in case this is not a friend...I'd prefer you safe from harm"

Rika's eyes narrowed "Hunter?" She mumbled. Maybe there was another person in the tree line hiding from the dragon? Shedidn't put two and two together until Cynder's eyes locked onto Rika's spot and she started drooling corrosive spit. "Okay! Okay! E-easy there!" She squeaked as she scrambled out of the brush. "There's no need for violence, my name is Rika, I act as the Green Warden and Guardian of these woods. " She said with her hands in the air.

"I am not armed, I do not wish to bring harm to you. I was simply wondering what a magnificent beast like you is doing in these woods? Some would say, a Black Dragon is an ill omen, that soon calamity will be upon us. Others say, a Black Dragon is death itself. " She explained, stepping forward carefully "Which is it, that brings you to our woods, and what are you planning to do with that Fae Folk?" She asked with a brave face.

Parisa's white cheeks flushed. The mere thought of a mate was embarrassing. For her to find someone would be almost impossible. She was too adventurous, too curious, too naive or so her parents and elders told her. Maybe she was, but she would be okay with that as long as she could find friends along the way in her adventures, but what if one day the adventures lead her to settle? Shaking her head, she wasn't going to think about that, not when there was a whole world out there waiting for her.

She had no idea that there was someone else among them and was a bit taken back at the sudden movement of the dragon. She did as she was told and hid behind the dragon, if only to peek around it to see who or what it was. The small girl was tiny, something she wasn't expecting... especially as a hunter. The hunters she seen on her way here were either bulky men or lanky women.

"Which is it, that brings you to our woods, and what are you planning to do with that Fae Folk?" said the tiny girl. Was she worried about her? Right then her defenses were up, what if the tiny girl was paid to bring her home.

"I won't go back! You can go back and tell my parents that!" She yelled from behind Cynder.

An audible hiss came from Cynder's maw while she stood in front of the small fae creature while looking upon this 'Green Warden' with suspicion. She had never seen nor heard of this organization before but the little fairy's yelling made her feel even more so then usual. She growled low while her eyes glowed a dull shade of red. She lowed herself down as if to pounce but held there.

"I came here to rest for a moment before searching for some food when I encountered this fairy drinking from the pool. She said she had left home and was exploring when she saw me. Seeing as how I had no reason to eat her, I wished for conversation as my home is farther away from here then most human populations. Then I smelled you...and I don't know what to make of you Warden"

Cynder's maw still drooled the acid as she glared daggers at this woman before taking a single step forward.

"So I ask you: Are you a friend or a foe?"

"All you need to know is a Green Warden is a friend to the forest. As long as you remain as such then we have no problems."Rika said with a smirk "It seems like you have no intention of harming the forest, So I suppose I will take my leave. Good-morrow" She bowed and dashed back off into the forest.

Meanwhile, snoozing in a nearby tree was a young feline looking creature. Her tail swayed dreamily as she enjoyed a pleasant dream on a pleasant day. That was until a black cloud of smoke invaded her nostrils and lungs. She gasped and choked as her eyes shot open. She sneezed twice and coughed more. She dramatically gasped for air and shifted her weight slightly, enough for her momentum to topple her over.

Her face registered surprise for a moment before she started to flail her arms and legs. "N-N-Nooooo!!! Yeeeeeeeeeaaaaaaaaahhhhh!!!!!!!" She screamed as she fell out of the tree, bounced off a few branches and landed on the ground, Face first in front of Cynder and Parisa with an "Ooof!". Her long tail fell over her slowly, like a drape. She groaned and whimpered a bit as she raised her head slowly.

The first thing she saw were claws like meat hooks. She held her breath as she looked up to see the Dragon's face "Hehehehehehe........heheheheheheheh........" She chuckled nervously "I was just...eheheheh....bye!" She said before dashing back toward the tree line, only to make it five steps and trip.

She did a silly little hop for a moment before, her arms flailed like a bird struggling to fly, before she fell on her face again. She skidded a few inches on her face before she stopped and flopped on the ground producing a small cloud of dust. Her tail once again draped over her slowly on the ground. All that could be heard from her were some more whimpers and groans.

Persia's head tilted to the right, something was off with that Green Warden, but before she could do anything the tiny creature was gone. Not that she didn't mind, if she was working for her father and mother, it would be some time before they would find out though. So she would be safe for now, at least she hoped.

She had turned to look up at Cynder just in time to see a fluffy creature appear in front of them. Parisa's head tilted to the right and watched as the fluffy bunny like creature looked up at Cynder and became filled with fear. Looking from Cynder to the new creature she didn't know what to really make of it, but she knew that many things were afraid of the dragon.

She watched as the creature ran off and fall, a small laugh escaped her throat. "Are you okay?" She said behind her hand as if to stop the laughing.

The Sea Elf Aquari moved silently along the bank of the river. It had been two day since she had left her village to scout up the river. Two days of nothing but trees and river. That was until the Shadow flew over.
When Aquari first saw the Shadow she dived into the river fearing for her life. It was there that she felt it and looked up seeing the Shadow was a dragon.
Sticking to the river Aquari followed the path of the dragon until she reached the lake. Staying under the water she listened and watched not daring to move for fear of being discovered by those in the clearing.

Cynder's expression calmed for a moment or two while this supposed "Green Warden" talked whom then took off towards the woods once more. She relaxed and simply just huffed and laid down on the ground. Her head went down and rested on her claws while she watched the woman leave.

"This is so strange. Where I come from, Dragons are revered and highly respected. In this world, my kind are little more then animals or outright evil. This is quite the perplexing land...I wonder if my mate was wise to bring us here"

She was about to continue that thought when the humanoid fell out of the tree and then proceeded to run and fall in an attempt to flee. She only blinked and gave an exasperated sigh with a roll of her eyes.

"There is no reason to flee little one. I am not going to be doing anything evil nor am I going to gobble you up. Are you alright?"

She asked, not even bothering to move this time around. Now she was simply sunning and laying in relative comfort and peace. If this creature was a threat, she would just make plans accordingly.

Parisa looked towards the lake for a moment, something had caught her eye, but when she went to have a closer look nothing was there. Could have sworn I saw something. She thought. Deciding it was just a trick of the light she stood up right and looked towards Cynder.

"I guess everyone is not so different than my family after all." She said, patting the snout of Cynder. "You have yet to show anyone harm and you would think if you did someone or anyone would have notice by now." It wasn't like she was fully innocent herself though, since she had too been scared and wondered into the trees, but then again she was also the one who first spoke to the large creature.

"Tell me of this place you have come from, Cynder. Is it far far away?" She asked, taking a seat next to her new friend.

Jo-Jo sighed and stood up, she had made an utter fool of herself again. She didn't want to be pitiful in the eyes of the Great Serpent. She could tell the Dragon hadn't been well received in this area, it was only a surprise to Cynder it seemed. Her ears pivoted to face backward when Cynder spoke. It was curious that the Beast seemed to be hurt that people were afraid.

"I-I am fine" Jo-Jo chuckled as she turned to face Parisa and Cynder "It shouldn't be a surprise, most Dragons burn and slaughter everything in their path in order to claim gold that is not theirs to claim" She sighed "I have seen the aftermath of Dragon Fire, I have seen the faces of those who won't ever forget the night the sky burned. I tell you, it's not something I would like to see again"

"That being said, you don't seem like type. In fact I think it's fascinating you have a mind that seems to be focused on more than just food and gold. I wonder, is it Genetic? Though you said you came from a different world and that your kind was revered, so that must mean you are Royalty?" Jo-Jo rambled and blushed when she realized she was talking too much, not that it could be seen under her fur.

"Ahem.....A-Anyway" She said clearing her throat, her ears flicking every so often "I-I-It is phenominal odds to come across not only a dragon but a fairy as well." She said, her long tail pushing on the ground to lift her off the ground. She crossed her legs and folded her arms as she sat on her tail "As a scientist I should relish in the opportunity you both present, but seeing as how none of my equipment works in this place, i'll just observe"

Jo-Jo's eyes flicked towards the Lake. Maybe it was a fish? It seemed pretty big. She, however, put it out of her mind and returned her focus to Cynder and Parisa

Aquari watched and listened the group. None of them seemed hostile...not even the dragon. Aquari studied the dragon taking in her form and features. The dragon was much different than the sea dragons of her home. What could this dragon tell her? Aquari wondered on this lost in thought until a school of fish swam by her foot.
Aquari got startled and her movement made the water move with a splash and ripples. Aquari dived deeper hoping the others didn't see her.

In the distance, the mountains that loom over the vale, a sudden explosive sound like a crack of thunder rolls over the land. This precipitates the explosion of a mountains peak, the shards of which race off into the distance.

A short interim later, a bright, coiling band of white hot energy snakes it's way to the place where the peak once stood. It flashes in the blinding brilliance of the sun, before fading away. In it's wake, the previously obliterated mountain peak is replaced, near perfect save for the distinct lack of snow that caps it's fellows in pure white brilliance.

A thunderstorm struck The Golden Vale.

The rains came down like they hadn't in ages, soaking everything and everyone in an instant. The entropy of magic across Gaia was felt as the rain fell, officially, by the magic users. Felt more by some, felt not at all by others. It was as if there was a leak somewhere. Where was the magic going? It couldn't of simply been disappearing...

Nicholas felt the cool breeze caress his face and stretched with a relaxed pose. The day had been fruitful, save for a few fools that decided to question his tactics. His tail flicked in thought, an odd quirk he had since he was a child. The Golden Vale was a peaceful place, where one could collect his thoughts and ponder his next moves. His ears perked up at the sound of movement and he thought he smelled others present. He crouched low into the brush and watched for individuals in the area, before he made himself known to them. There was never a true time for relaxation, but he wanted to scope the area before he introduced himself to any individual.

As if on cue, rain pelted against his leather-clad body and he continued to focus on his current task. The rain would provide some shelter for his stealth, since his sound would be masked by the falling rain. His eyes glinted with a mischievous playfulness to them and he waited with the patience of a hunter.

Lightning streaked across the sky and its silver streaks, created a brilliant spider-like effect across the black velvet sky. The rain comforted him now, but Nicholas began to grow bored by the waiting. He trusted his instincts and knew he felt another presence, so he continued to watch with an uncanny calmness.

As Jamie walked along the leafy dirt path, paying no mind to the storm clouds roaring above her. She never really minded the rain, it gave her more of an advantage if she needed to escape or slip into hiding, stealth was one of her best friends. Her tail wagged back in forth as she continued, The pleasant scent that filled the air indicated it would rain any second. Her ears fell back as a reaction just as the rain fell upon her. Her lips curled into a smile, she loved the smell of rain. Lighting illuminated everything around her, as she continued to walk she felt as though she wasn't alone.

Jamie's ears perked up listening for any kind of movement. Her eye's surveyed the area around her, she couldn't see anyone as she walked. Her paws crushing small sticks and knocking around rocks. She stopped a few feet away from some bushes and trees. Before moving on she decided to wait and listen. While still surveying the area, she crouched down trying to become less visible if someone were to be watching her, her tail curled up along side her legs. She couldn't make out a smell due to the fresh rainfall which was masking over most of the other smells.

Nicholas was still like a predator, his footfalls soft against the muddied ground from the fallen rain. He crept up toward Jamie and assumed she was an unfriendly individual, based on her posture and sudden appearance. Nicholas withdrew his right handed dagger and prepared to engage. Alone in the woods, one could never be too prepared. Perhaps this individual was with the city patrol. Either way, he needed to be vigilant. No harm would come to the person, but a decent scare tactic would ensue. Silver lightning crawled along the black backdrop of the night sky and thunder cracked in the background. It was the perfect scenario for hunting, but he didn't normally hunt other beings. Typically, he stole from them, or assassinated them based on a contract.

Nicholas twitched his tail in thought and perked his ears up. Something was familiar about the shape of this person. Upon closer inspection, he realized they were a female and fox-like. If he were a real predator, she'd of made the mistake of stepping from her hiding place and exposing herself in an open area.

He smirked, then stealthed to flank her on her right. Nicholas decided to sheath his dagger, so his approach would cause less hysteria. If there were others patrolling the area, the last thing he needed was a hysterical female. Nicholas removed himself from stealth and was by her side. It was as if he emerged from nothing, the darkness produced a male figure of a fox clad in leather. He nodded toward her in a friendly manner, although that hadn't been the case a few moments ago. Nicholas studied her, reading her posture and way she carried herself.

"It's not safe here. You lost?" He asked her and glanced around the rain drenched area. Others could be watching them, his tail flicked with a nervousness. His voice was husky, quiet and confident in tone. It was as if he were addressing another military personnel.

"You shouldn't be out here." Nicholas watched Jamie for any sudden movements, his emerald green eyes glinted against the splash of lightning streaks.