OOC:
Any may join.

IC:
Lean wearily licked her right talons free of blood from her prey-eat-kill. She lifted her head as the door to the dragon stable swung open. A round-ear-two-legs stepped up in front of her stall. She bared her fangs in a grimace. What may be so important to the king that he thinks he has the right to wake me up in the middle of the night? she hissed, standing up to tower over the two-leg. He trembled as her shadow covered him,"The k..king has c..called for y..you. He s..says it is o..of the most im..importance." he managed to stutter. She sighed and lowered her neck to the ground. Come then. If I'm to go I'll not slow myself to your pitiful pace. she growled, motioning him closer. He warily crept forward and threw his leg over the hollow in her back. She drew herself to her full height and was a little pleased that the two-leg did not sway in fear.

Lean brushed her tail spike over each dragon as she passed them. Shruikan nipped at her tail payfully and threw it into the air, as he would to snap a deer's spine. She pulled it away from him with a smile. Thorn only glared at her as she touched his flank. Autarkeia swiped at her as she passed, her fangs gleaming in a mock snarl. Keep that thing away from me. You know I don't like that, Lee. hissed the dragoness. The black female, laughed heartily and touched the sienna dragons muzzle with her own. Indeed little sis. Have you any idea what Galbatorix may be planning for me so I can decline graciously? she asked with a tender rumble in her chest. Autarkeia shrugged her massive shoulders. I heard he wanted you to do something with your morphing powers. Something about a grey dragon..Obaldo..Abaldo..Arildo... she muttered, trying to remember the name. Lee chuckled. You mean Aeraldi? The ancient grey? she asked. The sienna dragoness's eyes gleamed. Yeah, that's the one.

Lean nodded in thanks to her adopted sister, then trudged on. She remembered the birth of a grey dragon named Aeraldi...Surely it couldn't be the same one? She shook her head. She thought of the white female, Phaelis, in her mother's care. The name of Aeraldi's father escaped her mind, however. She wracked her brain until it hurt. Then it hit her. Literally. Zefanrac. That was the black male that had disappeared after Aeraldi did. She remembered her own father mentioning that he was the younger brother of Zefanrac, and tried to remember the connection that was created from that brotherhood to her and the grey male. Cousin, she remembered. So if he was still alive, and she actually thought he might be, they were cousins. She recalled the mate he had recently found, the star-scale-dragoness-Phalynx. She would think about it later. The tall-stone-door leered in front of her. The two-leg on her back waited for her to crouch down, then jumped off her back and pushed the doors open. She lifted her head as she stepped in. You called for me, Galbatorix. What is it that you wish of me? she asked.

The dark-king chuckled,"I like the bluntness of your personality. Very well. If its answers you want, then I shall ease your curosity." she said, and waved a hand. A curtain lifted up to her right, and she turned her head. A dragon statue, quite a bit smaller than her but large all the same, stood before. The unmoving multi-colored eyes flashed with defiance, the wings half-raised in threat, and the formidable fangs bared in a ferocious snarl. The scales were a soft grey, one eye black and the other white. She snorted as she turned her gaze back to the king. What do you want me to do, crush it into dust? I have better stuff to do with my time. Good-night. she hissed, turned her back on Galbatorix. He made no move to stop her,"I want you to find the real thing of this statue." he said quietly. She stopped and twisted her neck around to look at him with one flashing navy blue iris. I have doubts that a dragon such as that is still alive. I have never seen it in my patrols of the Empire. she growled.

Galbatorix beckoned her to come back, and she reluctantly consented. Once she had settled to the cold-hard-marble-floor, he spoke,"That dragon is indeed alive, for I've seen it myself. His name is Aeraldi, and he has caused quite a bit of trouble for me and my soldiers. He is from the Ancient Time, as you are. I thought you would be most suitable for this task for that very reason. Use your power to get close to him, then destroy him. Kill him, torture him, capture him and bring him here, I don't care." he said, a hint of malice in his tone. She rose to her paws. Once I have finished with him, do you wish me to take his Eldunarí? she asked. His eyes glinted with his green,"Yes. Would you not permit me to hold your own so we may stay in mental contact?" he asked, and she could hear the barely concealed hope in his voice. She shook her head slowly. No, because I know what you would do with my Heart. I am not one of your puppets to control at your leisure. Remember that when you summon me to do your bidding. she growled before marching back to the dragon stable.

She brushed Shruikan's flank as she passed, telling him to follow her. She heard him grunt with effort as he stood up and trailed behind her. After they both were in the air, she explained her plan to him. And so when I'm done with him he'll either be dead, to hurt to move, or in the dragon cell at Urû'baen. she said, but the pleasure of the hunt wasn't in her voice. Finishing, she closed her eyes and searched her mind. A tell-tale bump sat at the back of her conscience, and she pushed into it until her power broke through. She held a picture of Phalynx in her mind, and felt her body changing according to the star dragoness. She opened her eyes and looked at herself, pleased with the results; her scales shone like pure starlight, and her over-sized wings beat against the air easily. Shruikan was staring at her in amazement. I understand why Aeraldi is attracted to the silver female now. he said, moving his gaze up to meet hers. She chuckled. Did I get the right shade of green in the eyes? That is always the troube I have, but I guess nothing can be perfect. she said, and was unsurprised to hear that even her voice had changed.

Shruikan nodded. Yeah, the shade looks right, but the gold stripe looks a little dull in color. Brighten it up a bit. he said. She did, and he snorted in satisfaction. She corkscrewed around him, though not as fast as she could of because of her emmense age. She grinned at the young male. Ready to start? she asked. He nodded. Okay. Slash me on the flank and shoulder, then we'll begin the mock fight. she said. He did as she said, doing so quickly so she wasn't caused to much pain. She lunged at him, teeth bared, to snap at his neck, but he brought his tail around and caught her on the jaw, sending her spinning. She flapped her new wings and almost instantly was righted, but not soon enough. She yelped in real surprise as Shruikan's weight crashed onto her back and sent her to the ground. She bellowed Phal's starfire onto the black's side, and he recoiled away from her. She righted herself and flung herself at him, her small form twisting around him in ways that would ordinarily be impossible for her to exicute.

His hind talons raked down her belly and she bellowed out, her cry echoing for miles. She felt his fangs close around her neck. She tried to wrestle herself away from the black, but his strength and now daunting size held her in place as he drove her into the ground. Her tail lashed out, catching him on the shoulder with its spike. He pushed her into the ground and snarled in her face, as if he were talking to her mentally. His tail whistled as it whiped back and forth. She wriggled and squirmed, her shoulder, flanks, and belly aching from the recently delt wounds. The gold stripe in her eye flashed brightly, causing him to draw back. She leaped forward and onto his back, but was quickly wrestled to the ground again. Lean heaved for breath for being smaller wasn't always an advantage. In her true form she would be still fighting, but the smaller lungs of Phalynx caused her to tire quicker and need oxygen more often.

OOC: May I join with Eschelon, my own ancient dragon?

OOC:
Of course you can join, voenth.

Lean lay on her side panting as a grey male hurtled from the sky and slammed into Shruikan, knocking the black off of her and allowing her to stand. She staggered to her feet and managed to snarl at the bigger male. Her eyes flickered with brief concern when Aeraldi's ancient flame spun Shruikan away, severally injured, but she quickly hid it as the grey turned to her. She forced her body to start trembling, as if from shock. She stepped next to him and pushed her head against his shoulder, seeking some comfort. Her voice shook when she spoke. I..I'm fine. And yes, please. My energy is too low to draw in the magic around me. she managed to say, closing her eyes.

-------------

Shruikan bared his fangs in a snarl and limped forward, his severally burned shoulder and side stinging with pain. Do not condemn me for following orders. he snapped, wincing as he opened his wings to take flight. He did not turn back as he added. I warn you now, because I've grown to expect it, that Galbatorix will send me out to capture her again, and I will be unable to return without her, for the oaths he will make me swear will ensure that. he said, his voice bitter.

I havent used Bahamut in a while. So ill join up.

Bahamut had never traveled deep into the empire before. He was curious of what it would be like. How one two legs could bring the land to its knees. Bah...to think that everyone has become so weak to bow before something so small.
Bahamut would be the size of a truely feared tyrant. However he had no interest. There would be too much work involved. No he wanted to live his life the way he wanted. To be free...be the strongest.
Suddenly, he picked up the scent of energy from nearby dragons. One was Aeraldi, a dragon he wasnt familiar with, and Phalynx. However something was off about Phalynx's scent. He wasnt sure what it was but it was slightly...off. Paying no mind to it he flew in their direction.
Moments later he could see the three dragons in the distance. It didnt take him long to catch up. From what he could tell the third dragon is another of the Ancient world. Bahamut snorted.
Far older he may be...but I almost double him in size.
Approaching them, he let out deep and bellowing roar that echoed for miles. However terrifying and hateful it may have sounded, it was his way of greeting.

OOC:
Okay; me, voenth, Aeraldi, and Daidrea. You guys okay with that?

IC:
Lean looked directly into Aeraldi's eyes as he healed her wounds. She could feel the tenderness of his love for the star dragoness coursing through her as his powers took affect. Her concentration started to slip, and she had to scramble to keep her form from slipping to her original body. But she knew she couldn't hurt him now. She understood that the love she felt from him could only be found once, twice if your lucky. She looked away from him sadly and began to answer him, then started as a bellowing roar echoed around her. She looked up and saw a large bipedal male; Bahamut. She remembered Galbatorix telling her of the gigantic dragon. She hadn't believed it when the king told her of his size. Now that she saw him, she felt like a hatchling again. Her eyes flashed navy blue as she slipped her concentration, and she was almost positive that both Aeraldi and the tan male had seen it. She growled softly in frustration at her emotions. She was always an emotional dragon, letting her heart rule her mind.

She stepped away from Phal's mate and lowered her head to the ground. I can't do it, she whispered to herself. She shook her head irritably and lifted it to Eschelon. Now that I'm healed, yes, I'm okay now. she said, but she refused to meet his eyes. See, this is one of the reasons I hate morphing, she thought, I look and sound like the dragon I change to, but I don't inherit the personality. That's one of the things that always gives me away. And she was almost sure that her flashing eyes and odd replies had ratted her out. Following Eschelon's advice, she took to the skies and flew beside him. She hovered and looked down to Aeraldi with a truefully playful grin on her muzzle. Are you coming slowpoke? she teased, diving down until she nearly crashed, then spinning about in a circle around him, her body almost brushing the ground. She did know that Phalynx attempted dare-devil antics.

OOC: Sorry for not posting sooner, I got lost as to the order since Voenth went out of turn.

She was acting so strange, maybe she was put off by Shruikan. Maybe she was just trying to relax after that. Aeraldi just smiled and took off into the air, questions raging through his head. A friendly roar put those questions out of Aeraldi's mind. Bahamut! Aeraldi cried back, heading towards the large two-legs type dragon. It's been far too long, how are you my friend?

OOC: She told me to, she said the order was,
DS4
Me
Aeraldi
Daidrea.

OOC: Ya, it's fine. Was just majorly confused.

Lean hesitantly approached Bahamut. She shifted uneasily in the air when he stared at her, and couldn't help sighing in relief when he moved his gaze away from hers. Her frame of mind began to slip, and she barely had enough time to scramble for control of her morphed body. Her eyes flashed navy blue, and she was certain that the bipedal male had seen the change. She had seen the expression on his face when he looked at her. She ground her teeth in frustration at herself. She refused to meet anyones eyes after that, just steadily beat her wings to hover in place. Greetings, Bahamut. she murmured quietly, dipping her head.

OOC:
And I think people can be confused whenever they want. I get confused alot.lol

OOC: *coughs* Eschelon was completely ignored, lol.

IC:
Eschelon flew after Aeraldi, slowly, not just because of the slowness of his normal flight, but because of caution. It was not often that he saw a dragon that was larger than himself, and even more rare that he ever met a dragon that had more than a few thousand years behind it. He said once again, Who are you? then said, I am Eschelon, keeper of the deep magic.

OOC: I did say his name to everyone.

Enjoy it while you can, we were on our way out. Aeraldi said cheerfully. He noticed Phalynx was uneasy around the large dragon, though she had never been before. What was with her today? He decided he'd ask when they had a moment to talk between themselves.
Three of the oldest dragons, in one spot. I wonder what this is a sigh of? He said with a mischievous smile.

OOC:
Daidrea.....I know you have gotten online cause you've replied in SE. -.- Please post. It be your turn.

OOC:
Daidrea, this is your last go. If you don't post a reply in three days, you will be skipped. I'm eager to keep this thread going.

OOC:
Daidrea, you are being skipped. Sorry.

IC:
Lean sighed inwardly at Aeraldi's chose of words. If only he knew how old I was, she thought with a bored yawn. She shook herself to wakefulness. It wouldn't do to fall asleep while hovering, not to mention it would uncover her disguise. Phalynx's mate had taken the bait so far, she couldn't ruin it with laziness. Suddenly her stomach gave a loud rumble. The starry scales around her muzzle darkened with embarrassment, and she dropped her eyes. Pardon me... she stammered. It's been a while since I last hunted. she said. She turned her shimmering green eyes to the grey male. Would you like to join me in a hunt, Aeraldi? she questioned, forcing a note of affection into her voice. She didn't quite succeed, but hoped it was convincing enough.

Eschelon looked at Arealdi and Phalynx and asked, Can I accompany you. I could use some entertainment. asked the aged dragon as he thought to himself about how odd it was to have three ancient dragons in the same place, when there were less than ten in all of the known land.
OOC: Pass.

OOC: Do I need to wait for Daidrea?

IC:
Eschelon smiled and followed the other two, though at a distance, one reason being the fact that he was so slow in the air, the second being that he felt that they needed privacy. He continued on his way thinking about what interesting things might happen. He pondered these things because well, it was never normal for Aeraldi, Phalynx, or himself, and with the three of them together, amazing things were bound to happen.

OOC:
No your fine, voenth. He's been on a little bit, but I really want to keep this thread going strong.

OOC: Pass, not much for me to say here. =)

Lean shook her head impatiently as Aeraldi bared his fangs. It was not my idea to hurt you. she whispered with a hint of anger. Her greens eyes shimmered, and then she asked softly. Do you remember the Black dragoness with navy blue eyes who always watched you when you were a hatchling? she did not wait for him to answer. She released her morph, and instantly her body grew and lengthened according to her true form. Soon, she again was dressed in her coal black scales. She looked down at Aeraldi (for she now loomed over him with her emmense size) and smiled hesitantly. I am that dragon, Aeraldi. I remember you when you were hatched. Phaelis was very proud of you. she murmured, then lifted her gaze to that of Eschelon. My name was and is, Leanbrara. My father was Nefeluak, she paused and again looked at Aeraldi. She hesitated briefly. Younger brother of Zefanrac. she finished, her navy blue eyes flashing.

OOC:
Short and hurried, but I'm crushed for time.

Lean growled again at Eschelon. Really? I have yet to see wisdom from you, then, for if you were so well learned you would know that showing hostility is the best way to get attacked. Threatening or taunting me is the best way to get yourself a shredded muzzle. My temper can be quite rageful. Do not test my control. I say that as warning, not threat. she hissed, the tips of her fangs showing in the beginnings of a snarl. She calmed down for the sake of her cousin, though. Tentitavely, not knowing how her cousin would recieve her gesture, she rested the tip of her muzzle on Aeraldi's shoulder. I remember. You taught her to fly that one day. I thought I saw a connection between you two. she moved her head just enough so she could eye him with one great navy blue iris. Aeraldi, death defines us all. Fierella helped you to become the powerful dragon you are today. If things had been different, you might never have found Phalynx, your four little ones might not have been hatched, and many other things might or might not have happened. Rejoice for what you have, mourn for what you have not, and do not let it rule your actions. she pulled farther away and lifted a paw. She rested the curved part of her talon on his chest, just where his heart beat. All of those that we have known and loved are never gone forever. Fierella may be dead in body, but her spirit lives on, she paused and locked gazes with him. in you. Whenever you are alone or nostalgic, look inside of you. Fierella is there. I know she is. she said.

As Lean finished speaking, the rapid thud of wingbeats greeted her ears. She was surprised at first to see Shruikan and her adoptive sister, Autarkeia, then angry. Why did they come back? Her voice tight with rage, she said. Stay here. Let me handle this. and sprang into the air. With speed belaying her size, she came up to meet the two dragons. She hardened her tone to the harsh bark she used around those working for Galbatorix, though she didn't really have to fake it now. What are you doing here? I thought I told you to wait until I contacted the king for you to come and check on me. she growled. The young black male recoiled back, then bared his fangs in a dragon-smile that closer resembled a snarl.
Galbatorix ordered us to check on you, scaleball. he said in a teasing note of voice. She did not relent. She snapped her jaws together in the well known sign of her anger.
I don't need to be checked upon like a hatchling. Go back to Uru'baen and tell the king all is well. He will have Aeraldi's Eldunari in a weeks time. she rumbled. Shruikan's black eyes narrowed.
Do you need another mock fight? I would be happy to oblige. he growled eagerly, and Autarkeia licked her lips. Lean bared her fangs and snarled, her upper lip wrinked until the entire inside of her mouth was visible.
No! Go back and report to your Rider. she insisted. Shruikan looked puzzled, and a little hurt.
But...
I said NO! she roared, flames curling from her nostrils like ropes. The two dragons started in fright. Even Keia, who hardly ever was scared for any reason, turned tail and flew as fast as she could. Snorted, she twisted around and circled around to land on the ground.

OOC:
Aeraldi, do you mind if Aeraldi finds out his mother is alive, or do you want to save that for a later RPG? I'm just curious.

OOC: Honestly, hadn't thought about it. It'd make a strange occurrence though.

I know, but... Aeraldi began, the memories still fresh in his mind. He wanted to believe it would be all right, that everything would work out and he'd have some part of his old family beside him, but he had left that part behind him a long time ago. Would I be wrong in wanting something from my past to survive? He asked Eschelon, looking at Lean talking to Shruikan and another dragon. I moved on, I left it all behind, I can't allow my old instincts to rule me again. I left it behind when I realized I couldn't live in this world without giving up the past. I gave it up for Phalynx and our children, and now... I feel like I'm being forced to choose between the past and the present, and it threatens to tear me apart one again. Aeraldi never knew he felt that way, the reality of the situation finally hitting him.

When Lean came back, Aeraldi looked at her sqaurely in the eyes, his black and white eyes contrasting heavily. Leanbrara, I came to terms with what happened, but it doesn't make it any less painful. To have it otherwise would be dishonoring her memory. I killed her, with my own talons, with my own teeth! Even though I loved her. He tried to ignore what he just saw, but he couldn't. And now, I can't believe you, not matter how much I want to. There is room in my heart for forgiveness, but not if you don't give me a reason I can believe.

OOC:
I think I might do that in the next post. Its one of the only ideas I have at the moment.

Lean ignored Eschelon and stared straight back at her cousin, her navy blue eyes glittering. I didn't expect you to trust me right off, or to believe me in any certain terms. Why should you? she said. She lifted her head up and stretched her wings out. My mother, Saleka, takes care of a white dragoness in your old home. Do you remember the cave? she murmured, her gaze riveted on him. Follow me. You may fly abreast of me or flank me, I care not, but I think you should meet the dragon my mother has taken care of for the last few hundred years. she said, and leaped into the air with a powerful thrust of her hindlegs.

They flew for quite some time, until Lean began to recognize the terrain. A dryed up waterfall came into view. She pulled in her wings and went into a lazy dive. When she came to the entrance of a hidden cave that was just a few normal dragon lengths from the old waterfall, she landed. A wrustling broke out within the depths of the cave. Who goes there? rasped a dry voice. The black dragoness smiled in greeting, and bugled softly.
It is I, mother, Leanbrara. she murmured. More shifting, and then a black head poked out.
My little Lee? Is it you? asked Saleka, her pale black eyes narrowed.
Yes, mother. And I've brought visitors. Bring out our friend to meet them, please. Then I'll do introductions. she said, settling on her stomach just outside the cave. Her mother nodded, and retreated. A few minutes passed before she returned, an elder white dragoness leaning heavily on her shoulder. Lean waited until both the white and Saleka were settled, then lifted her head.
Aeraldi, Eschelon, this is my mother, Saleka. Saleka, this is Aeraldi and Eschelon. she said, motioning to each dragon with her tail. She then looked directly at her cousin as she added. Aeraldi, Eschelon, this is Phaelis. Phaelis, this is Aeraldi and Eschelon. she lowered her head again to her paws. The white dragoness stilled, her pale eyes riveted on the grey male.

OOC:
I'll let you control Phaelis's words and actions from here, cause she is Aeraldi's mother, not to mention you know her better than I do.

Aeraldi couldn't move, couldn't breathe, couldn't even think. All he did was stare at the white dragon known as Phaelis, his mother. Time seemed to stand still as both Phaelis and Aeraldi looked at each other for the longest time.
Saleka, do my eyes deceive me? She sniffed the air, Or is that my son who stands at the entrance to my cave? His scent smells the same but my sense isn't what it is these days.
Mom? Aeraldi asked carefully, taking a closer step to the white dragon. Are you really here?
A tear rolled down Phaelis' eye, a feeling of warmth flowed through her once again granting her strength. Aeraldi? Is it really you? She took a closer step, taking in a better sniff of the air. Why are you so small?
Aeraldi rushed into the cave and wrapped his neck around his mother's and held tight. Mother, I'm so sorry!
There is nothing to forgive, Phaelis wrapped her large head around Aeraldi, tears flowing freely down her face. You're still my son.
No mom, I... Aeraldi wanted to tell her everything, to tell her how he had survived this many years, to tell her about Phalynx. About Fierella.
Aeraldi, you're different. Phaelis said at last, drawing away from him.
Yes, I am... Aeraldi said back, looking his mother in the eyes. I thought I was beyond this, that it was over, but now the past has caught up to me. His scales rippled, the colors darkening and brightening. Past or present. I thought I chose the present. His claws dug into the ground, and he growled with pain. Colors were swirling across his scales now making a dizzying pattern, Aeraldi roared with a pain he thought would never bother him anymore, and his scales became black. He roared with pain, the memories of the present now a distant memory.
And then it was over. Aeraldi looked upwards at his mother, who had taken several steps back, her eyes wide in fear.
Aeraldi? She asked cautiously.
Aeraldi looked at his mother, and smiled, his face in a pose of sadistic pleasure. Yes mother, it's me, or at least the part of me that came from Dad.

Aeraldi slowly turned to face his cousin, Lean. Sorry. He repeated. To this you say sorry!? His eyes were the same, yet different. There was a fierceness to his eyes that spoke of the unrestrained tendencies of the earlier Black Dragons.
You have no idea what you have done! He screamed at her and rushed up to her, swiping his claws across her front and making wounds that were much larger than they should have been. It was still small to a dragon of that size though. YOU-! He roared in pain and agony again, his claws crushing the ground beneath him into powder, I will say what I need to say and you will stay in the back until I am done! The pain fled Aeraldi and he was left standing as he was, though a lot calmer.
I'm sorry for my actions before, but you have no idea what you have done to me! You have just completed Galbatorix's mission. Eschelon, mother, you all deserve to hear this as well.

You want to know about me? Well here it is! When you, mother, brought me back to life with magic from you and father, it left a wound so deep that no mortal could find it. The two sets of instincts I have from both sides are at war with each other inside me, you just see which side is winning when me or myself is talking. There is a white side to me, your side, which wants control of this body as well. We will eventually tear each other apart until this body is dead. That is what you have doomed me to Lean, a slow and agonizing death once again! I was free from it, I gave up this part of me to live in the new world and I was whole!
I don't know whether this is the same as before since my two sides are at peace, but past or present... The world has changed too much...
Aeraldi? Phaelis said, her tongue tasting the air. I didn't know...
Nobody could have.

OOC: In case you're wondering, I have no idea where I was leading this.

Aeraldi sighed, bracing himself for the change. I suggest you stand back, this change will be violent. The pain returned, the shuddering pain that seemed to penetrate to his entire core, he held it for as long as he could before the mindless agony took over. His tail and claws thrashed over the ground, destroying everything around him. His spikes shortened and his scales changed to white. Until the pain was finally over once again. Aeraldi took a deep breath, savoring the air. He stared straight ahead for a while, the reality of the situation finally hitting him.
I may not be as ferocious as my other side, but I'm still angry. Everything he said was true, I will die if I stay like this. I would put myself together, but that took me over one hundred thousand years to do it the first time! The only thing that put me together was my heart, my love for Phalynx. I still love her, my other side does too and both of us are willing to do whatever it takes to return to our previous body. Neither of us are sure how to do it though, especially if our love is not enough.

Phaelis walked up to Aeraldi and put her head next to him. My son, I'm sorry it came to this. I didn't want this.
Aeraldi looked back at his mother, his contrasting eyes vivid in the light. It wasn't your fault mom, your love brought me into this world and without that I wouldn't have met Phalynx, or my lovely children. He thought upon his four hatchlings, Sirius, Alna'ir, Polaris, Saiph. I would have you meet them when you can, though I won't show them this. I won't show them the ugly side of my past.

OOC:
I wondered at that.lol It would be really convienant if draco were to join...interesting as well.

Lean backed away to give Aeraldi room to shift. Once the change was done, and Aeraldi was in charge, she lowered her head in sorrow. She did not look at Eschelon as she spoke. My age has forced me to endure many things, but none like this. Though my one thought is this; if Zefanrac, a black male, and Phaelis, a white female, could put aside their differences and become one with their emotions, why can't your two sides do the same? I do have a second thought, but...It would involve Phalynx, and I don't want to cause you any more grief than I already have. she murmured. Aeraldi's eyes contrasted heavily in the light as she met his gaze. Her chest wounds, four bloody red furrows, had ceased leaking crimson tears, but still pulsed a rageful color. She let them be. When they scarred, she would remember now, and when her cousin was again ripped apart, thanks to her.

Aeraldi sighed deeply, I don't know if I should tell her, I know she loves me, no matter what I am, but... He gripped the ground beneath him, searching for the right words. This is my burden, I won't place it on anyone else.
You said once that we wouldn't get anywhere without help. Aeraldi said from the back of their mind.
As much as I'm glad the spell that allows us to talk still works, I won't burden anyone else. Yes, we do need help but this is our problem, I won't have anyone else hold it for us.
We don't have to have someone else hold our curse, we just need help to makes things right.
And you're the one that said he never needed any help with anything.
And what's that supposed to mean?! We both know we gave up those petty conflicts when we made our realization. Wait... You're the one that wants the past.
What?
This is a new conflict and, now that the past has caught up with us, you don't want to let it go again. We have a family and we owe it to them!
What do you suggest then?! That we just leave mother here and forget her! I won't do that! A thought came to Aeraldi then, something he had missed before. Mom, where is dad? Where's Zefanrac?

Phaelis sighed, her head touching ground once again. Your father... After you attacked him, he was grounded for an entire moon before he could fly again. When he could, he took off after you. He returned every night, seeking the comfort of the cave. At first I said nothing, I wanted to find you as well. I'm not sure how long he searched, but one day, he took off and never came back. For the next few moons I thought he would come back, I always had food for him. When he didn't... Tears began to run down Phaelis' face. When he didn't... When he...

Saleka crooned tenderly and laid an over-sized wing over Phaelis' body. The black dragoness gently licked her barbed tongue over the white's face, taking away the the tears and trying to comfort her charge the best that she could. She lifted her head just enough to meet Aeraldi's multi-colored eyes. Her own pale black ones were narrowed with grief from the past. Nefeluak, my mate, left to look for his older brother. He would stay away for weeks at a time, and only returned for rest and nutrition, then flew off again. Then he stopped coming back at all. Even after all these thousands of years, I don't know what happened, or if he...
Don't! interrupted Lean, her navy blue eyes blazing with fury. Don't say it, lest it come true. Even if.... she trailed off as the pain made her throat close with emotion. Tears threatened to pool from her eyes. Her father couldn't be dead, he just couldn't! Her mother touched her cheek with the tip of her muzzle.
Oh, my little Súndavar. she murmured.
That did it.
First one, then three, four, six tears streamed from her eyes. She closed them to try and stop the flow, but it only seemed to increase them. Lean hung her head low to the floor, her grief weighting down her shoulders. The black dragoness stayed in that position until her eyes had run dry, then pulled herself to her full height. She looked at Aeraldi.
I do not know how I can help you, cousin, but if there is any possibility that my powers are needed, they are at your command. she said. Her eyes then held a glitter in them. On the other hand, we need to figure out what to do about mister bald-face on the thrown over there. she said with amusement as she flicked her tail in the direction of Urû'baen. He's expecting to hold your Eldunarí in a weeks time. Your original Eldunarí. If he finds out that you have split again, I just know he'll do a happy dance. she grimaced. Quite unpleasant, if I do say so myself. Perhaps I could morph myself to your grey body and go there as you. That would give you time to find a remedy to your split. But I warn you, if you tell me to do this, you would only have three days to a week. That's how long I can hold a morph if I push myself. she said, wrustling her wings.

Aeraldi was torn between love and hate for those around him, he knew they were only trying to help but he thought they were being foolish. Lean, I won't send you back in there, no matter what happens. Besides, I saw that when you were mimicking Phalynx that you inherited some powers. If you morphed into me, there's no telling what might happen to you. You could end up splitting like I am now or you could inherit the curse my body bears. Aeraldi breathed deeply, wanting to explain the reasons how but not wanting to make anyone else worry about him.
I think they're worried already, how will holding that knowledge make anything different? Aeraldi commented from the back of their mind.
There was one thing I was able to find out about this spell that binds me. When you, mother, cast the spell, you poured the years of hatred and distrust into the spell, so did Dad, which was what tore me apart. If you take my form Lean, you could very well inherit that curse that lies in my soul now. And, as Eschelon has said, the loss of my power has put us at a great disadvantage so we cannot afford to lose any allies.
He thought about his mate, the love he felt for her. Aeraldi felt the love he felt for her as well, the unifying feeling between them both.
So what do you think we should do then? Aeraldi said, using Aeraldi's mind to speak.
I think Eschelon is right, we cannot do this alone, nor can we rely on others to do all the work. He turned to face Phaelis, Mother, I don't care how you did it, I know you loved me enough to try. I'm going to rejoin myself and, when I do, I am going to show you my family. I want you to see them. Until then, we need to find a source of power. Eschelon, what was it you said about the Deep Magic?

Lean dipped her head. If your sure... she murmured to her cousin. She arched her neck to lick the wounds on her front. An idea suddenly popped into her mind, so fast her head shot up and crashed into the side of the cave. Shards of rock and dust showered down on her, but she just shook her head irritibly and looked at Aeraldi with her navy blue eyes glittering. She forced herself to calm down, though, by taking a deep breath, then she said. I oppologize for interrupting, but this might help you; when you first realized your feelings for Phalynx, how did it happen? Why did you realize it? she quizzed, her neck scales bristling.

Aeraldi thought back to the fateful day, his battle with Nilarek. I was in a battle with an evil shade, Nilarek, you may know him. Anyway, it was during that battle when he launched one final attack at Phalynx that I moved in front of it. I didn't have control over my body, I just did it without thinking. When I realized I loved her, I thought I couldn't love her, not since Fierella. I asked for forgiveness and suddenly, in an instant, the pain of the loss was gone.

OOC: The Deep Magic is powerful, but it still draws on the energy of the wielder of it and since there are only two, Eschelon and Voenth (Which will be placed in a future set RPG because The Deep Magic is not finished) so it is limited by their strength, but we can go with that and come across some power source.

IC:
Eschelon looked at Lean and said, That is good, however we will still need to find some sort of power source to supply me with the energy to cast the spell, however we will need to get to it so I can seal it away within me that no evil may come to is and learn its secrets. said the tan dragon as he looked at the black dragoness and asked, Will you take us to it?

Phaelis raised her head, an idea coming into her mind. Son, I'm old, extremely old, but also powerful. The amount of energy within my body and Eldunari should be enough to put you back together.
Aeraldi looked at his mother, concern plainly on his face. I can't let you do that, you put me together once and I'm still here. He walked up to his mother's face and licked her cheek. You're here now, I don't want to lose you again.
But she could live, you know how much energy would be held in her body. Especially since she hasn't been moving these centuries.
You would willingly sacrifice her!?
No, but that doesn't mean we shouldn't try.
Aeraldi had to think, but his feelings were so jumbled that he couldn't think straight.
Could it work? He finally asked Eschelon.

OOC:
Mmm, okay. I'll remember that for the future. It just was the only idea that came to me at the time.

IC:
Lean's navy blue eyes shimmered strangely as she lifted her head to look at Aeraldi and Phaelis. She rumbled gently in her chest. I would also give my energy to help supply the enchantment. And, if Phaelis's idea is not possible, I think I can take you to where the Deep Magic gathers. she murmured, clicking her foreclaws on the stone beneath her. She lowered her head and studied the grey floor in front of her nose.

Aeraldi felt torn by the decision, but he knew in the back of his mind what had to be done. He just hated admitting it to himself. Alright, let's go. If nothing else, you can seal it away. He took off into the air, looking down at his mother as she slowly emerged from the cave, her scales dirty from decades of not being cleaned regularly. He felt a pang of regret for his mother, but knew there was nothing else to be done about it.

OOC: Myir... I must look for a good opening to join this rp!

OOC:
I was wondering when you would jump in.lol Perhaps we could meet up with Phal at the place where the Deep Magic is gathering?

OOC: That works. I shall join when you guys approach it, then.

Lean's power made Aeraldi nervous, not only because he had seen it's strength, but because he saw himself within it. He shook his head of the thought and asked her, Lead on, I'll stay with my mother and make sure she's alright.
Time's counting, I'll tell you when we have to change again.
Thank you, it's good to know that we're not as disjointed as we were before.
Maybe...

Phaelis opened her massive wings, stretching them out for the first time in ages. Her wingtips almost touched the edges of the valley and she had to check twice before she allowed her self to take off into the air after Eschelon and Lean. Aeraldi followed suit after the first few flaps, staying as close to his mother as he could without hitting her.
Aeraldi? Phaelis asked, looking over at Aeraldi.
Yes mother?
What have you done all these years? Who is this 'Phalynx' one and what happened to Fierella?
Aeraldi hung his head, memories of the past returning to him. I... When you didn't believe me about my pain, I went to find a place of my own. I found a good cave up high, where nobody could find me. Fierella followed me there one day, when the attacks were bad. His mind flashed back to the cave, scorched and marked with his claws. He heard her voice call out to him. I warned her, I told her to stay away... I told her it was dangerous, why didn't she listen? I wanted her to stay, to take away this pain, but how could I have known? How could either of us known? He heard her voice call out that she was coming in, no matter what. Heard her claws tap on the stone. Then the attack began again, the pain. When I could see again, she was dead, my claws stained with her blood.
I didn't know what I was doing, my instincts screamed for me to kill, to feel flesh. I knew it was her, but I couldn't stop. Aeraldi said, remembering the day as well.
I don't know why I came back, but I did. Maybe I wanted to say goodbye, I don't know. That was when Dad came after me, and after that was when I did as only one dragon I knew of before me had done. I flew, higher and higher until I passed out. Aeraldi shook his head of the memory, coming back to the present. I came back in the forms you've already seen several thousand years later, I'll tell you the stories later, but several years ago, Phalynx came into my life. It's strange, I watched her hatch and I watched her grow, yet in all that time I never realized I loved her like that until my fight with a shadow creature called Nilarek. It was our love that combined me again, and now we have four hatchlings.
Phaelis listened with extreme interest about her son's life. It's good to know that you lived your life. Was all she could say before they reached Lean and Eschelon.

OOC:
Okay, I know that normally this is my turn, but I'm going to pause the thread here so that draco can get her chance to pop in after Aeraldi, and therefore the order stays intact instead of getting all wacked out with someone joining.

OOC: Yay I join.

IC: Phalynx had been flying for a while now. It wasn't just her magic that guided her now; it was also her heart. Something was not right, and it filled her with fear. Her heart was racing, and a powerful feeling of dread and apprehension washed over her as she approached her destination. She didn't know exactly where that was, yet, but she would know it when she got there. That was how it always happened. The silver instinctively knew she was close enough, and tentatively stretched out her mind, not sure of what she would find. At the edge of her mental reach, she could detect the consciousnesses of several dragons. Two were ancient, and unfamiliar. The other two were also ancient, but very familiar. One was Eschelon... and one was Aeraldi. Phal knew it was him, but his mind felt different... She sped her flight, straining her wings. Realization crashed over her with a jolt; she had felt his mind like this before, when he had been split in two.

Phal raced forward, pushing her muscles to their limit to reach them as fast as she could. A large cavern came into view, only the entrance visible above ground but the rest she could see below it. The dragons were within, and Aeraldi was visibly changed. Phal didn't know what this meant, or what it could mean. All she could think to do was get there, get to them, get to him.

She reached the entrance of the cave and barely had enough time to stop herself from crashing into the stone wall. She landed clumsily and started racing down the tunnel, toward the dragons who were only just around the corner. When they came into view, she skidded to a stop and stood frozen. Aeraldi? she spoke softly, not knowing what else she could say.

Aeraldi felt the pain in his heart grow as he waited for Eschelon to complete the spell. He didn't know what it portend, at least not until he felt her coming.
No... Oh please no. He wished. He looked around for anywhere to hide, his mind racing for anything he could do to stop Phalynx from seeing him like this. As soon as he felt her consciousness though, he knew there was nothing more he could do, nothing more he could say, nothing more he could try. He hung his head, a tear escaping from his eye.
Get a hold of yourself you stupid dragon! There was nothing you could have done to stop this, it was coming for years and you just ignored it! Now put our chin up and face her like the man you should be!
The words cut Aeraldi to the core, but he knew that Aeraldi was right. If Phalynx was to see him like this, he could at least face her without being ashamed of it. He brought his head up to face her. Lean, I wouldn't bother. She can see the magic around you as clear as I can see you now.

As soon as Phalynx entered the cave and looked at him, he couldn't do anything but lower his head. Phalynx... I... I'm so... I'd like you to meet my mother, Phaelis. Phaelis, this is my mate, Phalynx.
Phaelis looked at the silvery dragon with curious eyes. It is good to be able to meet you.

Aeraldi looked at Phalynx, wanting to explain everything, but Eschelon's frantic cry tore his attention away. I'll tell you after, just hope this works. He turned to Eschelon and nodded. Let's do this quickly, before something else happens.
And hurry, time is almost up.

Use everything I have if you need it. Phaelis added, a fire emerging in her eyes that had not been there for eons.