Druisk wiped his blade clean in the long grass.

These much-traversed roads were becoming increasingly more dangerous with each passing week. The highway bandits were growing restless, and seemed to be attacking anyone who crossed their paths. Young and old, rich and poor, lone travellers and large groups - no one was safe.

The musicians and bards travelling with Druisk walked quickly along the road, heads turning at the slightest sound. This was not the first attack they had been through, and it would not be the last. This was part of the reason they kept Druisk in their company - his swordsmanship and magic skills had never failed to protect them on their travels, and his wolf companion, Nighteyes, was a welcome addition to the group, alerting them of dangers ahead.

Druisk touched minds with his wolf.

Nighteyes, my Brother. Stop being difficult. Come here and allow me to heal your wounds. If you keep rolling around in the dirt, they'll just get infected!

Nighteyes rolled his eyes and trotted lazily to Druisk's side.

You KNOW how much I hate you doing that. It itches like mad when you do!

Druisk chuckled and proceeded to heal Nighteyes' more serious injuries. Nighteyes began to fidget as the itching sensation began. Suddenly Nighteyes jumped up and stared out into the distance, a low growl escaping his throat.

"What is it? Friend of foe?"

I cannot tell. It's not a scent I recognize - it smells..... different.

Brandishing his katana, Druisk called out into the distance, "Who goes there?"

Nighteyes recoiled from the touch of the creature's mind against his own. He had never felt anything so powerful - so... alien.

Druisk too, felt uneasy as this new prescence brushed against his mind, but he remained firm in his position. He reached out with his own mind.

I am Druisk Rohansson. My companions and I have no desire to fight, but we can and will defend ourselves, should it come to that.

Druisk withdrew from the creature known as Brujole's mind. He remained vigilant, in case Brujole decided to attack. He was confident enough in his skills to believe that he could defend himself - but could he protect the others as well?

Nighteyes jumped turned and faced the newcomer, his mouth curled into a vicious snarl, baring his teeth for all to see.

Easy Brother, we don't want to be too hasty. You keep an eye on the - wait did he just say DRAGON???

Druisk's head snapped towards the creature.

So that's a dragon huh? I've only heard of them in stories, but never have I seen one with my own eyes, nor dreamed I would see one this close!

Suddenly Druisk wasn't so confident in his ability to protect himself, let alone the caravan.

Tell the new one he had better be careful with what he says, else I'll rip his head off with my own teeth!

Druisk nodded in acknowledgement.

You just keep an eye on the dragon. I'll deal with this one.

"It appears Nighteyes here has taken a bit of a disliking to you. What is your business here?"

OOC: Mind if I join? Phal hasn't met either of the new charries here yet.

IC: Phalynx watched the landscape pass below her in long, rolling waves of green and brown, and other, more indistinct colors. Colors that could not be described save by seeing them. She noticed the heat signatures of several below her; it seemed as if a large group of musicians and bards were on the move. She knew bandits frequented these roads, so she decided to check in on them and offer them help.

As she neared them, she noticed another being. One of her own kind, and more than that: someone she had met before. She cut off the silver glow from her scales, and the star that appeared to be trailing across the sky disappeared. Her silver scales were still almost starlike, even without the actual glow. She pulled into a steady, placid dive, and unfurled her wings relaxedly. As she got closer and could see the dragon clearer with her normal vision, she finally remembered who he was: Brujole. She had not seen him in at least two years.

She slowed in her descent until she was merely gliding on her overly large wings, and finally let herself land gracefully on the path ahead of everyone.

Hello, Brujole. I haven't seen you in two years, I believe. How have you been? she said privately into the dragon's mind. To the two-legs and the wolf, she said something different. Greetings, everyone. I am Phalynx, dragoness of the stars. I noticed your group down here, and since I know these roads to be frequented by bandits, I wanted to check on your safety. I would also like to offer my assistance in protecting you until you leave this region, if you would like, she said with a friendly smile. Her green eyes glittered in the sunlight.

OOC: Always happy to have people join! Welcome!

IC: Nighteyes began howling to the sky.

Now there are two of them??? Brother, I like this not!

Easy Nighteyes, I do not believe they mean us harm. Besides, these dragons, they intrigue me.

Druisk marvelled at the arrival of this new dragon. Never had he seen a creature so dazzling, yet so deadly.

"Greetings Phalynx, Warrior of the Skies. I am Druisk, the minstrel. This is my wolf, Nighteyes, and our caravan of companions. The roads are indeed being plagued by bandits - we met some just a league ago. Your offer is most welcome - my companions have grown very weary of having to remain constantly on guard. And I'm sure you would provide some wonderful inspiration for the minstrels' songs - myself included."

Druisk couldn't believe his luck! Of all the things that could happen to him, this had never entered his mind.

Can you believe it Nighteyes? Travelling with a dragon! Perhaps she knows something of the Shade?

Nighteyes continued to growl.

I don't care. We should never have even joined these other humans, and now you want to travel with THAT? I don't like this.

Relax Nighteyes. This could be the break we've been after.

OOC: That would be up to Affornee. If it was my thread I would say:

Affornee
Silverwolf
Aeraldi
draco

BUT This is not my thread, so what do you say Affornee?

OOC: No, no order, just post whenever you feel it's appropriate lol

Nighteyes snarled viciously at the comment.

Pet? PET?!?!?! I am no one's PET! Come closer. I'll show you how tame this pet is!

"Nighteyes is no pet. He has been my loyal companion for many-a-year now, and has saved my hide, more times than I care to remember. I would watch your tongue, sir, lest he bite it off!"

The newcomer was starting to irritate Druisk. He turned and began to walk back to the caravan.

The entire caravan was shocked at being addressed directly by Phalynx. They glanced nervously at each other, wondering who would step forward and speak.

"OI! Show some respect would ja?!?! That dragon could tear you ta pieces, it could!", came a young cry from the group. A young girl, barely 6, broke free of her guardian and stepped forward from the crowd. A shocked silence filled the air.

"Easy little one," said Druisk, calmly placing his hand on her shoulder. "But you're absolutely right."

Turning back to the stranger, Druisk glared at him, venom in his eyes. "What gives YOU the right to speak to a dragon in such a manner? Have you no concern for your own well-being?"

Druisk looked at the man. It looked as though he was in... pain?

Let us leave this place, Brother. The day draws to an end, and I do not like being so exposed like this.

Druisk nodded, agreeing.

"Might I ask your name, traveller?" Druisk inquired.

"Retribution." Ret said, looking at the leader of the caravan. "And yours is?"

OOC: Short...

"Druisk. This is Nighteyes."

Nighteyes issued a low growl.

Easy Brother.

"So Retribution, what brings you this way?"

Druisk nodded to the dragon.

"Phalynx would like me to express to you that she understands what you mean. She also would like me to ask you about the thing you are carrying close to your heart?"

Druisk turned to his companions. "This may take a while. I suggest you keep moving. I will meet up with you in Belatona. Nighteyes will accompany you to keep you safe."

The caravan of people nodded in agreement, and started on their way.

Brother! I do not wish to leave you alone with this lot!

Relax Nighteyes. I will be fine. Go. Keep the others safe. I will stay linked with you the entire way.

The wolf hung is head in submission, before running to catch up with the group.

Druisk noticed a change in Retribution's expression. He looked wary. Worried even. Druisk felt it would be best to try and smooth the situation over.

"Forgive my prying. I only asked on behalf of Phalynx, who requested me to relay her question to you. Perhaps she cannot communicate with you directly?"

Turning to the dragon, Druisk reached out with his mind. The dragon's mind still felt so strange, but he was growing ever more intrigued with her.

Would I be correct in assuming this is the case?

Druisk had almost forgotten Brujole's prescence. He wondered what could have made this mighty beast throw up? Could it have been something about Retribution perhaps?

Of course.

"I believe you may have offended Brujole. I didn't realise it was possible for dragons to throw up? Then again, there's a lot about dragons I don't know."

Druisk heard Ret murmur something, but couldn't quite make it out. He pushed it from his mind, and addressed Brujole.

"I have been traveling with my fellow minstrels and bards for the past two years, wandering from town to town, trying to make a living. However, I have been keeping my ears open for any news regarding a Shade who killed my parents 22 years ago."

Rage filled Druisk's heart, and his body began to shake, upon mention of the Shade. Oh how he wished for his revenge against the nightmarish creature.

Druisk's eyes filled with hope. Could this dragon really be offering him his long-sought dream?

I would be honoured to have you accompany us. You have no idea what this means to me.

Brother! Are you ok? I sense a change in you..., came Nighteyes' worried question.

Yes my Brother. Everything shall soon be as it should.

"Yes, and I plan to ensure that each and every last one of them are destroyed," replied Druisk.

Brother! If you make me wait much longer, I shall come after you myself! We have arrived in Teirm and found accommodation for our stay. Hurry up!

Ok Nighteyes. We'll leave shortly.

Teirm. It had been many years since Druisk had been home. He wondered how his adoptive parents, Micah & Kettricken, were doing, and his adoptive sister Kestrel too. They had not wanted him to go on this journey in the first place, but understood why he felt he must.

"Might I suggest we head to the town? Nighteyes is growing impatient, and the day is coming to a close."

Then, to Phalynx and Brujole, I do not know what kind of accommodations Teirm can offer dragons, nor how and where you sleep in the first place. Will this pose a problem? Brujole, you are more than welcome to accompany us as well if you wish.

"My family would be honoured, and extremely surprised to meet you," Druisk replied happily. "They may be a bit wary of you at first, but I'm sure they'll overcome that in no time."

Druisk turned to Retribution. "You may accompany us as well if you wish. My family can provide you with accommodation if you like."

Nighteyes?

Yes my Brother?

Can you go and see my parents? Seeing you will let them know that I am here and will see them shortly.

Of course Brother.

Druisk watched as Brujole spread his mighty wings and took off.

"Well that was unexpected." He turned to face Ret.

"You can do as you wish. However my family do not make judgements on first impressions. The offer is there, should you change your mind."

Looking at Phalynx, Druisk spoke with his mind once more.

My home is on the edge of town, along the shore. My mother has a tendency to hang some hideous flower-print curtains from the windows. It's also the only house in the area with a flower garden in the front.

Not really. That area around my house is usually pretty quiet - not many people head towards the ocean shore at night as it gets quite chilly.

Brother, came Nighteyes, interrupting the conversation. You would want to make an appearance soon. Your family grows worried that you're not here yet. They think that me being here on my own is a sign that you may be... well, you know what I mean.

I shall be there shortly my friend.

Druisk turned to Retribution and Phalynx, addressing them both. "Might I suggest we head off now? Nighteyes seems to think my family is under the impression I have met with an ill fate."

"Excellent! Well it's just beyond those hills there," replied Druisk, pointing off into the distance. "Although we'll have to hurry if we want to get there before they close the gates on us. Will you be travelling with us Phalynx? Or would you prefer to just meet us there?"

Druisk gazed in awe as Phalynx took off.

"Have you ever seen anything so amazing?" addressing Retribution. "OK let's move - the guards won't let anyone in after the gates close."

Druisk turned and started jogging at a steady pace, eager to return home.

Druisk jogged in silence. It was not long before he could finally see the town in the distance.

Teirm.

Home.

He quickened his pace, eager to see his family. As the two drew closer, Druisk saw the guards preparing to close the gates.

"Quickly! We've only got a couple of minutes before they shut the gates!"

Ret heard Druisk and quickened his pace, running faster than a normal human. "I'm going to help you move a little faster." Ret said before pushing Druisk's legs just a little faster than should have been normal. He also held onto Druisk's body to stop him from falling flat on his face and before the gates shut they were through. Ret bowed over and started huffing enough though the run wouldn't make him do anything of the sort. He wanted to keep up the appearance of being relatively normal for the guards because he had no intention of wasting his energy on such pathetic people.
"Lead the way." Ret said.

OOC: Hope you don't mind the god-mod... I'll change it if you want.

OOC: Nah that's all good

It took a moment before Druisk's heart was beating at it's normal pace. What was that??? I've never run that fast before in my life! Druisk thought to himself.

"Phew! That was a close call. My home is this way."

Druisk led the way past the guards, all of whom were eyeing them suspiciously. They travelled through the city, past the familiar shops and taverns, until they arrived outside of Druisk's home. It looked just the same as it always had. The flowers had grown in number, but everything else remained unchanged in the two years he had been away.

Druisk raised his hand and pushed the oak door inwards.

Ret followed Druisk into the house.

OOC: Didn't give me much to do there...

OOC: Yeah sorry about that - couldn't be bothered writing much more at that point.

That's fine Phalynx. I'll prepare my family for the shock of their life!

There were shocked gasps all around. A swarm of people rushed towards Druisk, with cries of "Druisk!", "You're home!!!". Druisk turned his head and gave Ret a look that clearly said "Sorry about this."

"Ok, ok! Enough! Calm down! I'm home!" he said, trying to disentangle himself from his family's arms. Nighteyes rushed forward and jumped onto Druisk.

NEVER ask me to leave you like that again!

Immediately the questions began.

"How are you?"
"What have you been up to?"
"You look thin - have you been eating enough?"
"Why didn't you come back with Nighteyes?"

Druisk turned to Ret and said, "Retribution, this is my mother Kettriken, my father Micah, and my sister Kestrel. Everyone, this is Retribution. I met him on my travels. I hope you don't mind, I've invited him to stay with us for a bit, before we head off again."

His family were taken aback. "You mean you're leaving again??? But why? Surely you know how much we've missed you!" cried his sister.

Druisk looked at his family apologetically. "I'm sorry, but I haven't accomplished what I set out to do when I left here. But, with the help of some new friends, I think I may be able to do just that. There is actually someone who would like to meet you all a little later. She's a...," Druisk paused for effect, "DRAGON! I think with her help, I can finally locate and defeat the Shade!"

One by one, he watched his family's jaws drop. They all glanced from him to Retribution, eyeing the newcomer suspisciously.

Everyone laughed at Retribution's comment - even Nighteyes had to try to hide his amusement. The tension in the room dissipated as quickly as it had begun.

Kettricken gestured to the table, inviting everyone to take a seat.

Druisk was made to recount all of his adventures for his family - his near misses, how he had had no luck in locating the Shade - the whole reason for his journey in the first place.

His sister Kestrel was completely absorbed in his story, particularly enjoying his tales of travelling with the other minstrels and bards.

The time seemed to fly by as Druisk caught up on what had happened during the past 2 years that he had been away.

Of course.

Druisk stood up from the table.

"Mother, father, Kestrel. If you are ready, the dragon Phalynx is ready to meet you," he said, addressing his family.

His family looked up at his with nervous eyes.

"It's ok - you don't need to be afraid. Phalynx will not hurt you."

Kettricken and Micah exchanged a worried glance, but it was his sister Kestrel who spoke.

"Ok brother. I trust you. Let's go meet ourselves a dragon!"

Druisk led the way out of the house, followed by his family, Nighteyes, and Retribution. They walked around the house, to the shoreline.

Phalynx, we are ready.

Gasps of shock and awe escaped from Druisk's family. Never before had they witnessed a creature so majestic and beautiful.

"Druisk! What is this I'm feeling in my head? Is that the dragon???" cried his mother.

Druisk cursed himself silently. He should have prepared them for this. He had not even considered the fact that they had never reached out with their minds to speak with others before.

"Yes mother, that would be Phalynx. This is how dragons communicate with others, although you can speak normally to communicate with her. I'm sorry, I should have warned you all."

"No no, it's ok son. We're just not used to having another presence within our own minds."

Kestrel stepped forward and addressed the dragon. "Greetings Phalynx! I am Kestrel, sister to Druisk, and daughter of Kettricken & Micah," indicating her mother and father respectively. "It is an honour to meet you."

Kestrel spoke up again, becoming more confident in the presence of the dragon.

"Well my mum here is a florist - you may have noticed the flower bed out the front of our house? Or perhaps not, considering how little light there is. Anyways, those are all brand new species of flora that she has created. People come from all over the world to buy her flowers."

Kettricken's face turned a bright crimson colour - clearly visible in the dark of night. Micah placed a hand on his wife's shoulder, and kissed her on the cheek, so proud of her accomplishments.

"And my father is a well-renowned carpenter in town," she said, smiling proudly at her father. "I help them out wherever I can, but my true passion is music, like my brother."

Druisk stood back, watching his sister gush over her family. She had grown up so much in the past two years.

"Well if you are going to be accompanying my brother on his journey, I'm sure you'll hear a lot of music. He's got an amazing voice!" said Kestrel.

Druisk grinned sheepishly at Kestrel's comment.

Nighteyes rolled his eyes at Druisk.

Don't start thinking you're all that, my brother. Had I the ability to sing in your tongue, I would make a MUCH better minstrel than you!

Druisk laughed out loud.

Gee Nighteyes - jealous much???

Druisk smiled at Phalynx. "I've always had a love of music. The group you saw me travelling with, the other bards and minstrels, came to town a few years back. Shortly prior to their arrival, I had decided to set out on my journey to locate the Shade that killed my biological parents, much to the disapproval of my family here. The group's arrival gave me an opportunity to combine my love for music, with my desire to find the Shade," he said, his voice breaking with emotion as he spoke of his biological parents.

"Nighteyes became my ears among the crowds as I performed, listening out for the slightest mention of anything that could be useful on my journey," he said, rubbing Nighteyes affectionately behind the ears.

Oh stop, you're going to make me blush, replied Nighteyes sarcastically.

"Enough about YOU brother - I want to hear about Phalynx!" said Kestrel. "Where did you come from? How did you come to accompany my brother and Nighteyes? Do you have a Rider? Or are you a wild dragon?" she began, not giving Phalynx a chance to answer her first question before asking another.