Reign of turmoil [Private with Oculus, later Solstice]

The sun radiated with a glow of harmony, it reflected upon Tenebris's scales, making his usual black brooding onyx hide gleam uncharacteristically, even here on the NightWing border before the no mans land which was neutrally reserved mainly for the Rogue outcasts of every society the sun seemed to get ever brighter compared to the inner lands of the NightWings. He had been waiting for several hours, and he had his right clawed talons relentlessly running over one of the rings adorning his horns on his forehead. He was anxious, although maintaining his dignified domineering stature, he wasn't fearful of this mission, but he has other ambitions to bare fruit on his agenda from this mission.

He contemplated that Oculus wouldn't seek him out after all, given that their conversation was abruptly brought to an end when they spoke about the Crown Prince outside the Palace. But he knew the Dragons unfaltering loyalty and faith in Gemini would lead him to offering his aid to seeking out the Prince Perhaps Lieutenant has foolishly set off without me to gain the Queens favour... That would be typical and far to cliché for such a smart Dragon, surely he isn't that reckless and understands I have the information he needs to find the hatchling..

Tenebris gave a scoff to right himself back to reality, he had faith that the Lieutenant would find him, he was stood upon a high ridge, not the most secure location, but anyone leaving the NightWing Kingdom to head towards the IceWing domain would see his lurking black figure for miles around. He has a satchel wrapped around his shoulder and chest like a lanyard for necessary supplies. Standing upon the high ridge his eyes looked longingly out towards the direction he had to head, towards the IceWing Kingdom. If the winds permit, we should be within the lands of the IceWings by the dead of night, which allows for our natural camouflage to give us the tactical advantage...

Late late late....once again, late... Oculus thought to himself as he flew around, looking for the place he was supposed to meet.  He had been held back from meeting up with him in a timely manner, having to grab a small fur square that bipedals used, and brought a piece of his flint for the cold weather ahead.  He had planned to be at the meeting place at high noon, staying in the shade of some trees as he waited on Tenebris, but was held up at the palace, and of course an incident at his own cave that he would not talk about.  Then there was the case of convincing his sister to stay and not go with him and Tenebris.  He called it a simple chore of picking something up, then coming back.  It was not entirely false, as Tenebris did plan on picking something, or someone up and coming back.

It was almost dusk as Oculus rounded a bend that was close to the checkpoint that led out, or into their own tribes territory.  Great, looks like he's been waiting for a while now... Oculus thought as he lightly landed down next to the Lord of Neutrality, giving a quick and courteous bow, remembering that Tenebris was still a lord, and could cause him a major headache for bad manners.  He was taller than himself, but not by much, and Oculus assumed he would soon outgrow Tenebris.  He cleared his throat, hoping to drag Tenebris's attention awya from their future path to where they were currently.  "Ah-hem, sorry for being late, I was...held back by family and personal matters." he spoke, trying to smile to disarm any hostilities from his late arrival.  Oculus took a peek around Tenebris, trying to see if he was bringing any sort of supplies.  "I brought a small ...uhhh...blanket, for when we find the hatchling to keep him warm, along with some flint to light a fire once out of Icewing territory to stay warm," Oculus said, stretching and flexing his wings to keep them warm and prevent them from going stiff.  "Have you ever been to the IceWing territory?  I'm only familiar with our own land....shoulda brought a map..." he spoke to himself, looking off into the direction he knew the IceWings lived, but once outside of their beloved NightWing territory, he would have no reference point to keep them on track during the day.  At night, the stars would keep their path straight.

Oculus's arrival was a heart warming revelation for Tenebris Grand, now we can move. He stood confidently upon the rocky plateau as he acknowledged Oculus, he was somewhat surprised to see the young Dragon exchange his formalities with a bow, Tenebris even raises his right eye ridge in curiosity It seems he's learning and developing already, a better improvement than our last encounter. Giving a matching incline of his head as he bow himself in mutual respect, Tenebris returned a small soft smile at Oculus, after all the situation demanded it even if it was almost uncharacteristic coming from his dark visage while his piercing sapphire eyes fixated upon the younger Dragon.

Tenebris nodded intently at Oculus's words regarding the blanket, it was true despite his own supplies and oddities he had brought with him, he never thought of a blanket. Finally he opened his maw speaking to Oculus as he asked his question regarding Tenebris's experiences in the IceWing Kingdom. "Indeed, I've been there on several expeditions, I say such in confidence with you as it would be frowned upon. None the less my own desire of curiosity drove me onwards in regards to my research", his words remained well cultured and almost with an ethereal quality in his usual raspy smooth voice. Finishing his sentence he gave a nod in a gesture towards the satchel wrapped around his chest "In addition I have brought several medical supplies and apparatuses both for us and the young Prince. The IceWing Kingdom is cruel and harsh, we don't know what state we'll find him in, or what natural elements we'll come across", releasing a small sigh under his breath he turned and flared open his wings as he looked forward with determination towards the vague direction of the IceWings. "Are you ready my friend?"

Oculus let out a mental sigh as Tenebris returned the gesture, guessing that it meant he had done it correctly.  Even though he was younger, he wasn't that much smaller than the elder dragon, and he knew he could easily fight him if needed.  But that would lead to bad things...like him being lectured on why beating up important drakes was bad....Oculus did not want a repeat lecture of that.  His head perked up slightly as Tenebris spoke, and he took a few moments to try and wrap the meaning behind his statement.  Curse aristocratic speech!  While still trying if Tenebris was complimenting, or insulting him, or even neither with his statement, Oculus chose to just ignore it as to prevent problems.  It seemed as if he wanted to get to the Ice Wing Territory in one day.  "That's good, medicine will be useful if...uhh....Ausurath... is injured or sick.  But why would we need it?  Just need to find shelter during the day, and travel at night to avoid detection. he spoke slowly and carefully, not wanting to upset Tenebris.  "Travelling too fast will draw attention, unwanted attention...so we have to be careful.  Stepping up besides Tenebris, Oculus flapped his wings, already warmed from just coming and ready to go.  "Lead the way, Lord of.....ermmm....uhhh....Advisor" he spoke, finishing with advisory to save himself from a potential mistake in guessing.

Tenebris reared up upon his hind legs as he stared out once more into the distance, after a long period as he releases a small sigh under his breath to himself, he turns facing Oculus where his visage grows a soft pleasant smile almost uncharacteristic due to his dark features. "I think for this exercise Tenebris will do just fine, we'll keep formalities upon a regardl". With that he pushed himself forward, at first he seems to plummet towards the ground from their perch as if he made a misjudgement, but just before contact  is made with the ground, he glides with the cool breeze, majestically pivoting in the air as he reasserts himself, maintaining his regal yet domineering stature even in flight as he tilts his wings simply gliding, his neck craned over his shoulder as he awaits for Oculus.