Just a normal day? (Private- Those invited already know)

It's been a long day. With alot of dragons pushing, yelling and laughing. A normal day for Caili. Finally she'd have found a place where she thought she'd be free from their mockery. She had found herself a small cave to lay with, in the swamp.

Today had been, terrible, no that was not the word.. chaotic. Her siblings were as always after her, mocking her for her size. And this time she couldn't just get away, they had her pulled back every time she had tried to get away, but now, it actually seemed to have succed. As she layd there infront of the small cave she let out a low sigh, only to let her head fall down laying in the mudd, really pathetic. Her eyes closed as she'd enjoy the cooling feeling of the mudd over her body.
The sun who had been up all day were now gone behind the clouds, leaving the swamp in darkness.

Thoughts running around in her head, as hatred started boiling in her. She hated them, she hated her family, wished them away, gone from this world. She would show them, she planned her 'revenge' to her siblings, over and over again untill the thoughts slowly disapered as others took over. How could she even handle them? they were bigger than her, stronger than her..

Freedom, something which was ever diminishing within the life of Tenebris. His departure from Shadow's Refuge was a indescribable sensation, a pleasure which seemed to radiate ever through his musings as his smug smile was ever apparent across his maw. Leaving the Refuge was not forsaking his duties, as Grand Vizier he was merely mean't to bring his retinue and entourage with him. Above all else though, Tenebris was a scholar, his insatiable passion of searching for the unknown and learning more was both his gift and curse.

The original intention was to fly out to the newly annexed Neutral lands which were now part of the Nightwing Empire to take several specimens of flora back for his personal academic research on the field of alchemy, however, it was a sharp realisation to the draw backs of his field expeditions when a sudden downpour of torrential rain hit him. Flying was in his nature like all Dragons, but he wasn't a skilled at aerobatics and his muscles ached quickly against the rains relentless onslaught.

Thinking it wiser, Tenebris began his decent towards the canopy of the Swamp within the Nightwing heartland. Even with the rain beating down upon him, his landing was ever graceful, despite no one in the immediate vicinity, his stature never faltered as his clawed paws met the floor. Craning his neck he looked around his scenery for anywhere what could provide additional shelter, to which his search bore fruit as he saw a Cave a small distance away. With a brisk walk he made his way to the Cave mouth.

It was a sigh of relief what overtook him as he entered the Cave, at first lost in the satisfaction of being dry he stood remaining still within the entrance, his visage a slender one. The Grand Vizier had no ceremonial garb on him, and his looming foreboding presence only showed his violet and ebon colours. Only several silver rings adorning his horns and wrists were any indication of his stature, but such accessories were still common amongst the Nightwings. As his eerie sapphire gaze narrowed only then did he lock eyes upon the Dragoness before, his first reaction was for him to bow his head graciously, extending his wings as he did so in an almost formal gesture reserved for members of high society and calibre. "Forgive me, I didn't mean to intrude" stated quickly, his well cultured charming voice radiating across the small Cave.

As the sun was setting and darkness creeped ever closer, the last rays of the sun glaced over a towering figure sat upon the castle walls of Shadow's Refuge.. Ever domineering in it's presence it observed and listened to the surrounding dragons, further down on the ground, talking of the days happenings..

As the Vizier took off, the figure that proved to be Nerokius, Tenebris' Guard Captain looked up at his ever graced leader, soaring towards the swamps and wetlands.. and this poked at Nerokius protective personality towards his superior and leader and with one swift move he had gotten up and leaned halfway over the wall and allowed himself to drop, spreading each wing and glided towards the sea before he adjusted the wings and flapped them once, gaining altitude in order to stay above the water which was followed by several other flaps before he found himself high than Tenebris in order to watch over him as his current job was..

As the rain set in, Nerokius found himself flapping alittle more often, but in all, he wouldn't flap more than once every thirty seconds or so.. His wide wingspan casting shadows from the peeking moon through the clouds down upon the waters surface and soon, the muddy and mossy ground below..

His gaze ever observant he followed Tenebris all the way to his graceful landing, making a few circles around the area from above, making sure no one was around to harm Tenebris before he slowly decended.. Compared to Tenebris graceful landing, Nerokius landed was far from graceful and with a few flaps he landed in a watery area not far from Tenebris, not wanting to bother him with his own presence, as that was not why he was there, rather there for his safety.. Water and winds flying everywhere before his clawed paws sunk into the muddy water and his wings folded back to either side of him..

His gaze would keep shifting to the surrounding area, nosdrils inhaling sharply, sniffing the air for un-natural things, but was left with nothing but rotten logs and debris..

He's soon start moving up from the murky water and towards the clearing with the cave with the family of drakes.. He'd stop just before entering the clearing and remained there, observing everything from a distance.. Making his presence known to Tenebris and the female dragon..

The sound of the wind from the wings flapping would be heard from a good distance, of where Caili would be laying. She'd not even dare to look as she'd move herself, to be curled abit more together in the mudd, prepairing herself for the mockery that might come her way. Her body shaking slightly and her breathing would have increased. Listening to Tenebris landing, it wouldn't be much but his wings flapping and the paws landing in the water. She'd be laying there curled together in a 'ball' waiting for the big dragon to pass her as he'd enter the cave. Herself she'd lay just at the entrace in the mudd.

Another sound catches her ear, another dragon? couldn't they leave her alone. Another shivern runs through her body. Trying to control her 'fears' her nervousity, by taking some deep breath trough her nostrils. The voice of Tenebris reaches her as if he stood just next to her, which makes her look up and over her shoulder at him, mudd dripping from her jawline and neck. He was new, she had never seen him before, she'd eye him slightly before moving her wing up to cover her head, emberesed. "I'm sorry, do you want this cave?" speaking very low, the two of them would just be able to hear it. She'd peer out from her wing at Nerok, then hidding herself once more. Moving herself up standing as getting ready to leave the cave, if being told to.

Vesanus watched the cave entrance with his one good eye, staying a fair distance away, his dark scales camouflaging him as the day slowly ends becoming night. Insects would fly around him as Vesanus remains still, almost stone like in appearance.

‘He dares strike at Tenebris while he is alone?!’

Vesanus’s mind would be filled with dark images of Nerokius tearing Tenerbris apart, scale by scale, slaughtering his adoptive father. Vesanus didn't trust many others, even of his own tribe, yet he would harbour almost hatred towards the Captain of Shadow’s Refuge. He was always watching Tenebris. It didn't seem right …

‘He watches, and waits for an opportunity to strike Tenebris down! I must end him before he has that chance!’

Vesanus would use his hind legs to push himself into flight, one strong beat of his wings bringing him to the ideal height, before pushing forward in the direction of the cave mouth. His mind filled with the thought of Tenebris coming to harm drove Vesanus to leave all subtly behind as he hurries towards the cave, coming in to land quickly, almost too much so.

As he lands, the murky ground of the swamp causes Vesanus to slip, his large talons trying to dig into the ground to no avail. His body from the waist down would collide with the rock, a shooting pain normally would follow, though Vesanus simply strided forward, craning his neck into the cave entrance as his voice booms.

“Remove yourself from Tenebris’s presence, before I remove your head!”.

Tenebris rose from his bowing like stature as he managed to incline his head towards the Dragoness, her display of embarrassment only made his wolfish grin grow in his mild amusement, his features although dark and ominous, showing mainly his sapphire ethereal gaze and his almost uncharacteristic white fangs, his visage was soft and warm.

Tenebris couldn't help but find the situation rather comical as he straightened his posture before finally speaking "No, no of course not, I don't mean to disturb. I've only come seeking a refuge from the onslaught of rain outside. Please-", before he could continue he was able to halt his words as they were about to leave his maw, the realisation struck that there was someone behind him, his visage would coldly change as an audible almost primal growl escaped his visage believing Oculus to have finally sent an assassin.

It was only then that a sigh of relief escaped him, as his grimace turned into his usual emotionless appearance as he laid eyes upon "Ah Captain, so you followed me I take-", again the world seemed to shudder with the excitement of another player to the scene as he caught Venanus's head seem to emerge in the darkness behind Nerokius. Before he could do little more than to react, Vesanus's voice was already filling the Cave.

A slight blink of his eyes was all that were given as Vesanus launched himself into the air and ahead of himself to stand between himself and Tenebris, thinking Nerokius would seek harm to his master.. How ignorant..

His right front leg emerged from the shadows and out into the open and more solid ground, but still.. Muddy.. and thus bringing himself into the light and lifted his head high, towering above the three smaller drakes, one being his own master of which he would never try and appear domineering infront of, but alas.. Vesanus tried to intimidate him and thus he responded with a slight snarl "Calm yourself, whelp.. Aggresion dosen't suit you.." he'd respond to the threat..

His gaze would fall onto Tenebris and the domineering presence vanished, bowing his head as his eyes closed "Master" he'd remark as he did.. Showing his respect as clear as day.. Why Vesanus didn't get that, was beyond his understanding.. Maybe the rumors was true?.. Maybe he was as mad as the others said.. But still he was a guardian and as Captain, he should show him respect, but he wouldn't put him in his place now.. Not before his adoptive father and show that kind of disrespect.. It was unheard of..

Rain still poured down from the skies, making the already wet swamps even wetter, but it also cooled everything down as it dragged the cold winds from above down with it..

Nerokius turned his attention to the lesser Vesanus again, almost lifting a brow as he parted his jaggered lips to speak "Behaving like an animal before your own father.. I'd advice you to stop acting like a mere beast in the future" he'd remark with a slight grin, before he went silent.. He had no intention of interupting Tenebris from the beginning.. But Vesanus forced him to speak..

His neck would crane up again, regaining his former domineering presence and attitude, mostly to warn others not to approach.. But also to show his rank to the younger Vesanus and where his place was..

She'd move her wing slightly down to peer at Tenebris once more, using the wing to brush off the mood from her jawline and neck, to look more, 'elegant' or trying to, being covered in mudd. Quickly turning her gaze back to Nerokius to observe him, as he'd be the biggest one here.

Her body moves abit down, making herself smaller in height, subbmisiv somewhat? Her thoughts keeps moving back on why they would be here, she didn't quite trust any of them. Were they there to mock her? to hurt her?

The thoughts never came to an end before they all got 'rudely' interrupted by another arrival, who seemed more aggrasive then any of those two. And with one look at Vesanus she'd flee to inside the cave, cowardly yes. she'd move her wings more around herself to protect her as 'charging' past Tenebris to get into safety or what she thinks is safety. And as she'd now be in there, hidding from them all, behind a big rock.

She'd peer past it to see whats going on. Her head would be lowered and her mouth slightly open so her teeths would be visiable, ready to defend herself. A very low hissing tone would be heard from her. Shoulders moved abit more up as she had herself lowered. Claws and teeths at ready.

Her tail moving around behind herself, to keep herself occipied untill anything happens. kicking some stones now and then. Her breathing seems to have increased, breathing through her nosdrils.Trying to keep herself on guard from them all now.

Vesanus craned his neck to the side, watching Nerokius. He would appear motionless, simply listening, watching, waiting. As Nerokius finished speaking, Vesanus’s forked tongue poked through the gap in his maw that left him without teeth, his wide mouth slowly opening after showing a display of amusement, followed by a maniac like laughter, made worse by the echo of the cave.

‘Aggression doesn't suit you ... this fool must be taught a lesson, but …’

As Vesanus finished laughing he slowly turns his gaze towards Tenebris, bowing his head with great respect before speaking;

“Just give the word, father, and I will end this one. He should not be trusted. Cannot be trusted”.

Vesanus would crane his neck back in the direction of Nerokius almost smirking, evaluating the larger beings weak spots, or where he believed they would be. His own underbelly dripped swamp mud from the pink fleshy area which bore no scales, hopefully hiding his own weak spot from view if it came to blows; another thought entered Vesanus’s deranged mind:

‘Strike him now, use your strength to beat him into submission, tear every scale from his body, extract every talon, remove every tooth...'

Vesanus felt the presence of another looking at him, his attention stolen for a brief moment as the dark thoughts left his mind as soon as they appeared. He turned to see a much smaller drake, grinning wildly as he does so. It wouldn't be long before the thoughts would return with a new focus.  

‘Perhaps once the big one is done I can play with the smaller one as well …’

Vesanus turns back to his adoptive father, speaking in a tone almost snappy, hurriedly as if he has another adrenaline rush as he speaks.

“Let me show the Captain that my ‘aggression’ is far superior to his foolishness”.

A scoff radiated across the small as Tenebris regarded his Captain and Adopted Son out of both disdain and scorn. The eventful occurrence turned his attention away from the Dragoness as his gaze shifted from Nerokius and then Vesanus. It took him a moment of silently contemplating both their words before he majestically extended his wings, he'd hold the full length of his wingspan for a moment even despite his smaller size to both his overpowering Captain and his intense -Son-.

Catching their attention he'd slowly release a sigh as if a parent to a foolish child not knowing any better, he'd fold his wings back around himself in such a manner that it would almost appear as if a mock drape or cloak around him. "You're both as insolent as you are zealous". After his initial statement more to himself that scolding his Captain or Vesanus, he couldn't help but understand their purpose, Nerokius was merely following his duties, it was Tenebris who has neglected his own on his departure and Vesanus, he should of known better to be so foolhardy as to not believe Vesanus would follow.

"Cease you bickering, enough of this", Tenebris's voice was spoken confidently even towards the two overwhelming personalities before him, his voice was stalwart and domineering. "We will speak on this matter later, right now though, we are but guests. Show some respect"

Turning slowly, the gesture itself showing the trust and confidence he had over Nerokius and Vesanus, Tenebris fixated his attention to where the Dragonness hid herself, her swift movements even when he attention was elsewhere gave him enough knowledge of where to indicate her presence "Please, forgive my companions. They mean no harm, as do I. Merely seeking sanctuary from the rain, nothing more"

As Tenebris spoke his words, Nerokius simply bowed his head in a respectful manner.. He had simply tried to end the tense Vesanus but to no avail as he was completely lost to his own thoughts, clear as the day itself..
However the mocking words from Vesanus still brewed inside the much larger dragon and in his yellow eyes, it could be seen that he wouldn't leave it there, but for now he would remain silent as his master had ordered them to.. Allowing for a brief silence before Tenebris regarded the much smaller female drake, extending his apology on their behalf..

"..Who lets a whelp be by herself at this hour.." he thought to himself, but didn't give off a single sound but his heavy breathing through his nosdrils, sharp inhales and exhales.. And it wasen't long before his attention again briefly wandered over the younger Vesanus and onwards.. Inspecting the area again as he had not seen Vesanus before he actually flew, which was likely due to the cold mud, covering his body at first..

Each movement made from all three of them, send sensations through his body.. He knew exactly where they were at all times due to this.. No one could ever hide from him, for long.. But alas, it had been years since his last real battle and thus, he grew ever more idle as politics always seemed to win in the end.. Ceasefires were made, peace engulfed the lands, only for war to break out again.. He could wait.. But not for too long.. He had to hunt, he had to kill.. Soon..

The gaze of the mightly beast wandered over several small critters in the swamp, nearby.. Minding their own business but remaining ever fearful of the mighty dragons, especially the bigger they were..

As the rain poured down, cooling the air at the ground, tensions soon started and it wasen't long before a loud crack was heard, followed by a roaring thunder and a bright flash lit up the area.. Revealing all four dragons to one another, this flash didn't seem to bother Nerokius, however.. He wasen't looking exactly at the lightning beam..

She'd peer out from the rock at them all, her mouth still being slightly open as hissing very low. Listening to them talking.
Her eyes being on Vesanus mostly as he'd seem like the aggrasive one. Seeing him grinning which only made her move backwards into her hidding.

Taking a few deep breaths to calm herself, while doing this she'd move her right paw up to her jawline, only to wipe the mudd away.

Peering out towards Tenebris once more, studying him for a few seconds. He seemed like he controled those two 'brutes' one bigger then the other, but how? he was smaller then them..

Very slowly she'd move herself away from the rock and out in the open so they'd be able to see her in her full height, which wouldn't be tall at all. She'd move her head abit, still having it downwards but, the way she'd be able to look up at Tenebris. Bowing her head even more for him.

"Forgiven, h-..however it's not my place to judge. "Speaking almost in a whispering tone. Her eyes peering slightly at Vesanus once more before looking back at Tenebris once more. Somehow she wasent that scared of him nor the bigger one, but the aggrasive one? She'd keep herself ready to run if he'd do anything.

Vesanus bows his head respectfully to Tenebris, though a brawl would far better suffice then letting this drag on any longer, as he already believed the Captain was not to be trusted. Vesanus watched his adoptive father speaking politely to the small form that claimed to be a nightwing. Vesanus would scoff at his thoughts as he would move towards the cave mouth, the smallest among them being of no interest to him anymore

The rain pounded down heavily on the marsh at this point, but Vesanus still strode outside. He contemplated lying down at one point, but it would be easier to defend the cave if he remained standing, on watch.

‘Or easier to destroy the cave’

Vesanus brushed off the thought, looking straight up at the sky, the rain surprisingly refreshing on the area of damaged skin and tissue around his unresponsive eye. Only small marsh creatures remained, the larger ones clearly retreated  to cover due to the rain.

‘Tenebris would be powerful enough to survive, the smaller one would be a loss but the Captain, he would be weakened, easier to slaughter’

Vesanus’s good eye widened in shock. Never! He would never run the risk of harming his own father …

‘He’s not your father … what does it matter …’

Vesanus’s roars in rage at his own thoughts, ear piercing enough that the sound would almost match that of the thunder striking every so often, moving one of his talons to his temple, just in front of his broken horn as he forcibly brings it down, meeting the scales that line his head. Vesanus would be lost, damaging his own scales with the repeated beatings, until he ran out of breath, allowing a moment's rest, bringing his front leg back down to the ground. The rain was the only sound he focused on. Until he heard something else.

‘Good. Now do the same thing to Captain Nerokius, he needs to be taught a lesson.’

Tenebris emanated with with his confident demeanour as he remains with his attention on Cailira's hiding spot before he emitted a soft cooing sound as he slowly lowered his rear, taking up a sitting position before raising his right foreclaw, fiddling and toying with one of the said Silver rings what adorned the crest of his head. Only as Cailira emerged before the others once more he managed a soft comforting smile to spread across his maw, even as his intelligent sapphire eyes seemed to be calculating his surroundings.

Tenebris regarded Cailira's size and stature in close examination, he was far larger than her, but then again despite that fact Tenebris wasn't a very large Drake by the standards of some NightWings. He craned his neck in another nod of initial encouragement to allow Cailira to come closer, his posture may of been commanding and powerful but he made every attempt given his sitting position to appear less intimidating. After all, that's what his companions were for.

Only as he heard footsteps and turned his neck slightly to see who it was which moved did Tenebris turn his attention away from Cailia, it was a silent relief to allow Vesanus outside. Tenebris knew that his -Son- would need time to control and regulate his volatile nature given his excitement earlier with Nerokius.

"Now then, please, no doubt we'll be here a while why we await for the Storm to settle, so tell me, what's your name?" Tenebris continued his soft almost soothing voice, so different it was now he addressed Nerokius and Vesanus. The older Dragon has lived many years and he knew how to react and appeal to others, each movement and word clearly being conscious studious designed actions. As it always was for Tenebris as he lacked the Physical stature and strength of those like Nerokius and Vesanus but his limitless ambition and willpower was enough for any challenge what confronted him, no matter how trivial as even meeting a new face.

The calm nature of Tenebris had it's effects on his surroundings and thus, calming Nerokius alittle from his average tense personality..

As Tenebris started to address the younger and much smaller drake, Nerokius found himself getting increasingly bored with all the talking..
His yellow eyes would wander from drake to drake, inspecting them all briefly in turn while he digs his claws into the muddy ground, forcing mud to escape through his toes as he finally moves his gaze away from the group and onto the surrounding area, narrowing and squinting his gaze as he takes a sniff sharply, extending his neck into the air in order to catch a scent of anything nearby but allowed his head to drop aswell as his hind body, taking up a sitting position as his tail curl and snake it's way from side to side before he allows it to remain still..

".. I wonder.." he thought to himself..
Several of new thunder strikes can be heard in the distance, slowly creeping closer to the swamp and the winds soon pick up aswell.. A storm is on it's way perhaps?.. Time would show.. But one thing was for sure, all animals had sought out shelter for the incoming rain, even the toads and frogs, who'd normally love this weather but maybe a storm was too much for the small creatures to handle?..

It was clear to Nerokius that they were alone there.. Nothing for miles upon miles.. Atleast nothing he can see with his enhanced gaze, but then again.. He couldn't see Vesanus when he was covered in the mud.. Of which he knew why..

Cailira would keep herself lowered, in a respectfull manner, her head just moved abit to be able to look up at the lager dragon speaking, only to lower her gaze again. Walking to stand a few feet from him, still abit scared of the two other dragons who seems to have calmed down.

Listening to the surroundings for a few seconds before speaking again. "I-.. I see.." Stopping herself as her gaze slowly turns towards Nerokius, watching him for a few seconds, then looking back at Tenebris.
Her yellow eyes watching him for a few seconds. She'd move herself to sit, her tail curling up to lay besides her and her wings down her sides, relaxing.

"My name is Cailira" Her voice being very small, and she'd have problems pronounsing the words, perhaps due to being scared, peering around once again, and as the lightning strucks once more outside the cave.
She'd move slightly in an uncomfortable way as her gaze quickly moves away to not get blinded by the lightning.

One didn't need any regard of high perception to see the anxieties in both Cailias voice or her general mannerisms. Her erratic sight turning from Drake to Drake only mate it ever apparent of her fears as Tenebris mused to himself. In hindsight and retrospective this wouldn't of been an issue if like what he initially thought he had been alone. He didn't have to turn his head to know the domineering overwhelming presence what Nerokius emitted, and he has to much respect for the Captains loyalty and understanding to order him elsewhere.

Breaking away from his cognitive thought and back to Cailia he removed his right forepaw from his adorned horn as he firmly laid it upon the floor to help aid his sitting position, meanwhile his serpentine tail coiling around the outline of his body. "Then its a pleasure Cailia, I'm called Tenebris, allow my companion here as well to at least introduce himself" Finishing off politely he gave Cailia a uncharacteristic flash of his gleaming white fangs in a toothy grin as one would do to reassure a hatchling. Tenebris then rose his hand, and beckoned with a mere flex of a wrist, he'd come to realise over the years such words were just more pointless phrases of nonsense for one such as Nerokius who saw all the vibrant moving vibrations of the world around him.

A sudden sharp inhale through his nosdril were heard and he turned his attention to Tenebris for a moment, evaluating his words with care and gives a respectful nod of his head and turned his attention to Cailira before he parted his rough lips "I am Nerokius, Guard of Tenebris.. Excuse my hostile appearance and attitude, young miss.. I mean no harm.. I assure you.." He'd respond with a confident, deep and rumbling voice.. Much deeper than all three of them which in in honesty could intimidate Cailira more but alas, it was not his own choice how deep or dark his voice were.. That was determined by his genetics..

As he had spoken to the young drake his attention would have snapped away from her after having given a bow of his head, only to look around once more in his seated position and thus.. Once more being on guard and very much on edge.. Knowing humans and their lust for dragon materials for flame resistant armour and the like.. Cruel beings, man are..

Thunder, lightning and rain would only pick up as the winds did.. Picking up withered leaves and small dead sticks.. Water too in picked up from the waters surface and cast around, only adding to the already wet area.. But as long as Tenebris got to shelter, Nerokius could still stand guard outside as he already was.. This was what it meant to be a guard, endure the hardships of nature to protect your master and his very being, even if it meant death or maim.. That was the mentality of a soldier such as Nerokius.. Or any other soldier in all fairness..

Back at the Refuge, drakes started to look for Tenebris and by extension, Nerokius.. Seeing as Tenebris haden't told of departure, nor had Nerokius.. The guards and staff had started to become worried as to their location but knowing their Captain, they were calmed alittle, but only just alittle.. Still quite on edge, should something have happened to their master..

Caili would have moved her gaze to Nerok, studying him as he'd speak. His deep voice caming like a shock to her at first, making her move a few inces where she'd be sitting, only to calm herself shortly after. After a few seconds she'd give him a respectfull nod.

Her body shivers abit from the cold wind entering the cave, her body tempreture wouldn't be too high after a dark day. Very slowly she'd move herself down laying onto the cold floors of the cave. Calmed for the first time in ages, by being in company of others. None of them had shown her hostility-besides Vesanus.

A low sigh would be heard as another shiver runs down her back, making her swing her tail abit, only to let it curl up to lay besides her. Wings moved down to be laying around her like a small shield for the wind.  First now she'd talk again.

"It's a pleasure to met both of you" Slowly turning her gaze back to Tenebris as watching him, he was dressed in jewels, but why? why having silver rings around his horns? she could not understand it, which make be abit obivious as she'd seem to stare at them.
Then quickly trying to shake the thoughts out of her head, turning her gaze elsewhere. Her gaze moved to Nerok again, studying his height, then to Tenebris.

There was a really big diffrence in height between the two, also the body build. As she saw already, Tenebris being tall, slim muscular, yes but slim, having this.. presence of dominance, while Nerokius-.. He were taller then Tenebris, brutal looking with his mass of muscules. Wondering for herself.

Tenebris noticed the wandering eyes of Cailira again as she briefly examined his Horns and the silver what adorned them. It was a common reaction, Tenebris was always one to indulge himself in such displays while others would merely hoard such items. In many respects Tenebris appreciated the artistic craftsmanship and felt obligated to show such. Tenebris then moved his sinuous neck as he shot Nerokius a look of understanding "Nerokius, he is far to modest, he is far more than a mere guard" Tenebris said his words firmly in a matter-of-factly manner of speaking and there was truth behind them, over the years the Captain had proven that he deserved more than to be recolonised more trivial title as Guard be that if he saw it himself or not.

Tenebris regarded Cailira sincerely as he turned his attention once more upon her "You'll also have to forgive my Son. Vesanus is rather touchy at times. None the less, I speak on his behalf when I state its grand to meet a new face", those words couldn't be further than the truth, Tenebris new every name and face at court, but he didn't know every citizen, even if he wanted to, to portray his image. It was clear she seemed oblivious to who he was but that was of little consequence and actually quite refreshing.

Nerokius slowly stood up again and craned his neck high, sniffing the air once more just in case before he allowed his head to drop and paced inside the cave mouth and dropped down to sit once more.. Head held high before he heard the comment from Tenebris and bowed his head deeply in respect to the one who had taken him in and allowed him to become what he was this day..

"You honour me, sire.. Your words speaks the truth, as they always do.." He'd remark before he lifted his neck and head once more and his eyes darted to the skies from whatever sky he could see from inside the cave..

The flashes of lighting burning hotter than the sun and by doing so, playing with his vision.. This kind of weather was likely more beautiful to Nerokius than to any other being in this world.. The colours danced across the sky and he allowed his lips to curl into a brief smirk in his own musement but allowed it to fade quickly..
He was not there to be amused by the thundering skies.. He was there to do his job.. Guarding Tenebris from anyone who would seek to harm him..

The comment about Vesanus couldn't be more true..

"Quite true.. He has always been touchy and easily angered.. He's bold and ignorant to death.. But alas, you learn to live with it.. I hope.." He tought to himself with a slight grin that turned into a frown..

The Refuge was still lacking the details of Tenebris whereabouts and thus had started sending several scouts out to find him..
Maybe the Emperor had harmed him.. Maybe another Wing had crossed the borders.. He must be found, no matter the cost!

Little did they know that Tenebris was safe and sound in a cave not too far from the small island, on the mainland.. But alas, they had to do their job..

As another lightning strucks, she'd move her right wing up to cover her face for a few seconds, to advoid get blinded by the next lightning, that would fly over the skies.

A few seconds she'd be laying like this, listening to the words being spoken.
Her eyes then moves to Nerokius, studying him once more, as he moves to sit in the mouth of the cave. Wondering, why didn't he move inside the cave? wasent the rain annoying and cold for him? She'd shake her head quickly before turning her gaze back to Tenebris.

Her body still being placed onto the cold floor of the cave as she started studying him once more. Her head leaned slightly to the right as doing so, studying his body languess as he'd sit there, he seemed so diffrent then all the dragons she have met so far.
More, dominance, he was diffently one with power, but who? She had heard his name before, but from where she didn't remembered.

Her eyes once more moved up to his horns, studying the silver-rings, wouldn't take long before she'd turn her gaze away once again. As laying there she'd start move her tail very slightly, only the tip of her tail to tap onto the floor now and then.

"Your son? He didnt seem to trust your guard" Turning her gaze slightly to look towards Nerok, then back at Tenebris. "Is it the height? He seems very-.. sorry.. intimidating with his height" Speaking very low as she speaks the words.

As the Lightning struck, Tenebris shifted his metallic gaze only briefly as if a brief observation of his surroundings but otherwise remained unphased by the natural phenomena, his smile comforting and reassuring as he turned his attention back to Cailira. Only then to slowly lowers his own body to the cold floor of the cave as a means to show mutuality between the two. His movements although showing signs of weariness and general fatigue still radiated with confidence of his personality and words.
Watching Cailira's examination through his own scrupulous gaze, he noticed each brisk movement and detail, flawlessly he noticed her scrutiny of his adored Horns and was surprised at her lack of reaction which was almost heart warming for himself to know that he avoided the conversation. Releasing a pleasant coo from under his breath he then crossed his forepaws, his left Talons gently running over the hard stone as his inner musings wandered.
Upon Cailira's statement Tenebris managed a flash a snide smirk which showed his almost uncharacteristically white fangs. "Ah, his heart is in the right place, Venanus is just merely a tad overprotective at times. He just believes that only he is resolute when it comes to my safety", raises his right Talons as he waves at the comment as if dismissing it, being far to used to Venanus's tendencies. As Cailira continued his eyes followed hers as he looked briefly to Nerokius before releasing a small chuckle escape him from his throat. "He is rather large isn't he, again though Nerokius is dutiful and staunch. You have nothing to worry yourself with".

A soft huff escaped the large dragons nosdrils as he nodded in agreement to every word Tenebris said with a stretch of his front legs he looked outside again, allowing Tenebris and Cailia to speak in peace without his interuption..

The marsh had gotten quite muddy already and surely they would need a bath when they returned to the keep, but for now they have to live with the muddy entrance and muddy paws..

Nerokius' gaze fell somewhat as he observed the surroundings with care.. Every little living organism was like a beacon to him.. Even their small footprints as they ran across the mud to find cover left behind a trail for him to see.. But alas, it was only critters and reptiles.. No bigger than his toe.. But then again, Venanus had hid from his sight or maybe Nerokius just didn't notice him because he had seen him too many times.. But still.. If would mean that humans or other drakes would be able to hide in the mud aswell.. Not something Nerokius felt calm about.. Even the rain stopped him from sensing movement from anything outside the cave.. This weather was likely the worst condition for Nerokius to work in but he couldn't let that put his guard down.. Not in times like these where Tenebris was almost hunted by a certain someone..

Back at the keep, scouts had already been sent out to scout for Tenebris and Captain.. Hopefully they were together and there was nothing to worry about, but still.. They had to be found.. Protocol..

A howling uproar of the wind would cascade upon the cave entrance and it's stalwart guard, Nerokius as a small yet lean onyx shape spirals through the low skies at blurring speed.

The dark speedster seems to rapidly circle the cave in a low flying orbit before suddenly darting towards the ground like a falling star. Scythe like talons rake across the ground, kicking up a mask of wet dirt and gravel as what is revealed to be a fellow Nightwing dashes in for a swift landing.

His wide, arcing wings remain poised for a breif moment as if still mid flight before smoothly folding into the young scouts scales. A set of pure white eyes regard the behemoth Nerokius. Despite then meeting for the first time, it takes no effort at all for Atronax to recognise the stranger as the Guard Captain of Shadow's Refuge.

With a roll of his shoulders, the young scout bows his head to the ground as a sign of respect for his superior before opening his maw to address him.

"Captain, forgive my intrusion. The absence of the Grand Vizier has been noticed and it is.. Requested.. That he return to the Refuge."

Atronax chooses his words carefully. He may have a job to do but neither does he want to aggravate the physically superior Dragon. He falls silent to await the Captains response.