Ice in the Presence of Fire. (Private and Invite only)

Spires of the new kingdom pierced high into the sky, their forms reflecting the bright light from the sun. The flames billowed from various dragons, showing off to one another. She thought they were at least. Ashes gently bubbled at the top of the volcanoes, casting their dark colours into the air. Tahki smiled to herself, readjusting how her wings were settled against her side. In theory, she should be there sooner rather than later.

She continued to walk through the woods, the plains and the other areas which these lands were scattered with. Tahki would sigh quietly to herself, her breath giving small gusts of white from her muzzle. Despite the warm area, she couldn’t help but feel a little cold. Tahki tried to shrug it off, the white from her face making it easy to see her smile.

When she arrived at the designated area, whether that was indoors or outdoors, Tahki hadn’t taken too much attention. Politely, she would lower herself into a bow to the others that she had been almost dying to meet.

"Thank you for agreeing to meet with me." She began, her heart rising in her throat from her all too obvious nerves, "My name is Tahki, it's a great pleasure to meet you all." Until she was addressed, Tahki would refuse to raise her head and look to them.

Baldirak, Tenebris, and Kenina had been informed of an IceWing at the FireWing border. Normally, Kenina would address the matter, but this IceWing had requested the presence of the Queen and King, and their head of security (or whatever title Tene uses on Thursdays). So now Baldirak made his way to the FireWing border to meet the IceWing. He'd insisted on arriving before Kenina and Tenebris and thus had left before them, though they were close behind. The two were... well... they wouldn't take as kindly to someone coming so close to one of the Imperium's borders as Baldirak would.

The Earth King was glad this meeting would be taking place at the border and not in the terrirtory itself. He couldn't stand the heat of FireWing lands. Eventually he spotted the IceWing, making its way to the where the border guard had directed them for the meeting. Baldirak landed nearby and watched for a moment. Then with a slight inhale, he walked over to them. He was quite glad he had learned to hide the pain his right foreleg caused. Upon arriving, the IceWing bowed and introduced herself. Out of habit, Baldirak dipped his head. "Greetings, Child of Ice. I am Baldirak and it is a pleasure to meet you as well."

Borders, civilian concerns,IceWing at the border,Tenebris, military organization, spire construction,Tenebris, tribal relations,personal mate relations, and many more. Kenina knew having a powerful world influence was going to mean a lot of work, but she never expected to integrate two others tribes within an alliance. One maybe but everyone else was suppose to be dominated. Sure it had its own problems but it was easier to deal with things labeled as rebellious or traitorous than to organize the transition of three tribes into one. Wait IceWing at the border what? Kenina half missed it with all the thing she was being overwhelmed with. Reading the report the IceWing supposedly had wished to join the Twilight Imperium. Kenina had her suspicions but this could be an opportunity to gain a playing piece in future expansion goals, assuming it wasn't a spy or trap of some kind. Kenina would take an opportunity to place a spy within the chaos of some new alliance as well though she wouldn't be as bold as this. In any case it was worth investigating.

As she was heading out she was informed that her mate had already headed out to the IceWing. She still didn't know her mate very well and didn't trust him to properly handle this himself. She took off with haste hoping only that she would arrive before anything damaging could happen. No doubt Tenebris was going to have a fit the rulers were going out to the border without protection. When Kenina arrived she landed next to her mate. The EarthWing was twice her size but despite this Kenina was much more imposing than her large mate. Having no idea where in the conversation she had landed in, the twilight queen remained silent until she could figure out where things were at at this point.

Tenebris flew, fighting to endure his composure even while in flight which was his exhilarating yet peaceful as if the sky itself was his sanctum. His ire was provoked by the recent and early departure of both King Baldirak and Queen Kenina from the Capital before himself. All three of them were within the Capital and present when a steward brought forth the news of an Icewing at the borders of the Firewing homeland. Tenebris ever the diligent servant to the Imperium's procedures and formalities had set about to organising a delegation from all three of the Rulers to meet with this Icewing, however no sooner than Tenebris called for those within his retinue did Bladirak take his leave from the City, followed shortly by Kenina herself. Both leaving without an escort or informing Tenebris which at the time had caused a uncharacteristic primal snarl to escape his maw upon finding out regarding their early departure.

Now Tenebris was approaching the designated clearing, with Tenebris also flew his retinue. Nine in total made up the procession, Tenebris at its front followed by two Nightwings who only wore an onyx pendent around their necks to show their status as members of the Ebonwing caste, the ruling elite aristocrats of Nightwing society and then finally at the rear there was Six with militaristic garb from Tenebris's personal Eclipse Guard, steel plating which seemed to turn the otherwise usual Black foreboding Dragons into flying ingots of metal. Tenebris himself was in his ceremonial attire, not practical in the slightest he wore an assortment of silver rings and bangles from his horns, his forearms and rear legs encased in braces engraved with stylistic depictions of Draconic imagery, his chest covered by a Silver cuirass which bore the typical heraldry which Tenebris associated himself with, two Dragons rampart to one another, one holding a sceptre as a symbol of authority and the other a sword as a symbol of might.

Descending, Tenebris maintained all his regality and pride as he landed beside Kenina. Folding his wings majestically, his entourage followed suit, he bowed his long sinuous neck in mutual respect and acknowledgement towards both Baldirak and Kenina, his stoic features not betraying his previous resentment of their early departure from the Capital. Remaining in silence his eerie sapphire gaze then turned to Tahki, he examined the Dragoness in silent scrutiny. His visage ever apathetic and emotionless as he awaited the conversation to continue before he made the formalities of introducing himself.

Tahki had barely noticed when the queen had landed, her eyes too fixated on the giant EarthWing which stood before her. The giant mass of muscle seemed to flow with power that was just waiting to be used. She inclined her head to him, "Even so, you came on such short notice to meet with me. I do appreciate your willingness to come so readily, especially given what had happened in the past." She spoke with ease, her voice carrying across to the others who had come, and she turned her gaze to them. She offered a gentle incline of the head to display her acknowledging their presence, but their names her mind wasn't able to bring forth and to light.

"Greeting as well. I assume you know why I am here, as I do wish to join your Imperium." Her voice would hesitate here, unsure of if she should continue speaking or to linger more so on the matter. "I... Assume that you are more reluctant to allow me to join as you have no idea of my intentions that I have of being here. But let me assure you, I am no spy and neither am I an assassin. That work is... Somewhat below me." She stated, a smirk tugging at her maw. It was true, every word of it. If she were to fight, she'd rather fight them head to head.

She looked between the three of them, inwardly worried that they would attempt to put her through trials and practices before they would allow her passage into their alliance. Tahki held nothing of value to offer them, aside from her brute strength and devotion. But even then, they could question her, simply because she was from the tribe of IceWings, the ones who were being starved for so long of resources. And the ones with no real leader.

No sooner had Baldirak finished greeting the IceWing did his mate and Tenebris show up. Kenina landed beside him and Baldirak bowed to her, fully aware that there was no need to be so formal with someone who shared his rank. But even so, he found it disrespectful not to bow to a royal. His pale gaze fell to the small FireWing and he wondered how it was possible she could appear more intimidating than an EarthWing. True, Baldirak was not known to be intimidating--except maybe to Hatchlings and Humans. Still, what was it that made Kenina so? Maybe he could ask Tenebris... And then Tenebris arrived... with eight other NightWings behind him. Why he felt the need to bring them was beyond Baldirak; he would have been happy with just two of his Royal Guards. But now was hardly the time to question him. He merely acknowledged the NightWing's presence and bow then turned his attention back to the IceWing. With Kenina and Tenebris here now, she continued speaking.

"If I dwelled on past events, my tribe would still live in hiding. I cannot speak for Kenina or Tenebris, but I have no fears of allowing you into the Imperium nor of your intentions. I could easily find them out. Still... I have concerns, ones I'm sure my mate has as well," he said with a glance at Kenina. Then he took a step back, letting his Kenina take over from there if she so desired. He sat down, pale eyes watching the IceWing as he contemplated what possible reason she could have for wanting to join this alliance. Although, for him it didn't really matter. As long as they weren't going to try anything that would jeopardize the Twilight Imperium, he would gladly allow any Dragon looking for a new start. He only wished his counterparts were so welcoming.. but he supposed it was probably good they weren't.

Kenina cast a curious glance to Baldi as he bowed to her. She shrugged it off for now though as there were pressing concerns at hand. It appeared as if she made in time as the conversation consisted of sentences reserved for the opening. Kenina stared into the IceWing with intense prying eyes, analyzing her every word and motion in ways most didn't have the capacity to understand. Kenina quickly believed the IceWing. No assassin worth their salt lacks the pride to consider their profession as lowly. She wasn't totally convinced she wasn't a spy however. The IceWings no doubt knew of the FireWings paranoia and the NightWings proficiency with all manner of espionage and assassination. They would't risk one of their best. No it was far more likely they sent someone with believably little experience simply to observe how the Twilight Imperium was organizing itself. In even this Kenina had no intention of letting them get what they want regardless of the operations theoretical existence. From the way the IceWing carried herself the Twilight Queen could tell she had a warrior spirit.

"I have little reservation and in fact if you are willing I'd like to have you on our military." The strict structure of their military meant the IceWing would have eyes on her without revealing that they were intentionally stalking. And an IceWing joining the Imperium would encourage immigration and especially rattle some IceWings. "However first I need you to answer one simple question that should have already been asked. Why do you want to join our Imperium?" Kenina said with a gaze that could rattle proficient liars. Only a master liar could fool Kenina. It was a simple question one any spy or anyone with something to hide would have practiced many times before reaching this point and yet her all seeing eyes would spot if it was insincere. Regardless of the answer Kenina would return to her still imposing self. The simple question would answer the missing information that regardless of content would provide Kenina valuable insight into the dragoness's purpose.

Tahki could almost sense a partial frustration from the large EarthWing, perhaps it was because she forgot to bow? She didn't know too well, but it wasn't something she figured that she should dwell on. She turned her icy head to glance at the other NightWing who had come, bringing an unnecessary amount of force. Tahki tried to shrug it off before returning her gaze to the Queen and King. She felt uneasy, on guard and slightly off putted by the queen. Her gaze was watching, taking in Tahki's every movement and it made the IceWings blood run cold.

Slowly, she considered their words, her face glinting with a partial amount of uncertainty. A look of disgust would twist on her face, a disdain that made her seem quite angry all of a sudden. "The IceWings are so disjointed and passing across leadership like it was a toy. They are starving. Erratic. They don't display any signs of knowing what they are doing. Quite frankly, I am sick of the uncertainty of being with them. Who to protect, who to kill, who to respect and who to hunt for. They are so. . . indecisive. Which brings around a ruin to a race. They will drive themselves to extinction, and I won't allow myself to fall into that spiral of destruction anymore. I have done what I can, but they are continually falling and soon I feel that they will reach a point of no return." Tahki would shake her head, trying to quell the anger she felt, "I feel that they are a lost cause. I'd rather use my skills and ability to protect a Queen and King who won't shove their tribes aside with no care." Tahki tried to explain, feeling like she had rambled a little. She lowered her head in an apologetic manner, her eyes however, wouldn't leave the Queen as she watched her.

This FireWing Queen intrigued her.

Tenebris strode forward, despite his diminutive size compared to the Firewing and Earthwing, his posture seemed ever undaunted, his composure would ever remain stoic and apathetic as he closed the gap between himself and the Icewing, his domineering and authoritative strides born out of pride and purpose. His eerie sapphire gaze would remain ever fixated upon her without fail nor falter. "We all know the Icewings path of self destruction, they are bound on a simple destiny to fall into the abyss it would seem". His well cultured voice radiated with a mix sense of cruelty and austere apathy. "We understand your reason for abandoning your kin, there is no doubt as to your reason why you'd wish to distance yourself from them, however, thus far I cannot see why we should make an exception for yourself to join our glorious Imperium. I shall give you the courtesy of course to attempt to sway me".

Tenebris lowered himself to a sitting position, his movements fluid and regal as he rose his right talons as he fiddled with one of the rings adoring the horns on his crest, seeming to amuse and entertain himself before he continued "I desire to know what would make you an asset to our Imperium, you are unique as you will be an outsider, thus you must serve a purpose worthy that we'll gain a benefit from this affair. Tell me, what drives you as an individual. It surely cannot be your serves to your Tribe as even now you wish to forsake your kin and land, so I must know what cause you serve, I will not have a self serving survivalist joining the Imperium out of mundane mortal desires, you may claim to want to -protect- our monarchy, yet you have no previous loyalties to them, I find your motives certainly intriguing to say the least".

Tahki caught the flicker of movement out of the corner of her eye and she slowly turned her white face to watch the smallish dragon, his dark form a very striking contrast between the grounds around them. Despite the aura which he held, Tahki would remain calm, a desire to join this Imperium burning strongly in her heart. His blue eyes seemed to bore into her soul, judging and weighing her every move. She lowered her head in a respectful bow, before rising it again to listen silently to the words which he spoke. The dragoness took a few moments to gather her words before she would reply to the NightWing, "What is a guardian without a king and queen to protect?" She would ask, her voice partially strained as she held a slight anger back. It was not an anger that burned against the three - no, nine near her, but the indecision of her race.

"They care more about the attention which they receive more than trying to sort out the issues which their tribe face. How can I support those who crave attention more than the dragons perishing in the wastelands of ice?" She asked, her muzzle slightly twisting into a snarl at what she was saying. "You seem to think that this decision was made without a hesitation. But I assure you. After seeing at least three 'leaders' come and go within a short span of time - as well as seeing many of your own kin become ill from hunger and perish of starvation during that time... It was something that I couldn't bare to watch anymore." Tahki sighed very heavily, her anger vanishing from her face.

"What drives me is having a purpose and a clear direction of instruction to follow. My kin allowed others of my own kind to perish from hunger. And not once were there orders given to hunt in the seas for food! Take a giant trip around to rogue territories and hunt. I had aided when I could, gathered food unseen for a few while I was off duty. What drives me is a purpose and a care that I can have for others. And what I offer is myself and what I can do. I was a guardian for my kin, one that took care of the ones who couldn't protect themselves. But I also offer what I can do." Tahki stated, before she would turn to the EarthWing King and look up to him.

"King Baldirak, If you would allow it, would you please strike me?" Tahki would ask with an incredible confidence, but a gentleness in her tone as to not anger the others near them.

While his mate and Tenebris questioned Tahki about her reasons for wanting to join the Imperium, Baldirak listened. There was little else he could do at the moment, as he didn't share his colleagues' wariness of allowing an outsider into the Tribe. His pale eyes moved to the horizon behind the IceWing, to something he saw yet was invisible to everyone else.The claws of his forepaws scratched longingly at the earth as something beckoned him to use his gift of gazing through time. But another part of the EarthWing fought the temptation; this was hardly the place or time to do something that could leave him drained. He made a mental note to devote some time to learning how to control his power better. For now, his mind wandered a vast network of possiblities this meeting had; Baldirak tried to decide which path it would take. A low, curious growl rumbled in his throat as he considered what would happen if this IceWing in fact had some ill intentions but was allowed into the alliance.

Though he was still fully listening to the conversation, Baldirak was caught off guard by Tahki's question. He looked down at the IceWing as if she had spoken in some language unknown to him. For a long moment, the King was silent, aside from a series of low growls and hisses he tended to make when contemplating. Without a word, the EarthWing stood and walked forward, allowing a far less docile growl to be emitted from his maw as he bared his teeth. He circled the smaller Dragon, the thin, whip-like end of his tail threatening to strike but never doing so. He came to a stop and crouched slightly in front of his mate, intending to protect her from some unseen attack; his tail extended past Tenebris. Baldirak lowered his head to the eye level of the IceWing at the same time his wings extended, and he opened his maw, letting out a fierce roar. Seconds after, acid replaced sound, a stream of it flying towards Tahki's face, to impair her vision if it made it there.

( I... have no words to explain why or how this is so late. My... Sincere apologies.)

Her eyes gleamed, almost in amusement, when her question had caught the great King off guard. However, her concentration steeled. The movement of the king made Tahki change her stance. Paws partially spread from each other, bracing but at the same time, crouched to prepare for him. His growl came from his maw, but the air began to slowly cool around her, despite the heat around her. His form stopped, crouched protectively in front of Kenina, his Queen. However, Tahki quickly forced herself to snap her attention back to Baldirak's movements, not missing a single move that he had made so far. She didn't even miss the circle he had made around her either, before his tail had somewhat rested in front of Tenebris.

His maw parted, the growl building to release a furious roar in her direction.

That was then that she noted the acid appear at his maw, sent straight for her face. Tahki's ice began to build behind her fangs, anger flaring inside her at the sudden attack. This was not what she meant by strike, but it would have to do. With her own roar, the dragoness dove to the right to avoid the acid's stream, before her right paws dug into the ground to halt the sudden burst of movement to avoid the acid. After she had slowed to a reasonable speed, her tail flicked out to help her re-balance herself. Her maw opened wide, the ice forming between her fangs.

She exhaled, the breath shot forward, aiming to connect with his front leg closest to her, hoping to form her ice around it. Momentum continued forward, her legs carrying her as she launched herself towards him- claws preparing to rake against the closest hind leg to cripple it as well. But her eyes were watching, senses open, taking notes of any movements she could see.

Baldirak watched as Tahki avoided his acid, balanced herself out. He saw the mist billowing from her maw as she prepared a blast of ice. He assumed she would aim for a limb; he was right. Unfortunately, the limb closest to her was his right forepaw. He would be unable avoid the ice without suffering great pain to that leg as a result. But that wasn't why Baldirak chose not to move. He had lived with the pain for some time and could endure it if he needed to. No, the King stayed right where he was because Kenina, his mate, was standing right behind him. He was all that stood between her and an IceWing intent on doing her harm or worse. He had to protect her with his life. It was the only way he could put himself in a mindset to properly test Tahki. Otherwise, he might have treated her like a young Trainee.

The ice struck his leg just a few inches above the paw and molded it in place. He experienced pain and an intense numbing sensation all at the same time. A roar might have erupted from his maw; he wasn't sure. But he had learned to tolerate pain in his right forelimb, so he managed to stay focused enough to notice Tahki rushing at him.

His tail was thrust forward in a sweeping motion, the thin whip-like end aiming to grasp Tahki's left foreleg. If it succeeded, it would yank her leg sharply to the left, out from under her. A second after his tail moved, Baldirak loosed another stream of acid at Tahki, this time aimed at her right flank.