New Arrivals (Helia + Attor) [In need of a Guardian]

(This is a follow up to 'Leaving home' and still in need of a Guardian of the Imperium to find Helia and Attor and take them to Baldi)

Helia had been transfixed by Attor's colorful stortelling of his adventures in the Imperium. Oh, how she hoped her time here would be this great too. The Imperium offered a lot of chances for her studies and for her to get out of her house a bit more. Even though it was a risk to leave the Starlight Territory and come here, she was feeling hopeful. The king of the Imperium might still turn her away, but Helia was confident she could make a convincing point with her research and the opportunities of enhanced communciation and relations between the two Tribes. But there was still a chance that he would turn them away, the thought made her nervous, making her stomach tingle.
At least until she noticed the big trees beneath them. Green and large, yet so different from the jungle. She couldn't find se any vines hanging from the leaves, connecting the trees with each other and the sounds were different too. At least she didn't recognize any of the birdcalls sounding up from the forest. Oh it was wonderful! Exciting!
Nervously she looked to Attor to see if he knew how long it would be from here. Would they just fly right into the territory? That seemed a little rude, but Helia wasn't sure what the right action was. Should they wait? Try to find someone? Or did they just fly in?

To blunder into ones territory without thinking is foolish, to do so knowing it was their territory can seem either brace or shown the idiocy of the trespasser. Indeed, it had been far too long, years even, since he'd seen the different oaks and hazelnuts. True, he'd only been here once, that once had caught his attention and there'd been some study on the different flora and fauna in the Earthen Regions. Or, the Night, Fire, and Earth-wing territories.

Attor had been speculating whilst he blindly told his ramblings to Helia, a fellow scholar who wanted to expand her knowledge. And a wise choice that is, as any information on the other dragons cultures and their general situation could greatly give Attor an idea on what to help with and how to help, if he could help at all. It was a major risk coming to this place to begin with, but he'd supposed for the power of knowledge, and to visit the Earth King Baldirak Sapiens Draco again, was well worth it. Though Attor fell silent, he took the similar route he did before those few years ago. He thought that maybe the defenses of the Imperium was high, probably those techniques of ground manipulation and defensive techniques of those Earth-wings, the sheer firepower of the Fire-wings, and the great knowledge and stealth of the Night-wings.

Attor had never met the king's betrothed, nor had he visited the self proclaimed Archon Tenebris. He didn't know if they were still around or not, last time he was in the Imperium Attor had been here he'd met the massive King Baldirak. And recently, the earth king made it a point to travel all the way to Attors land to reclaim a fallen juvenile and in return he helped the Venomous Kings people. Well the settlement as a whole, rather. Attor almost hummed to himself when he remembered Helia was still with him, he kept pondering on perhaps collecting some seeds from the foreign fruits these people have; the Sky Lands didn't necessarily have any winters, though the wind gets chilly from time to time, the land was perfect for crops.

"If you've never seen an earth or fire dragon, don't be intimidated," Attor finally said after several long minutes of silence, "Also, if you planned on learning just about everything about the Empire, don't share a lot of the Starlights knowledge. You can talk about the religions, our culture that's being rebuilt, and what the settlement is like. But do not speak of any plans we have as far as expanding the settlement goes, nor about our storage and such. Last thing we need is someone raiding us for supplies."

Though his tone wasn't serious, there was warning in it. It was nice to trade information on the people, however Attor wouldn't dare speak of extra munitions lest it was for gain, to another ally, or for the best situation. Crazy as he was, Attor set up two different religions, one that was primarily for the Sky Dragons, and the other for Light Dragons. One that worshipped all gods, the other that worshipped solely Shardas. Both were good, but it was up to the individuals as to where the religion room them. Shaking that from his head, Attor continued in silence, waiting for any questions Helia might have.

Vilkas was patrolling the borders of the safe zone today. Normally, it was Tulvir II's job, but the FireWing/IceWing Guardian was currently confined to his den on Healer's orders. Vilkas didn't mind having more work to do, though. As usual when patrolling, the King's nephew was in his mutant form ((see Vilkas' app if you don't know what it looks like)). He drug his club behind him as he looked around for any medium threat level monsters that might be lurking. Sure, they really only bothered the Lesser Species, but they would go after a Hatchling or teen if they spotted one. Fortunately, lately the mediums were the only threat around. Still, only Vilkas was allowed to travel alone; it was still mandatory that everyone travel with at least one other dragon, even if they were in the safe zone... It was possible for a high threat level to show up at any time, maybe there was one lurking in the safe zone still.

As Vilkas dealt a death blow to a smaller medium classed Dentum Magni, he spotted two dragons approaching the border. The direction they were coming from suggested they could be from the smaller continent, home of the LightWings and SkyWings. Vilkas raised his club above his head and swung it around, hailing the two dragons. If they noticed and came over, once they were close enough, Vilkas would ask, "Are you Rogues or Tribal, and where are you headed?"

Helia's head swam with all the information. Most likely she wouldn't remember all of it and would have to venture into this unknown land on her own to learn about the inhabitants of the tribes. As much as the thought scared her, it thrilled her all the same. She knew she would never be truly alone: her sisters, although some of them begrudgingly, were always with her and had agreed to relocate as well, so she could at least count on their companionship. Still, she felt the sore spot of having to leave Attor so soon after she had rekindled their old friendship.

Silently the crystal dragon nodded her elegant head in agreement. She wouldn't give any of the Imperium dragons detailed information on the tribe's current standing. Quite frankly, she probably wouldn't be able to answer those questions anyways, as she hadn't been involved in any of those processes for a while, but it was better to assure Attor than to make him worry.

They flew in silence for a while until Helia spotted something on the ground. Her eyes grew wide, a spike of fear shooting through her body, as she thought it was a Monster down below, swinging its club threateningly at the two small dragons. It was gigantic, at least compared to their small forms and she wasn't sure how well they would fare against such a creature. Already her mind was searching for possible escape routes, her senses tingling, ready to cast her Mirrorglaze across her scales and vanish from the Monster's sight, but as they drew closer she realized the threatening motion as some sort of wave.

Helia nudged Attor softly, drawing his attention towards the giant below, in case he hadn't yet noticed. Cocking her head at the same time. This was no Monster, she soon realized, it was a dragon. In such a curious form! Excitement replaced fear as she angled her flight towards the other dragon, slowly drifting downwards on her many wings.

"Tribal." She replied as they touched down a small distance away. Already she wanted to close the distance and round the dragon, taking a look at his strange form. Oh, how she wished her notebook wasn't safely - and quite deeply - secured in the satchel across her chest. She would have loved to take some notes. But the overexcited dragoness had to constrain herself, staying close to Attor instead of running ahead. "And towards the Imperium. We're looking to possible gain an audience with the king."

Attor flew silently as well, keeping his gaze fixated ahead though if any odd movements he could adjust and improvise. He knew it was a much dangerous trip to their objective and much so back to his homeland. Attor really should have brought a guard with him for better protection. Except, being alone and this far from home gave him breathing room and a slight break. Stresses of recent times were always present, whether it be hunting, defending the front, and managing to thrive barely; it was... an adventure, at best.

The sovereign felt Helia nudged him slightly and he looked in her general direction. A club wielding beast... No, the further they approached the better he could see it. Attor viewed what appeared to be a malformed dragon, something familiar yet Attor couldn't even place just who the odd dragon was. He was odd himself, an insectoid drake with unknown origins, most likely the last of his entire species. Landing, Helia answered and Attor nodded in return, speaking up finally.

"We hail from the Western lands, I am Attor, of the Order of Starlights; the conjunction of Light and Sky Dragons," Attors response was immediately but overall quite welcoming, "You may find it odd that two SkyWings are traveling to your settlement. We were wishing to speak to one Baldirak Sapiens Draco?"

Spoiler:

Vilkas was a very imposing creature while in his mutant form... not that an EarthWing/FireWing hybrid covered in spikey scales who was over 100ft tall and only going to get taller wasn't imposing enough. He considered changing back when it seemed the two dragons were going to keep going. But then they came in closer and introduced themselves.

In his current form, Vilkas' voice was deep and gravelly. Smoke wafted from his nostrils and embers leapt from his maw. "SkyWings? You are far from home. I recall your alliance--you sent word to my Uncle about an injured EarthWing you had in your care. I can take you to him, but you must come aground now and stay close to me until we get there. I am Vilkas, by the way."

Once the two SkyWings landed, Vilkas would begin leading the way toward the forest. He swung his club over his left shoulder and looked around occasionally for any signs of movement. "How are things on your continent? There must be a higher concentration of monsters there, yes?"

"And a Lightwing." Helia added a little slowly when the large dragon made the observation of their species. She did not mind being thrown into the same pot with the Skywings, but better to work ahead of any confusion that might arise once she was in the Imperium. It would get quite tedious if everyone kept mistaking her for a Skywing, and yes, maybe that would hurt her Lightwing pride just a little.

Curious she watched the unusual dragon with his flaming nostrils as he spoke. If the king was his uncle he must be somewhat important around here. She wondered if his looks were any indication for what the Earthwing King would look like, so far all the images in her head of Earthwings were barely more than walking hills with a vaguely dragon-y shape. This dragon looked very different though, perhaps a hybrid?
"My name is Helia." She introduced herself, letting Attor take the lead in the conversation from there on. While he was still around he would be much more adept at answering or evading questions about their tribe. It also gave her time to inspect the dragon closer, shifting to his side while they walked in order to get a better look at his general form.

He was quite tall. Obviously. But his skin and patterns were much more interesting. Very earthy, almost with a metallic sheen? She couldn't quite place it, but definitely imposing.

"Aye, indeed," Attor acknowledged this Earth dragons observation, and agreed to stay aground for the duration of the travel and remain close,, "And it is quite the pleasure to meet you, Vilkas. Over in our land... We manage. A small settlement, however atop the mountain side's many plateaus. It allows for us to remain a little out of the creature's sights mostly. Unfortunately, you are correct. If we had more burley fellows such as yourself we would most likely be in a better advantage. With what the vast jungles and numerous mountains, it certainly has been... An adventure with these beasts. To say we were driven to only a small group is putting it lightly."

Attor's quip was more toward the brawn and abnormalities. Certainly a beast to be reckoned with, this one. This one rarity of an earth dragon would likely best many sky and light drakes, and it's something he wanted to keep in mind. Attor kept his wits about, paying special mind to detail and sounds around them but never acted upon them; his stinger raised at the ready. There must have been a reason for this, perhaps the creatures have learned to track dragons? If that were the case, Attor could already feel a sinking feeling of leaving his people for Helia... Who he happened to be doing that as sort of a, "Payment."

"And how goes the Imperium these days? I assume since you have three leaders, and tribes, that you're faring far better?"

"A LightWing?" Vilkas stooped down and sniffed at the smaller dragon for a moment. "Indeed. I'm sorry, I've never met a LightWing before. I don't get to leave home much, even when I was a Hatchling." As they walked on, Attor answered the Guardian's question. "At least you found a somewhat safe place." Vilkas chuckled at Attor's remark. "We are better off since we managed to clear safe zones in each of our native lands, yes. We owe our success to help from the ElderWings. Two were headed to your continent to offer you aid as well... I don't know if they ever got there? Their leader is to return to Daelorios Island today, but Kelarth willing, he might still be around by the time we arrive."

For the rest of the walk, Vilkas didn't say anything else. He looked around for any sign of monsters. He stopped once and used his club to indicate for Attor and Helia to stay where they were. A small pack of Great Wolves were a few yards ahead. They were medium threat size, but sometimes the medium threats would take a chance on an adult dragon if they were hungry enough. Normally they would have kept going, but they noticed Attor and Helia. Vilkas bashed his club on the ground and let out a roar accompanied by a plume of fire. The Wolves ran off. They, like all of the other monsters except for the high threats, thought Vilkas was one of them.. while he was in this form, at least.

Soon, the trio would arrive at the EarthWing safe zone. It included part of the ruins of the old city, particularly the hatchery. It now served as sleeping quarters and infirmary. Vilkas changed back to his normal dragon form, stretching his wings. He liked his mutant form, but it was good to be back to his spiky scaled self. The Guardian didn't have to look around for his uncle--at 143ft tall, the King was impossible to miss. "Uncle Dirak!"

Baldirak felt his nephew's pawsteps long before he saw him. He looked in the direction they were coming from, and sure enough, there was Vilkas. But who was that with him? Attor? "Vilkas, welcome back. Attor, it's been a while. What brings you to the main continent? And who is this?" the Twilight King asked, looking at the LightWing.

Helia froze when the large dragon lowered his head to sniff her. The smoke coming from his nostrils smelled slightly sulfuric to her. It was a strange sensation but she didn't particularly mind the inspection, it would give him a chance to get a sense for what kind of dragon she was and it gave her a chance to take a look at him and his strange form too. She returned the chuckle with a slightly cocked head.
"Likewise. I've never really met another dragon species besides the Skywings." A slight smile appeared on her maw. "So it's nice to meet you, Vilkas."

Monsters weren't a new sight to the LightWing but certainly the way they Vilkas dealt with them. Curiously she watched, furrowing her forehead at the simple way he dealt with them. Medium Threat Monsters could already be a pretty serious threat to a dragon of small stature like most Skywings and Lightwings, Helia herself usually opted to avoid them when she spotted them, but Vilkas met them head on without hesitation.
"Do you deal with all Monsters so effortlessly?" she asked impressed, no wonder the dragons of the Imperium fared much better than the Starlights.

The rest of the way she kept her eyes on her surroundings, taking in the differences between the forests here and the lush jungles of her homeland. It felt different but she couldn't say why, the trees stood just as close, loomed just as much as those of the jungle, but somehow everthing felt heavier here. She realized how stupid the thought was when she heard one of her sisters scoff at the thought. She almost growled, aimed at whichever one of them had expressed their disdain, but instead burried her anger inside, this wasn't the time let anger ruin the experience. Besides, it didn't take long for them to reach the settlement and for her mind to be completely taken off the issue, when she suddenly saw all the dragons.
Giants among giants, red, green, brown, all of them impressive and so different! Helia was delighted, her eyes skipping from one dragon to the next until next to her Vilkas changed his shapes. Her eyes grew wide at that and she couldn't stop herself from scrambling to get out her notebook and report the incident. How did he do that? Were they all able to do that? He looked like a completely different dragon, she would have never recognized him if he hadn't changed right beside her. The white dragoness was so submerged in the notebook that she flinched when she was suddenly addressed. Sheepishly she looked up, tucking away the notebook a second later, when she realized how giant the other dragon was.
"Helia." she answered, staring at the giant. Too late did she connect the dots and realized who he must be. Quickly she bowed her head before the king. "My name is Helia, your majesty."
Did you address a king like that? She wasn't sure.

"I believe we've had one visitor," Attor openly stated, recounting the day the Elderwing arrived, he'd watched from a distance before actually approaching them, "Maybe two, I certainly remember the one. It had been some time since they did, but gods willing, they certainly helped us. A shame I couldn't meet them though, I spent that day with hunting parties."

After a good moment things fell silent besides the woods around the group. Attor carefully listened to the different sounds, amazed by the different flora and fauna, the difference in the chirps of the birds, and the general aberrancy in landscape. The woods didn't hold as much glory as compared to the Lush Jungles but still kept it's own charm. When they ran into a pack of the Great Wolves, Vilkas merely slammed a large club and let loose a vicious roar, followed by a plume of flame. Attor chuckled as the creatures fled rather quickly, abd then the group traveled forward.

When they arrived at the old ruins of a kingdom, Attor checked his surroundings but lowered his tail. He saw other Earth dragons around this place- a settlement perhaps? It looked old and eroded, however that was the least of his worries. Attors gaze followed where Vilkas was walking until spotting the unmistakable titan. Baldirak Sapiens Draco, even wounded, was a beast of his own in all its glory. It was good to see a familiar face from another land.

Attor would then approach and give a short bow of his own, showing respect before speaking, "It has indeed been some time. I am here to actually escort this one to this land for a special... Permission, so to say. From what I can gather, Lady Helia is doing research on the various tribes abd their dragons, something more in-depth than lore. She wishes to remain here for some time studying the different dragons."