At Arms - private for Baldirak

(note to self, this is dated before the nightwing invasion thread and after her thread with Adair)

Her time with Adair had left a bittersweet taste in Rii's mouth. How she longed to just give herself to the life style that he lived so easily. Living with a group, a tribe as the dragons around here called them, had long since tempted Rii. The benefits far outweighed the problems that could occur while living in a group, and logically Rii could understand why so many chose to live together. In her heart she wished that she too could cozy up to a group of friends and sleep without a worry in the world.

The bleached skull in her front right claw reminded the women of how friends and family could become traitorous in a split second. The skull felt smooth and cold against her sharp claws and diamond shaped scales. Rii still knew in the back of her head that there were good dragons out there. Like Adair, and herself, others did exist who could be trusted. For some reason though, it was damn hard for the she dragon to embolden herself and try to join a tribe. She just couldn't get her scaly hide near another dragon patrolling the borders. She was just too afraid of the future.

So instead the female was gliding over a particularly nice area of land that she had not been to before. The endless deep blue sea glittered in the bright sunshine while very white wispy clouds stretched across the horizon. The remainder of the sky was saturated in a soft light blue hue that matched Rii's worried gaze. The females own deep blue scales glittered metallic green in the sunlight as she winged her way over the landscape looking for a meal.

Little did she know that Rii was flying between firewing and seawing territory.

The tall trees and rocky outcrops made Rii think of mountain goats and steppe inhabiting creatures. No dinosaurs decided to grace her view today as Rii lowered herself closer to the earth. The dragon skimmed over the tops of the trees before spotting a great irish elk. The creature was massive, and its horns spread over its head like great branches of a mighty tree. Still, it was just the right size to make for an easy to catch meal.

The animal saw her coming and ran for the forest. Rii kept tabs on its movements through the sparse trees and rocky landscape. Eventually she lowered swooping towards the giant deer to nip at its hind end with her teeth an fangs. Then the woman backed off of the animal to let it tire itself out. She whisked through the trees before landing heavily on three and a half legs. With the tiny dragon skull clutched in her front claw, Rii then slowly followed the scent trail left by the elk. Her venom should be working soon enough. First it would slow down the creature, then the elk would fall and slip into a coma until she found it.

Once the dragon female found her prey sleeping at the edge of a large rocky outcrop, Rii dipped her head down to pick up the creatures head and neck gently before snapping the bones between her teeth. The elk, as did 99% of her prey, died peacefully and quickly in its sleep. The female glanced around looking and smelling for danger, but all she could sense were other animals watching her from the forest. Then at her leisure Rii began to eat.

There were indeed animals in the forest watching the Dragoness as she fed. But a few of these beasts were not normal. They were mutated, engineered to hunt and kill--even if they would normally be harmless herbivores. Those assigned to hunt, canines and avians, were doing just that, gathering food for their master's tribe. But there were others assigned to survey the land and drive away would-be threats. One such surveyor, a deer, had seen the rogue and was now headed to report it. It's mutation, which included over-sized fangs and height of about 30ft, allowed for flight. ((Description of mutant deer courtesy of Rylatha)) But flying might alert the Dragoness to its presence, so instead it ran. The surveying mutants had orders only to report their findings. It would be the jobs of the hunters or even an EarthWing Scout to investigate further. The deer reached a tunnel entrance across from a lake, well hidden by a bush and tall grass. Here, it found a great eagle in a tree.

"There is a female dragon on an outcrop to the south. She's just hunting and looks like she might be a rogue. Follow her and make sure she doesn't go wandering near any of the tunnels." With that, the deer left to continue on with its rounds. And the  great eagle took to the sky, extending its wings with a cry. It looked for the outcrop the deer had spoken of, quickly finding it from a great height. The eagle then began circling the area, to give the illusion that it was hunting, just in case the Dragoness happened to notice it.

(Huh, I was hoping somebody would have noticed that she had used venom to still her prey before killing it)

Her strong jaws crunched and cracked apart the large antlers of the elk. Once those long sharp pointed things were out of the way she would be able to easily swallow the elks body whole. Though Rii took her time crunching up the antlers because a lot of calcium could be absorbed from the marrow as well as other necessary nutrients.

Once she finished up the antlers and swallowed the bits and pieces, the shining green dragon moved her snout in front of the elk. Her muzzle, running parallel with the elks own nose, opened up to grab the beasts head in her jaws. Then she dislodged her lower jaws so that she could swallow the large prey item. Her lower jaws slid between the earth and the elks body as she slowly but surely inched her mouth around and over the widest part of the things shoulders. Once she got past that it was easier to eat, and her jaws worked quickly to push the food down her throat. Her neck muscles did the rest of the work for her, and soon the body of the elk slid into her stomach as Rii straightened herself out. She was heavy and although she could fly if she needed to the woman would rather hide herself away someplace safe from danger.

First the she dragon looks around making sure that no other dragons were around. All she spots is an eagle soaring high over head. The bold creature irked Rii as her eyes narrow onto its proud form. She wanted to kill it, but in her current condition she decided not to even bother trying. No, she wanted to be lazy for a while, content with a full belly inside of a warm den. That wouldn't happen until she managed to dig herself a tunnel to rest in.

At a good pace Rii chose a spot between two large rock outcrops and began digging. The entrance would be as wide as her shoulders to allow room for her wings to flatten against her sides. Most of the tunnel would be rather thin, only wide enough for certain lean dragons like herself to get through. For now though the female had only dug about three feet into the ground while listening and scenting the air for danger.

The eagle above watched as the Dragoness began to dig a tunnel. Perhaps she would only go a few feet, but even that could be dangerous. So the date swooed down between the outcrops and landed a few feet from the where the Dragoness was digging. He started making a commotion, as if in distress,, flapping his wings and hopping around. He hoped this might make the rogue curious and get her to come back to the surface.

Rii had gotten about five feet down into the earth by the time she heard the squawks and rustlings above ground. Lifting her head out of the rubble, Rii then looked at the eagle who had apparently landed right near her. She hadn't realized quite how big it was before now. The thing was easily far taller than she was. It could probably give her a good fight if she had decided to fight with it earlier. Rii twisted her head confused at its present actions. Eagles didn't normally freak out like this. Normally they either fled from her, defending their nest or territory from her, or hid someplace in the trees while she was around.

The woman lifted her lips allowing her teeth to be shown to the eagle. If it really wanted to die today just have it hop within striking distance. She hoped that the sick or crazy raptor would do just that so that she could have a meal that she could save for later.

She watched the bird continue to make a racket for another minute. The bluish female didn't move form her place, instead she just stayed tense and ready to strike if the bird came closer.

The eagle stopped when he saw the Dragoness had surfaced. He considered attacking the dragon to lure her out of the area. But the rogue seemed like she would be able to strike quickly and capture him if he rushed at her from the front. With another cry, the eagle opened his wings and took to the air. He began circling the area again, then landed in a tree nearby. Lifting his left wing, the bird began preening.

Rii eyed the eagle warily as it took off and began soaring circles around her again. This was just too weird. Something about its actions were putting her off and making her feel almost sick. She wanted to hide from it, and everything else around her. Quickly she started digging her tunnel again hoping to get far enough down to pull her body into it and stay away form the strange gigantic eagle. She was somewhat worried that the eagle was some apparition that came to take revenge on her from all the smaller eagles she had killed in the past.

The eagle watched as the dragoness continued digging. He flew back over and grasped her tail in his talons. He started flying again, trying to pull the rogue from the hole. If he didn't, she might end up tunneling into the EarthWings' home.
______________________________________________________________
An EarthWing Scout had been sent to see where the eagle was. Rock was almost happy that there might be some trouble. It certainly would make the day more interesting. Even though the new king allowed the Scouts to actively patrol the land they lived beneath once a day, Rock found his job to be a little boring. He finally spotted the eagle between two outcrops, trying to pry a dragon from a hole. The Scout sat just a few feet away and watched closely. He wouldn't interfere just yet, until he knew what he was dealing with. "Need some help, Dwenal? I thought you were the mightiest eagle in all of Pyrria!" he teased his feathered friend with a chuckle.

Rii had been able to get about 12 feet of a tunnel made as the eagle scored scratch after scratch along her tail. She had no idea how close she was to actually digging right into a dragon den. However, luckily for the earthwings her tunnel was still about 200 feet away from theirs. Even if she had had the chance to finish her own den it wouldn't have been large or long enough to reach the earthwings new home. The tunnel wasn't large enough to heave her whole body into. Instead about one quarter of her back end was still visible outside of the hole.

The whole time the eagle pulled and prodded at her Rii was hissing death threats at it. The more she measured it size and strength the more she didn't want to attack this particularly huge eagle. She would be totally fine if it eventually cut enough into her tail that it fell off. That was better than it scoring those deadly sharp talons into her chest cavity.

She hid inside of her tunnel a pile of coils stuffed into the tiny space. The dragon didn't have enough room to dig further away from the eagle as it continually attacked her tail. She tensed her body and readied her venomous fangs to strike when the eagle got close enough. Unlike a dragon, if she were to inject her venom into the eagle it would fully fall unconscious no matter how big it was.

She didn't get the chance to stealthily attack it though. Instead the eagle had finally gotten a good purchase on her scales with its sharp talons. She snarled as it grabbed onto the very worn out injured mid section of her tail and pulled her half out of the tunnel. She heard a voice call out in the distance and realized that another dragon was watching her. It was then that she quickly reared upon herself and struck fast as lightning at the eagle. Hopefully she hit it and her venom would soon go to work on the ridiculously annoying creature. Rii did not want to be out in the open when another dragon came around. She would be slower trying to fly away with a giant elk in her system.

Dwenal paused in his antics and looked over his shoulder at the EarthWing that had arrived. He was going to respond when he suddenly felt fangs piercing his flesh. And not long after, he began to feel drowsy. Just before he fell unconscious, the great eagle threw himself out of the rogue's reach. He wouldn't want to get eaten in his sleep.

At the same time, Rock had stood to aid his friend, seeing that the rogue had reared for an attack. He caught Dwenal carefully in his maw and set him on the ground well away from the hole. The 110ft EarthWing turned and looked at the rogue. He would be protected from the female's fangs if she tried to bite him, for most of his body was covered in plated armor. What wasn't--his legs and underbelly--were covered with a layer of acid. Not that it was something that lasted all day. But luckily for him, he'd just applied this layer before he began his Scouting duties. Rock was mostly brown in color, with splotches of green on his face and chest. He growled lowly and opened his wings slightly in an intimidating fashion. "Come out of the hole, slowly. And don't try anything."

Rii withdrew back into her den as soon as the eagle had let go of her. However it wasn't seconds later that the voice sounded again. She tried to tuck her tail under her body, squishing herself as far into the hole as she could. The voice had been distinctly masculine, this, and the fact that his shadow draping over her hole was so large had the woman rather frightened of him already. He didn't need to show off with intimidation to make her scared of him.

Please, I just want to sleep here for a day or so and then I'll be on my way never to bother you again... I don't want to hurt you. Don't make me come out kind sir... She rumbled softly back, not wanting to offend the male further. The little horns on the skull in her hand jabbed at her fingers as the woman squished herself as far into the den as she could.

Seeing that the rogue wasn't going to come out, Rock closed his wings again. "Come out," he repeated, in a slightly more calm manner. "These are EarthWing hunting grounds. And this tunnel you've dug is... hazardous to our tribe. But if all you wish is to nest for the night, you must have permission from the King. Now come out, and I will get you an audience with him." Rock walked back over to Dwenal and coiled his tail around him, lifting him off the ground. At that moment, the mutated deer, Long Tooth, came up to Rock. He shook his head when he saw Dwenal. "What happened to him?" he asked as seven other deer arrived to help carry the larger animal back to the area where the great eagles stayed.
"A rogue. One that has some kind of venom. He's okay, just asleep, I think. But you should take him to a Healer, just in case." Rock placed the sleeping eagle on the backs of the deer and they started off to the eagles' nest. He then looked back at the tunnel to see if the rogue had come out yet.

(Pretend I'm Rii forgot to switch)

Rii was surprised that nothing began biting or scratching at her tail which was still hanging out of the little den. She struggled to right herself in the enclosed space as the male spoke more softly this time. It was most likely a trick, she knew, to get her out of the den so that he could attack her. Thinking the worst could happen Rii shuffled about in the darkness clocking her tail spikes and claws in venom. She was a little low on it now, but with the elk in her stomach it wouldn't stay that way for long. Then she stuck her head out of the hole to look at the dragon.

He was a fine specimen. A brown and green smudged dragon with impressive armor covering his body, neck, tail, and head. She recognized the metal somehow, maybe from some old dug up memory when she was young. Somehow she knew that she wouldn't be able to bite through it, but with enough force.... one might possibly be able to smash or squeeze a good dent into the hard stuff.

What made her come out though was the words "...earthwing hunting grounds..." as she had not known that she was trespassing. There were no markers, no patrolling dragons to ward her away from the area, and no scents betraying the earthwings presence. She had thought this unclaimed land, so to learn that a whole tribe lived here made Rii both nervous and curious at the same time.

Another memory was dredged up out of her mind as she thought about earthwings. Didn't those dragons near the lava fields say that the earthwings had been killed? Her brows creased as the long female slunk out of her den fully and began licking the wounds on her tail. There was plenty of goldenrod growing around the rocky area, though the plants no longer had their yellow bright flowers. The female scooped those up all the while eye balling the armor clad male warily. It took her only a minute to make a poultice then to apply it to the cuts along her mangled tail.

Forgive my curiosity, but why would a tribe not have dragons patrolling the borders to keep rogues like me out? She asked simply before arching her neck and attempting to look pretty before the burly male. If she was going to see a king she ought to look her best. Hence why her legs and wings continued to wiggle and scrape at her body to get all of the dust and dirt off of her brilliant scales.

Rock watched as the female finally came out and started to clean the wounds let by Dwenal. And then she stared ridding her scales of the dirt that clung to them. The Scout sat to wait, figuring g this might take awhile. In the meantime, be answered her question. "It's not necessary..." he said cautiously, mostly because he felt this was something he shouldn't be revealing. After all, this rogue might have more questions only his King could answer properly. Rock stood when he felt the female was clean enough, not that he felt she looked bad to begin with. "Alright, come on."
He opened his wings and lifted himself into the air before flying off toward the forest.

Back at the eagle nest, Dwenal was waking up. And he felt terrible. Not long after waking, he became very nauseated, vomiting often. It was so bad, his fellow eagles left the nest so they could chat or eat in peace. Of course, it was almost time for them to begin hunting for the EarthWings, so some used that as an excuse. But they all felt bad for Dwenal, of course. His mate and one of his friends stayed behind to take care of him.

(Tiny post sorry)

Rii nodded entirely understanding that the male was keeping more information than just the measly bit of an answer she had pulled from him. However, Rii would ask no more. Instead she readied her wings to take off as the male led her to their destination. While flying she kept an eye on where her den was so that she could easily get back to it again later.

Rock soon landed in small clearing housing a waterfall. He stopped to make sure the rogue was close enough to see where he was going, then went behind the waterfall, which was concealing a cave. At the back of the cave was a tunnel leading to the main chamber of the EarthWings' Haven. The Scout sat and waited for the rogue to catch up. All around him, his tribe moved about the vast place. Hatchlings were on their way to their classes, Vulcans were going to the forges--or coming from them. Caretakers were, well, caring for younger Hatchlings. And Scouts were guarding entrance/exit tunnels. Of course, there were some who had nothing to do. Half sat chatting while others helped the Vulcans and Caretakers.

Rii landed quietly behind the earthwing. The length of her body stretched out across the meadow as she took in the scene. Her eyes flicked across the glittering waterfall that sprayed the clearing in a fine mist. To their left a rainbow shimmered in the mist painted by sunlight. Then her clear blue gaze turns back to the armor covered dragon that began to slip under and through the waterfall.

She pauses for a moment unsure of whether to follow, but eventually trails after Rock. The female dragon was very glad to be stepping under the waterfall, for its fast moving water would fully cleanse her body before she met the dragons beyond it. What greeted her on the other side was a cave guarded by two very intimidating dragons. She lowers her eyes while slinking passed them and followed Rock down the pathway. In the main room the snake-like female spots many dragons all going about their daily routines. Her eyes stop on the hatchlings and young dragons while her heart clenches in pain. Rii closes her eyes and grips tightly at the baby dragon skull in her claws before continuing to follow Rock through the place.

This is a very beautiful and peaceful home you have. She spoke to Rock wondering if he would even listen to her. The words were meant as a comment as the she dragon walks further into the earthwings domain.

"Thank you," Rock replied before standing and starting off through the main chamber in search of his King. He didn't have to go far, however, for Baldirak was entering from another tunnel. Rock walked up to the monarch and gave a bow before motioning toward the female behind him. "She was tunneling above ground and hunting in our hunting grounds. But she wishes to stay for a day or two, until she is able to fly again."

Baldirak lifted his gaze to the female that his Scout spoke of. His face, for the moment, was expressionless. With a flick of his tail, he excused Rock so he may resume his duties. He walked over to the Rogue slowly, trying his best not to allow his limp to show. After all, though it was unlikely this Dragoness would run into a tribe Dragon long enough to chat, her couldn't allow it to get out that his tribe's new King had a weakness. Baldirak sat before the Rogue and looked down at her. "Explain why you're here," he said simply.

Rii kept herself still and did not let herself show fear. She raised her head nobly and arched her neck gracefully. The mid section of her body sloped in a crescent nearly as tall as her head, while her tail strings out behind her in a circle. She bowed slightly to the king before glancing up to answer his question.

I am but a rogue trying to survive. I needed shelter after the hunt and was making a small den for myself. I apologize for not knowing that there was a dragon tribe living nearby. If I had known I would have kept respectfully away. She answered the huge male before dipping her head in apology. Rii was nothing but respectful, especially since these dragons had not yet attempted to harm her.

The King listened to the Rogue's explanation. He noted her respectfulness despite the fact she was not obligated to be. She could have just as easily been rude. His nostrils flared slightly as he drew a breath and began considering what to do with the interloper. "It is no fault of yours. How could you, or anyone, know that the land above belongs to us? We have taken great care to hide ourselves from the world. They believe us all to have been wiped out... I would have them continue to believe it. It is for that reason, I ought to have you imprisoned or even killed. You are, after all, a Rogue. What care could you have for the affairs and well-being of a Tribe? But I cannot rightfully hold you accountable for your trespassing. However, I cannot allow you simply to leave. I will think of some punishment for you." Baldirak paused and extended his wings to call for silence, as all the Dragons that had gathered were chattering quietly. And he wished them all to hear his next words. "Until that time, you will be confined to this haven and in the charge of a Scout at all times."

Rii listened quietly as the large earthwing began to speak. About half way through his speech her eyes narrowed at the mention of killing and imprisonment. Her wings quivered for a moment before she calmed herself and continued to listen.

The majestic dragon spread his wings to silence the crowd that had begun to gather behind and around her. Rii knew, that to keep them from attacking her she had to appeal to the king, but so far things were not going well. As much as she was happy that the dragon wouldn't kill her, Rii loved being free. Maybe she wouldn't mind knowing that she would be held captive by the earthwings if the woman knew what living in this group meant. That it meant love, respect, and a good home compared to the harshness of survival. However she just couldn't trust them to keep their word. Not at first.

Because of her distrust, Rii began to think of what else she could say to the king. Something that might at least make her more valuable to him. The only thing she could come up with was her lineage. Her mother and father had often made sure that she did not feel depressed about not being a pure blood. They had always told her that everyone was different in some way. Well perhaps today her firewing earthwing blood might come in handy.

I never asked to be a rogue. I used to live with other dragons, but for the life of me I can't remember their faces anymore. Not their voices, or even their real names. Maybe I was once a part of a tribe. She spoke thoughtfully keeping her voice loud enough for others to hear. Then she paused for a long moment before looking up at Baldirak. Telling them a bit about her past wouldn't give them anything to use against her.

I was always told that I was half firewing and half earthwing. Would this bit of information change your mind on anything? Perhaps rule out killing me entirely? She asked hoping that they might listen to her further. Keeping me locked up is almost as good as killing me at this point. I can't remember the time when I actually lived with a group. I do not want to offend anyone by having to be imprisoned with them. Would you not let me go if I swore to never speak of this place? Or of your tribe? Her last question came with a look of longing mixed with fear and sadness. Could Rii even learn to socialize with a bunch of dragons she couldn't even trust not to slice her throat open while she slept?

A low growl rumbled in Baldirak's throat as he listened to the Rogue. But he held no anger, nor did he find himself to be impatient. No, this was a growl of curiosity. For long time after the Dragoness finished speaking, the King remained silent in thought. He could rescind his previous decision and let her go. But on the other paw, how could he trust the word of a Dragon he did not know? And then she mentioned be part EarthWing... Baldirak shook his head at that. If the lives of his fellow tribe mates were not now in his paws, he'd have settled for it. Perhaps he might have convinced his leader of the very thing he was being asked now. But such was not the case anymore. The monarch retreated from his thoughts and again could hear his tribe chattering. And once more his wings extended for silence. "As you are distrusting of us," he remarked as he noted that expression on the Rogue's face, "So too must we be distrusting of you. My decision stands. You will remain here until I decide what to do with you. Rock!"

The EarthWing's voice carried through the tunnel system. And in a few minutes, the Scout made his way back into the main chamber, nudging his way through the crowd until he found himself at the front of it. He looked at the Rogue as he walked toward her, then turned to stand just off to her side to look at his King. "Yes, my King?"

Baldirak didn't have long to wait before the Scout arrived, and now he looked down at him. "You brought the Rogue here, it will be you who guards her." With that, Baldirak stood and walked away as the crowd parted for him. No longer seeming to care, he allowed his limp to show. The crowd lingered for a moment or two more, mostly watching their visitor, before dissipating and going on about their day.

Rock merely bowed, as his King had began to leave before he could respond verbally. When Baldirak had disappeared into a tunnel leading to his den, the Scout turned to look at the Rogue. "Well, I guess I'll show you around, now. If you want, we can do that later. I can show you were you can rest if you to sleep."

Rii dipped her head in farewell to the king unsure if her words had any affect on him at all. The large male did look like he was thinking seriously at one point, but she couldn't be sure if he still had an idea to kill her or not.

After he left she turned a bit to look at Rock. Her fur rises for a moment before settling down again at the mention of sleeping. As much as she really wanted to sleep Rii probably wouldn't be able to for a long time. Not with all the guards and other unknown dragons around. If its okay with you I would ask for you to show me around first. She said loud enough for Rock to hear but low enough for the dragons around her to have to lean in closer in order to hear her.

Rock nodded then looked around. "Okay, well, let's start here," he said as he gestured to the main chamber. "This is the biggest room in the Haven and connects to everything else. We gather here for lounging--note the drinking pools--and meetings." Rock paused for a bit to allow the Rogue to take everything in. And then he walked over to the closets tunnel. The smell of smoke and metal wafted from it. "Come on, I'll show you to the forges." The Scout headed into the tunnel, walking slow so the female wouldn't feel rushed to keep up. "So, you gonna introduce yourself? I'd feel bad having to call you Rogue or not call you anything at all."

Rock first gestured to the main hall where they were already standing. Rii's gleaming blue eyes follow his gaze to the beautiful architecture of the room. The pillars were built into the cave, giants in and of themselves that gleamed like polished stone. She nods as Rock explains the area to her while her eyes wander around the area. Other earthwings were wandering away while others still were gawking at her. She skips over their forms casually before noting the children. Her eyes twinkled for a moment as Rii curiously looks towards the babies by their parents.

Then she sighs and turns to follow Rock to the next place. They start down a tunnel that smelled of smoke. Cinders began to float through the air as he asked about her name. A wry smile floated upon her muzzle as she inhaled the sweet sent of burning wood.

My name is Rii. Just Rii and nothing else. She answered as they turned into the forge. Her eyes immediately brightened up as she spotted the gleaming metal of finished armor and beautiful jewelry. She thought about her horde of goodies where only a few things she treasured sat in a hollow. So far the only things she had collected were a few small crystals and one large hunk of obsidian from the volcanic plain. That's where she had met another earthwing firewing hybrid like herself. Rii wondered for a moment if he was at all linked to these earthwings.