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Post by Smoak on Jan 5, 2006 21:49:19 GMT -5
A few miles off of the peaks of Mount Py, a group of hills span the horizon. Some were almost half the height of the great mountain the shielded them, and some where no more than bumps in the road. Often they were called 'The Scars of the Gods', from the battle scars that many a dragon gets. They were called that because they went in almost a straight double line, going up and down, up and down, much like a knotty scar. Each hill's face was guarded by another, so there were many caves that were undiscovered, most small and meaningless. But a few tall hills held large caverns, large enough to train a small dragon and hold the teacher. And that was the use of the largest, which was only known by two living dragons, the ones that occupied it.
"Twist, turn, slash. Twist, turn, slash. Good. Now blow, blow." Black flames licked the cave walls as the student obeyed the master. "Good, Wyph. Good. Now you can stop and stretch." Smoak, standing up, walked to the edge of the cavern and looked over the setting sun. Turning back to the small black dragon beside him, he said "And how did you like that, Wyph?"
"We've been doing that for months now, Smoak. Can't we do something else?" The small female glared at her scholar.
"No, Wyph. We must keep doing it until you can do it perfectly in your sleep. You're getting there, but you always twist when you're supposed to slash when I say it."
"But I'm sleeping! You can't expect me to do it perfectly when I sleep, can you?"
"Yes, I can. Now what herb is best for healing burns?"
"Windigac."
"What current fortells a coming storm?"
"Gofix, when the air is still and you must flap to keep airborn."
"Good. You remembered this time. Now get some sleep."
Wyph turned grumbling to the back of the cave, where a little shelf just her size was waiting. Turning a few times, she laid upon it, wrapping herself with her rather large wings and her black tail, careful of the spikes.
Smoak, though, stayed at the entrance. What is going to happen, Pyral? the drake thought. Wyph is progressing at a wonderfully fast rate, but is it fast enough?
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Post by Pyral on Jan 5, 2006 23:39:32 GMT -5
Pyral had been observing the progress of young Wypharet on and off as the months progressed, never viewing her in person but rather watching her from her celestial seat. With every visit she was increasingly pleased. Though the youngling didn't realize it, she was far ahead of the rest of her age group - most her age were only beginning to test their fire glands, let alone using them on and off at command. It wasn't just her physical growth that had Pyral smiling. Wypharet's mental growth was just as fantastic. Smoak had well taught her the sorts of things she would need to know to survive on the field, such as healing herbs, wind currents and how to identify them, and other useful information.
Good, Smoak. Her training is progressing at a speed that is more than acceptable. Undoubtably the young warrior would only remember Pyral as a golden-tinged shadow, perhaps even taken to be an odd dream. After all, she had only been there for her birth, and had left quickly after it. Perhaps she would remember more when the goddess came to help train her, but it was only a perhaps. Don't worry, Wypharet. You'll get to know me...
Pyral turned away from the slowly spinning planet, dropping onto a mess of stars with a sigh. She desperately hoped that nothing would happen to the little one in the hard times that were undoubtably ahead. Of course she would suffer. Everyone would. She was a warrior, created to the purpose of saving Pyrallis and forever changing history, destined to sacrifice her freedom for her world. But despite it, Pyral couldn't stand the thought of anything happening to her. After all, technically and acctually...
Wypharet was her daughter.
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Post by Pyral on Jan 5, 2006 23:40:12 GMT -5
OOC: Twist! Twist! TWIST! Oooo how I love plot twists...They're so much FUN! *pokes* Talk to the stars or something, give her a reason to pay a visit.
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Post by Smoak on Jan 6, 2006 17:41:01 GMT -5
Smoak's orange eyes scanned over the horizon, as if looking for something. He gave a soft sigh and sat down. From the depths of the cave came a voice young, yet had wisedom in it.
"What's the matter, Smoak?" A small black figure came out of the darkness, her bright blue eyes shining bright.
Smoak turned to her and said "Nothing is the matter. Now I thought I told you to go to bed, Wyph."
"I know what you said, and I also know you. You are my father, Smoak, in every sense except blood. Whenever you say 'Nothing is the matter', there is definately something wrong."
Smoak whirled, angry both at her insolence and the fact that she knows him so well. "When the time is right, you will know. Until then, nothing more. And I thought I said go to bed, Wypharet. Your test will come soon. I expect the slash to be in it's proper place, now." Without another word, he turned back to the sunset.
With a sigh, Wyph also turned, but to the inside of the cave. She retreated into it's depths.
Looking into the sky, Smoak prayed. I think it's time for another visit, Pyral. Please tell your friend that it's time to come back.
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Post by Pyral on Jan 6, 2006 23:48:04 GMT -5
Pyral always heard thousands of prayers echoing in her head, some stronger than others. Some completely selfish and unimportant, others earnest and important. Day in day out, the whispers followed her, but they never bothered her. This time, though, a prayer in a familar voice spoke strong words, overpowering the mellow murmur.
Smoak? She lifted herself from the sky, looking down at the cave in which Smoak and Wypharet lived. He was sitting at the entrance, staring into the sky. Staring at her. He was looking for someone, waiting...Are you looking for Fyrah, Smoak? She glanced over at the model, it's fore limbs riddled with red burn scars. It's a good thing that even empty models heal themselves. A good thing indeed - it would not have done to turn up with the burns still fresh.
Pyral picked it up, scrutinizing it for any other imperfections. None. This model seemed to recieve a beating every time she used it. Broken bones, burns, cuts...the list was long, but it was still a useful body.
With a small nod, she set it down behind the cave, out of sight of Smoak and Wypharet. A spinning vortex, the rush of forceful fall, air howling past her. Then with almost a lurch there was stillness. The feeling of entering another form was something she was beginning to get used to, and undoutably would experience far more as time went on. But the stiffness she felt she could never get rid of. Mortal bodies were uncomfortable. One's that had been sitting still for months...Near unbearable.
She stretched and flexed her limbs and body in silence for only a few minutes, not needing much agility and feeling she couldn't waste time. Smoak was waiting. He'd called her for some reason...Was there trouble, or did he just need support? There were only two ways to find out: Go visit him, or go visit him.
Padding around to the left of the cave, she looked up and called, "Smoak?" She moved a little faster, coming around to the front. "Where's Wyph?" Not giving him a chance to answer, she looked into the blackness behind him in the back of the cave. "Is she there?" It was ridiculous, but she was concerned and eager to see her daughter. A goddess. Under different circumstances, Pyral herself would've laughed.
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Post by Smoak on Jan 8, 2006 15:26:18 GMT -5
Smoak, standing up as his delicate hearing instruments heard a blast of wind, waited for the red female. As se blasted in, he smirked to himself. This was nothing new. He prayed, and she came in a flurry of wings, wanting to know if Wyph was here. No worries, though. If something did happen to her, she could take care of herself. And if not, he could. And if he was unable, only then would he call and tell Pyral something was wrong. She would know.
His bright orange eyes went over the body. Everything was healed, though the burns could have been better if she had used the Windigac herb he had told her of. "Yes, Fyrah. Wyph is back there. I see you didn't use windigac like I offered..." Before he could say anything more, though, a black streak zoomed out of the cave as Wyph, her blue eyes bright as ever, tackled Fyrah/Pyral.
Fyrah!! Where have you been?!?
Smoak laughed. If only Wyph knew the truth. Oh well. Pyral would tell when she needed to know. "Yes, Fyrah. You were overdue waith your visit. I do believe Wyoh was getting tired of her training." Turning to the beaming dracling, he said "I did not have time to quiz you in your sleep. We will do it tomorrow night. Be ready." Turning back to Fyrah, he said "And how have you been, Fyrah? Is the temple still in one peace? I heard that near Pycrynio that some Pyral worshippers were getting a little violent in the temples."
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Post by Pyral on Jan 8, 2006 20:27:07 GMT -5
Pyral laughed, picking up Wypharet. "I've been very busy, child. The great goddess has given me much to do." Little Wyph in her arms, she turned back to Smoak, nodding in answer to his question. "Yes, its fine. It's my home and private temple, so no one really goes to it either way." She shook her head, frowning. "I don't know what's come over people. Prayer is not something that should erupt into a fight...Perhaps there have been foretellings." Pyral knew that the so-called 'oracles' predicted naught but rubbish, but once in a while one would get something right. This time it might've started some havoc. Pushing the thoughts aside, she asked Smoak a few light questions of her own. "How's the little one been? Good I hope." She nuzzled the youngling's scales and continued in a playful tone, "If she hasn't, I'm afraid I'll have to deal out some batterings." It was obvious from the look on her face, though, that Wyph could've disobeyed every order Smoak gave and Pyral wouldn't have given her a single negative word. OOC: Pyral spoils her child heinously...It's a good thing you're there to keep things in line.
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Post by Smoak on Jan 9, 2006 14:17:57 GMT -5
"Well, let's see. Her fire glands have been growing at a pleasing rate, show her, Wyph." The young dracling, with a toothy grin, gladly obliged. A burst of purple and black flame, tinged with blue, licked the walls for the second time this evening. "Very good, Wyph. And... her knowledge of plants and other natural things has grown, hopefully to your liking. She has just gotten into weather patterns and such, and her reflexes are getting better and better every day." To prove his point, he flicked a little pebble with his claw towards Wyph's face. The little black dragon promptly caught it, a little embarrassed. She still had said nothing. "And her strength and speed has progressed, also."
Wyph, suddenly gaining a thought, sat up and asked "What am I training for, anyway? I mean, I've worked hard for the past few years, but for what?" Her blue eyes were fixed on Smoak again.
Smoak stood up again, once more angry at her tone. "You will do well to curb your tongue in presence of your elders, Wypharet. Have I taught you nothing in manners? Though your question is brought with good meaning, I am not the one to tell you. Only Fyrah may, and when she chooses." Having cooled down a bit, the black drake sat down.
Chastened, Wyph shrunk a little, then came up a new idea. Turning to the visiter, se asked sweetly "Fyrah, when can I know?" Smoak just watched on, no more emotion showing on his features.
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Post by Pyral on Jan 10, 2006 6:04:19 GMT -5
Pyral's smile faltered at her thoughts turned to the serious matter of Wypharet's training. The little one wouldn't be able to comprehend the enormity of her task. Not yet, at least. She couldn't yet be told that the weight of Pyrallis rested on her wings. However, the goddess could not ignore the innocence and sincerity of the question asked. When can I know?
"You will know when your training is done, and it will be done when the cold hands of Hycroun herself cannot touch you, youngling." Pyral gave a sad smile, setting down the little black dragon. Her training wouldn't be anywhere near complete for decades. There was much to teach still yet.
"I am pleased with how far she's come, Smoak. Pyral was right to choose you." She yawned, stretching out the golden-scaled body. "But I am weary, and the day is dying. We all should get some rest so our bodies and minds will be sharp for the new day." She glanced up at Smoak, not wanting to leave her daughter behind so soon after their reunion. "Is there room in this cave for three?"
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Post by Smoak on Jan 11, 2006 18:41:03 GMT -5
Smoak smirked. "Of course! More than enough. I'll have Wyph dig out a new ledsge for you. It will do her good to practice. With a nod the the dracling, he sat down. Wyoh, taking an estimated measure of Fyrah's body with her eyes, dashed off into the gloom. Smoak, his orange eyes on the female dragon, let a small trickle of smoke come out of his mouth. "So, Fyrah? Anything new happen around your place? By the way, where DO you live, anyway?" Before anything else could be said, a small black figure whipped out of the cave again.
"Done! And moss is on, too!" Wyph was beaming. "Good job, Wyph. Now go to sleep. I might practice you tonight." The pride melting from her face, Wyph walked sulkily back into the cave, muttering about how she was old enough to be out with adults when they were talking. Shaking his black head, Smoak turned back to Fyrah. "As I was saying, where do you live?"
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Post by Pyral on Jan 13, 2006 3:37:22 GMT -5
Pyral gave a mental grimace, wishing he hadn't asked. If she gave him a location, he might go there only to find her 'temple' was a nonexistent one. But if she didn’t give him a location for no reason, he might get suspicious. She took a few seconds to come up with what seemed an adequate reply, neither too forthright nor too vague.
“I never say. My temple is my home, and my home is my temple. To avoid distraction, I keep it’s location a secret.” She glanced at the darkness into which Wypharet had vanished. “Someday she might visit it.” She looked back at Smoak. “And someday, you might, too.” Climbing up on the ledge he had positioned himself upon, she dropped down onto her side with a sigh.
“Enough about me. What of you? Have you family? A home besides this cave?”
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Post by Smoak on Jan 15, 2006 21:02:10 GMT -5
Smoak gave a sigh also. "I guess you would like to know, considering I'm the dragon who is training the savior of the world. But, I must warn you. This is not a short tale. I will tell it through the night, and I would still have more to tell. But, I will start." The black drake looked out into the now dark sky, his mind racing. How could he tell it? No doubt Wyph was straining her ears to hear them. How could he say it and not reveal anything? If only a wind would pick up. That would strangle her attempts. As if by magic, a rather stiff breeze blew through the air, giving a bite to those outside. It whistled through the cave entrance, giving just the amount of cover Smoak needed. Byrion favors me tonight. Smoak thought. Turning back to the waiting goddess, he began his narration.
"This is long, so I will speak quickly. I was born in a long dormant volcano aways from here. I do not know it's name, nor do I need a name. My father was Nox, my mother Toray. Both were blacks, obviously. I was the runt of four, yet all died before the second year. The last sibling I had was Marevya, by older sister. She had a rare blood disease, and she died. And thus I was the only child. My father was a champion fighter, who had faught in the Last War. After it had ended, he had become bored. Wanting more excitment, he joined up as a bounty-hunter for the new government. Needless to say he was efficient and gained lots of enemies. Powerful ones. In the Underground, he became known as the Shadow Claw. No one could see where he was until he was right next to you.
My mother, Toray, was one with the earth, land, and skies. She could easily hold her own in a fight, but unlike my father, she would rather be out in nature than in a fight. She could taste the air and tell what the weather was going to be today. How far off rain was, if it was going to hit us, and if so, how long from then. She was truely gifted by Byrion. Toray knew all of the plants. Which ones were poison, which were healing, and which ones had no objective at all.
My parents were truely extraordinary. And being taught by them was a blessing. My father made sure I knew everything he did, and my mother, too. By the time I was 50, I could chart the skies at night like the back of my paw. I could take a glance at a target, close my eyes, and hit it dead center. I was very near the end of my training when they both dissapeared."
By this time, it was near midnight. "Let's retire. I'm sure you are tired." He turned into the cave.
ooc- I gotta go, sorry1
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Post by Pyral on Jan 20, 2006 21:36:59 GMT -5
Fyrah nodded, rising to her feet with a stretch and a yawn. "Indeed. It's grown late." She followed Smoak into his and Wypharets cave, crawling into and curling up on the ledge the dracling had made for her. It was comfortable, but not too comfortable. Enough for her to sleep soundly, but not to be slow to rise when morning came. Snuggling to the moss she shuttered her eyes, her thoughts straying over Kordymi, Gyulim, Fylegio, Byrion,
Hycroun stared at the spinning planet below her and her sister, brushing a thick, rain burdened cloud that hung over Pyr over the Hyc river bed. Her cold, human hand spun it into a whirlwind, and the rain poured down. It came down like a waterfall. It should’ve emptied six times over, but it didn’t. The water kept falling, pouring into the river bed, until there was a layer of water covering the entire river, flowing into a lake. And it didn’t stop. The water kept coming, cold and grey, filling it, filling it, filling it…The river raged. Froth and foam. Ice cold and swirling. And the freezing waves came crashing down.
Do you see now, sister?
The voice was smooth, but hard. Cruel and cunning. Biting. Hycroun. And she couldn’t move. Her wings and paws and tail were bound by some invisible powers. Threads of cold energy that held her tight, not releasing her no matter how she struggled. On the contrary, they seemed to tighten with every movement she made, until she was so restricted she could but write like a snake in her transparent bonds.
There was laughter. Taunting, deliberate. Pyral’s lips curled into a snarl and her eyes followed her death sister as she approached, laying her frozen fingers on the side of her draconic siblings cheek.
My rise is inevitable.
She felt the cold of her touch seep into her body, freezing her veins of fire. There was no way to draw back, and without fire, she was weak. Without fire, her sister could kill her.
And it begins with your downfall. Now.
She could only watch as, from the folds of her dress of cold, she drew a dagger of ice, its edge sharp and its tip sharper. Under normal circumstances, Pyral’s body would have melted the weapon the moment it made contact with her internal flames, but these were not normal circumstances. Pyral had grown cold, and her fires had been turned to mere embers by Hycroun.
Goodbye, Pyral. Perhaps we’ll be seeing you around in the underworld.
The blade sliced through the star-flecked air, coming down for her heart, and as the point pierced it, her
head shot up, snapping around frantically, looking for the ice goddess…but she was not to be seen. The rough stone walls and the rising sun were all that greeted her. And Smoak…
Despite herself, Pyral had no intention of returning to sleep. It wasn’t often that the dreams of the gods weren’t premonitions, and it was possible this time would be no different. If that was the case, she must act quickly – cripple Hycroun in such a way that her dream actions would be impossible. But how? Hycroun was nearly as powerful as she. Could she stand against her alone?
She shivered, turning away from her thoughts and to the residents of the cave. Smoak. Wypharet. She desperately needed someone to talk to, and she couldn’t reach her fellow gods from here.
“Smoak?”
Yes, even a goddess needs comforting sometimes.
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Post by Smoak on Jan 21, 2006 11:19:11 GMT -5
Smoak and Wyph were outside, doing a different exercise than yesterday, much to the surprise and pleasure of the student. "Up, flip, flip, swerve, back, and down. Good. Keep practicing. I'll be right back." The little black dragon grinned happily and continued, glad for something different. Her teacher then turned to the entrance of the cave, where he had heard his name being called.
Approaching the back of the cave, Smoak said "You called, Fyrah?" He shook his wings, then sat down, waiting for her reply.
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Post by Pyral on Jan 21, 2006 12:04:12 GMT -5
At the sound of his voice she turned her head, her shaken nerves relaxing. There was life. Something solid. But even the presence of another hardly served to make her calm. The threat was too great, her mind was too burdened. She needed to speak to someone - Not necessarily tell them anything, but just speak. Make a connection with something other than her thoughts. Wypharet was too young to truly understand this need. However, it was possible that Smoak was not. True, he was several thousands of years younger, but he was more intelegent than most...
"Yes." She curled her tail around her body with a shiver, laying her head on her paws. There were a few moments of silence during which she searched for something to say. Anything that would keep her near life a little longer. But nothing came to mind but the truth. Or at least, nothing bu a white lie. "I had a...a bit of a night scare." She tightened her tail and body, making herself smaller in the hopes she'd somehow be able to comfort herself. No such luck. "Just needed to know the world was still spinning." She lifted her head a few inches from her claws, managing a weak smile. "I guess it is."
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