The Dragon Children: Second Generation

[Ally-Ann]

OOC: Hm, I was thinking signing your name in blood would be a wee bit more painful. It certainly was for Harry. Anyway...
--Adarah--
"No. It's all done. I'm returning you to your body. Your ring will give you further instructions. It will allow you to be my eyes and ears. What you see and hear and know, I will as well. For now, act as normal as you can. Reveal nothing if possible about your encounter with me. Especially not to Joanne. Be wary of her. She can see into people's minds no matter how strong of a barrier is put up by them. It's a gift Sophia has given her. It's almost as if Sophia is playing favorites with her, isn't it?"
She clapped her hands and Eulalia disappeared.
--Minerva--
Minerva swooped down the instant she saw Berenike fall. She closed her eyes and used her telepathy to ease Berenike's descent. She sensed the pain in her heart. She supposed the girl must've died or betrayed them.
Once Berenike was safely on the ground, Minerva blanketed her feathery wings around the mage dragon, sending healing waves into Berenike. That would help with the physical pain. But she feared the emotional pain would be too much.
Nefron was there as well. "What do you think happened?" he asked.
"I'm not sure, but I fear the worst. There are only two possibilities. One, Eulalia is dead. Two, she has betrayed us and has fallen for Adarah. Berenike, if the latter has happened, don't go too hard on your child. Anyone can fall for Adarah's temptations, no matter how much you prepare them. Even Joanne once fell for temptation from Pandora. And you know how strong she is."
OOC: Berenike should be surprised Sophia even let the trial occur.
She watched as Aristocoles continued flying.
"Typical." Nefron shook his head at the black dragon. The sun slowly began to rise.
OOC: OK, everyone it's morning. Time to rise and shine.

OOC: Which trial? Eulalia's, or Joanne's?

[Lockon Stratos]

"Run!!!"
"Aaaaagh!!"
"Traitor!!!"
"Waah!" Nothing. I sat on the edge of the bed. "Just a dream, just a dream."
Brandon?
Hey, Feld.
It happened again, didn't it?
Don't know what you're talking about. In other words, leave it alone, Feld.
Okay, then. Anyway, two dragons came in the night.
Recognize them?
I think the Blue one is partnered with the arrogant girl, and I think the Silver is Minerva.
Bossy's Blue? What's she doing here?
I don't know, though I doubt it's just a social call.
These guys are just a magnet for trouble ain't they?

[rocklobster]

OOC: I meant for Berenike to be surprised that Joanne was once tempted. BTW, why not have Chrysanthe tell JOanne about her visit with Sophia? Oh, and Lockon, Berenike is a she. I liked the witty banter though, it made it seem like Brandon had gotten to know the group pretty well.
--Joanne's family--
Joanne and her husband woke up and got dressed for the day. Then she assumed the lotus position and meditated for about 15 minutes.
In their separate bedroom, Xavier was the first one up. He opened the window to let the sunshine in, mostly because he knew how much it annoyed his older sisters, especially Reika.
Reika scowled as the sunlight woke her. "Xavier, do you have to do that every morning?" she complained.
OOC: Diamond, have Shiro wake up with a bad case of bed hair.
--Karin--
Karin woke up and saw that the innkeeper was already making breakfast for everyone.
"Morning. Oh, I didn't notice you were with child. How's that going?" the innkeeper asked.
"He or she is doing fine. Actually, last night was the first time I got a nice sound sleep. You know, there are times when I swear I can hear the heartbeat."
"Believe me I know all about it. I've raised quite a lot myself. Six, in fact. And yes, I remember hearing my children's heartbeat as I slept too."
"Well, I guess we probably gave you more business now that the curse is lifted." Karin laughed.
"Yes, Yupolga." the innkeeper laughed as well. "And where is your other half?"
"Gorry likes to sleep in sometimes. I'll wake him up when breakfast is ready."
OOC: OK, everyone can come down to the kitchen if they like.

[Twister980]

Eruan rubbed his eyes. How did I manage to doze off? Saphira snorted. You've been with me for so long, I think some of my habits have rubbed off on you. Eruan stretched out, smoothed out his clothes and walked out of his room. He noticed an open door, Xavier had opened the window. Reika was scowling at him, her hair looked like an animal's nest, except much neater. He glanced over at where Shiro lay, but she was underneath her blanket. "Mornin' Xavier."

[rocklobster]

--Xavier--
"Morning, big brother!" Xavier beamed. "Just a minute." He reached into his satchel where he'd put the wooden sword Eruan had given him. "I think we might have some time before breakfast. Do you think you could teach me?" He waved the sword around at the air, trying his best to imitate the knights he'd seen on rare occasions.
--Desade--
Stewo cut a wound in Strych's leg.
Desade took out a knife and cut a small hole into Emily's finger. "Put your finger in the dragon's wound." he ordered.

[Twister980]

~Eruan~ He nodded. "Sure, just a second." He ran back to his room and pulled out his sword, he also pulled out an orb, and drained it's power, then he slid has hand across the blade. And whispered a few words in the language of the Elves. He walked back to Xavier's room, and showed him his blade. "I'm ready."

OOC: He used a orb of protection on his blade, it makes his sword more like the wooden sword except a little heavier.

~Emily~ She nodded, looking a little more sober and put her finger into Strych's wound. She hissed, it stung more than she thought it would.

[rocklobster]

OOC: So, is Eruan handicapping himself?
--Xavier--
Xavier smiled and followed Eruan outside. "I see your sword has a name. Should I name mine too?" he asked.
Reika rolled her eyes. "Boys. I think I'll have Uncle Gorry make me a spear. They seem more elegant to me.
Raphael nodded. "Not to mention they have a longer range than a sword. Maybe a halberd would be to your liking."
OOC: A halberd is like a spear, except it has a curved blade. Oh, and could everyone look in the Out of Character section. I have a new poll to bring to your attention. Thanks.

[Diamond Dragon]

-Shiro-
Shiro groaned as she came awake. "I wanted to sleep more..." she complained. She felt her albino hair as she sat up. It was sticking up every-which-way in an almost creepy fashion. Another bad hair day... she thought to herself ruefully.

[Ally-Ann]

=Berenike=

Berenike calmed only slightly when the pain in her heart was taken away, thoughts wandering to Eulalia and her soul's well-being. "So... Joanne was tempted as well?" She asked, voice quiet. "I'm surprised Sophia allowed that to happen..." Berenike didn't know which option for Eulalia's soul was better. To be controlled by evil, or to die and have your soul pass on to heaven? Most likely the latter. But the thought of Eulalia being gone... She was so young! Too young! She had a whole life ahead of her! Sophia would not allow for such a sudden and tragic thing, would she?


=Eulalia and Chrysanthe=


Eulalia was suddenly engulfed by darkness again. She opened her eyes slowly, wincing at the bright sunlight shining through the window. She looked around. It's warm... She thought, looking down. Ah. Someone must have carried her to the bed and tucked her. Eulalia smiled slightly before it vanished and she sat up.

"Good morning, Eulalia!" Came a familiar voice that sounded more cheery than usual.

"Chrysanthe?" Eulalia turned her head to Chrysanthe. "You're awfully happy, aren't you?" Chrysanthe nodded enthusiastically.

"I'll tell you at breakfast!" She exclaimed before grabbing Eulalia's hand and literally dragging her out of bed and down the hallway to the dining room and kitchen.

Once they were there, Eulalia and CHrysanthe saw that they were two of very few people there.

"Where's Joanne?" Chrysanthe asked. She wanted to tell Joanne what had happened last night.

"Heck if I know. She's probably meditating or something," Eulalia said, a slight scowl plastering her face. She looked down at her wrist and mentally slapped herself. The cut from when she had signed the contract was showing. She folded her arms so that the cut wouldn't be visible. "She'll be here in a minute, have no fear."

[rocklobster]

--Reika--
Reika laughed at Shiro. Then she saw her scowl and composed herself. She turned to Raphael, "Do you think you could do my hair so it's in those little rolls I like?"
Raphael nodded. "I think I could try." He produced a comb and brush and began fiddling with her hair.
OOC: Why not have Ai wake up and do some meditation like Joanne did?
Joanne woke up and saw that her children were up. "Where's Xavier?" she asked, half-yawning.
"He's out with Eruan getting his first lesson." said Reika.
Set awakened and came up behind Joanne and gave her a kiss and hug. "I'll be downstairs." she said. "I wonder what the innkeeper is cooking for breakfast. She's such a nice woman."
As she walked past Eulalia's room, she saw Chrysanthe.
"How was your night, my child?" she asked as she gave her a warm hug.
OOC: Have Chrysanthe ask to speak to her privately about her encounter with Sophia. Ask if she truly is Sophia's daughter.
--Desade--
"Now, Emily, repeat after me: I, Emily, give my life, my soul, and my body to Adarah and the Black Dragon Clan. I will serve Adarah with my life. My desires are hers alone." Desade instructed.
OOC: When she recites it, have the trance wear off, but leave her obedient.

[Twister980]

~Eruan~ "Well...-" He glanced over at Shiro, her hair... He covered his mouth. "M... Morning Shiro." He said, trying as hard as he could not to laugh. He looked back at Xavier. "If you want to."

OOC: Lobster, the spell makes the sword more like Xavier's, he doesn't want to accidentally cut him while training him. It's like how Eragon used the spell on his and Murtagh's blades when they sparred. ALSO. I think Shiro's Bed Hair would look like Doc Brown's hair, or Shepard Book's hair.

~Emily~

"I Emily," She closed her eyes. "Give my life, my soul, and my body to Adarah and the Black Dragon Clan." She opened them, her once blue eyes were becoming darker. "I will serve Adarah with my life. My desires are hers alone." The trance ended, nothing but a slight shiver ran through her body.

[Lockon Stratos]

Alright, is anything going on that I should know about?
Breakfast is being served right now, and I think Eruan
Shorty?
Yeah, is giving Xavier a swordsmanship lesson.
The kid has a sword? I thought they were considered too dangerous for a kid his age, down here that is.
It's made of wood.
Makes sense. Maybe I could get involved. My sparring match yesterday was cut short, and the fight last night doesn't count. Check out what's going on with Bossy Britches' dragon, all right?
I'll see what's going on.
Good.
Oh, and Brandon.
Yeah?
Be gentle.
What, pain is good for you.
Oh, just don't make them run us off, okay?
All right.
Good.
As Feld and I had been talking, I had walked down the stairs and managed to catch up with Eruan and Xavier.
"Hey, you mind if I get involved with this little training session?"

[Masquerade1412]

Trevor opened his eyes. ...I heard someone....I think...it was...Euran?... He shook his head and patted Revel's head. Time to wake up.
Aww...Five more minutes?
Sure...Not...Get up, please.
Revel reluctantly got up and stretched. So, what's for breakfast?

[Twister980]

Eruan cast a look at Brandon. "Sure, long as Xavier doesn't mind."
He reached into his bag and pulled out an orb. "Use this on your blade, it's a dulling spell, it will dull your blade for a little while."

[Ally-Ann]

OOC: Haha, Bossy Britches. XDDD

IC:

=Eulalia and Chrysanthe=

Chrysanthe smiled and hugged Joanne back. "Better than great," she replied before letting go. "But... is it all right if I talk with you privately for a bit? If it's not too much trouble, I mean..."

Eulalia scowled slightly when she saw Joanne, keeping her arms folded so that the cut wasn't visible.

[Lockon Stratos]

"Alright. Hey, kid. You don't mind if Eruan and I take the first round? I'm a little rusty and need to work out the kinks. Besides, I think you should watch a little before you try it yourself." I was dulling the edge of my blade with the spell as I was talking.

[rocklobster]

--Joanne--
Joanne nodded. She sensed great joy in the child's mind. "My door is always open, jozpi." She gestured to her bedroom. She telepathically said to Set, Could you leave us alone for a bit. Chrysanthe and I need a little private time."
Set sent back, [i]I understand. He got up and got dressed, then he went downstairs and waved to his wife on the way. She gave him a morning kiss and gestured to Chrysanthe, "All right, we won't be disturbed now, I think. The girls are getting ready and I doubt they'll step in."
OOC: Jozpi means daughter, btw!
--Minerva--
As they entered the town, Minerva did a scan. [i]I can see that Eulalia is awake and well. But there is a dark aura surrounding her. This does not bode well, my friend."
--Xavier--
"I guess it's all right." the boy nodded. He waved his sword and tried to spin it above his head.
OOC: Ever play Final Fantasy Seven? He's imitating Cloud Strife's victory pose.
--Karin--
Karin looked out the window and watched as her nephew Xavier studied Eruan and Brandon's movements.
"I'm not sure if he should be learning that at this age." she said contemplatively.
"Oh don't worry about it. The boy has to learn sometime." said the innkeeper.

[Twister980]

Eruan pulled his sword out of it's sheath, and took his fighting stance.
Then he swung his sword around a bit, then placed it in the sheath on his back.

OOC: Like from Twilight Princess. xD

He took out the blade, and pointed it at Brandon. "Alright, I'm going to go through a few basic moves, I'll try them on Brandon." He watched Xavier while he said this, then looked over at Brandon. "And you, will try and block every single one." He grinned. "It's been awhile since I've sparred with anyone, so It'll be a lot easier on you." He swung the sword around once more. "Whenever you're ready." He said to Brandon.

[rocklobster]

--Xavier nodded and sat down quietly. It was rare to see him do this. He hardly ever sat down quietly for anyone. But he was determined to learn. I must fight to protect my family. he thought. My brothers and sisters will be depending on me soon. I will make them and nokisme proud to call me brother.
OOC: Wow! is it just me or does Xavier remind you of a certain spiky-haired ninja?

[Diamond Dragon]

-Shiro-
Shiro glared at the others laughing at her. Then, after fixing her hair as best she could (It still looks a bit wild), she went down to wait for breakfast. Suddenly, she heard a meow coming from behind her. Turning around, she saw a half cat, half rabbit-like creature. It had long pointy ears, a feline face, and a short fluffy tail. It meowed again, and rubbed up against her. Awkwardly, Shiro bent down an stroked it.

-Ai-
Ai had gotten up awhile ago and was sitting on her bed, her legs crossed. Her hands were in her lap, and she breathed in and out deeply.

[Ally-Ann]

=Berenike=

Berenike sighed, the feeling of loss making her feel nearly sick to her stomach. "Hopefully, she'll come back to us. I probably should've left with her when she first came here," Berenike replied.


=Eulalia=

Eulalia sat down in a nearby chair, unfolding her arms since there was no one there to question her about the cut on her wrist. Utterly bored out of her mind and having nothing to do, Eulalia cracked her knuckles one by one (She wasn't typically very lady-like.). When she touched her right hand's ring-finger, however, her hand rubbed against the ring. Out of the blue, Eulalia's mellow, nearly depressing state was changed to one of happiness and relief, though relief from what she was not sure of. Weird... But hey, I'm in a decent mood now! Eulalia thought happily as she stood up and stretched.


=Chrysanthe=

Chrysanthe smiled and nodded. She took a deep breath. "Well... Last night I was visited by Sophia," Chrysanthe said slowly at first, but with a smile. "I see the error of my past ways and I've been saved! It was so wonderful and beautiful... and I felt real love for the first time." Chrysanthe's eyes were sparkling like a little child's with the memories of love's warm and peaceful feeling. "But... Sophia told me sometihng I wanted to ask you about." Chrysanthe drew imaginary circles on the ground with one foot shyly. "She said that you're her daughter... Is that true? I mean... how did that come to pass?"

[rocklobster]

--Adarah--
Adarah sent a telepathic message to Eulalia. This is your reward. You have chosen wisely, child. Look around. You have subjects waiting for you. At that moment, a woman looking very much like Joanne knelt before Eulalia. "What is your bidding, my queen?" she asked.
OOC: The woman's not real. This is a hallucination. Besides, Joanne vowed never to kneel to anyone, except Sophia. Have Eulalia fall for it.
--Karin and the innkeeper--
"Well, hello there, sleeping beauty." said Karin. "Don't fret about it. My hair can be quite unruly at night, too. Yours looks like it has a lot of static."
The innkeeper turned around to see Shiro holding her loqa. (that's the animal Shiro's petting, btw). "I see my loqa likes you. Her name is Ryoki. Go ahead, you can pet her." She looked into the child's eyes. "My first daughter had eyes just like yours."
--Joanne--
Joanne smiled and hugged her. "I'll do better. I'll show you my past. I'll show you how I and Karin, my twin sister, met her." she reached into her robe and pulled out her coin that she used for hypnosis. It was very beautiful, so beautiful that anyone who looked at it would be unable to focus on anything else, for that was its purpose. It shimmered like a prism, and rainbows emitted from it.
"I want you to look directly at this coin." said Joanne soothingly. "Trust in me and listen only to my voice. Nothing matters to you but the coin and my voice."
OOC: Go ahead and have Chrysanthe give in.
--Minerva and Nefron--
"No, Berenike." said Nefron. "That would've been a mistake. When my child Saiyanne gave herself to Pandora, I was tempted to leave as well. But Sophia stopped me in my tracks. She said 'If you leave now, there is no hope for her. You must stay.'"
"My husband speaks the truth. We will face this together." said Minerva. "She needs you now more than ever. If you stay with us, you will cause a pain in her heart that will never leave. That pain will haunt her and she will eventually realize her mistake. That is what happened with Saiyanne. And she eventually came back to us as well. But if Nefron had left, that would never have occurred. We must still love her and pray for her. She needs it. We must never lose hope. That is what Adarah wants."

[Lockon Stratos]

"Ready." I entered my own stance, standing slightly angled with my left side closer to Eruan, and held my sword perpendicular to the ground slightly to the right. "Show me that you can use that sword as more than an overgrown butter knife."

[Twister980]

A vein popped out on Eruan's forehead. He swung at Brandon's knee, then pulled his blade back in a feint. He quickly shoved it forward and poked Brandon in the shoulder.
"Butter knife, eh?"

[Lockon Stratos]

"Alright, maybe that was a little out of line." I stepped diagonally and swept Eruan legs out from under him. "So no more jibs."

[Twister980]

Eruan grinned, and lept back to his feet. "Alright." He swung his sword in in out, like a professional swordsman. He tapped Brandon once on the shin, sweeping his legs out from under him. He put the tip to his throat. "Best two out of three?"

[rocklobster]

--Xavier--
"How long have you been swordfighting?" Xavier asked.
--Desade--
Desade said to Emily. "Come, it is time you met Adarah. She will be pleased you finally saw to reason. Wouldn't you like to meet your new mother?"

[Diamond Dragon]

-Shiro-
Shiro looked up in surprise. She hadn't noticed anyone else come in. "You had a daughter?" she asked the innkeeper, stroking the loqa more.

[rocklobster]

--The Innkeeper--
"Yes. Four in fact. And I haven't been able to talk to them much. The curse frightened them away. What I wouldn't give to at least know they're even alive. Perhaps I can send them word that the town is safe again." the innkeeper sighed. "Well, the pancakes should take no more than fifteen minutes. I have enough batter for everyone, and I even took into consideration that two of you are vegetarians. This is a special recipe that doesn't require eggs. You want anything special on your stack, um...Karin is it?"
"I'll take strawberries." Karin said.
"And what about you, young lady. I'm sorry, I never learned your name."
OOC: Tell her your name and then you can decide however you like your pancakes in real life.

[Lockon Stratos]

I jumped back to my feet. "My whole life." All right Brandon, no more pussyfooting around. "Round Two!" I leaped forward, unleashing a ferocious barrage of attacks from all directions.

OOC: This is me showing what I can really do. There's a little more to Brandon than he's letting on. Make a note of it, if you like.