It must have come as a surprise for them, or perhaps they had been anticipating this moment? Indeed, it was a few days after each of them had been personally met by the Dragon Knight that the three individuals had been summoned to the keep of the Dragon Order.

Although in this particular occasion the invitation was more formal, for a portal emerged near them from which two knights of the order emerged, each clad in their pure black armor. They bend the knee toward the individual and declared proudly. "You are being summoned for an audience with the Dragon Knight."

Upon entering the portal the three of them would find themselves in a spacious chamber, familiar at least to Karstaag. A round table stood at the center of the throne room, which further extended along a red carpet to a large throne made from marble, upon which the Dragon Knight had been seated, but more noticeable was the presence of the other four in attendance. A dragon flanked each side of the throne, with one more dragon at the right side, each dragon was truly massive in size and shape, with a third one who was slightly taller leaning his head over the throne.

Each of the dragons gazed at a particular member of the group that had arrived, and Ryuko's lips curved into a smile as she rose from her seat. "Comrades, friends! It is a delight to see you gathered here~ Forgive the sudden summon, but I invited you all here for a fair reason, at least I consider a gift of power a fair reason~ Well there are other reasons I could think of but we'll leave that for another time~"

A wink followed as suddenly the dragon hovering his head over the throne spoke, his deep voice booming through the room. "Thou can hardly call thyself an Order of Dragons when the majority of thee are but mere mortals. As such I have gathered some of my kin who share similar... interests as thy. They shall aid thee in thy ambitions, should thee prove worthy."

Ryuko turned toward Karlstaag and explained. "Remember when I mentioned the Dragonborn rite? It is an ancient rite among our kin. Surely you all have heard about mortals gaining a semblance of a dragon's power? These Dragon Slayers hold a pale imitation to the powers of a Dragonborn, the rite itself is one where a dragon can bestow their power onto you by handing over a fragment of their heart to replace yours. But... to succeed in that you'll have to convince one of the big ones here that you're more than worthy of that~"

A smile lingered on her lips as she turned her gaze back from the group toward the dragons upon which Bahamut sighed deeply. "Do not expect any advice from me, you will have to convince them by your own merit."


Meanwhile Ryuko turned her gaze toward Bahamut, a soft hum following. "I hope they are a bit more hospitable than you were on our first meeting~" To which Bahamut merely scoffed in amusement. Even if he was a mere aspect now, the dragon was still quite interested in witnessing this event unfold.

---------

The three other dragons in attendance are the dragons you'll be forming a pact with upon reaching level 5 in the guild, as such I'll let you play with their personality and figure out the conversation with them yourself.

Skald had known from the moment he had set eyes on ryuko that his life was going to change again. He was sitting quietly in his room back in oak when the formal invitation arrived, his eyes locking onto the two black knights. Their voices rang with a fevor he could respect and shortly he’d stand up. He was wondering when they were going to get to it. Though far from the usual wear that he had; the ‘diplomat’ nodded his head and htanked the two before entering the portal with a savoring glance around him. It was going to be… different being in another country he had no ties to at first.

Stepping into the throne room; his eyes appraised every instance and every divet of the construction. Every little thing was quickly assessed, stored and thought upon. His eyes slowly roved over the various dragons. One of them stuck out more than the others, a dragon that while not as big as ryukos or perhaps not even as big as the others but that was fine. Size was nothing, it was all about power. He could smell the ozone oozing off of it, he could see his face in the sheen of its scales. He could hear its breathing, the way its claws clicked on the floor. His piercing blue eyes met its yellow ones but before anything could be said or any more attention could be diverted from the actual reason for their meeting… Ryuko spoke.

Skald stood there, hand resting on his sword and his eyes swept over the other two that were inevitably here. He was intimately familiar with coventina but this was the first time that he had ever seen a dwarf in person. The isolationist colony nearest his home in iceberg didn’t send any to deal with them, always worked through proxies. He had to admit he was impressed. His eyes went back to ryuko; a smile cresting his features.

”You certainly have a way with words and an entrance Ryuko…”

He’d chuckle softly and adjusted again; with the way that ryuko explained what was going on here and what came from it well… Skald was surprised and he could feel the pressure of the dragon in front of him. He could feel everything about it and there was an incredible bloodlust radiating from them that he knew only he could feel.

”...I can already smell the stink of magic like mine on him. Weaker by far but…”

There was a deep guttural rumble from the dragon and skald felt himself grow maybe a little shorter. But he’d set his jaw and stare up at the dragon; there was no balking, no shouldering an insult. This was an apex predator for sure…

”You needn’t finish that sentence dragon.”

”Already figured that part out did you?”

”It’s not difficult.”

The dragon snorted and waved a hand dismissively at the kitsune, the latter of which shrugged a little bit. His eyes dancing to the other dragons and he’d cock his head to one side. There was a proccess here for sure; maybe his dragon wasn’t really ready to share itself with a mortal it just barely met but the both of them…

”You certainly deliver when you say you will ryuko. I couldn’t have been more surprised.”

There wasn’t actually any surprise evident in skalds tone or posture; but the way that his ears seemed to be moving every which way and the crackling of lightning dancing through his tails, up his back and along his teeth or eyes certainly indicated a level of excitement. Did he… want to… fight his dragon?

The destined time had finally arrived for the gathering of the Order and the lass certainly made a grand display of it. A fracture in time and space appears in the secluded fields he found himself questing in - a blessing in disguise. The mere thought of prohibiting Momo from leaping through the portal alone was enough to give Karstaag a migraine. No matter. He'd more than make up for the brief disappearance later. One of Ryuko's knights steps through and cordially invites the dwarf peering up with jubilated eyes. Karstaag steps through the mirror before the invitation fully graces his ears. He's far too excited, a sense of whimsical adventure pulsing through his body like a shot of adrenaline.

Molten eyes erupt and overflow, shattering the blinding veil of the sudden shift in space and Karstaag finds himself in a place familiar. A quick appraisal of his surroundings, scouring the expansive throne room to sate his curiosity. He was startled to see a familiar face in Coventina, a woman he had become well acquainted with on a hazy night in Hosenka. The third member was a mystery - a bestial enigma that felt as anomalous as the dwarf, a fox with claws, teeth and tails, given human form. It was too early for the dwarf to make judgments, but he was intrigued. An inclination to be close with a fellow beastie. Accompanying the prospective members of the order stood majestic creatures beyond mortal comprehension, let alone Karstaag's, stood guard of the throne and the monarch that it rightfully belongs to. All four stood stalwart in their reception, emitting an overwhelming pressure with every thrum and rumble of their breathing. Karstaag, respectfully, paced towards the round table he had once sat at on his previous visit to this place, slow calculated breaths that are betrayed by the flickering of his droopy ears.

The trio are met with a theatrical greeting befitting the monarch, as well as an explanation for the sudden gathering. "Aye, lass I remember yer promise fer power." A wry crack of a smirk as a hand lifts to stroke his beard, gazing upwards to inspect the dragons that would be bonded with their respective members. One in particular caught Karstaag's attention and he noticed the dragon's obvious interest. He teeters to the outskirts of the table to stand beneath it, peering up with hands fasten around the hem of his leather waistband.

"Ya like what ya see or somethin'?" Teeth are bared between the two, but for entirely different reasons. The brave dwarf bravely poking fun at the creature exuding a somber elegance in every movement only elicits a huff of annoyance that nearly topples Kars. "Oho~ You're a brave one aren't you mortal? To approach one such as I. Begone, wretch. You bore me." A growl perfectly entwined with cheeky sass - arrogance that was rightfully earned. The difference in the two was surely insurmountable, but that wouldn't dissuade the dwarf from claiming this power as his treasure as well. "Awww~ Don' be like tha'. I'm not so bad once ya get ta know me~" The stout little man, straightens his posture and heaves, exploding into a howling laughter that drowns the rattling roar of the dragon.

The time had come, had it? Coventina spared one last glance around the halls of Phantom Lord, her precious few belongings and recent meals cleaned out of the veiled room that had been her quiet place the previous years. She lingered on its entrance to darkness, parting a lock of hair over one long ear with an unreadable expression. It wasn't sentimental. Coventina had long promised a lack of attachment to anything - everywhere she'd been, everyone she spoke to, they'd serve a use and then be forgotten when it was served. It would be no different here.

This trepidation, the slow movement of herself with the guards that had come to attend her through one of Ryuko's little portals, was not born of stalling ... therefore, it was: what, exactly? Ah. She breathed low through her nose, closing her eyes for one last moment. A hand played down her cheek, guiding a smile to unfurl the barest peek from her lips. It was time to go again, ██████. It was time to forget.

Goodbye, Phantom Lord. Perhaps the Countess of Oak ... ah, no, she wouldn't.

She would stride into the grand throne room with pride & presentation, the preceding moments erased from her face and replaced by playful curiosity that burned in her ever-gold gaze. It smelted, blending with the grandiose of their setting, and she continued even through the portal - past Karstaag, past Skald, compartmentalizing the two in retinue for later. No, she'd make her way to Ryuko under the gaze of all four dragons and the Tyrant herself - and she'd offer a hand to lift hers to her lips, leaving a red kiss on Ryuko's knuckles with a conspiratorial grin.

"My, Ryuko ...," she purred, fanning her fingers to trace around her wrist and leave the trail of her nails. She'd brush Ryuko's skin with her thumb before releasing her, stepping back with a look just below haughty and floating above amusement. Her other hand rested atop her own bosom, pressed in with that 'my oh my' and the phantasm of her smile. "This is what they call ... pulling out all the stops, no? I do enjoy your ...," and she'd turn away, scanning through the room with that hawkish gaze, before flickering it back from the corner of her eyes with a double entendre. "Taste. Very well."

"Good evening." She'd wave a polite, noble hand to the great beasts in attendance, their import not lost on her; but her statement of equality, the pressure of her presence and the display of her ability to walk right up to this monarch ... that was more important for her to establish. She wasn't going to be some knight in attendance like the men. She was a partner to the Tyrant of Pergrande or she was a ghost in the halls. A last smile, finding her way back to the boys with a lingering look at the only dragon in attendance to not yet speak.

She'd filter through the sidelines, brushing a hand across Skald's shoulder only to flit one of his ears and offer a knowing flash of bemusement. They'd of course discussed this beforehand; he wasn't going anywhere without her. Not right now, and she was pleased with Ryuko's own efforts to draw him into the fold. She might have asked to bring him as her +1 otherwise.

It was Karstaag she spared only a sound through her nose, not a huff or laughter, quite, but a single exhalation to offer both - and absurdity, and respect. He'd be more than capable. She didn't look down on him ... irony unlost. It was more the circumstances of each person in attendance. How, oh how, had she met each in her various ... ways, and fate had found it fit to draw them all here? Maybe Ryuko had a fascination with the West for the treasures she had harvested there. She'd look from Kar to Ryuko with a quirk of an eyebrow, but her approval was apparent. "Skald ... Karstaag." It was all either of them needed as far as her acknowledgement, settling back with a glass she had pilfered from the table. She didn't drink from it, empty as it was at the time - but she swirled it between her fingers nonetheless, watching that last dragon. Hers to overcome, ostensibly.

Majestic in its redscale and the heavy horns it bore, watching her in quiet in return. They spoke with their eyes. Gold on gold, both undercurrent in red, both smoldering at their own tempo. Ashes to embers. They remained contemplative, finding their pockets of silence. The rest could squabble. A battle of wills had already begun between the folds.

Ryuko couldn't help but smile genuinely at the presence of the three in attendance. From Karstaag's boisterous arrival, to Skald's more refined and professional entree, and then there was of course Coventina. Each of them had their roles to play, each were a valuable piece of the puzzle, and in the end one could say they were irreplaceable to her. Was it her nature as a dragon? To imagine the three of them as part of her hoard? She dispelled the thought as Coventina approached her, the gesture briefly allowing a curve of her lips. "A pleasure to see you again as well Coventina." A soft hum followed as she leaned back into her throne as Coventina approached the others, the playful flick at Skald's ear not going unnoticed, if anything judging from the grin on the dragon girl's lips she was amused.

"Indeed, I do try to stay true to my worth." She paused, letting the exchange unfold between both Skald and Karstaag and their individual dragons. Of course, the passage of time had made reactions like these of her kin to be expected. To them these mortals must had felt like children playing with powers they could neither control or understand. A light tap of her finger on the arm rest of her throne followed as she spoke, although to these in attendance her words would sound foreign, after all she was speaking in the language of the Dragons.

"Spare the theatrics, they are not mere pawns I chose."

Her gaze sharpened as she looked at Skald, then Coventina and then Karstaag. "They are the first generation of Dragonborn, if my ambitions are to be secured and the glorious return of our age to become a reality, we need our kin to return. Yet in their absence we need some who will champion our cause, Champions of Dragonkin, that is what they are."

She turned her head toward the dragon that had addressed Karstaag. "As thee are akin to my kin, I will ask this only once of you: Did you call my kin a 'Wretch'?" While only a moment, the intensity of her words and stare was so strong even the pressure in her words felt magical, as if a Monarch was speaking. Finally she resumed speaking in the common tongue.

"Nay, you will treat them fairly, judge them not based on their race, but on their skills. If they prove to be worthy, they will be treated as such."

Her gaze shifted toward the round table. "That table symbolizes the Dragonborn, if they prove worthy they are our equal. It will take time for them to be ready for the trials ahead, which is why we will proceed with our schedule as planned."

As she spoke she rose from her throne and approached the space between Skald and Coventina, a glimpse of mischief in her eyes. "I am made to believe you two have been getting 'intimately familiar' already~ which makes the next part a lot easier."

As she stopped in front of the duo she made a light wave with her hand, a small disruption in the space appearing as from within a large object of sorts wrapped in blankets appeared in front of them, while at the same time one dropped in front of Karstaag as well, but he would be spared from what would come next.

If any would try to pick up the object they would notice it felt warm to the touch and...

"Congratulations Coventina~ Skald~ You are now a parent."

It seemingly was a Dragon's egg! Almost as if looking for their reactions in anticipation she added with a teasing remark. "Don't worry, it's not mine~ But for the rite you will need to become intimately familiar with how dragons function, and what better way than to raise one of your own. These eggs will hatch soon and mature quite quickly, but they will become a powerful ally in the future."

She turned her gaze at Karstaag and added with a wink. "Don't mistake it for an omelette please." With the jokes finished she took a seat in her throne and looked at the three of them. "Now that we finished the introductions and present giving, I believe it is time for business~"

Skald would stand there, silence had lapsed between him and his dragon after their exchange. His eyes danced over to where karstaag and his dragon seemed to have very different approaches to the way of handling things. He had a strong feeling that the dwarf had similar tastes to some in iceberg. Either that or perhaps dwarven culture was just close to that of others? He couldn’t exactly tell. Perhaps they’d talk over drink and find out together about the differences of their cultures. The way that his voice carried, the way he carried himself painted an earnest picture that he couldn’t help but like.

”Never met a dwarf before, never met someone so close yet so far from what I expected.”

Skald’s eyes appraised them for a moment, did dwarves look like this? He never had met one in person before and if so that would explain their isolationist ideals. Most people would be afraid of dealing with something that looked like it could bring ragnorok on their heads. His posture was friendly, his shoulders set somewhat… Until Coventina entered. There wasn’t a stiffening, there wasn’t any particular adjustment to his motions of his body. But his eyes tracked her like a hound, there was a loyalty there that was hard to explain to any outside force.

The gaze was intense; full of emotion and after a few moments he’d let out a soft chuckle. Of course she’d have a sort of relationship with ryuko, it only made sense to him. They were both women of different calibers and offered different ways of rewarding loyalty. He felt his heart stir a little when he saw Coventina kiss one of Ryuko’s hands. But he squashed it in favor of eyeing his dragon. The being looked… bored? Or maybe that was just a face.

With coventina coming closer to him, he felt his pulse quicken. The brush on his shoulder, the playful flit of one of his ears and the shared gaze. He felt a little smile ease across his face and his hands easily rested at his sides. He might be the diplomat for Ryuko but he certainly was a war hound for Coventina.

”Coventina. It’s good to see you.”

His voice was steady, soft, almost a whisper and he’d eye ryuko as they started to speak.; there was that grin. She knew that the two of them… Maybe? The minestrations that coventina brought to him earned a soft smile, a softer touch and squeeze of her hand were she to let him. Eventually the Kitsune brought a hand to his lips and let out a thoughtful rumble. A crackle of lightning dancing through his fingertips at the promises he could feel in the air. He couldn’t understand the draconic language that Ryuko was speaking. But he could feel the intent.

I will learn this language.

Will you now?

Skald’s eyes flicked to his dragon, the gaze from those yellow eyes met his and there was no doubt. It was picking through his memories and mind from afar. Likely trying to understand the being in front of him with caution. He welcomed it. Which made the dragon ease its reach back and he’d feel that touch wither away. It didn’t want to bother him in the midst of all this.

We’ll talk later then.

Skalds ears flicked and his head made an ever so soft nod. Skald’s eyes flicked back to the Monarch, his monarch. Their monarch. With the explanation of the table skald took a step forward, running his hand along the edges of it. To him it felt cool to the touch, to the others? He had no idea. Skald stared at ryuko as she approached, many different emotions could be seen on his face; ranging from curiosity to that of… reverence? Maybe? Up until that disruption in space, the way she pulled things out of thin air made him think of other individuals that could do that. With what she plucked out of nothingness skald would pick up the offered item.

”You could say something like that Ryuko…”

He felt the warmth, he felt the intensity. He felt every aspect of the being inside without question and without any sort of… Memory. He’d close his eyes, breathing out, feeling the beating heart of the being within. It’s rhythm was unlike anything else and until ryuko spoke he felt entranced.

Entranced until the implications landed on his head, the kitsune felt his face grow hot. He felt his fur stand up in some places, his shoulders lost all tension and the kitsune’s tails curled around as he almost had dropped the egg in surprise. Though a mix of his magic and his ‘extra’ limbs caught it easily and gently. His mouth dropped a bit and he’d glance at coventina; no panic, no frustration, absolutely not. Nope. He was immediately disarmed by that single prospect and then had to look away. Coughing and blushing harder than he ever had before. The tint of red is easily seen underneath his fur.

”B-business. Yes. Ah…”

He stood still, wry smirk splitting to shine a toothy grin from behind the shroud of his fluff and beard probing the magnificent beast that looked down on him with utter disdain. A quick tilt of his head to acknowledge the raven-haired temptress who had made an expected, albeit appreciated, dramatic entrance. "Oho~! Nice ta see ya again so soon, doll! Wasn't expectin' ya, but ya won' hear me complainin' bout it~" A burst of laughter as he twists back to face the dragon, staring him down with covetous eyes, glimmering like a volcano ready to erupt.

The fox seemed completely enamored with the huntress, his body shifting so obviously upon her the first shift of her presence. Skald spoke up to address Karstaag's peculiar appearance, a question that had been asked countless times and one he didn't have a particularly good answer for. If you'd ask anyone from his home, they would simply tell him; "Aha! I was jus' born a wee bit wrong I s'pose. Somethin' we all prolly got in common 'ere in the Order, no?" He would laugh it off with a joke, but there was an inkling of truth in his words that came regardless of their appearances, however shared. They all had to be a little crazy to come together like this at the whims of that fickle mistress called Fate.

His little staring contest was broken up, the Monarch bestowing her decree with a harsh clamor in the atmosphere. The dragon lost, turning away with a sneer and huff that shook the floor beneath. Turning his pale royal visage, scaly fins flaring inward and diverting his opulent magenta eyes that pulsed with power as if he was pouting from just being scolded. It took all of Karstaag's willpower not to gloat, rub salt into the wounded pride of such a high and mighty creature. He thought better of it. No reason to rock the boat, yet.

With his victory assured he marches to take his rightful place at the round table, a short hop to close the distance between solid ground and his quaint little throne. A quick tap of his fingers against its surface, that trail upward to comb through his beard while he listened to the captain address the crew, as it were. A dragon egg was given to each member of the Order, so carefully plucked from whatever space in time that the woman had access to. "Oho! The Cap'ns got a sense o' humor, aye?" He belts out a laugh at the expense of the pair until her ribbing is directed towards the dwarf, though his face still remains colored with an oversaturated joviality. "Aye, Aye! I know better than to do somethin' so outrageously nonsensical! Whaddaya take me for, Cap'n!?" A light slap of his hand against the table to play the straight man to her bit.

He reaches out to hold the egg. a radiant warmth emanating from within. An erratic dragging of his arms to hold the egg close out of fear of dropping it. Karstaag had a high tolerance for all things hot and burning, peering down at it and then back up to meet Ryuko's eyes. "I should hope it's not yers, lass." His voice fluctuates and ends in a whisper, afraid of waking the baby too early perhaps? He shakes off the odd feelings that swelled up in his heart as he clutched the egg so firmly in his arms. Panic was one of them. Karstaag can't be responsible for a creature like this! Something so utterly dependent on him for safety and security. He wasn't ready to be a parent!

"Ahem..." He clears his throat, a nervous rumble of a growl permeating the undercurrent. He could only manage to repeat what was already said. A rare instance where the unruly dwarf truly felt muzzled, thoughts swirling with terrifying thoughts and ideas. "Aye, yes- let's. Anythin' to take m'mind off o' this lit'le guy!"

Ryuko and Skald didn't disappoint, both. Her smile came wry and creeping from the corner of her lips: conspiracy to commit a crime. The intent remained in the droplets of gold that rippled in her gaze as it fell from one to the other, lingering on Skald only to lift her eyes back to Ryuko and meet hers while she flit about the fox. Just that stroke of her hand is enough to raise his hackles, tease a finger into the small of his back, and she'd leave both with a wink. Yes, she'd find herself well acquainted with this procession. Perhaps Pergrande would serve a place for her after all.

Her dragon had not joined the rest in their open communication, opting instead to clash with Coventina's stare until they were the only combatants left in the wake of Ryuko's harsh tone. The Vampiress had little interest in decrypting the tongue between the dragons, catching up with the monarch's admonishment when she returned to their shared language. She found little humor in it; it was only just that predators would see predators alike, and aside from Ryuko's decree these dragons had little reason to accept the koi she had drug from their pond in offering. Coventina held a healthy respect for the strong over the strong - the catch only came when she was party to the vying side, displaced from her usual chambers of utter dominance and forced to make parley with powers she could recognize as greater than her own.

Distasteful. It was enough to have her strained in this silent contest, registering nothing of what was said around her throughout the duration of the horned dragon's locked gaze. It rumbled, eventually, though not to her. At Ryuko, this beast said: "This one has been born twice already, Bahamut's Chosen. It is an immortal you've brought to the table. You seek us not to judge on race ... yet her aura. It resonates uneven. You are sure about this one?" It ended its question with a slope of its head, dragging a big eye from Coventina to Ryuko and peaking the interest of its 'opponent.' It's disposition was docile and studious, respectful to the weight of the meeting and their actions here, but it would pose its inquiries nonetheless.

There was no secret Coventina was a different ... type to the others in attendance. Skald's hands were no less bloody, not to speak of Karstaag's storied history, but she strode above the line rather than along it with the others. She tempted anything she was allowed to. Coventina's mouth unfurled in a smile between the folds, drawing her arms to her chest and curling her fingers in an acknowledgement for the beast. She could catch the gist of its trepidation with her, privy or not to the conversation. It was as she thought before:

Predators alike to predators. It wasn't hard to see it in her eyes.

This came crashing somewhat as Ryuko had something more to offer to the table. Ryuko's first attempt at a tease didn't get a rise out of the witch, a quirked eyebrow and a fought eyeroll in derisiveness - why, jealous, my dear? she had formed but not spoke - but the next moment was a bundle of ... the look on Coventina's face said not joy. As she unspooled its wrappings and found pace again with the others, broken from her trance with the dragon, her face contorted.

A rare moment. The three of her 'friends' in attendance would be the first to ever see her surprised. Shocked, even. Caught completely off-guard. She took a step back, one hand holding the prize and the other twitching above it as if it, too, couldn't decide between touching it or fleeing with the rest of her. Coventina Carmen never slipped from her careful cadence save the most desperate, starving circumstances - this was neither, for the look in her eyes was as many steps removed from hunger as churned honey could be. "E-excuse me!?" She managed out, her voice raising an octave before she could hush it at once with the gentle placement of the egg on the table. It was deposited - she couldn't hold it in the shake of her forearms for the moment.

She couldn't even look at Skald, one hand covering her mouth and the rest of her expression sinking into the curtain of her hair. "What ... is the meaning of this? You ... you would have us rear a dragonchilde? Ryuko?" Her tone came accusatory, her heart almost willed to beat again. Red flushed so easily under stark pale.

Ryuko's lips remained covered in a grin, taking in each of her chosen their reactions. Perhaps it was part of why she had chosen not to directly answer the dragon's inquiry about Coventina, letting her judge based on what would follow.

"To be given power is one thing, but to learn how to nurture it is another." She leaned back in her throne, closing her gaze for a moment. "Consider this a trial Coventina. the child waiting to hatch possesses a power you will find nary among mortals. Not just that, but look around you."

She gestured as Skald and Karstaag. "You three were chosen as the first generation of Dragonborn, these who will give rise to a new civilization. Although, as you partake in this trial you will find plenty of opportunities Coventina, opportunities that might had been unrightfully taken from you."

Her gaze shifted to Skald. "Companionship, the ability to inspire and nurture these in your care, through this trial you will learn to obtain power by doing that."

She leaned slightly forward, her smile turning softer. "Please take care of them, Coventina." A request, an earnest one as she closed her eyes and finally the presence of the woman changed.

"Now onto business. I have heard that in recent days there has been a rise of undead activity in Iceberg. Sources of what are responsible are divided, but we seen some activity among the Fiorian factions, in particular the leadership of the North seems interested in these events."

She lightly tapped her hands together, folding them on her lap as she continued. "I send my Herald over to discuss the matter with Paradise Dawn's guild leader. But to make certain everything goes smoothly I would like you and Coventina to travel there on a diplomatic mission. Take the moment of peace to focus on this trial I gave you, a trial I'll let you both take together. Skald, if possible try to find out what the North is planning, what they are 'lacking'. Having them in debt with us will go a long way in getting a favor returned when the time is right."

She paused, her gaze shifting lightly to Karstaag. "For you I have a offer Karstaag. I plan to go on a short journey... one of great importance to the order, but if desired I could take you along for some training. That and I would love to learn some more about the history of Iceberg and its dwarven clans that reside there."

Her gaze finally settled back onto the duo. "I will give you all some time to adjust to this trial, but it is one of necessity."

She turned her gaze toward the dragon that had addressed her earlier. "A fascinating response from an immortal, right?" Despite the choice of speaking in her own language, her attention still remained upon the three in front of her.

He needed to calm himself, he needed to put forward the best sort of face he could make. He needed to figure out what to do about what he was just handed. The egg in his hands felt so heavy but it was so easy to just… Stare at it. He’d close his eyes, easing out a breath. He could feel the yellow orbs of the dragon he would likely have to prove himself to on his head. The joke that karstaag brought to the table however eased his tensions and he’d chuckle softly.

”Just a little bit, an odd bunch. But a good bunch I’d say.”

Skald pondered now what was in front of him, what he had to deal with. His eyes traced over it and eventually to coventina. The two of them had similar reactions to the egg; however unlike her he hadn’t put it back down. Skald sat there for a moment longer, eyes looking to her egg. There was a sense of lacking warmth there, more out of concern and more out of worry. He noted that she had become worried; become uncertain. There was that crack to her voice, the octave that she struck that he couldn’t help but want to reach out. But his hands were full, some of his tails seemed to stretch out.

”Dragon order… dragons. Dragon eggs. Makes sense. But…. Definitely not something I was expecting.”

Skald paused as ryuko began to speak again. They had been chosen as dragonborn; these eggs were a sign of that. He felt the eyes of his monarch on him again. He’d cock his head slightly understanding what they had to say. Understanding what they meant by that. He’d nod wordlessly. The relief of business was welcome and skald would gently place that egg among his tails, curling about it and keeping it warm.

”Consider it done, though I’ll need a little bit of time to gather information regarding what they would need. Paradise dawn is a strong guild with strong established members. I’m very familiar with them because of my time with sleeping calamity.”

Rival guilds if anything, but unlike sleeping calamity, paradise dawn wasn’t snuffed out. He’d ponder quietly and look to coventina. He felt like this would be good for the both of them. He could also pick up a few books on dragon rearing, there was bound to be one or two somewhere right?

”I might have a few ideas of what they might be planning, but it’s better to hear it from them than just guesswork.”

He’d reach out to gently place a hand on coventina’s shoulder, a reach of support and understanding. He was also still a bit shocked but he was definitely now starting to handle it a bit better. Still red in the face, still a little flustered but it was something he could push past a bit.

Karstaag's gobsmacked expression wanes slightly, punctuated with the introduction of unstable laughter that bellows out. Ryuko's words rang true, but patience was not one of Karstaag's virtues if anything he possessed could be deemed one, nor was he keen on the idea of rearing a "child." An amusing thought sprouts; Momo would surely appreciate a new little friend to play with and keep him occupied. A wry smirk creases his face and grasp teeters on the edge of something more palatable - a gentle rock in the cradle of his arms inhaling heated breath to emit in turn.

There was a crack in composure in the raven-haired vixen, falling prey to a monarch's cadence in the form of jest. It was hard to fault Coventina. The bestowal of such responsibility was surely a shock to everyone in attendance. It's oft said that power and responsibility were locked hand in hand, but it was surely not meant in this regard. Karstaag would restrain his teasing to a bare minimum, quelling the urge with all his might, with little chortles escaping the confines of his shuttered lips.

Yes, being a Dragonborn would come with renewed responsibility. A shackle still, no matter how light. A monarch that would require his fealty and service in the name of the Order. The business that she spoke of would require his aid, and this would remain an everlasting cycle for as long as his oath remained intact. The present members would be paired together to complete their assignments. Skald and Coventina would be sent to North Fiore on a diplomatic mission to assess the current political situation as well as the intentions of Paradise Dawn.

Karstaag was a bit surprised to hear the offer extended, a proposal bereft of the brand of an order. Courteous in her edict in a way that strayed into the realm of absurdity given his life thus far. A spring in his flighty ears, flapping with a sense of pride in his captain, the Monarch of the Dragon Order. Gratitude was a strange emotion for the dwarf to be feeling, but it was present nonetheless. "Aye, Cap'n! I'll come along on th' journey wit' ya." He'd rotate his shoulders, puffed out chest with molten eyes that seemed to brim over the boundary, kindled and stoked with burning with the tenacity of his clamorous affirmation. His beard would match the color, glowing like embers that illuminate the night. "Though... 've not been to me home since I was just a wee lad... 'round seventy years, now? I'm not sure if I'd be of any use in tha' regard. I didn' leave on th' best o' terms."

There was a moment where Coventina would grit her teeth. It was an unpleasant sight, saved only by the press of her lips together shrouding the way her fangs glinted and flint against each other. What kind of game did Ryuko think this was? 'Opportunities taken from her', was it? A hot breath expelled from her nose as she looked down where she had placed the egg in its bundle on the table, the way a hand would twitch around the stem of her glass almost threatening to shatter it. Splinter. She had more self control than that. She was aware of the eyes on her.

This was a challenge. She - and the others, of course, for what that mattered - were being challenged by the dragons and their Monarch to: how did Ryuko put it? Nurture power as well as manage it? Another breath, low and long, and the sharp drag of her glance brought her eyes to Skald while Ryuko's next words echoed in her ear. A twinge through the elvish shape. It was ... disarming. She had about hit her quota for leaving her comfort zone and she had only been here mere minutes. What did this ensemble have in store? She watched her hound work through his own introspection before meeting her eyes in kind, drawing what inspiration she could from him and Karstaag's ... odd, jolly nature; for she wasn't one to be shown up. If they thought they could handle this ... if everyone but her was ready to rear a wyrmling ...

She slammed her right hand on the table, nails filed out, and leaned about the egg with the sparks of a fire in her honey-ochre gaze. It fell on Ryuko. "I'll do it." She didn't need to be so tempestuous about it - but her control over her tone had lapsed with the undercurrent of panic. She'd whip her eyes to the dragon that had been judging her since her feet had graced the lobby, staring it down with a look she'd share between her and Ryuko. You're not getting out of this, either, it said. The terms of this partnership encompassed surprise children. She'd lift her chin, staring down her nose with another even breath ... and then she'd expel her remaining tenseness, fluttering her eyelids in a last moment before finding her full height again. "Very well. You'll find me ... satisfactory. I don't lose. Not even ... children."

A glance spared back for the egg, and she'd cress it a little closer to her. If this was to be her contrition ... "You'll be assisting me, of course, should I have any questions?", directed to Ryuko, "and you." The second statement flitted her stare to Skald, leaving little room for him or Ryuko to question her demands in the guise of requests. "Yes, this will work." All proper, not pouting at all - far too prideful to do more than take this head on. A thumb brushed the eggshell and she fought a swallow.

The moment passed, leaving her to catch up with their first mission as a foundation. "I have no ... issue with traveling to Iceberg, along with your Herald, Ryuko ... save: would Karstaag not be better suited joining us? What diplomacy with a foreign nature is better served than with ... mm ... a representative of theirs?" She had little care for whatever estranged him; this was one of those moments she had set aside his value as a 'rarity' for upon their first meeting, and cashing it on foreign delegation and an allegiance - or debt - with another very powerful guild would do them well. It was a wile of his worth.

She had the best interests of this Order at heart, of course ... for she served a function of its heart, and she wouldn't have a falter or loss on her resume. "I'll go with Skald to Paradise Dawn, if you prefer to have Karstaag with you, or if you have no interest in ... sending all of your forces to a single point. I simply offer myself as the chip displaced. If you require such company on your journey ... you may be suited with me, as well. I'll go with either choice. I only ask we don't underuse our assets." Her half-smile would drop her eyes to Karstaag, a split between sympathetic and apprising.

Ryuko nodded her head lightly in acknowledgment to Skald's statement. It reaffirmed her believe that this decision would be the best course of action to take.

"That is alright Karstaag, as petty as it might sound, it is less about your personal involvement, rather I would like to learn more about the culture of Iceberg, and taking the time to train you a bit directly will aid in the long run as well. Skald and Coventina have already worked together, hence I believe that teaming them up on this assignment will be our best course of action."

Ryuko's gaze lingered on Coventina, processing the immortal vampire her reaction to the challenge bestowed onto her. The reaction was one to be expected, a light nod followed as she met Coventina's gaze and smiled. "Of course, I will be providing aid and assistance in the form of advice and counsel, but how you raise them will be up to each of you to decide. "I understand the thought Coventina, but I have an additional reason for not taking you with me on this particular journey."

She paused, her hands gently folding on her lap as she took a deep breath. "Although I am a Dragon, a part of my ascension traces to the void. It is a connection some might exploit, and as such it is something I intend to resolve by means of a little 'heart to heart with mother nature~' She smiled at the words and opened her eyes to look at the three of them. "There is a particular method that I hope to use to gain the powers of the Fae, in layman terms: to turn into a Fae Dragon."

She went silent for a moment, clearly struggling to admit the next part as Bahamut lend a hand in his own way: "She seeks to overcome the Void's influence by consuming an ancient Fairy Dragon."

Ryuko's gaze focused onto Coventina as she finally spoke. "I will allow you to accompany me should you wish, but know that it will likely label you in a very negative light among others. I intended to only take Karstaag partway on my journey, after which I would send him to Iceberg to gather information for me. Even if you are my companions, my comrades, I do not wish to force such a taboo upon you all by making you my accomplishes on this."

She leaned back in her throne and smiled. "After all, despite the fact we are all gathered here for different reasons, I still consider you all precious to me, and that is neither a game or a challenge~"

A wink followed at Coventina as she continued. "Although the Fae Dragon I intend to consume has agreed because of our shared ideals, it does not make it any easier for the Fae to accept, understandably so."

She paused, standing up from her seat. "That is all for now. I will retreat to my chambers, take the time you need to process what happened today, and if there is anything of importance come to me. I will be departing on my journey in a week from now."

Perhaps his reaction was too soft or he adjusted too quickly; but as it stood the three newly appointed ‘dragonborn’ had varied reactions. Surprise seemed to be shared among them and handled differently. He was somehow glad that he was going to be given more time to think about how to handle this and his eyes flicked to the dwarf; he had the luck… or misfortune of going along with ryuko on their quest. He had to wonder what their journey entirely entailed and eventually coventina started speaking.

Her reaction to rearing a dragon was well warranted and the fact she was willing to do it was also… well a surprise. She seemed to treat this in a way that would likely be… harmful to raising a child. A kit even. He’d look down to his egg, sitting there quietly in his tails and eventually she’d make mention of him. His eyes locked with hers and he’d nod his head.

”Was there ever any doubt?”

He had raised a child for some time before and would adjust himself slightly. Scooping the egg up with a soft sigh. The two of them were to rear their ‘children’ together it seemed. Though he had a feeling some long nights of helping them get used to things would come too. Quiet nights replaced with the soft yelps or ‘roars’ he supposed of these eggs once they hatched.

”There’s likely a good reason for them to send us the way they are… though I do have to wonder…”

He wasn’t sure if he was considered a herald or if he was considered a diplomat at this point. He had to wonder if there was another that ryuko was referring to but his question would wait. His silence continued and he’d stand there as Ryuko explained the course of action she wished to take.

She wanted to become as a fae, a fairy dragon by means of consuming it. Skald stood there, slowly blinking and eventually glanced up at ‘his’ dragon. Who had all but averted their eyes at this topic, looking bored. Or rather indifferent. Feeling that gaze on them it’d look to skald and he could feel the weight of that choice to let another be gone. Skald found himself frowning and looked down to the egg once more.

”...There’s much to reflect, information to gather and… topics to discuss with one another. I hope you rest well Ryuko, tomorrow is a new dawn. OR tonight rather for some of us.”

There was a wry grin on his face, he had gotten used to flip flopping his schedule for a particular someone...

The three had their assignments and the monsoon that swirled in the wake of Ryuko's bestowal of a whelpling soon to be hatched was beginning to ebb and wane. There was a stark appearance that burned within their eyes - a determination to brazenly accept this challenge, though the drama of it all varied between each Dragonborn. Karstaag had mostly reconciled with his unforeseen parenthood, a tight grasp that held it closely as if his body heat was pivotal to its safety.

Stranger still was the suggestion of Coventina to join the duo on their escapade to Iceberg. Her logic had a ring of truth to it, but even still it was not like he had sway in his homeland, but perhaps things had changed since his departure. All that remained were the tarnished memories of the past and the burning desire to leave it all behind. He would return if asked, and would never if left to his own devices. Still, the vixen was an enigma; It was what drew the dwarf into her web on that moonlit night in Hosenka. He could not comprehend the intricacies of politics or the stratagems at play in this minor disagreement of where the pieces on the board would rest. Karstaag was content to go where was needed.

Ryuko would quickly elaborate. "Aye! It'd be an honor ta come along wit' ya Cap'n! I jus' wanna make sure I'm tha righ' dwarf fer tha job." He'd nod his head, a wrinkle creasing his face as he bellows out a reaffirming grunt. "I'm fine goin' along wit' whatever is needed fer the good o' the Order. It'd serve me no benefit otherwise~" A wry smirk in the way he covetously stared up at the ornately regal dragon, and back down at the egg. There was power in the commands he followed, the purpose he served as a cog in this endeavor that far eclipsed his petty desires.

The Monarch would continue along, struggling a bit in fully elaborating. A small falter, propped up by Bahamut's interjection. Sacrilege as far as Karstaag could gather, but not something that would ever the dwarf to grimace. He understands acquiring true power, true strength would require sullying your hands. He's no stranger to the sensation. "Oho? Tha's certainly a twist I didn' see comin'. But, Cap'n- We all became yer accomplices tha moment we signed on fer this gig, aye?" He'd scour the room, laying eyes on each member before continuing on. "Sometimes ye gotta crack open a few eggs~ Hahahar~" He'd roar out a jolly little laugh, molten eyes flaring with a nonchalant tranquility. Karstaag was a bit uncouth, but he couldn't resist the callback to the joke from earlier. There was no judgment or mockery in his amusement; only a desire to lighten the atmosphere. He clears his through, a little flit of his ears as a hand raises to brush through his beard. "Ahem... I'm only kiddin' o' course."

The meeting was concluded with Ryuko's revelation and Karstaag was left a little aimless. He would assumedly be accompanying her in a week's time, which left plenty of time for debauchery and partying should his presence not be required in the castle. Perhaps, a trek to a nearby town, or he could sneak his beloved little Momo into his chambers. Ryuko's portals seemed fairly useful... Maybe it would be wise to bug her for a bit. "Well- I'll be seein' you two around, eh?" He'd rise from his seat, dragon egg clutched tight against his wide-set frame and offers his companions a firm nod with a laugh before scampering off to some unknown mischief.

Ah, well, this was an unexpected turn of events. They were to be privy to such natural blasphemy, then? It hardly bothered Coventina, surely, but to an observer it drew a quirk to her eyebrow. She didn't miss the look Skald tried to share with his dragon, and her own hadn't broken its careful observation of her and her every reaction. She didn't enjoy being watched. It made her curl in her nails at her side, the other lingered in hidden shakiness behind the shape of her gifted egg. "My oh my, Ryuko," she offered in turn, unfurling her tongue in a quick flick down her teeth to release a sound of barest bemusement. "You intend to keep yourself busy."

"... Very well. I have no interest in such matters. I'll accompany Skald and you may do with Karstaag as you wish - his adjoining in Iceberg satiates my own interest in bringing him along. I chance, too, that you'll be intending to meet with us and the Paradise Dawn leader once your own ... appointment is handled? So it is." She didn't dictate the pace of these decisions; her only engrossment was in brandishing what control she had to have a voice at its table. Anything less wouldn't satisfy her.

Beside, her mind was otherwise preoccupied, and she had more pressing concerns than Ryuko's sacrilege or coming ascension. The Monarch could be both as unhallowed & powerful as she wished - she kept to the terms of their partnership, and therefore her use and Coventina's ... interest in her remained. If anything: this furthered their strength as an organization, by whatever means necessary. The Vampiress enjoyed justifying the ends. Her own hands didn't need to dirty for it.

She'd return every sly look with a wry one of her own, curling up the side of one lip and huffing out a single derisive noise before glancing back to Skald and their new charges. Yes, her head was elsewhere. All had offered their agreement for this new challenge, and those she called on agreed to assisting her endeavors - leaving only the lead on its direction to her, that twinge of her fingers tapping them along the table's edge. She had to admit, in her inability to feel relaxed for the presences around her, Karstaag's ... comedic relief went a long way to draining the tension from their various duties. How hard could dragon parenting be, really, if the dwarf maintained his joviality in its face? She rolled her eyes. Grateful. "Do be well, 'old Kars.'"

"By your leave, Tyrant," she teased, one last distraction before she had to lift a pale in a cup of the childe. She brushed it, quiet, unseen; before lifting it slowly, her hold shielding it from prying eyes by the heft of its swaddle. "And you ...," she spoke to Skald, tutting the roof of her mouth and taking a moment and a step before loosing the sigh that had been building. "Shall we? Your knowledge will be ... useful."

That would be how she left, masking her nerves in that careful penumbra that shadowed her every movement. Head high, lips pressed, teeth parted - her eyes half-lidded, a somber ochre to play across each face and then at the only thing that mattered: forward. She looked ahead and moved on.