Deborah
*The city that sat nearby the unerupted and slumbering mountain of flames, Mount Iron would be vast and large. The orc filled city that awakened to a foggy air and the raining ash on their sky, many feared that the slumbering volcano had awakened with the day. Yet, some began to realize the smoke was coming from the opposite direction of the grand Mount Iron. The flames and fire could be seen on the furthest outskirts of the city, where a once humble village residented.*

*The small village that farmed livestock and breed the greatest of war horses was silent, only the sounds of drake flame burning and the crumbling of homes could be heard. The village was attacked under the veil of night, and little survivors were found by Innovation. The tiefling had brought her warband with her to strike the village, potentially stealing high value horses. Yet, it seemed the drake had the village its claws first. The drake flames were more cruel, dark and potent than regular flames. The drake was long gone, only a handful of survivors were left.*

```"Assist them to their feet and donate rations, we best not look responsible for this. Once we gain their trust, I will question them personally."```

*Inno ordered one of her goblins as she watched the flames burn through stone, melting it as it's turned into a lave like liquid. The woman and her 30 goblins were far enough from the flames, as they took in burnt survivors who thought they were going to be captured. The survivors were orcs, burnt and bruised. Breathing was a struggle for them, let along speaking. A goblin handed water to one of them, as the orc began to violently cough.*

```"I- drag- dragons were dead! Why- my ho- home of all homes! May- maybe death would be a me' mercy."```

*One old orc said as he turned to look at the burning village and the lack of proper guards or protection from the city began to make him look visibly angry. A handful of orcs struggle to remain alive and fought with each breathe.*
Matthew
A speck of white light breached the clouds of smog and ash from far above, like a shining star glimmering from within the vastness of heaven itself. A comet soared towards the city, a white winged beast soon being visible with a man with flowing white hair saddled upon it. A massive white lion, atleast thrice as large as a regular male lion, with wings bellowed a mighty roar whilst the figure saddled upon it *Jumped* Off.

*The report had come in hours ago, a suspected dragon deep within Lestos. The Empire began to grow panicked at the idea but Pride took the report and left immediately, he would not allow those damned beasts to roam free ever again- thanks to that zeal, Pride arrived just in time.*

The demigod soared downwards at high speeds, his own holy wings sprouting from his back and spreading out fully- he looks akin to an angel in armor, and once close enough to the ground below Prides wings caught the air. A powerful gust of wind battered the ground underneath where Pride landed but he did not slow in his actions. Clapping his hands together the demigod began to whisper something to himself as ice slowly formed at his finger tips.

"*With my divine blessing I summon the armor of frostbite.*"

A thrumming sound echoed from all around as the white and gold armor that was worn by Pride was replaced by armor of light blue and black- ice formed across his left and a blade of chilled metal appeared in his right hand. Inhaling deeply and pushing out a powerful breath of air cold winds and frost sleeted the fires the drake left behind- powerful ice magic began to battle away the flames and smother the embers.

The ice coated knight stood tall and looked over towards the goblins and orcs, allowing the cold from his magic to ease their burns while he approached them with lumbering steps.

"***Is anyone injured? I can tend to the wounded before I hunt the beast down.***" His voice is strong, commanding yet also kind. A knight in all but name.
Deborah
*As the mounted beast flew down, a worried expression could be seen on nearly everyone's face as they feared the dragon had returned. Even Inno looked worried for a moment, before realizing it wasn't the wings of fire and scales that soared down. The flames battled against the demigod's cold and frost, yet it seemed like a losing battle as the flames began to weaken. The cold aura around him allowed some relief from the burnt survivors, as the man captured the attention of many. A band of goblin looked up the man with a worried and confused gaze.*

```"You bet your arse that we got injured. The lot of them, burnt so badly that even our potions ain't helping em."```

*One of the goblins said, the goblin spoke with a broken common accent and his words were difficult to fully understand. He seemed old for a goblin leaning on a stick, as he pointed to a bunch of orc survivors with his stick. Another goblin was quick to interrupt him, as he asked the demigod and spoke with a suspicious tone.*

```"Hunt the beast down, what's a lunny like you gonna do? Feed it?"```

*The goblin said rather proudly as a few other snickered at his amazing joke, but they were quickly silenced as the older goblin smacked his head with his stick. Telling to keep it down. Should the demigod approach the handful of survivors, his eyes fell upon only five orcs.*
Matthew
"***I see.***"

The armored figure replied with a simple nod, his gaze turning to look around at the havoc that had been created by that damned winged beast. Even if the goblins speak in a way that some find hard to understand Pride had conversed with many a goblin in his lifetime and as such was able to keep up relatively smoothly.

As the next goblin spoke with a suspicious tone the demigod simply called back his standard armor, replacing his frostbite armor with the white and gold he is most fond of. A flowing cape and armor in pristine condition shimmered across the body of the man and within seconds Pride stood before them all. Imprinted on the chest plate of his armor is the face of a lion barring its fangs, his white hair fell down past his shoulders and the orbs of golden light that form his eyes glanced at the creature that spoke to him.

"***Perhaps I will, you look like you'd make a fine snack for it.***" Humor and sarcasm coated his tone, even a small smile graced his lips whenever the older goblin smacked him with a stick.

Moving past those goblins he headed for the five orcs, noting the burns that turned once emerald flesh into a miasma or red and black. The smell and the reminders of what had happened to his family so long ago made bile begin to churn in the stomach of the demigod- it took a lot to keep his anger from showing.

"*On my honor I will hunt this beast and make it pay for the lives it has taken today.*"

Once the tiefling turned her attention towards Pride the son of Titanos allowed her to speak before he acted or replied, instead stepping past her and kneeling down at the orcs side. Raising his right hand his palm began to glow with a warm golden light.

** **
"***You do.***" His reply was simple as he focused on his magics, muttering a holy incantation for a few moments before all the five orcs began to glow with light for but a moment.

"***My name is Pride, son of the god of war Titanos and leader of the Legio Apex of the Imperial Army. I have come to hunt down that winged devil and send it screaming into the pits of hell.***"

A zealousness coated the words of the demigod who has revealed himself while his holy magic began to heal the wounds of the orcs slowly but surely. 

"***And you are?***" His golden eyes flicked over to look at the tiefling woman, a tad curious as to how someone like her seemed to be the leader of a goblin warband.
Deborah
*The five orcs began to feel their bodies heal and recover, as the pain that burnt over them began to fade alongside the flames of the village nearby. The orc survivors seemed to appreciate his promises, awhile others were unhappy that he arrived at late. Perhaps he could have saved them sooner, maybe they simply bad luck on their side. Yet, they were too weak and broken to even show that famous orc rage. The goblins watched the flames began to fade, as it left behind a black and ash filled ruin.*

*As the demigod introduced himself to the tiefling and the survivors, they seemed to be at awe for a moment. A demigod of all things had crossed paths with them. At best, Innovation had assumed he was a champion not a kin of the gods. The woman herself was hardly a friend of the Imperial Army, yet never heard of the demigod of Titanos. She assumed their paths would cross, and yet here they were.*

```"A pleasure and an honor to be faced with the blood of a God. Must be here to end their age, before Era returned to the dragons once more. A fine quest yet a single dragon seems like a humble task of someone like you."```

*Innovation spoke as she'd rest her hand over the handle of her sword, before promptly giving the demigod and Legio Apex, a proper introduction. A shadow bow given before her words left her.*

```"I am a friend. Innovation, goblin Chieftain of this humble warband. I've come to find this dragon alongside my warband, but not to kill it in spectacular fashion as you plan to. My plans may offer more insight and knowledge that maybe worth more than its body. Why kill it, when we can find its source. A dragon doesn't just come out of thin air, was it in a deep slumber or did someone awaken it? I am sure we can help each other out, with our similar goals."```

*The tiefling said with a silver tongue, she had no real intentions in killing the beast. There was hope to control it, seek knowledge around it that maybe useful or simply stealing its treasure horde.*
Matthew
The demigod kept his magic up until the orcs are stable, healed as best as he can muster and relatively pain free. After the fact he gently placed his hand on the shoulder of the orc who had began to cry earlier, mustering reassurance in his gaze as best as he can. Part of his heavenly boon is the love he holds for those he serves to protect and that includes everyone present at this moment. It is within that fact that Pride found the resolve he needed to muster his aura of inspiration- a magical blessing that seemed to fill everyone present with renewed vigor and courage.

"***I was there during the reign of the dragons and I helped in driving them back. My own family was slaughtered before my very eyes... Much like what has happened here today. A single dragon is still a dragon and I will not rest until they're gone from this world. We must stand tall together, the humble people of this realm.***" His words further instill his power of inspiration, like a general giving a speech to his soldiers before a tremendous battle.

** **
Pride stood tall moments later, turning to face the women known as Innovation. He listened to her introduction and her thoughts about the potential that this creature might bring to her and her warband. In truth the demigod doesn't care much for anything about the dragon except that before he ventures back home to the Eternal City he can add another scale to his dragon armor.

"***Well met, Chieftain Innovation. From one leader to another I commend you.***" With a small bow of his head it's apparent that despite the name of pride this man is rather kind and respectful. Fitting the bill almost perfectly for a soldier, a general, a leader and a demigod.

** **
"***You make fair points my lady, fair points indeed. Let us hope we both can accomplish our goals this day, perhaps we are not even facing a dragon of old but instead one of the lesser breeds that have been birthed from the titans from ages long past. Regardless of that fact it is my duty to aid and assist the people of this realm and that duty extends to not only the people of this city but to your warband and you as well.***" 

The demigod looked towards the skies, whistling a sharp tone for a moment before looking back towards the chieftain.

"***On my honor as the son of Titanos I will aid you this day.***" Within moments of his whistle and words the wing beats of something large can be heard. The massive winged white lion from earlier soared into view, flapping its mighty wings to slow its decent before it landed next to Pride. The beast is much larger than your average lion, perhaps thrice the normal size, with thick white fur and a mane that looks like freshly fallen snow. The beast stood beside Pride, it's eyes focused intently on the tiefling woman.

The lion, Ikabad, took a step closer to Innovation- inhaling deeply through its nose for a moment- before it huffed steam and sat on his haunches beside the demigod. It seems that the celestial lion has approved of those he and his friend will be helping.
Deborah
*The horned woman listened carefully to his words, even the goblins began to be filled with courage and vigor despite being goblins. Although, Innovation herself was curious about his fallen family. The tiefling could believe in his tragedy yet skeptical about his humble words, a demigod speaking in such a manner could be a fraud or liar. In her eyes, creatures that live for so long couldn't possibly care for the people of the realm. Perhaps his true nature was simply glory, the tiefling wasn't convinced by speech. But, she remained respectful while enjoying his goof manners at least.*

```"Of course, you wish to keep our beloved people safe and I wish to study this dragon. I'm sure with your might, we can easily achieve this. I commend your good manners, a rare sight in the Wilds of Lestoes."```
.

*The woman spoke with a softer tone, with her claw kn her chest. Her eyes shut and her posture as regal as a noble, the goblins around looked rather confused by the kinder words of the tiefling as if it was a rarity. They were not truly familiar with the pantheon of man, as it seemed like a load of dirt to them. All they saw was powerful looking fighter on a big cat, but Innovation saw a useful gloryseeker who was willing to help for free. She opened her eyes to see the winged lion stand beside its master. Sniffing the her and discovering a underworldy scent, it would be no wonder that it didn't approve.*

```"The villagers had no proper descriptions or anything useful to share. It happened in darkness, within moments and only filled chaos. However, based on logic and my goblin trackers. It seemed that it came and went back in one direction, west. The opposite of the city and that direction has its signs of dragon flames, as you can see."```

*The tiefling explained with a informative yet cold tone, her eyes looking towards the west. Where the endless and vast Lestoes wilds could be seen, as a distant smoke trail could be seen just beyond the lands.*

*The tielfing proposed a plan to the humble demigod, as she approached him closer. Her flaming eyes studying the pristine armor, with the proud lion that bore its fangs.*

```"Even I am not one to command or order a demigod around, but I propose a plan. My goblins scouts could search for the dragon, while we plan our course of action. You are experienced with dragons, perhaps share that knowledge with me and my humble warband. We will research and gather information, maybe prepare specialized resources. And finally plan an advantage over it depending on its environment."```
.

*Despite her cruelty, the teifling was a practical and tactical noble that prefered plans over reckless action. It was rather an odd duo, a humble demigod of mighty strength and a weak tiefling of dirty tactics. There was much planning and scouting that need to be done, even with a demigod.*

```"I wouldn't insult you by assuming you cannot do it alone, but who's to say you don't find yourself in a dragon's trap or even something worse than a dragon. The lands of Lestos is rather unforgiving even to a very powerful demigod, I am sure the Son of Titanos can appreciate the art of war."```

*The tiefling spoke with a smile as if enjoying her conversation with the demigod, the goblins began to approach the village that was no longer in flames as they began looking for clues and trinkets. The orcs were healthy physically yet looked mentally broken, one stood up and made their way towards the demigod. The orc that he placed a hand on, and reassured.*

```"Please, we have no time for plans. It has my daughter or even her body, i- I d- don't know. Just bring her b- back, oh mighty Son of Titanos. We pray for your victory over this devilish creature! Oh wait, no offense."```

*The orc man seemed to be a follower of the demigod's father, and politely requested that his daughter be brought back. If she was alive that would be bliss, but she was dead... Then it would best for her go be buried with family. He looked at the tiefling as he spoke his last sentence, the woman brushed the comment off.*
Matthew
"***Manners makith man. I am a demigod but I am not above the people of this realm in any regard. My station and birthright do not place me above them, it pushes me to serve and defend them... Hence the manners.***"

The attitude of the demigod is clear, or his motives for his attitude anyway. His is prideful of much but his greatest pride is that he was born to become a hero, to become a legend amongst the realm and to fight for the lives of those he sees as good and true. A rather simple mindset for a rather simple man indeed.

"***Indeed. Dragons rarely venture from their hordes unless hungry... Or restless. Likely the beast is making its way back to where it calls home. A dragons horde is a dangerous place to venture to but I believe if we act swiftly we could find the beast before such a thing occurs.***"

Pride turned towards the west, his golden eyes scanning the horizon and noting the specks of smoke and flame even from this distance away. Ikabad brushed up against Pride and the demigod patted his large feline friend on the head. He knows that Ikabad has picked up the dragons scent already, that will make tracking the monster that much easier. Once Innovation began to speak her plan the demigod of war turned his head to her, watching her intently as she began to ponder and plan.

"***Combating dragons is rather simple in nature.***" Pride said rather casually as his gaze returned westward.

** **
"***Cripple either one or both wings so the beast comes crashing down or is forced to land. Once it's on flat ground use it's size against it, distract it so you can line up either a hard strike or burst of magic at a fine point to chip away at their scales. Even one scale removed is enough. Beneath their scales their skin is tough but far less so than their scales. One blow from my lance is enough to fell most common dragons, let us hope we face one like that.***" 

His knowledge of dragons is indeed immense, he was born during the reign of them after all, and helped lay them low when the time came.

"***I was there during the time of dragons... I was part of the elven armies that faced off against those damned beasts so long ago. I*** *Relish* ***The thought of fighting another once again.***"

** **
After speaking his piece, letting it be known that he has faced dragons time and time again, the demigod turned towards the tiefling with a raised eyebrow. He found it funny that she was playing into his being a demigod by acting so respectful and careful to not make him seem beneath her. He finds that funny

"***Appreciate? My pretty friend, war has been my life for the past 2,105 years. I know a good plan when I smell one and even someone with my gifts knows better than to chase down a foe like this alone when I have ally's that can aid me.***" With a quick wink the demigod turned, about to prepare for the journey aboard Ikabad but he stopped once the orc began to speak to him. He listened intently, focusing solely on the words of this man who asked for his help and prayed for his victory... This lit a fire within the heart of the son of Titanos and reaching out his right hand he laid it on the man's shoulder.

"***My father hears your prayers and has sent me to help you and your daughter. I swear on my fathers name that we will find this winged monster and lay it low... And I will do my best to see your child returned safely into her fathers arms.***" He smiled, offering reassurance within it while he glanced at Innovation. It seems they both have goals beyond the death of the dragon now.

Turning to Innovation the white lion of the empire gestured to Ikabad with a nod of his head.

"***We'll make better time with Ikabad. Unless you have some faster means of travel. I can bring the beast down to the ground if I am able to get close enough. What say you, chieftain?***"
Deborah
*As the demigod of Titanos began to explain how one kills a dragon, the goblins began to listen carefully as if taking mental notes. He made it sound so easy and speaking like a hunter about his dangerous game, rather than facing off against a legendary monster that held the lands for an Era. Even Innovation was surprised by the manner that he spoke of about dragons, a mix between caution and impressed could been seen in her eyes. Yet as long as the demigod mentioned elves, a few of the goblins displayed a look of disappointment or disgust.*

```"Oh, it's one of em knife ear bed bitt-"```

*Said one goblin as he spat at the ground, a firm smack kept him quiet as the tiefling continued to listen to the man's words. Pride seemed like a very powerful asset and a dealthy enemy, Inno always enjoyed having weaker allies to keep the advantage in case of betrayal. Yet, it seemed the man's simple nature could be a their advantage. Although, she had interest in testing her luck against such a being. The orc man was silent and speechless as he acknowledged by the demigod.*

```"Th- thank you, I do not want anything more than that."```

*The orc man controlled himself as he nodded firmly at the demigod before taking his leave, walking into the ruins to salvage his belongings and bury his dead kin. The tiefling heard his words, a potential leverage for her. Upon the invitation to ride with him, she pondered to herself. Thinking very carefully, it maybe risky but if the demigod found it alone then she'd lose a potential drake to mount, it's knowledge and even it's treasure. So the woman agreed to join him.*

```"Very well, perhaps even I could assist in it's capture. I do not having anything faster than your mount, I highly doubt that."```
.

*The tiefling promptly looked down at her feet, her winged boots were useful for flight but hardly fast enough to catch up with a dragon. She turned to a goblin, armoured and war torn.*

```"Carry out my former orders, nothing has changed. I will venture off with the demigod and return. Keep away from authorities and stay on the low, we are a band of mercenaries and you're the leader."```

*The woman said to the goblin with a low tone akin to a whisper, Thighflayer knew the drill and nodded without a word. Before the horned woman approached the majestic white beast and lkabad.*