Under a Wider Sky [[LonewolfAlpha & graverunner]]
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		<h2 id="linktree">Play-By-Post: Bondage, D/s, S&amp;M =&gt; Bondage: Exotic Solos =&gt; Topic started by: graverunner on 31-03-2011, 07:48:07</h2>
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				Title: <strong>Under a Wider Sky [[LonewolfAlpha &amp; graverunner]]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>graverunner</strong> on <strong>31-03-2011, 07:48:07</strong>
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				"Some of those fuckwits have no right to be called a dragon rider," Tristan Marshall (http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e70/graverunner/3007960744_86aaba9546_o.jpg) thought furiously to himself as he scrubbed the dragon down. The dragon gave a rumbling purr of appreciation and butted the brown haired boy's shoulder gently. This one was not yet fully grown, reaching only up to a little above his waist in height. They grew fast though, these dragons, and he knew that in a few weeks' time, Constantine would be up to his shoulders in no time.<br>&nbsp; "There, all done," he said, giving a friendly slap to his shoulder and with a sinuous stretch and a rippling shift, Constantine transformed into his human self. Most dragons kept to their dragon forms when it came to matters having to do with cleaning, as they knew it could be uncomfortable for a Handler to scrub down a naked man or woman. Dragons always found this amusing, as they did not share the same restrictive practices on nudity as the humans did. After all, they were, technically, naked in their dragon forms so why should they wear impeding clothes in their human forms? However much they teased (what they viewed as) prudeness on the humans' part, they did respect it. So they remain tactfully clothed in their human forms, and kept to their dragon selves when bathing came.<br><br>Technically, they could also clean up after themselves, but such tasks were more often than not part of a Handler's responsibility. Tristan had only meant to clean up Constantine's living quarters but the male had given such a pleading look that he had ended up cleaning the dragon up too. When Constantine inquired as to where his own handler could be, Tristan did not have the heart to say that the bastard Richmond had been off drinking and indulging himself in the pleasures of the city. Instead, he merely shrugged and lied that he did not know.<br><br>***<br><br>Truth be told, there was no way that a boy from the outskirts (the 'slums', the upper crust sneered) like him could ever have the chance to enroll into Araval Academy. Hard work could only get one so far if there were no connections or money to back it up. As it was, the closest way to actually be <em>inside</em> Aravel was to sign on as a Handler. Did he mind? Of course, it would be a dream come true if he were actually allowed as a student. But Tristan was practical and he knew that was all it would amount to: A dream. Still, he was rather fond of his job as a Handler. It allowed him contact with the dragons and that was more than enough.
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				Title: <strong>Re: Under a Wider Sky [[LonewolfAlpha &amp; graverunner]]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Widowwolf</strong> on <strong>31-03-2011, 08:38:36</strong>
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				L'nyth glanced about from his perch high upon the uppermost reaches of the academy, with his hind legs tucked, front legs crossed in a casual demeanor, his chest puffed out and bronze scales shining iridescently in the sun, The large drake's eyes cast a golden gleam towards the buildings bellow. His tail flicked idly back and forth, and he shifted his wings. The grounds seemed safe enough, and one of the newer flights was out on patrol. Perhaps he should make an appearance bellow. Moving back from the edge, he shimmered down into his human form, away from the eyes of any wouldd be onlookers, tied his long crimson hair into a ponytail with a leather strap, and put on his armor, appointed to him for the position of high guard of the academy. Many rich families sent their children here, and it was his, and his men's duty to take care of them. Little did they know that their commander (http://img132.imageshack.us/img132/7659/yeeyan.jpg) was a Dragon (http://img855.imageshack.us/img855/1955/reddragon.jpg) That suited the male just fine however.<br><br>
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				Title: <strong>Re: Under a Wider Sky [[LonewolfAlpha &amp; graverunner]]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>graverunner</strong> on <strong>31-03-2011, 13:58:02</strong>
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				There would be more guards on patrol tonight on account of the Hatching Ceremony that was to take place. Dragon eggs sold for ridiculously lucrative prices on the black market while the ongoing war that their country was locked in with Therapoli meant tensions ran high whenever a hatching was to take place. After all, their own country men had taken part in sabotage against Therapoli's own dragon eggs before. However, this usually happened while they were being transported as cargo and at their most vulnerable. Attacks against the academies that housed them were almost unheard of.. Until today.<br><br>Tristan was awake that night as he had to clear the shards and mess left behind after the hatching was over. He was perched on a window alcove, letting the cool air flow over his skin as he wondered about this year's number and species, an odd feeling of excitement tinged with envy roiling inside him. All thoughts flew away however when the sound of screaming and shattering glass erupted. Tristan jerked, flinging himself in the area where the sounds originated from. His eyes widened at the students spilling out from the hatchery. <em>The <strong>eggs</strong></em>, he thought desperately, one hand instantly clutching the pommel of the sword hanging round his waist while the other served as a means to shove against the crowd that rushed in the opposite direction.
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				Title: <strong>Re: Under a Wider Sky [[LonewolfAlpha &amp; graverunner]]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Widowwolf</strong> on <strong>31-03-2011, 18:19:18</strong>
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				L'nyth was patroling near the edge of the walls when the sounds&nbsp; of trouble found him. Golden eyes narrowed as he glared towards the hatchery. <em>Someone <strong>dare</strong> attack <strong>HIS</strong> hatchery!</em> The large, muscular male's sword cleared it's scabbard as he took off at a dead run for the place. It was a run that was less than human, his lithe movements would befit someone much less toned than he. As the little lordlings ran for their lives, he shoved his way through. A few bruises would serve to teach these <em>children</em> that you do not leave behind what is most precious. And if it didn't, well, they hardly deserved the honor of being bonded anyhow.<br><br>Breaking past the crowd and into the hatchery propper, he quickly surveyed the amphitheater style room, his eyes searching for the cause of the ruckus, and whom he must slay.
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				Title: <strong>Re: Under a Wider Sky [[LonewolfAlpha &amp; graverunner]]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>graverunner</strong> on <strong>01-04-2011, 03:56:58</strong>
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				What greeted Tristan's eyes when he reached the room were two men swathed completely in black from head to toe. The build of the dragons hovering outside the window, however, was recognisably Therapolian. The other man that had arrived which he gave a quick glance to and was vaguely familiar seemed to be the high guard, judging by the distinctive armor he wore. The saboteurs were too far away for Tristan to reach in time, as they were already making their way towards the window to escape. His hand flicked out the small dagger he kept inside the folds of his sleeves, which had been placed there for personal protection, and flung it in the direction of the intruders. It hit one of them squarely in the shoulder with a snarl.<br><br>Didn't do much good though. The other raised his arm, something round clutched in his hands which he threw, and before he could comprehend what was happening the room had burst into flames.
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				Title: <strong>Re: Under a Wider Sky [[LonewolfAlpha &amp; graverunner]]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Widowwolf</strong> on <strong>01-04-2011, 09:18:48</strong>
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				L'nyth growled quickly. "Save the eggs!!" as he lunged forwards after the ones that had attacked them. He had seen a young male take a stance against them, and though he did not think much of it at the time, he appreciated the help.&nbsp; Quickly he swung his sword towards them, his eyes flaring with the inner fire only a dragon could possess in the direction of the two men.&nbsp; He doubted he could catch them in time in this form. Once more he shouted in the general direction of the boy. "QUICKLY!" There where few this season, Only a dozen, and he prayed the human would get to them before the fire, as he was pre-occupied with destroying those that desecrated his home.
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			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Under a Wider Sky [[LonewolfAlpha &amp; graverunner]]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>graverunner</strong> on <strong>01-04-2011, 18:03:03</strong>
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				Tristan didn't need to be told twice. Seeing that the high guard was going to deal with the two Therapolians, he instantly set his attention to getting the eggs out safely and as quickly as possible. The amount of hay and wood shavings packed in the room to make sure the eggs were kept warm meant that the fire had blazed around in an eye-blink. Blinking the sweat from his eyes, Tristan placed as many eggs as he could into the wheeled cart at the corner. Luckily, the amount this season was much lesser than anybody had expected which would mean that there was a good chance they could get all of them out of the room before anything harmful happened. As he hastily rushed the cart out, he caught a glimpse of other guards alerted by the sounds coming from the hatchery running in and helping to transfer the eggs as well.
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			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Under a Wider Sky [[LonewolfAlpha &amp; graverunner]]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Widowwolf</strong> on <strong>01-04-2011, 19:57:03</strong>
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			<dd class="postbody">
				L'nyth's sword met with flesh as it sliced through one of the Therapolian's cloaks to hit home on his back. It was a serious wound, but not one he would die from. As the man lunged free of the window, his dragon caught him, and L'nyth could see the fear in the drake's eyes. This was a young dragon before him, one who had never seen war before. He snarled something unintelligable to anyone but the drake before him, who clutched it's injured rider in it's claws and dove away, leaving just the first, the one that Tristan had winged. Spinning upon the other, he raised his sword, but too late. A slash of the man's own weapon brought him a momentary stun as his right thigh ached where blade met flesh, before the man jumped for his dragon, and they where flying off. <br><br>L'nyth silently cursed his inability to transform, there and now, and rip them from the sky, as he turned and limped forwards with purpose, snatching up a gold egg in the process, their most valueable female dragon, and gingerly carried the queen's egg out himself, as the gaurds and boy, from what he could see, had managed to save the rest. The hatchery would need to be cleaned out, but the eggs would be safe. Bleeding heavily in this form, his only chance would be to shift, soon. As soon as he stepped free enough to deposit the egg with the rest, he did so, before turning, and stepping back into the blaze, slamming the large oak doors behind him. Try as they might, the guards would not be able to open the doors, as L'nyth changed form in the only private place nearby, the smoke clogging his hieghtened senses for a moment as he spread his wings as far as they could go in here, flapping them, to cause a rush of air out the window, sending most of the flames away, before he did his best to put the rest out, sending gout after gout of flame out the windows, with each beat of his mighty wings. Soon the fire died, and he realized there was no way to hide his identity any longer. <br><br>Turning, he slipped a claw through the door's handles, opening them, as he shifted down simultaneously. His bronzed scales shimmered as his human form re-emerged, the wound upon his thigh gone, but the armor still rended assunder. Looking between the guards he barked orders, and while supprised, they nodded, running in and beginning the cleanup process while two of their dragons curled about the eggs, keeping them warm while this was happening. As he surveyed this, his golden serpentine eyes fell upon the boy, and a fire flamed within. "What is your name boy?"
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				Title: <strong>Re: Under a Wider Sky [[LonewolfAlpha &amp; graverunner]]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>graverunner</strong> on <strong>03-04-2011, 05:34:10</strong>
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				Tristan casted a quick glance over the eggs that had been carried away to safety, tallying the number up in his mind. A chill shot through him however when he noticed that there was still one missing, and judging by the noticeable lack of a soft gold.. It could only be the queen's egg. He whipped round, ready to run back inside and retrieve it before he noticed the form of the high guard limping out, something golden cradled in his arms. Tristan exhaled a relieved breath, watching as the egg was quickly transferred to the clutch that one of the dragons had curled around protectively. His eyes glanced quickly over to the high guard. It was obvious from the way he favored one of his legs that the other was injured.. And a serious one by the amount of blood steadily dripping down. He would need to get that treated fast---<br><br>Wait. What was the man <em>doing</em>?<br><br>The other guards were already at the door, which did not budge an inch despite their efforts in trying to do so. There were panicked shouts raised, queries as to whether their captain was alright and for him to open the door. He was about run and get for help from the castle warden when it simply swung open easily a few moments after. <br><br>Tristan wondered if the smoke from the fire might have affected his senses.<br><br>He had been truly sure that the scarlet-haired man had been severely injured.. There seemed to be no sign of blood or any wound on his leg now, however. Stepping closer, he also noticed that the fire inside the hatching room had died down, only ashes and curling smoke left. It was simply getting stranger and stranger. Could the man have certain spellcasting abilities that he did not one anyone to know of? But there was no reason to do so. Yes, it was rare for a guard to be a spellcaster as well but it had happened before.<br><br>All thoughts fell away when the high guard's eyes landed on him, an intense and hypnotic color that the boy had never seen on any living person before. "Tr--- Tristan Marshall," he breathed out. At that moment, a small jolt ran through him and he stepped back, breaking eye contact as his heart sped up. For some reason, the eyes had reminded him of a dragon's somehow. "You should probably get somebody to tend to you," he continued, still looking down but making a vague motion towards L'nyth's destroyed armor.
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				Title: <strong>Re: Under a Wider Sky [[LonewolfAlpha &amp; graverunner]]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Widowwolf</strong> on <strong>03-04-2011, 06:04:01</strong>
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				As he walked out across the courtyard, he glanced back towards the boy. "Tristan.... well done. You showed courage when most of the lords ran." His eyes shimmered serpentine again, unbeknownst to him. When the boy suggested that he be seen to, he chuckled. "dont worry, the .. wound... was far less severe than it first seemed.<br><br>He turned, walking away. It was a few moments later that the high dragon flew away from the uppermost peaks. he had to make sure that the intruders where truly gone.
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				Title: <strong>Re: Under a Wider Sky [[LonewolfAlpha &amp; graverunner]]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>graverunner</strong> on <strong>03-04-2011, 06:37:54</strong>
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				Tristan felt himself warming up immediately to the compliment that was given. "Well, a Handler knows that the dragon always comes first," he replied, a small smile making its way onto his lips. "The lords forget that sometimes. All the time they spend in the town and the tavern makes it hard to do so."<br><br>Be they Handler or Rider, the dragon's wellbeing should always be taken care of. Which was why it angered him so much when some of them simply ran off to douse themselves in beer after a practice run without even having the courtesy to inform a Handler. Tristan watched as the other man walked away, feeling an odd pang of loss. He felt the urge to get to know the older man better, somehow. <em>Simply useless fantasies</em>, he chided himself. <em>He's too busy to concern himself with a nobody like you.</em><br><br>The boy turned away as well then, heading back towards the hatchery to aid the others in cleaning the mess.
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			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Under a Wider Sky [[LonewolfAlpha &amp; graverunner]]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Widowwolf</strong> on <strong>03-04-2011, 08:21:30</strong>
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				After a pass or two around the lands surrounding the academy, the dragon flew back, landing gingerly in the courtyard. He was by far the largest, and eldest, dragon there, even accounting for breeding. The sight of the eggs being taken care of, and the hatchery being cleaned out, warmed his heart for a moment. At least none of the dragons where harmed. His eyes narrowed, and he slipped forwards, delicately removing one of the eggs from a fellow dragon's care. The dragoness glanced up at him with an uncanny fire in her eyes. He nodded, and turned, taking the small white egg with him, clutched delicately in his claws, to the far side of the grounds. This one would be his business to deliver, damned the lords. who had been vying for it's possession. It would be marked as a casualty, and the guards and other dragons would agree. The students would not know. <br><br>Landing again for a moment, he trilled softly, as soft as his rumble could go, into the gardens, where a young woman came out. He set the dragon egg before her, and as shell touched ground, the dragonling spilled forth, into the waiting arms of it's destined. She was one of the lowest prospectives, froma&nbsp; noble familly, but of poor lineage. When names had been drawn, this season, hers had been cast asside, due to monetary issues. It was obvious from the first that these two, a runt white, and a beautiful, if lower female, where destined for one another. He rumbled softly. "Take the east gate, my men will let you through. Go home, and take her with you. It will be far safer away from this place for the both of you." The girl did not ask questions of the huge bronze, as his eye gazed upon her, merely scooped the young, white queen up in her arms and ran. It pained him, the obvious attachment they allready shared, and he turned away, returning to his human form here, while he was alone, and striding forth to see to the rest of the repairs, and stationing new guards. When he thought of the handler boy, his pains deepened, and something else, something far stronger, deeper, flickered. He shook off the feeling. It would not do to become distracted in the face of danger.
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				Title: <strong>Re: Under a Wider Sky [[LonewolfAlpha &amp; graverunner]]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>graverunner</strong> on <strong>03-04-2011, 09:24:40</strong>
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				The hatchery could not be used for the timebeing on account of the rubble still accumulated inside despite their best efforts. It would take days to completely clear it, and the eggs could not be delayed for such a length of time. They simply decided to shift it to another room then, smaller but still large enough to contain the newly hatched dragons, carting the eggs there carefully before ushering the listed students in. <br><br>"You wish you were there, don't you?" Dahlia, another Handler whom had grown up in the same county as he did, asked knowingly, catching the sigh that was given out.<br>"Yes." His mind flashed back to L'nyth, the weird jolt that he had felt the first time they met flaring up again. "No. I don't know, truly," he gave out another sigh, wondering why a man whom he had never even spoken one word to should affect him so much.<br>"Hmm. I feel the same way too," Dahlia continued, mistaking what his melancholy mood was about, "You know it's impossible, but one can't help dreaming, eh?"<br>"Do you know who L'nyth is?" he mused aloud.<br>"L'nyth.. You mean the head guard? Not much.. No. He mostly keeps to himself, from what I hear. Why?"<br>"Hmm. Nothing, really."<br>".. Well, you're acting strange today."<br>"I do feel a little odd."<br>"Probably the summer cold that has been going around. What with the way you've been working and the recent fire, it's no wonder you're coming down with it. You should rest after this."<br>"After I see the new hatchlings."<br><br>He had wanted to see if Aleric would manage to be chosen. Unlike the other nobles, he was one of the few that actually acknowledged his existence, giving a ready smile or a nod whenever Tristan was around. He was among the last batch to walk out, but when he finally did, there was a midnight-blue newborn in his arms and Tristan smiled. The boy was looking at his dragon with near-worship in his eyes. Giving a farewell pat to Dahlia's back, he stood up to head towards his rooms. He only got so far as the east wing before he was stopped in his tracks by a harried Sir Gareth. His heart plummeted. Sir Gareth had always had a low opinion of him and Tristan had always tried to avoid the man as much as he could.<br><br>"<em>You</em>, Marshall," he snapped. "Lady Emily has praised your abilities time and time again, which is the only reason why I gave you the task of looking after today's ceremony. She is sorely mistaken, however, judging by the fire that has broken out under your inept care."<br>"Fire? No, Sir, that was--- There were two Therapolian spies that---" he stumbled, trying his best to explain even as his heart sank further, knowing that it sounded like a far-fetched lie without somebody to back him up.<br>"Oh?" his eyes glinted with cruel humor. "And what? Were there wizards as well? Griffins? Are you going to tell me next that you managed to attack these invisible Therapolian spies before they escaped? None of the guards have spotted these spies you speak of."<br>"No, Sir, I---"<br>"It's a wonder that you managed to last this long in Araval, and I will make sure you do not as of today."
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			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Under a Wider Sky [[LonewolfAlpha &amp; graverunner]]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Widowwolf</strong> on <strong>29-04-2011, 22:18:46</strong>
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				"Is there a problem Sir Gareth?" Came a deep rumble from behind Tristan, as L'nyth rounded the corner to find the young man who had acted so vailantly, seeming to cower before the apparently angry Sir Gareth. His head tilted to one side and his arms crossed over his chest. He was in no mood for games, and wondered whether or not it was pure chance he had come along when he did. When he lay eyes upon the boy, he felt that familiar tug again, and it caused him wonder. He had only felt this once before... and never before had he heard of it happening twice in any lifetime....
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