On the Wings of Desire {Relius & Modesty}
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		<h2 id="linktree">Play-By-Post: Bondage, D/s, S&amp;M =&gt; Bondage: Exotic Solos =&gt; Topic started by: Modesty on 26-05-2014, 10:14:56</h2>
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				Title: <strong>On the Wings of Desire {Relius &amp; Modesty}</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Modesty</strong> on <strong>26-05-2014, 10:14:56</strong>
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				<div style="text-align: justify;">The muffled thud of leather booths falling into the dirt let loose a breath; it had felt like an eternity that she had been holding it. Flower petals had been cast down on the small company of soldiers as they past through the streets, welcomed warming with the cheers of children who ran through the crowds and women who hung from windows to see the regimented figures clad in their city colours. For all the bloodshed and battle she’d faced it seemed outlandish that the crowd inspired such discomfort. Then, through the city gates, with room to move she settled some.&nbsp; <br><br>“Father.” She greeted, her armored forearm snapping stiffly across her chest plate, head bent in a sign of respect. <br><br>“My daughter, the Valkyrie.” The king said, his voice ringing out to be met with a murmur of approval of those around him although his words were only for her. Her reputation preceded her, as she knew it would. Her, the maiden of battle, appeared only to soldiers before a moment of death, or so the tale of her namesake went. And to think, some four years prior when she’d last left Yulindian castle she had just been Princess. The kiss planted on her cheek by her father made her feel like that child again.<br><br>But she was far from it. <br><br>Loose armor of make believe had been polished and turned to steel. Wooden toy swords had forged into metal. A tiara had been traded in for helm, and skirts cast away for a tunic emblazoned with the symbol of the King’s Guard. Childhood dreams had come to fruition, and a promise once made was ready to be collected. <br><br>“We have much to discuss.”&nbsp; The words hung in the air, tentative but implicative. The impact was not lost, she was sure, though neither father nor silent mother seemed to react. The rider had come ahead, bearing word of victory and turmoil. War brewed on the horizon; a small win broke way for further fights. Strategy, reports, honours dishonours, promises. Her mind kept returning to promises. <br><br>“In time, but your ride has been long I’m certain and rest would be welcomed.” The King said, and both he and his wife began to climb the reaching stairs to their humble abode. She fell in stride. Lips parted as if to protest, but any denial would have been a lie. How long had it been since she’d had a fair rest? Months, years… they blended. <br><br>Sleep had consumed her before she’d fully undressed. The armor had been removed with helping hands, though it had taken some time. The ladies in waiting had little experience with armour straps or grieves, but with gentle coaxing the puzzle had been solved. The princess, then unburdened by the weight of dress armor, had fallen pleasantly onto the down-filled bed and promptly given in to her fatigue. <br><br>It was sometime in late afternoon when she awoke, cooed into existence by apologetic servants with the promise of a warm bath. Their fingers peeled away linens from pale flesh and, with soft hands, pushed her towards heated water. The room filled with floral scents of the herb-infused water. It soothed her aches; the warm embrace of a rare luxury was welcomed. There, the water spoke of ways she had grown and changed beyond attire and station. The juvenile body of the fourteen-year-old girl that had left the halls had returned a blossomed woman, newly in her eighteenth year. While her plates hid her femininity, the bathhouse revealed the soft curves and supple breast of a woman in her prime. Wide, blue eyes shut thick lashes for a moment of rest, long blonde hair braided and pined up and out of the way. Too soon, though, it seemed that it was over and helping hands again were upon her, dressing her in a gown no doubt picked out by her mother. <br><br>“Dinner is in an hour, Lady.” A girl mumbled, but she had other plans.<br><br>The full skirts were awkward as she moved, unaccompanied, down the cobbled path that leads out on to the grounds. Her pace quickened, destination in mind: The Rookery. The large building was where the Dragon Knights and their namesakes were housed. While it was off limits to any not sworn into the order, Princess Cerys would sneak away from the castle, creeping as close as possible in hopes of catching just a glimpse of a Rider or his Dragon. As a child the ancient beings and the special bond that seemed to exist between the pairing mesmerized her; that enthrallment had never ceased. <br><br>“Soon you’ll be mine.” She whispered. Cerys found herself holding her breath again, counting absent-mindedly the seconds that past, praying to whatever deity would listen that she could see a dragon. <br>&nbsp;<br></div>
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				Title: <strong>Re: On the Wings of Fire</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Relius</strong> on <strong>27-05-2014, 04:57:22</strong>
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				"Ezreal! The Black Death! I, Sir Robert Wellshmith of the Northern Peaks request your allegiance so we may ride together into battle!"<br><br>It seemed as though the heroes of battle had come home. This Sir Robert would be the third knight today who thought himself worthy, but Ezreal would have no trouble stomping out this knight's hopes as well. He was here because the treaty signed between the Dragon Lords and the Yulindian King, a treaty that had brought prosperity and peace to both kingdoms and created the famed Dragon Riders. The symbol of the Yulindian and Dragon alliance, the fearsome pairing of human and dragon decimated the enemies of the kingdom, elite in training, there were less than one hundred Riders overall, but what they lacked in numbers, they made up for in power. Normally in such an event, the potential riders would meet with the potential dragons within The Rookery, a party of sorts which would allow the riders and dragons to figure out who they matched with. Dragons were rotated out of the Rookery on a yearly basis, if they didn't find a Rider.<br><br>And Ezreal was happily counting down the days before he could return home.<br><br>Heralding from the mountains to the West, Ezreal soon gained a reputation among the potential riders after knocking out one of the more promising knight's with his tail, after the man demanded the chance to prove himself. After all, Ezreal was by far the most powerful dragon currently residing within the Roockey, the harshness of the Western Mountains forging dragons that were, on average, much larger than the others...and much more fearsome. <br><br>Letting out a low growl, Ezreal lifted himself from inside the makeshift cave he had been given as a living space, raising from the soft furs that covered the ground, slowly making his way out into the more well-lit Hall of Scales. At eight storey's tall, the inside of the Rookery was hollowed up the middle of the tower, with the living quarter's of the various dragons built in along the sides. A crystal glass dome covered the top, enchanted with magic to allow the dragons to fly out and in as needed, while keeping rain and snow out. Dragon Keepers took care of the dragons as needed, some being retired Riders, others simply enjoying the chance to get near the dragons. <br><br>Exiting his cave, Ezreal spread his great wings and dived down to the wide open Hall below, where Sir Robert awaited. He was your typical looking knight, standing tall and proud. Dressed in perfectly clean steel armor, he stood patiently next to one of the Dragon Keepers, an old man by the name of Bill. A strange fellow by all accounts, Ezreal rather liked the old man and his whimsical ways. Most other Dragon Keepers were so...stiff and uptight, whereas Bill was...Bill "Oi Mister 'zreal! I told 'em you'd be takin' yer atfernoon nap, but no sir, he wouldn't listen to me!"<br><br>Rearing up to his full height, Ezreal easily looked down at the knight, enjoying the sudden look of uncertainty that flashed through Sir Robert's gaze. While most dragon's would be comparable to the size of a large horse or two, Ezreal was...<em>more</em>. Black scales covered his entire body, glittering in the mid-afternoon light that shone down through the crystal dome, bright gold eyes piercing through the scales to look down upon the knight. A pair of large, curved horns grew just above Ezreal's eyes, with a trail of wickedly sharp spikes running down his spine, down his muscular form and down to the tip of his tail, his great wings stretching out as if to engulf the knight as the dragon chuckled, his voice rumbling like rocks falling down a mountain "Do not worry, Bill. Our meeting will be a short one"<br><br>Leaning in close, Ezreal stepped closer to the knight, his wide mouth opening in a sharp grin that revealed rows of pointed teeth, a snake like tongue darting out to lick along the dragon's scaled lips as he sighed "So you think yourself worthy hmmmm? Let us see..."<br><br>The tail come from nowhere, while Ezreal had the knight locked in his golden gaze, the dragon's tail cracked out like a whip, catching the knight in the stomach and lifting him into the air and sending the man crashing across the room. Being rough seemed to be the only way to get it into these knights that when an area was off limits, it was off limits for a reason and just because you were a noble or a hero, didn't mean that you could just pick out a dragon. Shaking his scruffy head, Bill scratched the back of his neck with a sigh "I'll be grabbin' the Doc. You'd think they'd learn by now, eh sir?" <br><br>"One would think, Bill" The great dragon nodded, turning his gaze upwards to the clear skies above. Spreading his great black wings, the dragon pushed himself off the ground, his wings flapping gracefully as the dragon&nbsp; tore through the air, escaping into the open air above the Rookery, closing his eyes as the cool air kissed his black scales, making his way towards the lake just outside the castle. The fresh water their always tasted better than what was available inside the Rookery
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				Title: <strong>Re: On the Wings of Fire</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Modesty</strong> on <strong>30-05-2014, 05:58:43</strong>
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				<div style="text-align: justify;">Twilight. The witching hour.&nbsp; It was approaching with a slow and steady pace, foreshadowing by the warning pinks and pastels that had begun to creep from behind the not-so-distant mountains that loomed at the horizon. Some time had passed and still no riders or dragons had shown themselves. Already that last, late moment was nearly on her where she would need to return for the feast unless scouts came searching for her. <br><br>Darkness came before the sun had set in the form of a great shadow cast across the setting sun, shading everything before it flickered back on.&nbsp; A calloused hand from years of swordplay draped across her brow to shield her eyes as the knight watched as the largest creature she had ever seen took flight from within the Rookery and drifted overhead. As of late it seemed many sights had taken the woman’s breath away, but none so awe-inspiring of this. Cerys watched as the form of a great and no doubt ancient dragon landed by the lake she perched beside and took to drink. The notion seemed so trivial she felt, a moment, that she were dreaming. <br><br>She had seen dragons often in her youth, given to good fortune of her status upbringing within the castle on which the grounds of the monument that the Rookery was housed. Her young life had been raised seeing the spectacular sight of man bonding with draconian kind and testing out the new found synchronization as they trained on both land and air. For all the nostalgia she could recall, none were comparable to the creature that landed before her. Scales were not the usual hues of the gems the creatures so loved to hoard; he was no sapphire, emerald, ruby, nor a tone to match any of the gold or gems housed in the castle treasury. His size was not the regularly large threefold to a horse, which in itself inspired fear, but again threefold to that; she counted well over 150 hands.<br><br>Cerys had received word that the Dragon Lords had sent the Black Death to Yulinda to show their support of their treaty- a treaty tense with the war brewing on multiple boarders. But, like all words of men that seemed to grow more elaborate in time, and since time was in short supply she hadn’t had time to validate. The great onyx statue seemed validation enough. She had also heard of the aggression of the Black Death, and could only imagine the bitterness that could be brewing in one forced to try and make bonds with another kind. Despite known aggression, the princess found herself on her feet, closing the distance and steering wide of the tail. Feet padded through the shore of the lake, stopping just far enough away too seem polite. He seemed larger, if that was possible, the closer she got, but Cerys was so awestruck by a dream made reality, his name on the tip of the tongue….<br><br>“Lord Ezriel,” It rolled off, and before she could speak so did the rest. “Is it true you‘ll ride with no man?”<br><br><em>By the stars, girl! Think before you speak!</em> The princess mentally chided herself. It was a wonder her father had welcomed her to sword in hand, politics were clearly not her strong suit.<br></div>
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				Title: <strong>Re: On the Wings of Fire {Relius &amp; Modesty}</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Relius</strong> on <strong>02-06-2014, 08:00:10</strong>
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				He had just dipped his mouth into the cool water of the lake when Ezreal heard the sounds of someone approaching through the underbrush. Onlookers were nothing new for the large dragon, and he was content to let them watch, but these steps continued to get closer, feet padding along the shore. One golden eye opened up to look behind him at the young woman who was making her approach. She looked familiar...but then again, all humans looked alike to Ezreal, so he didn't put much thought into it as he continued to drink the cool liquid of the lake. Her question, however, did catch his attention. Rising his mouth from the lake, the large dragon turned so that he was now facing the young woman, his golden eyes looking her over with careful scrutiny. Something about the way she asked the question...<br><br>"First of all..." The dragon began, the corners of his mouth twitching in something that might have been a smile, but obviously were not because he was a fierce dragon "...I am no Lord. Such titles are held only by the oldest of my kind, and I am much to young and wild to have my claw in politics. Second of all, that is false. I ride with no one; man, woman, elf, dwarf or human. I am here because the treaty of our people requests my presence, and once my time here is up, I shall return to my people" He would have ended it their, but there was still something about the woman standing in front of him that ticked at Ezreal's curiosity, and that wasn't something that a human could often do.<br><br>Looking her over again, Ezreal felt certain that he should know this woman. Her dress suggested a noble of sorts and a flowery scent surrounded her, though faint. Searching further down her body, his golden eyes found the calloused hands that certainly did not suit any noble girl he'd ever seen. And then it clicked for him, and the dragon let out a soft rumble of a chuckle "You are the Princess, are you not? The one who wishes to be a Dragon Rider? The Keepers have talked of you before, they say you are quite skilled in the ways of battle, that you have been gifted the name of Valkyrie" A tone of interest was piqued in the dragon's tone as he leaned in closer to the woman "Tell me Princess, what makes you worth my time any more than the many knights that have entered the Rookery to demand my allegiance?"<br><br>So what was it here? The woman was a Princess, but that had never stopped Ezreal from casually dismissing such royalty before. Dukes and counts alike had been swatted aside, and he'd met his fair share of female knights as well. No, there was something else at work here that had Ezreal engaging in a real discussion with this woman instead of simply spreading his wings and flying back to the Rookery. It didn't even matter that the rumors about the Princess seeking to be a Dragon Rider had simply been rumors, but Ezreal had a feeling that this was what the little talk was all about, that her question was mostly aimed at gauging her chances at getting the chance to fly with him into battle. So again...why did he continue the conversation?
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				Title: <strong>Re: On the Wings of Desire {Relius &amp; Modesty}</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Modesty</strong> on <strong>04-06-2014, 06:52:23</strong>
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				<div style="text-align: justify;">It was with an uncomfortable weight that topaz stones hung on her forehead, held there by finely woven gold. The setting sun caught the light causing them to glint along with the other gemstones woven into the falls of her blonde tresses. The un-comfortableness came from the unfamiliarity- she wore nothing, or wore helm, but rarely the dainty finery that home required of her. She felt metal in the form of armor, or the weight of a sword in her hand, never the gentle kiss of jewelry to flesh. Still- the shine of the semiprecious stones and the coveted metal was kin to the hue of the assessing gaze that the great dragon cast upon her. And, like the stone she saw warmth within, but then maybe it was just a trick of the light. <br><br>“Ah.” She murmured her understanding as the creature before her defined how absolute his singularity was; no biped, no gender, none would be exception. It seemed to her that his presence here, then, was pointless and held only by a false sense of duty to which an appearance served only as gilded mockery to the summons of his council. But then, who was she to say in affairs that were not of her concern?<br><br><em>’You are the Princess, are you not?’</em> The question came sudden, tone insinuating something closer to interest than annoyance. <br><br>“I am. Cerys.” Her name spoke, notably absent of address or title as the word failed her of what to call an untitled Dragon. Her body moved in the fluid movement of a curtsy; something ingrained into her propriety since she could walk. <br><br>Eyes, widened with a little surprise, gazed up from the water that slid from maw again to amber orbs. The Keepers spoke of her? Why it surprised her, she wasn’t sure. Surely all knew of the Princess Knight who dreamt of flying? Still, rumors and reputations were rarely discussed to face rather than at the back of their intended. “I live still…” She managed, a modesty reply to such lofty expectations. <br><br>Again the young woman found herself speaking before she thought. Her hands dropped the gathered skirts, hands motioning to elaborate to her words- a sure sign of earnestly in the words. “With utmost respect, sir, but what makes you worth <em>my</em> time, or more than any of the other dragons to assume my intensions with simple conversation?”<br><br>There was an almost preciousness to the lack of airs&nbsp; that Cerys presented herself with; neither intending offense nor denying honesty, the woman truly held no place in political affairs. Like everything else in life she would follow duty and regimen, and wait until her appointed him to pair off with a potential partner. Even then, with reputation and lineage there was no guarantee she would ever see the skies. It was only a burning passion and unyielding hope that pressed her on towards what she desired. <br><br>“Please understand that I mean no offense. I do not think I am candidate for you.”<br><br>More candor- a blessing and a curse. She swallowed. <br><br>&nbsp; <br><br></div>
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				Title: <strong>Re: On the Wings of Fire {Relius &amp; Modesty}</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Relius</strong> on <strong>07-06-2014, 03:37:45</strong>
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				Cerys. Yes. That was the name the Keepers had spoke of, the princess who wished to fly with dragons. One of the greatest warriors in the kingdom, though the look of her in a dress almost did away with those tales. Almost. Changing clothes did not change who they were and Ezreal could tell from the stance, how she held herself, that Cerys was not a dress woman. Armor and steel would be more her thing, and the dragon found it much easier to imagine her in that attire instead of the flowing dress she currently wore. As she curtsied, the dragon bowed his head in kind. He might not be looking for a Rider, but he certainly wasn't going to be rude about it. <br><br>A sudden rush of hot air brushed over the princess as Ezreal turned his head away and let out a loud roar that would have been the equivalent of a human going "Ha!". Shaking his large head, Ezreal turned back to the princess, his grin wide and sharp, revealing rows of sharpened, curved teeth and his golden eyes seemed to glow with fire even in the mid day light "That is an <em>excellent </em>question, Cerys. I suppose after so many men and women have thrown themselves at my feet, my ego decided that it was only humans who needed to prove themselves to me and not the other way around" Oh she was a smart one. Ezreal decided that he liked her and quickly moved to dismiss her words "And in turn I would ask that you simply speak your mind, offense or no. I can assure you that my skin is thick, unlike your own soft flesh" <br><br>Was he teasing now? <br><br>"It has been ages since a human has made me laugh, Cerys. Allow me to return that gift to you by offering one of my own..." The great dragon paused for a moment, considering the implications of what he was to offer before cementing it in his mind "If you wish, I will allow you on my back and we can fly for a time. As I am not a dragon with a Rider, my allotted time outside of the Rookery is limited in scale" Yes, he had just finished telling the princess that he would allow no creature to ride with him, but then every rule had to have an exception, and this woman...Ezreal had a feeling that she would be his exception. 
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				Title: <strong>Re: On the Wings of Desire {Relius &amp; Modesty}</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Modesty</strong> on <strong>15-06-2014, 07:51:21</strong>
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				<div style="text-align: justify;">The wide-eyed princess stared up, eyes wider still at the chortle of heat and fire. It surprised her a little that the dragons’ body language was so easily discernable despite the obvious difference in anatomy. Cerys found herself smiling as he took the gentle chiding in stride; it was a warm gesture that reached her eyes, though hers were without the glow of fire and instead the serene blue of endless sky. She laughed softly, nodding- speaking her mind was one request she could honour, if nothing else. <br><br>“Ah- as vulnerable as my hide might be I assure you I’m quick and handy with a sword enough to make up for it.” She punctuated the conversation with a playful wink.<br><br>In a short amount of time the formality of the woman seemed to ebb. The nervous smoothing of skirts abated leaving behind a sharp with and an earnest shield maiden, standing uncomfortable in a dress. Whatever relaxed demeanor had begun to appear was stopped short. It occurred to Cerys the irony that a being of earth and fire such as Ezekiel had the absolute power to freeze her solid; save for hear beating heart, which beat more savagely at the offer, her every movement was put on pause for the fear of one fraction of movement rousing her from an already impossible dream. Her mouth parted, and then shut again; for once the princess thought before she gave up. Blonde tresses bowed their head in a show of modesty. <br><br>“I would be honored, Ezreal.” She said, breathless, a little of the awe apparent in her tone. The words were simple and the only few that said enough without saying too much.<br><br>Never mind that&nbsp; ‘no’ seemed to mean ‘yes’ in the realm of the Black Death, or that she was due back at the castle minutes ago, or that she’d never been comfortable with heights, or that the dragon before her had expressly admitted to a distaste of bipeds… the offer of a lifetime had just been held out with opened palms, and caution was not hers to entertain. There was the sudden feeling that every moment in her life had lead to this small fraction of time… despite the calm exterior excitement and fear boiled inside her. <br><br>Tonight would be the first of many, so it seemed. Her hand reached out, sliding down a black scale as Ezrael lowered his great head. An audible gasp escaped from the princess, surprised by the warmth of the hardened exterior. Calloused hand reached up, agile as she hoisted herself between the shoulder blades where she had read would be the least amount of movement in flight. To her disdain the swift movement as brought a loud tearing noise, blue eyes glancing down to see a fresh rip in the new gown from ankle to hip. <br><br>“Mother forgive me.” She pleaded to the night. Teeth took her bottom lip between them as she cast a last look back to the castle behind her. The queen was going to <em>kill</em> her, but this was worth one thousand deaths. Cerys braced herself.<br></div>
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				Title: <strong>Re: On the Wings of Desire {Relius &amp; Modesty}</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Relius</strong> on <strong>16-06-2014, 07:57:03</strong>
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				Fully aware of how contradictory his actions were, Ezreal silently reminded himself that he was in no way taking Cerys on as a Rider. This was a one time deal, a worthy payment for her giving him a few moment's of laughter. Lowering his body to the ground, he waited patiently for Cerys to hoist herself up onto his back. He was going to suggest that she seat herself against his shoulder blades, but it seemed as though the princess had done her research, feeling her soft hand run along his scales. The feeling of her hand was...not unpleasant. It felt rather nice, completely different than when the Keeper's came around for grooming. No, there was something in her touch...but he could think about that another time. <br><br>Hearing the ripping of her dress, Ezreal turned around slightly, a reptilian grin upon his face "Yes, I should have mentioned that dresses are not recommended when riding on a dragon. Delicate clothing tends to be ripped rather easily...now, grip the horns jutting out of my shoulder blades. Before the harnesses were constructed, those horns were the only grip a Rider had. Feel free to grip them as hard as you can" The dragon explained, not just for princess's sake. If something were to happen to her, Ezreal would probably end up as a several nice pairs of dragon scale armor. Waiting until Cerys looked ready, Ezreal looked up towards the sky, spreading his wings wide before pushing off from the lake. <br><br>Some dragons took running starts to get the proper momentum going, but Ezreal's large wingspan meant that he was able to easily raise from the ground even with Cerys holding onto his back, angling his wings to the side once they were just above the trees and pushing off across lake, slowly rising higher in altitude and speed, allowing Cerys the chance to get used to the wind and air pressure. The shape and position of Ezreal's head meant that most of it would flow right over her, but the dragon wasn't about to take any chances as the pair steadily rose higher above the treeline. It was a perfect time for flying, with the warm air currents caressing across his scales, no worrisome clouds or wind...just the princess and the dragon, flying out across the forest. <br><br>"Anywhere you want to see?" Ezreal called out over the wind as they banked over the forest and away from the mountains. Cerys wasn't exactly dressed for the cold winds and freezing air that accompanied such cliffs. 
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				Title: <strong>Re: On the Wings of Desire {Relius &amp; Modesty}</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Modesty</strong> on <strong>21-06-2014, 17:06:28</strong>
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				And then there was blackness. Great wings reached for the stars, great enough to momentarily block everything from sight in such completeness she was certain she’d gone blind; and then the world seized and fell from her feet at such speed it didn’t matter anymore. Fear seized her. The princess pressed her body against the dragon, holding tight to horn so that not even a hair could fit between flesh and scale. It wasn’t until the ascent had leveled and breathing had adjusted to the thinning air that baby blues were seen again. Lashes parted and Ezrael left her breathless for the second time that evening. <br><br>There wasn’t a cloud in sight, but Cerys could feel lightning in the atmosphere. The air was cooling, but the dragon beneath her was hot and the combination of scales to skin was electricity through her veins. It was as if all the static in the air was being pulled towards them, and it was exhilarating. Even with experience to campaigns, negotiations, public oratory, battles, and all the other experiences that came with privilege and war it didn’t compare; this was where she was meant to be. As the black dragon banked away from the mountains the feeling subsided a little, and the blonde cast a longing glance over her shoulder at the looming peaks; one day she would climb them on the back of <em>her</em> dragon, with proper gear spelled for heat and increased lung capacity for when oxygen got too scarce. For now…<br><br>“Anywhere you’d like to take me.” She whispered, excitement evident in her voice.<br><br>Ceyrs tentatively release her heavy grip, shifting in her seat to find her center. Already she knew that the following day she’d be sore; despite years of expert riding training, a dragon was not a horse and she could feel herself using muscles scarcely used. Still, no price seemed to steep to afford the gift that Ezrael had given her. <br><br>As the Princess straightened she found herself smiling, and then suddenly laughing. Hands released their hold completely, slowing extending outwards and up, pushing her chest out and throwing her head back. Stray zephyrs wreaked havoc on her hair and wove themselves between extended digits; it felt like freedom. Each powerful thrust of wing and muscle beneath her body brought her closer to destiny and excitement. She felt the battle cry creep up from her battle, pushed out in a loud caw of freedom that echoed through the forest below.<br><br>And then she felt herself start to slip, no hands holding her to secure her…<br>
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				Title: <strong>Re: On the Wings of Desire {Relius &amp; Modesty}</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Relius</strong> on <strong>22-06-2014, 11:09:32</strong>
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				Somehow as they flew, Ezreal knew that Ceyrs had been afraid. Not by the why she had gripped the horns on his side or how close she had pulled herself against his hide. There was something...<em>more </em>to it. Instinct on a deeper level than he had ever experienced in his days as the fearsome Black Death, hunting in the wilds. Steadying himself out, he continued to follow those instincts as he waited for Ceyrs to relax and get used to the sensations, leveling out and remaining on a steady course until he felt her raise up from her hunched position to take in the world around her. He could feel the urge to return to the mountains, making a note to himself to possibly take her their another time...perhaps. He still had his disdain for riders, the dragon remained himself as he soared through the sky. <br><br>The war cry had the dragon grinning despite himself, feeling...pleased with how things were proceeding so far. Again, he reminded himself, this was just to be a one time deal. Payment for the laughter. This wasn't an audition to become a Rider or anything like that. Before Ezreal could continue those thoughts, he felt the princess slipping from his back. It seemed that in her cry, she'd let go of the horns, which wouldn't have been an issue if she'd been strapped in, but of course they were doing this bareback. Like a whip, his tail twisted in from behind as Ezreal rose in flight, the strong scaly tale wrapping around Cerys' waist and pressing her down against his scaled back, holding the princess in position until she was secure once more. <br><br>Humans....a wild and amusing bunch. The grin remained on his mouth as the dragon looked behind him at Cerys "I'm dropping you off at the castle steps. I'd rather not be charged with kidnapping a princess" The dragon rumbled humorously, diving sharply down through the air towards the castle grounds. Angling himself just right, Ezreal swept over the walls and landed just in front of the palace steps, the looks on the guards faces as they rushed from their posts towards Ezreal and Cerys a mixture of panic and confusion. At least they appeared smart enough to keep their hands away from their weapons...Ezreal would have hated to explain why he had attacked the royal guards.<br><br>"Should I expect another visit from you sometime, princess?" Ezreal questioned as he glanced over at the human royalty, tone carefully neutral as to not suggest any sort of hope that she should visit "It is difficult to find humans who are as...entertaining as you"
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: On the Wings of Desire {Relius &amp; Modesty}</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Modesty</strong> on <strong>02-07-2014, 09:09:19</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Impending doom had been stopped short and replaced with something much more peculiar to her; security.&nbsp; A dual status of royalty and military exponentially increased her enemies; trust was something that did not come easy to her. Still, on the wings of a dragon with a quick tail wrapped tight around her waist she felt impervious to the world around her, including the long fall back to stable ground. Something <em>more</em> told her that Ezrael would safeguard her, come what may. <br><br>But then, when you were treaty-bound to her father, the King, it seemed of utmost importance that she be returned, unmolested. <br><br>“At ease.” She commanded to the clearly anxious guards as they rushed forward. The men offered a firm salute to her, stopping only to steady her as her legs threatened to give out. It seemed the quick shift between zephyrs and ground took some adjustment. Her head nodded in thanks, and the guards retreated a few steps, turning attentions to keeping curious guests at a respectable (and safe) distance. <br><br>“I’m glad I could amuse you, Ezrael.” She replied, bright smile lighting her features. She fell quiet, struggling to find the words that would fully embody how grateful she was. In one fell swoop he had brought to life the most prolific of her childhood whims; made reality of dreams that had shaped her entire life thus far. Her vocabulary fell short, with any word seeming mere platitudes compared to the magnitude of her thanks. Words, emotions…. They had never been her strong suit. Cerys was a woman of action. <br><br>The princess closed the distance between them hastily, planting a kiss on black scale of the dragon’s great cheek. Again, she was surprised at the <em>warmth</em> that radiated from the fiery creature. <br><br>“Thank you, Ezrael. I hope you have a pleasant evening.” She said, a tad reverently, as she dropped another curtsey that had been ingrained into her by her mother. The skirts of her gown were gathered in her hands, figure turning to head back to the castle. <br><br>She paused in contemplation, before calling back over her shoulder, “Should you seek further amusement, I train each morning at dawn with the Kings’ Guard.” <br><br>Cerys was thankful that conversation did not stray to her late entrance at all that evening. It seemed her expedition had gone relatively unnoticed. Small talks and familiar dances filled her evening. Towards the end of the evening, as her mother was fussing over her torn dress, the princess looked up to her father to see him staring at her. She knew the look; it was the assessing gaze of a man who suddenly saw more value that hadn’t been there before. She had seen it the day she’d been accepted into the military. What training she had been provided had been simply to stop her incessant begging, but when she excelled, he had accepted her, and so this time she knew….<br><br>The King knew. <br><br>Cerys smiled, and was smiling still when she woke the next morning despite the fact that muscles she didn’t know existed were aching from her previous night’s flight.<br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: On the Wings of Desire {Relius &amp; Modesty}</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Relius</strong> on <strong>08-07-2014, 06:36:27</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<em>Should you seek further amusement, I train each morning at dawn with the Kings’ Guard</em><br><br>Those words rang in his ears throughout the night, that and the feel of her lips against his scales. Was this what was meant when the other dragons discussed the bonds they formed with their riders? No...it had been one ride, if that, a gift to the princess to show his appreciation for her attitude. That should have been the end of it. So why could he not stop thinking about her? The dragon snorted in annoyance as he twisted around in his quarters. Humans. Even when they weren't around they were messing around with you, but even with that said, Ezrael knew where he was going to find himself the next morning at dawn, unable to help the grin that spread across his features as he finally settled down to rest.<br><br><hr><br>It was a beautiful morning as Ezrael made his way towards the castle, walking along the dusty dirt road that connected the city to the dragon's lair. He wore a simple white tunic and leather pants, nothing that would draw attention to himself as he walked with a soldiers steady pace. His skin was the color of bronze, tattered locks of dark hair falling across bright gold eyes. His body was as impressive as a human as it was as a dragon, with Ezrael looking like some sort of retired soldier or strong farmhand out to the city. That is, if the eyes didn't give his identity away. Showing up to practice as a dragon didn't seem like a very good idea, so Ezrael begrudgingly decided that being human was his best option...not that he had many. Running a hand through his long black hair, he scowled at the touch of his soft locks. Hair. As a dragon, it was something he never needed to worry about, but shifting into his humanoid form had introduced him to the silky strands. <br><br>Undeterred, Ezrael continued on his way. While he wasn't completely certain on where the Kings' Guard trained, he was sure that he could find a peasant or guard that could point him in that direction. Getting into the palace might be difficult, but the Princess <em>did </em>invite him. It would be somewhat rude for the invitation to be suddenly revoked, but these were humans after all. They did strange things. Sighing, Ezrael ran a hand through his hair and shook his head, but was unable to keep the smile from touching his lips. Strange things, yes...but that wasn't always so bad. Though Cerys had raised that bar for human's rather high, Ezrael was curious at just how this woman who was claimed to be such a deadly soldier on the battlefield could also be so bright. Was the joy of flight so great to her? Such thoughts continued to roll around in the dragon's head as he walked, wondering just how she might react to his humanoid appearance. 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: On the Wings of Desire {Relius &amp; Modesty}</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Modesty</strong> on <strong>10-07-2014, 09:24:51</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Sleep had found her soundly. When dawn broke, her slender form shed satin sheets and found new muscles aching in places she hadn't previously been aware of. While her riding skills were superior to expert, it seemed the point had been proven that dragons to horses didn't compare. Although her aching legs longed for practice hot bath she knew that it would seize her muscle before practice. Still, if years of rigorous regime had taught her one thing it was this: pain was progress. <br><br>While hands massaged her inner thigh she couldn't keep the smile from her face. <br><br>Like the night prior it took her awhile to get ready. Although her armor stayed nestled in her barely-used bedroom Cerys set to task; each morning brought about the habitual polish that kept it gleaming, as with the honing of her blade that kept it sharp. Sure, her position and wealth could afford her helping hands, but the woman found a certain security in seeing to the only things that often kept her in the right side of life and death. <br><br>"Wadren." One hundred men obeyed as her command barked across the sandy training arena. Each manuevered expertly with power and precision, and she was no exception. <br><br>"Grahz." Another command, and blades flashed in the early light. She was easily discernable,&nbsp; aside the general at the front of the regime. It was a great honour to be able to run the drills for the King's personal guard- they were second in the realm only to the dragon riders themselves. But it was an honour well deserved. <br><br>"Panor." The ancient draconian word spilled from her lips with as much force as her actions. Although few humans spoke the dialect,&nbsp; a few words had proven to be useful in battle; it prevented foreigners from being able to determine their next course or action and in war any advantage could tip the scales, that much she had seen herself. <br><br>"Griiv." Her arm thrust out, sword an extension of herself, and an invisible foe perished soundlessly. With nothing but a soft grunt of exertion and the whisper of practice leathers that has replaced ballgowns and skirts, she flawlessly execute each exercise. It was obvious that this was her natural habitat; the awkward given away to grace by simple possession of weapon in hand. <br><br>The soldiers broke for water before beginning to pair off for sparing. Cerys walked the line, head held high to show her rank. She would pause to offer praise or suggested improvement, or occasionally demonstration. One such time she offered example by disarming a large man in seconds flat. What she lacked in size she made up in speed, leavering his power and size against him. <br><br>"Princess." A guard beckoned her away, his tone a little nervous. "May I present Ezrael."<br><br>Her eyes instinctively went to empty skies before falling on those familiar eyes. Surprise was clear. <br><br>"Hello." She managed, smile returning. "Come to train?"
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: On the Wings of Desire {Relius &amp; Modesty}</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Relius</strong> on <strong>13-07-2014, 20:13:32</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				The guards he found to lead him towards the training area seemed surprisingly nervous. Ezrael had considered questioning them on that, having assumed his more humanoid appearance would put the people at ease, but apparently the simple fact that he was a dragon was enough to set people on edge. If only the nobles who came to challenge him did so with the same manner of respect for his abilities, although that would take out most of the fun of it. Chuckling, he looked over at the guards with amusement as they looked between themselves, as if concerned that the dragon's chuckling meant that he was about to eat them. Ezrael was more than willing to allow them to continue thinking that.<br><br>Pausing just outside the training area, Ezrael folded his large arms across his broad chest as he watched the princess direct her troops. Having never been involved with any of the human military operations before, he was surprised at the implementation of the draconian tongue to the troop movements. A surprisingly innovative choice, his golden eyes watching the soldiers with interest before returning to Cerys as she directed them all. So unlike the woman he had met the day before, their was an air of comfort around her that suggested a preference to the armor she currently wore, as opposed to the dress from before. Her technique was flawless...for a human. Not that he would tell Cerys that.<br><br>As the formations were broken apart and the soldiers dispersed out, Ezrael was led down to the training area itself as Cerys made her way through the groups of soldiers. Her every step was laced with the confidence of a leader, something that many nobles lacked. Others walked with an expectation of respect, having never earned it. One only had to look at the princess to see it in her, the movements of someone whose strength did not come from the title she had been born into, but from the power she had earned for herself, and the soldiers around her responded to it. Like the Valkyrie she had been named after, she brought inspiration and morale to troops and Ezrael could not help but feel the effects as well. <br><br>One of the guards approached her as Cerys drew closer, motioning to Ezrael much to the princess's apparent surprise as her eyes looked skyward before falling upon him. Her smile was just as before and Ezrael couldn't stop his own smile forming on his lips as he chuckled at her suggestion "I believe it was amusement that was offered to me here" The dragon replied in a voice that was just as deep as his full form "I was simply curious to see if the human's I've been swatting with my tail for the past few years were true examples of what humanity had to offer, should I ever decide to find myself a human to ride with me" His golden eyes looked at her directly as he spoke, his words meant just for her "And it would appear they should have gone to you for training"
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: On the Wings of Desire {Relius &amp; Modesty}</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Modesty</strong> on <strong>01-08-2014, 08:46:57</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				It had sounded like a compliment. Compliments were notoriously difficult to loose from the lips of Dragons, but there it was.&nbsp; It was particularly more curiouser considering the source dragon was more than known for their distaste for their bipedal associates. If Cerys found it unusual, she didn’t miss a beat. Her head bowed in thanks, eyes rising again back to his enchanting gold. <br><br>She hadn’t expected him to come; but she had hoped. <br><br>Laughter pulled at the corners of her eyes as she watched him a moment, adjusting to his mortal guise. Where his personality had it’s noted quirks, and his flying was unpredictable at best, he had his shapeshifting down to a science. For a creature that disliked humans, he had transformed himself into a fine specimen. While his attire was simple, they were taught in all the places that counted; he gave the impression of a man well kept. She supposed it made sense that a beast of considerable size and strength should retain some of the definition even in other skins. <br><br>“Training <em>is</em> amusement here, Dragon. Or do you balk at challenge when you’re of equal strength and size?” Her smile didn’t waiver, tone even, but the laughter still sparkled behind her blue eyes. <br><br>“Drengr!” She shouted the rank suddenly. <br><br>The nearest soldier peeled off from his spar and stood near her. He stood stiff and attentive, waiting to be addressed further. Cerys’ gaze didn’t leave Ezrael as she continued. <br><br>“Drengr, inform our guest what happens if someone does not fight.” Her tone was still even, smile pleasant. <br><br>The soldier answered, without hesitation; “They get beat down, Valkyrie!” <br><br>She turned, pacing a few yards away. “That’s correct. Dismissed.” <br><br>Cerys pulled an about face. What she pivoted, her legs instinctively parted at shoulder’s width, knees bent and ready for action. Her sword was unsheathed in a flurry; it was quite the displace. <br><br>“You’re going to need this…” The soldier said to Ezrael, tossing his own weapon in the direction of the dragon-man. It was just in time. <br><br>The princess wasted no time. Each step was calculated, precise and agile as she closed the distance she had put between them. She was fast, and calm. A step, more like a jump, as she pirouetted in the air and land with her sword coming down at him. She wasn’t certain he’d play a long, but she quietly waited, hoped, for the clash of metal on metal. <br><br>Sparing or no sparing, these weren’t wooden play swords. <br><br><br><br><br><br>Meanwhile, envoys were arriving. A messanger had been dispatched long before Cerys had been sent him. It warned her father that there was much to talk about. And, as a dutiful King, he had dispatched more riders. Generals and diplomats were making their way into the capital, eager to hear what great and terrible thing brought the Valkyrie away from the battle… <br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: On the Wings of Desire {Relius &amp; Modesty}</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Relius</strong> on <strong>01-08-2014, 21:46:37</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Getting the sense that he was going to be here for more than just watching troop movements. Glancing over as the soldier stepped forward, Ezreal smirked at the the statement of 'Training is amusement', knowing the challenge was coming before the words had even left the princesses mouth. He could feel her eyes looking him over, almost as if she were curious about his choice of form, before the notion that he get 'beat down' for not participating in training. The dragon wasn't sure how such words were to be taken, but it seemed that Cerys was more than eager to test the swordsmanship of a dragon as her sword was quickly drawn. The soldier passed over his own sword as Cerys charged, while Ezreal simply stood and watched, the sword held loosely in his hand.<br><br>He watched her move, golden eyes missing nothing in the quick steps, the experience and training of her past shining bright as Cerys danced towards him. What she would do if he simply stood and accepted the hit, Ezreal could not say, the words stated before being quite clear on what would happen if he didn't raise his sword in return. Besides, it would be a shame if he'd come all this way just to stand around and watch the humans hit each other. He needed some fun too.<br><br>One foot moved back, heel digging into the ground as Ezreal waited as the opposing sword came around, raising his own to block in a loud clang of metal on metal, angling his blade upwards so the the force of her downward strike caught her blade against the hilt guard. Pushing outwards with her blade locked in place, his smile flashing at the exhilaration of it all, twisting his hilt guard downwards so her hold on her sword was suddenly tugged downwards.<br><br>With their blades locked in place, Ezreal suddenly moved forward, the force of his human body coming at Cerys like a bull to check her from the side, golden eyes flashing in the light of the sun shining above. Yes, she was much better than the humans before, she was giving him a challenge, a duel that had more to it than a swipe of his tail or a flick of his claws. He wasn't sure if there was a ploy going on here, if this was Cerys' way of showing her own skills to him...but if it was, it was <em>working</em>. Ezreal would give her that credit. The woman was much more than he'd expected, but seeing as she was the first he'd ever allowed on his back, to take with him into the sky, he expected nothing less.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: On the Wings of Desire {Relius &amp; Modesty}</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Modesty</strong> on <strong>25-08-2014, 04:25:05</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				A looking of question warning flashing in her eyes as he stood still, stunned or assessing, as she moved toward him. Somewhere in the back of her mind she wondered what kind of consequences there would have been to the sole heir striking down an allied dragon in his most vulnerable form during morning training, but she was relieved that she wouldn’t find out. Possibly. Yet. At the last moment he moved, expertly blocking her brazen attack; the challenge had been accepted. <br><br>Their hilts locked, like the antlers of territorial bucks, in a momentary stalemate. Her head nodded slightly, as if approving. Ever the instructor, her gaze was assessing, sweeping his form and looking for flaws. It was then that he took the opportunity to charge, which would have ended the fight there had she been any less experienced. All her life she had been matched against strength, and she had well-learned to survive it. Opponents often saw her smaller stature and made first attempt to overpower her, and that was their fatal flaw; she was ready. <br><br>Cerys side-stepped, half turning and using his own weight to help her unknot her sword from his engagement. She was quick, just as she’d promised. The princess turned to face him as he moved passed, bring her sword around to strike again. <br><br>“You’ve fought before.” She observed, tone more than pleased. <br><br>A small crowd had begun to gather. The soldiers around breaking their pairings to watch the instructor and the stranger as they duked it out. The noise died down until naught but the two voices and the singular ring of steel on steel echoed through the wide open space. <br><br>Cery’s feet circled around him, aiming to force him to turn. Her gaze was intent on his, though peripherals searched for any twitch or twist that would give any hint to how he’d move next. There was a near-glow about the woman, far from the quiet girl in the gown as she had been the night before, but blossomed into a poppy borne of blades and blood. <br><br>“See?” She said, jumping back and out of range of one of his attacks, making a quick jab at the opening he left. “Amusement.” <br><br>She allowed herself a grin. <br><br>There were new observers arrived. Their hands remained at their side, formally clad in their livery of the king. It’s was obvious they were servants from the castle. They glanced to one another, the darker haired one shrugging before they turned their gaze back to the duel, unsure of how to interrupt. At a loss, they fell quiet and joined in the crowd. <br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: On the Wings of Desire {Relius &amp; Modesty}</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Relius</strong> on <strong>27-08-2014, 07:30:33</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"I've been fighting before you were born"<br><br>And how couldn't he have been? Human's had been a violent race since their conception, crafting themselves dozens of perfect excuses to burn and slaughter each other. Religion, wealth, love, there was always a reason and the dragons had always watched, even before alliances had been made. As a warrior, Ezreal had sometimes slipped into such battles to learn human tactics for himself, leaving before death could kiss his lips. He'd killed his fair share of would be heroes as well, dragon hunters who had seen his race as a blight who simply captured princesses and breathed fire, petty little men who couldn't keep their people safe. Charing them inside their armor had been an exhausting, but amusing, pastime. <br><br>Disengaging from the duel for a moment, Ezreal allowed Cerys to lead the flow, matching her stance and pace, keeping the sword at the ready. As far as opponents went, Cerys was certainly one of the tougher, though admittedly, this was also because he wasn't looking to kill her. Shifting into dragon form and breathing fire would take care of that. No, all he had to win from this match was perhaps a bit of pride and respect, both of those being things he already had from all those who knew him. It was why Ezreal was constantly visited by nobles and knights who all wished to ride him into battle, there was nothing to be <em>gained </em>here. <br><br>So why did he stay?<br><br>Metal clanged once again as blades clashed, with neither Ezreal or Cerys seeming to make any headway with each other. It was annoying, but fun, a word that Ezreal would not have used to describe such a fight before today, but Cerys seemed to be an exception to everything that the dragon knew about humans. Amusement indeed. His lips curved into an expression that some might debate as being a smile, golden eyes simmering like a pair of suns as the dragon pushed back in on the offensive, holding the blade out to keep Cerys at bay as he made short jabbing stabs at her to keep the princess moving while he decided on a way to end it, all or nothing. <br><br>On the next jab, Ezreal followed through, his feet quickly closing in as his blade shifted for a downwards cut, altering the path of the sword from a stab to a cut. The movement would cost Ezreal his defense but if he hit, that would be it. Playing it safe between them would only mean a draw and no one wished for that. Ezreal would much rather lose and learn then give the audience a boring finish. It was, after all, all for amusement in the end.<br><br>Ezreal smiled at that.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: On the Wings of Desire {Relius &amp; Modesty}</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Modesty</strong> on <strong>10-09-2014, 09:47:39</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				The change was abrupt, yet fluid. It was the shift in the core muscles that pressed tight against the fabric of his shirt that gave her a clue that the tempo had increased. Strong thrust transformed into a quick thrust and opportunity was laid out to her. Always one to seize the moment, Cerys took a bold stance as well and went for the open defense. She heard the fabric of her uniform tear; the sharp edge of his blade a reminder that even in a spar their could be casualties. Still, sometimes it was necessary to take a hit to make the kill. Her smile widened- the dragon could adapt. He’d be a fine ally. <br><br>She nearly laughed as the thought ran through her head, observing how her moved with her. <em>And likely a good partner, too</em>. For dancing, she assured herself. <br><br>“Princess!” Her title was called out, staying her blade. “Pardon my interruption.” The messenger in castle livery stepped forward from the crowd, a look of polite impatience on his face as he shifted his weight. <br><br>Cerys felt her arm lower, just then realizing how heavy the sword was in her hand. It’d been a rigorous morning routine, furthered by the unexpected duel. Her muscles ached in the familiar way that she had learned to love, and sides ached from the maneuvering. She had met her match. A few moments longer, and she wasn’t sure that she would have been able to keep the upper hand. <br><br>“What is it?” She asked, attention pulling from her opponent to the man in wait. Her breathing was quick, though not labored, and an obvious tone of satisfaction was apparent. <br><br>“The assembly has gathered. All the dignitaries have arrived. You are summoned.” The man had an air of importance about him. <br><br>Cerys glanced to the sky, which had now fully risen. Practice had gone on longer than expected. She nodded, wiping sweat from her brow in the back of her sword hand. “So be it. Thank you, you may tell them I’m on my way.”<br><br>The messenger nodded, dismissed. <br><br>“Amusement ends here, I’m afraid, and is balanced by responsibility.” She smiled. Her eyes glanced to the castle, quiet a moment as she considered her words. <br><br>“The Dragon Lords gather with the council, and allied noblemen have come to hear what is to again unite our cause. I am to speak of the wars I saw at the boarders of the outlands.” She was sure he had heard, sure it had something to do with the pressure the Black Death was facing at being paired off with a rider. <br><br>“I invite you as my guest, Ezreal, if you’re so inclined.” <br><br>The princess watched him a moment, brushing wayward strands away from warm eyes. She smiled again, though one more demure, before bowing to him. <br><br>“Regardless, I thank you for the company. Until we me again, dragon.”<br><br>Her hand pressed to his shoulder in a friendly gesture, before turning to the men and dismissing them. <br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: On the Wings of Desire {Relius &amp; Modesty}</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Relius</strong> on <strong>18-09-2014, 07:17:51</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Who was this woman, truly?<br><br>Eyes narrowed at the interruption of their duel, Ezreal made sure to stand aside as an impatient looking messenger approached to speak to the princess. Twirling the blade in his hands, Ezreal handed the weapon off to one of the guards, sensing that the fight was now at an end. A shame. Cerys was proving herself to be an enigma of sorts, a color that didn't quite fit in with the picture that the dragon had painted for humanity. Fighting had always been a form that drew out the truth in oneself and Ezreal found himself thirsty for more as he glanced between princess and messenger, broad arms crossed as golden eyes stared unwavering as the same question floated through his mind again...who was Cerys? Stripped of her title, her armor, who was she? <br><br>The thought of stripping had the dragon coughing slightly, his throat clearing as a rush of heat surged throughout his body. Attraction was not something Ezreal was foreign to when it came to human females, the anatomy of his humanoid body adjusting for the change in all the <em>right</em> ways. Actually being affected by the attraction, however, was new. It was probably just due to the excitement of the battle, the rushing of his blood and the heat. No real attraction.<br><br>"I understand. I would hate for you to miss out on your duties for...amusement" Ezreal rumbled in reply to Cerys words as she explained that she would be leaving for a meeting. At mention of the Dragon Lords, Ezreal fought to hide the smirk on his features. They hadn't been pleased with him taking so long to find a rider or at how he'd been treating the potential candidates. If it wasn't for his skill and reputation, he'd have been sent home long ago...but now...<br><br>"And what sort of dragon would I be if I declined an invitation from a princess?"<br><br>There was a bit more warmth in his tone, warmth that had nothing to do with the fact that he could breathe fire. The hand upon his shoulder was surprising. Touch between dragons was considered a much more intimate affair, considering the nature of their posture and body type. Human touch was a much more casual affair, thanks to the use of hands, where dragons had only four legs, leaving most touches to the heads and tails. A clap on the shoulder was an unfamiliar sensation.<br><br>But not an unpleasant one.<br><br>Walking just behind Cerys, the dragon followed her carefully "I don't suppose there are any royal protocols I should worry about?" Ezreal questioned as the men were dismissed "Politics and diplomacy have never been my...strong suits" A firm believer in actions over words, Ezreal had earned his place through skill in battle rather than through honeyed words or any sort of true tactical smarts. He was like a warhammer, crushing whatever he hit and scattering debris everywhere. Hopefully his rider would be one who had something of a tactical sense, a born leader, like a prin-<br><br>Another smirk and a shake of his head had Ezreal loosing that train of thought. A princess and the Black Death. <br><br>But was it truly such a strange pairing?
			</dd>
		</dl>
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