Beautiful Vista (Rumil, Niko/Arashi/Josk)

[mriswith]

Tickticktickticktick.

What was the faint clatter of bone on sculpted floor grew rapidly louder in the span of a few seconds. It reached its peek when a small feline bolted around a bend and shot down the hallway; a slender, red dragon scurried after it with its head low, wings tucked, and tail waving behind helping to steer around the molding of the Citadel corridors. The two nearly equal sized creatures were dancing around people, statues, and benches for the past three minutes. Aiedail was prone to do this from time to time; she enjoyed putting her speed and reflexes to the test on the ground while she'd yet to take to the sky. A dragon couldn't just sit around all day waiting for her wings to grow broad enough and her muscles strong enough. Besides, all the other dragons her age or size weren't available; well, they might be gathered some place, but the feline had darted in front of the Red and as such presented an immediate challenge.

A fair distance back came Ishiyo Sasaki, the raven haired and red eyed Elven woman whose dragon enjoyed flashing through hallways and going everywhere she wasn't suppose to go. Obviously the young hatchling had taken to qualities of her own and applied them in all the wrong places or times. As a Mercenary she'd often gone where she was "suppose" to go, but there'd been good reason. Sometimes Ishiyo thought her dragon tried sneaking into Authorized Personnel Only areas just to see if she could. Dragons sometimes supplemented or complimented their Rider in ways, right? Ishiyo wondered if the Red wasn't learning to be a better spy-thief to compliment her Rider's skill at martial and magical prowess.

Could Aiedail's self-made abilities be useful? Of course. Now if only the little dragon would listen to reason and at least try to follow the rules. It was the Citadel of all places. Did dragons go through rebellious phases? She didn't recall her tutors ever mentioning that part. She'd never thought to ask other Riders before finding herself holding an egg in crippling pain. It would have been slightly awkward; even at risk of offending the pride of any dragon or Rider hearing the question. 'Excuse me, but to hatchlings even rebel at first and gradually the pair harmonize?'

Stopping near one of the open areas looking out over the city, the Elven woman planted her hands on her hips and watched as the two creatures vanished around yet another bend. Sooner or later Aiedail would grow tired of the chase, or catch and release the feline unharmed. There was no use running after them and making even more of a scene. It was embarrassing enough as it was.

She turned and strode slowly out onto the public balcony. Looking out over the city below would help restore some of the inner peace she'd lost thinking about how to communicate with Aiedail so she'd understand when it was appropriate and not appropriate to do these things. At least she hadn't caused any major 'incidents' yet. They could only be so lucky for so long.

The black vest and crimson shirt beneath it ruffled lazily in a gentle breeze. Drawing in a deep breath slowly, she let her eyelids fall. A hair warmer than temperate in the sun, a hair cooler by the wind's kiss. Fragrance of flowering plant-life in the country or from those brought to the Citadel's steps sweetened the air.

Aiedail's emotional state kept trying to intrude on the sense of peace, but Ishiyo was learning how they could harmonize and yet not unduly influence one another. Times like these that skill would help her maintain a cool head where her lively dragon left like running off after a cat. The thought of that, though, did bring a smile to her lips even if she didn't sanction the activity. Becoming a Rider wasn't quite how she'd imagined it; though on some level she supposed her mind was set on what was yet to come rather than what it'd take to get there. Privately, she didn't doubt it would work out in the end. They both just needed to adjust to the new way of life. Aiedail had to adjust to being out of an egg.

Ishiyo didn't look around at anyone else out for the view or just getting away from commotion elsewhere in the Citadel; she leaned against the banister and let her eyes drift open to bask in a day full of life. Living life one day at a time even while she planned for the future.

[connorwindkeeper]

Dark green eyes shot between the lines of the latest scroll the he had unfurled from the armfulls of scrolls he carried underneath his arms. "No no no, no wonder he had lost so many infantry men placing them in that clearing. If he had set them diagonal from the attacking forces while hiding his archers within the small forest nearby he could have cut his loses in half." he muttered to himself. This was a common occurance in Ilirea for Rumil and for all who stayed there on a continual basis. Yet despite the regularity of seeing the young elfs nose burried in the scroll many still whispered and pointed at him. These were the people who had not actually met the rising warrior mage that was produced from the tall forests of Du Weldenvarden.

At first all the excitement that people whispering his name brought had overwhelmed him. He didnt think he was all that special, he was smart, big deal its not like he was the only person in the world who used his brain before. However he had become accustomed to the stares and mutters. Green robes ruffled at his heels as he trodded towards a balcony to continue his reading in relative peace. A rythmetic clop clop clop was heard as his Oak staff hit the stones steps in tune with his footfalls.

He liked Ilirea's bustling cities most of the time but it just wasnt a good place to read despite the fact it was wear mages were trained. He nodded to a couple of students who were rushing towards the library, obviously late for classes. He smiled remembering a particular time when he had woken up late while still training to be a ranger. His parents had given him quite a scolding for that one. He sighed, he missed his parents but he hated seeing the looks they gave when he missed a shot, or failed to silently creep up on them. Oh well he was happy here, learning the ancient language and expanding his magical knowledge.

He stopped startled to see what he thought was a young (Even other elves had hard times telling) elf woman. He noticed the small red dragon playing with the cat and he smiled. "Atra du evarínya ono varda." he said.

[Elloria]

Josk sighed as he walked with Niko and Arashi along one of the Citadel’s many balconies. He had been conned into another visit by Niko and Addison - though the angel had been sadly absent of late. A lot of deliveries or some such nonsense. At least it was during the spring this time. That was the time he’d found Ilirea most tolerable. With the flowering trees and life beginning to well up from the earth, it was difficult to hate even this little plot of damnation. Still, he couldn’t keep coming to Ilirea like this. Business was picking up for the Hive and he had been busier than usual for an interrogator. Which was precisely why Niko wanted his brother in Ilirea. Niko considered himself a bit of a workaholic - he’d spent most of his life working in some capacity, with little downtime - but Josk’s current level of activity had been bothering him ever since his last brief visit to Ellesmera. He’d hardly seen the elder twin during those few days, which was unusual. So, as was his wont, he’d essentially strong-armed Josk into agreeing to take some time off and visit him. Neither twin could deny their delight with being in the other’s presence. It showed in their proximity to each other - so close that their hands frequently brushed against each other and they even bumped into each other. It showed in how utterly relaxed and easy their gait was - something foreign to both brothers, who walked with measured tread and dignified grace. But mostly it showed in their identical eyes and nearly identical faces - softened expressions set off by bright, glimmering silver eyes. In this moment, it was easy to see the identical mischief-makers they had once been. But now, height and skin tone were not the only things that distinguished the brothers.

The indigo dragon walking beside the taller Niko is another identifier. Arashi is delighted that his Rider is in a bright, pleasant mood. He can normally keep Niko quite happy, but it is undeniable that the two-legs Josk pleases his Rider even more. Though he is slightly jealous of this bond, they are brood mates. He will not interfere with this unless it means keeping Niko alive. He is withdrawn from Niko's mind, allowing his Rider privacy in his shared thoughts with his Josk-brood-mate. It's a strange sensation, but he knows Niko appreciates the gesture. In order to avoid preoccupation with this separation from Niko's thoughts, Arashi is closely watching his surroundings. Normally the world is a peripheral thing - relatively unimportant in the greater scheme of his life. But today it yields something quite interesting. A small sleek furred-predator-four-legs bolts past. An equally small, sleek hatchling flashes by in pursuit. Arashi catches the impression of delight and eagerness from the hatchling as it darts after the furred-predator-four-legs. Arashi's eyes narrow in distaste. It is one thing to chase after a furred-prey-four-legs. But predators deserve more respect than that. They are more akin to dragons, setting them slightly higher up in the hierarchy of life. Without a second thought, he leaps after the red female. Ignoring a startled shout from Niko, he bounds towards the female that is closing in on the furred-predator-four-legs and promptly pounces on her. He clamps his jaws around her neck and holds her in place with his larger weight. The cat continues its flight and is soon lost from sight. He feels the female squirm slightly beneath him and growls loudly, letting his displeasure at her chase flow over into her mind. He lets go very carefully of her neck, but continues pinning her to the earth. In his unusual soft, deep velvety voice he says, It is disgraceful for a dragon to chase after a fellow predator in such a fashion. Especially if it is in sport. He moves off of her and begins nudging her. No protests from you. Take us to your Rider immediately.

Niko and Josk watched with bemused interest as Arashi pounced on the small red hatchling. There was not much else they could do as the indigo dragon began nudging the hatchling towards them. “It looks like a newborn. What say you, Niko?” asked Josk in his ringing baritone. Niko opened his mind slightly to see whether the hatchling was male or female. He’d gotten much better at differentiating after Arashi hatched. At least when it came to dragons, in any case. “Undoubtedly,” he replied in his own baritone. “Too small to be anything less. I wonder where her Rider is.” They looked around, scanning the crowd that was eyeing them curiously. They spotted the most likely subjects off to the side, far from the crowd and closer to the balcony's edge. Arashi had moved the hatchling over to them by that point. “Excuse us.” Their voices rang out in perfect harmony as they moved towards the young, slender elf woman and equally young, oddly bulky scholar. They gestured at the hatchling beside them. “Does this red hatchling belong to either of you?”

[mriswith]

Ishiyo turned to look over at the young Elf standing there with scrolls in his arms. She smiled before offering a polite reply to his well-wishing and greeting, "Mor'ranr lífa unin hjarta onr." She hadn't really expected company, but then with Aiedail running around it shouldn't be surprising someone would notice the young Rider standing there by herself. "My name is Ishiyo Sasaki," she continued, turning to face the man that took time out of his study to greet her pleasantly. A woman could never besmirch good company and this one didn't seem interested in her for less noble pursuits. Actually, from his appearance she wondered if they wouldn't have plenty to talk about.

Leaning in a bit closer, she peered at a scroll on the top he must have just recently wound up again as it lacked any sort of hints it had gone unread for a time; there was no dust and it was carefully rolled whereas the others had shifted in transit. "Battle of the Red Gorge?" Ishiyo straightened back up as she discerned the event in question he'd been reading about from what she could see of its title. "A particularly short skirmish, as I recall, and a good example of how not to assault an enemy in the open." She recalled a mentor discussing it briefly once many years ago.

Aiedail, meanwhile, was scurrying after the feline and about ready to put an end to the merriment when a shadow loomed over them. The small Red didn't have any time to react as the larger male swept in. The dragonling's red eyes narrowed to fine slits as they glared up and back at the male whose maw had clamped around her neck to keep her still. Who did he think he was attacking her? Biting her neck? She'd let him have it if she wasn't in such a bad spot strategically. It also didn't help his maw was around her throat, which would make dignified retorts--lacking crackling or gasps--difficult.

Scratching at the ground, the younger one tried to carefully find a way out of his hold. Just wait, she growled, she'd put him in place. No one pounced on Aiedail! She'd be the fastest, strongest, and prettiest of all dragons when she grew up and no one was going to take advantage of her because she was small now. Stubborn thoughts aside, however, she wasn't foolhardy enough to snap her own neck in the male's grasp; unfortunately that didn't leave her many options in her present state. Maybe she'd been too focused on the cat and should have been ready to bite a male's snout off--something to keep in mind for the future.

With a snort the young Red looked up and around at Arashi, the Indigo. He still had her pretty good with his bigger body, but now that her neck was free she might be able to find a way free and then...

Aiedail gave another snort at the older one's chastising remarks. She was going to reply before he cut her off and started prodding her along. With a growl and a quick nip at the larger one's snout, the Red started moving on her own accord back the way she'd come. She didn't need some Indigo male sliding her over the ground like a two-leg child. That would be disgraceful.

It was a race, Aiedail snapped, silently adding it'd been one she had been winning. Fellow predator? The feline ate mice, but it was smaller than a dragon. Did big dragons really pay felines any attention? Couldn't they eat bigger felines? Why did everyone have so many rules? Better yet, why was Aiedail expected to follow all of them?

As the dragons neared Josk and Niko, the hatchling peered up at them with the same glare she held for the pushy Indigo at her back. What? Did they want something? She was small, but she could put up a fierce fight. Aiedail was all ready learning about all the soft, squishy parts of two-leg creature anatomy. Squishy and vulnerable. No wonder they needed a big, strong dragon to help them protect cities and people; they were too squishy. Of course, the two men had soon turned their attention elsewhere and set their sights on the dark haired Elven woman with red eyes. Aiedail's mood did not improve, as a result. At least her Rider had red eyes--those were pretty.

When two more men showed up, with an indigo dragon not far back, Ishiyo turned her attention briefly from the scholar's face to their own. She held back a sigh when they brought her attention to the defiant red proudly strolling between them toward the Elven woman like nothing was out of the ordinary. Nothing at all. "She did not cause any trouble?" That was Sasaki's hope. Obviously some of the little one's luck had worn off to run into a larger dragon ready to teach the younger one manners.

That was an interesting thought, however. Aiedail knew some dragons, but she certainly could use more draconic influences and mentors in her life. Ishiyo could teach her many things, herself, but how to be a proper dragon was not one of them.

Aiedail craned her head up to look at the Elven woman, sensing her thoughts. Another puff of breath shot from her nostrils. All she needed to know was how to fly. Everything else she could pick up on without needing to be trained. Training took away from her time to run, fly, and scurry into the most interesting of places. Plus... the Red's slender her turned and her eyes went from slivers to glowing sockets of fire. Were those scrolls in the crook of the two-leg's arm? If only Aiedail knew how to read. It was so cruel that she couldn't be born with how to read two-leg. Wait, no, the word was... El-ven. Yes, read El-ven. Or hue-min. That wasn't right; but it was good enough.

Ishiyo looked down at the dragon curiously, sensing a strange yearning for the scrolls from the small one. Smiling back at the two men that looked very much alike, Ishiyo tipped her head in appreciation, "I am Ishiyo Sasaki. This," her red eyes gestured to the Red who wasn't much on introducing herself though her spoken tongue was a tad rough still, "is Aiedail... and we are both pleased to meet you."

Aiedail's eyes shifted from the scrolls back to Ishiyo and then to the two men and the Indigo. Another snort followed her examination.

[connorwindkeeper]

Rumil smiled at the young elf woman as she continued the formal greeting. "Un du evarínya ono varda" he finished. "It is nice to meet you Ishiyo, my name is Rumil Tasartir although please just call me Rumil." he said with a light smile played across his features. Now that he had time to examine her he was impressed with what he saw in the young woman. She was attractive with short black hair that framed her face quite nicely. Her full lips were settled in the position of a friendly smile while she held herself as one with pride would.

He gave a small jump of surprise when she mentioned the Battle of the Red Gorge, "Yes Few know of the battle for it was said that it had been such a blunder on general Fingolfin Telrúnya part that the bards were forbidden to mention it. Now had Telrunya followed the tactics of Círdan Telemnar during the battle of Pines...." He began to shift looking for the scroll that contained the particulars of the battle before he remembered himself. "You must forgive me, my tender age and passion for history tends to make me forget myself when among company."

His gaze shifted towards her hand and noticed a small silver marking on the palm of her hand. " Ah the Gedwëy ignasia, that must make you a Dragon Rider. It is an honor." he said doing the intricate bow that was a sign of respect among-st the elves. He began to look around, "But where did your young companion streak off to?" As if the gods themselves decided to answer his question he noticed off in the distance a larger violet male dragon pounce on top of the red and grip onto her neck. His eyes narrowed as he noticed identical twins walking towards Ishiyo and himself. He saw that the Gedwëy ignasia was on the hands of one of the twins and assumed that one of them had to be the violets rider.

He saw the red refuse to be dragged towards them breaking free of the grasp and returning to her rider by herself. He chuckled at the charisma the little one had, she would make a fine dragon once she grew older. As the group drew within speaking distance of Ishiyo and Rumil they began to speak in unison. The baritone voices ringing deeply in-tune with the other slightly unnerved him but his face did not betray his thoughts. He decided to interact with their dragon before responding to the two twins. "Welcome Skulblaka, I am Rumil Tasartir a humble scholar and warrior mage of great Ilirea and in turn of Du Weldenvarden. I humbly wish to make a observation, which would be that pouncing on a young dragonling had not been necessary. She seemed to be enjoying her free time and with so much destruction caused by the war with the humans a feel that one as great as a dragon deserve to enjoy themselves once and awhile."

He then looked into the faces once more of the twins who spoke in unison. "Atra esterní ono thelduin. I am Rumil Tasartir a scholar and warrior mage of Ilirea, the young dragonling belongs my friend here and if i may be so bold just watching as your dragon attempted to drag her back to us is unbecoming of a rider." he looked at all thew cumbersome scrolls underneath his arms and muttered a spell. "Strengr atra vindr bera hryggr" (May the winds carry the scrolls back.) He lifted up his arms to let the scrolls fall to the ground and in a instant a gust of wind picked up blowing the scrolls towards the direction of the library. "Ah much better, now we can converse without cumbersome scrolls in the way." he said with a smile.

[Elloria]

Arashi's jaws snap shut loudly in response to the red hatchling's nip. His bare front teeth graze her scales, creating a harsh metallic sound. He catches her thoughts easily enough and replies sharply, It is undignified to race against a lesser being. Dragons do not race against something like the furred-predator-four-legs. They hunt prey-four-legs. As a predator, do you want something chasing after you for sport? A much larger dragon, perhaps? He settles beside Niko as his Rider and Josk come to a halt before the female-red-eyes-two-legs and the male-wood-stick-two-legs. Honestly. He knows he is hot-headed and impulsive, but at least he has some sense of decorum. He acts like a proper dragon - he knows his species is the most powerful in Alagaesia and that this power brings great responsibility. As delightful as it is to toy with lesser beings, it is unnecessary and tyrannical. The dragons exist to keep such tyranny at bay, not partake in it. He sniffs slightly in distaste before stiffening as a voice-that-isn’t-Niko’s enters his mind. His head whips to face the male-wood-stick-two-legs, his lips lifting into a snarl. A loud growl rumbles, filling the brief pause after the male addresses Niko and Josk. He can feel Niko’s concern but disregards it for the moment and broadcasts his thoughts so that all in the group can hear his words. I find your observation severely lacking, Rumil Tasartir-two-legs. It is all well and good for one to enjoy one’s time and have moments where one is carefree. But one so great as dragon has no business racing, he says the word with a heavy dose of sarcasm, Against a smaller predator. It is unbecoming that we do something so tyrannical as to torment a fellow predator in such a fashion, though they are nowhere near our level. Moreover, perhaps you should learn proper etiquette when addressing another Rider’s dragon before you lecture me on my behavior. It is rude to speak telepathically with a Rider’s dragon when you know neither individual. Especially when it is done without Rider’s or dragon’s consent. Refrain from addressing me so familiarly. And another thing-

“Arashi.” Niko's voice was sharp and clearly said he'd brook no further comment from his hatchling if all he was going to say were insults. Josk's eyes twinkled with suppressed mirth. The indigo hatchling glared up at his Rider, but fell silent at the mostly unspoken rebuke. Niko turned back to Rumil and Ishiyo and bowed low. Josk bowed slightly as they said, “Mor'ranr lífa unin hjarta onr.” Niko straightened up. “I apologize for my dragon’s brazen words. He is something of a proud and brash creature at times and I hope you will not take great offense at him. However.” His eyes darkened to storm grey as he eyed Rumil. “I suggest you reconsider what is and is not becoming of a Rider. I can tell that you are not one, so I feel that you are a bit out of line telling me what is proper behavior for me and mine. Should you one day be blessed with a dragon, I will be more than happy to listen to your thoughts on Rider etiquette.” He turned to Ishiyo, a kind smile softening his features though his eyes remained dark and foreboding. “No, Aiedail caused no trouble as far as I could tell. Beyond chasing a cat. But Arashi has a certain sense of honor and ethical conduct that he will always act upon. I’m still learning the intricacies of it.” It is not such a difficult thing to grasp. Niko cast a stern glance at Arashi before continuing. “It’s a pleasure to meet you, Ishiyo and Aiedail. And you as well, Rumil. I am Niko Danta, Ilirean scholar, keeper of the Sacred Font and Dragon Rider.”

“And I am his lowly elder brother, Josk.” Josk eyed each elf critically even as he laughed. The male, Rumil, seemed fairly similar to his brother - a scholar mostly and perhaps too in love with Ilirea. But unlike Niko, this boy had skill with magic. There was much potential there that intrigued. And considerable skill already if that little spell to transport the scrolls was any indication. Who knew but that Rumil might become problematic in the future? He would have to consider that threat later. For the moment, he was supposed to be behaving - for Niko's sake, if nothing else. “Current head of the Danta family, amongst other things. So. Are you both residents of Ilirea or simply spending much of your time here?”

[mriswith]

Aiedail scittered to the side as Arashi snapped back at her, his teeth brushing against her much smaller, scaled body. The female shot the larger male another look with her red eyes narrowed to slits. If she were bigger she'd throw him down and ssit on him for the night as punishment. Do you race only other dragons?" she shot back. Was Arashi suggesting she shouldn't race other creatures because they might be inferior? From what the little Red knew of her mother you should never underestimate other predators. Humans, for example. Tiny and helpless before a dragon until they assembled in a group and used strange devices. Aiedail wanted to hone her skills! Well, she just wanted to race, but even a game could teach, she thought defensively.

Meanwhile. Ishiyo smiled at Rumil's exuberance for history and hadn't minded in the least at his response. Until he made mention of his youth, causing the Elven woman only a handful of decades older to feel a tad self-conscious. She wasn't that young. Small humor aside, a smile rose to her lips once moreas she gently dismissed his conduct with a slow wave. "It is all right. I enjoyed reading, myself, when I was a student. Though I always did like going outside more." Studious, yes, but being confined inside for too long had never sat well with her.

Then Rumil did the oddest, though perhaps expected, honor of bowing to her. Ishiyo's red eyes vanished for just a moment as she blinked in surprise. She truly wasn't that old, especially when it came to being a Rider. It was nice to know Rumil held nothing against the Riders, just like she hadn't as a youth, but inciting someone to bow just by her presence was not something Ishiyo was accustomed to. In fact, given her profession as a mercenary, she'd be far less surprised if a man said or did something lewd in her direction. Before she could reply to word or deed, however, Arashi had landed upon the young Red. The choice encounter caused a strange sensation inside the Elf's mind as she stood there.

When the groups met, it wasn't long before Rumil made his own move...and quite the move it was. Ishiyo said nothing, though her red eyes shifted to the side toward the young man. What Niko would say came off a tad harsh, but she understood the elder Rider's position. Even she had come to know dragons were not quite what you saw, observing their comings and goings as a resident of Ilirea. It was different when you shared the same soul or mind--or at least a bridge between the two halves. The dragons had a unique look on the world. Ishiyo was just starting to begin to understand that with Aiedail's rebeliousness

Speaking of which, the young Red stretched forth her slender neck as Arashi verbally bit down on the male Elf; she was half a second away from loudly objecting to the elder's tone and choice of words when Ishiyo's red eyes shot to the side. Without saying a word the young Rider's 'thought' for Aiedail not to rile the other dragon reached the dragonling. Though she squinted her eyes at Ishiyo in question at being told not to respond, the Red flapped her wings against her body and complied.The experience was unique for them both.

Ishiyo smiled and gave them a polite bow in return as greeting. "I am glad she caused no alarm. I hope Arashi," Ishiyo nodded slightly to the dragon, "takes no insult from Aiedail's words or action. She too is proud, and enjoys staying active, which tends to get her in a little bit of trouble."

The young Red tossed her head and shuffled her wings against her sleek form. Trouble? What was trouble? She was a dragon; she could take all the trouble anyone had to offer. Like Arashi there. The longer she stared at the male the more she began to think of ways she could take him even with the size difference. Of course she wasn't versed in tactics yet for combat, but Aiedail felt supremely confident in discovering the basics as she went if it meant bringing his snout to the ground even for a moment.

Niko's brother made his introduction, then, causing Ishiyo to turn her eyes to him for a time. "You could say that," she replied in jest, not needing to really confirm her residency in the city; having a dragon should guarantee if she wasn't living in Ilirea before she would be now. "I have lived here most of my life." All except eight or so years of it. It was her home even though she still enjoyed lingering in any forests she could just listening to the birds and mamals rustling about, or the hush quiet of the breeze passing over the tree tops. Some characteristics were simply racial; not every Elf might feel the same, but for most Elves it was part of who they were.

Before they got too much further, however, Ishiyo glanced to the side at the young, female dragon still giving Arashi more discrete, but meaningul looks. "Aiedail."

Craning her head around, Aiedail gazed up at Ishiyo for a moment before she turned her snout proudly back toward the"two-leg" guests. It is...good to meet you. Her Elvish was still a bit unrefined, as she was growing accustomed to another 'tongue,' but with few pauses or mistranslations--at least none unintentionally.

[connorwindkeeper]

Rumil frowned slightly as the violet dragon began to chastise him on his behavior, in his mind he snorted at the dragon retort. If HE had any type of manners then pouncing upon a fellow dragon and attacking her, even just to chastise it like a small child, would have been considered unbecoming. He placed up his mental wards within his mind to keep anyone from wandering and finding out his true thoughts on the matter before holding up a hand. "No please Arashi is correct to subject me to his retorts. I may be a scholar but even I have not had much practice with ettique among riders, you do not bring your begining students to train within the mage school here at Illirea so i do not have much interactions amongst the riders. I also am a very bold individual and sometimes i let my beliefs cloud my judgement, for this I am sorry." he bowed slightly to the dragon and then in turn to Niko and his brother.

He saw Niko's eyes darken as he looked down upon Rumil begining his own verbal assualt at Rumil. The warrior in him stirred suddenly as if a cobra had suddenly uncoiled itself and prepared to strike at a unspespecting mouse within his gut. Rumil had to physically bite down upon his tounge to keep down a retort or even worse a quickly muttered spell at Niko. As soon as the urge passed he felt slightly ashamed of himself, the people of Illirea's praise had started to swell his head slighly and if he was not careful it could cause him problems in the future.

He turned as Josk introduced himself and noticed a slight interest in the small spell that Rumil had preformed. He smiled slightly at Josk, "Master josk you seem interested in the small spell i just performed, are you a spellcaster by chance?" he asked the small smile still playing across his lips. He shook his head at his question however. "No im afraid i have lived here for most of my life, My parents are Gilraen and Olwë Tasartir. Had you spent any time within Du Weldenvarden then chances are you have heard of them. They are famous rangers for Ellesmera, I was to follow in their footsteps but my unnaturally bigger frame made and lackluster skills with a bow made me a unsuitible candidate. They were a hard family to grow up with, but fair. On the mention of the school here in Illirea they brought me here to train to be a mage, whilest my bulk allowed me to wear sturdier armor then most. After several decades of devoted studing i graduated and have been offered a posistion to teach new mages in the art of our sacred language." he said finishing off a short version of his history. "What of you Josk? Your brother is a rider so it makes sense for him to spend much time here. Does your family reside here? Or have you just become infautated with Illirea's beauty?" he asked his green eyes peircing into Josks and Niko's equally.

[Elloria]

Arashi meets Aiedail's looks with fire in his own golden orbs, daring her to challenge him. He has the advantages of weight and experience, however slight the second is. He is born for fighting. He is almost as wild as most new eggs come and proudly so. He keeps his gaze upon Aiedail as he simply replies, She is a dragon. That is enough for him. That and her Elvish is unrefined and somewhat awkward. It is good that she can speak it so soon after hatching, but it amuses him that there is some hesitation as she speaks. Perhaps it is because of Niko's influence, but he does not recall his speech being so rough at first. Something akin to a smirk brightens his eyes as he continues looking at her. But if she continues to look at me with a challenge in her eyes, I might just oblige her. Niko sighed. “Must you always try to fight every possible opponent that comes along?” he demanded in exasperation. Arashi merely flicked his tail slightly in response. Niko rubbed his temples irritably. “One of these days, I’m going to smack that tendency out of you.” He looked at Ishiyo. “When did Aiedail hatch for you? As you might imagine, I’ve been quite busy with my training and therefore unable to keep close track of all the Font’s goings-on.”

“I despise Ilirea,” Josk said in response to Rumil’s questions. His now grey eyes evenly met Rumil’s gaze without flinching. A disdainful smirk played at his lips. Despise was not a harsh enough word for it. He had tried for years to think of an adequate word for the depths of his hatred. Even the Ancient Language had come up short. “I find no beauty in a city that showed me no kindness beyond an education when I attended school here. I am only here because of Niko. Our family is one of the older noble families in Ellesmera, so I have also heard of your family. Admirable people.” He shrugged. “As for your question, yes. I am something of an accomplished mage. The skill set I exceeded all others in during my school years was magic. This has not changed with time’s passing.” He laughed quietly, as if at a private joke. He had not missed the threatening flash that had briefly lit up Rumil's eyes. Neither had Niko. And it made him glad that Josk was there, despite the fact he was now a Rider. Josk was the mage, not he. If anyone could adequately defend him from whatever trouble Rumil might try to cause, it was Josk. It was an odd reversal of roles. He was finally the one being defended by the older twin, rather than doing the defending. “Do you wish to teach young elves about our sacred art? If it were me, I don’t think I would have the patience for it.”

[mriswith]

The Elven woman's red eyes shifted a bit to the side as she observed Rumil and Josk's mannerisms in each other's company. Was there a reason for the hostility? From what she could see it was two men apparently feeling threatened by the other; but not in any physical sense. No, they felt threatened at being outclassed. Typical male bravado. Such things should be the domain of the younger, and more rash, Human race, but ever so often Ishiyo found herself in the presence of an equally bold Elven man. In this case two men. Not that Josk didn't pose a threat, per se, but he'd done nothing in their presence to warrant an openly defensive posture.

Better yet was when they broke down into whose family was oldest or better positioned. Her eyelids fell a hair with disinterest at the showmanship. Again, threatened by the position of the other on a level that didn't actually matter. Well, not to Ishiyo at least. They could save the antics of The Game for a time when they didn't burden her with its childish performances. To think ageless creatures like the Elves were willing to debase themselves in any imaginable way just to 'get ahead' because they were bored. These two hadn't gone that far yet, but given enough time they obviously would be happy to start a magical tempest.

Aiedail looked back up at her Rider and rolled her head a bit to the side curiously. Glad? she asked Ishiyo privately, not understanding some vague sense passed through their bond.

Ishiyo turned to look at the young Red before she knelt down next to the small hatchling. Reaching out with her right hand, she scratched behind the three horns on the right side of her head that pointed back along the length of Aiedail's body. Yes, she thought, not even sure if what she 'thought' got through being so new at 'speaking' in this manner with a dragon, they seem to not have noticed my ability with magic.

The heat in her red eyes slowly faded even while Aiedail's eyes remain slits, enjoying the rub along her neck. Maybe it was just the touch of her 'two-leg' half that pleased her. Their connection was as new and foreign to the hatchling as it was to the Elf. Female?

Yes, the smile on Ishiyo's lips grew slightly, having wondered if they overlooked her skills because she was a woman or because Josk felt a hot headed, young Elven male posed more threat. Didn't much matter to Sasaki either way. There was no need in her mind to correct them and place her in their game.

Her Rider's concerns addressed, Aiedail's eyes opened wider and looked at Arashi as he continued to appraise his female opponent. I can win. A strategy of patience with a precision strike could leave her inside his guard. Her smaller size could make it difficult for him to shake her off.

Ishiyo lifted her chin to look back up at Niko. "A short time ago," she replied to his question, happy to continue their discussion while the other two exchanged verbal blows. "I put it off for far too long. Now I have a young Red anxious to explore the world, heedless of danger or prohibition." The Elven woman laughed quietly, finding the entire thing as humorous as it could be exasperating. It appeared Niko could understand just how focused and bull headed dragons could be. No doubt Arashi thought the same of the 'two-legs.'

"You are a Keeper?" Ishiyo clearly recalled his introduction. Rummaging over the years of memories, she thought about the Keepers and what she knew of them. "Does that happened often? I recall Keepers avoiding direct contact with the eggs." Which also confused the Elf when she was younger. Weren't eggs protected from hatching until the right Rider appeared even decades or centuries later? What if a Keeper was the right person? If they never tested themselves... Ishiyo hoped there weren't eggs that never hatched. Was it a single person in all of history, or something else?

Aiedail's scaled hide slipped past her Rider's fingertips as the dragon strode back toward Arashi. There was still a trace of her dominating spirit, as it never left, but she wasn't chomping at the bit, so to speak, yearning to challenge him. Arashi, the name tried out in her thoughts, having been tempted to use an impersonal 'you' or derogatory name earlier. What is it they teach you? They teach you this code of 'honor?' Was it something they'd try to teach her? Well, a code didn't sound bad, but this 'honor' thing sounded restricting. Aiedail hated restrictions.