Private Tales New Horizons

[Ashieron]

Dragon Keepers

Looking up from the back of Oris, Ash smiles, he was still pretty weak from the effects of the Death Tyrant’s dark paralysis spell that it shot him with. As a result he still did not want to eat much, drank some and faded back out as his body worked to fight off the effects of the magic. Thank goodness for Kaelan calling the other Keepers for assistance. They would probably both be in a greater pickle if it wasn’t for the elf’s actions.

Looking down over the dragon’s back the elf saw a sprawling group of islands. These were the Sheketh Isles. Their new home. So many mountains and so many caves, beaches and the likes. It struck Ash some as, this is a glorious place to live. The jungles, the planes. Her thought he could even see some lava flowing into the sea. The evening sun sparkling in the waves.

“We’re here.” He calls out finding some new found energy. His eyes were lit up slightly as he laid back down on the dragon’s back patting its back and sighing with relief. They made it, now he needed to find some energy to set them up.

“How about we land and get unpacked, then someone can stay behind at camp keeping it safe and you guys can start scouting and scoping the area.” He tells the other dragon keepers, “And before someone says anything. I’ll be fine.” He assures them waving his hand in the air laughing. “I’m gonna just chill and you will not see me push myself too hard.”
——————

Once they land they land in a clearing on a beach. Ash slides down the dragon’s back and grabs a few bags, tossing them to side and starts to unpack them. “Welcome home everyone!” He says and falls back into the sand smiling looking relieved. He felt like this long mission was accomplished but they had so much more to go and do. There was no time to relax yet, not while they still had more of their organization at the Spine still. He’d start to make sand angels just enjoying the moment.

 

[Iliris]

The last bits of their journey to their new home were marked with the dull edge of exhaustion for Iliris. Whatever magic had hit her in the forest had dissipated soon enough, but left unpleasant traces after itself, making her eyelids heavy, her movements sloppier than usual.
She was thankful for the fact that there wasn't much required from her at the moment, simply hold on to Umno, saying the occasional phrase or two, observing the skies around them and the land and water below. Simply being there, feeling the rush of wind, and the bittersweet taste of a travel almost over.

Although, to be completely honest, she was relieved to have this so close to its end. They had faced their share of deadly threats, Iliris had drawn her blade enough times. For now, she just wanted for this to be over, for them all to rest in safety.

As they approached the beach, Umno didn't hurry to land with the others, instead, he made a wide circle around the clearing, his own tiredness suddenly gone. Iliris could feel him buzzing with novel excitiment, and she couldn't help smiling herself.
Oh, she knew what was to come now.
"Can I?" the dragon asked, turning his head to her. Iliris simply nodded, leaning forwards, pressing herself closer to his scales.

He soared in the skies for a moment more, before folding his wings. And down they fell, with no sound, until they hit the surface of water, and went down, deeper and deeper into the sea, the dragon and his rider, now turned into stone.
They had done this many times, Umno being a creature of water and being able to stay under it for hours, and Iliris' magic keeping her safe. It was a token of their trust, but also bidding to their adventurous nature, one that Iliris didn't allow herself to show often.
She was a protector, a caretaker.
But, while they were still underwater, exploring these new depths, she could simply be a girl, amazed by this world that was so unusual to her.

 

[Ashieron]

Ash smiles as he watched Iliris and her dragon go for a swim. Then he’d sigh looking tired and relaxed. Wow.... this whole thing was a big commotion. He felt tired for once. Maybe that was what being old was like, something he never knew and it scared him for a change.

Taking his pack the elf sit up and looks over the forest, he wanted to go. Standing up and draping the strap over his shoulder he walks into the forest. Disappearing into the under brush and into its trees. Some sunlight shone through the canopy making what it could touch look illuminated. When it touched berries they were a dazzling brighter color. Some rocks stuck out of thr earth and would increase the higher he got.

He’d finally come across the start of a mountain and sigh, memories. So many memories. “Its been a long time...” He says seemlingly to thin air as if he was talking to soething running his hand along the mountain’s rocks. A low rumble would start to shake the area as the rocks and stones start to split apart and fall.