On the Trail of Israxa [Closed]

[Hilana Chenzira]

Not too many were inclined to live near volcanoes, but those of the desert did. She was quite certain that those abroad thought that they were mad, even if the Elementalists among them sought to manage any potential eruptions. But there was a power there, and dragons certainly liked them and were quite comfortable. She half-wondered if there were more dragons inside this volcano that the black dragon had come out of - perhaps some of the missing Solunarian dragons had found this place, too, and did not slumber solely deep within the mountains.

At Arvaelyn's reading and the confirmation from the Sentinel in the Mesmer Chamber, Hilana nodded. Thousands. Thousands who they really knew nothing about, aside from what she had learned from Àkriel - magic and mystery. The dragon-blooded Prince had already clocked that there was little coherence to the ships down below, and that there may have been Avialae flying... in any event, they really knew nothing about these people, and they were massively outnumbered. Diplomacy was going to be her first card to play, and if she had to return later with the Mask and her map to try and figure this place out, so be it.

She didn't take long to ruminate on Phocion's instructions and suggestions - she already knew that they were sound. Mission commander or not, she did not need to add to what was already very well thought-out. She looked back to Arvaelyn when he addressed her. "I wouldn't have it any other way, Highness," she offered him a smile despite the burning gaze. It was part and parcel as to why he had been asked along. "I would have Sentinel Finn, His Exalted Highness, His Serene Highness Vraedyn, Sentinel Valaera, Raithen Dux, Lia... and if you are comfortable leaving the ship, Captain, I would like you along as well." Her Captain wasn't an afterthought, but she wasn't sure if he would have someone else step up to the bridge to come with her, or decline.

That party covered just about everything, she knew. Offensively, defensively, and everything in between. A few Runes might not be represented, but the biggest ones for this mission would be well-represented. "Would you recommend anyone else to come with us?" she wanted to know. It may have been a stupid question, but at the same time... it was better to ask than regret it later.

[Finn]

Finn answered a terse affirmative, continuing to prepare escape routes for every eventuality he could come up with. Strangely, in that Chamber, it seemed as though there was an awareness looking over his shoulder and he got the feeling that should the order be given, the ship itself might remember one of his solutions and allow him to act with the speed of instinct rather than recalibrate and recalculate and waste valuable time.

As soon as Phocion acknowledged Arvælyn's declaration, a Sentinel went to the Traversion Chamber and caught Finn's attention.

"You are required for an away team," she said, and waited for him to exit so she could take over what he had been doing. Nodding, he made space for her and strode across the bridge to reconvene with their dauntless leaders in time to hear Hilana listing off her team.

Part of him, while concerned, didn't know if he had missed something, but he didn't want matters to proceed too far for a course correction, so he interjected.

"With respect, audentes Fortuna iuvat, but is it wise to send the paterfamilias of one divine bloodline as well as an entire generation of another for first contact with a death dragon? Let me accompany Domina Hilana. It is her divine quest, and I have been playing the ambassador for the past two seasons, dealing with dragons outside the platinum flight, and can lend her all the awe Deus Aværys allows me to channel. And in a worst-case scenario, I can more confidently guarantee getting her out. The more people added to this first meeting reduce those odds."

He very carefully did not mention or even think about his relative expendability compared to the lot of them, knowing that would put his husband's back up. He also didn't mention her proposed team included all four of their Gods Chosen—at least those known to him. An errant swipe of the dragon's tail could strike a blow against Gods and Crownwyrm.

[Arvælyn]

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Arvælyn pursed his lips into a slight grimace at Finn's suggestion.

"He is right, but I am dragonkin and we ought to have each Emblem represented. I will go with Finn, but Vrædyn, Valæra and Phocion should remain aboardship until our security can be assured." He looked to Hilana and nodded mildly,

"If our mission commander is amenable, I would suggest we complement the party with more sentinels to bolster the magnati in our ranks." While none present were likely to match Valæra in Sembling, there was much she could glean from the ship and he was certain Phocion would have brought a Grandmaster along even if Hilana hadn't thought to. He tended to keep Assessors nearby, as his own talents were stronger in other areas.

As they deliberated over whom to send, Honorius carried out Phocion's order and brought the ship down to levitate steadily over the waves the crashed against the pier upon which the envoy of locals stood in the shadow of the dragon, now wading in the shallows between docks, unfazed by the waves the high tide sent to strike at his flanks.

As the gangplank extended from the ventral hull at the bow of the Callidus Victoris, a sole woman stepped forth from the small entourage and stood apart from the others at the edge of the ramp. Her platinum white hair whipped in the winds that blew off the choppy sea as she stood placidly. One might have mistaken her for a platinum elf, for her fair, delicate features and unflappable mien, but her ears lacked the telltale tips an elf would surely have.

Those who stood behind her seemed representative of different races, although with common, distinctive themes that pervaded their appearances despite their ostensible racial backgrounds.

[Hilana Chenzira]

The Vastiana had considered that problem when she'd made her list of people she wanted with her, at least when it came to Gens Phaedryn. But considering there hadn't been any pushback from the powers-that-were over it, she had assumed it was a go. Still, his logic was sound, and she couldn't really argue with it. Until they knew what they were dealing with, it was probably better not to risk all of Princess Cithaera's children in one go. This was an ancient dragon, and while the group was highly skilled... she wasn't sure that taking on an adult black dragon wasn't something any of them had practical experience with if her attempt at diplomacy failed.

But this way it would be easier for Finn to jolt them back to safety if there was a problem. A complement of Sentinels would work, and she would bring Lia with her with Arvaelyn and Finn.

She nodded at Arvaelyn's suggestion. If Captain Phocion had no objections, then that was the decision. "Then the three of us will take some Sentinels and Lia. A Sembler in particular would be helpful." She knew Arvaelyn had mastered Masquerade and Kinetics, so there was that. Finn had his Traversion and Mesmer.... worst case scenario, she was going to have to figure something else out. But she had to try this way, first, and she slipped on the Mask of Midnight's Mother, letting it go vanish once it was on, though she wasn't hiding herself or anyone else just yet for the moment. But it would be better to have it on and at hand. Fail to plan, plan to fail.

With the group assembled and everyone clear on diplomacy first, but defensive measures as needed, Hilana made her way down the ramp, the metallic winged serpent swooping tightly around her, approaching the woman who was waiting for them. "Salve, greetings," she offered first in Solunarian and then in Common with a bright smile. "I am called Hilana." Hopefully, she could speak in one of her two languages; worst case scenario, then she would have to rely on Finn's Majesty to act as translator. "We have come from Solunarium on behalf of His Divine Radiance Avaerys, and Her Argent Luminescence Varvara, in search of Israxa."

These white-haired people really were striking. The books that the Vronti had with the drawings of them did not do them justice.

[Finn]

His assessment offered, Finn deferred to those higher upon the Pyramid.

Veil down, a faintly amiable mien drawn, he opened himself to the symphonies and slipspace around them, the better to sense impending danger. He flanked his royal husband, but even he allowed Hilana to take the lead. This was, after all, her Gods-given responsibility.

Breathing in the marine air, he ran through contingencies he might be able to plan for. Platinum dragons were one thing, black dragons yet another. It seemed an ill omen to treat with a psychopomp, but here they were.

All he could do was react appropriately.

[Pharaoh]

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“As you wish, Mission Commander.” Phocion inclined his head, before barking orders to a few uniformed sentinels who took up positions alongside Hilana and company. Arvælyn turned on his heel and made for the gangway, though he would pause at its summit to allow Hilana to lead the way down, flanking her with his maritus on the opposing side and the sentinel complement behind them.

The striking woman stared blankly at Hilana, silent for a prolonged moment after she’d finished speaking. Eventually, she parted her lips to answer in lightly accented Vallenor, though she'd been addressed in Vastian.

“I am called Thræa. Long has my court awaited the coming of emissaries from Atraxia.” Gesturing back at the cloaked, white-haired figures behind her, Thræa’s voice was steady and calm, firm but cool and stoic as any Luxian princess. There was a rasp to her voice and, rather like Phocion, she did not project beyond what was needed so one might need to strain to hear her over crashing waves and whipping winds.

“Alas, you have been chasing a ghost long deceased. Israxa’s time amongst the living ended millennia ago, but out of her death came renewed life…” She turned toward the harbour and the colossal black dragon wading in its shallows toward the pier.

“It was he who foretold this moment to our ancestors and every generation since.” The dragon, its eyes fixed upon the Solunarian visitors, suddenly dove below the waves that rolled across the harbour. It’s serpentine image, obscured by the grey water, curled toward the dock and seemed to recede into deeper waters. No longer visible, it was unclear whether it continued its course toward the pier as it delved into the depths.

“And it was he whose wisdom and power veiled us from the senses of gods and men and sequestered us until such time as the world was ripe for our return.” The sound of a small splash below the dock could be heard, as a pale, humanoid hand emerged from the waters and gripped the wooden planks.

“At his behest we serve and by his leave I am called Queen of this Court, but he would greet you himself.” That hand pulled a figure up from the waters, soaking wet with dark hair matted over his face, though pointed elven ears clearly protruded from that damp mop. As he lifted his head, Arvælyn’s eyes went wide at the sight of him. It was a face he had only seen in portraiture, though frequently enough that he knew the visage at a glance.

“Phædryn…” The prince rasped in disbelief.

“Næ.” The figure countered with a wry smile, “That name is no longer sufficient. Since Israxa’s investiture revived me from death I am more than Phædryn.” He extended his arms to either side, the water dripping from his naked form as the white-haired figures behind him lowered themselves to one knee.

“All hail the Keeper of Celatium!” Thræa bellowed, “All hail the dragon Phædraxys!”

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[Hilana Chenzira]

Vallenor. Of course, that was what she had heard in Vrontium. It probably would have been smarter to try that language rather than the two that she was most fluent in, but Thraea had seemed to have understand her well enough.. She was at least conversational in it, though perhaps it was time to brush up and make sure she was properly fluent. If they survived this trip and her quest was finally finished successfully, there was bound to be a Sentinel tutor who would not mind helping her with it.

Oh, damn.

Her face didn't fall as she realized she was addressing a Queen, though she did in offer a small, but respectful bow once she explained her title. Not so low as to interrupt her, but enough to acknowledge it. It would have been rude not to - she wasn't of noble status, much less anything higher than that, even if she was an emissary. She needed to act like it. Failure to be polite would not be helpful to the cause. Etzalal returned to Hilana, resting around her bun, and peering at Thraea from there.

When she heard the news that Israxa had long since left this coil, Hilana found herself nodding slowly, her jaw set - she wasn't surprised, truly; Avaerys Himself had said she might well travel to mausoleums. She had at the time assumed that it was because the dragon had passed, but considering one of their spheres of influence was that of Death, perhaps it was somewhere they would be most comfortable. But it did present problems and a trail that ended here. At first she wondered if she was right, that the black dragon who was near was Israxa's offspring or descendant. Perhaps he...

Oh, damn.

She followed Thraea's gaze, still and keeping herself from fidgeting or moving, her hands at her sides. When the figure emerged from the water, her brown eyes got even bigger with shock and surprise. Considering how much of her time over the last few years had been sent researching, the Re'hyaean that emerged from the water, part by part, was recognizable even to her.

Oh, DAMN!

"Your Serene Highness," Hilana bowed low to the devastating Moonborn that stood before them. Lia imitated the gesture, staying silent and otherwise watching. She was here as backup. The younger sister truthfully wasn't entirely sure what title would be appropriate at this point - he wasn't one of the Zalkyrian dynasty, even if he now was a dragon, but he had been one of the Royalty of Solunarium. "It is our honour to meet you." She cut herself off before her mouth ran off with her and she told him just how aptly-earned his nickname, 'the Child of Twists and Turns' was.

Be not bold, be not familiar, be not presumptuous.

She was rather relieved that she had one of each Emblem with her on either side. 'Founders, I hope you are watching,' she thought to herself. Maybe, just maybe, he'd be willing to part with it, if it was here. Or there would be a further journey to make. What was another twist and turn?

[Finn]

Though it didn't show on his face, he was curious how a single dragon could prove so potent against the gods. Zalkyriax was mighty and attended by several others in his court, and certainly Aværys was mindful of his power. Perhaps being trapped within Kaladon, they had been unable to see this place on the edge of their territories.

When it seemed likely that death dragon was a submarine torpedo aimed at them, he quietly prepared to evacuate though it seemed unlikely it would have let them come this close just to attack. But he didn't suppose the Crownwyrm would appreciate another dragon of a different flight crowning a queen on the edges of Atraxia.

When the dragon was near, wearing elven form, water, and nothing else, Arvælyn named him and Finn's eyes widened. Investiture by a dragon was one of the things he hoped for, the better to remain with his husband longer than the years normally allotted a human man. But this was a son of Aværys before him, and so he bowed. Whatever the delicate diplomacy this revelation would require, this one perched far higher upon the Pyramid than did Finn.

His brow began to glow faintly. He didn't channel divine grace for any action, but merely to call the eye of his God here to see his son.

[Pharaoh]

Piercing eyes glanced to Arvælyn’s folded wings, then to Finn’s Empyreal corona before resting on Hilana’s visage.

“What an interesting assemblage.” Phædraxys concluded. “A Platinum Dragonborn of clear Aværyan lineage bearing Mother’s Mark, a non-Vastian human bearing Father’s and… how do you fall into this?” He wondered aloud. Where Thræa had spoken Vallenor, he answered Hilana’s Vastian in that same tongue,

To his rear the apparent courtiers to the Celatian queen looked on quiet and still but for the flow of their windswept garments and hair. To the rear of Hilana and her party the Callidus Victoris quietly levitated.

“There is much to be said, but you are the guests here who have puzzled out the clues and traversed some distance to set foot upon our hitherto secret soil. Surely you have Ambitions in taking so treacherous a trek incognizant to what lay beyond my Veil. Speak them, do…” He gestured broadly and rested back on his left heel as his eyes danced to each member of the party with amused curiosity.

[Hilana Chenzira]

Given permission to speak, she drew a breath and knew not to launch into a complete story that would take hours of Phaedraxys' time and possibly irritate him to the point where it was determined that dragon-fried Hilana was crunchy and tasted great with spicy hummus. "We travelled to Auris and made a pilgrimage to Mount Kaladon," Hilana began. "Where my companions impressed the Founders and were granted Their Emblems, I received a Quest from His Divine Radiance. I was asked what I wanted, and I said I wanted to find a way to return the dragons to Solunarium. They gave me the task of finding the Zalkyrian Horn that was stolen from the Rex Regum." Cleaved by Arcas, stolen by Melindranovion, pursued and retrieved by Israxa. She knew where that dragon's investiture was, and perhaps it was waiting to be claimed by someone who was worthy of it.

But Melindranovion was only one part of this journey, one piece of the puzzle. And this search had taken time. That had involved travel across the continent, beyond the safety of their borders where the Sceptre of Avaerys had shone in the sky. That had involved Finn and Khyan being grievously wounded. That had led to a temporary pause to her quest until the Eclipse ceased to be a factor.

Which, of course, had led to her investigating the Crystal Tree of the North, and the Crystal Tower to the West, because Hilana knew that if something needed to be done, she needed to get off her shapely posterior and get it done. Only when light had returned to the world had they continued on. Discussing Phaedryn's poetry with a rather learned Pater and Cithaera Princeps had led to visiting Vrontium, and now, here. She stood before an ancient, legendary Re'hyaean, who was in fact the leader of the white-haired secretive people.

"There has been a great many twists and turns, but they have led us here, Dominus." Queen Thraea had said Israxa was long since gone, and that made this her last known location. Her investiture had returned Phaedryn to life, and probable immortality considering what skills the Moonborn before them possessed. "I would imagine that a Mage of your calibre to have been able to Veil Celatium in such a manner would have the Horn hidden so well that no one can find it unless you will it."