Author: Jesgil, Posted: Thu Nov 16, 2017 2:01 PM, Post Subject: scales and Wraps [PR]

In Nofre-Ari's eyes, Vinsue was a lucky woman, breaking through the walls before they became too unstable, creating the barrier between the realms. She pushed her luck too close for comfort for what could only had been mere trinkets, considering none of what she had were visible on her person. To Jesgil, though, all she could do was sigh in relief to see everyone made it out safe.

"I do not think now would be the time to sleep," Nofre brought up as Vinsue laid her dragon head down. "After all, undead or not, the desert can be a harsh environment, easy to take the lives away from those not careful. It would be sad to see a life pass away from such a trivial matter." Nofre-ari's body began to glow along with the artifact that summoned her, stating her time was nearly up. "For now, we should seek out a town and recover. Many of you have become drained from such harsh conditions." She even turned to Jesgil specifically, stating, "Take a vacation. A good week to yourself to relax and not worry about others. It shall do you good," before completely vanishing, a loud, snapping lock echoing from Jesgil's pocket as the sphinx puzzle reset itself.

While she could like to ride Nofre to a safe haven, she knew they would have a march before them. Using her axe to pull herself up, Jesgil asked them, "So then, are we ready to go?"

Author: Vinsue, Posted: Mon Nov 13, 2017 9:58 PM, Post Subject: scales and Wraps [PR]

Vinsue was quick to cut the hand and again start running. Her heart was pounding as the walls started to turn to sand. she knew she did not have the time to get out but that was not what concerned her. She fully hoped that either the gods could help her out or that her child would start to cry for her and in turn summon her out. She just hoped the others made it but could never be too sure. Approaching were the stairs were she stopped. They had been blocked by the collapsing temple. She was officially trapped and slowly started to panic. She ran from wall to wall but like before had found no way out.

Aqua sat and watched as the opening caved in and the pyramid started to turn to sand. She watched for her mom to come out like she said. "I will make it out when you do," she said just like Vinsue. she started walking back and forth as she noticed the others start to talk of her mother and greed. The pets seemed not to care which upset her more. She laid down and started to cry without more than a sharp inhale every few seconds. Her tears and worry turned to anger directed towards Sidra. "You not know that, you not dragon. She hurt so she fixed pain" she said angerly. She then turned and sat down as she again watched the pyramid. 

Inside Vinsue shifted forms to her full-sized self. She started running at the walls at full speed. As one started to slowly give way she backed up and repeated untell the wall fell she jumped and spread her wings taking flight to the outside world. She landed not far away and collapsed. She had used all her energy and strength to get out. She closed her eyes ready to sleep.

Author: Kazahana, Posted: Mon Nov 13, 2017 6:13 PM, Post Subject: scales and Wraps [PR]

Bursting forth from the crumbling entrance, the dream-walker and her two companions were out of breath. Collapsing to her knees, Sidra was breathing heavily as they slumped together into a pile. The shaking was still on-going, but now they could see the scale of its destruction. What had seemed an impenetrable, indestructible structure was falling apart like the sands it had risen from. Sliding off the sphinx's back, Gale looked in awe as the sandstone structure was caving in level by level. The greenish tint of the skies was fading, and the overcast gloominess made way for the sun. The ruby's light waned, then extinguished. Mummies which would have swarmed them started disintegrating to dust. All of Aysut, not just the pyramid was vanishing before their eyes.

The horrors of a dead city were leaving this world. The three watched in silence. As quickly it had arisen, so did it leave. Aysut would be no more, the lich's attempts a failure. The massive energy from the enchanted construction was being released and dispersed in every direction; something anyone could sense. Relief washed over them all, and Gale hugged them both. "We've made it out…we're alive." But then she realized someone was missing. "Where is Vinsue? Sidra wasn't she with you?" Gale asked. The sphinx's face went stiff and hackles rose. "…She was consumed by her own foolish greed. I told her it was collapsing, but like a typical dragon she couldn't leave her precious baubles be." Asha confirmed it. "Yes, that is the truth. Sidra became worried when the ground began to crack beneath us, and immediately went to find you. She was afraid that you would be hurt. Fortunately we were reunited before the sands ran out of the hourglass." 

Looking back at the shrinking structure, Gale struggled internally. She wanted to go back and save her, but how could she? Perhaps the gods could pull her out, they were able of doing such a thing–right? That was the little light of hope she held within her heart. If the gods were watching over them, then surely they knew when they were in need. But if she was not able to be saved…then the most the girl could do was offer up a prayer that the stars in the skies would light her way to the celestial realm. 

Author: Jesgil, Posted: Mon Nov 13, 2017 5:44 PM, Post Subject: scales and Wraps [PR]

Nofre-ari was the first to escape the pyramid, her running and bumping causing Jesgil to stir into a drowsy state as Nofre stood a good distance away. "Huh…?" she muttered, looking up to see the stone structure falling into itself as four other figures made a move towards the exit. "Tharn?" She questioned as she looked down. "W-what is happening?" The sphinx explained to her what started to happen as the pyramid fell into itself, and by that time, they were joined by the four that were seen earlier: Gale, Sidra, Asha, and… Aqua… "Wait… where is Vinsue?" She muttered, just to be answered with a sigh.

"That fool," Nofre-ari muttered. "She best not be letting that draconian greed get the best of her! We don't even know of Lady Dalanesca would be able to get her out after the place has collapsed."

"What?" Jesgil stated, working her way off the sphinx, though it was more her unceremoniously landing roughly on the sand, struggling to get her legs up. "We— we have to help… her…" she muttered, trying to push herself back to her feet.

"That, I cannot allow!" Was barked at her with force. "If we cannot get out ourselves, what makes you think we can get in to get her out?! Especially in your shape… The doorway will only be open for a couple more minutes. The only way you can get to him is to be able to use Gate Magic, which only works when you know you will not be going into the middle of a wall." While the truth hurt her, she had to accept it as she slid back down into the sand.

Author: Vinsue, Posted: Thu Nov 9, 2017 7:50 PM, Post Subject: scales and Wraps [PR]

Vinsue almost fell agenst the wall when the ground shook. Aqua whimpered at the sudden change in vinsues walk. "Aqua its ok we'll get out. We will be ok." They had to get to the others and they had to get out. She sat into a run only stopping when she saw the group. When she turned to help get them out she almost screamed with the pain. She stopped and held her head fully knowing why. "Aqua go with them and help them out." She said aqua made a series of sounds. "I will make it out when you do. Now we do not have time go." Aqua jumped off her shoulder and looked at her before joining the others.

Vinsue did not stay or say anything ealce before braking into a run up the stairs and through the maze of coffins. Many of them oppen and there contents slinged out but unmoving. At the end was a room with one well decorated coffin. In it was a necklace that resembled the beetles that bit her when they intered. That was what called her. She quickly pulled it off and placed it into her bag. On the wall were charms like jackals with a small jim in there necks. She grabbed them, than turned. She again started running more or less jumping from one top to another. Again the ground shook making her fall. She got up and again started moving but one of the dead had her on the foot.

Author: Kazahana, Posted: Thu Nov 9, 2017 10:07 AM, Post Subject: scales and Wraps [PR]

The shaking started, but somehow it felt like it was more than a tremor. Something, Gale wasn't sure what, was getting distorted. As Jesgil still lay unconscious, Nofre-ari spoke: "I need a favor from you, Madam Gale. Help get Lady Jesgil on my back. She is too drained to get up and do it herself. Be sure to summon your companions with that dragon as well. Time is–" The shaking intensified, and the walls were cracking in all directions. Even the ground was giving way! Just as the sphinx exclaimed, this place was built by magic and when that magic was no longer present–it would fall in on itself. There was no time to lose.

Gale grabbed Jesgil and pulled with all her might to bring her to the sphinx, and pushed the half-blood dragon onto Nofre-ari's back. Taking her sash, she tied the woman by the waist to the sphinx the best she could, hoping it would help keep her from falling off. The others were too far from them, she wouldn't be able to send Bahadur to warn them in time. "Please, hurry out with Jesgil! I will try to warn the others!" Running, she hoped that she would be able to make it in time. 

Back at the sealed chamber, Sidra rolled her eyes when the dragon accused her of intentionally leading them to a trap. How was she supposed to know what was behind that door? Did she look like she could see through walls? Typical dragon, prioritizing themselves and their greed. Then, the walls and floor began to quake violently. "What? What's going on?!" The walls were crumbling, and she didn't need a second glance to know they had to run. "The pyramid is collapsing! …Gale!" Very rarely did she ever refer to the girl by her name, but for once the sphinx was afraid. She ran back down the hall they had come from, and the phoenix followed too. People always spoke about how animals had a natural sense when it came to disasters. Whether or not such rumors were true, the place was falling apart.

"Sidra! Asha! Can you hear me?" Gale shouted as she tried to find where they had gone. All she knew was that they took a specific passage, but how far were they? She was about to turn back when she heard the sphinx's voice and they nearly collided. "We can save our heartfelt reunion for later, we need to run!" Sidra chastised before slinging the girl over onto her back. They dashed through the disintegrating sandstone passages as rubble was falling all around them. "I see daylight! The entrance–over there!" The phoenix cried.

Author: Jesgil, Posted: Wed Nov 8, 2017 8:23 PM, Post Subject: scales and Wraps [PR]

The sphinx nodded in agreement with Gale, acknowledging her mindset. "Sidra is lucky to have you as her guide," Nofre-ari commented before looking up in the air. Her tail turned still quickly, as things did not feel right… the air… it was was not still… heavy twisted… something was not right. "I need a favor from you, Madam Gale," the sphinx declared, urgency in her voice to make No not an option. "Help get Lady Jesgil on my back. She is too drained to get up and do it herself. Be sure to summon your companions with that dragon as well. Time is–"

A quake rumbled through the temple as the walls started to melt and twist. "Like it or not, we are in a magically-forged temple. One that has grown unstable and is collapsing! If anyone is still inside when the last open to the outside world closes, they will be trapped here until the next time it is summoned, which can be an eternity. A fate I do not wish upon anyone, as it is worse than death itself. Now, hurry and get her on me. You are free to ride as well."

All that mattered now was how fast the beings inside could react as well as if those daring enough would challenge any treasure at that risk.

Author: Vinsue, Posted: Sat Nov 4, 2017 10:58 PM, Post Subject: scales and Wraps [PR]

Of course the lion would not answer but she did not care. Here eyes blinked and stopped glowing as she looked at the others a frown on her face. 

"Its a trap and i have a filling you knew that." She was looking at the sphinx. Sidra should be able to read the walls and at this point Vinsue would not put that past her. "It is eassy to get in. Just press the button on the wall. The one on the far right." They could take her at her word or not she did not care. She simply turned and started walking back to the others. The human and half blood was way better company than the sphinx and they were closer to where she needed to be. 

The call connection with whatever treasure awaited was starting to time out per say and would only start hurting her more. The longer the whait the worce the pain, the worce the pain the more determined she would be and the more snappy she would become. She did not mean to be that way and did not want to be that way to the others but untell the treasure was in her hand the call would not stop.

Author: Kazahana, Posted: Fri Nov 3, 2017 10:48 PM, Post Subject: scales and Wraps [PR]

As Jesgil finally was able to rest in peace, the sphinx asked the dream-walker of what she would do. Watching the half-blooded dragon drift off to sleep, she looked back at Nofre-ari. "Yes, that is what I wish to do. The glory of adventure and mystery matter not. Rather, it is the bonds between companions which are more precious. Silver and gold are plenty, but the company of good friends is rarer still." Glancing at the passage which the three who had left had entered, she continued. "There will be plenty more times in the days ahead to experience adventures. One must know when to rest when they have the opportunity."

In the chamber far into the pyramid, both the phoenix and sphinx watched as the dragon sought the direction of the treasure she was looking for. Back when they led Vinsue to the sealed door, the dragon had asked Sidra why she was angry with her. The sphinx didn't answer, or rather decided she did not deserve one. She was not angry, rather merely annoyed. And if the dragon could not tell the difference, then there was no reason for Sidra to expect her to understand anything else. Asha was more forgiving, but had no means to assist with whatever Vinsue needed. Both were at a distance from where Vinsue was now, the sphinx growing bored by the minute. Stretching herself out, Sidra began to inspect her claws. She would let the dragon claim her treasure, then leave with the human girl. Her only interests were vested in Gale, and their safety. 

Author: Jesgil, Posted: Fri Nov 3, 2017 9:04 AM, Post Subject: scales and Wraps [PR]

Jesgil watched with flickering eyes as Vinsue, Sidra, and Asha took off to examine what they had found, working her hardest to keep awake, once again, leaving Jesgil and Nofre-ari together with Gale. At least this time, they would not be interrupted by the sudden forces on ink soldiers. "I'm… sorry…" she muttered to Gale as she fought the losing battle to keep awake. "I… am… holding… you… ba–" Her words were unfinished as exhaustion finally took its final toll on her as her head drooped forward and her body became limp.

Nofre-Ari looked away from Jesgil and towards Gale after she had fallen under. "What do you plan to do now? Do you simply wish to stay here by her side as the rest of them seek out the glory of adventure and mystery?"

Author: Vinsue, Posted: Wed Nov 1, 2017 2:40 PM, Post Subject: scales and Wraps [PR]

It was ovious the girl needed sleep and a lot of it, Vinsue hopped that the sleep was what made her think like that. Even a half blood should not be a servant. There was no use in trying to convince her of anything until she was better. It would be better to let her rest. Not that she cared but she did not want the other sphinx upset at her too. 

"I'm commming" she said to Asha, than followed. She at first tryed to figure out what she did to get on the lions nurves. Once they finally stopped she looked at the wall than at the sphinx. "First off why are you mad at me?" She said. 

After a minute she looked back at the wall. Though she could not read it it seemed to be of no help. Slowly she reached out and touched the wall. On contact she stopped moving as her eyes started to glow. She stayed that way for a while. Aqua climbed back into the pack. 

Author: Kazahana, Posted: Mon Oct 30, 2017 6:48 PM, Post Subject: scales and Wraps [PR]

"You should rest. If what happened was a result of overexertion, then forcing yourself further isn't going to improve your condition." Sidra stated flatly. "Since we've all gathered together again, the phoenix and I will lead Vinsue to the chamber we discovered. Though I wouldn't raise my hopes too high; this entire location is in essence a magical construct. Whatever has been left here could just as likely be a mere illusion. Unfortunately with magic illusions can be even more deadly than the genuine article." The sphinx continued, throwing a glance at the full-dragon. It was easy to see that sphinxes and dragons did not often get along. While the mystical beasts with eagle wings and lion-like bodies prized knowledge and wisdom above all else, this mindset put them at odds with the innate nature of dragons to collect treasures. Naturally Sidra did not think much of Vinsue, if her attitude did not make this clear. Sphinxes found the company of own kind slightly more tolerable than that of dragons.

"Stay safe, Asha and Sidra. Should I send the cats with you?" Gale asked. She held out a small statuette made from metal which fit in her palm. It was in the shape of two cats sitting beside each other, one in silver and one in gold. The sphinx paused, then approached to take it. "You still have that war elephant with you, so I'll accept it this time." It was also apparent that their lion-like features were not just for show, as they also possessed the pride associated with the animal. "Come, follow after us." Asha beckoned to Vinsue, flying slowly in the direction of the path she and Sidra took earlier. 

Gale stayed behind with Jesgil, waving to her companions as they disappeared down the corridor. The two beasts led Vinsue down a narrow hall, pausing before the traps. They moved through them one by one, as they had not changed since the last time they went through. At the end of the path was the sealed chamber Sidra had spoken of, with hieroglyphic symbols and pictures on the walls around it. There were those strange yellow bar-shaped figures, and people moving them. The depictions were very vague as they didn't provide much clues as to what exactly the 'bars' were. The door was a simple stone slab. Either glory or ruin awaited them within. "Here it is. Well? What are you planning to do?" Came the sphinx's question. She laid down a few paces away from the chamber, leaning her head on one of her paws.

Author: Jesgil, Posted: Mon Oct 30, 2017 12:36 PM, Post Subject: scales and Wraps [PR]

Jesgil had a blank stare in her eyes as Gale tried to comfort her… She was confused about what had occurred! For all she knew, there were many enemy forces coming out of the walls, placing Gale and Nofre-ari in danger… and then… and then… What even happened? Jesgil slugged her hand to her forehead, trying to think about what event s happened afterwards…. Yet… everything became blank. All she had left was a pain in her head and a numb body that placed her where she was.

"First… time?" she mumbled, trying once more to push herself up, yet once again fell over once again, a pained groan escaping her lips. "I would hope not… After all, a maid… should treat her clients as such treasures. A duty to make sure they are cared for and safe during their time of employment…" Instead of pulling herself up again, she rolled herself up onto her sphinx's paw, who worked her to rest on the side of the stairs that fell over. When she was stable, she placed her paw on the draconian's head before muttering under his breath, closing the wound on her head from the massive impact. "Thank you…" she muttered before looking up at the two of them.

"I… I think this time here has been too much for me… Over a week of trying to hold off the undead at the camp… constantly calling upon my power… The nights have been restless…" In fact, she would rather get some more sleep right now, but they had to push forward…

Author: Vinsue, Posted: Sun Oct 29, 2017 1:46 PM, Post Subject: scales and Wraps [PR]

Vinsue sat down and laid her glave across her lap as she listened to the different tails of what happened. "They must have some really valuable stuff to go through the trouble of all those traps and enchantments. There was only a pit trap my way. They had some buttons at the bottom of it each with different symbols. I pressed one but nothing but a lot of noise happened." she said looking around than closing her eyes. the call had returned to her what she came for was up but she did want to know what was in the chamber the other two had found. she opened her eyes and looked at the half-blood. "Was that the first time you protected your treasure?" She asked.

"a treasure being something that will not live as long as you is always a dangerous thing. Depression from a dead or lost treasure has killed many of our kind. Your body is recovering from the over excursion of protecting your friend." she said, remembering when she lost her mate and when she lost her parent. she had been unwilling to even fly or hunt both times. it took others to bring her out of that state both times. she shook the memories and got up. "What I came for is upstairs." she simply said. 

Author: Kazahana, Posted: Wed Oct 25, 2017 8:04 PM, Post Subject: scales and Wraps [PR]

Gale had been waiting for Jesgil to awaken, keeping herself from drifting off to sleep like she normally would have. Come over to her, she sat on the ground and placed her hands on Jesgil's. "Nofre-ari told me why you acted as you did. There is no need to ask for forgiveness. Please don't worry so much. I will do my best to keep myself safe from now on." Asha picked up on what the girl was implying and alighted from her perch. Settling down on Gale's shoulder, the phoenix spoke. "I can attest to this. Though she is but a child, she is not as frail as her gentle demeanor might imply. Her meekness hides strength; and a heart which burns steadily and brightly like a flame."

Now that they were all present, Sidra cleared her throat to get their attention. "I hope you all didn't have too much trouble while we were briefly separated. The phoenix and I found a path which leads to a sealed chamber. There were hieroglyphs on the walls nearby which we assumed bore relevance to the room's contents, however there wasn't much for us to draw conclusions from. The traps along the way were quicksand, trapdoors, and wall pikes. Perhaps we were a bit lucky." Retrieving her sash back from Jesgil, Gale folded it and put it away. "We were attacked while all of you were exploring the paths." The dream-walker said. "The very images on the walls came to life and began to assail us, and when they perished they crumbled into dust. I have never seen such enchantment before…" This pyramid was certainly an oddity. It was like a physical object created from magic. 

Author: Jesgil, Posted: Wed Oct 25, 2017 7:02 PM, Post Subject: scales and Wraps [PR]

It was a short while after Vinsue returned did the maid begin to stir, a low groan escaping her lips as she tried to push herself upwards. However, it seemed the weight of her own body was that of an anvil and found herself quickly falling back other. "T-this is strange…" he sound herself saying, muffled underneath the blanket. "Why is it so difficult to feel my fingers? Everything feels so numb…" As her eyes adjusted, she saw the glow emanating from her open wounds on her arm, eyes growing wide as panicked breath echoed in the room.

It was Nofre-ari who removed the blanket from her head, exposing her top end, showing off her silver hair with red tips and closing wounds to everyone in the area. "I see you have awoken," the sphinx stated. "You should not drive yourself so hard. Use this moment to relax." The sphinx's eyes stared down at her with no remorse. "After all, what is one who walks like a man, but thinks like a demon?" It felt the area quiet for a bit before Jesgil chuckled.

"A demon?" she repeated. "Now isn't that a bit harsh for ensuring the safety of others?"

"Fine then. How about this: What is a man willing to save everyone but themselves?"

"I get you," she muttered before her eyes looked up to Gale. "I would bow and ask for forgiveness about my actions, but it seems like I cannot get up for the moment…"

Author: Vinsue, Posted: Sun Oct 22, 2017 4:44 PM, Post Subject: scales and Wraps [PR]

Aqua was stating to worry about Vinsue. She sat by the entrance of the one tunnel and looked down it. She whimpered than went and laid beside Jesgil but kept watching for her mom to return.

Vinsue was having some truble digging out but at the scratch that finally broke through she was relieved. It was actually eassy to dig once she broke through but her pore claws would need a lot of care to be what they where. 

She let her wings dissapear before squeezeing through the hole and sat on the other side. Her arms hurt and legs where tired but she was out and had to get back to the group. She had to summon her boots and put them on before summenceing her glaive. 

A heavy dust causeing her to calf and made her weary of what she may find. Will to get back to her child and the group was all that kept her from resting. She walked back to the group to find that everyone elce was there and only the girl with dragon blood was asleep. Everyone else looked ok. Aqua of course was quick to climb onto vinsue's shoulder before she started to relay what happened through yaps and whistles.

Author: Kazahana, Posted: Sun Oct 22, 2017 3:44 PM, Post Subject: scales and Wraps [PR]

"Ah…I see." So using it too much was dangerous for her, lest she lose herself. She did not know much about dragons, but from what she had read in Master Rushaad's book of pictures, they were very strong and were protective of their treasures. They would even fight tooth and nail if it meant their treasures were safe and sound. This made the girl both happy and saddened. She was happy, as it meant Jesgil saw her as someone to be treasured in her eyes. However because of her heritage, it meant she would have difficulty keeping herself in check. She did not know how to change this, or if it could be changed. The most she could do, would be to aim to do her part and keep Jesgil from worrying. 

She sat where she was, looking up at the ceiling as the greenish lights flickered across. Deep in contemplation, she believed that perhaps it was because she appeared weaker than she was that such thoughts were in the woman's mind. When she would awake, Gale told herself that she would reassure her not to worry so much anymore. The sound of flapping wings heralded the arrival of Asha and Sidra. "You've returned! Are you both well?" The dream-walker asked. "We were quite lucky. The traps were fairly simple, and we reached a locked chamber of sorts. There's a possibility that it might hold treasure, or just a group of waiting sarcophagi. Where's that other woman?" Sidra said, noting that they were one person short.

"She hasn't returned. I thought she would come back with you." Gale said, uncertainty in her voice. "Perhaps we should wait?" "That would be prudent. Is Jesgil still resting? When she awakens, we will recount our experiences along the path we took." Asha settled down on a broken piece of sandstone rubble, preening her fiery wings. Sidra took a seat as well, noting the piles of dust on the floor. "It seems you weren't left without being harassed while we were away." 

Author: Jesgil, Posted: Sat Oct 21, 2017 3:44 PM, Post Subject: scales and Wraps [PR]

"Not resistance. In face, the other way around," the sphinx referred. "Think of how it would be in an overturned hourglass. The opening is small, so it can be handled at a decent pace, and may be even to stop. However, the more she calls forth this power, the more the the hole opens, and the more the same can flow through. At a certain point, it becomes nearly impossible to stop the sand from flowing before you find yourself buried in it. However, it seemed we found a way to halt its flow and reverse the hourglass… or maybe the force found us."

Stepping to the other side of Jesgil, Nofre-ari laid down before looking at her, watching the many gaps in her arms glow green as they sealed up through the magic artifact. She looked like she was knocked into a pretty deep sleep, but for all they knew, she needed it. "It may be possible, but I have my doubts. There are many children of man and dragon, but most take shape of a lizard-like being standing your size. If anything, the amount of human she shows could be questionable if it were not silver dragons loving to be with other humans, feeling free to guise themselves in such forms to be with them without fear.

"The biggest worry is what she said." Looking over at Gale, she told her, "She called you a treasure. Something she must protect. While her profession would ask to make sure her master or mistress is alright, you were heightened to the level of treasure, and when it comes to most tales, no one should try to get between a dragon and their treasure."

Author: Vinsue, Posted: Sat Oct 21, 2017 1:58 PM, Post Subject: scales and Wraps [PR]

Vinsue felt around the walls as she looked for a way out. It took a lot of will for her not to panic or crumble. She sat down and thought of how she may get back out. 
"Can't call for this stone absorbs the sound" the stone was a mix of sandstone that would make it hard to get sound through but this stone is eassy to chisel away.

The thought of how to get out struck her. She untied and removed here boots. Vinsue placed the fire glaive bedside it. Her claws grew from  her now talon like hands and feet. Like a lizzerd, she climed wall. She used her back feet to stay as she started digging at the top. Though the stone was soft this was going to take a bit of time and work.

Author: Kazahana, Posted: Sat Oct 21, 2017 12:21 PM, Post Subject: scales and Wraps [PR]

Gale felt her hands and feet grow cold as she saw Jesgil's face. Something was terribly wrong, the woman was not herself. She had become more like a beast. The dream-walker began to feel her legs stiffen and move back out of instinct in response to danger. The girl wanted to run, but wasn't sure if she had anywhere to run to if the half-blood were to attack. The thing which had been Jesgil began to speak in an unknown tongue, breathing ice and baring fangs. When something suddenly fell from above, Gale ducked and covered her head with her hands. There was a crash and a thud, and she curled herself up tight. When all went silent, she carefully peered through the settling dust. 

She saw Jesgil lying on the ground, unconscious. She was sure it was her, as she recognized the feet. Bahadur began to flicker, fading away as he was no longer needed. Hesitantly, she stood and walked over slowly to where Jesgil lay. A small gasp of relief escaped her as Gale saw she was herself once more. But where her body had changed, terrible wounds were present. Quietly bringing the sash she had given to the woman before the drawn images attacked, she draped it over the unconscious half-blood like a blanket. Warmth and healing would flow into her as the sash's power did its work.

Gale sat not too far away, pulling out a small glass bottle of starlight. There were times like these when her heart was troubled, but she had no solution to give to it. Setting it on the ground before her, she watched as the purple glow began to push out the green light of the torches. Shapes of stars and unknown constellations began to move on the walls, giving her a sense of peace. She looked up at Nofre-ari when she commented on Jesgil's strange behavior. "So an enchantment has been placed upon her? If what you say is true, then calling upon her power causes resistance against this seal. It would be like if there are two strong men, grappling one another. If one gains ground, then there is imbalance." She thought about this for a while, thinking over to when they told each other something about themselves. "I remember… Jesgil said only her father was a dragon. Is this due to bearing dual heritage? Dragons are quite powerful beasts, so perhaps since she only bears half of a dragon's blood she has difficulty containing it?"

Meanwhile Asha and Sidra had better luck traversing their passage. They found another room, this one leading to a large ornate stone door. Inspecting the glyphs, Sidra twitched her lion's tail in thought. "These pictographs here, by inference I'd assume that this was either a storehouse or a morgue. It can go either way, really as I can't tell if those shapes are gold ingots or sarcophagi." "Trapped nevertheless." Asha said, flying around the room. "Of course. I think we've kept them waiting long enough. I wasn't too fond of the girl telling us to leave her and the injured woman behind. Maybe that pale-haired woman has returned too." Sidra said, turning back to leave the newly-discovered area.

Author: Jesgil, Posted: Sat Oct 21, 2017 11:06 AM, Post Subject: scales and Wraps [PR]

Gale's voice caught the shifted ear of the Draconian's. causing her to turn her attention towards her. However, her face was much more different than before. Not only did her eyes shine like a near-gold shine in the green flames, but her jaw was now pushed out more than it had been before, no longer flat with her cheeks. As she drew breath, she exhales small waves of ice as her teeth were reforming more into fangs. The top of her crimson hair was also shining silver, and the rear-end of her maid outfit began to rustle, as if something found itself underneath.

"T-t-trea–susre…" she spoke in Draconian tongue. "M-Must… protect… t-trea–sure…" It was almost as she was entranced by something. One that made her not pay attention to the falling staircase that crushed most of the remaining ink soldiers, leaving only one in the room as Jesgil was knocked away from the falling force, causing her to strike her head on the wall and fall over unconscious. The moment she was out, her body started to reshape itself again to a more human look, though leaving open wounds from where the scales were pushing out completely.

"Very strange," Nofre-ari stated. "To think that she lost control of such a power like that. Maybe it is not as natural as it seems." With the sphinx's eyes looking her over, she added, "It may be possible that her chant is affecting a seal placed upon her. She has been using it so much, that the power started t overflow and take over. A trait I have never heard before when it comes to metallic dragons. But then comes this question: Why have the seal in the first place?"

Author: Vinsue, Posted: Thu Oct 19, 2017 10:21 AM, Post Subject: scales and Wraps [PR]

As vinsue got farther away she got a filling something was wrong but kept going. She keep looking at the walls untell she tripped on a lose stone in the floor and fell into a pit. The wind nocked out of her as she landed on her back on the floor. The door above her closed. 

Once she again had breath she said outch as she sat up. "Hay guys can you oppen the hatch." She said glad her glaive and thr light it produced. She got up and started looking around for a way out or up. The pit was two wide and smooth to climb out and two narrow to fly. She looked around and noticed 3 simbles eatch on there own squares. She couldn't read them but had a instinct filling to press the middle one.

Sounds eckoed but nothing seamed to happen. At least nothing in the pit. But a staircase back at the 4 way split would fall from the ruff of the path that took the groop to the split. Vin desided not to try anny other buttons. 

Author: Kazahana, Posted: Tue Oct 17, 2017 9:02 PM, Post Subject: scales and Wraps [PR]

"The garuda flies on feathered wings, high and lofty do they rise. In his hand he holds the sabers of the Lord of Winds, in his feet the arrows that strike evil. Ah Preserver of Balance, restore life to the withered lotus flower–unwind the cycle of life which hath become twisted. Your enemies shall fall like rain to the earth and be devoured by the land."

With each step and turn she spoke the olden rhyme, of texts which were held by sages. Their words retold the tales and legends of the dawn of man, and the mighty who shaped the world. Gale sang as her katars cleaved through the pictograph men, reducing them to dust. Each motion made swift and fluid like the wind, each dodge and parry like a dance. Bahadur assisted Nofre-ari through use of his presence, and the enemy numbers were falling. The dream-walker was now in a trance, a state of serenity. 

"Padma, the eternal blooming flower; blessed be thy name. Thy fragrance fills a thousand palaces and graces the kinnara of heaven. Thou pacify the raging beast and bring joy to the sorrowful and heavyhearted. Thy beauty will never fade until heaven and earth become one…" 

 Soon there were only a few of the enchanted drawings brought to life remaining. The dust upon the ground did not return to the walls, and they remained blank once the images were destroyed. Bahadur's spectral form began to fade as the threat was diminished. However, there was a new concern among them. Jesgil, who had been at rest was now again on the battlefield, acting with a fierce and resolute intent. This was unlike the genial warmth shown from the woman before. It was colder, more possessive. It was enough to draw the young girl from her trance to notice. She looked to the woman's sphinx, Nofre-ari. Unsure of what to do, she stayed where she was. "…Jesgil?" She asked, hesitantly. She had no understanding of what was happening, nor was she aware of the effects of bearing a dragon's blood.

Author: Jesgil, Posted: Tue Oct 17, 2017 7:18 PM, Post Subject: scales and Wraps [PR]

Jesgil watched as the figures pulled themselves from the old, dusty walls, struggling to keep up as their bodies gained depth to support themselves within this world. Slowly they took form, but once they were solid, they were quick to act, striking the imposing elephant spirit with no results from their actions. One by one, the numbers come forth, but at the very least, there were a set amount of numbers for the duo and their allies to handle. After all, they were bodies that have taken form from the walls that decorated the room, and none formed from any of the nearby hallways. Once all units from a wall was taken out, no more took shape. There was a limit.

Nofre-ari was quick to aid the other side of the battlefield, swiping and roaring at the artful spirits before them, trying to intimidate them, though was not effective in scare tactics and having to deal with a number of weapons. Everyone was fighting back the sudden forces… everyone but her… It felt miserable… like she was being useless. Then get up… Her eyes seemed to have lost her joyous light as she picked up the whelp and setting it aside before pushing herself to her feet. Defeat those who dare challenge you. She stepped away from Tillan and towards one of the wall warriors, silver scales now tearing through the skin of her arm slightly as if trying to coat her on the outside, not inside.

Defend your treasures.

With talon-like nails, Jesgil was quick to take the head of one of the enemy forces and slamming its head into the wall, causing the entire figure to turn to ancient ink before spraying on the floor as dust. Her eyes showed no remorse. No smile to keep those around her comforted. She stared at those as if a dragon was protecting its horde… and only death would keep them away.

Author: Kazahana, Posted: Wed Oct 11, 2017 1:58 PM, Post Subject: scales and Wraps [PR]

From the wall, the images of people in the mural began to move, then a strange haze came across it as one of them began to emerge from it. It resembled a living copy of the hieroglyphic depiction, armed with a spear and curved khopesh. More and more were coming out from the painting and Gale was both worried and confused. "Are the pictures coming to life?" Jesgil was still recovering from overexertion, and her two companions were already scouting ahead. Without Sidra and Asha, they would soon be cornered. There was only one companion she had left–Bahadur. Clasping her hands together she called for him. "Please, come help us Bahadur!" The armed hieroglyphs were soon met by the spectral force of a massive war elephant ramming into them. The deafening trumpet of the ghostly beast's cry shook the sandstone chamber. He was not able to physically bar the way like the phoenix or sphinx, but he acted as he had in life. 

The war elephant provided a good distraction for the pictograph-men. Their spears did nothing as he had no solid form, and Gale prepared herself to take over the battle once they lost interest. Summoning her katars, she began channeling the air around her. In a closed space like this, she could use it to her advantage. "Bahadur and I will keep them away, efendi! We will return them to the walls they came from!" She shouted as she sprang towards one of the group.

Author: Jesgil, Posted: Wed Oct 11, 2017 12:40 PM, Post Subject: scales and Wraps [PR]

Jesgil's breath was rough as she tried to focus herself, her hands occasionally feeling her arms, throat and face. The scales were reducing away much slower than before. She also had no real way to see how much silver in her hair was now showing as well. She had been pushing herself so hard ever since she arrived… and she hated that feeling.

"I am sorry for my signs of weakness," she found herself saying as Gale gave her company, her hand petting over the whelp's head, as if it was more of a cat in her lap. "For me, using my power can be more taxing than expected… and dangerous." Looking up at Gale, she had not realized that pushing so much power had also caused her eyes to grow golden, slitting at the light from the green flames. "You see, my power is bounded by my dragon blood. Blood that comes from tales of dangerous beasts from folklore. Its a fearsome and devastating power…. One I always try to avoid falling for. I always feel myself change whenever I use it… In more ways than one."

As she spoke, her eyes caught sight of a shift in the room, her eyes suddenly snapping in that direction. Something moved… but was not there… was it… the glyphs? Did they always stand in that position?

Author: Kazahana, Posted: Tue Oct 10, 2017 8:21 AM, Post Subject: scales and Wraps [PR]

"Jesgil?" Gale heard her voice was unsteady, and turned to see the armored woman almost fall. Vinsue was quick to respond, and helped her lean against the wall to rest. The little dragonling then went to sit on the woman's lap so she wouldn't be by herself. She couldn't do much else, but reaching into her bag she pulled out a neatly folded sash. It shimmered lightly as it was unfolded, and the young dream-walker wrapped it around the half-blood dragon's shoulders. "Please keep this with you until you feel better." Watching Vinsue check one the passages, she decided to sit awhile and stay with Jesgil. "Asha, Sidra–Can you go with Vinsue? I wish to stay here for a while." The sphinx was hesitant, but agreed. "Very well, then remain here until we return."

The phoenix and sphinx went after Vinsue, leaving the whelp and the two behind. It was quiet, aside from the sound of breathing. The green flames flickered as they cast their light, giving an eeriness to the atmosphere. Idly looking at the walls, she thought she saw some of the pictures move. Blinking she wondered if she was just tired and was seeing things.

Author: Vinsue, Posted: Mon Oct 9, 2017 10:04 PM, Post Subject: scales and Wraps [PR]

It was ovious the girl was not doing well, and Vinsue was quick to help the girl to the wall and summoned a full water skin and gave it to Jesgil. "Drink and rest we will scout ahead and return with the news on what is ahead." She stood up and looked over the pathways. No path stood out and the call was silent. "Aqua stay and keep Jesgil safe. Tillan i'm sure it is best she has a guardian and gets some rest." She was sure the rest knew what needed to be done. 

Aqua jumped to the floor and than attempted to lay in the lap of Jesgil. Vinsue than turned and started walking down the left corridor. She whispered a safety spell as she left the room. She was carfull to watch for traps and any sign of what needed to be done. She left aqua so the girl would know Vinsue would return and for the whelps protection.

Author: Jesgil, Posted: Mon Oct 9, 2017 11:07 AM, Post Subject: scales and Wraps [PR]

"P-Part," Jesgil stated after the collection made it through the corridor and continued down the trap-free pathway. However, Jesgil's breath was still heavy, ice in her breath as she used Tillan as a brace to keep herself up. "My father… is a silver dragon… Our breath is ice… not… fir–" It was not long for Jesgil to lose her footing and stumble to the ground at the fork.

"S-Sorry," Jesgil stated, pulling herself up. "Its not often… I got to use my power… this often… I need time to rest… and recompose." Pulling herself to the nearest wall, she sat herself up and closed her eyes, taking up what seemed to have been a form of meditation. As she rested, the scales pressing up from under her skin slowly shifted and pulled back under, smoothing it out as her talons reshaped back to nails.

"One may call this a trial by itself," Nofre-ari commented as her master rested. "Each one tells its tale, but it is left to the walkers to decide which path we should take. Most likely, taking the same tale as the fallen god will lead us to him, but would that be the best decision?"

Author: Kazahana, Posted: Sat Oct 7, 2017 8:37 AM, Post Subject: scales and Wraps [PR]

They all passed through the trap-filled hall carefully. Sidra and Asha both could keep themselves off the ground long enough, while Gale gathered the wind beneath her feet to move more quickly. The end of the hall led to another chamber, this one with four different pathways. Above each door was a hieroglyph, and the green-fire torches cast a sickly light across the sandstone walls.So far no treasure, but naturally it shouldn't be this easy. The new chamber appeared to lack any obvious signs of traps. No pressure plates, holes in the walls, or spiked ceiling. Strange dog-headed jars laid scattered around amidst the old pottery and stone artifacts.

Looking around, Gale wondered what the strange symbols above the doors meant. "Are we to use the same method of choice to select where we should go? There are three paths now, and one leads back through the hall of ice." On the walls were murals of the ancient god Sardon striking down others, and the faces of some were scratched out with impunity. One mural had the image of a city with a pyramid in the background. Beneath it were masses of people kneeling and worshiping, while another image next to it showed a woman tied to a pyre. People dressed in clothes different from those drawn on normal figures were standing around the pyre, holding curved blades and striped wands. A grim reminder of how this madness all started.

Author: Vinsue, Posted: Fri Oct 6, 2017 10:57 PM, Post Subject: scales and Wraps [PR]

"She is just a few weeks old and like everything else we start out small." She said as she awaited the return of the fire bird to come back.

"Not a bad idea to use the ice." Vinsue could thrive in the heat but in the cold she was as much use as an hibernating bear. She wondered if the heat was effecting the ice girl in a similar way. The timpiture would drop as vinsue drew the heat from the air into her. One to keep her worm and second to help the ice not melt. She was impressed by the skill jesgil had at the ice breath and control.

She was slow to step on the ice after being satisfied it would hold, she started walking slowly across. "So you two are siblings. Now thats cute." She said at the two sphinx. Than looked at jesgil. "So are you a full blood or part. And i must say i am impressed. I have never seen anyone control ice like that?" 

Author: Jesgil, Posted: Fri Oct 6, 2017 9:36 PM, Post Subject: scales and Wraps [PR]

Nofre-ari was about to bark down on the whelp about the name, but found herself stopping. After all, it was still a hatching. It knew no better. Sidra, however, she felt no shame on placing a paw on her head and pushing it downwards towards the floor. "Look here, Sidra. I do not know how you came to know Miss Gale, as it is probably nothing compared to being a gift from Lord Adraejen for proving her talents to the world. That means Lord Adraejen entrusted me with protecting the future of this gifted mage. That gives her some freedoms. You, however, should still treat as the bigger sister. Understood?"

"Now Tharn, no rough playing. At least not in such a tight corridor. I would rather not have anyone get crushed in here." There was a pause with the sphinx and Jesgil's smile before stepping off of the other Sphinx. "Good.  Now let's get along with until we find ourselves away from this turmoil." A simple nod from Nofre-ari was all she needed. And enough of a distraction for the phoenix to scout out the next region that screamed itself of a trap.

As the group discussed how to handle such a trap, Sidra offered Jesgil's aid in the matter. "Me?" she asked, frozen beetle still in hand before realizing what she meant. "For such a room, it will be exhausting…" Jesgil stated before giving a bow. "However, if it what you need, I shall aid."

As she stepped towards the edge of the room, she chanted in dragontongue once more, causing more of her face and neck to shift with underscales and a thicker mouth before breathing out a jet of cold air, again holding onto her wristband to help amplify its strength, switching to the other edge again and again until both ends having pretty solid chunks of ice. Then, with her hands getting the underscale and talons, she took hold of both chunks and formed them to her own will, rolling them out like sheets along the wall, pressing the ice into as many caverns as she could.

By this point, she was panting with exhaustion, ice still attached to her breath before bravely stepping into the hallway itself. Though she remained careful with her footing, the sinking footstep caused her heart to race as the hall echoed with a cracking of ice…

It worked… For now, at least.

Author: Kazahana, Posted: Thu Oct 5, 2017 11:05 PM, Post Subject: scales and Wraps [PR]

Gale was surprised at Vinsue's words. "A dragon? I did not know they could be so small. I always thought them to be large, like a building or a mountain. The books always portrayed them so." The little dragon then spoke, repeating words like a parrot. It was amusing and left the girl rapt in attention. Meanwhile Sidra snickered as she saw her sister quarrel with her companion. "Care to lend your talents to the group, Tharn?" It was clear she was enjoying pressing the other sphinx's buttons. Though as she was just teasing, Sidra had no intention of running headlong into some trapped hallway at the white-haired woman's behest. And naturally Nofre-ari wouldn't either. Sphinxes did not take orders, they merely obliged. That was how they were. Perhaps it was the pride of a lion that made them behave so.

"I will go. Allow me to fly ahead, and I will return to tell you what I see." The phoenix spread her wings and alighted from her human companion's shoulders, flying down the corridor. Observing the floor tiles from above, she noted that they were not even. In some places it appeared to be loose, and there were slits in the walls. Circling back, Asha brought back her report. "There are traps hidden in the walls as well as the floor. Take care when you tread upon the ground, for I am certain a misstep will trigger the traps along the sides." Sidra gave a low growl of distaste. "Dart traps, I presume. Pesky little things. And they made sure to place them so you're given a split-second notice before getting turned into a pincushion?" "They are evenly spaced along the sides, and indeed there is little room to move." Asha confirmed. "Why am I not surprised?" The sphinx muttered. "Typical for a tomb of this caliber. It's a traditional one along with the wall-pikes."

Listening, Gale asked them both: "What shall we do then?" They both went silent as they thought of an appropriate answer. Meanwhile, Sidra was slyly eyeing Jesgil. "Perhaps…we should simply prevent the darts from leaving their resting places? We won't have to walk on eggshells that way. Wind or electricity won't be much use against projectiles in close-quarters, so why not freeze the openings?"

Author: Vinsue, Posted: Thu Oct 5, 2017 5:36 PM, Post Subject: scales and Wraps [PR]

"Sidra i sead not to tuch eatchother because mammals and static makes for some painful light. The beetles on you need to die and throwing them off will not effect us with the light." Great now she was explaining herself to a sphinx who also wanted the things dead. However Gale did not want to harm the things. Upon request Vinsue neutralised the wall of electricity. "This stow away is aqua the offspring of electricity and earth. A dragon who still has a lot to learn." 

"Cute Tharn" aqua said as she hopped down grabbed a fried bug and climed back to her spot. Vinsue thought it was funny but corrected the young anyways. "No, Aqua your holding a bug and the big cat is called Nofre-ari." She knew how getting a new name felt and did not like it. Aqua only tilted her head than started to pill the bug like one would a banana. One wing than the other than the inner wings than started to eat it like a cookie. As vinsue walked.

"Well i may not know the riddles of the aria but that looks like a trap. One of you sphinx are up." She said as she stopped. An ovious change in the floor was just ahead. 

Author: Jesgil, Posted: Thu Oct 5, 2017 9:09 AM, Post Subject: scales and Wraps [PR]

It seemed they were in agreement that they did not like the beetles. However, it seemed no one was in agreement on how they should be handled. Vinsue wanted to electrocute them, Gale wanted to disorient and cause them to scatter, and the two sphinxes had no real issue squishing them under their paws as if they had their own personal vendetta against them. This, in turned, scared them away into the electrical wall to, once again, electrocute them.

Jesgil's answer to all this was freezing them into ice cubes, forcing the scales to push under her skin at her throat and mouth before encasing them in icy shell with her breath alone. When there was enough of a pause between the wave of insects, the Draconian felt no shame in picking one up and looking them over. "You know, when you can look at them this close, they are a bit cute. See?" she told them, holding the frozen bug between them for the two to examine. Who knows, maybe in their frozen prison they could see if there was anything wrong with them in the first place.

"I do not think handling them in such a way is a smart idea," Nofre-ari was quick to remark.

"Oh, don't be silly, Tharn. There is enough ice to prevent them from moving."

"…" There was a bit of a pause and stare from the Sphinx. "Please forgive my rudeness. but my name is Nofre-ari. A name I have held for many–"

"Tharn," Jesgil was quick to interrupt, smiling at the massive sphinx.

"No, Nofre–"

"Tharn." She was quick to enforce this point, causing the sphinx to pause once more.

"Very well. I shall accept the title of Tharn, but only by you. After all, you have proven your worth to Lord Adraejen himself, meaning I shall trust your judgement."

Author: Kazahana, Posted: Wed Oct 4, 2017 10:18 PM, Post Subject: scales and Wraps [PR]

Sidra's mouth turned at its corners as she heard a familiar voice, one she wasn't particularly keen on hearing again. "Nofre-ari…" Her lion's tail flicked in irritation, but their chance at conversation was cut off when the white-haired woman began to surround them in electricity. She then told them to throw the beetles at the wall of lightning. She scoffed at the idea. "Really, you tell us to take the insects and throw them while saying we shouldn't touch them. Just torch the little vermin. There's hundreds of them, a few deaths won't affect the population." Gale kept herself away from the beetles, but they were intent on coming at her. Finally she clasped her hands together and seemed to pray. At once, the air began to whirl around her, lifting the scarabs in a vortex. She then directed the dust devil to pick up any she saw, and flung them away. Taking care not to have them hit the field of electricity, she had to repeat her attempts.  

Asha recognized that Gale did not wish to hurt the insects, even though that sentiment wasn't reciprocated. However Sidra was not so forgiving, and smacked a few with her paws. Soon they began to move away from the sphinx but were trapped by the lightning wall set up by Vinsue. Gale then saw a small curious creature emerge from Vinsue's bag. It was the most interesting lizard she had ever seen, exotic compared to the desert gilas found resting beneath rocks. "Oh…you brought a little friend. Could you put down the wall of lightning? They don't seem like they want to bite us anymore." The girl pointed at the scarabs trying to find a safe exit. She felt sorry for them, watching them run back and forth only to find danger blocking their path.

Author: Vinsue, Posted: Wed Oct 4, 2017 9:16 AM, Post Subject: scales and Wraps [PR]

Vinsue was not paying much attention to anything except the markings and the path ahead. But the tung of her kind being spoke was hard to miss. She stopped and looked back at the girl who spoke. A second sphinx was not a good idea. Sphinx are smart cats and cats are very territorial. And in this case hot headed. 

She did not say anything as she noticed the beatles start gathering."outch" she said as one bit her. "those are not jewel beetles like i have seen before." Sparks come from her skin as the bugs on her then poped and fell to the ground. A scratch came from her pack. 

She looked over her shoulder. "Aqua aura silvertail i told you to stay home." She formed a electric fild around them. "Toss the bugs at the wall and do not tuch one another. O an sarry fo anything the static does." She than turned. "Aqua shoulder now." She said and a foot long white Dragon than climed out of her bag and onto her shoulder.

Author: Jesgil, Posted: Wed Oct 4, 2017 8:26 AM, Post Subject: scales and Wraps [PR]

When the party was ready to leave, Jesgil once again performed her chant as she picked up the bottle once more just to be ready to blast out another wave of ice breath to freeze their pursuers, turning the mummies up front into a wall to halt the ones that linger behind. Giving her performance a simple smile, the maid was quick to run up from behind to ensure she was still with them, making sure she also took the right path.

As Sidra spoke about the engravings on the wall, she could not help but look up and admire the proud sphinx. Even if she did not speak of riddles every time (which most people actually expected), she could still feel a bit of proudness from her own abilities. This made her think about something real fast. Sure, she got that small figure from the god himself, but not once did she think about seeing about summoning it herself… Well, what better time than now since all they were doing was walking down a corridor.

"Awaken, my blood, and grant me your gear," she chanted in dragon tongue, not being shy or hiding the matter of fact. "Give to me the object that I currently desire." Holding out her hand as the formation of scales pressed from under her skin and nails shifted to more like talons, she called forth the small idol of a sphinx herself, her hand working its way back to normal once the item was retrieved. "Now how do I awaken you?" she used to herself, looking around before seeing a movable wheel underneath with a broken image because of it. Of course it would be some type of puzzle. A really easy one, but one nonetheless. Giving the wheel a bit of a spin, she aligned the parts to forge Adraejen's crest of an eye within a triangle before the object lit up, opening a gateway where yet another sphinx walked out of.

"Ah, well it if isn't little Sidra," was the first things that came out of her mouth. "I do hope you have not been bothering these humans too much."

Author: Kazahana, Posted: Tue Oct 3, 2017 12:29 PM, Post Subject: scales and Wraps [PR]

The armored woman was named Jesgil, and had her own trustworthy companion. Gale did not think it strange to give weapons names, after all it must be an honor to entrust a title upon it. The white-haired woman was called Vinsue, and now they were all introduced to each other. Vinsue chose to lead the way, and she had no objections. Perhaps she was a seer, and had a vision of the paths beforehand. As they walked, Sidra was looking at the hieroglyphs on the walls. "Tch, these are just florid lines of flattery towards a single being. Be thankful you can't read them. There's a strong bias in its contents." "Why is that Sidra?" The girl asked. The sphinx tread lightly behind her, as the phoenix went before Gale. Sidra's arcane power and physical might made it more prudent to travel in this formation.

"Take a look, and observe. The painted murals all show countless figures bowing down to a large one standing behind a pyramid. And in each one this singular figure is the main focus regardless the scene depicted. There is only one ruler being worshiped here, and no doubt that is the owner of this temple–or should I say, mass grave of risen dead."

There was clear disdain and scorn in the sphinx's voice. She did not give away if she  knew the  deity this place belonged to, but her opinion of him was clear. Gale began to walk more slowly, looking at the ground for anything strange. She saw a bright green beetle skitter by, and her eyes followed it in wonder. Then she saw another one, and another… "These jewel beetles must like this place very much. Do you think their homes are nearby?" Her innocent question preceded the fact that the beetles were now congregating on them as they walked down the passage, and didn't look like they were acting as normal insects should.

Author: Vinsue, Posted: Tue Oct 3, 2017 9:51 AM, Post Subject: scales and Wraps [PR]

The dome was a nice form of protection but it also hinder the bond call of the treasure at the end that could guide her through the maze. "Usually the marking would guide you but there all unreadable except for the ones depicting a past god." She said "Spliting up would be a bad idea for eatch path has traps. And i am not agenst protecting your treasure im just agenst the lack of originality."

"I am Vinsue. And it is nice to meet you all. I am good with flame and electricity. And i left my companions at home for there safely." She bawed as was customs in most two legged sediments. 

Picking up the call she knew what way to go. "This way and careful for traps" she said going down the right path. 

Author: Jesgil, Posted: Tue Oct 3, 2017 8:55 AM, Post Subject: scales and Wraps [PR]

The two were not in any ways rejective of her appearance, and in fact seemed quite warming to her being there. However, they were not being very quick to move, meaning the crumbling undead were still pressing them from behind. Pulling out the bottled starlight again, she set it on the floor as they discussed their next move, placing them in a protective dome of translucent cosmos, giving them a magical wall against the mummies behind them. "This should help some," she told herself in a bit of a whisper, giving a small chuckle before hearing  the winged one's comment on treasure and mazes. It did not take her long to recognize what kind of wings they were, which meant…

"Well, are you saying you would not want to protect any of your treasures any way possible?" she commented, giving the other dragon a warm smile as the phoenix and humanoid time to talk about what to do next. However, her train of thought was broken as she decided to start with some introductions of herself and her companions by her side. "A pleasure to meet you, Miss Gale," Jesgil replied, bowing down to her as she had been accustomed to. "I am Jesgil. I may not look like much, but I have a natural talent with ice and have trained in the art of healing. And this here is my faithful companion, Tillan." However, what she held up was no companion or beast by her side… No, TIllan was the axe in her hand that she was introducing… and her smile showed that she thought of nothing wrong with it.

"Do you think there are clues as to say what could be down each route?" She asked after the other dragon made her introductions, looking down the three halls.

Author: Kazahana, Posted: Mon Oct 2, 2017 3:06 PM, Post Subject: scales and Wraps [PR]

Yet another stalwart survivor of the harsh sands came, and Gale was delighted. The woman who was crouched was better now, and Sidra's warning reminded them all that the mustn't stay in one place for too long. The pyramid beyond the entrance offered a choice of three passages. Neither looked any less dangerous or more safe. "There are three of them…which one should we take? Should we split into groups or remain together?" The girl asked the others. "I can fly ahead and see what lies further in each passage." Asha offered. To her death was only a new beginning, but she too did not wish to fall for foolish reasons. Sidra said nothing, content as she typically was to wait after everyone else had spoken. Perhaps it was the lion-like part of her which made her so, but she did check to see if the bandaged dead were coming too close.

Feeling as if she had forgotten something important, Gale pondered. "…Oh, yes. My apologizes, efendi. I am Gale, and these are my companions–Asha of the Blazing Sun and Sidra the Speaker of Riddles. There is another with us called Bahadur, a formidable beast who is strong in spirit. But he will return when the time is right." She then gave both a bow, with hands clasped together. The woman with the glaive seemed confident and bold, while the woman with a mighty axe and tresses of crimson bore an air of faithfulness and humility. Both strong in body, and with the same purpose as she. Whatever decision they came to on progressing forward was fine with her. 

Author: Vinsue, Posted: Mon Oct 2, 2017 12:58 PM, Post Subject: scales and Wraps [PR]

Once everything was back to normal with Vinsue she stood up and handed the shash back to the girl with a faint smile. "Well you could call me a treasure hunter for i do intend on takeing some in the end but i apparently am not the only one. I thank you for trying to help but my problem was not something that could be healed."

Vinsue looked twords the scratch half stunned and now fully alert. When the woman came walking up with a attempted hi and a wave it was ovious she was the one behind the scratch but she also looked hurt and yet she held a power. 

She waved back than turned tword the entrance. "The sphinx is right and you were smart to bring one to tackle a pyramid." She simply started walking with her wings folded agenst her back. Stepping into the pyramid she stopped and looked at the different paths. "Really what is it with treasure hording gods and mazes." 

She looked at the paths as she waited for the call to tell her were to go.

Author: Jesgil, Posted: Mon Oct 2, 2017 7:14 AM, Post Subject: scales and Wraps [PR]

As much as she wanted to relax and catch her breath, the swarming undead did not want to offer her any respite. Even after freezing a few, there were still many more that could overpower her while the ice slowly cracked and melted. It made it difficult to dress her final wound, let alone any time to sharpen Tillan, before she found her done surrounded by mummies, each one wailing on its walls. She did not know how long this magical wall could hold up (if it even had a limit), but she would rather not find out now. But of course, where could she even go afterwards? There was little space in terms of safety…

Unless it resided within numbers! Though she did not see it before, her eyes were quickly drawn to the glow of a phoenix! Not a being she would expect be living in such a region, her heart hoped that meant nearby was some people who could aid her, and who she can aid in return. It was a gamble, but one she was willing to take, as a spark of hope lit up in her eyes.

"Awaken, my blood, and grant my thy voice, she chanted, feeling her throat grow underscales once more as she took hold of the beautiful glass bottle. "May it bring fear and show dominance to those before me!" She could even feel her eyes slit up and shift into a more golden color and her ears taking more of a tri-point, as if her entire face was being molded for this particular ability. It was finally time to perform when she could feel her face stop shifting around before immediately picking up the bottle, releasing the shell in the process, and letting out her massive bellow, the scream echoing through the air fiercely. Sure, it would probably do a  number to her voice right now, but for now, she needed that window, for once her scream finished echoing through the air, she ran towards the phoenix and away from the stunned mummies before seeing two others and a sphinx. "Hey!" she tried to call out, but she could feel her voice strain by that alone, so she simply waved at them with her free hand as she ran.

Author: Kazahana, Posted: Sun Oct 1, 2017 10:52 PM, Post Subject: scales and Wraps [PR]

A voice unknown to her answered, and Gale looked in surprise as a woman with hair white as snow appeared. Sidra gave a lazy look over at the newcomer while Asha perched on the girl's shoulders. "Another treasure hunter, I presume. Well I won't be stopping you, as I am not the guardian of this crypt." Turning to look at her claws, she was indifferent. Her only concern was the girl. The safety and well-being of anyone else was not her responsibility. When the glaive-wielding woman sudden crouched over in pain, Gale was worried. "Are you alright?" She asked, approaching the other. The young dream-walker took out her special sash, ready to wrap it around the one kneeling in the sand. She did not know how, but this particular sash was blessed. When she put it around a person in distress, it would make them calm down and their wounds would heal.

Asha slowly circled in the air, keeping watch for any signs of danger. For a while, they were given a moment of respite. Sidra was intrigued by the pyramid. Glancing up at the statues, she chuckled. "Ah yes, another display of the folly of man wrought in stone to be memorialized for the ages. Naturally these self-serving monuments outlive their makers. This one in particular seems more ostentatious than most. Only a fool or someone full of themselves makes a graven image of themselves in the act of conquest." Whether the figures set in stone were gods, kings, or great men–neither mattered to her. The first two in particular had an awful tendency to build grossly decadent displays such as these to demonstrate their power and influence, and then force their followers to maintain them. She was familiar with the concept of guarding tombs. Sphinxes were known to place themselves in positions to challenge the worthiness of those who wanted access to treasure. It was more of an idle pastime, than a compulsion. When you live for hundreds of years you must find a way to break the monotony and ennui.

This girl with hair like the color of a phoenix proved to be the most curious specimen of her race which Sidra had seen so far. She wielded fire, but was placid in temperament; a dreamer as opposed to being hot-headed. She was somewhat of a subversion and a paradox, and the sphinx liked paradoxes. The phoenix was tolerable company, watchful over the girl like a mother looking after her chicks. She could hold decent conversation and was not as naive as the girl. They established a mutual understanding, her and the bird. Their common ground was the experiences they had with the young dreamer. Sensing a shift in the magic surrounding the area, the sphinx let out a low growl of distaste. "We should get moving. Whatever is causing the dead to rise won't be welcoming us with open arms."

Author: Vinsue, Posted: Sun Oct 1, 2017 10:20 PM, Post Subject: scales and Wraps [PR]

Vinsue stopped once she saw the statues of one person being victor over another. Truthfully it was an rather odd peace of work that made her laugh once she released who the dead one was. "Guess you got it commming for ya." She said half happy that he had an enemy but half worried for him to. She still held a grudge on the god for a lot of trouble he caused her.

She almost jumped at the voice asking if they were gone. She turned to see a bird of fire, a sphinx, and a girl. "I thought its safe here from the cloth zombie things." She answered not thinking that the question was not for her. 

She lowered her glaive to show she was not a threat. Shhe stopped her glaive and fell to her knees as her hands covered her ears and head as a massive headache hit. The call momentarily stopped as this happened. Her site fated as her eyes glowed a bright gold. Snipits of trapps filled her site and than a young woman also shown needing help. 

It was not long after that the headache would go away and her sight and eyes would return to normal. She would not move for a while as she would attempt to understand her visions.

Author: Jesgil, Posted: Sun Oct 1, 2017 9:13 PM, Post Subject: scales and Wraps [PR]

Jesgil's breath was growing heavy. Their numbers did not allow to to break and catch for breath or mend wounds. Instead, she used Tillan to keep them at bay, having to use her magic to call forth scales under her skin to help absorb some of the damage. Did not stop it from hurting or exposing the silver underneath her, but at the very least it kept her alive.Of course she did not push towards the pyramid like any other curious explorer or hero. Instead, she was there to help those in need. HOwever, at this rate, it would be she who would need assistance.

"Awaken, my blood, and grant me frost," she spoke in draconic tongue, "Grant me thy cold wave to encase all!" Embracing a decorative armlet said to have been crafted to honor Okami and treated almost like a family heirloom, the Draconic made breathed out a major wave of ice, encasing the undead inside before following it up with an ice jet from her hands to make the ice more solid. It was a temporary help for the numbers… but enough for her to find comfort in escaping towards the structure of the pyramid.

While the nearby phoenix and sphinx were signs of life to get comforted by, Jesgil's mind was too busy to really pay much time to them and relax. Instead, she found herself dropping to her knees, pulling out a small bottle from her apron and setting it on the ground before a shell of a dome formed around her. It was bottled starlight: a nice item to feel safe in and recover while the outside world tried to take it all away. Still, it did give her some time to catch her breath and revert her skin back to normal, which unfortunately meant opening more wounds that the scales kept closed. "Why could they not stayed closed?"  she muttered to herself as she began to wrap up her injuries. For all the healing magic she knew, she always had trouble using it on herself…

Author: Kazahana, Posted: Sun Oct 1, 2017 2:58 PM, Post Subject: scales and Wraps [PR]

A new place of power rose from the quartz sands, its stone structures jutting up at the skies in a bold defiance. This had never shown up on the maps Gale had seen, nor had she encountered it in her travels across the land. She journeyed towards it with hopes that it was what she sought, but alas such hopes were dispelled once the towering pyramid was in view. The dead walked as if they did in life, but only as shambling husks of their former state. The dream-walker knew not how this city came to be, but it was a city of the dead. She first sensed the change when the skies had turned green, and the sun's rays became distorted. Both Asha and Sidra were worried, as both had lived long enough to know this was not the norm.

They found their way to a growing settlement within sight of the necropolis, where they rested until it was time for them to approach the pyramid. The phoenix soared overhead, while The sphinx traveled with the girl on foot. They soon drew the attention of the bandaged corpses, and would soon find themselves overrun. "Bahadur!" Gale shouted, calling forth a spectral form of a war elephant. It charged at the undead, thundering and bellowing as it did in life. The ghostly pachyderm only knocked them down, but its presence and sound was enough to draw the attention of the dead from the escaping sphinx and girl. Gale knew that Bahadur could not be harmed, and would return when the time was right. More powerful walking corpses stood in their path, and Sidra cut them down with a swipe of her paws. However they soon began to reform from their pieces. "A greater power binds them, we must run!" The sphinx spoke. Together they ran towards the pyramid, the one structure that appeared to offer a temporary escape. Asha soon joined them, swooping down from the sky.

The wide entrance to the center of all this necromancy was in sight, and they soon were at the threshold. Two towering statues flanked the entrance, depicting someone striking another down. "Are they gone?" Gale asked her companions. So far it was quieter than it had been, perhaps Bahadur's efforts were not in vain.

Author: Vinsue, Posted: Sun Oct 1, 2017 1:21 PM, Post Subject: scales and Wraps [PR]

Flying was a must by the looks of the thousands of mummies below her. A protection spell making the skin between her white scales glow a slight gold. lighting a flame in her mouth vinsue shot it down on the group below her so she could land. A treasure had called her to this place and just like any other time a treasure called there are some troubling things to get through. The now flaming mummies were not dying but did back off due to her protection spell. She stood in her half human half dragon state with her brown robes on with its hood up and sun glaive in hand. her phoenix blade hung sheathed on her left side. The mummies coming at here stopped a few feet from her do to the spell but still tried to rip at her thought. She weaved the sun glaive around her and persuaded towards the pyramid. 

The only thing she did not like was the fact the pieces would go back together and any scorch marks would disappear. They were under a more powerful being and it was useless to hang out here. At the pyramid, she stopped and looked for a way in.