Arrival (Nadorim/Open)

[Kothar Navnik]

Lands End, the crown jewel of the Garnet Aisles; man’s center of power. Its streets were littered with merchants, peasants, soldiers, nobles and vagrants. Pickpockets, thieves, they hid around every corner. Occasionally muggings even ended without death or serious injury, though not usually. These were hard streets, something newcomers with open eyes were sure to see. They survived, whether they struggled or thrived, and were harder because of it; perhaps even more so than others of their already militaristic people. Yet when they walked through a hush fell upon the rancorous crowd, even if only for their passing.

They were dracons, one red and one black; the latter a foot taller than the former. Adorned in simple, drab clothing they walked side by side, wordlessly, as people hastened from their path. They made no threatening gestures, made no eye contact, yet they stared and chatted quietly amongst themselves, their disbelief rising to a dull roar as the two left ear shot. “Dracons, in Lands End?” customers gasped to merchants. “Who do they think they are, coming here?” said others. They could hardly be blamed, as the two were imperious people, strong and stubborn, embroiled in a dark, bloody past.

Soldiers eyed the travelers wearily, some even following for periods of time. When the two did nothing of trouble, they would break off, but there were always more. All the people seemed to share preconception of the dracons. When they reached a more open area they stepped off to the side, the black one resting his back against the wall of a house as he looked over the people. “So what do you make of Lands End, Nado?" he growled to his red companion, though his eyes continued scanning the intersecting streets.

[Nadorim Marbor]

Nadorim followed his friend to their first destination, of course it had to be Land’s End. Out of every city that the two could have gone two it had to be the human capital. The streets were littered with people. It was making Nadorim uncomfortable with all of them starring at the duo. The two had been through tougher situations growing up in a Dracon tribe. It was odd to see people stop what they were doing and stare in silence. Mothers would turn their kids eyes away from them. As they passed more merchant stalls and crowds of people Nadorim felt their eyes staring at him.

Nadorim looked to his left seeing his Black scaled friend, who was a foot taller than himself. His friend was scanning through the crowd just as Nadorim was doing. They were in unfamiliar territory and is was no secret that their races did not like each other. Nadorim began to wonder why their journey had taken there to Lands End of all places. As they continued walking side by side, he could hear people surprised at the fact two dracons were casually walking through their streets. He wondered if any of the people had even seen a Dracon before, pushing that thought from his mind he continued scanning his surroundings. He was not going to be taken surprise by some low life human. Nadorim made sure to take note of the occasional soldiers that would follow the two.

When they reached an open area that seemed to have less people the duo stepped to the side. The black Dracon rested his back against a wall and spoke. “So what do you make of Lands End, Nado?” his companion said continuing to scan the streets.

Nadorim took a few moments to take one last scan around them, making sure no one was trying to flank the two. “What do I think of this place? I am wondering why we are here in the first place Kothar?” Nadorim said looking up at his black scaled companion. He scanned the intersecting streets once more time before continuing.

“Other than that it seems like how I imagined any human city would be. I just don’t like all the eyes on us at all times my friend. Whatever business we have here I suggest we finish it quickly and move on.” Nadorim said starring up at his companion once again.

[Kothar Navnik]

“What do I think of this place? I am wondering why we are here in the first place Kothar?” Nadorim responded after a pause, during which both dracons scanned the streets; equally weary of potential threats. It was a reasonable question as their approaches were always thoroughly planned and while they had done research on Land’s End the always had a clear goal established. Here there was none.

“As I am,” Navnik replied cryptically, followed by a sigh which could have easily been mistaken for a growl, as the red dracon scanned the intersection as he had moments before. Their route had been carefully planned via a map purchased alongside information. Traveling merchants and their kin would do near anything for coin after all, especially talk. Population centers, social and economic hubs, known areas of discord or distress, even the well monitored uptown; they had cautiously zig zagged their way through the city.

“Other than that it seems like how I imagined any human city would be. I just don’t like all the eyes on us at all times my friend. Whatever business we have here I suggest we finish it quickly and move on,” Nadorim finished with his eyes resting upon his companion. Kothar did not return his friend’s gaze, his own rising to the crests of the building, where it met the sky. To the stars he could not see, yet knew were there. The plan was simply of hope in finding it was that they were here for in all the most logical places, as they had done. Yet nothing.

“I know not our business brother,” he stated gruffly, annoyed by his own ignorance. The black dracon hated being uninformed; despite all his efforts to stay educated and aware of the world and its ways he constantly found himself facing mystery. He wished only to know; anything he would ever need or want to know whenever he needed or wanted it. The unknown angered him for it was a weakness, and one all sentient beings seemed to share; fear of the that which they do not understand, of the unknown.

“I know only that He said to come,” he stated, his eyes falling to the streets again. In a whisper as I drift to sleep, the night before they began planning their trip unsurprisingly. Kothar had told Nadorim about the voice and who it belonged to, the only one he had freely given that knowledge. While the black dracon respected His wishes and wisdom, Navnik still despised being at any type of disadvantage, such as the one in which the duo found themselves. They were strangers in a strange land with an unknown purpose. The sheer number of unaccountable variables knotted his stomach, a tactician’s hell.

[Nadorim Marbor]

Nadorim listened to his companion answer his questions. It seemed that he had no idea why the two of them were in the human capital, which made Nadorim uneasy. It was only a matter of time before they were questioned for just standing around. He kept looking to make sure no soldiers were coming up to talk to them. The last thing the two of them needed was to get into a fight with anyone. When Nadorim finished talking he noticed that the black Dracon did not meet his gaze. Instead his friend looked to the top of a building. Nadorim knew he was thinking of something and he hoped it was about where they were going to go next.

“I know not of our business brother” Kothar said. The comment made Nadorim even more uneasy. The two of them were in foreign lands and hostile ones at that. They were both uninformed of what to do next or where to even begin searching. Everything was against the two Dracons and not knowing what could happen was something Nadorim hated most of all. Being ill prepared could mean your death, especially in enemy lands. “I know that he only said to come” Kothar said

“Well we better figure out why you were told to come here. If this is even the right place to begin with. There are too many variables here.” Nadorim said taking another looks around the streets. He could see people stopping and starring, though they didn’t stop for long. There was a group of three males that looked like they were approaching the two dracons. Nadorim looked the lead male right in the eyes and let out a low growl. As the humans walked down a connecting street Nadorim turned back to his brother knowing that they were not coming toward them.

“Humans.” Nadorim said letting out a low growl. “I hate their constant starring. This place is getting worse the longer we are still here.” Nadorim said looking into the streets again. After a few minutes he looked back to his brother. “That voice hasn’t told you anything else? The only thing it has told you was “to come”. I know its pointless to say but it would be nice if it had told you a little more than that.” Nadorim said taking a brief pause. “I wonder what it is that we are even looking for. If in fact we are looking for something.” Nadorim said closing his eyes.

He began thinking about what his family was doing back at the tribe. No doubt his Father and brothers have disowned him for leaving with the Black Dracon. The same Dracon that was banished from their tribe. Even though his youngest brother tried to stop him from leaving there was nothing that could change his mind. Kothar had a dream and believed that dream. Nadorim knew what he was doing and he made his choice. He just hoped that choice wasn’t going to end up getting him killed in pitiful Human city.

[Kothar Navnik]

“Well we better figure out why you were told to come here. If this is even the right place to begin with. There are too many variables herel,” Nadorim replied quickly, his words revealing them being of similar mind on their present situation. A slight grin flashed briefly across his face as the red dracon growled at a group of three who he had felt were getting just a little too close.

“Humans. I hate their constant starring. This place is getting worse the longer we are still here,” he added afterward, prompting a slight nod of agreeance from the black dracon. Navnik continued resting patiently against the wall, evenly spaced between the windows on either side, as his traveling companion scouted for threats. He appeared to be looking at nothing in particular, his eyes almost purposely looking slightly away.

“That voice hasn’t told you anything else? The only thing it has told you was “to come”. I know its pointless to say but it would be nice if it had told you a little more than that. I wonder what it is that we are even looking for. If in fact we are looking for something,” as his eyes closed Kothar took up his vigilance. His honesty was a trait Navnik valued, as it made him better counsel. Of course he was right too, his shared the same quarries with the voice, was bothered by the same shortcomings in information. “No brother, nothing else,” he replied simply with a sigh.

Out the corner of his eye Kothar noticed something for the second time today; the first being must earlier when the duo began their rounds. “I may know a way to get us out of the open for a while,” he finally said, his eyes still slightly averted. Through the open doorway of a merchant's’ hut he glimpsed a man, on the bulkier side, speak to the owner. The merchant paused for a moment, cautiously looking in all directions before pulling up a side of the counter and allowing him to pass. He again looked around once the other had disappeared behind him.

Kothar let a few moments pass, idly resting before standing up straight, away from the wall. “Follow my lead,” he stated before crossing the wider birth of road to the entrance of the shop at a casual pace. They had gathered information about Lands End before coming, speaking to several traveling merchants and mercenaries who had spent time there. They had heard that the entrance was beneath a shop, they had kept an eye out for such a thing all day, amongst others. Navnik walked right up to the counter, behind which stood a man who could not seem to able to stop himself from cowering slightly before the sight of two dracons towering over him.

“Let us in,” he stated, his fiery eyes locked with those of the man below. They needed to get away from the public, out of the open, at least until nightfall when they could move without attracting so much attention. What better place too for information. Plus they could use with blowing off a little steam.

[Nadorim Marbor]

“No brother, nothing else”. The duo stood in silence for a few minutes, contemplating what to do next. That is when Kothar spoke up, “I may know a way for us to get out of the open for a while.” Nadorim looked up at his brother and nodded. He would like nothing more than to get out of the open. To get away from all the starring eyes. Kothar told him to follow his lead and with another nod Nadorim followed. Nadorim followed his brother over to a merchants stall. The two approached the shop at a casual pace. Nadorim wanted to ask what they were going to but, if they were going to buy anything. He decided to let his brothers plan pan out first before saying anything.


Perhaps this was the shop entrance that they had been looking for or perhaps not. Nadorim hoped so as his brother approached the shop owner. It brought a smile to Nadorims face to see the man cower behind the counter as the two draconics approached him. Humans were always so skittish and afraid, it is what made them weak. “Let us in.” Kothar said. Nadorim knew this was the place they were looking for at that moment. He would be glad to get out of the light and take out some aggression as well.


Nadorim saw the man behind the counter look past his brother at him. Nadorim smiled showing sharp white teeth. “You might want to listen to him little man.” Nadorim said loud enough for only his brother and the man to hear. He figured the man was going to let them in, but it didn’t hurt to see the worry across his face. Trying to think of every scenario in his head. He knew it would be bad for him to say no, with two draconics standing before him. Little did he know the duo wouldn’t do anything if he refused to let them pass. Neither of them wanted to be arrested and beating up a simple shop owner would be a waste of their time. The owner did not know that of course.


The man looked around making sure no one was watching them. “Enter, but be quick about it.” the man said with worry behind every word. Kothar walked in first, stepping inside the mans shop. Nadorim made his way next to the owner and stopped. “Good choice” Nadorim said with a wicked smile as he continued to follow his brother down into the shop.

[Kothar Navnik]

“You might want to listen to him little man,” Nadorim added to Kothar’s simple demand before flashing his lethal fangs. A brief grin shadowed the black dracon’s face; Marbor too understood well. While the shopkeeper might squirm over the decision momentarily it was already clear. This operation was hidden for a reason, it was not exactly, as one might say, licensed. Or legal. Or moral for that matter. He obviously was not capable of physically stopping them, nor could go to the guards for help. From the moment he had stepped before it was simply a matter of time.

“Enter, but be quick about it,” the shopkeeper muttered as he stepped aside. “Good choice,” Kothar heard from behind as he stepped past him, sure to look down with his solemn eyes of fire as he did, before disappearing through a door behind the counter. The short hallway twisted before ending in a stone staircase leading under the store. Emerging from the staircase doorway they were greeted with intriguing sight. The room was rectangular, nearly double the length versus its width, with two small ‘rings.’ Really each was just a pretty solid sand and dirt floor surrounded by four foot stone walls. Around all the sides and between them were spectators and gamblers.

The stone ceiling was a fair fifteen feet high and the place reeked of sweat, blood and ale. As they walked into the crowd two passed them carrying a terribly beaten man between them. He was swollen, bloody and barely conscious, and that was just what was noticeable from a glancing look. The trio quickly disappeared through the doorway the duo had just exited. Wading through the crowd they made their way toward the area between the two rings. A belligerent drunk stumbled into Navnik, who didn’t budge, causing him to spill half of his cup; some of which landed on Kothar’s tunic.

“Aw, what the, what the hell, I-I just bought that! Y-your paying for that asshole!” he shouted and slurred as he turned unstably toward the dracon. He only saw black however, as Kothar’s fist swallowed his view before being cold cocked right between the eyes. As if all the life has suddenly left his body, the man folded upon himself, sinking to the floor in a heap. Before his slumping body had come to rest however Navnik was drinking the man’s drink. He swallowed down the remaining ale before dropping the glass on the unconscious man’s chest and briskly continuing. A moment later they were at the center of the fighting, with their eyes on both fights at once.

However most other eyes were glancing their way at times as news circulated around the room about the new arrivals.

[Nadorim Marbor]

Nadorim followed Kothar down the path eventually ending in front of a stone staircase that lead underneath the basement. This must have been the place that Kothar was looking for them they were leaning against the buildings outside. Nadorim was glad to be inside, away from all the starring eyes of the humans out there. As the duo made their into the rectangular room Nadorim slowly scanned from side to side making sure he could try to see everything and everyone. He was not going to be taken down by some pathetic human while down here. He also made sure to take quick glances over his shoulder just in case someone tried to do anything stupid.



As he looked around he saw the two rings in the center of the room. Rings used for fighting, something he enjoyed to do once in a while. He could see people placing bets, drinking, laughing and smoking. He didn’t know why Kothar wanted to go down here, but if he got the chance to beat up a human he wasn’t going to complain. As they continued Nadorim saw people carrying away a badly beaten man. It was crystal clear that he lost whatever fight he was in. Nadorim let out a slight chuckle as they dragged him away. After a few more feet and a couple of shoves they were between the rings. It wasn’t long for some drunken idiot to stumble into one of them and unfortunately for the drunk he ran into Kothar.



Nadorim folded his arms across his chest and watched as Kothar didn’t move in the slightest. A smirk came across Nadorim face, je knew what was going to happen next and it wasn’t going to be good for the drunk. ‘Aw, what the, what the hell I-I just bought that! Y-our paying for that asshole!”[/color] the drunk shouted. Nadorim continued to smirk and shake his head at the drunk’s words. It happened too fast for the drunk to comprehend. Kothars fist slammed into his head, right in between the eyes. He collapsed to the floor like a dead body. Nadorim just looked down at the sad sack of flesh and shook his head. Kothar was drinking the now unconscious mans drink and then dropped the empty glass on his chest.



“Serves the idiot right." [/color] Should learn to look where he is walking. Pathetic” Nadorim said spitting on the ground. Now the two of them were watching both the fights that were going on. Nadorim could see people starring at them as well, being the new arrivals. More than likely wondering if the duo were going to enter any fights today. For their sake they better hope not. “So Brother are we looking for anything in particular down here? Or are we just to enjoy the show?” Nadorim said leaning into Kothar, to make sure only he could hear him. [/font][/font]

[Eallyrl]

Samhain had wanted to gamble and do so in an establishment where his family name would not be judged. On top of that, he wanted something with odds in his favor. As he often did, betting on his loyal companion was his best chance. Eallyrl knew of an establishment were various individuals of less than savory reputation gathered to bet on combat. Hidden away from the view of the public and even more importantly, the eyes of the guards, their destination had no official name. In the past she had visited the “arena” on her own so as they stepped into the shop that served as the backstreet business front, a flirtatious smile was all that was required before they were granted entry.

With a wink she stepped past the-would-be bouncer and through the curtains that led to the adjoining hall. ”See Samhain, fun is easy to find if you know where to look. Here we will be no different than the others. Everyone comes to fight, drink and bet. Let’s hope all three go in our favor.” What this establishment was had been explained on the way over so hopefully her Master was prepared for the small world he was about to enter. In the lead, Elly followed the tunnel until it opened back up and with one step she crossed the threshold between the cool still air of the hall and the hot air of the fighting pits.

A short while ago, two Dracon males had entered and drawn attention for their sheer size and formidable appearance. Elly drew her own attention. Amongst the gathered patrons ninety five percent were male and of the five percent that were female, they were either serving wenches or woman that were a little on the…homely side. After all, what respectable woman found herself at an underground pit fight? Eallyrl was far from respectable, but based on a couple of the glances directed her way a respectable woman wasn’t what was on the mind. With an innocent smile, she led Samhain towards the westernmost pit. By the looks of it, the last round had just finished, an attendant removing a couple of items from the sand. If she had to guess, they were teeth, but it was hard to be certain from such a distance.

”This is the place, fancy ain’t it? Are you sure you want me to participate in such a thing? I just might get hurt.” The small chuckle that followed highlighted how serious she took this. Confident of herself and sometimes borderline arrogant, she wasn’t worried about stepping into the half walled pit. In combat she preferred a dagger and short sword, but that wasn’t to say she was defenseless without them. On top of the short laugh, her hand was already extended, ready to accept whatever amount he wanted to wager. She would place it form him unless he objected for she was fairly certain who it was going to be placed on.

Off to the side she had noticed two larger, scaled figures amongst the crowd of drunken men, but she paid them no mind. The humanoid lizards were not unknown to her and although not common, this was a place one should probably expect to see something on the exotic side. Funny thing was her lack of interest in the reptiles allowed the possibility that she might square off against one of them slip by. Not that she would back down in such a scenario. Eallyrl was many things, but a coward was not one of them.

[Samhain Aeramis]

Eallyrl had been bugging Samhain about getting out and actually enjoying the city. She had recommended a few brothels to the young lord although the ones that she was speaking of were far from the cleanest establishments. That fact however went hand in hand with the amount of money they actually had to spend on such pleasures. If you wanted the clean establishments and the partners that would make your world spin in amazement you had to spend the requisite coin. The two of them, much to the chagrin of both, did not have such coin. So the shroudling said she had a different idea. This idea? Go down to a local fight club that Eallyrl knew of, bet a large chunk of their coin on her and then watch her make fools of the local fighters.

The room smelled of piss, smoke and blood in that order. The crowd there seemed to sense money on in the air as eyes drifted to the new entrants. Samhain had decided to leave his armor back in the room along with his bow. He didn’t feel it was necessary and in fact would invite more attention than he wanted at the current moment. Samhain’s ears barely were able to pick up the sass the elf loved to throw but the young lord did hear it.

“If anyone in here actually managed to hurt you then I am going to have to find someone else better equipped to stand by my side,” Samhain retorted. His clothes were a bit drabber than normal due to his design. He wanted to hide what little wealth he had managed to regain. Her hand extended outwards and instantly he knew what she wanted. He reached down his waist and grabbed one of three pouches from his waist. Inside was a decent amount of coin, enough for them to actually make a decent profit today. He weighed it his hand for a moment before placing it in her hand. “All of it on you. Try not to lose otherwise we are going to be short on food for a few days.” It was a lie but hopefully it would be enough to give her extra motivation. Samhain let his mind wander a bit as he watched Elly saunter away to place the bet. His mind had been wandering for the last few days unable to focus. The simplest of tasks had proven to be difficult lately, he could not think of the tasks they needed to accomplish and he had been struggling to write correspondences that were past due. He needed to break this streak of thoughtlessness.