a series of adventures with some serious adventurers (closed!)

Perfect! Least they seemed ready, willing, and able to begin.

For a moment, Ledea noticed the man's pause. His features seeming to change for a moment. Perhaps he was just having second thoughts of joining the guild. Well, he did seem slightly disappointed about being unable to speak to the Guild Master. The female was slightly curious as to why this man would seek the Master out, however, it was none of her business. Though Ledea would be sure to remember this interaction, for possible future events. Always best to remain ready should something come up that this information would prove useful then.

The elven woman took a moment to look between the pair before her as they both seemed curious of who their mentor was to be. Though, Ledea also noticed out of the corner of her eye, the pair had already noticed the one who would be overshadowing them when out in the fields of work.

"Please, if you will just follow me."

Ledea then turned on her heel, expecting the pair to follow her.

She led them across the floor of the guild, as Dur'kiir had of course chosen a place as far away as possible from the commotion of the other guild members. Ledea approached him as he sat in his corner, dark ashen gray hair falling over his face, the edges of his hair almost a burnt sienna brown/orange in color to contrast the dark gray.

He had just started to doze off, somehow managing despite all of the noise, when the sound of several approaching footsteps made him wake back to reality. The large Dragonkin yawned, both feeling and hearing his jaw open with a loud crack. Well, maybe he should have that checked out again at some point…hell, should have all the old wounds, scars, just everything in general, be checked on again. It would especially be in his best interest now, being pulled out of his retirement so suddenly.

The male lifted a armored hand upwards towards his face. He lightly rubbed the underside of his jaw, which was covered in black scales. He continued to massage the area for a few moments, before returning his hand to the top of the table. His gaze shifted, noticing the approaching Guild Lass, two new members trailing close on her heel.

Almost instantly, Dur's single, fiery orange orb for an eye narrowed, pupil becoming a thin slit. As for his blind eye, it seemed to also focus on the approaching group. Though having no sight, it almost felt as if the sightless eye could still scrutinize whatever fell in its sight. A forked tongue slipped past his lips, testing the air. Hm, as far as he could tell, both of them were humans, but other than that, nothing really out of the ordinary.

Ledea came to stop a few feet away from the Dragonkin's table. She gave a slight bow to him, then straightening again. The elven woman took a step back, allowing both the man and woman to be clearly seen by the battle-worn Dragonkin.

"This is Dur'kiir, he will be your mentor and guide here in the Igreacan Adventure Guild."

Dur'kiir glanced over towards Ledea, then back to the ones before him. Both were young…well, compared to him. He had seen even younger individuals join the Guild, normally ones in mid to late teens. Eh, long as they were a controllable young, not the kind that dove into everything headfirst, course they could prove him wrong on that. There were always ones who had no sense of calculating situations first…he himself having once been guilty of that in his younger years…

"Dur'kiir has been a member of the Igreacan Adventure Guild for well over a few thousand years now. He has earned himself as a Platinum rank adventurer in the Guild, the highest one can achieve."

A low huff suddenly came from the nearby Dragonkin, his gruff voice suddenly speaking up, "Think that's enough Ledea, pretty sure the kids didn't come to hear about the history of an old war vet that isn't very relevant any more."

The elven woman suddenly bowed again, "I'm sorry, forgive me Dur'kiir'. Well, I shall leave you to it then. Just come to the board when you are ready to find a quest to begin."

Then without another word, Ledea straightened and returned to her place at the Guild's front desks.

Dur'kiir watched as Ledea took her leave, then back towards the young man and woman in front of him. He shifted slightly in his seat, his tail snaking out from behind him, coming to curl around the leg of the chair which he sat upon. He leaned back slightly, suddenly sweeping an arm in front of him, motioning towards the chairs tucked in at the table which he sat.

"Feel free to sit if ya want, or stand, which ever makes you most comfortable."

One thing, it would be best try and ease them in, try to make them at least feel welcomed, something which Dur was definitely not good at. Didn't help considering what his dragon parent was, Doom Dragons were not beasts to be trifled with, having been banished long ago.

At least he was trying…

"Guild Lass Ledea has already introduced me; Dur'kiir. Either of you are free to introduce yourselves now."

Probably not the best way to put it, but Dur'kiir was used to a more blunt approach.

First thing was clear, Dur'kiir was indeed observing both of their every movements, down to even the simplest twitch. No matter if he only had vision in one eye, there were just things one learned to pick up on and 'read' so to speak.

Both carried different airs about them. The young woman who introduced herself as 'Evelyn', seemed to be the rather cheerful type. Ah, a bard, that would explain it then. Not very often one found a laidback bard, more often than not, the lot seemed to be loud and rather pushy at times. His patience would most certainly be tested with her.

Then the man who introduced himself as 'Aeolus'. Kid didn't look like much, lanky yet athletic. Probably wouldn't be able to stand up to a frontal confrontation if it came to it (Yes, Dur'kiir was already considering battle confrontations for them). Yet, despite lack of muscle, most likely the man excelled elsewhere. Not everything had be about brawn.

"Ah, most likely the songs sung of my party when we destroyed the Black Dread."

For a moment, the Dragonkin's fiery orange eye dimmed down to a dull ember. Yes, that day was both of joyful singing, but also lamentation…not everyone of his party had made it…

Though the male was quick to dismiss the woe that struck his heart. He brought his hand upwards, covering his mouth as a rough cough escaped his maw. Keen eyes would've also noticed the small streams of what appeared to be black smoke slip past the corners of his mouth, being quickly wafted away by a near non-existent breeze in the Guild. The tip of his tail twitched slightly, the sharp ridged spines lining it bumping against the chair slightly, nicking the wood. It was of course on accident, plenty of times his tail caused more trouble than it was worth.

Once again, his orange eye renewed with its fiery glare, pupil thinning into a slit. His hand had returned to the surface of the table, resting there. Dur'kiir tilted his head back, glancing towards the one who called himself 'Aeolus'.

"Aye, you're correct. I've had enough praise and singing to last long past my age. Dragonkin like myself do not age like humans. Our blood being part dragon, we have lifespans that long outlive your own, hence why Ledea said I've been around for several thousand years, when I've been around for close to 16,000 years…hell, don't remember my exact age."

He paused in thought for a moment, lightly tapping a finger, the metal hitting the table with a soft thud as he pondered. Though he didn't remain in thought for too long.

"So, to begin, I should ask what roles do either of you see yourselves in? Roles, I mean are you one of those who prefers staying back and supporting your party, frontal assault, or waiting patiently before striking?"

Dur'kiir took a moment to shift in his seat, armor creaking, "As an example, I'll use myself. I prefer striking the enemy front and center. I was the one who purposefully threw myself into the fray, gaining each and every enemies enmity. I risked both life and limb, so that my party could get what needed to be done. Most often two members focused on picking off enemies one-by-one, the other often staying back and supporting us with healing and buffing our own abilities."

"Positioning is vital in situations. One wrong step, and someone might not be coming back home. So it is important to decide your roles, learn what to do with the role, and how you can help your fellow party members with your role."

A low huff escaped him, blinking slowly, "Now then, consider your own strengths and weaknesses before deciding where you best fit. There is also the option of trying a role, and if you don't like it, you can always change to something else. Take your time to decide, there is no rush."

Gods, he felt exhausted after all that, and it didn't even seem like he spoke that much…

If the young bard was trying to impress him with her words, she would be sorely disappointed. Dur'kiir's expression towards the woman once she finished was blank. There was no shock, no features showing he was impressed. Instead, his features were the same as they had been; a worn appearance with perhaps a hint of agitation.

His lips twitched slightly, fangs poking through. The tip of his tail twitched again, a slight tinge of annoyance. Patience, he needed to remain patient. The girl would need a lesson on how some react to speeches. She probably already knew, but it wouldn't hurt to keep her on her toes. Dur'kiir, however, would reserve that lesson for another time.

Some of what she had said was true, but there was also parts of her words that could be turned against her.

"Yet you failed to mention the reason a leopard has its spots, to blend in with its territory," the Dragonkin's voice was monotone, "As I mentioned, positioning is everything. There are times you will find yourself in a corner, and you can't move to adjust to a worsening scenario."

His gaze seemed to burn right into Evelyn's very body and soul, "You are thinking too much of what you can achieve alone, instead of considering what your fellow members can do as well. However, I am well aware that we are all just meeting, and have yet to determine our places. Just keep in mind, that we will be working together, instead of singularly."

Dur'kiir turned his head back to the man opposite of him and next to the bard. As he did indeed observe the other, his forked tongue once again flicked past his lips, testing the air. The occasional flick of his tongue probably was a bit strange to those who weren't used to such things, though there were reasons, considering what Dur was; being part dragon. Either way, the male could sense Aeolus' discomfort, one of many scents Dur'kiir easily found distinguishable. He did have a way of being intimidating without meaning to…

Ah, a backstabber then…perhaps that was a bit…uncalled for in his thoughts…

Assassins, rogues, whatever they wanted to call themselves, they could be useful in a party. Such a role had a way of getting information without being caught. Course, they were also more likely to be overpowered when directly confronted by pure brawn. Hence, they would most often stay to skulking in the shadows.

The Dragonkin returned to a mainly emotionless appearance. Even as Aeolus moved a hand upwards, removing the eyepatch to reveal a scarred hole where an eye once had been, Dur'kiir remained impassive. Instead, his own blind eye seemed to narrow in response. Unlike his good eye, there was no pupil in that milky white sea, but beneath that white, there seemed to be a barely seen flicker of embers, buried in the depths.

Kid made a fair point, fighting with only one eye had at first proven to be a challenge for Dur'kiir. Learning to respond to different cues on his left side, in order to just stay on top. Granted, he had an advantage, having way more advanced senses; hearing, scent, feeling the vibrations nearby to determine what was happening.

The Dragonkin gave a slight nod to the man, "I see, and indeed. It will be vital to focus your senses to that blind side of yours."

He suddenly lifted his hand from the table again. Dur turned his head, shifting it so his left horn was angled in the light. Clearly seen, a large crack ran down just from the base and seemed to fan out in a few more smaller cracks.

The Dragonkin tapped the horn lightly, "Though thinking for today, since we are new, perhaps some training then?"

Dur'kiir leaned back in his seat, "I have 2 options, we do combat exercise, or we focus on a tactical/mental exercise."

He would let them decide, Dur could work either way. Though, to be honest, anything with a more mental focus was not his strong point. Even in old age, he much preferred the old; 'Bash first, ask questions later'.

((OOC: Think I'll add one more member to join the party. Need a healer, or something like it lel. I'll put a skeleton up for them later and introduce them while waiting for Ev))

Dur'kiir was met with silence from the bard. His single, good eye narrowed towards her. He felt his patience wearing thin suddenly. The draconic male curled his lips back, fangs on full display now. Before it was just a minor poke of canines, now it was a full show of powerful, sharpened fangs meant to tear flesh from bone. True, the Dragonkin preferred meat when it came to a meal, but he would also eat some fruit and vegetables.

"I take it by your silence that it matters not to you? Very well then."

The male was getting ready to speak again, mouth opening, but was suddenly interrupted by a familiar voice, "Dur'kiir, I'm terribly sorry to bother you again, but I have one more whom will be joining your group."

The Dragonkin turned his horned head, eye glowing. His lips were still curled back to show his fangs, clearly annoyed. He was rather unpredictable that way. One moment Dur'kiir would seem calm, silent, but then it would change in an instant. The chaotic nature of his dragon parent having a strong hold on him, the natural instincts of hungering for destruction and death completely overwhelming at times to where it was hard to keep it at bay.

The cold, glowing ember for an eye glanced towards a tall, cloaked figure nearby. A tail that ended in a fin swept behind the figure from underneath their cloak as they stood in place. They were on the shorter side, slim and petite. A smooth scaled hand with webs between the fingers held tightly to a crook. The hidden figure's form was tense, a slight shake of their body being seen by careful scrutinizing.

Ledea had appeared near the cloaked one, "This is Oshiera, an Aquaronas from the Auqa Tribe of the Scarlet Sea."

This statement got an eyebrow raise from the once snarling Dragonkin, "An Aquaronas this far inland?"

The cloaked figure took a step forward. The voice sounded feminine, "Psssh, I chossse this path…reasssons are my own wisssh I feel no need to ssshare…"**

A soft snort came from Dur'kiir, seeming to mutter something under his breath before speaking up, "I see, I'm sure Ledea here got you caught up on everything. Asking now, what role you see yourself in a small group?"

The cloaked creature shifted a bit, "Healer…I tended the sssick and wounded back in my tribe."

The Dragonkin gave a nod, glancing back to the rest of the group, "So, least we have the beginnings of a decent party now. Was wondering if we were going to get a healer. Rather vital in a successful group, as they often have the ability to bring one back from the brink."

Dur'kiir suddenly stood up from his place at the table. He turned his horned head, facing the the elven woman. The male bowed his head slightly to her, then looked back to the others, mainly Aeolus and the cloaked figure that called themselves 'Oshiera'.

"Then let us begin, we shall head to an old friend of mine."

His gaze shifted to the bard for a moment, then back forward. Without waiting for any objections or queries, Dur'kiir headed towards the door of the Guild that led outside. He was assuming they would follow.

From the darkness of the short figure's hood, bright teal eyes glowed. Pupils were slits in the large eyes, looking outwards. The finned tail slowly swayed one way, then the other.

She turned her head towards Aeolus, "Pleasssant fellow isssn't he?"

Her voice had a slight hint of sarcasm to it, but she followed behind the mentor.

((OOC: Shall I delete my response?))

The large Dragonkin proceeded out of the guild and into the open streets of the Kingdom's city. A low huff seemingly came from him as he took note of more people and creatures starting to flood into the streets. For a moment, his brows furrowed, raking his mind for a certain thought. It couldn't be market day, could it? Ah, yes, yes it was…fun…

Merchants and others would be coming into the city to sell and buy wares from all over the realm. Dur'kiir would have to be sure he didn't lose anyone in the crowd. Then again, if they did get separated somehow, the giant, dominating presence of the Dragonkin would be hard to miss. Plus, the helmet now covering his head and face.

Yes, as he stepped out into the sunlit streets of the dawning day, the Dragonkin suddenly reached behind him, pulling out the horned helm that had seen him through so much. Without so much of a second thought, he slipped it over his head, the helmet built perfectly to fit and accommodate the horns on either side of his head. The visor hid his features even more, yet he could see perfectly out, despite his face now hidden.

Now with the helmet and the armor upon his body, Dur'kiir truly was a frightening spectacle to behold. Perhaps a bit much for the populace, but it was handy to deter any possible individuals from approaching…well…most. The crimson against black adding even more to the terrifying visage.

His footsteps sounded heavier as he walked along, tail slowly swaying one way, then the other as it trailed behind him. Strapped to his back, now a clearly seen dual-bladed, heavy axe was attached. It seemed impossible for any normal man to carry, but of course, Dur'kiir was no normal man, nor even a normal Dragonkin.

The male didn't glance back, voice slightly muffled behind the metallic visor, but still clearly audible, "One of a trio of sorceress sisters. Due to a market day, they should be setting up a stall further in the city along the Emerald Avenue."

Dur paused, taking a breath before speaking again, "While in the merchant part of the city, I would also advise to take the time to familiar yourselves with those streets. Vendors carry all sorts of goods; weapons, armor, potions, a large assortment of useful items. Some of these may prove valuable in both combat, and out of combat."

As for the creature that called herself 'Oshiera', the thing seemed to pull her cloak tighter against her already mostly obscured form. The only thing seen was the finned tail from behind, and the unnatural bright teal eyes in the darkness of the hood. Also the scaled, webbed claws wrapped around her crook as she followed behind the other two, staying in the back.

Every now and then, she would take a moment to glance around. She didn't seem to be used to large crowds, well, crowds that consisted of more races and creatures she did not know. Some leaving a bitter taste in her mouth, more so her mind. One of these had once taken something precious from her…something she could never get back…

The creature shook her head, slipping to a halt, having nearly run into both Aeolus and Evelynn. A low 'psh' noise seemed to emit from her as her tail tucked between her legs. Once again, she averted her gaze elsewhere, embarrassed for having nearly bumped into them.

Focus…she needed to focus on the now…and not dwell on the past…

The male didn't bother to glance back as he responded to the girl's question, "If I wanted a healing spell, I'd visit the Silver Mages whom follow the Goddess of healing."

His voice suddenly lowered, sounding muffled now, seeming to speak more to himself, "Alas, I doubt even if I was gravely injured, they would turn me away."

Sure, being one of the greatest Adventurers of a time long past, Dur'kiir was still himself. Dealing with 'righteous' lots could be difficult and tiring. Some following/followers believing strictly in something so much, to where they would deny simply because of another's blood and their own single-minded beliefs.

"Pssh, no need for healing ssshpellsssss," Oshiera actually spoke up, teal blue eyes glowing from the darkness of her hood, "By the Lord of the Ssshea, hisss blessssshed watersss have been given to me to wield."

The dragonkin seemingly flicked his tail back towards the Aquaronas, "That as well. I trust young Oshiera here as a few tricks up her sleeve."

His hidden eyes shifted over, taking note as the boy seemed to be mulling over the options as they walked through the streets of what was called 'Emerald Avenue'. Nothing wrong with that he supposed, Dur did say they should take the time to browse through the wares offered. Some of these stands would stay, others would be gone the next day. Merchants and such were always drawn here, the promise of coin to be made when there were so many new and old adventurers exploring the streets.

The giant Dragonkin continued onward through the busy streets. As he walked forward, the large crowd seemed to disperse before him, allowing the towering beast of a humanoid to stride along the path unhindered. Then again, none seemed to dare stand in the way of the great warrior clad in black and crimson armor.

Dur'kiir came to a stop, having seem to come to the end of the avenue. Here, there seemed to be fewer stalls, and fewer people. What appeared to be set up in this part of the merchant alley, seemed more occult, dark and dangerous energy surrounding the area. A low huff seemed to sound from the helmet covering the Dragonkin's head. A single, burning ember flashed in the darkness through the helm's visor as he stared forward.

"Ah, there it is, I recognize that scent anywhere."

Boots echoed against hard cobblestone. His feet carried him towards a carriage parked further down the rode. As the Dragonkin approached he suddenly paused, lifting an arm up, aiming to halt those behind him from continuing forward. A low rumble seemed to sound from his chest, causing the armor against his body to vibrate from the sound.

"Something…doesn't feel right here…"

The young healer suddenly stepped forward. The creature approached the wagon, taking a moment to kneel down. She ran a webbed hand across the stones, lifting her hooded head upwards.

"Ssshomething happened? Thisssh magic isssh ssstrange to me."

"Most likely…what the hell did they get themselves into now…" Dur'kiir's voice was a low growl.

Dur'kiir paused, glancing back to the trio behind him, then back towards the carriage. The single ember burning in the darkness of his helm continued to glow. Boots echoed against cobblestone as he approached it. It appeared to be one of those 'house carriages', living quarters, as well as whatever was needed to live on the road.

As the great Dragonkin came to the back end of it, the signs of a struggle were seen. The door left wide open, bottles strewn about, as well as other debris. A low growl came from Dur'kiir, the single eye swiftly scanning the scene before him. He lifted his horned head, glancing towards the open door that swung ever so slightly. The male started to approach, one boot setting on a step, then another.

He was getting ready to enter the darkened carriage, when some unknown force struck. Dur'kiir had no chance to catch or ready himself. The blast that caught him was like that of a powerful gale wind, knocking him back with such force he was sent into the wall just opposite of the carriage he had once been about to step into.

Oshiera seemed to clutch her cane closer to her body, tail swiftly tucking between her legs as their leader was swept off his feet to have his back crack into a wall. Her teal blue eyes glowed brightly in the darkness. The force that attacked, must've been quite strong indeed, enough for the fallen Dur'kiir to leave an indent in the wall he had been sent crashing into to.

The aquatic creature was about to attempt to make a move over, in hopes of helping their fallen comrade, but stopped in her place as a sudden voice spoke from the darkness of the carriage.

"OIOI! WHAT'S THIS THEN?! DIDN'T GET ENOUGH DID YA! ….wait a minute…curse child, is that you?"

A pair of burning eyes illuminated in the darkness of the inside of the carriage. Whatever it was, remained inside, glancing outwards to the group that had been investigating the wreckage.

At first, there was silence from the fallen, armored Dragonkin. His body unmoving as it rested against the wall, head slumped against his chest. That silence, however, was suddenly broken by a deep, inhuman growl emitting directly from Dur'kiir.

"…J-Jinx…I'm gonna wring your f-fucking neck…"

The eyes in the darkness seemed to tilt, as if whatever was inside was cocking its head to the side. Then a maw of pointed fangs suddenly appeared, giving the creature a 'Cheshire' appearance in the shadows of the carriage.

"Sorry about that old chap, but what with the Mistress away and after the thief, I acted only as I have been instructed; protect the carriage while the culprit is dealt with…besides," the eyes suddenly shifted to the side, noticing the three younger members nearby, "Thought you were in retirement, never expected you to pick up your axe again and guide some younglings."

Dur'kiir remained where he had been thrown, but lifted his head upwards. The single ember glared from the darkness of the helm, the growl seeming to make the very ground around them vibrate from the sound, "Enough games Jinx…spit out what happened."

A chuckle sounded from the depths, "Ah, even in old age, ever the stoutest pillar to stand in the raging storm…but even you know…eventually the pillar becomes weathered, weakening in…"

From nowhere, a knife was struck with such force it lodged in the wood of the doorway, "I said enough games…for all you know, your Mistress is in trouble…"

The eyes in the darkness narrowed, followed by a soft 'tsk', "My Mistress is quite capable of handling herself, but I suppose you want some training for the kiddies. Very well, nothing better than 'hands on experience' eh? Last they went, Mistress Mirabilis was chasing them downtown, most likely towards outskirts of the city walls where the dead sleep…if you catch my drift."

The burning gaze of whatever was in the darkness suddenly turned towards the young adventurers nearby, a cackle suddenly erupting from it, "Hope ya like dancing with skeletons and ghouls kiddies! Cause there's gonna be a lot of those where ya going!"

Beneath the hood, a frown crossed the creature's features. Though hidden, her eyes shown the distress she felt. Her gaze looked back to the fallen Dragonkin, unsure if she should approach and help or not…

She was a healer yes, but this was the first time she was working with those outside of her kind and race…she had no clue how or what she was suppose to do or act. If this had been a tribe member, of course she would have rushed immediatly to their side, but this Dragonkin was someone and something else entirely.

Oshiera's gaze shifted to the other two, hoping they would have a better idea of how to approach this event than herself. Plus, whatever the creature was in the darkness of that carriage left her feeling uneasy.