The Ceremony

[18:40] The dragonlord would reveal hidden beneath his cloak - a heart encased in thin ice like mana, the heart would beat as it gets closer to the heat of the coal pit. Sparks of fire would touch it - and it would start to bleed into it's incased ice.

"For those of you new to our lands recently arriving from other nations of Theira it's self, I am one of four dragonlords - along with Minerva who cannot be here right now, and Orodyn -my brother. You could always look to me him or Dezmond a rising dragon coming onto the ranks of being a dragonlord himself, but for now he is lore keeper." Presenting the heart to Dezmond he would offer him the chance to lead in this ritual.

"Lore keeper - will you lead this ritual today? Please prefrom the ritual and endure the fire and heat within the middle of our fire alter so that everyone would have the chance to feel skarlax's flame from it's heart as they copy the ritual rite from you."

He held out skarlax's heart for dezmond to take. "As a leading role- this is but one of the responsibilities we would see you carry out."



(Varceal Vartuul)
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[18:52] Hearing that title, lore keeper, it made him shiver a bit unsure of what he had ahead of him, but it was worth it for the better of his people and the inhabitants of Theria as a whole.

As he approached he took hold of Skarlax's Frozen Heart, he felt different from before. When he first started, he had only touched it himself and walked across the flames. Today? He would be the one to welcome those who had not done so as of yet.

"Yes, I shall.

Brothers, Sisters, Visitors. We come together today to welcome our new Acolytes into the Fireblooded Family.

As most of you know, we were given our first task to retrieve this heart from Dragonlsayers who'd invade the divines tomb. We succeeded there.

We were sent to recover Balmung from the Osronan's Nobles, and the Dragonslayers who inhabit this land. Even with their conniving and plotting, We succeeded there as well.

Today we will bring forth new brothers, new sisters, warriors born and bathed in flame who will defend one another as kin do."

He turns to the pit of molten stone and walks back to the furthest point, turning to look forward at them all, not even a slither of discomfort from his eyes or his body was shown, he'd already done this before, and it was part of his training. A sign of his dedication to their cause and their meaning.

"Those who wish to seal the bond between the divine and your brothers in arms here, walk across the pit and touch the heart of Skarlax, once you are done remain on the molten stone, look into the flames and listen for his voice.

Visitors you may remain where you are until the new members are done. Brothers who've already done the ritual gather around on the flame where you can fit.

Today we will ask for our brothers to be accepted, and guidance on our next task."

He inhales and then exhales, smoke fumes from his nostrils into the area around him. He was ecstatic about having lead this, it made him feel as if he were a big brother to most here. He would defend them all with his life.

As the smoke cleared, he spoke once more.

"Come as you are."
(Dezmond Graves)
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[18:58] The tourist remained on the spot, glancing momentarily at some individuals in the room, but quickly his gaze drifted back towards the Skarlax's Frozen Heart.

"... 'ey. Some crazy stuff going on, right.", he muttered to himself- and perhaps to whoever is close to him.

Perhaps if he was one of them, he'd touch, but the gardener chooses to stand still, humming a catchy song.
(Alfredo)
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[18:58] Jarus gestures forward and steps forward to the center, making a way to the lava
(Jarus Koilante)
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[18:59] Dezmond had raised in his role now leading this ceremony for everyone within the room. Having already touched the sacred heart of Skarlax, it was time for the newbies to feel its presence, as for Kuro, he walked over to the magma stones. Taking his first step in with his other brothers and sisters, Kuro was ready to rejoice with his brooders on a fine day to welcome all new members as their family continues to grow.

With his arms crossed, stepping over the stones while everyone else was also getting the feel, the warmth that the stone offered wasn't harmful. Only those that truly accepted the way of the fireblooded could feel its magnificent prowess coursing through them as they accept the ritual.

Deep down he felt important as if he was actually wanted by something. Other than serving his family and friend, his side goal was to still try and figure out a way how to gain access to Theria again after it has been closed off for years. He still awaits his parents inside to find out if they are alive or dead.

"Join." He would speak looking at the others around him slowly stepping on it too.
(Kuro T. Hintze)
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[18:59] Tonak would remember the time he bonded with a dragon before. It was strange and a long time ago. The man would look at the hand that thought about such a thing. Remembering his times with his past and now the future.

The man would remain for the last to touch it though. He had not attended a ritual in a long time.

"Ahh feel so old."
(Tonak Botcher)
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[19:00] Jarus steps up to the heart and touches it momentarily, and then pauses. He sighs and steps up to the lava and forward. He moves into the lava and fully touches the heart, waiting for some sign of Skarlax or otherworldly entity.
(Jarus Koilante)
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[19:01] Shining Sparkle softly hums to herself, watching the events of prayer peacefully transpire before her. How benevolent it all was. How delightful.

Her eyes search through the crowd and soon land upon one in particular- Alfredo.

Maintaining her smile, she wordlessly starts over towards him.
(Shining Sparkle)
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[19:01] Fleur was unsure how this came to be... It was Minerva that had offered her a place amongst the Fireblooded. She only accepted, seeing as how her dearly beloved was descendant from a dragon goddess of his homeland.

Somewhere deep down, she felt this would help her understand. A connection with something divine, something she'd never given thought of before. She steps forth, her feathered fan still veiling her vermillion painted lips. The girl pauses just before the frozen heart...

She knew not what sort of ritual this was, or if she would hear anything... However the girl sought knowledge... Where upon Theria's mountain the ashes of her husband's mother were buried. His last wish being to return Lady Ellesca's ashes back to their rightful homeland.

The girl begins to tear up... She was clearly uncomfortable, this ritual and joining what she thought to be just another cult amongst the many in Esshar. However, safe passage and aid in fulfilling her departed husband's final request was one of few reasons she had to live for the moment. Failure was not something the Ryukyu or Shengese people in general accepted easily.

Her fan flips closes, her dark amber eyes fixed upon the holy relic... A dragon's frozen heart... She slowly trembles placing both hands upon it, listening... waiting to hear what heavenly divine message would come.
(Fleurosa)
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[19:03] Ahhh, this felt very familiar.

As someone who had been apart of the first slew of recruits, it was actually quite interesting to see others participating in the ritual of blood and fire. As Dezmond spoke, she recalled everything he was saying, save for the retrieval of the tool that had been used to slay dragons. Still, she had been there with her brothers and sisters, fighting what fight was needed of her.

Now, here she was, making her way across the fire, similar to Kuro, she had touched the heart of Skarlax, therefore all she had to do was stand next to him while looking on at those that would be joining them momentarily.

She would not say anything though, instead, she would stand there and simply wait for what was to come next.
(Nobia)
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[19:04] Can't Help but to smile about this as it marks a new day for her in her life as she steps up willing to walk across the lava just to get insight and a vison in her life.

As She Comes up to the heart she touches the heart standing still to see...
(Kyra Wolff)
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[19:04] The butler listened closely. Having the words of the lore keeper bounce in his ears. Settling in his very core.

So its time to truly become a fireblooded. Doused in the flame of one of the many gods they worship. He awaited his turn peacefully, letting all that was here before him touch the heart.

Kirk was unsure what will happen once he set his hand upon the stone. However the thoughts that rung out in his mind subsided. As his hand now lay upon the stone. Accepting whatever vision or power it may grant.

Joining the group after he let his hand rest there for a moment. Standing next to his brothers in arms.
(Kirk Simmons)
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[19:05] Silence, as the sermon begins, a new appointed lorekeeper taking the mantle of bestowing the word of the dragons onto his brethren. A place that, by virtue of ascent, Orodyn feels coerced to delegate in, none other more fitting that the shadow dragon himself.

A disposition that feels tense. Nervous, imperiously so. As anything going south would surely spawn peril and a surge of zealous correction from his behalf - the ceremonies being perhaps too touchy of a subject for him.

Yet soon enough, a contented, approving smile finds its place upon his features, as their providence seems to be correct.

Dezmond handles it perfectly.

"Good." He vociferates, sighing below his breath in relief. He seems eager to lay hands upon the core, yet instead allows for the attendance to make their way to loom over Skarlax's core first and foremost. The embers at their back, first.

Orodyn, generally used to making the molten waltz by now, treads over them barefooted, silently beckoning the gathering to accompany him.

"Fear not. Searing is temporary, the hardening is eternal.

Come forth."
(Orodyn Vartuul)
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[19:07] Gajin kept an easy posture as they waited for the festivities to begin. His attention shifted from Varceal to the Dezmond as the lore keeper was giving the go-ahead to start the ritual. As he listened he'd puff his chest out just a bit more at the mention of retrieving Balmung. After all he'd been there and bested his rival Slayer. A key roll in the whole event, plus he made a lot of coin!

Now though it wasn't a battle he faced but an intricate ritual of some kind. Still he was more than up for it. Gritting his teeth he walked to the pit of Molten lava. Well that was hot but there was plenty of large stones still floating in the magma for him to use as stepping stones.

Which he would do in time, stepping between them smoothly as he approached the great heart of Skarlax. His hand reached out and he pressed it against the mighty heart. There was still such a blazing warmth there... He could feel it under the current of ice and railing against even the fabrics of death.

Truly it was the heart of a Dragon. Though once he'd touched it and felt that divine connection he hopped to the side onto another floating stone of magma. His attention shifting to the twirling pit of lava he now found himself standing within.

Now whats next he thought.
(Gajin)
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[19:09] Lisa would have watched how everyone are gathering to do the ritual. She watches the first people to do the thing, and she though for her self. Well she was invited in the guild, she is acolyte rank and she is drakonite. She will probably be allowed to participate?

She watches the first man do that, then few others, and goes after them, she walks up to the heart, worried, and nervous, touching the heart while her own pounding hard...

Just to tame that nervous nature of her own...Just to become brave and accept herself as Drakonite, to grow from this nervous experience.

She was feeling the warmth of the heart, surprised how its still can be so warm after years of being frozen.



(Lisa Skye)
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[19:11] Fleur only feels a chill upon touching the core... She is instructed to stand by the molten pit afterwards... at least the lava's heat would warm her back up. She felt uneasy, everything was going too smoothly...
(Fleurosa)
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[19:13] After the touch, Lisa walks to the rest of people to the pit, joining them for the ceremony. She was nervous and worried, as she watched things unfold. She noticed that Gajin, just casually touched it and walked forth, so she did the same, noticing how easily it was for him to just touch and walk forward.

She looked at the pit, it looked hot, blazing hot, as she watched at it a little bit surprised, she then looked at the rest of the people, to see what they will do next.
(Lisa Skye)
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[19:13] Tonak would look at Sparkle. He could guess she was thinking the same thing he was. The ookami would wonder why this man was here in the first place.

Tonak hand would finally come to touch the core. A strange sensation as his mana came into contact. It wasn't the same feeling as when he gain the drakanite blessing long time ago.

It was more understanding in a way to bond to the natural circumstances around. The warmth cause his mind to go more calm. But the real situation was going to occur after this.

Walking over Tonak would watch.
(Tonak Botcher)
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[19:17] Gajin continued to gaze into the molten earth. His thoughts swirling as he thought about the connection he'd felt with the heart. If it weren't for his natural attunements to his own heritage he might have struggle with the feelings. His attention flicked to Lisa-lisa as they took a spot nearby. His focus of course didn't remain on her. They where all swirling in their own thoughts.
(Gajin)
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[19:18] It would seem that everyone has completed the ritual, Varceal would bring the sealed sword balmug the dragon-slayer into play, it was a uneasy presents but variceal wishes to change it's purposes now that it was within their grasp.

Presenting it to skarlax - and laying it on the ground. "Dear skarlax - we have completed the task given to us - and we seek to further serve you." He bowed his head in wait for the great wyrm to awake from their slumber.


And grace them... with enlightened presents.
(Varceal Vartuul)
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[19:26] Vasilis is literally standing on the heated coals right now, due to his lateness.
(Vasilis Reigns)
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[19:27] Jarus is eyeing around the temple, taking note of any blemishes or notable items
(Jarus Koilante)
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[19:32] Jarus Koilante says, "Time to enchant my pipe"
[19:35] {NARRATION} "... Thou who hath burn with everlasting flame in your veins. Children which seeketh out and yearn for truth."

Voices would not go unheeded as once again this heart would begin to beat. The voice of a Wyrm which had known naught more than an endless abyss of frozen snow - Touched by that blade bestowed to this heart.

Silence would soon echo across these halls for a moment. The immense strength of which this Great Wyrm once wielded now shaking this temple to its very core.

"Children. Soldiers. Dragons. I ask thee soon taketh to the skies above - Thou seeketh out the abyss of The Frozen North. You need search out the very essence of he who brought about mine own existence."

Blood would burn and ice would fade from around such a heart.

With each deafening beat those words continued to spill, continued to boom deep within the minds of each that had made themselves present.

"Upon The Highest Peak of our frozen remains? You will find your answers - I can say naught more than you will find yet another glimmer of truth leading you ever closer to greatness. To your fullest potential."

The beating of this heart would ever gradually begin to slow.

"Children of Garljing."

Ten seconds soon pass, with not so much as a word.

"I wish you well on this journey. You will not find what I now ask of you to be as simple a task as before."
[19:38] Heard a voice and seems to stand in the lava to think and reflect about what she heard and will only leave once they are all out of the pit.
(Kyra Wolff)
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[19:39] Jarus shudders, realizing the overwhelming presence he feels is but a trace of what it once was and still having this power. Skarlax was able to destroy a kingdom in a single burst of energy, yet there is a wisdom to bring about different outcomes. This voice is what he aspires to be! He will stick to this path to become even but a fraction of what this dragon once was.
(Jarus Koilante)
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[19:41] Silenced.

Soon as he had been brought into such a temple? He could speak not so much as a single word. The sensation which had overtaken his body was much unlike anything he'd heard before. Deafening and roaring with power, one in which he nor his star could so much as trifle with.

His voice dared not raise above a whisper. His gaze ever fixated upon the burning heart which boomed before them.

"... This is their god?" His question spoken in a hushed tone as movements grew ever still. The warmth which roared from its presence causing a hand to reach upwards, blocking off his nest from catching ablaze in the midst of this prayer.

Yet?

Each Drakanite had seemed so casual and fine around that immense heat of which the heart gave off.

Astonishing, to say the very least.
(Lannis Grimmore)
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[19:41] Alfredo turns his gaze along with his body towards the lava pit, lifting a single thumb to Shining Sparkle as the beastkin wordlessly stares at him for no apparent reason.

Despite having no knowledge over the said ritual, the gardener still remains in the temple, crossing his arms- rather curious about what's gonna unfold from all that.
(Alfredo)
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[19:42] All the while the flames of coals tickled upon his bare feet- the man much unlike what he used to be, had stood the trial the entire time as he heard the message. The voice the reverberated upon and throughout his form; as he closed his eyes and began to take the image.

He heard the warning, and heeded it in the depths of his mind. As a realization would occur within his very core as he found the views slowly opening once more. Sanguine hues would not miss a beat as he came to the realization of what needed to occur next.

He casted his vision to his sister, the toes played with the coals beneath his feet as he began to walk over towards her. Only ceasing once he was off the very coals and he brought a hand down and placed it in her shoulder.

"...Well, looks like it is time."

He didn't feel he needed to say anymore, there just had been an certain look in his eyes that flowed with determination.
(Vasilis Reigns)
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[19:42] The heart began its beating once again, after not having heard of it for a short while. Such an amazing thing to still be able to beat and give wisdom to those that sought out Garljing.

Listening closely, as he closed his eyes to feel the vision the heart was trying to message them with. Their next goal was to explore north above the mountains and find what lies up ahead. A simple task, just like the last when they went to retrieve the heart from dragon slayers trying to rip apart Skarlax's body.

"A journey..." Kuro was questioning himself exactly what type of answers could even await for them. Was there going to be some type of clue about Theria, or the current state in which is in.

I will make sure to prepare myself both mentally and physically on this voyage.

The core of the temple shaking as the heart started to grow silence. The power that their wonderful gods were able to bring into this world, and now, they guide thy children to a better future.
(Kuro T. Hintze)
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[19:43] Lisa would have heard the voice as well, suddenly when building begin to shake she would be a little bit nervous once again, but soon once the shaking calmed down, so did she. She stood in the Pit, feeling the touch of heat up her feet.

She indeed tried to memorise what voice has told them, surprised about how powerful the heart was, and even had the ability to speak. She stood still, relaxing her minds, and thinking about the message that was sent towards them.

She was excited about the journey, that soon will come, maybe she even will get better from the adventures, that will await all of them..
(Lisa Skye)
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[19:45] Gajin listened to the words coming from what he assumed was the Dragon Skarlax. So, this would take them to the frozen wastes to the north? His expression hardened as he contemplated the words said by the dragon. Then he looked up from the flames and looked to his fellow Fireblooded.

One of the elders must know the course to take!
(Gajin)
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[19:45] A voice that commanded, one that could be heard by all residing within the temple regardless of where they stood. It resounded with beautiful clarity and momentarily would her gaze turn to the center of the room where the heart was stationed. They'd been given a mission- a purpose that Shining Sparkle had no doubt they could fulfill.

Thus her attention returns to Alfredo.

His face was one she recognized as one of the few who'd looked at her from beyond the confines of her cage. It was unfortunate.

Her staff is retrieved and pointed directly to him, her intentions made clear as day now that the most imposing voice of all in the room had silenced.

"Hey, hey! Your people still have Minerva, don't they? Why don't you surrender nicely...? I'm sure she'd love to join her people on this important journey."
(Shining Sparkle)
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[19:46] After a delay, a presence was forged. The hearts mana still bestowing power to his person to allow for the words of this being to reach him. Booming out as it gave us all its wishes. A new goal for them to push forward and accomplish. This was all new to him as he is still a rather fresh fireblooded. Regardless he welcomed their faith and the being that they follow.

Once the orders rung out in his head. He'd place his right hand upon his forehead. The power of the Skarlax giving him a minor headache only passing a few moments after the words ceased.

The butler's blue hues shifted around. Examining the fellow fireblooded around him. Ushering a few words to himself.

"Seems we have work to do then."

His express bared a hint of excitement, as he wondered what would happen once they start this... Pilgrimage. A task given by a god itself for mortals to fulfil. Only time will tell what fruit this mission will bare.
(Kirk Simmons)
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[19:48] With everything having been heard and overcome. The drakanitw would see that things went well as he predicted in the time. That was a fine task. The older elder would be glad to been at one of these in his life time.

He wasn't sure what journey they spoke of during this time. But it seemed to have peaked his interest.

Tonak would feel the mass amount of mana from the power.

Still though that feeling would not go away.

A journey to the North. He didn't expect it to be easy or this with a soft heart to go. Still surprises can change people.

Tonak eyes would look down to the situation of the man. "...." Then look to the brothers. How did they want to deal with the Docro's family member.
(Tonak Botcher)
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[19:48] Fleur hears a voice... Though is deaf to the dragon's words... She trembles as it had been over forty years since. Her dearly beloved leaving her some hint upon Theria where to find what she sought...

The girl looks about her, seeing how the others seemed to have heard whatever divinity spoke to them... She peers back to the dragon's heart no longer incased in ice. Despite being unable to hear its voice, she could feel its power. To her, it appeared in the form of a great serpent, one large enough to blot out the sun.

Terrified... Fleur is convinced she had made a mistake... But then... An ember owl appears perched upon her shoulders... It simply stares at the others while keeping the girl warm.

Its presence alone calms Fleur... "When did you...?" She remains silent, staring at the fiery wisp of flame, some spirit manifesting a physical form upon her. Only to turn back and see the ritual wasn't yet complete...

Theria, drakanites and their religion was completely foreign to her... But she watches on, trying her best to be open minded to the scene. The fiery owl perched on her shoulder kept her calm, it too gazed on as the dragon lords finished.
(Fleurosa)
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[19:50] Watching as everyone took part and touched the heart remaining on heated stones. As soon as Varceal had offered balmung, things changed completely, the heart began to thrum, beating slowly, loudly, ice around it melting as it came forth from its shell.

He stares in awe, wondering how this had happened. He moves to place the heart on a pedestal that just happened to be available. The drakenite thought that this was another level to his devotion.

Hearing the dragon speak, he thought of the north, he did most of his training up there. But who did the dragon mean to send them after? He waited for Varceal and Orodyn to gather their thoughts, perhaps their father gave them some history lessons..?

"Amazing."

He begins to envision himself bathed in flame raging against those who may have been laying I wait for them to come and learn what the dragon has laid out for them.

He looks a bit closer toward the entrance upon hearing the remainingdragonlords name. Minerva? Who had something to do with her here at this time. Talks of surrender likely meant a fight would be brewing..
(Dezmond Graves)
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[19:50] As Skarlax spoke, she would close her eyes from the rest of the world. While she would not see his visage, she would feel his presence and understand his words as she recalls the mission they were given.

With a nod as her only answer, she would then open her eyes to look towards her brother, taking in his words "Yep..." She would whisper a response. Her crimson hues would then scan the room to see what everyone else's reactions would be.

Though in her mind she knew what her brother had meant.
(Nobia)
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[19:51] An echo that hazily echoes through the passages and hallways of the temple, Garljing's coat once more a channel to the superunknown. The red god's booming voice resonating, then falling dead silent for what appears to be a perennial stay of its past reverberation.

The heart, unveiled, flared bareness affront the group of fireblooded. The lot of them, addressed as children of Garljing.

"Yes..." Orodyn retorts, slowly growing more impatient, arms spread wide in an outburst of flashy acceptance.

The gospel, delivered not onto them by virtue of visions or puzzles - but cut raw in their wake. An invitation, an open one. One the dragonlord erupts in heeding to.

"YES!" A vicious grin overtakes his features, as those golden wings of his flock in a quickening.

"SO - IT SHALL BE BROUGHT DIRECTLY TO YOU, RED ONE." A glimmer irradiates from his behalf. The walls of the temple seem to directly react to it, as if Garljing's Coat and the younger Vartuul were one in the same.

Hands flock, treading through the petite crowd of onlookers, folks who had chosen to make themselves present in their rite.

"BROOD-SIBLINGS...!" Almost in trance, every word more severe and unwavering than was accustomed. The volume of the zealot's devotedness almost taking physical shape.

"AWAKEN, FOR WE BRAVE THE HEIGHTS - TAKE OUR BEARINGS TO OUR FOREFATHER! BE IN YOUR MOST APPROPIATE BEHAVIOR!

GARLJING AWAITS OUR REVERENCE!"
(Orodyn Vartuul)
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[19:56] Varceal would smile as he heard the words of the lord - his head kept bowed until Skarlax was done speaking, he was already in a kneeling postion as he presented the sword - and now would put the sword away. "Yes- my lord it will be done, I and my fireblooded are ready for any task to be done." He nodded - it didn't matter what the risk was - it only mattered what could be done to further their cause.

However - although everyone was enticed by such actions variceal would look briefly over his shoulder - first a lannis, then at alfredo... - He wondered was it worth doing something about right at this moment..

He is a non combatant - he thought it would be dishonorable to try to capture him now, though these actions would not be done alone should he had acted right now.

And he also doubted that capturing him would hardly be worth a dragonlord - .. they were was no reason they would give up Minerva for someone who would willingly come up here in parrel..

"Hmph.." He turned to the heart grabbing it's emplacement and moving to secure it once again. "We have our orders my brothers - we will see it done... Now go rest - and prepare for battle."


(Varceal Vartuul)