[CC] Grand Display: Lina

Strength Trail

Lina stared up at the towering mountains of the north, her nose wrinkling as the cold air hit her; she was just thankful that it was summer, she could only guess how much the temperature dropped in the cold months. The old fort seemed to glare at her, a rock construction that warned of interlopers, and guarded the ancient mountain pass… of course she had no wish to go beyond the fort… what she sought lay inside.

Strength, to prove herself to another dragon of the element as she…. It sounded easy… except when you were small enough to ride on your riders shoulders clutching his ear, none of the metal dragons seemed to consider her a challenge, worried they would hurt her… and so she’d come northwards to where a rider was said to live, and to her knowledge, that rider had a smallish metal dragon of her own… taking a deep breath she darted forwards, towards the open jaws of the forts drawbridge.

Enderia moved around the lower ramparts, moving things back into place, Whisper was chronic for accidently moving things with his wings, bit by bit things returned to how they should be; satisfied she waddled down into the courtyard, the lands to the south glittering though the open drawbridge. There was still so much work to be done around the fort, but at least the main tower was functioning. Suddenly another dragon darted through the drawbridge, smaller than herself, but with such a fierce aura that she drew back, startled as the mouse charged. “En garde.” it cried out.

No one interrupted her as she drew closer, though Lina knew that at least one of the dragons dwelling here was large, and quite fierce… and then she was breaking through the fort's defences (okay the gate was open but), her opponent insight, larger than she was, its thorned and plated spine, and scythe wings glinting in the firelight cast by the torches that lit the fort. She charged, giving a war cry as she lunged for the other metal dragon.

Enderia hesitated, she didn’t like fighting at all, she’d only done it once to complete her grand display, but Meeth and the others were too far away, Instinct took over and she curled into a ball; the small mouse’s attack deflected by the spines.

Lina bounced back as the other female rolled into a ball, the posture defensive, she prepared to charge when a soft and slightly scared voice sounded from the ball. “Leave me alone...please ” Lina froze, realisation sinking in, she’d been so focused on completing her strength trial that she’d attacked another. “I-i’m sorry” Lina drooped. “I was wanting to prove my strength… and I heard stories that the rider here trains dragons… so i thought… that…” She trailed off, and slowly the other dragon uncurled, her eyes watching the mouse warily. “No one will take me seriously.” Lina continued. “I… didn’t hurt you did it?” She asked, the rush of battle fading. “N-no” the other female said….

Enderia was still hesitant, she did not like being attacked, but the other metal dragon seemed reasonable enough now that she’d stopped attacking. “Well… maybe you can prove your strength another way.” She said, before waddling off.

Lina blinked, and followed the other dragon, past the still standing tower and towards the unwelcoming forest beyond; before the dark trees though was a rough training area… with several targets of varying heights. “Meeth trains against these herself, and she has Whisper and Zeke go against them as well... “ the other dragon explained, her voice exceptionally gentle picking up a small spear tip, and passing it to Lina. the mouse touched the metal, it was just the tip… but after a few moments it lengthened, becoming something akin to a sword… just one her size. After a glance for permission of the other she lunged forward, striking at the legs of the targeted. “Hyah.” she yelled. The other dragon backed off somewhat but did start giving small bits of advice….. As if the other had seen swordwork in play, her strikes came swifter and more accurate, inflicting more and more damage to the target; her strength showing in her willpower, and the ability to use other resources than just brute strength

WC: 714

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Flexibility Trail

The desert sun blazed down on Linu, her small body darting across the blistering sands, her sharp gaze seeking out any form of shelter, as she tried to pace herself, moving quickly enough that she didn’t burn her toes, but not so quick as she would wear herself out too soon. At first her trial in the desert had been reasonably easy enough, the sun just rising, so the sands were cool enough leisurely move over, and rocks and boulders littered the landscape providing more than enough shade and hiding holes.. For the desert was a harsh place, and many preyed on creatures of her size, twice at the start she’d had to dive for cover, away from the snapping jaws or powerful stingers, thankfully though as soon as she’d escaped, her companion had taken care of the threat; neutralizing it with ease; she knew he would protect her from any true harm, but this test of flexibility was hers and hers alone. Onwards she pressed through the morning as the sands warmed to uncomfortable levels and places of shelter became few and far between.

“You can rest you know.” Came the quiet voice of her ‘guard’, a largeish black hound that looked more at home in the dark of the night than in desert… or in a coral reef given that he had some growing from his back, which interestingly didn’t seem phased by the heat and dryness. “Where.” she asked, a glance around the open dunes revealing nothing, when he didn’t reply she continued forward, breath coming out quick as she darted, a second voice sounded in her mind, the navy cat dozing on the back of the black dragon, the first time he’d done it she’d jumped, unaware that others could speak to her telepathically without a bond. “This test is about flexibility, adjusting to terrains or circumstances beyond your control or out of your comfort zone. There may be no natural shade…” The dragons rider continued pointedly, she glanced back eyes widening as she realized the dragons shadow was unnaturally large,, her mind grasping what had been hinted at. As Azazael was not a threat, she could safely rest in his shadow until she recovered, it was using whatever was at hand to get by.

Distracted as she was by the realisation she slipped, body tumbling down the side of the sand ridge, squeaking she tried to stop herself when black shadowy hands gripped her.. Panting she held still as the shadows pulled her back up to her companion, letting go of her and returning to their master. “Of course.. You still need to be aware at all times.” The cat continued, jumping down to sit near her as she panted, catching her breath. Zee remained standing his gaze scanning the area for any true threats. “Thank you.” Linu said moving closer to the dragons paw and patting it. She followed his gaze and spotted a faint touch of green on the horizon, the oasis. “There it is.” She shouted, charging forward, unaware of the cats sigh as he jumped back onto the dragons back.

With a target in mind, the harshness of the desert seemed to fade, she was aware of the other dragon pacing behind her, but her focus was on what was coming closer and closer. An odd sound echoed from the cat rider behind, but she paid it no mind… until instinct kicked in and she dove sideways; barely escaping powerful talons as the falcon struck, its wings disturbing the sand and hazing Linu’s vision. The bird took off moments later, gliding up on the thermals as it returned to its normal hunting. Linu glared at the cat and dragon, but he didn’t apologise, the lesson lingering, never forget to check all areas. More cautiously she set back off for the safety of the oasis, this time she kept scanning not only the desert sands but the air as well, finally she passed into the cool shade, but though she longed to dive into the cool waters, she checked everything first… just incase the rider had one last surprise...

WC: 687

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Providence Trail

It had once been a mine shaft, the old timber frames still holding the earth at bay, discarded tools and overturned carts littered the area, but the torches in their brackets were still wet with the substance used to feed the flames should they be lit. Though, from what Lina could tell, the mine had been abandoned for well over 100 years at least, and she doubted it had been explored since it closed, for the veins of metal glinting running through the rocks was untouched, a mine of resources for those that were seeking it. Of course, Lina wasn’t here for the metal, her aim was to explore the deeper, untouched areas of the cave system beyond the mine, areas where the miners had yet to delve and carve out. “Do you think there's anything down there?” She asked, her fingers gripping the soft black fur of her companion, his large ears pricked for anything untoward. A huff sounded from her third companion, a navy cat, who walked in front. “Isn’t that what you’re meant to be investigating, me and Zee are simply here to see what we can find.” The cat's snarky voice sounded, Lina ignored it, she’d learned the cat generally spoke like that to most others, though at least this time he hadn’t brought the falcon…. Instead a pink fairy armadillo waddled behind Azazael, his very own pink shadow. “Anyway, aren't you meant to be searching… not riding on another's head.” Meiron, as the cat was called commented, sticking his head around an old shaft entrance, but he soon ignored it and Lina assumed anything of interest had been taken by the miners. “Weren’t you the one who mentioned using what was at hand.” The mouse replied innocently, referring to her flexibility trail that both the cat and Azazael had been with her for. Zee snorted, the amusement apparent, though he subsided when the cat glared at him.

Down and down they went, the wooden beams becoming less and less, and what was there was roughly constructed. Suddenly Zee stopped, ears pricking, Lina couldn’t see anything, but her nape prickled, she could also see the cat’s fur sticking up slightly; her eyes scanned for anything she could use as a weapon. “The ghosts say that something lies beyond, it took out half their workforce and is the reason the mine was closed.” Azazael spoke, the shadows stretching further, finally a shape seemed to shift into view, barely there but powered by Zee’s dark magic. “None of them saw it…. Death hit them before they could even turn.” He continued. “Thank you for the warning.” Zee said politely, and the shape faded, as did the otherworldly feeling that had coated them; the shadows remained unusually large though as if Azazael was ready to use them as a weapon.

Lina’s whiskers twitched as she considered her options. “I’ll go scout ahead. I’m small and if it took workers, it sounds big, it may not notice me.” She offered, finally her size was an advantage. “Well I'm not going to stop you.” The cat commented, nosing around the immediate area. “There’s a small hole here. Zee wont fit, but he could send his shadow to help incase.” He followed up. Lina nodded, running down through the velvety scales and onto the ground, his shadow trailing her as she slipped through the crack. She slowed down as it started to expand, and the pressure deepened, using everything she’d learned she peered into a larger cavern, stunning crystals glittering and an array of treasure… but it was the beast in the center that caught her eye. Red tinged fangs and rusted scales, its snout twisted and torn, scars covering its entire hide, huge spikes erupting from its back. It was asleep, but the sense of age form it was overwhelming. Not venturing any further she quickly glanced around its prison…. For there were no exits, no natural light and only a tiny pool of stagnant water… the miners must of broke though and it feasted, before the rest sealed it back in, Zee’s shadow twined around her, tugging her back, and as she turned, the beasts demonic eyes opened locking onto the tiny mouse like creature, she caught a glimpse of bleached bones as it lunged, but she was back through the minute crack, a loud sound echoed as the beast hit the rocky sides of its prison, and it yowled an unearthly scream of rage and hatred. Shaking she ran straight back to where Azazael waited, the armadillo cuddled close, terrified by the sound echoing from below. The cat was nowhere to be seen. She ran straight up Zee’s outstretched paw, and onto his head, clutching his ears as her heart thudded; minutes passed and the howling started to ease, grumbles sounded as the beast returned to its slumber. “Sounded feral.” A mental voice echoed and Lina jumped, glaring down at the cat which appeared from the natural shadows, Zee having released his grip on the dark magic. Meiron huffed in amusement and leapt to a nearby rock, “Found some runes on what looks to be an ancient entrance, though it has been destroyed, whatever is in there has been there for centuries, and its likely it was lured there on purpose.” the cat mused. “It did look like a dragon…. But there was something very wrong with it.” Lina said, using Zee to help calm herself. “Nothing we can do. Now lets see what else is down here.” The cat said, slinking off into the darkness, Zee followed, the small mouse dragon nestling on his head as the three (and an armadillo) continued to search the depths of the mine for anything else of note.

WC: 956