"A Quest Of Friends"

[o8jedi]

IC: Hazen Baker and company, the Road to Ebulon
_

The winds of the pass provided some relief, but the sun was too hot for most people to bear. Hazen kept his comments to the occasional gasp and statements like, "Could it get any hotter?" The guards stoically accepted the conditions, another trait that caused Hazen to admire them -- more specifically, April -- to a greater degree.

Meanwhile, he focused his attention on little Redcrest, who was easily the most uncomfortable person in the group. He began to worry if she was getting sunburn and he shifted over to examine her. "Do you feel hotter than normal on any spots?" he asked.

"I'm hot all over!" she complained. Hazen smiled at that comment and touched the top of her head. "Ow!" she replied as she flinched from the touch.

Hazen's thoughts were confirmed. He removed his makeshift head cover and placed it on her. "You need it more than I do. It may not be the most ideal piece of cover, but it'll help protect your burn from getting worse. Now, do you hurt anyplace else?" Hazen gently prodded Redcrest and found out that she had burned most of her back and arms. This was going to require more fabric than he had on hand.

The caravan stopped at a signpost. Once Hazen heard that it was no more than 20 miles to Ebulon, his spirits lifted significantly. They could be there in two days easily, assuming fatigue and their supplies didn't say otherwise. He looked over at Redcrest and said, "We're almost there!"

The little hadrosaur looked back and said, "Good. My bottom hurts from all this riding." Hazen and those within earshot chuckled at the young one's observation, making light of their own travel fatigue.

Several miles later, they arrived at a large, aging bridge. What happy feelings he had before were quickly erased. He watched as April, Artemis, Ajax, and Olu went out onto the bridge and made a dash back. "I don't like the looks of this," he said quietly to himself. A short while later, the guards returned and informed them that the bridge was likely to collapse in the near future. As Hazen reluctantly helped unload the carts, he mulled over the options: either cross the bridge or turn around and try and cross the desert. Neither option was pleasant, but this was clearly the better one.

The first twenty minutes were harrowing. Between Randy's tenative crossing and Polongo's two trips to move the carts, Hazen's heart pounded as he waited for both of his friends to make it across safely. However, once he saw the two of them safely to the other side, he felt a bit more at ease. While the actual crossing may be nerve-wracking, the bridge should remain standing. Hazen grabbed a few of the tents as Redcrest grabbed Seamus' cooking supplies. "You think you can carry all that?" he asked her. Redcrest nodded. "Okay," Hazen said, "stay close to me." With a deep breath, he stepped out.

Hazen listened carefully for Redcrest's pitter-patter behind him, which allowed him to know that she was still moving. About a third of the way through, though, she stopped. He turned around and saw her looking at the fall below her. She was frozen in fear, much like when she saw the snake. "Redcrest," Hazen said, "Look at me, not down." Slowly, her head lifted up. "You're not gonna fall," Hazen said to her. Quickly, he adjusted his gear so a few fingers were free. "Take my hand." Redcrest quickly snatched them and held on tight. "Just one foot in front of the other." Slowly, but surely, they completed the trek.

When they were on firm ground, Redcrest let go of Hazen's hand and ran to her mother, needing the maternal comfort after such a scary ordeal. Once comforted, Artemis lifted her daughter into Polongo's cart. She turned to Hazen and said, "They still need your help." Hazen nodded and went the other way to move the rest of the supplies.

Soon, everyone and everything was safely to the other side. Hazen couldn't help but chuckle to himself, surprised at how it went off without a hitch. As they loaded up their carts, Hazen observed, "I guess there wasn't anything to worry about." Then, with some of the best comic timing he ever experienced on this island, he heard the beginning of a sneeze coming from Randy. Before he knew it, the sneeze reverberated from the grotto's walls and the bridge came crashing down. "Cover your nose and mouth!" he warned Redcrest as he buried his face against some clothes. When the dust had settled, Hazen removed his face to survey the damage. Save for dust, they were all fine. At Randy's comment, they all started laughing.

After a quick meal, they resumed their journey. As Hazen looked back at the place where the bridge once stood, a pleasant thought came to his mind. If their pursuers were following them closely, they would be significantly delayed.
_

TAG: Bentfeather, Tebo, Frik, any and all!

[Thundertail]

IC: Petronas, Vox, Peter, Hydra and their two human thugs. Escape through Oneirous and Allepo.

It took less time to leave Pennacia thanks to the guidance that was given by their latest victim, and they were on the road again. Petronas figured that it would take at least a day for him to be missed, and it would be days until he was found; and thusly he chuckled in irony at their fate as he cracked the whip over the whimpering Peter’s head, cursing the fates as they sped around one town and another. Already it had been a few days, and the only good thing from all this was their true identities were never found out; the whole group seeing the wisdom of changing back into their usual garb. As first Oneirous, and then Alleppo passed by; they could now slow their race out of territory controlled by the High Council.

“Can we stop now?… OWWW…!”, Panted Peter as the whip cracked off his left horn, setting it twanging. “Stop that!…”

“Perhaps we should take a break at that…”, Vox said as he slowed Hydra’s pace to a stop. “We got to make some plans pretty soon.”

“What do you mean?”, Petronas asked as he eventually did likewise. “Hey you lugs!”, he called as he got down from the cart, and the two humans came from the back of the gypsy wagon. “Unhitch those two and feed them!”, they nodded and got to the task.

“Well, my boy…”, Vox said as he joined the Stenoychosaur. “The Chandaran border is very close, and they’re pretty tough…”, he led the way to the back of the gypsy wagon.

“This is just great…”, the older human groused as he got to work on Hydra’s harness, receiving grunting nudges of protest from her. “With Peter doing the rubbing out and us grabbing the loot, we make a great bunch.”

“Yeah…”, commented the younger, doing the same to Peter, who ashamedly allowed it. “We make a fine band of pirates!”

“Trouble is Petronas has that vendetta goin’.”, the older one said. “If he caught that bird, then all this would go to waste!”, he chuckled.

“We’d be out of work.”, the younger agreed. “An’ that Vox… Shiftiest character I ever saw!…”

“You leave him out of it!”, Hydra said. “He’s a great thinker, and he’s gotten us out of more jams than I care to remember!”, she knocked the older one to the ground. “I don’t see you two giving any ideas…”, she glared at the one on the prone man.

“Quit it, for one…”, the older one got up. “And for two, we didn’t ask for your two Drachs!…”

“Stop it, guys.”, Peter stepped in. “Everyone is entitled to their opinions.”

“And as for you, you lout…”, the younger one pulled his harness. “If you didn’t murder everyone you saw, maybe you wouldn’t be driven so hard!”, Peter batted him aside with a horn!

“Can it!… All of you!…”, bellowed Hydra, which halted any more mayhem. “Just hurry up and feed us or Petronas and Vox will hear of it!…”

“Right, princess…”, the older one said, bowing sarcastically. “Just what you get when dealing with scalies!…”

“Besides, we got better things to do.”, said the younger as he went for fodder, then coming back, said. “Say, want to play cards after this?”, this to the older.

“Sure thing!”, the older one said as he joined in distributing the fodder.

Presently Hydra and Peter were fed, then the two humans left them alone for the rest of the night; and in the interim, the older human won most of the money the younger human had kept from the booty he had stolen so far. While all this was going on, Vox had created a fire and was cooking Eveningmeal for all of them; Petronas listening on to his plans while he worked, seething at the Ovaraptor‘s evident command of HIS situation.

“So you see, the big thing is we can’t just go into their towns like we belong there…”, Vox was saying, stirring as he did. “For one, they have guarded checkpoints on every road leading to a town.”

“Guards?!”, Petronas chuckled. “What can guards do to us! We have weapons, and know how to use them!”

“These guards do too, and they‘re no push-overs!”:, Vox said. “They are ruthless and crafty, and their guard training program is the toughest on the island.”, he sipped the cooking concoction with his spoon. “If you’re going against them, better have an army!”

“So, how do we get past them?”, Petronas asked. “Bribe them?”

“That might work for a few, but most are loyal to the towns they protect.”, Vox said. “Besides, between all of us, we’d barely have enough to bribe even one of them!”

“Then what do you suggest?”, Petronas asked.

“In my cart I have many kinds of identification the Chandarans would ask for.”, Vox started pouring bowls. “I have ones for merchants, expedition leaders, surveyors, big businessmen and a whole slew of other false identities.”, he smiled. “Artfully acquired, if you know what I mean…!”

“And we use them?”, Petronas concluded.

“Now you’re catching on!…”, Vox handed him a bowl. “I even have paperwork stating I’m the head of a circus troop!”

“I’m proud of you…”, said Petronas sarcastically. “And I bet you’re the ring master…”

“Hey, don’t knock it! It works!”, Vox looked around for the humans, but couldn’t find them anywhere. “I even know how to juggle!”, he coughed. “Your boys DO eat, don’t they?…”

“Where did they go?…”, Petronas looked around too, then whistled. “Chow’s on…! Come get it before we throw it out…!”

As everyone came and ate, Vox related to them all on how they were to proceed; and many times the discussion turned into an argument over one point or another. Petronas had to continually reprimand the two humans when they made a stupid comment or suggestion, and Peter got his share every time he opened his mouth! At length they discussed their route for the near future, and finally decided to take on as much supplies they could pilfer in the next town of Teleost; and with Petronas’s concerns of how far a lead Bentfeather and his cohorts had, decided to get an early start for the morning.

As the campfire waned to ashes, their plans made and any punishments Petronas decided to dole out; they all decided to turn in for the night, and in the morning broke up camp and headed out to Teleost, the last town to get to before they reached the Chandaran border. The going was pretty smooth, despite Peter’s constant grousing at ho fast a pace Petronas was setting with his whip, and wishing he could wrap it around his neck at the soonest convenience! After about a half day’s travel the small caravan of hoodlums had made it to within the outskirts of Teleost, and could not believe the security that little town had commandeered as there was at least a dozen guard teams patrolling the streets; a thing of little worry as they had donned costume resembling a traveling circus, complete with freshly painted wagons in gala colors and costumes resembling performers.

“Hold it…”, barked a youngish guard on his smallish Corythosaur steed. “May we see your identification?…”

“Kind sir.”, Vox said in his ringmaster’s outfit. “The Terrific Traveling Troop of Tri-talented Tricksters needs no identification!”, he flourished his top hat. “We are here to administer entertainment to this beleaguered little town, and to provide gaiety to all who witness!”

“May we see your performer’s licenses, then?…”, said the guard, then got confidential. “The municipality of Teleost does not trust strangers, and requires all newcomers to identify themselves; so if you do not mind…”

“Very well…”, Vox rummaged through the bag next to his feet on the cart and produced his title for the circus. “This should sate your curiosity.”, he handed it over. “But to truly see our integrity, please come to our performance… Just as soon as we arrange an arena for the spectacle, that is!”, he smiled with his eyes because his beak would not.

“Um,… I guess all is in order.”, the guard said after reading the title, then allowing his steed to read as well. He then looked up as he handed the title back. “See the land magistrate for the permits to set up. Her office is in the meeting hall next to the Postal Bird aerie.”, then smiled. “I would not head east after you leave. The Chandaran border is that way, and they take even less kindly to strangers than this town does!”

“We will heed that warning indeed, kind sirs!”, Vox flourished again, sleight-of-hand producing a hand full of fake tickets. “And please use these to enjoy our show!…”, he flicked Hydra’s reigns.

Shrugging, the guard moved off, confronting the next caravan that had somehow gotten behind them. As Vox led Hydra’s cart down the lane in the direction the guard had indicated, Petronas was even more nervous than ever at their situation. What has that little bird got up his sleeve, telling them they were a circus, of all things?! None of them that he knew of had any talent other than of the nefarious kind, and he knew none of them were about to start any time soon; so why promise they would perform at all? He vowed he would give the pipsqueak a piece of his mind when the opportunity arose, and he did as soon as they stopped at a secluded stable to be put up for the night.

“What in the name of Othgar are you doing to us?”, Petronas pulled the Ovaraptor aside, beside the gypsy cart as they disembarked from both. “You know we aren’t going to perform for them!”

“I had to tell them something!”, Vox gulped at the stiletto at his throat, relaxing somewhat as it was drawn away. “Besides, it was my best disguise.”

“You know these guys have no talent.”, Petronas let him go. “And here you are promising a circus… This will blow our cover for sure!”

“Relax, will you!”, Vox told him. “I will promise the performance three days from now. If they ask about the delay, I’ll say that some of our circus props got damaged and need repair first… Safety, you know!”, he clasped the Stenoychosaur’s shoulder. “Relax! I got it under control.”

“But what will we do in the mean time?”, Petronas asked. “In that time the people could find out we’re not performers.”

“Can your boys swipe all the things we’ll need quickly?”, Vox asked and Petronas nodded. “Good!… So we’ll be long gone well before the performance even begins!”

“So I should tell them what stuff we need, and tell them to be quick about it…”, Petronas stated and Vox nodded. “And we’ll be long gone before we’re missed.”

“That’s the idea!”, Vox said. “Now, I got to get those permits… Got to make it look legit!…”, he sauntered away in preparation of the carts.

Presently Hydra and Peter was unhitched and given paddocks by the portly Galimimus handler there, then the two humans were about to go out to survey the pickings in town; but Petronas halted them rudely before giving them their current assignments. They were to go into town and gather parts to make a Big-top tent, long poles because theirs were broken in travel, or so they were supposed to say if asked; and yards of material to repair their torn one, they were to lie. During all that, they were to ask if any spare food and fodder for their pullers could be found; and take what was given but steal the remainder when the opportunity arose. With these orders, the two humans left the paddocks and began to do as ordered.

Vox had gathered all the paperwork befitting their small circus and followed the guard’s directions to the court building in the center of Teleost, climbing the short case of steps into the building proper. Petronas just stayed with the carts and the pullers, waiting for the attendants to leave so he could grouse to himself the fate that led them to this problem. In the courthouse, Vox presented his paperwork with a flourish; and waited patiently for the magistrate to read them, smiling when ever she looked up to regard this strange ringmaster before her.

“So you own a circus…”, she said with a tired lilt. “And you wish to entertain us?”

“Of course, lord ma’am!… And we are the best group of performers this side of the Polongo river!”, Vox bowed. “We would greatly appreciate a plot of land to set up out acts and perform repairs on our props.”

“And relieve us of our money for your performance…”, she glared. “I will not have this, for we are a poor community as it is!”

“It would be a mere pittance, I assure you…”, then he switched tack. “Or we could perform for free… As a type of payment for the use of the plot…?”

“Our community is always on our guard for the closeness of the Chandarans.”, she considered. “We are weary and frazzled from such vigilance, and need diversion most urgently.”, she handed back Vox’s papers. “Your permits are all current and in order, so I do not see any reason you can not set up in our town.”

Vox beamed. “Thank you, ma’am!… You will not regret it, I assure you!…”

“You may utilize the southern parade grounds, past the Dolphinmback Fountain - you can’t miss it…”, she halted his leaving. “This is provided you do not charge so much as a Drach for your talents. Any time you are caught charging the spectators for anything, I will have the guards run you out of town!”

“I understand, ma’am…”, Vox rushed. “You have my word!…”, he left there and returned to where the rest were just congregating.

After confirming all was in readiness, they hitched Hydra and Peter back up and moved all their things to the parade grounds; and began to appear to set up the Big-top tent, as poles and tarps were laid out and crates of supplies were put around. This began to draw a crowd, many getting in the way; and the two humans rudely tried to shoo them away, but were reprimanded by Petronas who shooed them away in a more gentile manner.

Once things were as set up as could be by nightfall, the crowd began to leave; and this was when the group began their real reason for getting there. At all the places around town where the two humans spied the supplies they would need, they went back and took those items; and by the morning all that was left of Petronas and his band was the half erected tent and not much more…
_

TAG: Any and all!

[tarion]

o.c.c(please ignore my previous statements on the waterfall city part of the story as i was not fully up to speed yet)

I.C - Tarion had been in Ebulon for the past four days excavating a ruin near the outside of the city, by request of Mayor Emil Masteson)

Night was falling as a young parasaurolophus was approaching an old ruin he'd been exploring for the past few days.... he was following a well beaten path when he heard noise coming from around the bend near the bridge crossing over to Ebulon, which he had just been walking out of, after having been sent there by Mayor Emil Masteson to investigate the claim of a new chamber containing artifacts and scrolls, and even hyrogliphics. Tarion got to the edge of the bend and looked around the corner cautiously, not knowing what could be on the other side, he stopped and blinked several times... it was an entire group, a convoy, they appeared to be setting up camp for the night. Tarion leaned out a little further to see them better when a brass plate he had found in one of his more recent explorations / digs fell out of his shoulder bag and onto the hard ground at his feet with a loud KLANG.... he winced... knowing his cover was now blown completely....

A human started getting up and approaching his possition, tarion backed up a little and waited with anticipation, not knowing if the humans themselves were hostile or not, however judging by how they were traveling, even with young ones Tarion eased into a sensable ideal that they were friendly... in fact he began to recall seeing one or more of those humans before in Waterfall City, not even a few weeks ago. Before Tarion knew it a man was standing over him looking very parental, with his hands on his hips and a stern look on his face... he then smiled and picked the brass plate up and handed it to Tarion, "Breath deep young one"

Tarion took the plate and gave a weak smile back "Seek Peace sir..." he placed the plate back into his shoulder bag and then stepped out from his possition against the wall to reveal himself better... the man seemed to be looking him over, which in turn made tarion very uncomfortable.... he looked at the man and then began to appologize... "I... I didn't mean to snoop around, in fact i was only on my way to a ruin near here when I heard you and your caravan talking...."
The man just smiled even more, "It's not a problem young one... after all we all get curious at some point, so do you have a name?" Tarion gave a weak giggle and smiled, " My name is Tarion... I hail from Waterfall City, I'm here by request of the mayor." He looked behind the man and on to the camp... wondering what they were doing here at all... ( A look of confusion crossed his face)

TAG: Any and all

[tarion]

O.C.C - Introducing other Character (Falokar A.K.A Fal)

I.C- Mean while in the Village of Ebulon on the very top of the colossus a small proarcheopteryx sat watching as the sun sank under the far off distance, and the stars began to come out.... he heaved a sight and grinned a little, wondering if his mother and father could see him from where they were. He was still thinking this when a very familiar and very oriental sounding voice called for him.... it was his Mentor and surrogate father Fao Long.

Falokar crawled towards the edged of the colossus and then turned around and used his claws to grind against the stone and slow his decent down the gargantuan sized statue.... his red and blue feathers gleamed in the last glimmers of light from the sun... and when at last the sky had changed to a magenta pink and deep violet he was near enough to the bottom to jump off, which he did, then turned to see Fao Long standing waiting for him near a fruit Kiosk, (Fao Long was a man in his mid 50's when he got Falokar, and now it was already 6 years later, putting him in his mid 60's) Falokar approached him slowly and cautiously, not sure if he was in trouble or not...

To Falokar's much happier surprise his mentor Fao Long was smiling when he arrived and then gave a small chuckle, " So, I see that you have finally made it to the top of the colossus Fal... how many tries did that take you?" Falokar looked down and shuffled his feet, "About 15... just this week... probably closer to 30 total since i tried at the beginning of this month." he then looked up at Fao Long with a smile as well, "But hey, I made it! I got to the top of the Colossi, by my self."

Fao Long nodded curtly, "So you did... so are you hungry?" he asked with a kind smile.
Falokar Nodded, "Boy am I ever!, I'm so hungry I could eat a... a... well something really big!" he said with a sheepish giggle...
Fao long held an arm out and let Falokar crawl up his arm and get into "Piggy back" position, and cling to his outermost loosest Cloth.... then began walking towards the nearest restaurant.

Upon walking into the restaurant a Stennosaurus walked up and politely seated them at a booth where they both waited as she came back and served them both pints of Mango juice. Fao Long watched Falokar with vague amusement as he had to get up on the table to even drink the liquid.

Falokar apparently felt Fao Long Watching him because not long after he looked up and saw Fao Long staring at him, he looked at Fao Long analyzing "Umm... is something wrong Fao?"

Fao Long Shook his head and simply smiled, "No, it's nothing, just looking at how much you've grown..." the waitress came back with their order and both Fao Long and Falokar began eating....

(Later Fao and Falokar are at a near by inn)

It wasn't until afterwords that Falokar decided to ask Fao Long something that had been picking at the back of his mind...
"So... have you heard anything about what's been going on in Waterfall City, and Sauropolis?, I mean I hear a few thing here and there in the market place, but come on... it's the market... and I'm not to sure that's all that reliable of a resource."

Fao Long nodded, "Yes, I did hear about that... from what I gather there's a Caravan coming our way, that came directly from Sauropolis... not to mention that we've had an archaeologist in Ebulon for about four days now... you know, I've seen him... he's a young parasaurolophus... and to be honest, I don't even know how he can be an archaeologist when he's not really even old enough to be out of school yet." Fao Long then paused and looked at Falokar... " Speaking of School, tomorrow will mark the first day of your summer vacation... and when your grade marks will be coming out... I do hope you did your best in your classes Falokar."

Falokar nodded, "Of course, it's like you said, Patience and balance are the key to success, with that in mind, if i kept myself determined then there was no problem."

Fao Long nodded knowingly and stroked his beard, "Well Said Falokar, but you would be wise to remember to be as humble as you are confident." Fao Long then looked out the window and smiled... "And now it is time for you to go to bed young saurian... we have a big day ahead of us tomorrow... we get to greet the caravan from Waterfall City, Then carry on towards Chandara to start you summer sports camp, assuming you still want to do so."

Falokar laughed, "Why wouldn't I want to do that?" he asked only slightly confused.

Fao looked at him concernedly, "Because after you see the caravan, and hear why they are traveling this way you may want to change your mind and follow them."

Falokar chuckled slightly, "Well maybe but I think that really depends on what they're doing, don't you agree?"

Fao Long smiled, Falokar did seem to be thinking it over at least and not jumping head first into a decision like any other child saurian might have done. "Yes Fal, I believe that you are right, and with that..." he looked out the window into the night, "It is time for this young saurian to go to sleep."

Falokar nodded and got to his feet and walked to his bed (which wasn't much more than a cat bed basket) in the back of the room and leaped up onto his bed circled once then laid down, and fell asleep.

TAG: Any and ALL

[tarion]

I.C- The Next Morning, at Ebulon...

Falokar woke up to the sound of the door to the Inn opening, a skybax officer came in from outside, then went down the hall and arrived at Fao Long and Falokar's Room. There came a sharp knocking at the door, Fao long answered it and the skybax patrol officer walked in. It was a woman about 17 years of age, she had long reddish brown hair and was dressed in a red jumpsuit, falokar stared at her critically (that color meant she had graduated past being a cadet) "Greetings," She said while looking mainly at Fao Long, "My name is Caroline Williams, and I have been ordered to inform you that the location for Falokar's training for guardianship has been change from Chandara to the Rainy basin, however the bridge connecting Ebulon to the rest of the continent has been destroyed in a landslide accident, it is therefore my duty to accompany and escort you and the saurian named Falokar there myself by way of skybax, gather your things for we leave in approximatly 20 minutes."

Fao long stared at the young girl for a few minutes as if to process the information, then came to a solomn conclusion... he turned to Falokar, " Falokar, gather your equipment and supplies, and go with Caroline, then write to me as soon as you make it to the Rainy Basin."

Falokar examined Fao long curiously, "But... but Fao... arn't you coming with me?" he asked a little concern in his voice.

Fao long shook his head, "Not this time young one, for you see, I am getting to the point of being to old to travel too much anymore, and" he looked at the skybax pilot "I have an extreame fear of flying, besides I'd slow you down." he sighed, "I assume you're going to be stopping in Canyon City?"

Caroline nodded, "That is correct sir, we will stop there and rest for a few days then Falokar will be back on his way to one of the Tree cities."

Fao Long scowled a little but nodded, "Very well, Falokar, go get your things together, and write me when you arrive in Canyon City. Then be sure to take care of yourself and listen well to your instuctors, as you have me."

Falokar nodded a little solomnly, "Yes sir..." he left and then began to gather what items he had in a small back pack.

(5 minutes later)

Falokar was walking along side this woman he had barely met, still going over the recent events in his mind... he was going to go to the Canyon City, a place he had never been before, a wave of excitement went over him and he shivered a little, then remember that Fao Long wasn't going with him and was saddened again. Not to long after he and the pilot named Caroline were climbing a tower to what appeared to be a perch to the skybax roosting area. Caroline looked at Falokar and smiled, "We shall be riding to Canyon City atop my partner Sora", Falokar looked around at the different skybax to try and figure out which one it was... then saw Caroline Saddling one particular one that was tan brown with red and blue markings on the wings back and headcrest... Falokar walked over and bowed to it, "Breathe deep Sora..." the skybax simply looked to Caroline and looked at her questioningly. Caroline nodded and the skybax looked back to Falokar, "Fly high Young Feathered one..." it was then that Falokar realized that the skybax called Sora was female... he smiled and bowed even deeper...

(After exchanging a few greetings they were off and in the air!) Falokar could hardly contain his excitment, and nervousness, he'd never been on a skybax before, but even so it was amazing the thrill of being so high and going so fast, the rush of the wind across his face and through his feathers.... he felt so... invigerated! Caroline was laying on Sora's back holding Falokar close and making sure he was safely laying down on sora's shoulders and neck... she giggled, he seemed to be enjoying himself.

Falokar looked to the one side and saw another skybax flying as one of their 5 wingmen, this one didn't have a human pilot... it was transporting a young Saurian parasaurolophus.... he looked to be clinging on for dear life and had his eyes closed, even though the skybax he was riding seemed to be trying to calm him..... he looked down in time to see them passing over part of the great desert. he sighed... all that sand, the scenery was pretty dull...

(there was a time of short concession while crossing the great desert before they took back to the sky's and the scenery began to change into mountains.... after about another hour's time the squad went over a rise and that was when Falokar saw it... the large and very deep Canyon that was the training area for cadet skybax pilots, another thirty minutes later they were landing and Falokar who was now the shortest person at Canyon City had to be helped off of Sora's back... he looked around, his eyes gleeming with excitement, and his thoughts and fears no longer present.

(now transfering over to the Canyon City Thread, others may join as they feel they need to)

TAG: ANY and ALL

[Thundertail]

IC: Bentfeather and company in the dwellings of the labyrinth.

After the harrowing experience at the stone bridge, there was little to do besides procuring a meal and cleaning everyone up; a bit of a rest that all present felt a welcome relief, for their pursuers would certainly find the absence of that bridge a terrible drawback! This fact they voiced as good tidings as they rested, and after their meager meal was completed rose to discuss what they would do next. By now the water they are carrying is better than two thirds depleted, and outside of the small waterfall where the bridge was, there is no other sign of water in sight. They reasoned that the only viable source of water was back at the site of the bridge, and remembering their last attempt to get water decided that venture was too dangerous to undergo. Among these concerns there was the heat and humidity that was taking it’s toll on everyone in the group, and all were showing signs of heat exhaustion and giddiness; making Ajax realize that if they could not find shelter soon, there would be no way any of them could trust each other’s judgments.

There was still a few hours of daylight left to the day, so after reloading the carts and hitching Polongo and Randy back to their carts; they got under way once again, heading deeper and deeper into the craggy rills the rocky trail went through up ahead. The claustrophobic way the walls slowly drew in on them made them all the more nervous, and lady Natasha bade their guard escort to scout ahead every once in a while; especially when they came up on a sharp corner that was blind to direct view, for there was far more danger in these wastes than the ones known to be pursuing them. After many trips out into the chasms, both Olu and Ajax as well as Artemis and April reported that there was no apparent danger ahead; but the walls of the canyon were growing even tighter together.

“The canyon ahead is swiftly turning into a maze up ahead.”, officer Ajax reported. “There are many side passages, and might be easy to become lost.”

“Then greater care must be taken.”, lady Natasha reasoned.

“Where’s a map when you need it?”, Randy groused.

“We have also discovered many areas where there are carvings on the walls.”, Ajax continued. “There are more objects of like nature up other passages, and we believe there might be an undiscovered civilization up ahead.”

“Is it Ebulon, do you think?”, Tebo asked.

“Probably not.”, Bentfeather told them. “Ebulon is a citadel built entirely inside a gigantic knoll of rock in the middle of the desert. There is no place to fly their Skybax in a tight canyon such as this.”, he smiled slightly. “No, the anomaly up ahead is probably one of the many dead cities in this area…”

“I could fly ahead and find the correct way through.”, volunteered Postal Bird 76.

“That won’t be necessary, my fine flyer.”, lady Natasha told him. “You might get lost yourself!… Besides, we have two fine saurian guard teams to do that. They are well trained, and know just what to do.”

“We will continue our patrol…”, Ajax said, turning to April and Artemis. “Let’s go…”, both teams rode off ahead.

Bentfeather, Tebo and the rest of the caravan watched their guards leave for a moment before slowly following them into the canyon proper; moving cautiously for fear of setting off rock slides with their slight noise. As the caravan rounded some sharp corners in the canyon, they began to see glyphs and other signs that this place was once a thriving city; but the absence of anybody now depicted that the desert beyond must have taken it’s toll on these people as well. Not only was the ground beneath their carts getting smoother the further they proceeded on, they noticed the deepening canyon was getting marginally cooler as well as many strange rock formations were making themselves known. Upon further observation, they noticed that the rock formations appeared to be chiseled by hand eons ago, and among these relief’s there were statues and other glyphs etched into the walls, and these were of a most strange manner.

More so, as they traveled further in, structures were seen here and there; imbedded into the walls of the canyon like some giant hand pushed them there. Hazen and the rest looked around and saw many places where occupation happened eons ago; and a creepy feeling came upon them all with the thought of the long dead citizens. The only one not feeling these feelings was Bentfeather, whose look as he spied all the artifacts and glyphs grew extortionately to an excited level as he bade Randy to halt right next to what appeared to be a cluster of main buildings in what appeared to be a central square.

“I think we should camp here for the night.”, said he as he flapped down to inspect a shattered clay pot on the ground next to the remains of a dead well. “It will give us a chance to look around…”

“Do you think that’s wise, my Partner?”, Tebo Lewis asked as he too jumped off the cart. “There may be dangers here.”

“This place gives me the creeps!”, Randy said. “Look, we’re almost at Ebulon. I think we should press on.”

“Nonsense, dear boy!”, Bentfeather looked around. “It should be quite safe here. There are only a few ways in or out of here, and we still have our guards.”

“It might be wise to stay here for the night after all.”, lady Natasha said. “We will be sheltered from the desert winds, and it would do us no good to get lost traveling in the dark.”

Just then their guards returned to them, and officer Ajax reported for the group “There are extensive ruins up ahead, evidence of a great city is all up and down the canyon.”, he said. “We have scouted for more than a mile, and have found a way through.”

“We decided to spend the night here.”, Randy told them, kicking a pebble. “Sir Bentfeather wants to explore the place…”

“I do not advise this…”, Ajax said, but saw the look of determination in the Microraptor’s eyes. “But if everyone is in agreement…”

“Let’s set up camp…”, Frak said, hopping down to assist Seamus in offloading his cooking utensils. “Who wants to set up the tents?…”

The camp was put together with practiced ease, long before the light escaped the walls of the canyon; and pretty soon Bentfeather was going around, seeing who would join him in exploring the extinct city. Of course Tebo wished to go with him, and 76 went along with them. Upon asking officer Ajax, he suggested that several teams should go exploring; and the whole city could thusly be explored more quickly. They all saw the logic at this, and the remaining three Sunstone lanterns were doled out among the teams. Ajax was to go with Tebo, bent feather and 76. Hazen wanted to help out too, and Redcrest was curious too; and it was suggested that April Manchester go with them. Lady Natasha and Frak went with Polongo and Artemis while Seamus, Olu and Randy was left to tend to camp; and all agreed to meet back there at nightfall.

Presently they all split up and went their separate ways, traveling a short way up or down the canyon to where promising dwellings were located in the rock walls. Bentfeather went to the first large building they came to and peered inside atop Tebo’s shoulder, noticing the eerie feeling all around them; and ever so slowly did they enter the chamber; Ajax shuffled in before they made three paces and scanned the first room sword in hand. Looking around it seemed they were in a dining hall of sorts, where a rotted wooden table lay sprawled on the floor amid the ruins of a full setting of bowls and other accoutrements. Since there was little of interest here, they moved deeper into the building, noticing how anything organic had eroded to near nothingness for the eons that had passed. The Sunstone lantern illuminated every aspect of the passages they passed through in a pale, moonlike aura; glinting off what might be jewels in the extremely dusty halls. Onward bent feather went through the dead building within the canyon wall.

At a turn they came to an extremely rusty iron gate that foiled officer Ajax’s mightiest shoves, and Tebo’s help also proved futile; but as the lantern illuminated what lay beyond through the bars they decided not to enter, for the skeleton of some tortured saurian lay in a heap amid his shackles. The sight panicked 76, who flapped off and out of sight; setting Bentfeather off to try to calm him.

“Hold up, old boy!…”, Bentfeather called. “It was only a dead person, perfectly harmless!…”

“The atrocity!…”, 76 called, and landed on the rail of a stone staircase in his exhaustion. “The poor creature…”

“He suffers no more, but we should return…”, Bentfeather soothed.

“What’s up there?”, 76 indicated the stairs.

“More rooms…”, Bentfeather concluded. “But we should wait for the others… Hey, come back!…”, 76 flew up the stairs, Bentfeather had to follow.

“Where did they go?”, Tebo asked officer Ajax as they were slower to follow. “The place is a maze!”

“Relax.”, Ajax swung the lantern around, looking for the possible ways they could have gone. “This way…”, Ajax broke into a sprint back the way they came, then down another passageway; and near a set of stone stairways, paused to listen. “Up the steps…”, he said as Tebo just got there, and took the stairs two at a time.

“Wait up!…”, Tebo panted.

At the top of the stairs they saw row upon row of rooms, the rotted wood of their doors littering the entrances; and they saw two small flying creatures darting from room to room. Unmindful of any bats in the premisis, both humans deduced that they could only be their two comrades; and Ajax shouted out to them.

“Where do you think you’re going?”, he said. “We should not separate like this!”

“It was his fault!”, Bentfeather accused as both settled down and returned to them. “He was the one who panicked!”

“What’s up here?”, Tebo asked.

“The remains of human sleeping chambers, by the look.”, said Bentfeather.

“They all seem the same, though…”, 76 commented.

“Maybe they were a barracks of sorts.”, Ajax suggested. “Cities of this era were protected by great armies.”

“War!… Fah!…”, said Bentfeather.

“Look!… There’s a light up ahead.”, 76 said, flapping in that direction.

As they all followed the Postal Bird, they began to notice things brightening; turning everything within an orange hue. Around another corner of this floor, they noticed the source of this glow; and it came from a thing most ordinary in any building, a window. They each took turns looking out on the crimson hues the canyon was turning, and they saw their campsite made small by their great height as well as the distance. Sighing, they all turned to each other; and having the samer thought in mind, turned back the way they came.

“Let’s get back to camp…”, officer Ajax said for them all as they made their way out of the building…
_

Tag: Hazen and company.

[tarion]

I.C - Tarion's Untold Story before his departure to Canyon City

Tarion Looked back at the man who was in front of him, "So... um.. what are you all doing out here?", he asked curiously...

The Man looked at him and smiled, "Well we're on a journey to Ebulon...", he said with a rather happy tone of voice

Tarion looked him over, "Oh, really? I just came from that way, You see I'm Here excavating a ruin near by that was said to have some untranslated hyroglyphics, and artifacts and then bring them back to the acacdemy of science in Waterfall City." He said rather proudly...

The man smiled even more, "So you're an Archeologist?" he asked with some interest... "That's rather interesting as we have one here in our group already."

Tarion looked around once more, "Really? um where are they?, I'd like to talk to them..."

The man looked back and laughed, "Oh, he's not back yet... you see he went off with a couple of his friends a while back... they've been gone for some time, you can stay and wait for him if you like..."

Tarion nodded, "That sounds swell" he walked into the camp and sat next to a campfire... and smiled it was actually pretty nice outside tonight, what with all the stars and a very light breeze...

The man sat opposite him, "So Tarion was it?, My name is Hazen... it's a pleasure to meet you."

(in put will be required from o8jedi and thundertail to continue this part of the story)
(to be continued)

TAG: Any and ALL

[o8jedi]

OOC: Sorry for the delay between posting. Between rehearsals (I'm in a production of 1776), recent illness, and work, I've been pretty occupied.

IC: Hazen Baker and company, The Ghost Town, near Ebulon

April accepted the lantern and looked at Hazen. "I hope you know what you're doing," she said. Hazen could tell that she wasn't particularly thrilled with the thought of venturing out into a strange, abandoned city as night was falling.

"Don't worry," Hazen said, "I don't think we'll be out for too long. Or too far, for that matter." He then called, "Redcrest, we're going on a walk now." Redcrest had been running around the camp as they were setting up and quickly scampered closer to Hazen and April, grinning about going exploring. He smiled at the hatchling as he grabbed a staff, in case the ghost town was still inhabited by snakes and other unfriendly creatures.

April held out an arm toward one of the many winding roads. "Lead on," she commented.

Hazen took a few steps and Redcrest darted ahead of him. "Don't go too far!" he warned her. Redcrest slowed down, looking at the two slowpoke grown-ups.

They spent the better part of an hour poking through the many little cliff-side homes in the area, a clear sign that they were in a residential district of some sort. The accommodations were spartan, to say the least. A common area and a nook, presumably where a bed would be, was often all there was. Occasionally, there would be some pottery shards and Hazen would gingerly hold them, explaining to the young Hadrosaur what they might have held. Hazen soon concluded that, if there was a class hierarchy in this place, these would have been the residences of the lower class.

As the light began to fade, April lit her lamp, sending a signal that it was time for them to return to camp before they get lost. On the way back, Redcrest asked, "Hazen, how come you call this a 'ghost town?'" referring to some of his informal lectures during their exploration phase.

"Well," he explained, "sometimes towns would be abandoned either because there's no more food or water or they didn't want to live there anymore. So they pack up their things and move out, leaving the buildings behind. And they get so old that the homes begin to settle and creak and moan, leaving some people to think that there are ghosts living in the abandoned buildings." He felt Redcrest's hand clamp tighter in his. "Don't worry," he reassured her, "ghosts aren't real."

As if on cue, a loud, metallic clang was heard. Redcrest squealed at the noise and clung onto her Partner's pant leg. Hazen looked at April and silently suggested that they go investigate. The look April gave back said precisely what was on her mind, but she spoke anyway. "No. This place is very old. The last thing we need is to have a cave-in and being trapped here."

"Normally, I'd agree with you," Hazen said, "but that was metal, something we haven't seen yet." He defiantly began to go to the source of the clanging.

"Suppose it's a person?" April countered.

"Then we'll greet them," Hazen said. April sighed to herself, again thinking about how impossible that man was at times. Redcrest took a few steps before April put a hand on her shoulder, halting the hatchling in her tracks.

April did have a point. Metal is what most weapons are made out of. Still, it was a risk Hazen was willing to take. Besides, he knew when he'd be in over his head. He gripped his quarterstaff a bit tighter as he rounded a corner. To his surprise, he saw an adolescent Parasaurolophus. Nearby was a brass plate of some sort, which he assumed was the Saurian's. He picked it up and offered it to the young one.

After breaking the ice with Tarion, Hazen said, "Why don't you join us? Our camp isn't far away." He led him to April and Redcrest. "I think we can go back now," he said to his guardian and his charge. "Redcrest, this is Tarion." The hatchling hid herself behind Hazen, somewhat shy about the stranger and understandably so, given the past few months.

April whispered to Hazen, "I don't think you should bring him with us. He could be a hindrance."

"We'll arrive at our destination tomorrow," he countered. "If he is a hindrance, we'll say our goodbyes."

April shook her head. "I have a bad feeling about this..."

A short while later, they were back at the camp and Hazen introduced their guest to the others, making sure that he kept their purpose for being here a secret. During the meal, he began to make conversation with the guest, trying to find out more about this young one. "I hope you're not offended, but you seem a bit . . . young to be an archaeologist, let alone on your own at some remote dig."
_

TAG: Tarion, Bentfeather, any and all!

OOC: I tried not to retcon too much of your posts, tarion. Hope you don't mind.

[Thundertail]

IC: Petronas, Vox, Peter, Hydra and their two humans. Within the realm of the Chandaran empire.

The news the guard that stopped them at Teleost, for the Chandaran guards were indeed tough; and roughly turned nearly everyone away from their checkpoints, an example that Petronas had rather not make their band of! Instead he had the rest travel overland, away from all checkpoints along the road; but this proved most grueling for their pullers as they slogged through swamp, meadow and forest. Constantly Peter would grouse, saying he was sore or stuck; and Petronas disgustedly had the two humans present go and help the Triceratops yearling out. This was the least of his problems as he tried to figure out what to do about finally capturing Bentfeather and securing the artifact for himself; and this worrying put him in the worst mood of all!

“You know, a few garrisons of soldiers could wipe out the entire Chandaran guard.”, said he rather too loudly. “That way we could be free from all this infernal hiding!”

“Well, it won’t be long now.”, Vox said, waggling his clawed finger at him atop his own cart because his misshapen Ovaraptor beak wouldn’t scowl at him. “The way I figure it, we have gone too far to the east to capture the bird. That’s why I have us traveling almost due north.”

“We’re WHAT?”, Petronas’s anger was looking for anything to explode on, and this was it! “Are you out of your mind?!… We could overshoot Bentfeather entirely!… And you got us joyriding?!…”

“Relax, will you?… Your scales will fall off!”, Vox tried to calm him. “Listen, you know what Bentfeather looks like. Right?”, he continued at Petronas’s nod. “And do you know what he smells like?”

“You mean I can pick his scent back up if we cross his trail…”, Petronas thought a moment. “It might work, except for one thing.”

“What?”, Vox asked as he flicked Hydra’s reigns.

“His trail is weeks old by now, you idiot!”, Petronas shouted. “Even I can’t follow a trail THAT old!”

“We might be passing through towns he has been to.”, Vox told him warningly. “What’s the harm of asking around?”

“Well, the last time we did that, they sent us on a wild Hadrosaur chase, that’s why!”, Petronas huffed and concentrated on leading Peter through a thicket. “We didn’t exactly stumble on your doorstep for nothing, you know!”

“Ah, lucky me!”, Vox piped as he scanned through the trees ahead. “Say guys, I’d pipe down if I were you… A patrol…”, everyone hushed.

The two human guards were going down the road in the extreme distance, nearly obscured by the dense forest they were in; and fortunate that it was equally dense where Petronas and crew was, for they were well hidden if they stayed perfectly still. The guards, dressed in identical crimson and emerald garb with pointed headgear resembling a Parasolophus head-horn, looked around the forest with suspicion; for the forest was unusually quiet of indigenous noises, and they thought they heard rustling amid the silence all around them. They were tense because there were rumors of carnivorous dinosaurs in these woods, and feared the silence was caused by one of them stalking them; but as moments passed without incident, they shrugged and moved on down the road.

They waited a full ten minutes before taking a communal sigh of relief, and then presently veered their course so they would be going away from where the guards had gone. An hour later they found themselves in the first town in the Chandaran empire, and Mardapa proved to be a poor town indeed; for no decent Dinotopian would live in run down hovels such as this! Chandarans were rumored to be wealthy beyond belief, but the way this town seemed, the wealth wasn’t spread evenly by a long shot! Petronas, in a rare wave of pity on these people, had his two humans refrain from stealing from them; and led the way discreetly out of town as fast as they arrived. After another twenty mile trek through a pine forest, they came to another town; and Smarlak seemed to be faring a little better than Mardapa, for their citizens at least sported a healthy trade community. Here is where Vox employed yet another one of his disguises for the group, and soon everyone was sporting attire akin to fairly wealthy merchants in Chandaran garb; and the crafty old Ovaraptor had craftily forged fictitious identification that would foil any Chandaran security.

As they sauntered into town, their gait gave everyone that saw the impression they were traders of merit, all seemed to clear the way for them; and that led the way to the shipping district of Smarlak. The owners of these companies smiled and indicated they arrive at their establishments; but Vox led the band past most of them to a rooming area near the end of the district. There they got accommodations, proof of their legitimacy shown by the forged paperwork; a hostelry paddock was prepared for Hydra and Peter, and all were presently nestled in rooms and paddocks.

At Peter’s glum look, Hydra spoke when their attendant went to another part of the barn. “What troubles you, hatchling?”

“I don’t know, but I think I’m lost.”, Peter said between bites of his fodder, each was chewed upon thoughtfully. “All this travel, and I’m going nowhere…”, another bite.

“You are on a fantastic journey…”, said Hydra. “With treasure unimaginable at the end.”, she swallowed. “How could anyone want more?…”

“Well, as I told you along the way, I was being trained as an Archaeologist.”, he returned. “My road ahead was bright, and I was going somewhere.”, he stopped eating for a moment. “Now the path behind is paved with turmoil, and the path ahead seems boggy.”

“I see…”, Hydra said, pausing for another bite. “You are seeking for a purpose.”, she swallowed. “Well, it does no good to seek a purpose. I had one at one time as well, but the purpose turned against me!…”, she looked at him. “It is more prudent if you let a purpose come to you!”

“Why?… Is having a goal such a crime?”, Peter asked with more sarcasm then intended.

“It is when that goal is guided by those that wish a service from you.”, Hydra ignored the sarcasm. “A goal that comes to you gives you freedom to follow that goal with a whole heart.”

“Kind of like responsibility, you mean.”, Peter considered. “I was never too great with that.”

“Then you shall always be a hatchling…”, Hydra grew silent after that, and so did Peter; but in Peter’s silence, his mind was slowly reaching a few conclusions.

An hour or so later the rest of their bunch entered the barn, disturbing the somber moods of their pullers; Vox trying to calm Petronas’s two humans while this commotion disturbed the work of the handlers there. Once everyone was settled down, Petronas paid the stable boy there to make himself scarce while he gathered his band to discuss their current situation. Even though everyone could guess what they were going to do in this town, they all fell silent while the Stenoychosaur told them his plan.

“Ok you guys, listen up…”, Petronas began as softly as possible. “I went over our supplies, and we need more food and water. No gold or trinkets, just supplies!”, he glared at the two humans. “You two know what to do…”, he paused at Vox’s look.

“I will need to get some special supplies from a friend I have in town.”, Vox spoke normally. “That is if you can call her a friend!… She cheated me out of payment for a shipment, and I call it paying back!”, he went on to explain that she owned a clothier in town, and they needed other ensembles for disguises. Everyone there groaned at the prospect of wearing clothes they hated!

“That’s not all!…”, Petronas paused them with a finger. “Since we’re out of Council jurisdiction, we must be extra careful… No causing trouble!”, he sneered. “If you mess up and get in trouble and arrested or something, you’re on your own!… We will NOT come and get you!…”, this silenced everyone in the group! “Now GET!…”

The two humans scurried off into the night while Vox took his own sweet time about it, rubbing Hydra’s snout on the way out. When everyone else was gone, Petronas sauntered up to Peter and scowled at him.

“We need the food to stuff Your fat gut!”, he whispered meanly as Peter gulped; then Petronas stormed out of the hostelry and back to his room for the night.

During the night the two humans split up and went to work. One of them went to the town’s well and took as many buckets as he could carry, making several trips until all the water skins both carts carried were full. The other in the mean time kept on coming back with crates of provisions, shocks of fodder and what ever else he could find along the way. Once the first was done with the water, he joined his cohort in pilfering the booty. Several times they had to duck the Chandaran guards, hiding in alleys and other places until their slight noises were overlooked and the guards moved on. In the early morning the town began to wake, unknowingly minus several thousand Drachs worth of goods; but by that time Petronas and his whole crew were long gone, taking a circumventive route north through the forested hills.

The next sign they passed told of the town of Samarlak, of which they avoided at all costs because of the massive guard garrison there. More so the fact that their previous stopover might have told of their recent theft, and the guards might be employing extra diligence to their guarding in that area. Vox suggested they try on some new disguises he had gotten, and nobody could complain that their old disguise would be easily detected; but none of them realized that their next disguises would bear resemblances to female attire, for the gypsies they looked like now bore no resemblance to anything masculine! They were to travel as method actors, on the way to a minstrel show in the Chandaran capitol of Chandara, so they would tell any who asked. If they were asked why they were going the wrong way, they would say that they were leaving from a smashing engagement there.

Fortunately that worked for most of the trip to the northern border, and the town of Kharsa received them as near heroes; for their lack of entertainment in that remote outpost bade them to beg Petronas and company to perform for them. Once again Vox produced his papers to their chieftain and was allotted a space near the outskirts of town; and once again they left before any performance even began! They made a beeline north from there, and the further they got the hotter it became; the trees they were used to quickly became palms and other semi-desert scrub. They thought they had it in the clear until the realization of where they were heading finally dawned on them as they came out of the palm trees and out into the vast wasteland of sand before them.

“What in the world?…”, Peter said as his toes sank into the burning sand.

“VOX!… YOU STUPID IDIOT!…”, Petronas yelled. “We’ll never catch up now!… You have gone and led us into the middle of the GREAT DESERT!!!…”
_

Tag: Hazen, Tarion, any and all!

[tarion]

Tarion smiled simply, and nodded with a light giggle, “You’d be surprised at how often I get that.” He said with a sheepish grin. “Actually at my age I normally should only be in school and studying to become one, but When I was even younger than I am now, I went exploring on the outskirts of Waterfall City on a fine and sunny afternoon, and discovered an ancient ruin, my natural curiosity inspired me to go in and have a look around, when I did I became hooked with the idea of exploring old temples and ruins, for when I went in, I found several hieroglyphics and artifacts, all of which I later went back and recorded and then transported to the nearest museum, My parent’s scolded me for it a few times when I was still around the age of five, but then I gradually began to get the hang of what I was doing and got better at it.”

He smiled and sighed a little, “It was just recently that my explorations had begun to shed light on the more ancient secrets of the saurian past, that’s when I began to get involved with the academy of science, and the mayor of Waterfall City…, more recently than that, I discovered a rune in one of the temples outside of Waterfall City, that described a stone of some sort, it was white, and brighter than our sunstones, and apparently more powerful too, having healing powers and even seeming a bit like a “Mother sunstone… one so powerful, it could power the whole of Dinotopia for an eternity before ever even showing signs of needing replacing, that’s why I’m here, to find any more clues of this legendary Mother Sunstone… I’ve been assigned to go to all the major and or unexplored ruins across Dinotopia until I find a clue to it’s location or find it period, along the way I was ordered to record any information I could translate, and gather all the artifacts I could find… I found the plate (indicates his bag) here at the lost city of Treptonfie, a city that was said to be the home of a saurian empire that vanished during an earthquake. If I can find any information here over the Legendary Mother Sunstone that’ll have made four different accounts of it.”

Tarion Looked around, several of the adults seemed interested, however Redcrest had hardly said a word to him and was still hiding behind Hazen… he smiled at her and offered a hand out politely, “Breathe Deep, Redcrest, and do not fear me, I’m as friendly as they come, and also probably one of the most kind natured people you’ll meet.” He looked to Pollongolo and April hoping to send this message across to them as well. When he saw that he was getting nowhere with any of them he decided to change the subject back to what he was doing in Ebulon, “In any case, if I don’t find anything here by tomorrow, I’m supposed to be transported to Canyon City, partially to give a Report to Ellena Dennison, and partially because from what I have heard they recently found a new ruin in one of the walls of the canyon lower down than the city, therefore it is part of I disagreeignment to explore it.”

Tarion then decided to show his new company what he had been finding on his digs so far… he pulled out the brass plate, a saurian toy doll, some very old scrolls which were dusty and very frail, his brass compass, his book of ancient saurian dead languages, a notepad, a journal, and some etchings of some hieroglyphics he’d still been translating… then the last thing he pulled out was a very old and dusty book which he didn’t set down for the others to see but opened carefully and started reading, stopping at points to get his saurian dead language book, to check symbols and glyphs… he then paused and went wide eyed, on the page he was reading was a drawing of the legendary Mother Sunstone… being praised by saurians and people alike, floating in the middle of what appeared to be a large and rather intricate temple. He’d have to show this to a fellow archeologist to confirm his theory.

TAG: Tarion, Bentfeather, Hazen, April, Redcrest Any and All

[Thundertail]

IC: Bentfeather and company plus one. The sighting of Ebulon.

When Bentfeather, Tebo, Postal Bird 76 and officer Ajax made their way out of the ruins and returned back to the carts, they had noticed that their little band had increased in number by one. Ajax was a little distraught at finding the new Parasolophus there, but Bentfeather stayed his hand; requesting instead that he explain himself, and why he was here… Out in the middle of nowhere all alone. As Tarion began telling his tale once all proper introductions were made, Bentfeather simply listened intently at the lad’s tale; clicking his tongue or prodding the youth to continue when he faltered. The boy was barely nine feet tall, about half way between the size of Redcrest and her mother. From his size, Bentfeather surmised that he was merely a yearling, and too young to be out here alone, much less on an expedition to study these ruins; but kept his peace until the youngster finished.

“So, who did you study under?”, Bentfeather asked at last. “Maybe I know him or her.”

“I see… And he knows you’re out here?”, Bentfeather knew Mondor Triceratops would never let one of his apprentices out alone unless they were especially gifted. “I take it you have the proper credentials, permits and such allowing you to study here…?”

Tarion assured him that all was in order, but still the Microraptor was not convinced. Instead he asked: “Where is your campsite?… May I examine your findings?…”

Tarion went into the bag he had brought with him, everyone noticing his bedroll within and many other things of interest to the boy including small and ordinary artifacts evidentially found here, along with other, more usual things needed for a journey; and he placed them out around himself after showing each piece to all. There were several notebooks in there too, and he explained what was inside each; but when he began to tell of one entry he paused. Then Tarion then got a look of forlornness.

Bentfeather smiled and changed tack. “Aw, well!… I never was very good in interrogation!… Have you eaten? Seamus is one of the best campsite cooks I know!”

As Tarion eventually said he was hungry, Ajax leaned toward Bentfeather to whisper. “You make a fine inquisitor!…”

“I scared the poor lad to death!”, Bentfeather whispered back, chuckling.

Presently all had gotten their meals, and each had their fill of both the food and the conversation and stories that passed around the campfire, and Tarion enjoyed the stories of his new friends just as much as his new friends were enjoying the things he was telling them. Randy found the lad most enjoyable company while Polongo’s usual aloof manner perplexed him. As the embers of the fire died down enough to ensure no fires would sprout, it was decided to turn in for the night; the chill of the canyon providing welcome contrast to the heat of the day. As the rest slumbered, Olu and Artemis took first watch, waking their Partners at midnight for their shift whom thusly woke lady Natasha and Frak for the sunrise shift.

As all were roused, they broke up camp and began to load the carts and hitch Randy and Polongo to them; and then made room for their new passenger, just in case he wished to come along with them, whether or not he wished to ride or travel on foot. After a quick breakfast everyone mounted carts and their steeds and began to figure out a way through these ruins. Tarion seemed to know the ruins well, and suggested many ways out of them in the direction they wanted to go; and long before the sun was high, left the ancient and dead Cliffside city behind. It took more then an afternoon to finally come out of the steep canyons and back into places where they could see to make their bearings, but all along the way Tarion entertained them with his rendition of stories he heard.

As barren nothingness once again turned to scrub desert and the sun began it’s usual trek down to the horizon, a strange sight began to form in the mid distance. What appeared to be a human head began to make itself known in the middle horizon before them. It was slightly upturned, staring accusingly at the lowering sun; mouth agape in silent scorn, stone helmet akin to those worn by ancient soldiers. It was surrounded by desert sands that nearly washed into it’s ears, but as they drew nearer they saw the stone edifice was indeed huge! What appeared to be mosquitoes flitted in and out of each nostril, and these tiny creatures grew as they flew in their direction; and grew still until they were the unmistakable forms of Skybax flyers and their riders. As the pair of Quetzilcoatalus whizzed by their heads, all ducked as the flying beast screeched, either in warning or greeting as were their want. Neither landed near them, but wheeled about and soared off the way they had come; disappearing into the heat shimmer as their forms once again turned to gnat like proportions.

“There it is, my friends!…”, lady Natasha announced. “The citadel of Ebulon.”

“The training facility of all Skybax.”, Ajax told them all. “When a pilot reaches the first year of cadet training, they come here to hone their skills.”

“But to get there, we must first cross this small spit of desert.”, Frak observed.

“Did I ever tell you that I hated the beach as a hatchling?…”, Randy said as he took his first steps onto the burning sands…
_

TAG: Hazen, Tarion, any and all!

[Thundertail]

OCC 1: Sorry for the size! See Microraptors are very small, the size of a crow; and anybody bigger than him seems really huge! (LOL!)

OCC 2: At this point, I will move Bentfeather and company to the Canyon City thread. I will continue here with the bad guys in this thread until they are sufficiently caught up so they can interact with them in the Canyon City thread…

_____

IC: Petronas and company. Out of the fire and into the frying pan!

Even though the extreme heat broiled their brains and the swirling sand parched their throats, Petronas and their band made it over the western tip of the Great Desert in only three days. That gave way to the rocky scrub they were now traipsing over, where sparse desert vegetation and cacti struggled out among the rocks; easier going, but not the less want for water. This was a fact that did nothing to quench the fire of disgust that Vox had kindled within him by suggesting going this way, for Bentfeather and his band could be scores of miles away by now for all he knew! That little pipsqueak had better be right in his assumption that they would find clues on the direction Bentfeather went or Hydra would be minus a Partner! He slowed Peter down as Vox paused Hydra to get his bearings.

“Looks like some greenery near the edges of those hills…”, Vox pointed. “We should go there. There must be water there.”

“I’m all for water…”, Peter panted. “And a cool footbath, would work wonders!…”

“Shall I rub you down with oil too, my lord?”, Petronas used as much sarcasm as he could, which was a lot.

“No need to overdo things, kind sir!…”, Peter joked and pulled all the harder to avoid Petronas’s wrath - and his whip, both of which stung!

“Do you happen to know where on Dinotopia we are?”, Petronas asked Vox after glaring at his puller. “Not that your last feat of navigational brilliance paid off much…”

“Hey, I got us out of the Chandaran empire, didn’t I?… I also got us out of Waterfall City Council jurisdiction, too!”, Vox sounded hurt. “Besides, I think the Belt Road is somewhere to our west. That means to our east is Ebulon, but we can’t go there…”

“Why is that?”, Peter asked.

“Because, you imbecile…”, Petronas snapped. “Ebulon is an outpost of the Skybax!… If we go there, we’d be spotted for sure!”, he tisked. “They’d tell the Saurian guards, and we’d be arrested right quick, wouldn’t we?!…”

“Then I guess we continue going north…?”, Peter guessed aloud.

“Right-o, my lad!”, Vox piped. “Say, he isn’t so dumb as you say, Petronas!…”, he chuckled as he flicked Hydra’s reigns, Peter winced.

Vox led Hydra through the rocky terrain, Peter pulling Petronas’s cart right behind her; and they picked the easiest and smoothest ways around the jagged obstacles and prickly plants that they went by. Once again water was a primary concern as what they carried quickly was diminished from their trek across the sands, and since they were near the hills they figured they could find some in this more jagged terrain. Ramps of stone were traversed, and the land rose rudely the farther away from the desert proper they went. In the back of Vox’s gypsy wagon the younger human poked his head out to survey the land, and his eye caught the glint of something shiny near some crags off to their left.

“Hey!… Stop the cart!…”, he yelled as he hopped off and ran toward the glint.

“Where are you off to, you nit?!…”, Petronas turned.

“When you got to go, you got to go…”, the older human said.

“No, I think he’s found something.”, Vox saw where he was going.

“Water, I hope…”, Peter voiced.

“What is it?”, Petronas asked gruffly as he stopped his cart and trotted after him, the rest following.

“I saw this:…”, the human said as he picked up a Sunstone lantern sitting on some rocks near a small hole in the ground. “A Sunstone lantern!”

“What’s it doing here?”, Petronas took it.

“Someone left it here, no doubt.”, Vox grabbed it from Petronas and upended it. “It has Waterfall City hallmarks on it. Someone must have bought it from there…”

“Bentfeather!…”, Petronas concluded.

“Actually, anybody could have bought it from Waterfall City.”, Vox said. “They make some of the best Sunstone lanterns on the island.”

Petronas let that fact slide, instead saying: “Well, the person was evidentially exploring that hole over there, presumably for water; and forgot their lantern.”, he scowled at the younger human. “You found it, you explore that hole!”

_____

OCC: Unknown to everybody in the RP, the underground dweller who took lady Natasha’s lantern from Tebo when he filled the water skins had a change of heart. He liked the lantern, but felt bad for taking it. He came out to give it back the next day, but the owner of it was long gone. He instead left it near the hole so the owner or someone else could come claim it, returning to his underground home never to be heard of again…

_____

The younger human went to the hole and dropped a rock in, hearing a splash a second later. “Hey! There’s water down there!”, he announced.

“I suggest we get all the water skins then!”, Vox said.

“And some rope.”, the younger human said as he returned to the group. “That hole sounds pretty deep.”

“Well, then let’s get going!…”, Petronas got up, grabbed the lantern from Vox and swatted the two humans into action.

With much argument, the two saurians and two humans dragged their water skins to the edge of the hole; and it was the younger human that used the rope to rappel down into the hole. Vox, Petronas and the older human shoved the skins down onto the younger human’s head, and he began to fill them up. Once enough were filled he had them raise the skins up on the rope, and when the last ones were up out of the hole, the rest nearly forgot to haul him up! After loading all the water they could, the band continued on their way; off to the cleft in the hillsides that showed the best chances of greenery.

By mid day the group had found the pass through the hills; which led out through a notch in some mountains, and what spread out before them was what they all were hoping for. A vast forest dotted with small meadows filled their view, signs of many streams reached their ears; and many patches of food were seen in abundance, food fit for human and saurian alike. Happily they traveled onward, finding this or that trail; and completely oblivious of the dangers that had already detected them, who were alternately stalking them and planning strategy on how to attack. It was such a pleasant place that even Petronas began whistling a cheery tune. As soon as they came upon a fern laden meadow near a shallow ravine that sported a stream, the first of the Allosaurs made himself known to them all; jumping out of the forest directly behind them, voicing his displeasure of trespassers in his territory.

“Run for it!…”, the older human in the rear of Vox’s cart screamed. “Carnivores!…”

Nobody needed a second word to comply, and soon both carts were careening down the path in the middle of the meadow at full speed, juggernaut of death hot on their wagon wheels. The chief Allosaur was far from alone in his hunt, for his call alerted several of his clan ahead that prey was coming; and they skirted the meadow to come out many yards ahead of the careening carts, and Peter screeched to a stop almost within biting distance of the nearest one!

“Raptors!… We’re goners!…”, Peter screamed as he tried to turn around.

“You two humans, out!…”, Vox ordered as Petronas was loading his crossbow. “Take all the weapons you can and fire at will!”, the humans complied faster than they knew how.

“Hurry up!”, Petronas yelled to Vox as he reloaded. “Grab a weapon, for crying out loud!…”

“I’m getting to Daisey…”, Vox wouldn’t explain as he entered the back of the gypsy wagon, rolling one of the small-bore cannon to the door. “Out of the way so I can blast ‘em!…”

Vox prepared the cannon and lit the wick, exploding gun smoke haloed the area, and one of the Allosaurs fell to the ground; for regular bullets would have little effect on them, but a cannon ball was firepower enough. He took the second cannon, aimed and fired it art a second monster, and it too fell. This sent confusion in the rest as they alternately got peppered with crossbow bolts and a couple of spears the two humans flung; and the Allosaurs fell back out to figure things out.

“Hurry fellas! Reload real quick!”, Petronas told them. “That won’t hold them off for long!”, again, no one had to be told twice!

Vox, Petronas and the two humans loaded back up and waited for the next attack, but none came; even though they saw a dozen Allosaurs at the edge of the forest, none seemed to be attacking. They were confused and unsure because now they were without a leader, for he was the aggressive one, not they. The news Deathflower told of more strangers certainly proved true, but these ones were too dangerous for them! One by one, they melted back into the forest; grumblings beginning on who was to be the new leader. They would be back as soon as these strangers left, for it was unwise to leave all that good meat lying around, whether it be their kin or not!

“We won…?”, Peter opened his eyes.

“I guess the firepower was too much for them.”, Hydra observed.

“Good ol’ Daisey!”, Vox hugged the still hot cannon. “Never fails me…”

“I shot two in the chest.”, the younger human commented to the older. “Didn’t even faze them!…”

“You couldn’t hit the broad side of a barn…”, the older said. “From the inside, and with all the doors shut!”

“Can it!”, the other snapped.

“You should ALL can it!~…”, Petronas yelled. “Look, I think we all should get out of here! They could be back any minute!”

“That’s a good idea!… Mount back up, everyone!…”, Vox said as he stowed the cannon. “You know, with that attack, I could swear that we were in the Rainy Basin…”, he shoved. “I just never heard of them traveling this far south…”

“Well, if we are truly in the rainy Basin…”, Petronas grabbed the Ovaraptor. “It will be ME that feeds you to the next carnivore we meet…!”

Petronas let Vox go so they could quickly depart the area, and they all made record speed from the area; this time taking a more easterly course until long after the sun went down. When they discovered they were not being pursued, they decided to stop for the night. They had no idea that they were indeed still in grave danger, no more so that they were on the other side of the Forbidden Mountains from Ebulon, less than twenty miles away…
_

TAG: Any and all!

[tarion]

o.c.c-(slight correction to thundertail - tarion is only 4ft tall, think of it as he's growing at the scale of a regular human but a little taller, if a regular 10year old is 3'5" tall he's 4' exactly.)

I.C - After Meeting with Elaina Dennison and John Powell in Ebulon

As Tarion traveled with his newly made friends he couldn't help but notice that Bentfeather was keeping a close watch on him (and for good reason, after thier brief discussion of the artifact that Bentfeather had found, and their meeting with the skybax sub-commander), it made him ever so slightly uncomfortable but still he held his head high and went on translating the ancient journal he had been reading last night, sure Bentfeather was probably the most educated saurian in the group and would understand the ideals of what he was looking at in the journal more than anyone, or at least he had seemed too while in the meeting. Tarion was just to afraid to ask him his opinion, and was curious as to why everyone else seemed to be disbelieaving of him being an archeologist, even after he had shown his Archeological Diggers license it seemed as if Bentfeather and Ajax were unconvinced... something he'd have to work on prooving better. The company was roaming the streets of the colossi of Ebulon when a Skybax officer and a spare skybax landed infront of them. The Flight officer dismounted and walked towards the group then pulled out a scroll and unrolled it, then scanning all who were in the group then stated in a rather stern and commanding voice,"Is there a..." he paused and looked at the scroll again, "Tarion, present here?"Taron came forward, "I'm Tarion, is there something I can do for you?" the skybax officer motioned him forward, "We need you to be transported to Canyon City, you're to join a flight group en'route, as you are not a regular skybax rider i have been ordered to lend you a skybax steed, this is Lightfeather, he'll guide you safely there"
Tarion felt insignificantly small in the wake of Lightfeather, but said his goodbyes and mounted onto Lightfeather's back anyway, and within a matter of seconds was already in the air and on the move... (continued with the falokar and canyon city posts)

Tag: Bentfeather, Hazen and company Any and All

[Thundertail]

IC: Petronas, Vox, Hydra, Peter and their two humans. Close encounters with their own kind!

Petronas kept on looking behind the caravan as they made great haste through wooded areas and meadows alike, even though the two humans were in the back of Vox’s gypsy wagon with crossbows to cover their rear; but he couldn’t help feeling that they were being watched every mile of the way, for the tingling in his tail told him so. Or maybe it was the scratchy robe he wore, part of their new costumes; for now pretending to be merchants from an eastern land bade them to dress so, and all of Vox’s hokey costumes were stiff, smelly and terribly out of style! By now he aught to be used to them by now, but he seethed at the thought of wearing these things every time he had to wear them!

More miles passed under their wheels, and in the distance they saw a Stymoglotch-pulled cart on the ridge of a hill to their left; his Troodont driver attempting to fix a broken wheel, but they gave them a wide berth as they were supposed to be traveling unnoticed themselves. Many more miles later they saw a family of Harpymimus and their human counterparts foraging for food in a glade to their right, picking grapes and berries and paying them no mind; once again quietly avoiding the foraging group. A while later a smaller caravan of various species of pullers and drivers passed by going the opposite direction; and at a silent nod passed by them with no trouble.

What made them pause many hours later was the sight of an extremely old man atop an equally ancient and huge Pentaceratops bristling with horns and the biggest frill ever seen on a Ceratopsian. This pair did not move all the time they approached, and wouldn’t get out of the road when collision seemed eminent; but waited patiently, human’s arms folded and Ceratopsian merely staring. This halted Petronas and his company, and after what seemed like a half hour later, a frustrated Petronas spoke.

“Is there anything wrong, old human?”, he yelled. “Do you realize that you are blocking the road?”

“What’s wrong, Petronas?”, Vox asked from behind. “Why are we stopped?”

“We got a roadblock…”, Hydra told him, peering around Peter’s cart. “An old toad’s blocking the road!”

“A man has the right to sit and ponder.”, creaked the voice that came from the ancient figure. “To ponder the ways of old. Where ones were free to live the life they saw fit.”, he patted the ancient beast’s hide. “It is a privilege we both enjoy…”

“Could you ponder your thoughts at the side of the road, so we may pass?…”, Petronas was getting frustrated!

“What is your hurry, noble saurians?”, the man said. “We have all of life to live as seen fit, so why waste it by being in such a hurry?”

“I’d rather ponder my paddock back home…”, Peter said, looking at the ancient Ceratopsian. “Could you have a word with your partner?…”, Peter whispered at the ancient creature, who was impassive.

“Look, we are on important business here!…”, Petronas’s voice lowered threateningly. “Either move your steed or I will have my puller push him aside!…”

“That would be a hasty preposition indeed…”, the man seemed to ponder it. “But you seem a person of business. Let us intercede with a little trade first.”

“What do you suggest?”, Petronas asked, not liking this one bit!

“Watch it…”, Peter whispered to Petronas.

“I suggest we trade all of what you have for all of what I have…”, the man said, but the possessions both man and Ceratopsian were sparse and ragged looking.

“That is not a fair trade!”, Petronas told him. “We have goods that are not short of being worth a king’s ransom, and you have next to nothing!”

“Such is the nature of my trade.”, the man said flatly. “Make the trade, or we will not move.”

“The human’s got to be kidding!”, Vox heard the proposal.

“Peter. Push that old warty thing off the road…”, Petronas snapped, and Peter approached to comply.

“As I said before, that would be a hasty preposition indeed…”, and with that the man took out a horn made of the horn of a Parasolophus and blew.

Almost immediately hundreds of humans and saurians of all sizes came into view all around the caravan, each bearing a club or other primitive weapon. “…For now you are guests of the Kleptodon clan!…”, this he said after the old man caught his breath.

“I heard of these guys…”, Vox told them all. “Very dangerous!…”

By this time the two humans in the back of Vox’s cart closed the door, then grabbed a crossbow each and waited for their ambush. Both Petronas and Vox nonchalantly reached behind them for their swords they decided to carry near them at all times in these dangerous territories before any of them decided to speak. In the mean time the Kleptodon Clan crept ever closer, encircling the caravan and tightening the circle they were making; and they thought they had themselves an easy target until something unexpected happened.

“Dear sirs, I see your proposal is an earnest one…”, Petronas said, fingering his sword behind him. “Perhaps we could negotiate… Haggle a bit?”

At this moment the closer of the Clan had reached the back of Vox’s cart. The two Troodonts and teenager humans mounted the steps and gently tried the door, opening it just a crack before it was kicked outward and they each met with a crossbow bolt! The two humans inside leapt out and engaged the others who were coming near, and this gave the signal for the rest of Petronas’s group to react! As one both Vox and Petronas slid off the front of their carts between the yokes and unhitched Hydra and Peter; both telling their cohorts to attack, to go absolutely berserk on any of the Clan they met! Both Petronas and Vox then retrieved their swords and dashed out into the crowd!

By this time the Kleptodon Clan realized that this was to be no ordinary robbery, for their victims were now fighting back; and no normal Dinotopian would dare do that, preferring to just give them what they wanted and settle things peacefully. They threw their rocks and engaged the smaller band with their clubs, but the superior weapons this small band were carrying was causing casualties; and this just would not do as many of the less brave among them retreated from the braver ones. Petronas downed three in quick succession while Vox parried with two that were wielding clubs. Their two humans peppered the crowd converging on them with crossbow bolts, and Vox rushed to the back of his cart, presumably to unfurl the mini-cannons.

Peter had had enough of that old Pentaceratops, and charged the older beast. His horns were new and sharp, and he ploughed into the flank of the older and slower beast; knocking him down rider flying, goring him and nearly mortally injuring him. Hydra found a Saltosaur in the crowd, and bowled him over to land on several of his Clan. Vox had come out of his cart brandishing a pair of 17th century musket-loading pistols, and sent their balls into the flanks and eyes of two Hadrosaurs in the crowd, and as he looked around after that; he saw that all of the rest still standing were in the process of retreat!

“I think we got them!”, Peter cantered about looking for more. This action brought his blood up, and he was enjoying it! “Is everyone all right?…”

“Never better.”, Petronas stopped to wipe his sword. “Never thought I’d say this, but good work.”, he then saw the old man laying in the grass, feebly getting to his knees, so he went over.

“You have ruined EVERYTHING!”, the man wailed crawling to his beloved steed. “All you had to do was give us what we wanted and none of this would have ever happened!…”, he wept.

“Pardon us for the misunderstanding…”, Petronas tried to sound kind to the weeping man, but soon turned cruel. “But we DO NOT do business that way!”, he turned to go, but had another thought. “Let it be known to you all that, before this year is over; you and anyone else on Dinotopia will have to answer to US!”

The others were alternately mopping up resistance, gathering their things and hitching Hydra and Peter back to the carts when Petronas returned. He said nothing as he hopped to the driver’s seat, flicked the reigns and set the caravan moving again…
_____

OCC: I think it’s time to move the bad guys into the Canyon City thread. There they will meet up with some reinforcements, and make life for Bentfeather’s group a real challenge! They will show up at any time, so BEWARE!…
_

TAG: Any and all!