The Hunt of the Noble Sun

[Azura]

It was early morning though it was hard to tell as a thick mist seemed to cover the entire island. A gentle wind was blowing through the trees and the rising sun seemed to almost be non-apparent through the fog. However, Twilight Forest was still the busiest part of the island as a faint figure flew above it. Despite being unable to see through the fog she was still able to feel with the wind where the little creatures were scurrying about…most of them preparing for the harsh winter that was going to come.

Anything big and worth time and effort to hunt was not apparent and pretty soon the she-dragon felt linger of hunger knowing at her stomach. Landing in a clearing in the forest Azura spread her wings, her wing span was small then the average female and she still had the slight softness of a dragonling along the scales. It was probably not the brightest to wake up early and leave her people but Azura needed a break.

It had only been a few months since she had reached adulthood and taken up her position as Platinum Dragon. Of course the Red Dragon that was first in command did not like being forced to step down. Unlike the Clan of the Moon there society was based on what you were born into and deep down Azura did not want to be a leader. But the she dragon was determined to make her mother and father proud of her and to show those who thought she was worthless that Azura could accomplish anything she set her mind to it. Then why can’t I solve the lack of food issue?
Azura knew not to beat herself up over it. She knew it was not in her power to control the amount of animals that were in the forest or the amount of dragons that needed to feed on the island. Yet she felt herself upset that she could not find an answer to the current issue.

Closing her eyes she listen to sounds of the wind in the forest…nothing. Once again no deer and especially no sheep…a few rabbits was not enough to even feed one full grown male dragon. Taking a few steps in the forest the she-dragon was not afraid of running into the Moon Dragons. It was because they did not know who she was yet, no dragon would believe she was the leader of the Sun. And her scales may be bright and shimmering but she could very well be a Star or an odd Moon dragon it was not hard to pretend if she was face with a situation. Curling up in her spot she kept her ears open and her senses to the wind…at some point she would find bigger game and that was when she will strike for her next meal…

[Lu'Kail]

Lu’Kail knew at once when the wind changed. It flowed into the cave mouth, whispering against the rough walls, carrying the scent of outside. It caressed the blue dragon’s nostrils, causing a less then subtle twitch reaction. Though hovering in the state between consciousness and sleep, Lu’Kail’s limbs were still groggily lethargic as he shifted to bury his sensitive snout in his forepaws. The smell wasn’t the worst part about sleeping so close to the dragon burial ground, though truthfully the stale scent of death certainly wasn’t pleasant. No, the worst part was the slippery sensation of those who had passed on. Lu’Kail could truthfully and easily say that he wasn’t a seer, he just didn’t have the insight to the supernatural that was required. Still, he wasn’t quiet so unobservant that he didn’t noticed the faint echoes, feel the prickling sensation that made the spiky mane on his back stick up.

At one time, this place had been a sore spot in his curiosity. He had practically burned with the eager anticipation based on unlocking all of the secretes, and it had continued for quite a few years. After all, Lu’Kail hated being in the dark about anything, and the questions used to buzz in his head non-stop. That lounging to know had quieted now, after he had grown up, matured, and become a little wiser. Some things you really didn’t need to find out. After all, you might as well be trying to find out how deep quick sand is. Once you find out, it’s pretty much to late. And the mysteries of death would open themselves up to him in time, once it was his turn to join the countless bodies buried only a couple hundred feet away…

The wind showed no sign of relenting, ventilating his resting cave with the scent and prickly feeling of those passed. The dragon heaved a sign, massive chest expanding and contracting greatly. Shaking his head from side to side in an attempt to wake up more fully, Lu’Kail rose to all fours. He stretched, pulling his serpentine neck out fully and popping a few stiff bones along his spine. There was no use staying there, he had only used the cave as a temporary resting spot. With a mummered thanks to whatever souls lingered invisible, Lu’Kail stepped out into the sunshine and spread his wings.

--

Flying was something that came naturally to him, much easier then trudging around on the ground. At first his mother had thought Lu’Kails massive wings would prove a hindrance, a handicap. In fact, the opposite was true. If nothing else, Lu’Kail could fly circles around almost everyone. This almost made up for the fact his extra long claws got caught very easily in the shrubs and dirt, causing him to trip and stumble often. His mother used to tell him to play to his strengths when hunting, something he utilized now in daily life. He really didn’t stand a chance of catching everything if he crashed around on the ground, so he had to use the air, swooping down upon prey or snatching any worthwhile bird.

Dawn painted the sky with hazy bursts of colors, each reflecting iridescently off gleaming blue scales. Lu’Kail was drifting on a thermal, somewhere between sleep and consciousness. Huge wings of pale blue beat steadily , keeping the large dragon adrift. He narrowed his amber eyes into near slits, scanning the trees in a bored fashion. He turned his snout towards the mountains, serpentilian neck arching back in interest. His wing muscles were sore, and he wanted a quick break. The dragon increased his speed, and was soon swooping down to a large rock outcrop. Exceptionally large claws extended to catch the stones, alighting the blue bulk with a flurry of sparks and splintering rock. His wings raked the side of the mountain, slowing his momentum until he was brought to a stop. With a rough sigh, he planted his four paws firmly into the bedrock, and clamped his wings tightly to his sides.

Prey was becoming quite uncommon, he needed to be careful and observant. How long had it been since he had last eaten? It seemed like forever ago, and even then it was only an unlucky bird. Barely enough to make a meal… He narrowed his golden-amber eyes, scrutinizing the trees for any movement. There seemed to be a promising spot deep in the heart of the forest down below. Perhaps he should take a closer look? Lu’Kail swooped down gracefully, silent as an owl. There was a tiny clearing down below, enough to make a quick landing. Twirling gracefully at the last moment, the blue dragon landed lightly on the earth. A small grin of triumph vanished as he spotted another dragon curled up only a few dragon-lengths away. Oh. Whoops. He thought in surprise, well aware that the other dragon wouldn’t be able to connect with his mind. A glittering platnuim color? Oh dear, the Star dragons were pretty intent on staying away from the other clans, yet he’d swooped down on one.

Lu’Kail kept his ears and spires lowered, folding his giant wings to prevent any threatening image. This was a bit of a delicate situation. It wasn’t like dragons from other clans could just run up and bump noses. It didn’t work that way. For a star clan dragon Lu’Kail did have lots of acquaintances from both of the other clans, but he hadn’t just dropped down on the sky on them.

[Azura]

Listening to the whispers of the forest and feeling the morning fresh air against her scales Azura had fallen asleep. Her body curled up and her wings folded gently around her to provide her cover. It wasn’t until her mind heard a jumble mess of words that she could not even began to understand and yet a hint of a carefree tone seemed to echo in her mind. Looking up Azura watched as a dragon swooped down and landed not even a few dragons length away. This was what she had fear would happen…

Azura was small and still apparently young, she knew she had the smell of an adult on her but the way her scales had some fur patches left from her dragonling days seem to shout how young she was. She watched the dragon with weary light blue eyes and how he seemed to try and show he meant no harm.

The she-dragon stood on all fours and spread her wings. A simple gesture seemed to hint she was not to play any games with this beast before her. Already Azura could tell he was a star dragon and she knew he was probably just as surprise at running into her as she was of running into him.

Spreading her wings as if she was about to take off the she-dragon paused and looked at her visitor more closely… he seems hungry like myself… Instead of flying off instead Azura stood there wondering how to address him... “The forest has not been nice to us lately…” The Platinum Dragon had decided to start off with a simple statement to show she was not going to attack and at the same moment as if saying ‘Lets not talk about politics.’

Of course politics was what you would lately hear from any dragon or any creature in the forest if you could understand their language. Azura wanted a break from the busy first months she had since taking up her rightful position among the Sun Dragons. Of course there was already rumours spreading about the Sun Dragon’s young ruler, but lucky for Azura it was not apparent of her name and appearance yet.

Looking up at the sky she watched the rising sun as it became higher in the sky seeming to finally able to break through the thick fog that was upon them. “My name is Azura,” deciding to introduce herself she took a couple of slow steps towards him as if wondering if he would decide to ignore her and fly off. Or deep down she hope he would intake in her need for a relief of politics….at this moment she just wanted them to forget they are Sun or Star and just accept they are two hungry dragons looking for a meal. Of course the Sun Dragon knew that was most likely wishful thinking.[/color]

[Lu'Kail]

Lu’Kail made a mental note to be more diligent. After all, if he had actually been paying attention he should have been able to hear the confusing blur of words that was the other dragons mind. As a star dragon member, he didn’t keep his mind open to others very often. What was the point, whenever you go for weeks without even a glimpse of another dragon, you really didn’t need it. Now he realized, however, that it was only other star dragons who did this. This dragoness in front of him probably had more of a warning about the meeting then he did. Obviously she couldn’t understand his thoughts, the clan dragon’s minds were too different.Lu’Kail’s curiosity peeked. What would life have been like to have been born among the Sun or Moon clans? To be around other dragon’s every single day? The image of himself surrounded by others was a bit over-whelming. Wouldn’t it be uncomfortably loud? Just by thinking it he felt crowded. He’d take the quiet days without disruption, the adventurous life of a wanderer. Yes, he thought in what might as well have been silently. The Star clan way of life was better. Loneliness was only a small burden to bare. Then again, this way of thinking was probably the reason he couldn’t decipher whatever thoughts the dragon in front of him was thinking.

He sniffed, nostrils flaring slightly. The clan scent seemed to be Sun. Truthfully, it was a bit hard for him to tell the difference between Sun and Moon dragon’s just by sight. You could never fully rely on colors. Of course, he knew his own clan members by sight and the clarity of their minds. It must be the same for her.

He suppressed his instinct to unfurl his wings and she unfurled hers, to prepare to take flight or return the intimidation, whichever path she chose. Though he wasn’t overly large for a dragon – especially a male- he did outsize her. Though really, size didn’t mean much. Age didn’t either, as he himself had a little bit of scruffy child-fur along his shoulder-blades. Instead of opening his wings or raising the spired mane, he wrapped his very long tail around his fore-paws as he sat down on his hindquarters. He titled his head to the side, eyes kind as he appraised her words.

“No, it hasn’t. Pity, isn’t it? Even the birds are getting scrawnier.” Not that many other dragon’s seemed to like eating birds, since they were made mostly of feathers and bones. “Sometimes I just want to drive into the ocean and scoop up the biggest fish I can find.” He said, chuckling a bit. After all, it wasn’t like he could really catch any sort of fish with his massive wings dragging him down. Not that he liked the taste of fish anyway, too salty.

Talking with another dragon was pretty nice. Lu’Kail never cared much about clan social boundaries. He’d probably keep talking just as long as she didn’t attack him or flee. They were in neutral territory after all. After she introduced herself, he nodded, noticing but not reacting whenever she stepped closer. “My name is Lu’Kail.”

[Azura]

A light gentle laugh came from Azura her voice seeming to rang and dance along the gentle wind. The sun had finally risen in the sky and she tried to ignore the scent of a storm brewing, “yes but I think the water doesn’t take to kindly to our kind.” Azura seemed to not notice the strange underlying message her previous sentence had. She had used the word our as if the female dragon saw they were the same race instead of Sun or Star. Azura had always been told she had strange and threatening beliefs for a leader but the platinum dragon could not help her way of thinking. Maybe Azura should have been born a star.

“Lu’Kail, such an interesting name,” Azura said politely saying it was strange for her people but was interesting to her. Looking up at the sky the she-dragon sighed as the storm clouds threaten to completely hide the sun from shedding its light. As a Sun Dragon the sun was her guiding light, it was a symbol of power and hope to her. “Looks like a storm is coming,” now to the weather…geez I am bad at small talk. The female thought to herself.

However, Azura was right to talk about the weather since they were on the topic of lack of game lately. The small creatures were already scurrying about finding a place to hide out for the storm to come but what had caught her sense was the pack of deer in the far corner of the Twilight Forest. They were leaving their hiding spot most likely to find an area to better protect them from the storm.

Becoming excited and unable to stand still anymore she looked to Lu’Kail a grin on her scaly face, “well time for a feast!” She stated and spread her wings taking to the air and towards the group of deer…finally an actual meal!

[Lu'Kail]

Lu'Kail breathed in the scent of the approaching storm, letting the smell linger in his mind. He had an affinity with storms, especially the ones with violent lightning and thunder cracks. His mother had always blamed this strange interest on the ability Lu'Kail had inherited from his father. It was always easier for him to produce his own electricity whenever it was already in the air. He let the minute charges the coming storm carried perforate his scales, revitalizing his static storage. This was certainly a good situation, as he'd have plenty of shocking power for hunting later.

He tilted his head from side to side slightly as she talked - a way to assure that he was paying full attention to her words. The Star dragon made a quick mental note of Azura's use of the word 'our'. After all, you didn't become the Arcturus dragon unless you paid attention to detail. Lu'Kail let this pass without comment, contenting himself with a small nod, golden eyes warm.

As she mentioned the storm, the blue dragon glanced up slightly at the brewing clouds. The weather? Well, it was a conversation, and, if nothing else, he loved to have them. He chuckled lightly, opening his mouth to respond. With his mouth open, the smell of deer slid into his scent glads. Of course, the dragoness in front of him seemed to notice. He watched her fidget before taking off into the air.

Well, first come first served he guessed. Lu'Kail unwrapped his tail, tensing is haunches to be prepared for leaping into the sky. The blue dragon hesitated, unsure of whether of not to go after one of the deer himself. After all, he'd never known sharing to work well among dragons. Star clan dragons at least... They liked things best when they belonged only to themselves.

Perhaps a Sun dragon wouldn't mind as much? After all, the family of deer contained enough for two, right? A deeply set rumble in his empty stomach decided him, and Lu'Kail sprung upward and winged his way towards the clouds. He'd take one of the ones that she didn't grab, and if she wanted to contest his dinner... Well, he had lighting and she had fire.

Pity, it had been such a nice conversation.

[Azura]

The wind felt wonderful against her wings, the gentle breeze that seemed to guide her and tell her where to fly to. The dragoness knew exactly what winds to avoid and when to drop and let the wind guide her and when to flap her wings. In the air she was free and full of life; in the skies she felt nothing could stop her…flying was the pride of almost all dragons. That was when Azura sensed them the group of deer moving fast through the trees and ground…angling her wings she dropped down and grabbed one of the deer in her large talons gripping the poor creature until she heard a snap.

One deer was enough to feed her as she went to an area where she can watch in front of her with trees to her back. Dropping her now new meal in front of her Azura began to chew and eat the now dead creature watching for the dragon she had left behind…what was his name Lu’Kail?

Azura had expected the dragon to follow she wanted their conversation to continue or at least last long enough so she could continue ignoring her duties. The she-dragon knew better then to ignore her duties for long but since it was still morning she just wanted to pretend nothing was happening. There was no shortage, there was no politics and there was no storm about to rain upon them.

Licking her jaws she looked at her almost completely eaten meal, Azura had to admit that it felt nice to finally be full in the stomach. Lu’Kail did seem interesting she was going to be happy to be able to watch him in action.[/color]

[Lu'Kail]

Lu'Kail slid effortlessly through the air, very much at home in the winds. This was his specialty, the only place he could be graceful. On the ground he'd stumble along, dragging his massive tail and wings while his extra long claws got stuck in practically everything. It was very clear the sky was where he belonged, as it was as if his whole body was designed for flight. He flapped his powerful wings, reveling in the powerful drafts he began to coast on. His tail whipped around smoothly, a rudder for direction. Coiling his long neck, he peered down into the trees.

Azura had startled the surviving deer into fleeing in opposite directions, so he curved his wings slightly to glide towards the closest one. Because of the tree's density, the blue dragon was only able to pick up brief flashes of the animal. Narrowing his eyes to slits, the dragon angled his wings away to speed in another direction. He wouldn't go after a pregnant doe like that one, as the forest needed all the new life it could get. Within a moment, Lu'Kail was sailing over another one, but it too was keeping to the thicker trees. He couldn't just swoop in, as his large wings would get tangled in the branches.


Instead, he opened his jaws, took a deep breath, and roared. Using his ability, he manipulated the sound so it swept around the side of the deer, opposite of his true direction. It was a bit like herding, as the panicked creature was then sent rushing towards one of the small clearings. The blue dragon twisted his wings to spiral around gracefully, then clamped his wings to his body and plummeted. He landed heavily on the creatures back, hearing an instant crack. Lu'Kail hated cruelty hunting, and always tried to ends his meals life fast. Hooking his claws into the buck's hide, he flapped his wings and was airborn once more.

He circled around cautiously once, before landing softly a couple dragon lengths from Azura. Then he settled down and began to eat. When he was younger star dragon, he probably wouldn't have done this, yet he'd be pretty comfortable eating around even other Star dragon's now. Rank was a nice thing, even if the dragoness he was eating across from now probably had no clue he was the Arcturus dragon. Then again, he had absolutely no clue what rank she was. He'd never kept a strong tab on either clan, and only had little contacts in both.

[Azura]

It was beautiful, Azura had watched with wide open eyes, her great blues seeming to shimmer with amazement at the rare scene she got to witness. She waited patiently watching him as her meal was nothing more then bones, Azura felt it would be impolite to ask him anything while he was eating. The sun was now almost completely hidden by the clouds which made her feel vulnerable more then ever.

As a Sun Dragon it was common for Azura to feel this way but as the leader of the Sun Dragons it seemed lack of sunlight affected her more. There was no light really she could bend easily, moonlight took too much energy off her and now with the distant light of the sun it would be harder if she needed to use her powers to defend herself. A sigh escaped from her as her tail moved up and then hit the ground gently a common habit when she was nervous.

When Lu’Kail was done his meal she smiled at him, her nervousness was easy to tell, Azura was always a very expressive dragoness. Another reason why the Sun Dragons questioned her leadership skills of course she had gotten use to it by now. “Maybe this shortage won’t last so long…” she said as she looked up at the stormy skies, knowing they would probably begin to wonder where she is.

As she studied Lu’Kail, Azura remembered being told by a very old teacher who was no longer here on this world. Her teacher was wise he knew more about the other dragon clans more then anyone. She could remember how he describe each clan member; We are noble and remain loyal to our families, the Moon Dragons are strong and full of pride, but the Star Dragons follow no structure…they are carefree and are full of life. How much she missed him, her teacher…looking to Lu’Kail she wondered if he really fit the description of the Star Dragons.[/color]

[Lu'Kail]

Lu'Kail sighed in content whenever he finished his meal, the heavy feeling of food pleasant in his stomach. It had been a while since he'd had that feeling, though truthfully he probably could have eaten one or two more deer. He wouldn't though, for a couple reasons. The first was he intended to help with the population crisis, and the most logical way to deal with it was to hold back on hunting. Also, it was hard to fly free and fast with another weight encumbering swift turns. He'd rather go hungry then stay ground-bound. Lu'Kail was certainly an odd creature...

The blue dragon blinked as Azura spoke, head tilted and eyes warm in friendship. "I figure it will last as long as we dragons let it." The star dragon said, nodding his scaly head. "If we can abstain just a little bit, focus more on predators, and avoid mothers and the soon to be mothers, I have a hunch things we return back to normal." He shrugged his massive shoulders. It just made perfect sense in the Acturus dragon's mind after all.

"If things don't... Well, I guess we've got to find a way to grow fins." He chuckled, full belly making him good humored. "Or we'd have to go and prove the human's legends true." He was kidding now off course. Though Lu'Kail probably had much more positive encounters with the human race then most dragons, he guessed most would take the food shortage over the trouble the human's could cause.

"Though, I've never thought maiden's looked particularly tasty." The blue dragon said, still keeping the conversation light.

[Azura]

Stretching her wings and a content yawn escaping her she nodded. Tired cause of a full stomach Azura was pretty content and any suspicions or weariness of the dragon before had faded long ago. “Assuming that the Moon and Sun can stop bickering for a bit…” she muttered, and realized she had mentioned what she didn’t want to. Politics were meant for home, not here this was her retreat her chance to get away. Flicking her tail at the annoyance of her stupid big mouth she instantly decided to mention something else, “it is fall after all, a shortage usually happens around this time of year…” though she did not dare think what winter would be like. Lucky dragons were beasts that could last awhile without food.

At the mention of humans she began to look more alert, “legends?” She asked now finding the childlike curiosity that she had since she was born peeking out. Despite trying to act older and wiser Azura still would always be curious and adventurous – both dangerous traits for a dragon in her position. It was obvious that Azura had never really seen a human before. Sun Dragons barely even travel outside their lands. Families were always so protective of each other. Of course it was probably because what ever rank or position your family held you were destined to inherit it. To Azura it was annoying; it meant she had no other choice. She was destined to lead the clan the day she was born.

A light laugh came from Azura her voice had such a gentle soft tone it almost appeared as if she was probably of a low rank. Maybe it was another reason why many didn’t expect her to be the leader of the Sun Dragon race. She practically imagined the laugh on the Black Dragon of the Moon clan when they meet.

Feeling a few drops of rain she shook her head, deep down she hoped the rain would not last long. “You must have travelled a lot Lu’Kail,” she said with curiosity. The conversation was now leaving its formal place and beginning to evolve into the kind you had with friends. [/size]