A Villain.... or a Hero? (Continued from SO)

[Xenoxice]

Zenithe listened to Jolene's question about how old he was and smiled with a small shake of his head. "It may be a little surprising but I'm actually only 29 years of age. To my kin, I am considered as a human would see a mere infant. Barely having lived a tiny fraction of my life and still growing rapidly. It's why dragons, even in their human forms, are so incredibly hard to capture or kill. Having that much time to perfect any and virtually all known fighting styles, maneuvers and strategies.  So I have a very, very long time ahead of me.  And now, so do you." He finished his sentence with a warm grin.  Awaiting to see what she what Jolene would want to do next, he heard her voice ring in his mind as though it were crystal chimes in the wind.  He looked at her with his bright crimson eyes, and with ease responded to her.  "We have an extraordinary life ahead of us.  And all that eagerness will be fulfilled.  In time, you will know all that it means to be the wife of a dragon and what you are enabled to do by being such."

With a nod of his head in agreement as Jolene mentioned proceeding to the village before anyone began hunting them.  "Yes, I agree.  We should head there immediately.  They will know what to do with the box as well.  It would be much faster for us to fly there as it is quite a long way from here.  At least several days by foot if you travel quickly.  But with us not returning the box to your.... erm... client.... we may be spotted easier if we were to fly.  So we will travel by ground at night, but take our time to avoid any contact with others.  In this case it's better to be safe than sorry."  Turning his gaze to the woods around them that led deeper into the forest and then to the skies, he looked back to Jolene.  "We need to head north from here for now.  Along the way, we can discuss anything you would like or have questions about.  And if you're curious about it.... the answer is no.  Learning to shift into a dragon will not prevent you from ever shifting into your cat form again.  It will be in addition to your natural abilities."  He motioned for her to follow as he began to walk to the north in the dark shadows of the woods, waiting for her to follow.

[Relairah]

When Zenithe told her his age, she quirked a brow at him. Slightly. Then she couldn't help as laughter escaped her in full. "Dear stars, you had me thinking you were into your centuries!" she said between giggles. Perhaps it was no time for laughter... but his answer had truly surprised her. Still, it made sense. They could be 'babies' together, she thought, trying to get control of herself again. At the sound of his voice in her mind, she realized that might be one of her favorite things about this. She didn't only have to feel his mind when he was in dragon form. It could be all the time. It was almost like his presence enveloped her. In a psychological kind of way.

Jolene listened as he explained why they shouldn't fly and where they should go. She simply shrugged. "You blend in with the night. But the journey on foot can also prove interesting. I will follow you." She meant it more ways than one. As he mentioned discussing more questions, and then answered one she hadn't even spoken she nodded slowly. Now was not the time for her to have on training specifically... but she supposed she could learn as she went.

As they began to walk, she was silent at first. She did still have questions, but she had a feeling many of them would be discovered over time as she came across different situations. She knew one thing... she was both fascinated and terrified of the prospect of turning into a dragon. As adventurous as she was... she felt that was something she needed to wait on. At least until the box situation was over. She wanted it to be something set aside. That she did separately with Zenithe beside her. That she did with her time, energy, and focus completely spent on that so she could master it. She wondered if Zenithe wanted her to do it sooner. But she had a feeling he would not pressure her.

She had to admit she found it slightly ironic that it had been her that had insisted they take things slowly... and within only a short time from that here she was... his bride. She pushed it from her mind. She was happy and she knew it was right. It didn't make it any less mind-blowing.

Sun would be coming soon enough and they needed to gain as much as possible this night. Give themselves advantage and distance from the client. "So... when you say there are those who know of dragon lore... what does that mean? Are they hunters?" she asked.

OoC: I'm gonna let them journey at least this post maybe one more for now just cause DX

[Xenoxice]

As they traveled through the forest, occasionally Zenithe would draw his sword and cut down thick brush in front of him before putting it back in its sheathe. He laughed quietly at her comment about having her thinking he was hundreds of years old. Upon her inquiry to those who know of dragon lore, he smiled and slightly shrugged his shoulders. "That answer would depend on who you're referring to. There are those who know of dragon lore simply because they're interested in knowing. Others know of it so they can hunt us for very large bounties. And of course, there are those in the secluded villages around the world who are more or less considered the Keepers of our heritage. They even use special barrier spells to prevent anyone not tied to one of the family of dragons by marriage or blood from entering. Virtually impossible to break through, but can be effortlessly passed by if one shares one of those ties." He looked to the night sky as he explained of each type of person who knows of dragon lore that he was aware of.  "So as you can imagine, the ones we're headed towards are those who study to help protect our heritage."

[Relairah]

Jolene found herself fascinated as Zenithe explained. She was eager to become more involved in what it meant to be connected to the dragon line. Heritage. Family. Things she had never known. She already found that her mind spun images of what this village would be like.

For that night, they traveled without disturbance and the following day was mostly peace. They traveled steadily and with focus. They needed to put significant distance between themselves and Escavas. Even if Zenithe had successfully hidden the box... it didn't mean it wouldn't still be hunted down. Jolene had a feeling her client would catch on quickly when she hadn't returned by the second day.

She was right.

It was evening, the sun's rays touching the horizon and spreading boldly across the sky. The vibrant reactions would soon be gone giving way to the cloak of cover that would hide their travels. Jolene walked casually, comfortable moving through the forest. The wind was subtle... and they were walking into it. That wasn't good for being aware of any unwanted presences. Though that didn't seem to matter. Fiery orange eyes looked up toward Zenithe. The surrealty of the past few days was still evident for her.

Whoosh!

Jolene snapped back as an arrow zipped past her and firmly embedded itself in the next tree. Quickly her gaze snapped into the shadows and she leaped upwards, landing daintily on a tree branch high above the forest floor. Well they had caught up a lot faster than anticipated. Perhaps Zenithe's trail of cut brush had made it easy. Who knew. They had better kill their followers quickly though. Her gaze scanned for their attackers, but she spied no one. And the fact she was upwind wasn't helping. She slipped her throwing knives from her boots, leaping from the branch she was on to another tree. Jolene closed her eyes, listening. Forget the scents and sights.

Snap!

There. Her eyes were open and her dagger suddenly flying through the forest as swiftly as an arrow shot from a bow. She heard a loud grunt and the thump of a falling body. She smirked in satisfaction. Too easy. She leaped to another branch, heading in the direction of their hunters. She knew if she stayed in the trees she would be able to catch them quickly. She kept her cat-abilities quite secret. Even those who knew her for her thieving reputation didn't know why she was so successful. It would come to her advantage now.

What she didn't know was that the moment she had first leaped into the trees, one attacker had already gotten close enough to have a sword pressed threateningly toward Zenithe. "Give me the box," the attacker warned. He was dressed in full armor, only half his face revealed beneath the edge of his helmet.

[Xenoxice]

The trip seemed to be a mostly peaceful and silent one but Zenithe figured it probably wouldn't carry on like this forever. There were bound to be people following them that would eventually confront them. Keeping that in the forefront of his mind, he continued walking with Jolene through the forest until it finally happened. Sure enough the men that were sure to follow finally caught up with them. He could sense they had been following from a large distance before but crept forward getting bolder and bolder until they mustered the courage to launch the first attack. He heard the release of the bow string and the arrow as it flew by Jolene. Not worrying to much about her since he knew she was more than capable of handling herself, he observed simply standing in place as she began leaping from one branch to another. Even watching her movements as she took down one of the men with a well placed dagger throw. A smirk crossed his lips. But he was also aware of the noisy armor that clanked up behind him an drew a sword towards his back.

Zenithe could tell the blade was only a mere inch or two away from his spine when he heard the armored mans voice telling him to give up the box. Simply reaching his hands up to pull his hood back over his face, Zenithe replied in a cool but threatening tone. Letting the man know that he not only meant business, but comparing skills and ability that Zenithe was a very dangerous foe to take on. "If you want it so bad...." He paused, smirking beneath his mask as the shadows of the tree trunks and branches intertwined tightly along the ground from the setting sun, allowing Zenithe to use his shadow walking ability as though it were night time to maneuver around enemies. Disappearing in an instant only to re-appear in the blink of an eye, back to back with his opponent, sword already drawn with tip of the blade pressed against the mans neck, just between the gap where the mans helmet lay separate from the chest-plate.  With the slightest movement that Zenithe didn't like, he could drive his sword into the mans skull from underneath.  "Then you and your men must be willing to die to even have a minuscule chance of getting it." Turning his head ever so slightly as if to show he was addressing this man in particular from the rest. "You don't have the foggiest idea who you're dealing with. Especially if you wish to take me on in a battle of swords. Your armor is weak."  Zenithe's battle tactics were due to his past, usually cruel and calculating.  Never making an unnecessary movement.  Every thing he did had a purpose from direct confrontation to feel the out the opponents strategy, technique and movement patterns and devising counter measures to playing mind games and playing psychological warfare to throw his opponents concentration off.

He knew none of the archers among the enemy would dare shoot at him in his current position for fear of Zenithe dodging and the arrow striking their much slower iron-clad friend.  His smirk faded and a scowl grew on his face slightly.  Zenithe always started out fights like this where it's many against one or a few to see what kind of mentality the men had towards each other.  Whether they valued their comrades safety or had no regard for it at all.  Would they be willing to risk death or more willing to negotiate to avoid loss of life?  Were they giving all the effort they had or merely trying to play with them?  Answers to all his crucial info of the fight and more would be answered in no more than a few moments into the fighting.  His gaze turned towards Jolene.  His crimson eyes dilated as they looked at her so they were narrow.  "Don't bother with the heavily armored ones on the ground.  Daggers won't penetrate their armor like this but my sword can cut it with ease.  One of the many benefits of this power being only we know our plan and don't have to shout it out.  Don't concentrate too hard to talk to me.  It's been more than twenty-four hours since the ritual.  You can merely think of me for a split second and then speak in your mind and I will hear it.  It should be nearly effortless for you now as the abilities settle."  His eyes stared at her intently with respect and passionate love.  "I have your back my love... I'll protect you.  Go for the more agile and lightly armored opponents first.  I'll take care of the swordsmen and heavily armored ones.  That will make it easier for us both."

[Relairah]

The attacker near Zenithe did not seem phased by his sudden disappearance and reappearance. Instead, the man immediately threw himself into a tumble as he ducked forward away from Zenithe's blade and rolled. He then used his momentum all the way to his feet and spun, blade pointed at Zenithe, if he were still standing where he had been. The man's facial expression was indeterminable behind his helmet, but his stance was more defensive and ready. Their boss had prepared them for the supernatural, and while this man was mortal, it seemed he was more than willing to take Zenithe on. It also seemed he was able to move well despite his armor. Perhaps it was not as heavy an armor as it seemed. Or perhaps there was more to it...

Jolene didn't falter as the familiar feeling of Zenithe's thoughts drifted into her mind. She found it a comfort that despite the distance, it felt as though he were standing right beside her, talking to her. "After the first time, I think I've got it down. It's pretty simple." His thoughts felt good. Not in their presence, but what he said. It felt good to have support. Again, something she was still getting used to. But she liked it. She didn't have time to dwell on it though as he immediately resumed battle plans. He didn't even need to tell her. "I'm on it," she answered back. "Too bad their archers weren't expecting my abilities... or maybe just fortunate enough."

With that, she swung down from the tree on which she had most recently landed. Her feet landed squarely into one of the archers, pushing him back and with two more daggers she took down the nearest ones. It seemed that a decent-sized group had come. Already she had taken down four and there were several more that she could see. That didn't count the others with armor that were closing in on Zenithe to back up the member of their group that was taking him on directly. She didn't take time to focus on numbers though. Instead she ducked and moved forward swiftly, grasping the two daggers she had embedded in bodies already and retrieving them, only to plunge them into the bellies of her next opponents.

Before any of the rest of them could attack, she darted behind a tree. They looked around in a bit of confusion and banded together, backs to each other and stared out, waiting for her next attack. Her transformation was swift, half of her clothes left safely behind the tree. She barely even noticed that she had successfully transformed her boots and accessories into her feline form. She darted up the tree, her eyes set on the group. Cat Jolene stepped slowly outward and finally leaped straight on to the group. In human form, she might have risked being impaled... even if her cat instincts would have allowed her to land more daintily. As a cat, she took up less space and had a much easier time. Her claws ripped through the throats of two more warriors and she bounced off of one toward another. They were clearly quite surprised and caught off guard.

[Xenoxice]

While not turning himself around, Zenithe observed cautiously with his other senses as the man had rolled away despite the amount of armor he was wearing. Not afraid eh? Seems the Captain of this team is at the front of the fight.... strange. I figured they'd be knowledgeable about dragons considering the client. Turning his gaze from Jolene as she was fighting the archers, his attention shifted to the swordsmen and armored men that were headed straight for him. Six.... Seven... Eight....Nine.... Zenithe thought to himself. Nine total. Five swordsmen and four armored fellows, excluding the leader there. That's easy enough. The captain may actually make me break into a little sweat judging from his movement and strength while wearing the armor.... this should be fun! Turning his gaze and looking into the eyes of each of the men around him, he estimated which of the swordsmen were the weakest and the strongest by the resolve he could see and feel. Keeping his eyes hidden beneath his hood he rested his gaze upon a single swordsmen. You first.... Flipping his sword from around his back without moving his legs, he began to thrust his sword forward as though aiming for something. The guards seemed confused with this motion but he smirked behind his mask as he did so. Using his shadow walk he disappeared and reappeared behind his target in an instant, the momentum of his sword still carrying forward, piercing through the swordsman's back and heart all the way to the hilt of his sword. The man drew a single sharp breath before he fell limp on his sword. Eight.... He counted as he chose his next target.

Glaring at whom he discerned as an average experienced swordsman, Zenithe removed his blade quickly from the dead opponent and charged at him directly raising his blade, ready to strike. During combat everything around Zenithe seemed to slow down to a near crawl, including himself a bit, but not to the same degree. Watching closely as he charged closer and closer to the target to see what his move would be, he noted the direction the swordsman began to lean and readied himself. Rolling out of the way, Zenithe's eyes became wide and he turned the opposite direction, bringing his sword down in a sweep to the left towards the ground as he performed his shadow walk once more. Placing himself on the opposite side of the evading maneuver so it was as if the man rolled towards him. The resulting move cleaving the swordsman in half as the blade met his torso and traveled clean through. Seven.... His strategy continued until only the armored men remained. Looking at what appeared the be the most experienced of the four left, he decided to use one of his more advanced attacks to end him quickly. As much as Zenithe's sword weighed, thanks to its properties, he could throw it with ease as though it were a spear. Rearing back to throw the blade, with a quick throw it began flying through the air, Zenithe left his hand in the exact position as when the handle had left it. Anticipating the correct moment for his tactic, he awaited until the armored man began to duck under the throw. Shadow walking behind the man in the middle of his duck, he leaped into the air and clenched his fist. The sword vanished in an instant just as he had. Aiming his fist towards the weak spot of the armor at the mans hip between the leg-plates and chest-plate he released his hand and the sword reappeared behind the man with its momentum still intact as it soared through the mans armor and body from behind. "Jolene, are you almost finished with the archers? There's only a few armored men left on my end." Deciding to take a direct approach now to reserve some of his best and strongest attacks that hadn't been used yet for the captain, he took his sword in hand and engaged in hand to hand battle.

Talking with Jolene while he was fighting came natural to him and didn't even distract him in the least bit. "I'm not sure how experienced his man is over here but he hasn't stepped in to help his comrades at all which leads me to believe he's in a league of his own compared to them. I may require your assistance if my theory proves right." His sword being of vastly superior quality and durability, after eliminating three of the four armored men, he partially shifted the muscles in his arms to increase his strength substantially and swung across the last mans chest. Trying to block with his blade had no effect as Zenithe's sword split it clean in two as well as pass through his armor and body with a single clean sweep. The man fell in two leaving only the original guy remaining as he stared him down with his crimson eyes, awaiting for Jolene.

[Relairah]

Jolene found it somewhat amusing that so many had come for two mere travelers. Though perhaps the one who had sent them knew they were not ordinary travelers. She listened as Zenithe spoke his battle plans into her mind. "Yes. Only three to go..." she answered back at his question.

Meanwhile, the swordsmen had begun closing in a circle around Zenithe. Whether they knew much about dragons or not, it seemed they didn't care about what he may or may not do. Clearly they felt despite his already taking several of them down, they still had a chance. In an instant, they moved toward him, seeking to engage in combat. One swung for his chest while another plunged his sword toward his back. The man who had first approached continued to hang back, watching the others as they made their move to take the cloaked man down.

Jolene was still in cat form, and it was easy for her to slip around the other archers. It seemed they didn't know where to look next or where to aim their arrows. She successfully managed to get two of them to shoot each other and she leaped back, crouching. Her fangs were barred and her tail twitched in irritation as she stared at the final archer. If she had been human, a smirk would have crossed her lips. Instead, her eyes stared at the man, locking gazes with him. She could smell his fear, the sweat on his back. She wondered if he were thinking how a little kitty could have taken them all down so easily. She lunged toward him, and he fired an arrow. A yelpish meow escaped her as the arrow grazed her, a fresh wound opening and blood staining her fur. The arrow embedded itself in a tree behind her. She landed, her claws sinking into the archer's shoulder and her teeth sank into his neck.

The archer fell back, and as he did, his head turned. Who knew what he was thinking in his last moment... but in that moment, he seemed to focus. Jolene bounced away, thinking the archer dead, and began returning to the clearing. The archer was gasping for breath, and he rolled, crawling through the wood. In a last attempt, he shot one last arrow... straight for Zenithe.

[Xenoxice]

Zenithe continued fighting through the men until it was the last two aside from the Captain.  Zenithe steadied himself in a defensive stance, this time letting the men come at him rather than the other way around.  His eyes narrowed greatly as his battle instincts kicked in once again.  In his mind time seemed to slow down around him while he moved at normal pace.  The man in front going for a slice to his chest and behind a man thrusting toward him.  With a smirk, Zenithe darted to the side thrusting his sword backward into the eye slots of the mans helmet.  At that same moment he shadow stepped behind the man that was going for his chest, his sword still inside the other foes head.  Reaching forward he clenched his palm quickly, his sword vanishing as it had once before while the man fell to the ground, blood running everywhere in the grass.  Releasing his grasp, the sword re-appeared before him.  Taking sword in hand, Zenithe plunged it straight down into the mans back through his armor.  Holding steady for a moment until the man stopped breathing, he removed his sword from the body letting it fall to the ground.  Staring the only man down that was left now, the Captain, he readied his sword in one hand while lifting the other up with his palm open.  With a quick gathering of shadows, the box took shape in his open palm.  "Is this what you want?"  He asked the man.  Only too soon before a response did he hear a hissing in the air.  His eyes widened and as he attempted duck and turn out of the way, only to have his hand just barely pass underneath the arrow.  But the box sitting in his palm was hit directly.  Flying out of his hand, he turned his gaze to the box.  "No!"  he exclaimed in shock within his mind.  "Of all the freaking times for a surprise shot to pass my way!"  he observed as the box began tumbling across the ground.  "Please don't let it open...." he hoped quietly, even though he knew Jolene had heard his words this whole time.  The box seemed to stop rolling about ten yards away or so.  His heart began to beat faster as he watched silently.  Still crouched from his evasive maneuver with sword in hand.  Ready for whatever may come next.

[Relairah]

Jolene did hear everything, and she ran, turning back to human form as she did. She seemed to have completely forgotten about her clothes... only her shoes and bands were on. All she was thinking was that she would need thumbs to grasp the box. If only she could get there. She felt time slowed... but not in a good way. She was still so far...

As Zenithe had held out the box, the Captain had changed his stance, not moving from his spot. He had been expecting something different... perhaps some surprise from Zenithe. Instead, one of the archers had managed to knock the box from the dragon's hands and in his direction. He stepped toward the box, for he was much closer than either of the others remaining nearby. As he reached downward, it became clear the glove covering his hand was special. He was able to touch the box without harm, surprisingly. He picked it up, his movements indicating he intended to tuck it away safely. However, perhaps he hadn't realized that it was no longer latched. Perhaps it had been the arrow... or perhaps all the tumbling. Whatever the case, the lid fell back as he lifted the box, and all at once an explosion of black energy exploded outward. The box fell once more from the Captain's hand, landing open in the grass and the Captain fell back, an inaudible scream plastered on his face.

Jolene was just arriving on the scene as the man was reaching toward the box... only then did she realize how late she was. Her fiery gaze turned toward Zenithe and she threw herself to the ground. She looked toward where the box was, her breath coming short. "No..." she said out loud... the word a faint murmur.

As the black wave of energy faded, basically decimating the forest around them, a behemoth of a creature rose into the sky. Its form was purely black, a black so deep that the features of the creature were nearly indiscernible except for the glimmer of the sun on its scales and claws. Enormous wings that had been tucked into its sides now spread, their span breathtaking as they blotted out the light above and the length of its body alone from head to tip of its massive tail was greater than the largest of buildings. The only glimmer of color that could be seen were two lime green eyes with cat-like pupils staring downward. It opened its mouth in a wide grin, its red tongue forked at the end as it slipped from its mouth and inward once more. The creature was clearly draconian...

The dragon's wings beat powerfully, creating gusts of wind by the motions. It's voice was deep and harsh and powerful as it spoke into both Zenithe and Jolene's minds ((forgive the slight powerplay here DX)). "Who freeth me from my chains? For I am Xavelthius Kodalis ((if that's cool <<;; might change DX)), First Generation of the Night and ruler of dragon kin. Cursed by the Guardians of the Night and enslaved. How long?" the dragon demanded, finally landing. It's claws sunk into the earth and the mere impact of its landing would have been enough to send any mortal quivering to the ground.

Jolene was still breathless, and edged closer to Zenithe. She had no idea how to even respond.

OoC: Okay. So I was thinking that eons and eons ago when the Guardians were first together, that Xavelthius was a leader of some sort who the other Guardians either listened to or had to obey or something. He helped form the Guardians and all that. But at some point, he succumbed to some great evil and either wanted to use it for heinous purposes, or tried to enslave the Guardians to his will. Either way they felt he needed to be sealed in order to protect all of everything thus he was put into the box. It was then passed down through the Kodalis line to ensure the seal was protected. However, those versed in dragon lore began to think that the one enslaved in the box held great power that could be manipulated by whoever set him free and thus would be able to control said power for their own purposes. Now Xavelthius is freed... but of course those versed didn't realize that only a Guardian can open the box without death. (Therefore meaning since whoever opens it dies then they obviously can't control said power). So now... either Zenithe might be compelled inexplicably to obey Xavelthius... or perhaps something else? What choo think?

[Xenoxice]

As Zenithe watched the man pick the box up and begin to open it, his heart felt like it stopped beating for a moment.  "No...." he could hear himself thinking.  The blast of black energy from the box felt familiar to him as it passed by.  Dark and powerful, yet familiar all the same.  Zenithe stood up straight and lowered his head.  His mind racing as he searched for the answer only to have it confirmed the moment he turned his gaze upward.  "Xavelthius...."  he knew of that name as he had heard of many stories from his grandfather regarding this particular creature.  As the creature began speaking to him, he heard his question and his statement loud and clear.  Dropping on his left knee, crossing his right arm across his chest with fist clenched and bowing his head down so as not to show his face he quickly turned his thoughts to Jolene.  "My love!  Quickly!  Bow before him exactly as I am!  Do not speak to him nor look in his eyes!  This is one creature you would greatly desire not to get on the bad side of..."  With a humble albeit firm and loud voice, he addressed the creature before him.  "Lord Kodalis.... it has been nearly two millennia since your imprisonment.  You were freed by the human who now lays lifeless at your feet.  I am Zenithe Kodalis, Third Generation Guardian of the Night of the late Alistrixia and Zelator Kodalis.  Grandson of Salathen Kodalis.  This is my mate, Jolene Kodalis."  Awaiting to see the creatures reaction as surely he would recognize his grandfathers name, being as he was his brother as well as the one who imprisoned him, he turned his thoughts once more to Jolene only.  "For your own safety try not to address him at all.  He dislikes any not of direct bloodline to the Kodalis family and sees them merely as filth to rid himself of.  Even those within his family he holds grudges against.  He is a very dangerous dragon.... follow my instructions and I'll get you through this as safely as possible... but know that just his very presence is a serious threat to both of our lives.  Try not to move or show fear in front of him.  And above all else... never... NEVER mention the name Xinkerra in front of him."  Zenithe remained perfectly still and silent while bowing before Xavelthius.  Calmly breathing even though down inside he was fairly frightened.  Simply awaiting his response.

[Relairah]

Jolene barely even realized she was breathing. It was only as she felt her lungs tighten that she had allowed herself to resume breathing at some point and even then it was shallow... like the very noise of her breath would do harm. She watched Zenithe's movements, only now realizing her main clothing was still a ways off in the trees. She dared not move to retrieve it; however. instead, she listened to the instructions given her by Zenithe. She rose slowly, moving herself into the kneeling position and keeping her head down. "Oh... my..." she stopped her thoughts. "Zenithe... I can feel it. His malice. I've never felt such danger in all my life." She dared not admit it. But she wondered if Zenithe could protect her. If she could even protect herself.

"Who is Xinkerra?" she dared to ask via the mind link they shared.

She believed every word her beloved told her. She very much valued her life... particularly with Zenithe now in it. Their bond was still so new. Would Xavelthius think her unworthy of being a member of the family?

Xavelthius' expression never changed, his eyes taking in both of their figures. "Two millennia. Locked away by family and set free by a human scum." The creature flicked the body of the captain as easily as a pebble, the man's form flinging lifelessly out of sight into the forest beyond. "And the filth that dared move against me. Do they live still?" The creature seemed to entirely ignore Zenithe's introduction. Or perhaps was merely waiting before having a reaction.

[Xenoxice]

Zenithe, unmoving from his bowing position acknowledged the question of Xavelthius with a response. "Salathen still lives. As to where, I know not of his location. The others to my knowledge have been killed over the centuries by groups of dragon hunters. Their skulls scattered amongst the world as invaluable prize trophies to 'collectors'." With his response he turned the attention of his mind to Jolene. "Xinkerra.... his long time lover and mate that was killed during the process of his imprisonment.... the last one to mention her name was my grandfather and just speaking the name almost cost him his life... Xavelthius went into a frenzied rampage, feeling nobody is worthy of saying her name save for himself.  And I know what you're feeling Jolene.... Now that we're mated you've also gained increased sensitivity to others emotions on top of what you had before.  Our highly keen sensitivity is what makes dragons such incredibly dangerous foes... or unbelievably loyal allies.  Not only sensing, but actually feeling to what degree ones fear, happiness, anxiety and comfort are at.  It immensely helps determine how to best protect or take down your target.  But this guy... he's in a league of his own."  Once again, Zenithe remained silent awaiting to see what else the figure before him would inquire about or what actions he may take.

[Relairah]

Jolene remained utterly still, though her mind was reeling. As Zenithe explained about the creature's mate, she felt a chill. She simply listened as he further explained her sensitivity. And she thought that being part cat made her sensitive. Even that was nothing compared to what she felt now. It was like she could literally feel this creature's evil to her soul. One wrong move, and she knew she would die.

Xavelthius seemed to grin wider upon learning that the others had perished. And to dragon hunters! What shameful deaths for the likes of those who had once called themselves Guardians. It was enough to make him laugh. Instead, he reared upwards, his entire frame supported on his back legs. His long draconian fingers curled into a fist and he plummeted it into the earth, the impact leaving a small crater. "So Salathen yet lives." His words dripped with evil intent. How he desired to see the old dragon dead at his claws. "You, Zenithe Kodalis... and your... girl will assist me in locating Salathen." The behemoth stepped back, his penetrating gaze falling on the seemingly minuscule box lying empty at his feet. The magic used to contain him in such a thing must have been enormous and consumed much energy from the ancestors. "You will keep that box as well. And keep it both safe and hidden." His commanding words hinted a threat if he were not obeyed. "We head north." With that, the beast lifted skyward, his wings elevating his enormous form in only one beat as his powerful legs also pushed him off the ground. 

Jolene waited for Zenithe's response and movements. This guy didn't waste any time did he. In her gut, she already knew the answer, but she couldn't help wondering, what did he intend to do once he found Salathen? Perhaps Zenithe's one remaining true family member. Aside from the fact she would've liked to meet him under different circumstances... if they even did find him... She felt so small all of a sudden. As Xavelthius mentioned the box, she also was thinking about how he had been sealed inside of it. She remained, continuing to wait on her mate's instructions. "My clothes..." she said in her mind only. Would they forsake them to find new ones elsewhere? she wondered. Perhaps... it's not Xavelthius would wait for them.

[Xenoxice]

Zenithe remained still as he listened to Xavelthius' orders.  Hearing as how he wanted to kill his only living family member, he narrowed his eyes with discontent but kept his emotions in check knowing full well he was paying attention to every little detail about himself and Jolene.  Once he lifted off, Zenithe stood slowly and walked over to the box.  Picking it up he held it in his palm and in a puff of the black smoke, it once again disappeared as it had once before.  "Gather your clothes Jolene.... we have no choice but to listen to him...."  he paused for a moment.  "For now..." he finished his sentence in his mind so she could hear.  Clearly letting her know he was trying to formulate a plan to seal him once again or if given the chance, eliminate him.  "My grandfather needed the help of several other Guardians to seal him last time.... I don't know what we're going to do this time with only him and us."  With a heavy sigh, he shifted effortlessly into his dragon form and awaited for Jolene to jump atop his back.  "We don't want to keep him waiting.  He's not a very patient one."  Thoughts seemed to race through his mind as he waited.  Recalling the countless stories his grandfather told him about Xavelthius trying to see if there was any mention of a way to stop him should he have returned or how they sealed him in the first place.  But nothing seemed to come to mind at first.  Still, he kept recalling each memory one by one trying to figure out a plan.

((ooc: you can powerplay a bit if you want and have Zen follow Xave if you want ))