Nothing Is Ever As It Seems - Open!

[revenant]

Mei sighed quietly to herself once the arguing pair had departed. Hopefully they would make it to the Golden Lion without killing each other along the way. If the time of day was anything to go by, she ought to be relieved from watch soon. She awaited the moment impatiently- the sooner she could leave, the better. Luckily for her, the people passed in and out of the city without incident, and soon enough the beating of leathery wings and a deep bellow announced the arrival of the next dragoon.
The small, bulky drake landed heavily on the wall, leaning its head over on a thick, bull-like neck to chuff at Teovanth in greeting. The drake's rider saluted Mei, a gesture she promptly returned, sitting up straight in the saddle. Then, without further ado, she dug her heels into the drake's sides to spur her into the air, giving her the command "Lift."
The Golden Lion wasn't far. Only a ten minutes' walk, give or take, but why walk when you can fly? Teovanth leaped into the air, her wings snatching an updraft and sending her wheeling up into the air. They stayed low, so as to see their destination, and it was as standard a flight as one could ask for, but all the same, it was exhilarating. Flying always was. At this speed the wind barely made her eyes water, and she was aware of her surroundings down to the tiniest detail. The wind whipped the cool air into gusts that felt like tiny shards of ice on her skin, and below them Teovanth's shadow slipped over the buildings, the shadow under her wings cast red on the streets below as light shone through her red wing membranes.
All too soon, Mei spotted the shining golden statue of a lion that marked the building from the air. Teovanth had seen it as well, and slowed to circle above the Golden Lion, calling loudly to alert the drake guards to her presence, a long, harmonious roar. A section in the gardens had been roped off for those arriving by drake, and they touched down lightly with a rattle of armor, and a cloud of dust raised by the beating of wings.
Mei dismounted, refusing the help of attendants who rushed to aid her. She flashed her invitation to the first to request it, and after that, they left her be. She and Teovanth walked together, Mei level with the drake's head, in order to clear the landing zone. After that, though, they both came to a halt. Mei knew her drake could not accompany her inside, but all the same, she was reluctant to leave her drake just yet. Teovanth lowered her head with a questioning rumble, and Mei distractedly patted her drake's golden-helmeted head, her eyes searching the courtyard.
In truth, these situations always felt foreign to her. Though she had been to many such events, she always seemed alienated and apart, visiting as a guest rather than a guard. Her hand stayed on the sword at her side, though she left her ornate crossbow lashed to the saddle. Suddenly remembering something, she reached up and removed her winged helmet, tucking it under one arm. As with every piece of her armor, and Teovanth's, it was polished to a brilliant gleam, and it reflected small points of light around the courtyard as she stood uncertainly by her drake's side, considering where to go.

[feming]

"Adila Woodshine. Pleased to make your acquantice..." Adila's voice trailed off into uncertainty. She had never known the proper way to address someone, nor has she ever had the experience to.
Adila had leaned over to inspect the invite in Val's hand. No, Mr. Fletcher, she silently chided herself. Adila hadn't talked to many of her classmates when she was in school. Her friends had only consisted of her sea servals, and the occansional classmate who was her partner for projects.
"Same," Adila replied to his comment about the city. Though she had lived here for literally all her life (except when she was away), she had heard no mention of the Golden Lion. Perhaps it was only a place that the rich were allowed to go? If so, then it would be quite a mishap to invite her, but still...
Adila let her gaze wander around desperately for a few moments, seeing if anyone else had the same invitation out. The people milling around didn't seem anxious or worried, as if this parlor was their final destination.
She spotted a couple of people pushing their way past the crowd and disappearing beyond the masses of people. They seemed intent and focused, with their bonds following them. Adila lightly tapped Val's arm, and motioned towards them.
"How about we follow them? They seem to know where they are going."

[Mathcat]

"Sounds reasonable," said Val. "On the way, maybe you can tell me how you wound up with sea servals. Three sea servals. They're all bonded to you?" Sea servals didn't have the best reputation, though Adila seemed a little too young yet to be a pirate or a thief. One could be the family pet, but three suggested a story. He kept a close eye on the remaining sea serval as they walked, in case it decided to try any mischief with Rocky. Rocky's manners were impeccable, but Val didn't want even the hint of a squabble when both participants would be on his shoulders.

[Tundra]

Deep in the Alabaster City, a clock chimed, its loud gong light horn echoing the expanse of the city. It chimed 9 times, its sound vibrating the very eardrums that heard it. The ground shook with its massively deep tones as they reverberated though everything. Finally the sound came to its end as the ninth chime emitted into the air. It rang for quite some time after it though, and so did peoples ears. Those born to the city were used to this clock, and ignored the annoying vibrations that were left behind after it announced the time. But to outsiders, it was like nails on a chalkboard. But It wasn't the only loud thing that sounded at this time.

Atop the golden Lion, a Drake bellowed when the sound came to a stop, announcing that the festivities were about to begin. Upon completing its task, the drake spread its wings and with a swoosh of wind, took to the air. Its massive form circled nine times above the building known as the Golden Lion before landing at the buildings side to take up its designated posted. Its eyes glowing a deep crimson red before returning to normal, but only a few would notice this. To everyone else everything seemed normal.

As one neared the Golden Lion, they would notice the buildings gaining a higher class feel. Things were cleaner, less shabby and better kept then the area around them. Windows were intricate, and stain glass designs dotted them. It was nice to look at when a light shone behind them, glistening the intricate works on the moonlight. Continuing towards the Golden Lion, one would reach an archway, massive in size and made of pure obsidian. The rock was delicately inlaid with golden swirls to accent the midnight color of the stone. It was a great feat of the person who created it, the crest of the family hanging at its arch showing who made it.

Beyond the arch, lay the garden, massive in size. Each side as one walked down a path bearing intricate plant life in harmony with creature life. Even a small stream dotted its grandeur. The fountains sloshed as they pored their way down into ponds where water life seemed vibrant and growing. Crickets called to one another emitting a beautiful song like no other creature could make. It was beautiful. but It was only the beginning, as one neared the Golden Lion.

Before one reached the doors, two massive statues stood before them. Two lions locked in a heated battle for turf. One made of obsidian, the other of marble. It seemed the carver left no detail carved, all the way down to each individual strand of fur flowing from the creatures mane. It was beautiful sight, intricate work. At its base set a plank of solid gold, its words reading of what the statue represented, and how it was in memory of a great Dragoon who died in the line of duty eons ago.

Passing the statue, one would finally reach the doors. Again the carvings were intricate, delicately made and showed expert master craft. The carvings told a story, a great battle, and its final days. Inlaid within the wood was Silver, accenting the massive marble door frame that the doors laid within. Finally after being questioned about their invitations at the doors one would enter the foray. A hall with intricate paintings of various Eldemorian creatures..including one of an ancient with its bearer. This painting oddly enough, looked a lot like Kuar and an Ancient, but it couldn't be could it?. This hallway lead into a massive room.

Once one entered the room, it was filled with people of all races and sorts. Some royal, some very much not. They were all talking, playing, even fighting. Though it was obvious fights were broken up quick. It looked as though the building could easily house five or six full size drakes and then some. The walls were covered in massive stain glass images of the creatures of Eldemore. It was magnificent, a sight to see, one could almost say they were honored to be within its walls.

Atop a balcony stood a man, very clearly a royal, is robes covering most of his body. Thick, black hair could be seen peaking out underneath a hood that shaded the mans eyes. Or was it a man? one could not tell at a distance. They watched out over the crowd below, preparing to start the festivities. Though this being had something else on its mind. An announcer called over an intercom system speaking to everyone to please quiet down, the festivities were about to begin, but first a small word from the host.

[Prince Mal]

The loud echo of bells chiming in the distance made Aimo jump. He must have lost track of time in their conversation. Oh dear, oh dear...

Aimo flapped his wings, mostly to see if they were still injured (there was a sting but nothing too unbearable), and clumsily got ready to take off. Emelyn nodded her head at her new companions and stretched her wings out, Kita following her lead.

"Should we take off?"

Zeru looked up at his bond and gave a good stretch. Tyrik nodded and unfurled his wings. And in less than a second the party took to the sky.

It only took a minute or two to find the entrance to the Golden Lion. Even from the air the ornate statues were easily recognizable. A gathering had accumulated outside it's large doors. Oh they were late, weren't they? Aimo started to fly in closer towards the grand building, the rest of the small winged group following. As they all landed in a street of people either staring in silence or shrieking in fear, Aimo thought it would be a good idea to speak up.

"Um... I... I-I'm very sorry!"

Oh dear.

[Tags: Everybody (finally yay)]

[Kalo]

The Avian boy -- Aimo, Tyrik now knew -- soon began to think over how to get to the Golden Lion, removing the small brown rune dragon that had begun to nibble at Tyrik’s hair. He smiled as Aimo continued to speak in his nervous fashion.
"Ah...um… The... Golden Lion... it um...a I believe it is um... I recall hearing it's name, if memory serves me correctly... it should not be too far." As he spoke he stood, brushing himself off and stretching out. It made sense, considering the tight ball he’d been curled into against the wall. Before anything else could be said, however, a brazenly loud gonging permeated the air, causing Zeru to cringe and Tyrik to want to clap his hands over his ears. Were Alabaster City’s clocks always this loud? It was a wonder anyone could hear a thing in this place!
Nervousness seemed to instantly come over Aimo at the sound of the chimes, and it took less than a moment for Tyrik to figure out why -- The Gala. There was no doubt they were late at this point. Aimo gave a quick flap of his wings, which seemed mostly uninjured at this point, and he and his companions visibly readied for takeoff.
“Should we take off?” he asked. Wait, they would be flying? It might not be a good idea.... although, they were late as it was, and flight was easily the fastest method of travel they had available to them.
Zeru, in response, turned from Kita to his bond, flaring his wings in a sizeable stretch. He was ready. Tyrik opened his own pair of feathered limbs in response, nodding to Aimo, who it seemed would now be his guide. Thank the Ancients for that!
In seconds they were off, wheeling through the air and riding the updrafts to wherever the Golden Lion was. They arrived in minutes.
The building was massive and elaborate, like nothing Tyrik had ever seen. Massive obsidian and marble statues flanked the entrance, and they looked as if a living pair had simply been turned to stone, not painstakingly chiseled as they had been. Stunning window of stained glass offered a splash of color and lighting that made the world seem enveloped in a rainbow, and a huge garden in the back seemed like it had been plucked directly from some exotic forest.
There wasn’t much opportunity to take it all in, though, as Aimo directed himself downwards.
“Aimo, wait--!”
Too late. Tyrik had no choice to follow as the small troop landed, prompting shrieks and stares. Avians weren’t exactly common, and most likely not welcome in these parts.
"Um... I... I-I'm very sorry!" Aimo stuttered, leaving Ty to cringe. He was going to recommend that they land somewhere less… populated.
Just then, a deafening roar blasted everyone’s ears, and this time Tyrik actually did cover them up. They still rang when the noise died down, though. Fortunately, the drake’s roar, for that’s what it was, took attention off of the Avians and transferred it instead to the ornate gates and massive flying beast. The crowd began to funnel into the grandiose building, and Tyrik and Zeru followed with Aimo and the others.
After offering up their invitations to the guards, they were ushered into the Foyer, and the interior of the Golden Lion did not disappoint, being just as grand as its exterior. This clearly wasn’t called the Grand Gala for nothing. But now another issue presented itself. What on earth was he supposed to do next?

[Tags:: Aimo, Kita; Anyone who wants to interact, really]

[SkieNight]

Ebony was making her way through the extensive gardens of the Golden Lion when the first bell toll. Never having been in Alabaster before, the sound shook the half-blood to her very bones, echoing though her ears. She was tempted then and there to cover her ears, but simply pressed on with the crowd towards the door. The small rune on her shoulder buried itself among her hair as the ringing continued, and the prong fox by her side bristled. She stopped off to the side of the massive doors and found herself staring, slack-jawed, at the carving in and around the doors. Ebony forced her eyes away from the entrance to glance around her, wondering what had happened to the man who had lead her to the Grand Gala. If he was around, Ebony couldn't find it, an she didn't have long before she was pushed back with the crowd towards the door.

After presenting her wrinkled ticket to the individuals who stood around the door, she found herself in the grand entrance. The half-blood had though that she had been out of place just entering the city, but standing in the great room that lead to an equally massive hall, the young woman realized just how alone and isolated she felt. To make matters worse people of all races were walking around her, talking loudly, and creatures of all shapes and sizes brushed past her and zipped over her head. The girl, who was normally one for silent observation of the folks and movement around her, didn't know where to start. There were too many, it was too loud, she would only pick up two or three words of one conversation before another conversation would catch her ear.

She moved with the crowd, praying that she blended in with the shadows, that all their eyes would just pass over her. Ebony was normally a young woman, proud of her heritage and uncaring when it came to her looks, at least that was what she liked to believe she was. However, as she moved through the great hall, she felt as if she had missed some memo. The kaki pants and plain shirt she always wore felt suffocating, dirt, as if the clothing that was supposed to help her blend in only made her stand out more. She passed through the hall with swarming through, moving with the crowd at such a pace that she didn't really notice what hung from the walls, something she'd later regret.

The main hall was daunting for the half-blood. Ebony was a small girl, she was short, she knew that, but upon entering the hall she felt as if she had shrunk. The girl stood in the entrance, looking around as best she could, unsure of what to do next. She was here. Why had she come again? Wasn't there some reason? Or was it pure curiosity? The half-Elvian actually considered turning around and leaving when a voice told them to quiet down over the speaker system, that was when the girl knew she was struck. She swallowed the bitter taste in her mouth and glanced around, only to realize that the fox that was normally attached to her side, was gone. "You have to be kidding me." She peered through the people and groaned.

Asetin, her average-sized russet brown companion, had spilled through and around the legs of humans, and wolf-kin alike. The fox had spotted two shapes, the two birds to be precise and hadn't stopped moving since. The fox, who apparently had a great distaste for griffins, stopped before the great birds, one purple and one tan, and let out a deep, gutter growl. Ebony pushed her way through the crowd, but wasn't fast enough, her companion was already eyeing one of the Griffins with distaste, his fur bristling and teeth flashing. Not that he was about to touch one of the birds, no, he wasn't that dumb, but he would make his hate known. Ebony eyed the two Avians with a mix of fear and wonder, she had to physically tilt he head back to look at them. She forced her eyes away and to the prong fox, who was still growling. "Asetin stop that!" She hissed before glancing back to the bird-like people. She opened her mouth to say something, but nothing came out.

Yeah. This really wasn't Ebony's night.

{Tagged: Aimo - Prince Mal, Tyrik - Kalo, anyone else who wants to annoy/be annoyed by Ebony}
{sorry this post is so long. I just really love Ebony >.<}

[Iridescesara]

The liger's swift paws made no sound on the cobblestone as it raced to the heart of Alabaster City, spurred on by the ear-crushing gongs of the bell, and then the piercing roar of a drake; though it wasn't the first time this liger or her rider had heard the cumbersome noise, it had been quite some time since they'd encountered it and the city itself.
Pandorum sat astride the dark-furred beast silently, communicating only through slight tensing and squeezing of her legs, maneuvering the agile creature through the crowds that thickened the further they dove into the city. The wolfkin woman assumed the Golden Lion would be in the proximity of the roar, and so she rode toward it, fighting against every instinct that told her to turn her mount away and run. She wanted nothing more than to escape and avoid whatever mysterious force had delivered her invitation. And yet, she was here, drawn in by it, curiosity overwhelming her instincts for the first time in her life.

When the Golden Lion came into view, Pandorum leaned back sharply into the liger's back, causing her to come to a sharp, faltering stop, tossing dust clouds into the air. The sight was magnificent, a structure unequaled by any other she'd seen. It was sheer grandeur, the epitome of luxury and lushness. It both took her breath away and sickened her at the same time, something that made her feel quite nauseous; she instinctively reached out to her side and sighed in relief when the familiar thick-furred head of her bonded nudged it, washing her with comfort.
She pulled in a deep breath and gently squeezed the liger with her legs, moving forward at a much slower pace now.
Pandorum slowed to a halt before the garden entrance, biting her lip, her golden eyes squinting in worry. Through the glowing windows she could see the throngs of people moving about, swathed in expensive clothing and circling around each other with such practiced grace it stunned her. She analyzed what she could from the outside, taking in all of the sounds, the lights, the music...and the smells of meaty, fattening foods.
She clutched her stomach, almost alarmed at the sound it made when the scents started to slip into her nostrils. With a slight smirk she slid off the back of the liger, turning to give the feline a good scratching before uttering a low, quiet whistle; their signal that the mount was no longer needed, but to remain close by.
The liger huffed and padded away, all but disappearing into the shadow of a nearby alleyway. No doubt she'd leave the city for the surrounding forest outside the gates and spend her evening there; stone walls were no place for a wild creature such as she.

Pandorum looked down at Admetrix, who looked up at her with an unwavering golden gaze that matched her own. She nodded, ran her fingers through her white hair in an attempt to tame it, and proceeded to walk inside, showing her invitation to the doorman, and passing through the doors.
{{Tags; no one in particular, anyone who would like to interact please feel free! I rushed this post a bit, so I couldn't quite remember who had done what already in the gala}}

[revenant]

Mei didn't even look up when the bell tolled, nor when the drake roared. A lifetime in Alabaster dulls the senses to such things, but she was no less aware of what the signals meant.
"Stay here. Guard," she commanded Teovanth, who rumbled quietly in response. Her drake would keep an eye on things from outside, and though she was surely unhappy about being left alone, she would still do her duty. Mei gave Teo a quick pat on the side of her serpentine neck, then turned to walk inside and face the social expectations and small talk of the gala. She always hated that part.
She flashed her invitation once again at the guards by the door, then strode confidently inside, pausing once she'd exited the hallway to survey the scene. The place was enormous- and it was packed. People swept past, talking loudly, dressed in clothes ranging from the rich garb of nobles to the rough-spun cloth of peasants. A few, like Mei, were armored, though there was no abundance of her fellow dragoons. She moved away from the hallway with no destination in mind, seeking only to get out of the way.
People greeted her as they walked past. A few were those she knew personally, some just recognized the winged armor of a dragoon. All left only a fleeting impression on her, of jumbled, smiling faces and friendly words. She kept one clawed gauntlet resting casually on the hilt of her sword. One can never be too careful. Still, she'd felt confident enough to go without her shield, which was often nothing but an encumbering hindrance.
The place was impressive, Mei would grant it that. When she'd received the letter of invitation, she'd almost doubted it was real. But here she was, and here was the Golden Lion, in all its grandeur. Despite her best efforts, she still could not determine why she'd been invited.
But her thoughts were interrupted by an announcement. She looked up, surprised, as the words were spoken, then turned to look for a friendly face who would not object to her presence. She felt oddly alone and out-of-place here, and companionship, whether it was from a stranger or a friend, would be welcomed.

{Tags;; Anyone!}

[Prince Mal]

It was just a little walk. Yes, that's right. It was perfectly fine. Emelyn and Kita were here. and now Tyrik and Zeru as well. Alright, he would stick close to his new friend and then hope that no one would notice two tall feathered men with huge wings walking through the hall. That seemed like a good plan. F-for a second he thought he heard the griffins bristle but... that couldn't be. They were such lovely creatures. Both did so well as they walked through the gates, even Kita fared surprisingly well. Aimo felt very proud of them.They were already doing better than he was.

"Asetin stop that!"

Aimo let out a pitiful squeak.

He turned his head and once he saw nothing, looked slightly downwards to see a small brown fox growling at the pair of griffins (much to Kita's distress) and a small human girl staring up at him and Tyrik with what looked like either fear or awe, perhaps both.

Or... was she human?

The young woman looked like she was trying to say something, perhaps an apology or an introduction, but she was frozen in fear. The younger Avian understood that feeling completely.

"O-oh dear... I'm terribly sorry. Have we got in the way?" Aimo focused his attention back to the small fox, he always preferred to talk about creatures anyway, "Is... is this little guy's name Asetin? Such a handsome name. Ah, my griffin, the purple lady over there, her name is ah... Emelyn. She's really rather sweet but she doesn't like to show it."

At the call of her name, the violet griffin looked up at her bond. He was obviously trying to comfort this girl. Clearly he had forgotten the notion it could be a thief or someone out to hurt them. Her bond was absolutely stupid sometimes. As Emelyn went to lay down, Kita swooped in and landed between her, Zeru, and this new fox. It was better to be safe than sorry after all.

[Tags: Kalo - Tyrik, SkieNight - Ebony]