Fire|Naurorod

[Kender Bard]

The volcano of Naurorod begins to spew forth black smoke in thick gouts, as well as rain down ash and stones on the populace below who have camped too closely to the volcano. After the initial warnings of the impending explosion, the volcano erupts - fiercely and with a vengeance - accompanied by a triumphant roar that makes the very air vibrate. A great red dragon crawls out from the top of the volcano as magma oozes between its claws and down the slopes. It paces around the face of the volcano until the eruption ceases, then sits down, right on the top; like a king on his throne.

[melkior]

Melkior stares up into the sky after the hail of stones and lets out a long whistle. Even from the base of the volcano, the dragon was as clearly seen as his own two hands. Why was it here? What did it want? So many questions ran through Melkior's head. Sighing, he began walking towards the dragon, as there were only one way to find out. Leaving the cities behind him, the smoke and ash covered sky were all that lay ahead for him, that, and a beast of immense proportions.

As he began to climb, he dug his feet into the dirt of the ground to keep good support and to prevent himself from falling. He was sure to plot a trail leading around the lava, he didn't need to die before he even got there after all.

[Kender Bard]

The dragon noticed Melkior's advances once his foot touched the volcanic slopes. The great dragon watched him closely, taking on an air of eternal patience as it waited for the little human to reach his throne, as it were. Once there, the dragon rumbled in a voice that seemed to hiss a little, like steam, "Who are you?"

[melkior]

As Melkior reached his destination he yelled out loud, "Melkior." As he revealed his name he crossed his arms and replied, "And who are you, red dragon?" He showed no fear in his eyes what so ever, as he stared up at the large monster. He was no more than the height of it's foot, but he still stood in one position, waiting for a reply in the giant's large deep voice.

[Kender Bard]

"I am the essence of Fire," the dragon said evasively. "An elemental incarnation. What would you call the heart of an inferno?" The last question was asked with true curiosity - it was a question that was both query and cautious probe rolled into one. The dragon lowered its head slightly and continued to fix its - his, for there was a sense of masculinity there - on Melkior.

[melkior]

"That's a good question indeed. I suppose the essense of fire would cover it." Melkior replied, shifting his weight to his other foot. He blinked and continued, "So, essense of fire, what is your reason for being here if I may ask?" Dozens of different ideas and reasons flashed through his mind, but he wouldn't know until the dragon told him.

[Kender Bard]

The dragon considered the name that Melkior had decided to bestow upon him. It lashed its tail as it thought and said, "First... Essence of Fire is a bit long, no? Let us call me, Essence. As to my perhaps..." He shifted his wait, causing some of the now cooled magma to crumble and tumble down the mountain, though none of it near Melkior. "I am here because Erif wanted me here... I am here to either reward or punish the people, as I deem necessary." He curled back a lip revealing his wicked teeth in a macabre of a grin. "Tell me, Melkior, if I said that, in the name of Erif, you had to give daily prayer to Fire, would you do so?"

[melkior]

"Before I answer," Melkior began, "What would happen if I said yes, and what would happen if I said no?" The mercenary before the dragon wasn't stupid. After all, he needed to find away to answer without being foolish. His judgement of essence and his answer to the dragon depended on its next reply.

[Kender Bard]

Essence chuckles darkly and snaps his teeth, speaking through them and letting smoke and steam rise from his mouth as he growls, "You must tell me what is your heart and find out for yourself."

[melkior]

"Then I refuse. It sounds to me you were sent here to force people to become follower's of Erif. I seem to be seeing a picture saying Erif doesn't have enough followers as it is, and he doesn't feel like waiting a few hundred years." Melkior replied, still not showing any fear in his eyes. With his answer, the beast would more than likely attack, and even try to kill him. It was a chance he was willing to take in the end.

[Northen Light36]

Just then Damien appears, his tiredness from the fight with the Clears making him slow on his climb then is usual. But he was in time to hear Essance's request and he speaks up. "The boy does not speak for all Fires," he growls. "I however do, and the Fire types," he pauses to scowl at Melkior, "with a few rare exceptions, already honour the Element we came from. What you ask is not unreasonable and easily done." The Fire Leader bows his head slightly in a gesture of respect to Essance.

[Kender Bard]

Essence growls and blows smoke and embers at Melkior, now growling, "I must see for myself. You speak for the fires, man? Then go gather them up, all of them! I will come to you and we will see that you properly respect your makers!"

[Northen Light36]

Damien nods in agreement, greatful most Fires are still gathered from the war. "It shall be done," he replies and starts to head back down the volcano.

[melkior]

Ahhh fear. Melkior thought to himself, He can't even be positive what the dragon wants, yet he blindly leads everyone below into the claws of a beast. It's like leading a child to a rapid wolf because the owner says so. The beast has clear superiority, but no one stop to think why he wants every Fire down below to walk up the mountain and pledge their loyalty. Proof of following blindly. Melkior takes a seat chuckling, still up on the volcano, he had not yet a reason to leave. He wanted to see what would happen. He still kept a watchful eye on the beast at the top of the volcano incase he tried anything, but he was still not so worried.

[Kender Bard]

Essence turns his head and addresses Melkior, "If I were you, I'd be gone by the time I return." Getting up and stretching his emmense wings, the dragon glides lightly down to land before the assembled Fire types.