((Jeez, my last post sucked...I wrote it when I was tired and in the middle of something else, so I apologize for its crappiness... :lol: ))

Nareis swallowed nervously. "It was I, great dragon. The mountain was calling me and I followed, accompanied by this woman, Ciara," she could hardly believe that she found the strength to speak in front of such a creature. She looked back at Ciara to make sure she was all right. Seeing that the woman seemed okay, she looked back to the dragon who shifted its great bulk surprisingly gracefully as it moved from its resting place of treasures to the crystal floor.

"Then you are the one known as Nareis?" he spoke deeply, a great rumbling behind its voice. It lowered its head and it was all Nareis could do to keep from stepping back in fear. Looking into her face he seemed to be satisfied and lifted his enormous head back to its usual position.

"Y-yes. That is my name."

Ciara had known that this was Nareis' quest, her journey and the dragon only confirmed that, she hesitated for a moment, feeling bad that she had spoken to him in the way she had done. Seeing how that it had changed the way he was acting toward them, she figured it was for the best. She watched as Nareis followed the large dragon, she decided that she would come along, if it was needed for her to leave, she was sure that either of them would tell her so.

She quickened her pace to catch up with Nareis, whispering to her in a soft voice. What does he mean your true life? She was always so curious, not meaning to pry but she had wanted to know. Do you know what this is all about? How does he know your name? Realizing she was not allowing Nareis to speak she giggled. Smiling at her hoping to lighten the mood even as they followed the dragon down long tunnels to an unknown place that he was taking them to. Forgive me, I have asked too much.

Ciara couldn't help herself, she was curious by nature and even though the creature did frighten her slightly, she spoke up. Is it you that calls her to this place? Why is she being drawn here? She looked between Nareis and the great silver dragon. She did not move forward, nor did she stand back, but she stood her ground, no longer feeling the fear she once did. How does he know her name? Is he really the one that has brought her here?

I do not mean to disrespect you in anyway, but you do not need to try to intimidate us. Her voice had seemed stronger, she had surprised herself at how much she had spoken up. She watched the eyes of the dragon as they shifted from Nareis to herself. They seemed to gleam as he stared at her in the dim lit tunnels. All other things are as she has said. We meant no harm in coming here, only following the voice that had called her.

The dragon seemed to smile. "Forgive me for being on edge. I am not used to strangers coming near my horde. I had been calling for Nareis, but I wanted her to come to the mountain, not my lair. Dragons are protective over such things," he explained. "Yes I was calling Nareis. It is time for her to learn the truth of her life."

"What are you talking about?" Nareis asked, puzzled. This dragon was talking about her as though he knew her.

"Come, I can talk more comfortably in my main chamber,"the dragon indeed seem to be on edge with the two women near his piles of treasure. Leading the way, but often looking back at them he walked through another tunnel, this one much larger than the small tunnel they had entered in.

Ciara had been testing out her wings in her polymorphed form when she had spotted Nareis. She had wondered where she was off to in such cold weather, not many ventured the mountains while it was so cold.

She looks to be freezing, it is too bad I do not have anything to give her for warmth. She sighed heavily, as the wind blew through the feathered wings. It was a new feeling for her and she was beginning to like it very much. She could fly with Azadeth and Huthi and it was a much quicker way of transportation than walking everywhere.

Circling around, she headed back in the direction of Nareis. If nothing else, I can give her my company. Trying not to spook the poor traveler, she flew up ahead a ways, landing out of sight of Nareis and walking down to greet her, not bothering to morph back into her usual form. Instead she let her wings rest behind her, the dark blue dress blew in the colds winds and Ciara wondered if she should change the direction but had decided that it was best if she didn't abuse her powers.

Raising a hand to Nareis when she was about twenty paces in front of her and in clear view, she wiggled her fingers in a hello and smiled warmly, hoping that at the sight of her, this traveler would feel more welcome in the mountains. It is cold and harsh, a friendly face will serve her well.

Ciara stepped carefully along the rocks of the mountain, her barefeet tended to be slippery against it. Hello there! She yelled, hoping her voice would carry with the winds to greet the woman.

[glow=blue,3]Nareis had been travelling much of Imythess over the past week she had been here in this land. She had noticed a range of mountains that had seemed to be calling her from a distance. She had seen them from Kellen and ever since she saw the snow-capped mountains, Nareis had felt drawn to the great mountains. Packing her bag with essential items such as food and water, she decided to go forth up to the mountains to find whatever it was that called her to that place.

Velind had a difficult time through the rocky terrain and not far up the mountains roots, she let Velind loose. "Go, my friend. You do not belong here," she told him, unbridling him but for his halter and leaving his saddle hidden in the brush.

Continuing on foot, she held her tattered cloak close to her, fighting off the cold. It was almost stupidity for someone used to warmer climates like her native one and it was likely she wouldn't last long.[/glow]

[glow=blue,3]"Greetings," she called. "Strange to see a lady like yourself here in the mountains," she said. The woman did not seem to be hostile but she kept her guard up. Things never seemed to be the way they looked here. There was an aura of power around this woman and Nareis knew she was a force to be reckoned with and she did not want an enemy, alone on the mountain. She shuddered, but did not say anything about being cold, nor did she ask for help. Nareis was not one for charity. She liked to look after herself, especially after leaving Soakot. Looking ahead at the mountains, she noticed one that seemed to be taller than the others. It was also strangely shaped, not like the rest of the shapeless mountains. Nareis could not make out what shape it was carved into the likeness of, she felt the calling more than ever before.[/glow]

Ciara giggled thinking that she was a lady of any type. She would admit that she was very old, but she would like to think she still acted young. Either way, this woman made her laugh, always a good trait to find in new people that she had met.

Oh no, I often sometimes come to the mountains, today, I have been working on my flight, there is still so much I must get used to and the gusts of winds here are like none other. Ciara smiled warmly, seeing that the woman before her wasn't as comfortable as she was, then pondered a moment on how to change that.

Placing her hands behind her back then rocking on her heels she spoke in a cheerful voice. My name is Ciara Aoife, it is a pleasure to meet you, I haven't seen you anywhere else before I do not think. Ciara was good with faces and she was definately someone she had not met yet, which was strange.

Her eyes turned to from cheer to curious as the thoughts ran through her mind. Tilting her head to one side in great curiousity she spoke as she wondered. What is it that you are doing up on this mountain on such a cold day? The thought and sight of her shuddering made Ciara frown, she wanted to help in some way but even her newly formed powers weren't to be used to cater herself outside of her Temple.

Please, don't stop here, you are on a journey and I do not wish to keep you. I will walk with you. She opened her arm to the side, as if offering Nareis the way. That is, if you will let me come with you. Another bright smile dance upon her lips as the mass of hair blew harshly in the winds hoping this woman would say yes.

[glow=blue,3]Nareis wasn't completely sure why, but she trusted the winged woman. "No we have not met. I am Nareis," she said. "And I shall live through the cold," Nareis smiled desspite the snow and her nearly useless cloak. It was tru she was cold, but she did not feel as though she were in any mortal peril at this time. If she had to, she would take the blanket from her bedroll, but only when she got really cold. The blanket would be cumbersome and she did not want to delay her trek.

"You are welcome to come, though I am not sure exactly where I am travelling to yet. Something seems to call and I cannot deny the caller."

Nareis knew the last part sounded ominous, but it was true. Whoever or whatever was calling her made it impossible for her to ignore.[/glow]

She smiled warmly to Nareis, happy that she had allowed her to accompany her on her travels. She often found others to have much more exciting journies than she had herself, it was just something that happened.

You needn't worry about your destination, I will come with you as far as I can go, if not the whole way. She waited for Nareis, a few paces ahead of her position now. I must say though, it is strange that you are being called up to these mountains in the weather like this.

Looking around, the snow had just begun to fall once more over the mountains, it was soft right now, but Ciara could feel the the air was changing and their would be a large ice storm coming. It is not safe, we should travel farther up the mountain before the storm comes.

She continued to wait, hopnig that Nareis did not take her words the wrong way. She meant it in the interest of protecting her, not to sound rude in any way. She could tell that Nareis was color, even if she did not want to admit it, but she admired her strength.

Her smile widened at her thoughts, curious what type of person would be climbing the mountain to an unknown voice, not knowing the destination. She giggld to herself, not too loudly as to alert Nareis, but she still giggled.

[glow=blue,3]"I welcome the company," she said. "If this snow becomes a storm, then we will have some trouble. I hope it holds off for awhile at least. We should probably keep an eye out for a shelter if it is needed."

Nareis walked among the rocks and snow, stumbling a little, but every time she did, she worked hard not to fall and seem ungraceful. The mountain that was oddly shaped came in and out of view through the snow and clouds, but she still could not make out its shape.

"That mountain, over there... What is it?" she asked Ciara, wondering if perhaps she would know. "It looks like a great winged creature of some kind..."[/glow]

Ciara nodded, smiling at Nareis, then as her thoughts shifted back to the storm that was coming she became more serious. Yes, there should be a few places around here I would imagine, built over time and some by travellers. I will keep watch out for one.

She did her best to place her feet correctly, but still they slipped against the mountainside and snow, she could have flown, but then it would not be as personal as walking with Nareis and her company would not be company at all.

Nareis had pointed out the mountain ahead, Ciara hadn't remembered what it was in the form of but she could take a few guesses. As much as she was up in the mountains, she knew very little of this part, of it's history and meaning.

Well, I am not sure, but it appears to be in she shape of a large winged dragon? What is it you see in the mountain? She narrowed her eyes, straining to see the mountain more clearly. Perhaps as we get closer, it will be easier to distinguish what it is. She smiled over to Nareis as they continued to walk on the mountain.

Is that where you are being called to? An eyebrow was raised in curiousity, she had remembered a tale of a great monsterous dragon that had lived up in these mountains, but as far as Ciara knew it was only a tale found in a child's book in the Talas library.

[glow=blue,3]She stared forward for a while before replying. "Yes. That is where I must go."

Indeed now that Ciara had mentioned it, the enormous statue did seem to be a dragon. The weather was worsening and she began shuddering, but fought it off. She didn't want to stop, not now. Not when she was so close! Nareis felt as though she was so close to understanding something important.

Finally noticing a cave not far off, Nareis decided there was a chance to find some shelter and that she should take it. It was a small entrance and snow was building up at its entrance. "The storm is getting worst. We should probably take shelter in that cave," she told Ciara, pointing at the small cave.[/glow]

The storm had gotten more harsh, the strong winds wipped the snow against Ciara's skin, stinging her. It had gotten noticebly colder also and even for Ciara, who could easily adapt to the cold, she was beginning to feel freezing.

Ducking into the cave and out of the storm, she felt much better. Shaking her head, the flakes of snow that had been caught in the mass fell free, falling to the cave flooring. It was warmer here, without the winds, without the snow falling on them, but a fire would be nice.

It was dark and Caira hoped the snows would not last as long as she thought so that they could continue on Nareis' journey. It shouldn't be long. She had lied, to comfort Nareis, flashing her warm, friendly smile her way. Soon it shall die and we will be on our way again, perhaps the conditions will be better then next time we go out.

Trying to make light of the event, she stood near the entrance which was well lit. The snow was beautiful, even in it's violent state. Covering the moutnain slowly, even appearing to fall across the tops equally. The wind whistled as it blew in and out of the cave, it seemed to be a familiar sound that she had heard once before.

Turning back to Nareis she was curious of her, as she was most new to Imythess so she asked the question that seemed to be on her mind. Where are you from and what brings you to Imythess? Smiling once again, she made her way to Nareis.

[glow=blue,2]So that she would be able to see, she concentrated and called upon the silver light within her. Holding up a hand, a sphere of light burst into being and cast ghostly shadows.

"I am from a land known as Soakot. Its mostly a desert land, ruled by an emporer," she did not mention that she was actually that emporers daughter. "i left so that I could see the rest of the world." Ciara wasn't the only one who lied. She had really left Soakot because her father had discovered she was a sorcerer and women were not allowed to weild magic in Soakot.

She turned and looked about the cave. It actually seemed to be the entrance to a tunnel. She moved the hand holding the sphere of light so that it shone into the tunnel and looked down it, her eyes straining against the darkness. It seemed to be a long tunnel, but it was soon out of sight due to a sharp turn in the tunnel. Nareis hoped that nothing unpleasant lived in the cave...[/glow]

Ciara had followed Nareis' gaze down the tunnel, she was not too surprised to see that the cave led further into the mountain. It could have been a dwelling place for some creature or it could have been a tunnel, leading further up in the mountains. She wondered for a moment if it was the later of the two, if they could still travel while the storm was outside.

She smiled to Nareis, believing her every word. It must have been nice in Soakot. She giggled, thinking of emperors and empresses. I have never visited a kingdom before. Is it like those that they tell about in the library? Great walls surrounding the many houses that lead back to a great palace? She had gotten herself excited just thinking of it.

Leaning against the cool rock wall, running a hand down her shoulder remembering she was still in her morphed form as an angel as her fingers brushed against the feathered wings. Ciara wondered if she could morph back to her original form, but did not want to frighten the woman she was with. If we decide to go any further in this tunnel, I will change back. The wings will be much too large in those dark places, I do not wish for them to slow us down.

She watched Nareis, she was a sweet woman, as most were when they came to Imythess. She hoped that Nareis would find what she was looking for up in these mountains, that her path would not too heavily blocked like with this snowy storm.

[glow=blue,3]"Its not quite like most... The emporer wishes to expand his territory always and conquers all the neighboring kingdoms he can, enslaving the people of the lands and stealing their resources. He takes as many wives as he likes, even when the woman does not want to marry him and he has many children."

Nareis could hardly believe she was talking about her father, a person she had until recently admired. She used to think he was strong and wise, but in truth he was a tyrant and her mother had shown her that. He believed that his gods were always right, even if it meant killing his beloved daughter for something that was beyond anyones control.

She still gazed down the tunnel, trying to decide whether or not they should attempt exploring. It could lead them further into the mountains, or back down. Or into the maw of a waiting monster...

"Do you think this tunnel would lead us closer to our destination?" wondered aloud.[/glow]

Ciara stepped away from the wall, to the other side of the tunnel, peering through the darkness, she had been thinking the same thing and wondered if Nareis too had a passion for adventure. It would depend on where our destination is. She smiled playfully. What do you think, you are the one being called and in which direction I am not sure.

She had taken a few steps back, preparing herself to morph back into original form. I must warn you, if we go, I will have to change, I cannot go into the tunnels looking like this. She giggled softly, finding herself amusing, realizing that Nareis might not understand.

It is up to you, I am only here to accompany you, I do not see a reason why we couldn't travel through it to see where it leads. It does not seem like we will be going anywhere else at the moment. She motioned to the snowing storm and winds outside.

Nareis was stunned for a moment, facing the great dragon. The dragon seemed to growl irritably, awaiting an answer.

"Speak!" It ordered harshly.

The command made Nareis snap back to herself. "I am sorry great dragon, for distrubing your lair. We did not mean to stumle upon your lair. We were merely seeking shelter in the cave we stumbled upon."

The dragon paused and seemed to be inspecting both intruders with a molten turqoise eye. The clouds continued to exhale from its nostrils, following familiar paths along its face and horns. Finally it spoke again.

"Which is the one being called to the mountain of the Dragons? The one who hears its calling?"

[glow=blue,2]Nareis watched her change in facination. "I hope to be able to change my form like that someday soon. I have to learn the basics, first though. I am learning form a mage at the academy," she said.

Looking down the tunnel again, she swallowed any fears she might have had about going down the dark tunnel. "I would rather start moving than staying here. I have no idea if it will lead me to where I want to go, but its worth exploring," she decided.

Walking carefully so as not to throw many echoes, she started down the tunnel. The tunnel looked as though it were roughly hewn and was not merely a natural cave. Nareis wondered what might have made it.[/glow]

I am sure you will learn in no time. By the looks of things, Nareis had learned the basics, performing the simple light spell to illuminate the darkened cave. She smiled as she followed behind Nareis, down the darkened tunnel. What do you see? Not knowing what was further down the cave worried Ciara slightly.

It wasn't that what was down the way was unknown, it was being behind Nareis, not being able to see as they continued on. Is there anything up ahead? She had tried to keep her voice low, as to not disturb anything that might be inside the tunnel, she did not want any more trouble than they could handle.

The cave that they had entered through was just a mere lighting at the opposite end of the tunnel, looking back, they had travelled quite far in such a dark place. Well, atleast our path is clear. Ciara tried to be cheerful in her own head, hoping that her worries would not be sensed by her compainion.

[glow=blue,2] "Not a whole lot yet," she said over her shoulder. Taking the turn she had seen ahead, she paused. The turn led into a large cavern. The contents of the cavern made Nareis gasp.

A great pile of treasure took up most of the space.

Treasure of almost every kind was mixed with thousands of gold coins. Nareis could see jewel encrusted swords, magical staves, and other remarkable items Nareis hadn't dreamed of. She walked out of the tunnel so that Ciara could see.

The cave itself was beautiful, much different than the dank tunnel they had travelled through. The walls seemed to be made of crystal and shone a hundred different colors when Nareis's light hit them. Never had Nareis seen such a beautiful place, even with her life as the daughter to a powerful emporer.

Just then, some movement caught her eye.

Nareis turned and noticed a large mound of silver treasure move. And then she realized, that was no mound of silver treasure.

The dragon moved free of its bed of treasure. It was enormous and its scales shone bright silver. Nareis noticed his eyes and they seemed to be full of fury and billows of white was exhaled from its mouth.[/glow]


"How dare you puny mortals enter my lair!" it bellowed so loudly, Nareis stepped back.

Ciara's eyes had lit up at the mound of golden treasures, she had only heard of great things, never seen them for herself. Have you ever seen such things? They look so beautiful. She had giggled as she rushed over to bend down and touch the golden pieces to ensure that she was in fact really seeing them and not just an illusion of the darkness and light. Who would bring such things to leave them hidden in a darkened tunnel?

She turned back to Nareis who had not seemed as excited as she had been, she walked the tunnel some more as so looked at the tunnel which from where Ciara was knelt, looked to be of a crystal, glittering in a rainbow of colors as the light shown across it. Letting Nareis wander, she reached out a hand, not really picking anything up, just letting her hand wander over the cold golden pieces.

She had been oblivous to the fact that there was a large silver mass moving just a few paces from her, she was so intriqued at the treasures in front of her. But as the voice boomed in front of her, looking up as the large dragon was over her, Ciara's eyes went wide with shock and panic. Pulling back her hand from the treasure, she did not stand, only swatted in front of the dragon in awe. So small compared to the huge creature that loomed in front of her. Ciara's eyes did not leave him, she couldn't seem to pull herself away from him.

Ciara remained still, bent down near the edge of the gold. She had taken both her hands back as she peered up at the huge silver dragon. His scales seemed to shine softly in the light of Nareis' simple light spell. Something inside her told her to move, but still she could not, it was as if she was a deer stuck in a light, stunned. Her eyes were wide has he spoke, the white clouds billowing up above her head.

Slowly, as he asked who the mountain called for, she rose, looking back to Nareis, taking few steps back as if to get out of the way. She did not know what to say, she had only been accompanying Nareis, she didn't mean to disturb such a large creature, if she had known, she would not have encouraged for them to travel down the darkened tunnel from the cave they had sought refuge in.

Ciara kept her eyes upon the dragon, straigtening her back a bit as if to show that she did not fear him, but not in a way that would show that she was being too cocky. She had watched in the manner that Nareis spoke to him, she did not seem afraid at all. Ciara admired that, but as a traveller, she figured that Nareis had seen a great many things in her time, even those that were comparable to the dragon in front of them now.

"To be honest, I am asking myself the same questions... I have no idea what he is talking about... I bet your regretting you followed me?" she said, wishing that she did know what this dragon was talking about. She also felt bad that Ciara had gotten involved. Nareis didn't want her to get into danger on her account.

The room was surprisingly human. It was a large chamber with a vaulted ceiling and Nareis thought it must have been the very top of the mountain. The room had lines of bookshelves, much to small for a dragon to use, along with reading chairs and many other trinkets and items that a dragon definitely couldn't use.

"Please, sit," he said, indicating a sitting area in the room. "I will return in a moment." He disappeared behind a very tall bookcase and Nareis craned her neck back to see a bright flash of light from where she was sitting.

Expecting the dragon to return, she shifted uncomfortably in an otherwise comfortable chair. Instead of a dragon however, a man (in his forties, Nareis guessed) walked out from where the dragon had left their view. He was attractive and had a charismatic air about him. He had a well trimmed black beard and black hair peppered with gray. His eyes were silver.

"I am Nilahan," he said, bowing slightly. He was dressed in rich blue and silver robes, like a mages. "I find this form easier to speak with humans in rather than my draconic one," he smiled slightly.

Another giggle had escaped her. Don't be silly, it is a pleasure to come with you, it is not as bad as it had first appeared. At first I thought he was going to eat us up for lunch, but he has proven to be somewhat kind. I regret nothing, I only hope you do not mind me here while you find your true self. Raising an eye brow, she entered the large chamber with her, in awe of the room within the mountains as Nareis was taking her seat. She looked around, lingering near the bookshelf, seeing a collection of books she had not yet read before.

Taking a seat to the side of Nareis she sat, waiting. As the man appeared, she looked around the bookcase for the dragon, slowly putting the two together. Smiling to herself, she was now satisfied that he meant no harm but had only been protecting his treasure. She could not blame him, it was a beautiful and large treasure. His human form was much like his dragon form, silverish and gray. She found it fitting, although she had had the urge to giggle, she surpressed it, not wanting to offend him.

It is a pleasure to meet you Nilahan. She didn't know what to say to this dragon, seeing as it was Nareis he was calling. Something told her though, he would not mind a small chat, then again, her instincts were always wrong in some way or another. You live here all alone? She had then tilted her head, curious unto what he would say. She knew what it was like to live alone and hoped that he did not have to stay here by himself. She could only imagine what it was like again, she had been among the others for so long, she would never wish to go back to her life of solitary.

He grinned good naturedly. "This is my home and I spend much time here, but often I enjoy to walk among humans. They fascinate me, more than any decent dragon should, or so many of my kind say. I also have a draconic mate, but we do not live together. We find we get too tense about our hoardes if one of us stays at the others home for too long," he laughed and sat as well.

Nareis listened in fascination. She hadn't known that dragons could shapeshift up to this moment. The legends were many of dragons who protected their hoardes ferociously and it seemed the legends were true as well.

"Nilahan, sir. Why did you call me to the mountain?" Nareis asked, no longer to hold back the question that had been ebbing at her mind for the entire time she had learned it was he who had been calling her.

His face turned somber. The joy that was once there had faded somewhat. "Because, as I mentioned before, I felt it time for you to learn the truth. Since you have left Soakot I have been calling you here, that is why you found yourself here in Imythess, even if ou didn't realize it. Nareis, Emporer Lothekon was not your father and Aaondra was not your mother. Your mother was a slave and your father a native of Soakot and a royal guard at that, which was forbidden by the emporer's gods. They were found out and the mother, at least, was thrown into the jails until she had given birth and then executed.

"At the time, Aaondra was also close to birthing. Your mother had you the day before Aaondra gave birth to a dead boy. She would have been executed as well as your mother and you if it hadn't been for the midwife who had helped with the birthing of both babies. She knew of your mother's love for you and that she didn't want you to die, even if she did. They switched the babies. The slave woman's baby was said to have died and Aaondra had had a healthy girl, you."

Nareis listened to the story with disbelief. "And how do you know this, Nilahan? What part did you play in this?" He had to have had a reason for telling her this. It was hard for her to believe that the emporer and Aaondra were not her parents, but there was more and she could see it in Nilahan's silver eyes.

She frowned as he spoke, her thoughts slipped to Alexander, who had been away for quite some time, she wondered how he was fairing and tried to concentrate upon his thoughts, but they eluded her. She wondered what it would be like if they would end up like this old dragon and his mate, of course they themselves were not dragons at all. She could not understand how anyone who had found thier mate could be unhappy to stay with them, tense around them. Shaking her head, she realized that this was not the time to think of such things. She nodded and smiled as Nareis spoke to him.

Ciara was somewhat confused by all of what the man had said, she hadn't known the Nareis was the daughter of the Emperor. She had left that part out when she had been speaking ill of the Emperor of Soakot. Instead, she settled herself into the oversized chair, bringing her legs up underneath her, sitting upon them as she listened silently as the two exchanged words. It seemed that this man was indeed telling the truth when he had said that she had needed to know her true self.

For a moment, she looked between the two, following their coversation, but at the man's last comment, her eyes lowered and narrowed as she thought of the many possibilities that he could have played in this predictament. Had many thoughts, but none were clear and she didn't want to jump to any conclusions. She was privelaged enough that all things would be shared in due time.

Nareis winced as she remembered that she hadn't told Ciara about her father. She waited a response from the dragon.

"You need to understand, Nareis, that I transform into a human often and at the time I had taken the form as a human from Soakot and became one of the royal guards. I wished to be close to watch his gradual downfall. Something, though had happened that I did not expect. I met a woman, a human slave named Naolia. Usually I am neutral when it comes to human, but I lost myself in love for her," guilt could be seen in his silver eyes. "Nareis, we were lovers for over a year and she became pregnant."

Realization washed over her. "You mean that...you?" She stood and brushed a long lock of brown hair from her face and she paced. "I have dragons blood in me? Is that why I also have magic?"

Nilahan watched her with concern. "I will carry the weight of Naolia's death with me to the end of my days. She was the only one I had truly loved. To protect you I put a magic seal on you, that would make it so that your magic would not begin working until you were old enough to protect yourself. The seal is now breaking and you may even begin taking minor physical characteristics of a dragon as you use your magic more."
Nareis tried to absorb all this in. It made sense since no one on Lothekon's nor Aaondra's family had magic.

Ciara's eyes had gone wide. She didn't know that she was walking with a partial dragon. It was amazing how she hadn't seemed to show that fact all. She was truely touched by the love story though, she had a soft spot for this thing they called love. The fact that he had called upon her, never forgetting her presense showed just how much Nareis' true father cared for her, whichout even really knowing her. As Nareis stood, knew that her mind must have been a jumble. Everything that you were taught coming undone in a moments time. Twisting into the unbelievable.

Ciara sat there silently, watching between the two. Her eyes shortly after fell to the floor, her thoughts running through many things. The thoughts of her mother and of ther father, how it seemed that the most sweetest thing was always forbidden, is if something or someone tried to hold the rest of the world down from true happiness. She thought of how Nareis would change, after she began using magic more and more. Would she grow a tail and such? Or would her skin turn over with scales, glittered along her body, markings showing of her heritage. It was definately going to be a change for a runaway princess like her.

She shook her head, not understanding why Nareis would lie to her about who her father was. She was obviously not happy with her father, upset with him for some reason, but did that really mean she would have to lie to me? I would have accepted her no matter who she was, is she that afaid of what others would think of her? Ciara just couldn't understand, but it was nothing that she would hold against Nareis, it seemed that she had enough on her plate at the moment. She was going to have alot to handle in the next few days, it was something that Ciara wasn't sure on, but she guessed.

Her eyes rose again, this time in a narrowed curiousity. It was all so strange how this man had not come for Nareis sooner, why he would not take her from the horrid man that he was. Why wait until now to tell her all of this, when she could of so easily learned it all from the beginning. No matter his reasons, he was here now, calling for Nareis, calling her to him in the mountains. She had found him and together they sat in an ackward reunion. There is so much that they have missed of eachother, as Nareis would have grown up. What is my part in all of this? Am I to help her in some way? Ciara believed that all things happened for a reason and now it seemed like no coincidence that she had found Nareis travelling alone up the color mountains.

"Why didn't you tell me sooner than?" Nareis asked. "Why have I lived a false life for so long?"

"Because, Nareis, Aaondra, your mother was a good person and I was her friend before I had to leave. If I could have, I would have saved Naolia, but it was too late... At the very least I could save Aaondra. I knew that at some time you would have to learn the truth, but for awhile you could stay there and grow. Then when your sorcery began to show you would be old enough to fend for yourself and find your way to my homeland of Imythess."

Nareis felt her mind swirling with all she had to asorb. And she had thought it was bad enough when she found out she had magic and was exiled from where she thought was her homeland, but truly it was this strange place where she had been exiled...

"I know this is a lot to hear, but it was time for you to know the truth," Nilahan said solemnly.

Her eyes went from Nareis to Nilahan then back and forth again. How is Nareis taking all of this? Does she understand? Ciara could see Nilahan's point and the reasons why he had not told her, but she could also feel for Nareis. She couldn't imagine living one life only to find out that it was all false to begin with. That she really wasn't who she thought she was. Where would she begin? What is she to do now? Ciara hadn't wanted to said anything for the longest time and there was the struggle she saw within Nareis. Her eyes were adverted as she did not want to appear to be too involved but something inside her ate and she wanted to help them both through this.

"What is the point of telling her now though? You have waited almost all her life to tell her of her heritage. Now you tell her, what is she to do with it all? What are you offering her? You must have a reason for telling her now or you would have let her go on forever thinking that who she was was the truth." Her eyes had turned to Nilahan and for a moment she thought back to her mother and father and what if they had never given her their memories. Would she then understand of how things had happened. How she fit into the world? Would Ciara have had the same past if things were different?

"I do not mean to stick my nose into places it does not belong but you tell her this for why? Do you want her to be apart of your life now? Do you want to teach her all you know, to guide her through her transformation, her growth?" Ciara's eyes narrowed for a moment, wondering what he would say to her questions. She didn't know why she was allowing herself be to so defensive for Nareis as they had only met not far from this place. But she already felt for Nareis and wanted to help her through this time in her life, as she knew it would be a very big part of her life and growth in Imythess.