Soaring through the blue sky with its wings spread wide, welcoming the chill of the wind is an adolescent wyvern. It’s scales as green as pure jade welcomed the rays of the mourning sun. It's legs tucked inwards revealed a cylindrical parcel attached to it's claw.

It's eye's widened as the clouds parted, revealing the vast greenery below. The young one increased it's speed as it flew into the landscape.

This huge land mass floating thousands of feet in the air is the continent of Iremun , home to the Dragons. A land so ancient it boasts the title of the oldest continent by a dozen millenia. The kingdom itself is called Caelum and is said to produce a sheen of countless colors as rays of light hit it. This is do to numerous gems embedded into the buildings themselves. The highest point of this kingdom is the castle of Ventulus. It sits proud in the middle of the city and is so grand that the spires themselves are hidden in the clouds.

In a study calmly reading sits a figure dressed in an elegant black robe bound by red stitching. From his temple protrudes two black horns that curve back over his head. Eye's that look cat-like shine dark amber and his lack of skin is replaced by smooth gray scales flowing down his figure. In his lap propped up by hands that have the inkling of claws is a scroll that reads 'Tenebris investigation report'. His gaze gently swipes over the contents of the scroll, taking in every bit of information.

SCREECH!!!

He breaks his gaze from the scroll, calmly looking up towards the window. Placing the scroll on the table to the side he gets up, showing his impressive stature that stands just over two meters and showcases a slim yet firm build. Taking long strides he makes his way towards a stain glass window and proceeds to pry it open. The chilling breeze hits his face contrasting with the warmth of the mourning sun that follows. Gazing outward upon the vast kingdom below, his eye's meet a silhouette in the distance approaching at an amazing speed. In seconds a young wyvern is seen soaring towards him as it basks in the sun.

Getting close enough the wyvern slowed as it approached its master and looked for a place to land, until it spotted its master holding out his forearm as if to welcome him.

Screech!

It cried in glee.

As it clutched his arm, its master proceeded to caress it while being careful not to accidentally prick it with his own short yet sharp talons replacing what would be nails.

"You have done well to arrive so fast little one. Truly worthy of your title of 'Refined Jade' boasting speed and grace that none can rival." The wyvern proceeded to nozzle it's master.

Taking the parcel in hand he eased the young one back in the sky.

"Now go rest with your kin. You may be needed yet again and you need to keep up your strength."

As if in response the wyvern produced a low screech as it flew towards a set of mountain tops in the distance.

After closing the window and proceeding to open the scroll his face became rigid. He re-read it's contents hoping to have misread something along the way. Alas he's disappointed as he discovers otherwise. Closing the scroll he makes his way towards the door stopping in front of it in deep thought.

"Faerie's of Tenebris, has fate finally lead you down the path you've battled against for ages? Have you lost your eternal struggle against the darkness and thrown away your humanity at last? Sadly I see myself hoping for this as if you have committed these atrocities of your own will... then you'll meet a fate far less merciful than the humans." An edge of coldness escaped him as his face darkened.

Deeply sighing he regains his composure and heads out of his study. He starts to navigate the corridors that are in itself a maze of which only the royal family and it's closest retainers can maneuver. Relatively soon he comes to a huge obsidian door and proceeds to nod towards the squadron of guards posted outside. As the guards take note of his presence they go forward and begin to pull the impossibly heavy door as it creaks open just enough for him to get through.

Inside is a corridor that houses the throne. The room itself is roughly two hundred paces long and half as wide. A ceiling so high that the giants of legend could fit unperturbed showcased its grandeur. He starts to walk at a moderate pace towards the throne while displaying the utmost elegance. As he reaches the edge of the stairs leading up towards the throne, he announces his presence.

"Tabor, Chief of War seeks an audience with his majesty." He says kneeling, head down, knuckles to the floor and the other arm behind his back.

Upon the throne sat a battle withered King in golden robes lined with black. He stood roughly two heads taller than the man before him as he showcased his strong, sharp features. His age spoke experience and wisdom as he looked to be in his mid forties. However his real age couldn't be counted in decades and could just barely be counted in centuries. Four horns extend out from his temple forming a line mimicking his hairline. They extend backwards over his wavy black hair. The two in the middle were half the length of the others. All of them produced a sheen of charcoal grey in the light. His face seemed to be chiseled from pure obsidian and spoke grace even as a trim beard hide his jawline. His deep crimson eyes gazed down, threatening to pierce the man before him. Strangely this man appeared more human than his subordinate with just his eye's and horns to say otherwise.

This was Rahim de Salicosa Vena , King of Dragons. A just and merciful ruler that showed compassion for his kin as well as for those of every race. Every battle the kingdom of Caelum fought, he was on the front lines leading them to victory. In battle his bloodlust would get so thick it was felt in his enemy's headquarters and cause them to shiver in despair. He fights for what he believes in while listening to the problems of his kin. As a result his power is only seen on the battlefield.

Today he showed fatigue, a rare sight, however his wife was due within the month with their daughter, his first born; draconian woman can get quite irritable during their late stages of pregnancy.

"Rise" Said the king in a deep voice that resonated throughout the hall.

"Your, majesty." As he proceeded to stand up Tabor did a curt bow.

"Enough of the formalities, what is it you've come to report?"

"Yes my lord, we have just gotten word from our emissaries outside of Tenebris as well as a report from Sceleratis."

"And?" The king said rather irritably.

"First your grace, the emissaries speak of the annual winter solstice as a day of festivities for Tenebris. Being the darkest day of the year their powers are strongest, however they are unstable as well. The emissaries see this is the most opportune time to strike."

"Would the faeries not be weary at a time like this and increase security in and around the city?"

"No my lord. The faeries are as overconfident as ever and believe this as a day they are invincible."

"I see. Contact Magnus and his men and inform them that we will be taking action."

"Yes, your majesty." Tabor did another curt bow.

"What of this report from the Demons of Sceleratis?"

“Well you're grace the demons speak of war on the horizon. As well, an army has been spotted gathering within the dark forest just outside the Tenebris capital."

"If the demons speak of war then we can assume the faeries attempted to ensnare them in joining their side. If not then we would not know of this as they shan't have told us. However the faeries should not have an army do to the treaty." The King said rather confused.

"Indeed, your grace, however they have neither conscripted soldiers to join nor are there any forces that have come to ally with them. They used these means to keep this army unseen."

"Then what is this army comprised of Tabor?" The King cast an inquisitive look his way.

Taking a deep breath Tabor turned his gaze to look at the king, what he said next was something that filled him with dread.

"You're majesty the army is comprised of ... the corrupted."

The king stood up in a start. Fists bald so tight they whitened as the air around him began to swirl as it would in a storm.

"You mean to tell me, not only have they broken the treaty but they have let their own people ... no forced their own kin to be consumed by darkness!!!"

His voice was filled with anger that boomed throughout the room causing the very ground to quake. The guards near the door trembled as a cold shiver ran through their spins. They quietly proceeded to leave the room, closing the huge metal door behind them as quietly as possible.

When the kind and merciful King Vena show’s anger, the very air around him is filled with thick bloodlust that threatens to suffocate those not strong willed enough to resist .

Tabor taking notice of this delicate time abruptly voiced his observations.

"My Lord, I must remind you that the citizens of Tenebris likely have no idea what's happening. They've been kept in the dark for the past few months regarding anything to do with the royal family. So this train of thought is likely isolated within the royal family and nobles close to them."

Closing his eyes the King retracted his bloodlust and the air around him settled. He took deep rhythmic breaths trying to regain his composure.

"Ria" He said in a voice void of emotion as he opened his eyes.

A silhouette made it's way from behind the throne. A woman wearing a violet robe over her black attire appeared. She stood a head shorter then the King with her face hidden beneath a blank white mask as her three horns protruded backwards from her forehead.

"Yes your majesty." A gentle and calming voice resounded throughout the hall as she spoke.

Hearing this voice his majesty previous calm air overcame him.

"Contact Magnus and tell him we will be acting on the solstice. Him and his men will be responsible for disposing of this vile army, while we infiltrate the palace."

"Your majesty." Tabor spoke in between them. "Is it wise to stand shoulder to shoulder with the Orcs in these desperate times?"

"You doubt their resolve Tabor?" The King glared at him both for questioning his decision and interrupting him.

"No your majesty, just their aim. They had nothing to gain from helping us gather information on the faeries, plus they were the only ones more animate than us about doing so."

"They are wise Tabor. They know when a threat becomes too big to ignore and as usual they were correct." His voice contained a tinge of sadness.

"Your majesty, many regard them as savage beasts that only thirst for blood and that has been shown true throughout their history. Not to mention I have met my share of orcs, and they are not as intelligent as you speak. Why do you hold them in such high regard?"

"Hmpf" The King did not hide the disdain in his voice as he listened to Tabor.

"They were savage beasts and remained such until five-hundred years ago. What they got from their savagery was experience. I dare say Magnus is on par with the ancient Treants, Elves and myself in regards to the wisdom of this world. Despite being a forth of my age at that. And what grants someone wisdom is not how intelligent they are Tabor. Take yourself for example, you are the best tactic I have had in my service, and one of the most intelligent people I have as a retainer. However compared to Magnus you are but a fleshing ripe off his mother's teat. You're experience in the world and with the races is lacking if you take what you see with your eyes as face value."

Tabor stood their, glowing red with his face drooped toward the floor and fists clenched towards his sides. He was thoroughly embarrassed at his naivety and brashness.

The King eyed him as he saw that what he said had gotten through to him.

"Now, speak no more of this and send word for our troops to prepare. We leave for the continent Anijre within the week."

"Yes my lord... forgive my impudence."

Bowing even deeper before the King, Tabor made his way towards the door. His stride was a bit rushed this time around as he was noticeably flustered. He didn't bother waiting for the guards to open the huge door for him. Wanting to leave as quickly as possible, he effortlessly pushed the door with one hand. Opening it wider then the guards did with a whole squadron.

The guards outside of the door noticing Tabor's attitude, stood there saluting him as he passed, not daring to say anything or even glance in his direction. Once they noticed he was out of the vicinity only then did they proceeded to close the door.

Watching the door close the mysterious Ria and the King stood there in silence.

"Was it necessary to embarrass him so my Lord?"

"Tabor has had his position for no more than two months. With all the achievements he’s gotten within the years leading up to this promotion he's no doubt gotten smug and is still very naive. It is a given considering how young he is, but his position will need him to shed that side of him and fast."

"Indeed, he was rather disrespectful in front of you my lord, I had to hold myself back as not to flatten him where he stood."

"Now, now Ria you're being overprotective again. I am the King after all, I can handle myself and subordinates just fine."

"I meant no offense you're majesty!" Said Ria bowing down, completely dispelling the cold aura she had just moments prior.

"It is okay Ria, you were just doing your job. Now enough of the pleasantries. Send word to Magnus all we have learned today... Also tell him to prepare his soldiers for the worst upon reaching Tenebris."

"Your Majesty?"

"It's just a feeling, however I believe the faeries haven't shared their activities with their citizens for a reason. As well as why they are so confident even if the solstice is supposed to be when they are their most powerful."

"You mean..."

Bloodlust almost as strong as the Kings leaked out from Ria as the realization dawned on her.

"Yes... Their powers may be the strongest on the solstice, but they are also the most unstable at this time. I fear they plan to plunge their whole country into a sea of darkness if we don't hurry."