The kingdom of Elderitch, a quiet, peaceful city in the center of the continent, in the world of Thera, that is where the story begins. Elderitch was a big, bustling kingdom that had humans and animal-kin alike living amongst the commoners. The kingdom was led by a kind hearted and sweet woman, Queen Nomaderia Grace, and her husband, the king of Elderitch, Drax Lunile Adams, the direct descendant of the kingdoms founder, Amadeus the first. People loved and respected the two royal family members, and put their trust in them to keep the kingdom safe. The castle sat at the highest part of the kingdom on a hill near the far south of the kingdom, nearing the edge of town. This was where the royal family lived, and where the story begins.
Drax sighed gently to himself as he stood before a mirror in his chambers, the dragon stood tall, towering most at a height of six foot six, he was an intimidating sight to behold as most dragons were, but despite it, he also had an air of kindness to him, and a friendly demeanor at that. He was preparing himself for the day as he and his wife were to head into town and check out some things upon the request of those down in the city. A knock echoed into the room as the door was struck gently a couple of times. “Your majesty, are you decent?” Came a stern, yet oddly calming voice of what sounded like an older gentleman. Drax adjusted his shirt gently, wearing an outfit befitting a king, and matched the kingdoms blue, gold and white colors. As he adjusted he cleared his throat and looked to the door. “Come in Alex.” He called, the doors knob turning without halt.
In walked a tall wolf, even taller than the king himself at six feet and eight inches, wearing plated armor colored blue and gold, and was designed quite well as there was no noticeable flaw or issue with the man's movements, nor does it look like any weapon would make quick work of the man. This was commander knight Alexander Locke Redfield, one of the kingdom's generals, known by his title “Dragon God Alex'' for his intimidating height, his strength and the fact the helmet of his armor resembled that of a dragon. Some even mistook Alex for a dragon on the battlefield due to just how powerful he hit with his sword and his fists, and some would be forgiven for thinking such. Alex entered his majesty's chamber, before stopping at attention, one arm behind his back, another at his abdomen as he bowed gently. “Your majesty, good morning. Ornstein and I are here and ready to escort you and Queen Nomaderia to town.” He said, as behind him was a short, less intimidating but still strong looking black alligator teen, no older than eighteen.
This was Ornstein Arakazu, Alex’s apprentice and a soldier in line to join the ranks of the commander knights, under the tutelage of Alex. He was an orphan boy Alex had found out on a mission to a small town not too far out of town that was ransacked and destroyed by a group of bandits. Learning that Ornstein was an orphan, Alex took pity on the boy and took him in as his apprentice and immediately got to work showing the boy everything he knew about being a knight. Drax watched the pair and smiled softly as he went and grabbed his sword which he secured the scabbard of it to his waist and gently slid the blade inside to keep it from harming himself and others unless needed, before going and standing before Alex, his own personal guard. “Thank you Alex, I am ready, what of my wife, is she ready?” He asked as Alex nodded gently and chuckled. “Her highness requested she go wait in the foyer of the castle for us, insisting that she doesn’t need to be escorted that far.” He laughed a little to himself, Ornstein watching his teacher, surprised at how casual he was to the king.
Drax gave a hearty laugh of his own as he and Alex began walking with Ornstein in tow. “That sounds like Nomad, a bit of a sassy woman if I say, but I wouldn’t replace that for anything.” He smiled as Drax dearly loved Nomad, and knew that she wasn’t one to need protection of the knights at all times, but he would still worry nonetheless about her safety. “And what of Ornstein, how has his training been coming along?” Drax asked, smiling gently at the young gator walking alongside them. Ornstein blushed gently when the king addressed him as he lightly shuffled as they walked and glanced away to the side as his face was a bit warm now, not used to being the center of attention no matter the situation. Alex rubbed Ornstein’s head with one of his big paws and chuckled. “He is coming along just fine, gives some of the members of my battalion a run for their money. I also learned he is capable of some magic, while we were sparring the other day, he was using his spear as a conductor for electricity that he was showing control over. I was going to ask Princess Saria about it and see if she could aid me in understanding his power some, since your daughter is quite skilled in it herself.” Alex commented, referring to Drax and Nomad’s eldest daughter, to which Drax thought and pondered, a claw rising to his chin as he crossed his other arm around his chest holding the other arm up as he thought.
“Not a bad idea, Saria is quite a genius in the field of magic, and if Ornstein can learn to control and conduct his magic in combat, that would definitely push the decision of him being a commander knight a lot more. That is just what I look for when I choose you guys. You should remember better than anyone Alex, when you came before me when you were a teenager and took me down in a fight. You used magic even I wasn’t expecting. The role of a commander knight is important, as it is the group of my most esteemed and powerful knights, as well as my most trustworthy. If Ornstein is serious about this and puts in the effort to learn about his powers, he may just very well become one of our youngest candidates.” Drax said calmly as they turned a corner making their way into the foyer, and made one last look at Alex, as Nomad, a blue and brown furred feline, walked over and gently kissed her husband on the cheek, but waited seeing they were discussing something. “I trust your judgments and you are the leader of those said knights. Your decision to promote Ornstein is one I will follow and trust, but I wish to see it for myself and know that this boy is ready.” He said, the wolf and dragon keeping a steady eye contact as they talked, Alex watching the man as he gave a gentle man.
“Your majesty, I promise your trust will never be misplaced. Not only as your humble servant and knight, but also as your friend. I promise to show you just how certain I am when Ornstein learns to get his powers fully into focus.” He said and turned his attention to Ornstein, who had since got a bit nervous around the king and queen as he bowed respectfully to Nomad, the woman approaching him as she was wearing a long beautiful Silver and blue dress, the sleeves getting down to just past her hands and the rest going all the way down to her feet, the queen lifting a hand and gently stroked the boys face. “At ease you man, you have no reason to be nervous.” She assured, her voice was calm, gentle and soothing, the woman was a mother to her kingdom, and everyone looked up to her, she always had answers and she was always kind. Ornstein looked at her shyly but smiled a little bit as she talked, his mind and heart easing as he stood up straight again, fiddling a little with the lance attached to the back of his armor. “Your name was Ornstein correct?” She asked gently.
Ornstein finally spoke, his voice was a bit gruff and scratchy due to having been affected by his town being attacked both by fire from the bandits and having smacked his throat a couple times in training. “Yes my queen, I am Ornstein Arakazu, I am the apprentice of Alex.” He said giving what was essentially his full title, the woman's eyes softened as she gently placed her fingers under his chin and lifted his head carefully, glancing at his throat seeing some of the bruising from his attacks. “You poor thing…” She said gently before letting him go and turning to Alex. “Once we return, please bring Ornstein by my chambers so I can examine him a bit more and help him, this poor boy clearly has been through a lot.” She assessed just from the little she was seeing, Alex surprised by that as she was only aware of the details in his report, and even though he wasn’t as quick to remember every single detail, the queen shocked him with that. “Yes your highness.”
Drax watched them discuss as he made way for the door. “That is a matter for later. They are waiting for us.” He smiled gently at his wife who chuckled and walked over to him. “So pushy you are my dear husband.” She teased softly before planting another kiss on his cheek and lovingly smiled at him, taking hold of his claw and held it close to her chest momentarily. “Are you ready?” She asked as he nodded and opened the castle doors, letting Alex take the lead as Nomad followed not too far behind him. Drax walked next to Ornstein and let the castle doors shut before making their way down to the gate that led into town. The day was busy as people were seen walking around the streets and around shops, it was still somewhat early in the morning and many of the citizens wanted to get stuff done early so they had time for their other duties later on, and so a lot of the shops seemed busy for the time being.
“Our stop is the orphanage correct?” Ornstein asked, keeping a respectful tone as they walked, Alex giving a simple nod in response, as he pulled out a letter and handed it to Nomad. “I recall.” She said taking it and opening the letter to read it’s content. “Miss Ava Sirion, the owner of the orphanage, has requested us to make a visit just to check how things were as well as to talk in a more personal manner rather than through notes written by our servants. It must be urgent.” Nomad said and gently sighed as a part of her was a bit saddened about the idea of the orphanage as many children had lost their parents in some way, so Ava running such a place did her heart good, but it still pained her to think of how the children must feel. Drax gently placed a claw upon his wife’s shoulder, a gentle gaze fixed upon her as he smiled softly, to try and calm and assure her.
The group arrived at what looked like an old school building, right on the outskirts of town. The building was a small four room schoolhouse,a nice light blue color with a tiled roof, and a trim of silver. It was easy on the eyes and quite nice for its age, but has since stopped being used as a school house in recent events. A wolf woman stood in the doorway, she was a tall, stern but loving looking woman with dark brown, almost black fur, and a long bushy tail. She wore a nice fit flannel shirt, a white undershirt visible from the top of the buttons and a tight fit pair of jeans. To tie it all together she also wore a pair of black boots, the woman didn’t dress the typical part of a caretaker but she was the owner of the orphanage. Her eyes never met the nobility approaching as he gaze was fixed off into the fenced off yard where two kids were playing. A young brown and white furred Raccoon girl, no older than ten years of age, was cheerfully and happily running around the yard, specifically near the tree without a care in the world, wearing a soft yellow and white sundress and a pair of slip on shoes, the girl was carefree and just having fun. Meanwhile an older teenage wolf, at the age of 18, was following here, a bit of worry present on his face. “Ling please don’t run so fast, be careful… Watch out for any loose branches that can trip you!” He said as he followed her, the raccoon girl giggling barely minding the older boy's words “Stop worrying Kenta, Mama Ava said I am fine!” She said before she made a dart right at the tree and quickly climbed up it, despite the dress. Kenta gasped in surprise at this action. “Ling! Get down from there!” he called as she giggled.
The woman in the doorway, Ava, chuckled softly at the sight with a soft smile. “Kenta, relax kiddo, just make sure to catch her if she falls and she will be fine.” She calmly said and her gaze moved to the gate of the fence. “Oh! Sorry about that.” She chuckled and walked over with a small bow seeing the royal couple and their guards. “I was so focused on my kiddos that I didn’t even hear you approach. I am so grateful you two showed up.” She spoke respectfully, but even Drax could sense the sternness of her voice, one to be expected when one was raising children, having some of his own. “Please, come in, let me get you situated before we get down to business.” She smiled as she unhinged the gate and pulled it aside, letting the group in, the wolf looking up at the dragon king and Alex, but was more on eye level with Nomad. “Beautiful dress your highness.” Ava praised smiling as she watched them, closing it gently behind Ornstein and leading them to the door. “Kenta! I have to take care of some business, watch Ling and when the other kids get back from town keep them quiet okay?” She called out to the yard at her charges, the panicky wolf turning his attention to her and nodded quickly before he paid attention to ling again trying to hoax the girl out of the tree, slightly shaking a branch or two near her to get her to move where he wanted.
“Liiiiing!” He whined a little as the girl didn’t wanna come down. “What if you fall and hurt yourself!” He tried as a pinecone fell and landed on his head, making the wolf boy yelp and cover his head, glaring up at her a little. “That was uncalled for young lady!” He grumbled sternly, as she giggled. “Well maybe you should stop shaking the branches, I had no such helping in that!” She stuck her tongue out at him, the wolf huffing a little and crossing his arms. Ava glanced out and watched that exchange for a quick moment and chuckled rolling her eyes as she shut the door.
“Sorry about that, mind the kiddos, they are quite the handfuls sometimes. Now can I get you four anything to drink or eat real quick?” She offered, wanting to accommodate them to the best of her ability since she was dragging them so far out of the castle for something. Drax smiled and shook his head, as did his wife. Alex and Ornstein said nothing as they were also fine as Ava chuckled. “Not many for words.” she commented as she led them to a table. Drax took a seat near Ava with his wife at his side while his guards stood at attention and watched them. “So, what seems to be the problem Ms. Sirion? Your note seemed a tad bit urgent, and I want to make sure there were no pressing or dangerous matters you were having to discuss.” He asked, he was holding himself in an authoritative way, but given the woman's demeanor he wasn’t trying too hard, knowing the woman was stern in her own right and wouldn’t need such a formal way of speaking directed at her. Ava smiled and reached next to her chair where a small bag for papers was, and she pulled out a folder.
“Nothing urgent by any means, but it is important to me and my kiddos, as well as my support who is not present.” She said, referring to a man she viewed as a close friend, one she didn’t want to speak to heavily on for the time. “Last time I had heard from Lea he made some points in his letter to ask you two about maybe getting some potential extra funds or support to help, since the war going on with the demon lord has led to some more families being torn up and more kids being driven to my orphanage.” She sighed gently as she shared Nomad’s painful mentality about it, knowing how painful it was for these kids and having to change everything due to what was happening in the world around them. “I am in no way accusing you of such a matter as I know just how bad Drazernon is. But I do request we get some extra aid for the kids who are coming in and looking for new families, because this place doesn’t have many rooms, and my supplies are going to begin dwindling slowly but surely.” She said as she started putting the open folder on the table for Drax to see. The dragon king took hold of some and looked them over, seeing a detailed list of what would be needed, plus the potential hope of expanding the orphanage in any possible way. One last bullet point did also mention having some extra help due to location, which caught the man's eye.
“I must ask, not to doubt or pressure you on anything, but what about this last one? Have people been harassing the orphanage?” He wondered as Ava sighed and looked at it with a gentle glance, her paw reaching and looking it over to make sure she was on the same page. “Well, not necessarily people, but there have been monsters, animals and even demon sightings as of late, as our own Dragon God Alex once reported not to long ago, demon sightings have been a little more common as of late due to Drazernon, and given we are very close to the edge of town, we are slightly more at risk. And with Lea out on his mercenary work, no one is really around to defend the orphanage except the guards, and even then they’d need time to get here. I was thinking some help in any form would be nice, not even a person present at all times, but maybe if they are so inclined, Commander Knight Alex and Prince Maxwell extend their patrols out here a bit more often, since I noticed the guard will come out once or twice a day.”
Nomad listened and looked to her husband curiously. “She does have a point, if this is where all the children will be going, we could talk to our son and have him lessen some patrols closer to the castle and expand a bit further out, balance it out some.” The woman’s voice was gentle, calm, and it was definitely one that belonged to a rather smart and powerful queen. “I do believe protecting the castle and our children is important, but our people are also very much important, and we do have many fighters amongst our ranks, myself included.” She commented as Drax set the folder down, and placed a claw to his chin and looked down lightly with a pondering, curious look as he was thinking it over. Ava let Drax think it over as she looked to Nomad. “Queen Nomad, I had no idea you were a fighter.” She said with a hint of surprise in her voice as she sat back and relaxed in her chair, wanting to listen to the woman's story as it seemed to also catch the interest of their young knight.
“Well, since it is quite clear by the looks on your faces, I guess I can tell you a little while my husband thinks this over.” She said, noticing Drax gently tapping his foot with anticipation, usually what the man would do. “Hun, why not get up, go take a walk with alex and think it over, you’re getting antsy again.” she gently chuckled and leaned in to kiss him on the cheek as he nodded and began to stand. “Sorry, just with the war with my brother and everything, my mind tends to wander. Pardon me while I go and clear my head Ms. Sirion. Alex, if you may.” He said and made for the exit, the knight following as Ornstein was motioned to sit by Nomad.
“So you two want to know a little about me being a fighter, correct?” She asked as the two sit there and nodded, both interested at this. “Well, I guess I can start by telling you many, many years ago, my father was both a nobleman and a warrior of his own right. Duke Elijah Grace, the knight kids learn about nowadays as the holy knight that aided King Amadeus in the past alongside our current day ally Jander.” She began with a chuckle. “My father was a good man, and always had a smile upon his face no matter what, for as long as I could remember. Ever since I was a little girl he always told me to smile and remember to show the world a little compassion, because you can always make the world better.” She spoke as Ornstein looked, the child in him coming out some as he listened with wide eyed intrigue. “Now as for me being a fighter, he never believed that a man or a woman had their set role, and even when I was first interested in my husband, he made it a point to teach me to take care of and fend for myself, and so he began my training when I was thirteen in how to wield a sword, taking me along on missions, showing me a thing or two whenever he had the chance, I was like one of his troops, just treated slightly better because I was his little girl.” She chuckled gently as Ava smiled at the story.
“So your old man decided it was best you learn to defend yourself, but now I gotta ask, was it to defend yourself in combat, or in case you needed to remind your husband who was really in charge.” She joked as Nomad laughed softly, seeming to take the joke in stride as she nodded to Ava while Ornstein did his best to suppress his laughter on the subject. “You may just be right, because at the end of the day, a father does what they can for their little ones, especially their daughters. Just look at how King Drax goes about taking care of his little girl Saria.” Nomad smiled as she gently pulled out a locket she kept and opened it to see a picture of three children. A tall white lion man, a young hybrid cat with red ears and hair, and finally a three tailed fox boy, orange and tan fox with a bright smile on his face. She gently placed it down to Ava to see. “Just like my father, Drax does what he can for these three, his pride and joys, and I am happy to have married the man that would do such for his family.” She smiled warmly as Ava nodded. “Well those kids definitely know they can count on their parents to be there in the blink of an eye when danger is near, because I have seen his majesty in action, and knowing you now fight yourself, I know this kingdom is safe and it was the right choice to come here with Lea and Kenta when we found him.” She said, Nomad smiling with a few stray tears leaving her eye as she wiped it, but she didn’t seem sad, she seemed grateful Ava did such a thing.
-
Drax sighed gently to himself as he stood out by a river not to far away from the orphanage, staring out into the distance at an open field, one that looked like it expanded for miles, with various hints of colors around it from the various flowers and shrubbery that may have been around, and barely in sight, a castle shrouded in a faint darkness, one that even in the middle of the day wasn’t hard to see. He had his arms crossed over his chest, his eyes fixated on the darkness as the faint wind blew the cape of his outfit gently. Alex stood beside him and reached under his chin before carefully guiding his helmet off as he looked out with his master and king. “Your majesty?” Alex asked gently as his eyes shifted to the man who was lost in thought, the wolf’s fur blowing gently in the wind from the light breeze. “Your mind on the worry of what your brother might do?” He asked, since they were alone Alex was a lot more open and quick to comment if he felt he needed to. Drax sighed as he shook his head and looked to the water. “No, nothing like that, I am worried about it, don't get me wrong, but Raigh and I were discussing something not too long ago and it’s more.” He took a pause and inhaled slowly, calmly before letting it out in a gentle sigh as he picked up a small pebble by his feet and snapped his wrist, and with great force the pebble skipped itself across the water, hitting rapidly a few times before finally disappearing.
“Raigh got me thinking, what will happen if Drazernon does succeed. How could I ever face anyone again knowing I let all those kids' parents go to war and some just never return…” He said as his voice trailed, the man who presented himself so well at the orphanage clearly breaking a little with every word as a claw rose and clasped his forehead with a sigh, the man was beside himself. “I am the king of this great kingdom, and it is my duty to protect it. But what if I can’t? My older brother is ruthless, a danger. Like that night he killed father, I was powerless even then to stop him. I failed even when Nomad and Verius tried their hardest to fight him back.” He said as he finally just gave in and sat down on the grass near the river, moving his cape a little bit as he did and looked out, Alex taking a cue and sitting beside him, minding the water as he made sure not to let his armor get too close to it. Alex took a moment before setting his helmet aside and putting his paw gently upon the man's shoulder.
“Your majesty, I have known you for decades, and I have continued to serve you through everything. And Jander as well. The two of us have seen you through the decades, and have talked about this ourselves. You are doing what you can, and no one blames you for the casualties that your brother so cruelly brings.” He said, his tone was friendly, kind, no longer speaking as if they were king and knight, but as friends, which surprised Drax, but he didn’t stop him, it seemed to comfort the man as he pulled his knees to his chest. Alex looked off into the water and chuckled. “Just think, years ago we came here with Maxwell when he was a child, and he was determined to become a knight just like me and be as strong as his dad, remember that?” Alex said, bringing up a memory to try and distract Drax from his thoughts as the king chuckled gently. He glanced at Alex with a look of amusement and rolled his eyes a bit. “How could I ever forget, your exact words to Max were ‘Sure kiddo, I can try and show you’ and then as soon as he swung that toy sword you knocked him on his butt twice.” He laughed as Alex smirked a bit, not ashamed of his actions and nodded.
“True, I did. But that isn’t the point we are trying to get to, even if it was funny. The point I am making with that story is, he wanted to be like you, and what did he do? He got up, tried again, and again, and again. Not once did he ever land his mark, but he kept trying, and look at where your son is now. He wants to be like you, and he is leading your troops and being the head of your personal guard to make you proud.” He said as Drax sighed and nodded but then looked at his claws as he thought. “What’s your point? If he knew how much I was struggling with this he’d change his mind in a heartbeat…” Drax said, a bit dejected at the thought of letting down his son. Alex shook his head a bit as he listened but turned Drax a little to look him in the eye. “No he wouldn’t, because think about it. He looks to you because you are a great king, a ruler that is much better than your cursed brother Drazernon. He believes in you, as do I, Nomad and everyone around you. You are our King to the bitter end, and we believe you will do what you can to succeed.” Alex’s words struck Drax a little, the man wincing slightly as he shrunk down ever so slightly but he knew that the knight was right, watching as Alex stood, his hand outstretched to aid to king up.
“I know you have that on your mind still and I won’t ever be able to take your burden, but I will do what I can to help it. I will never abandon your side, your majesty, my sword is yours and yours alone until we bring down your brother and put an end to his senseless war.” Alex said as Drax’s claw gently wrapped around his paw, and Alex pulled him to his feet. “And the first step here is proving to your people you are ready and willing to do all it takes. Ava is waiting for us back at the orphanage for your approval, and I will tell you whatever you choose I will support, but I do also believe the first step to making this right, is by listening to her wish and we make a place for the kids to go who lose their parents, or need a home.” Alex said, his eyes never stopping their gaze on the king's eyes, who listened and nodded with a faint chuckle as he fixed himself up some.
“You are right Alex, I guess I just needed to hear you say it out loud, but you are right. I have an obligation to keep to these people, and my brother won’t get into my thoughts no matter what. I appreciate you and the friendship you have given me over the years Alex.” Drax said more affirmatively as they began walking, Alex seeing that his words got through to him. “I am glad to hear that your majesty. Let us get back and continue working for the future of Elderitch.”
Inferno_the_dragon_wolf
