Event - The White Dragon Travel Log

[bravenewmods]

[It's a lengthy journey even by air, that our intrepid heroes find themselves on. The veteran fliers set a quick, but not grueling pace at the suggestion of the Valkyries. Arriving to a battleground when a god had taken the field tired was not wise, they'd said, and who could really blame them? The prospect alone of facing down one of the beasts of legend would be enough to send most men fleeing in the opposite direction, but one who was working with a human? That was all the more reason to make sure that proper care was taken on the trek. And so for a day the party traveled, a caravan of birds, dragons, reptiles and the odd flying robot making steady time across the Rolling Plains before setting down at the north-eastern edge.

The curious would find that not far from where the tents were pitched, the green hills turned jagged, the land going from verdant to a sea of dark glass. Obsidian shards spiked upwards, spires gleaming in the moonlight like razor sharp teeth, setting an ominous tone for the evening's respite. Tents were pitched, fires were lit, and the more warlike companions even began a drum circle and dance. Valkyries and shirtless Calderan volunteers, a small number of visiting mages, and other more mysterious folks all curious to see the god and to help with the relief efforts. The camp, despite the circumstances, was at least a lively one.

And then came the final day.

Over the Obsidian Flats they went, the massive shapes of Boldore and Tyranitar visible even from up in the sky. And...further perhaps even more stunningly, a gigantic lake almost large enough to call an inland sea, sprawled out below. Rivers snaked out of it all around, and the water itself was a pure crystal blue. But perhaps the most awe inspiring sight of the whole journey came once they cleared the Flats and the area around Glacier came into view. An expanse of white, thick snow covering the ground this early in the year. Arctic forests cropped up here and there, snowcapped trees and a frigid looking river marring the perfect canvas beneath. And more Pokemon , of course. Gigantic Avalugg shook the ground below, and a new species plodded along, chewing amiably on the trees, largely unconcerned by the humans overhead, and the occurrences in the distance.

Along the coast a city was in flames, people streaming out of its ruined gates, desperately fleeing along the rivers before whatever it was came back. Smoke curled up along the skyline, burned hamlets and outlying settlements that'd already been destroyed.

It seems like they weren't too late, and it in the moment of respite there was a chance for our heroes to at least get their bearings and prepare for the Dragon God's return...]

[OOC: We will be opening some of these areas for bonding within the next few days for everyone who is taking part in the expedition.]

Comments

[wise_maiden]

[He seems content to linger for a moment while she pets him, before lightly springing back to walk again.]

Indeed... I didn't want to have to send him away to an unfamiliar place with any lingering issues. He's seemed determined to continue on with us.

[my_father_is_a_tycoon]

He's very brave to want to carry on. I'm sure he'll be able to weather the coming storm.

[wise_maiden]

We'll just have to see... the situation we're heading into won't be a picnic after all. I hope all of us are actually prepared for it.

[my_father_is_a_tycoon]

We'll have to be. But the people of Union have weathered challenges like this before. I believe in us.

[wise_maiden]

I suppose they did stand up to Gigas in the end. I just hope those successes aren't leading to... overconfidence.

[my_father_is_a_tycoon]

Regardless, it's still important to do our best to help people in need.

[wise_maiden]

[She just wishes they all didn't seem so casual about it all, really.]

Well, they do seem to have a strong desire to help others.

[my_father_is_a_tycoon]

It's the way we've always been, for as long as I can remember. But you keep saying 'they' - where are you originally from, if you don't mind the question?

[wise_maiden]

[... Oh she should really stop doing that. What a bad habit.]

My apologies. I'm from Sanctuary, so a lot of this is unfamiliar for me.

[my_father_is_a_tycoon]

Ah.

[It's a bit of a clipped reaction in her surprise, but Lenna recovers remarkably well. Lenna still isn't sure what to make of Sanctuary.]

Well, a belated welcome to Union, then.

[wise_maiden]

[She had been warned that some people would react to Sanctuary badly, so she's not too surprised by the response.]

Thank you. I'm looking forward to the chance to learn more about the city... and it's people, once everything here is taken care of.

[my_father_is_a_tycoon]

[It's really the unfaithful negotiation that's sticking in Lenna's mind right now. She's as upset with herself as she is with the Council of Magi.]

I'd be happy to show you around the city if you'd like.

[wise_maiden]

Oh? As long as it isn't any trouble... that is a very kind offer.

[my_father_is_a_tycoon]

It's no trouble at all! I'd do the same for any new arrival. I want everyone who comes to Union to love it as much as I do.

[wise_maiden]

It did seem like there were a lot of locations within it to take note of... it seemed much larger than I thought it would be.

[my_father_is_a_tycoon]

And getting larger every day. It wasn't that long ago that we believed ourselves to be the only humans left in the world.

[wise_maiden]

It's fascinating how you've gone from being so isolated to very influential in such a short period of time as well...

[my_father_is_a_tycoon]

Most of that seemed like luck, really. And making lots of friends that aren't fond of Gigas either.

[wise_maiden]

Even then, it was only with your city's help that the hold Gigas had was finally challenged and overthrown.

[my_father_is_a_tycoon]

There's still a lot of work to be done, though.

[Not that she particularly wants to call out the Homunculus program by name, but it's absolutely at the forefront of her thoughts.]

[wise_maiden]

Just by taking on one challenge at a time? It's so strange to see such idealism... realized.

[my_father_is_a_tycoon]

Union wasn't built in a day, as they say.

[wise_maiden]

Fair enough. That at least can be said about most places. Everything has to have a starting point to build from.

[my_father_is_a_tycoon]

It's true. Cities, alliances... everything. But the strength of Union has always been our ability to work together. Both with our Pokemon and with each other.

[Lenna tilts her head for a moment, seeming to realize something.]

Oh! I don't think I ever introduced myself. My name is Lenna Tycoon.

[wise_maiden]

It's fine, we got a little caught up, didn't we? [For what it's worth, Union did sound like a well-put together place. Though she'd want to come to these conclusions on her own time.] My name is Raine Sage.