In northern Shacklestone, a large warehouse stood upon a lonely industrial area. Surrounded by spiked fences, it was an intimidating sight. At the top window, a man could be seen gazing over the street. He was a vampire with black hair, an unkempt beard, and a jacket made from a shimmering, scaly material.

Just then, the door behind him opened to admit a group of people. They carried a variety of weapons and tools, and looked tired.

Poacher 1: 'It's no use, Dill. The dragons are getting smarter. We can't pick them off so easy anymore.'

The man turned to survey the group, then nodded.

Dill: 'That's OK. With any luck, Dianne will soon notice what we've been doing.'

Poacher 2: 'Can you run by the plan again?'

Dill: 'Alright, listen up. You know that man who's always with Dianne? Armin Alscher? He's got a 50k bounty on his head offered by the family of a girl he killed two years ago. They live on the fringes of Chalcedony. We're going to take it.'

The goons looked impressed, but confused. He elaborated:

Dill: 'It's a known fact that Dianne hates seeing kids hurt. She'd do anything for the little snotballs. By targeting young dragons in this region, we're bound to get her attention. She'll come to stop us, and Armin will come with her, and then...'

He snapped his hands together, mimicking a trap.

Poacher 2: 'What if Armin /doesn't/ come with her?'

Dill: 'Won't happen. I've looked into their activities over the past few months, and it seems like he goes /everywhere/ with the woman. Now listen up, and I'll explain what we're going to do when they get here.'

(Alright, feel free to start the morning as normal at Dianne's house. More stuff will happen after they get up.)

j'aime ! c'est cool

(Very cool. I will begin.)

-------------------------------------------------------------------

{It was a rather uneventful three weeks that passed, but in that time, Dianne continued with her project. She had successfully hired a group of experts to aid her. A metallurgist from the east, very good at his job, but rather shy. A runeologist from Agamidae, one of Billingsly's prized pupils. She was much younger and somehow, more enthusiastic than the old man, always wanting to ask Dianne about Ferros. And, there was an engineer, responsible for planning the chassis of the automatons. He had good insights, but was often sarcastic and rude. Aava's health had been noticeably improving. She began to look less pale and she was gaining weight. Her nightmares, however, were not improving, often waking up screaming at the small hours of the day. For now, the only remedy was for them to sleep in the same room. On this morning, Dianne had a day off, and was sleeping in. She was snuggled against Armin, with Aava tucked against her back.}

Armin very much enjoyed these days off with her. He always insisted on sleeping in late, and they often went riding together, usually joined by Aava and Rex. He had also used his savings from Fred's missions to buy a new car: a nice, long five-seater more suited for their family outings.

Now, he was dozing peacefully. He didn't mind Aava being in their bed as long as she gave him room to snuggle Dianne.

Late in the morning, Esme woke up and started to nudge and bite Dianne's arm, hungry and impatient.

Dianne: "....Ow....Ow, ow! Esme! What did I tell you about the biting!?"

{Dianne wakes up, scolding the dragonet. Sighing, she sits up, surveying the room.}

Aava: "...She's just hungry...give her a break, she's barely a year old..."

{Aava mumbles, still half asleep.}

Esme drew back, pressing her ears against her head with a vaguely apologetic look. She settled down on the end of the bed to wait more patiently.

'Wha's going on?' Armin mumbled, also half-asleep. Aware that Dianne had sat up, he opened his eyes to survey her. 'Hey, I was comfortable.'

Dianne: "Yes, well....Esme is hungry and she demands food. That means I need to go feed her."

Aava: "...I'm hungry too..."

Armin groaned quietly. 'You non-vampires and your inconvenient need to eat,' he said half-jokingly. He slowly sat up as well, leaning heavily into Dianne. 'Wouldn't you rather just have to drink blood every few days?'

Aava: "Eeewwww, no...."

Dianne: "Yeah, no."

{Chuckling, Dianne wraps her arms around him nuzzling him affectionately.}

Dianne: "Just sit here with me and wake up."

Armin yawned, then buried his face in her neck.
.
'Suit yourself. I think there are many benefits to being a vampire. Though I suppose being a dragon would be nice too.'

Dianne: "Yeah, being a dragon is nice. You're stronger than most by default..."

{Dianne begins rubbing his back and stroking his hair, content to sit with him.}

Armin let out a soft growl of contentment, drooping more heavily against Dianne. One thing for sure, her actions were definitely not making him wake up any faster.

{Realizing that what she was doing wasn't helping, she grins mischievously, then sharply nips his neck.}

Dianne: "Come now, wake up, darling."

Armin gave a jolt, wrenched out of his blissful state of relaxation. He eyed her for a brief moment, then bit her, playfully digging his fangs into her neck before pulling back.
.
'Alright... Aava, get out unless you want to watch me changing.'

Aava: "Yeah..."

{Grumbling, she walks to her room, leaving them alone.}

{Dianne tenses, smiling at his display of affection.}

Dianne: "Ok, time to go."

Esme took Aava's departure as her cue to go downstairs and wait for breakfast. Armin got up, changed, and headed down after her.

{Dianne did the same, walking into the kitchen to make breakfast.}

Armin slumped lazily over the dining table, looking through his phone. He and Rex messaged each other near-constantly when far apart. Then, in the middle of Dianne making breakfast, her own phone started ringing. Perhaps expectedly, it was Frederick.

{Dianne picks up, continuing to cook.}

Dianne: "Hello?"

'Good morning, Dianne. I hate to ask this of you, on your day off, but I was hoping you and Armin might come over to my house today. It's nothing urgent, but Ryder told me some unsettling information last night. He wishes to ask for your help with something.'

Dianne: "Oh, ok, no problem. We'll head over after breakfast. What was the unsettling information?"

'It's not very clear, but his tribe seem to be in trouble. However, Ryder will tell you everything he knows when you come.'
.
During this conversation, Armin had moved to the kitchen doorway to eavesdrop.

Dianne: "His tribe? Very well, we'll go over there and hear what he has to say. Anything else we need to know?"

'I don't believe so. Thank you for agreeing to come.'
.
Fred then hung up.

{Dianne puts her phone away, then turns to Armin.}

Dianne: "After this, we need to go to Fred's place. Ryder needs our help with something."

'I heard. Something about his old tribe, wasn't it? Well, it has been a boring few weeks. Might be nice to have another mission to do,' he said with a quick grin.

{Dianne smirks back, dividing the eggs.}

Dianne: "Yes, perhaps it will be an adventure."

Armin padded back to the dining table and sat down.
.
'Did you hear any of that?' he asked Aava. 'Apparently Ryder's tribe are in trouble. We might need to do exciting, dangerous stuff again. Will you be in?'

Aava: "Yeah, sure. I feel like punching something."

Dianne: "We might be dealing with dragons. That might be too much for you."

'That's true. I mean, your powers are pretty cool, but I don't know if being able to turn your hair into fists would stop a raging dragon.'

Aava: "Fair enough. We'll just have to see..."

{With that, she digs in to her food ravenously.}

Armin ate nothing that morning, but sat peacefully at the table with them, wondering what kind of troubles Ryder's tribe was having. //Maybe they're in a war with Viridi. Maybe some assholes like the Bloodrazors are bothering them. Maybe they've run out of deer. Who knows...//

{After finishing breakfast, Dianne retrieves the rings, then scoops up Esme and heads for the door.}

Dianne: "Ready?"

Armin put his ring on, giving her a slight smile on the way to the door.
.
'Let's go.'
.
Once he had his shoes and jacket on, he headed out to the car. Pale green, it sat beside the old truck, which he had no intention of getting rid of. Esme's seat had already been secured in the back. The car was a little old, but it functioned perfectly.

{Dianne secures Esme in her seat, then sits in the front. Aava sits next to Esme in the back.}

Aava: "Where are we going again?"

'We're going over to Fred's house. I guess Ryder will be there,' Armin replied.
.
He glanced over his shoulder, still not used to Esme being in the back and needing to make sure she was still there. Once everyone was buckled in, he drove off.

Aava: "Oh, right."

{Everyone falls silent for a minute. Then, Aava pipes up.}

Aava: "Can I have some ale tonight over dinner? Pythia said I could have a little sometimes, at my last appointment."

Armin eyed her in the mirror with obvious doubt. 'Are you sure about that? Just three weeks ago, she nearly had an aneurysm when we admitted to giving you the ale.'

Aava: "Of course I'm sure! Why would I lie?"

Dianne: "We're just worried, that's all. Pythia wasn't happy about it last time."

Aava: "Then ask her the next time you see her. You'll see I'm telling the truth."

'Alright, you can have some ale tonight, but I'm holding you completely responsible if Pythia has a problem with it,' said Armin. 'I'd kinda like a drink myself...'

Aava: "Deal."

Dianne: "Sure. After we get home tonight."

Armin continued on. Reaching Fred's house in good time, he jumped out and went to the door, which opened before he could knock.
.
'Ah, hello all of you,' said Fred, looking past Armin to inspect the others. 'Come in. Wipe your feet on the mat, please.'

{Dianne and Aava walk in and do as they're instructed.}

Dianne: "Hello, Frederick. Pleasant to see you, as always."

'And you too. Aava, you look to be doing better.'
.
He led them into the living room whilst they exchanged pleasantries. There on the couch was Ryder, who looked rather distressed, but gave them a weak smile and a wave when they came in.

Aava: "Oh, yes, thanks."

{Dianne immediately looks to Ryder, concerned.}

Dianne: "Hello, Ryder. Are you ok? How bad is it?"

Fred sat at the dining table, turning his chair around so he could see everyone. On the table was a steaming mug of tea, which he sipped at absently. 'Ryder, tell them everything you told me.'
.
'Alright...' Ryder swallowed. 'OK. So, I got a message from my family, you know, back in the Haven Mountains. They try to write to me every so often. This time, they told me that a group of poachers has been attacking the tribe. They come in the night, with tranquilisers and stuff. Mostly they just knock people out, steal their horns and stuff, but apparently a few dragons have actually been dragged off.'

{Dianne and Aava sit at the table, listening intently.}

Dianne: "Poachers, huh? How long has this been going on, and who was taken?"

'I think about two weeks. And they didn't really say any more than that. They told me not to worry too much, but I can't help worrying... I want to visit them and find out more, but with the poacher stories, I'm kinda scared to go alone. Maybe you could come with me?' he said hopefully.

Dianne: "Of course, Ryder. I'll go with you. You've done so much for us, I'd be happy to return the favor. When do you want to go?"

Ryder twisted his fingers together. 'I was hoping to go ASAP. Like, today. The mountains aren't too far. But if you'd got other stuff to do and need to wait, that's totally OK.'

*you've

Dianne: "Well, no, I don't have anything too important. I'd just need to go prepare. How long were you planning to stay?"

'I don't know. I just want to get up there and find out what's going on. We can probably be home before dinner time.'
.
Fred cut in: 'While you're all gone, I will research known poacher groups and try to identify the one involved here. I already started, actually.'

Dianne: "I can see that this is bothering you immensely. Come with us back to my house. We'll leave immediately."

{Standing, Dianne turns to Frederick.}

Dianne: "Thank you, Frederick. Let me know of any developments immediately."

'Keep me informed as well. Anything you find out about the poachers will help me track them down faster.'
.
Ryder got up, looking almost weak with relief. 'OK, let's go. And, thanks...' Armin patted his shoulder in reassurance.

{Dianne then turns to Armin.}

Dianne: "Armin, ask Rex if he could watch Esme for today, maybe even going into tomorrow. I don't know how long we'll be."

'Rex? Yeah, I'll ask him. He's at home for today and tomorrow...'
.
Armin sent a message to Rex while walking to the car. Ryder climbed into the back.

{Aava gets in after Dianne secures Esme. She eyes Ryder with worry. She had lost her family to unruly ruffians and hoped the same fate wouldn't befall Ryder. Dianne then gets into the passenger's seat, looking back at Ryder.}

Dianne: "Ryder, if we need to stay for a prolonged period of time, will we be boarded, or do we need to bring camping supplies?"

'Oh, we won't need to camp. There are houses there. There's even a guest lodge specifically for visitors. We're a little more civilised than Viridi's tribe.'
.
Armin started off, intending to go to his place to drop off Esme first.

Dianne: "That's good to hear. I might have undergone hibernation in a cold rock cave. How much family do you have there?"

'My mum and dad, my sister River, my grandparents on my mum's side, and my aunt Phyllis,' said Ryder. 'And she's got a son who's only a few months old. I got to see him during Christmas. Cute little guy.'

Dianne: "They sound lovely. And your tribe won't be opposed to you bringing home a group of complete strangers?"

'I don't think they'll mind. I've told them a bit about you guys, and the stuff you've done... I think they'll be glad to have your help.'

Dianne: "Well, that's certainly more hospitable than Viridi's tribe. Ok, this should all work out then."

Armin pulled up outside his house. Rex, expecting them, was standing on the porch.
.
'How long are you expecting to be?' he asked when Armin got out of the car.
.
'We might be back tonight. Or we might decide to stay in the mountains, in which case, we'll probably come back late tomorrow.'

Dianne: "It's still up in the air."

{Dianne says, getting out of the car with Esme.}

Dianne: "Thank you for doing this. We'll give you updates as the situation develops."

Rex opened the door and invited them to bring Esme inside. 'I'll be waiting for them, then. As always, do try not to get yourselves killed.'

Dianne: "Of course, we'll be safe. Take good care of her."

{Sitting on the couch, Dianne places Esme on her lap.}

Dianne: "We're going to be gone for a little bit. Behave yourself while you're with Rex, ok?"

Esme chirped obediently. She gazed around, seeming more comfortable with being left here than at Pythia's house. It was the place where she had spent her younger days. The first place she'd lived upon leaving Triticum's tavern.
.
Armin patted her on the back, then turned to Rex. 'Well, we'd better go. Don't worry too much; after some of thr things we've faced, poachers should be easy.'

Dianne: "Yeah. Shouldn't be a problem."

{Standing, Dianne looks to Armin.}

Dianne: "Ready?"

Armin nodded. He tugged Rex into an embrace, and Rex reciprocated by ruffling his hair playfully.
.
'Look after yourselves.'
.
Following a glance at Esme, Armin walked out and clambered back into the car.
.
'Uh, should I grab my armour before we leave?' said Ryder. 'Y'know, just in case?'

Dianne: "I would. Who knows what the poachers might be using these days."

'OK, let's make a quick stop at my place so I can grab it.'
.
Armin took them to Ryder's house. He had to follow the dragon's directions to remember how to get there. He then sat outside with the engine running while Ryder ran in, gathered his armour and a couple of guns, and piled them into the trunk.

Dianne: "...Should we ask Jerry for help? He grew up with hunters, so he might have some insights."

Armin scratched his jaw thoughtfully as Ryder climbed back into the car. 'Hunters, not poachers. The motives aren't quite the same. But maybe we should, or he might complain about being left out again.'

Dianne: "Call him then. Ask. Wouldn't hurt."

'We'll call him once we get to your place. Hey, is Aava coming or not?' said Armin, glancing back as if he'd only just remembered she was there.

Aava: "Of course I'm going. I'm not staying in a big, lonely mansion while you go off on adventures!"

Dianne: "Alright. I'll get you some more armor when we get in."

'So we're all sticking together? That sounds good.'
.
After a somewhat long drive, they got back to Dianne's house. Ryder had been quiet most of the way, seemingly brooding about his tribe. Everyone started to get out and head up to the house, while Armin withdrew his phone and dialled Jerry.

{Aava and Dianne headed into the house. Jerry picked up immediately.}

Jerry: "Hey, Armin, what's up?"

'Hey. So, Ryder just told us that his tribe has been under attack from a group of poachers. We're going over there to find out more, and hopefully deal with them. We were wondering if you wanted in on the trip.'

{Jerry thinks for a moment.}

Jerry: "Poachers in the mountains? Hmmm....Naw, sounds like you have that handled. I need to work on a case here. But, if things go south, I'll go with you to help."

'If you're sure. We need to go get ready, so we'll call you if we need you. But I think it's probably going to be easy enough.'

Jerry: "Ok, well, keep me in the loop. I'll be here if you need me."

'Alright. See you around.'
.
Armin hung up, then headed upstairs to gather his sword and armour.

{Dianne was up there, strapping on her armor. Aava was doing the same, but in her own room.}

Dianne: "What did Jerry say?"

'He said he's busy working on a case right now and thinks we can handle this one alone,' said Armin. He took off his jacket and started to strap his armour on, while retrieving his wind blade.

Dianne: "He's probably right. Poachers make an easy mark."

{•Armored up and hammer in hand, Dianne picks up a duffel bag and heads for the foyer.}

Armin followed her. When they got downstairs, Ryder was waiting in the foyer, also armoured, shifting from foot to foot.
.
'We're gonna fly there, right? It's a little hard to access our valley by car,' he said.

Dianne: "Of course. It's the fastest way."

{Aava comes down the stairs, also with a bag. Dianne leads the way outside, shifting and waiting for Aava to get on.}

Dianne: "Are we ready?"

Armin jumped up onto Dianne's back, leaning forwards slightly and holding onto the edge of one of her armour plates. Beside them, Ryder shifted into his smaller dragon form, stretching his wings briefly before taking off. His eagerness to see his home was tangible.

{Aava clambers on, holding onto Armin from behind. Dianne takes off, following Ryder.}

Dianne: "Lead the way, Ryder."

Ryder swept nimbly into the air, climbing as he moved forwards. Before long, the country roads and farms were just a patchwork of colours beneath them.
.
//Please let everyone be OK,// he thought anxiously.

(Do you want to do a thing with Lucci now?)

(Yes. Set the scene with Dill. We'll skip to arrival after.)

Shacklestone was quiet, but a few people still moved in the dead city. On the northern industrial site, the poachers' base stood dark and ominous.
.
In one of the rooms, Dill was looking through some papers, organising some things into a neat stack and tossing other things aside. //Alright, everything's covered in case of their arrival. We'll know when Dianne gets close to base. Once she's here, everyone knows what to do.//

{As Dill went through his papers, Lucci appears in the corner of the room, behind Dill.}

Lucci: "Dill. Busy, are we?"

Dill whipped around, pulling a revolver and aiming it directly at Lucci's face. His breathing came in quick, short bursts as he flicked the safety off the gun.
.
'Who the f**k are you and how did you get in here?' he demanded.

{Lucci raises his hands in a non threatening manner, smiling pleasantly.}

Lucci: "My name is Lucci, Oracle of the Mountain of Light. I got in here, because....I'm not from around here. I'm here to issue a warning to you."

Dill kept his gun trained on Lucci, clearly wondering whether or not to shoot and be done with it.
.
'Yeah? Is it worth my time?'

{Lucci chuckles, waving his hand. Dill's gun falls apart in his hands, clattering to the floor.}

Lucci: "You won't be needing that. Yes, it is. You do not understand the gravity of your situation. The forces you are about to unleash on this world with your actions? You need to quit while you're ahead."

Dill stared at his gun falling apart, then turned to Lucci.
.
'Excuse me, /friend,/ but what does our business have to do with you? I don't need your advice. Believe it or not, we ain't going into this blind. We've got the equipment to get this job done, and we ain't stupid.'

Lucci: "I have many jobs, and one of them happens to be keeping reality stable. Son, you need to listen to me. I know you're prepared. I know why you're doing this, but I guarantee to you, this is not going to go the way you think. If you continue on your current course, you are going to die. Everone under you, is going to die. The bounty holders and their entire family are going to die. Everyone you know and love, hell, the very region you call home is going to suffer greatly. There is nothing good for you, succeed or not."

'What makes you think I'm going to sit down quietly and let that happen to me? No, the moment we're done, we're outta here. Dianne won't find us. Besides, I know about her. She goes insane when babies are hurt. We haven't hurt them, just locked 'em up... And maybe taken off a few parts they don't need,' said Dill with a twisted grin.

Lucci: "So sure, are you? Heheh, you have no idea what you're starting. When your time comes, and Death shadows you everywhere you go, you won't be able to say no one warned you. Consider my warning given, for now, your life is no longer in your hands."

'Get out, so-called Oracle. One of us here has got work to do, and it sure ain't you,' said Dill, waving off Lucci's words.

Lucci: "Good luck, Dill. You're going to need it."

{Lucci walks out of sight, disappearing entirely.}

Dill returned to his paperwork. He was confident that once he had the money be wanted, he would be able to quietly slip away. //Soon, we'll be rich men. Think I'll move to Aether after this and set up work there...//

-------------------

{As the group approached the mountains, Dianne followed Ryder closely.}

Ryder began to descend, leading them down right into the centre of the mountains. Spread out below them was a lightly wooded valley surrounded by craggy mountains. There were a few rivers and lakes, lots of caves, and in the middle, a small village. Ryder continued to descend, aiming to put them down by the edge of the village.

{Dianne lands with Ryder, surveying her surroundings.}

Dianne: "Hmm. What a pleasant little plateau."

Ryder shifted back. 'Yeah, it's nice...' Armin slid down from Dianne's back, watching some colourful dragons flying in the distance.
.
Just then, a woman came from the village and ran over to them. Her hair was all grey, though she looked young. She wore a purple windbreaker jacket, and her left arm was missing below the elbow.
.
'Why are you here?!' she called in tones of surprise.
.
Ryder's face broke into a grin. 'River! You're OK!'
.
The pair hugged fiercely.

{Aava disembarks from Dianne, standing sheepishly behind Armin. Dianne shifts back, removing her helmet and keeping her hammer down.}

Dianne: "Part of your family, I presume?"

'This ia River, my older sister...'
.
River glanced over at the group, and Ryder hastened to explain.
.
'So, I got the letter. The one that mentioned the poachers. And I had to do something, so I brought Dianne and Armin to help out. You guys need to tell us exactly what's going on.'
.
River shook hands with them both. 'Sorry. I knew Ryder wouldn't sit back knowing this was happening, but I didn't expect him to drag you all in.'

{Dianne smiles pleasantly as she shakes hands.}

Dianne: "Oh, it's no issue. Ryder is a good friend of ours. We were happy to help."

'So, are you going to tell us what's going on?' said Ryder.
.
'You should probably hear it from the chief. If you're going to help us then she'll want to know about it anyway,' said River. 'I can take you all to see her now if you like?'
.
As she spoke, she curiously eyed Aava lurking behind Armin. However, she said nothing.

{Aava waves shyly at River.}

Aava: "Um...Hi. I'm Aava."

Dianne: "Yes, let's see the chief."

'Pleased to meet you, Aava. Yes, let's go.'
.
Suddenly, an agitated blue dragon barrelled towards them from the nearby crags.
.
'Where is he? Have you found him yet?!' she said wildly, staring at the group.
.
'Not yet, Phyllis...' said River gently.
.
Phyllis's wings snapped open. 'You're all useless! I'm going to go and find him myself.' Before she could take off, River shifted and pounced on her, pinning her to the ground while the blue dragon shrieked and clawed at her.
.
'Phyllis, just stay put! We /will/ find him, I swear!'

{Dianne gives a bewildered look at the scene unfolding before her.}

Dianne: "Whoah, what's this all about?"

Ryder was pale with shock. 'That's Phyllis... What's she talking about?' From the tone of his voice, he already had a suspicion.
.
'Her son, Leviathan, was captured in a poacher attack three days ago,' said River grimly, still trying to keep the blue dragon from taking flight. Phyllis looked insane, foaming at the mouth and snarling.
.
'Leviathan?! Oh gods...'

{Dianne watched Phyllis, her expression turning blank. Her reaction was all too familiar to her. Seemingly coming back to her senses, Dianne shifts, then gets down, leveling her face with Phyllis.}

Dianne: "Phyllis, listen to me. My name is Dianne. I've come here to help you all with this very problem. I promise, I will find your son, and anyone else who was taken, but I need you to calm down. Running off aimlessly won't find your boy."

Phyllis stared wild-eyed at Dianne, pupils dilated, teeth bared. As she listened, she quieted down - enough for River to risk getting off of her.
.
'...What if he's already dead?...' Phyllis moaned. 'They are poachers. They cut us up and sell our organs for money. He could be dead!' Abruptly she flashed back to rage.
.
Armin was standing as close as he dared. Ryder watched helplessly.

Dianne: "You don't know that. You need to stay calm and hopeful. Me and my friends are going to find these poachers, kill them all, and bring everyone back. Our first step is to talk to the chief, but I can't do that if I'm here, talking you down. Can you remain calm for me?"

{Aava inched her way behind a rock when Phyllis was released. She didn't want any part of this.}

Phyllis looked away and said nothing. Just then, an older, male dragon swooped down. He helped Phyllis to her feet, then began to gently lead her away. She didn't protest, holding her head low and going with him.
.
'And there's her mate Ragnarok,' Ryder murmured, rubbing his forehead. 'I can't believe this happened to them...'

Dianne: "Poachers have no heart. Let's go see the chief."

{Dianne seems troubled now, given what was at stake. Aava comes back to the group, looking to Ryder for where to go next.}

Ryder shook himself off, shifted, and leapt into the air. He and River began to lead the group higher up the valley, towards a high cave mouth. The siblings landed carefully in the entrance, which was wide enough for all three dragons to stand in.
.
'Chieftain Garnet! It's River Cascade, and my brother Ryder, and some guests. We need to see you.'
.
From the darkness, a red dragon emerged. Garnet was small but powerfully-built, with many scars and a stern expression.
.
'Welcome back, Ryder. I think I can guess the reason for your return.'
.
'I heard about the poachers, chief. I brought help. These are my friends from Sovereign: Dianne, Armin, and Aava.'

(These posts are too looong)

(Lol, novels everywhere.)

{Dianne bows courteously to the chief. Aava nervously does the same.}

Dianne: "Pleased to meet you, Chief. We've come to offer our assistance."

'I think I told you a bit about them at Christmas,' added Ryder. He was shuffling from foot to foot, head ducked respectfully. 'They can help us find and beat the poachers. I'm sure of it.'
.
Garnet surveyed the group, Dianne in particular. 'I heard that you were the one who killed my father and previous chief, Grimm. Were you?'

{At that, Dianne nearly chokes, looking very nervous. Clearing her throat, she speaks.}

Dianne: "Well...Yes, but....He was doing some pretty bad things...I didn't really have a choice..."

{However, Dianne knew she was lying. She could have easily spared Grimm, but was too angry at the time to consider it.}

Garnet's tail flicked, and for a moment she seemed angry, but her next words were surprisingly indifferent.
.
'He was my father, but he was a blight on this tribe. Maybe it was for the best. I can't apologise for what he did, but I can promise that /my/ tribe won't needlessly harm anyone.'
.
Ryder had shot a quick, startled glance at Dianne upon realising she had killed the last chief, but he didn't seem angry either.

{Dianne eased a little at that. However, she was still quick to change the subject.}

Dianne: "Oh...Very well then. Sargon was a bad lot. But, let us move on from the past, and focus on the now. The poachers. What do we know?"

'The attacks started around two weeks ago. Groups of poachers would sneak into the valley by night, entering caves, tranquilising the dragons, cutting off horns and removing teeth, then leaving. For the most part. Several small adults and juveniles have also been dragged off, along with a dozen fledglings. We don't know where they are based, though we know they're using portal magic to get in and out of the valley.'

Dianne: "I see. This won't be simple after all. Have they been attacking often? Every night?"

'At first. When we realised how much danger we were in, we started sleeping together, huddled in the centre of the village in our dragon forms. Through safety in numbers, we prevented attacks, and the poachers have been coming less ever since. Phyllis's son was the last to be taken and they only got him because she initially refused to sleep with everyone else.'

{Dianne scratches her chin.}

Dianne: "Ok. All we need is to wait for them to come through the portal and capture one. We make them tell us where they're based up and go kill them. However, that will require that we stay the night. With your permission, of course."

'Of course, but I told you they don't come every night anymore. You might be here for days before you manage to catch one.'
.
'Also, they have dragon-grade tranquilisers,' said River. 'All it takes is one shot, and you'll be down within seconds.'

Dianne: "That's what the armor's for. You know what, I think we are going to need Jerry. Having a marksman would be helpful. We'll need to arrange things for Esme, and my work."

'Jerry would be useful, but how is he going to get here? You or Ryder would have to fly back and get him,' said Armin, thinking things through. 'I can call Rex and let him know that he might need to look after Esme for longer, or give her to Pythia.'
.
Garnet just stood there, watching them discuss.

{Dianne considers a moment.}

Dianne: "How about this. We'll stay tonight. If there are no poachers, we leave first thing Tomorrow and come back with Jerry. Sound good?"

'OK, let's go for it,' said Armin.
.
'What if we use ourselves as bait?' Ryder suggested. 'Like, we could stay outside, a little apart from everyone else, and if the poachers come then they'll think we're easy targets?'
.
'I don't think Dianne should be sitting outside on a winter night,' said Armin.

Dianne: "Armin's right, that's bad for my health. I will lie in wait while Barnabas and scout birds patrol the plateau. Ryder could act as bait, then, when they get too close, we'll surprise them."

'Very well. You may do your plan, and if it doesn't work, we will think of a new one,' said Garnet.
.
'I guess we don't have much to do for now, then,' said Armin. 'We need to wait for dark to fall before anything might happen.'

Dianne: "Chief, I need a workspace and access to your apothecary. I need to construct spies."

{Aava looks to Armin at this time.}

Aava: "So, this is going to be a night time stakeout?"

'You can use the guest lodge. It's not in use at the moment,' said Garnet. 'I will have an apothecary sent to you shortly. Might I ask what you need them for?'
.
Armin shrugged. 'It sounds that way. We'll need to stay up all night in case they show up at like 4AM.'

Dianne: "In order to construct bird spies, I need to embalm them. This operation could be going on for weeks, they need to last."

Aava: "Ok. We better prepare, then."

'I'll take you to the guest lodge,' offered River.
.
'Once we get there, I'll call Rex and let him know that this might take a while,' said Armin. 'We have a vermin infestation to take care of.' He shifted to hawk form and prepared to follow River out.

{Bowing once more to the chief, Dianne follows River out.}

Dianne: //I don't get it. Why would they take the kids? The older they get, the more they can harvest from a dragon. Unless it's trafficking...//

River leapt out of the cave, followed closely by her brother. Together they swept down the valley towards the village.
.
'Here it is,' said River, landing in front of a large log cabin. Shifting back, she led them inside. The place was very simple. There was a dining room, three small bedrooms in the back of the house, and a kitchen area that contained no electric appliances, but had an old-fashioned brick oven and a fireplace over which a pot could be hung. All of the bedrooms had a small fireplace.

{Dianne surveys the lodge.}

Dianne: Alright...I'll set up in the back bedroom. Armin, see if you can't get a fire going. Aava, put our things in a different bedroom. Thank you, River. Um, what do the people here do for food?"

Armin slipped off to explore the house.
.
'They'll be canned goods, salt and spices in the kitchen,' said River, 'but not much else. Meat and fish, you have to hunt for. Fruit and vegetables are handpicked from the Community Garden, which you'll find behind the lodge. Cheese is matured in some of the caves.'
.
'I can always go get you stuff,' said Ryder, who seemed eager for something to do.

Dianne: "Ok, Ryder. Get us some food. Barnabas, go get me dead birds and rats. River, thank you. We've a bit of work to do before tonight."

River said goodbye and took her leave. As Armin went through the drawers in the kitchen, found a box of matches and immediately went to get a fire started in Dianne's room.
.
'Cosy, this,' he remarked.
.
Ryder hurried off to find something suitable for lunch.

Dianne: "Yes, it is. I like it."

{Dianne brings her duffel bag in and opens it, producing a set of wicked looking knives. She then begins to prepare a workspace.}

With the fire merrily crackling in the corner, Armin turned to eye her collection of knives. 'Is this going to get messy and gruesome?'

Dianne: "A little. Once that apothecary gets here, you might want to step out."

{Dianne then begins to remove her armor.}

Dianne: "Can't do my best work while in this clinky set."

'If we're not doing any fighting right now, I'm taking mine off too,' Armin muttered as he began to do just that. 'Stupid uncomfortable metal plates.'
.
He then sat on the edge of the bed and started to text Fred and Rex.
.
'Maybe Fred will already have some ideas of where the poachers are...'

Dianne: "Maybe so...And don't complain about the armor, that saves lives."

{Grabbing a change of clothes, Dianne heads for the unused bedroom to change. Her under armor garments would not cut it, fire or not.

Armin lay back on the bed to text. //Wonder how this will all pan out. I didn't expect that just finding thr poachers would be this complicated...//
.
(Hm, should we maybe skip to evening?)

(Yes, I think we should. Set the scene.)

----
.
Hours later, darkness was falling over the valley. Without the glare of city lights, it was almost pitch black. However, perhaps out of fear, the dragons built a circle of bonfires around the village.
.
Armin was in the kitchen, making some quick dinner. Outside, the bonfires blazed high and the sound of laughter and conversation carried as the dragons gathered round. Ryder was there, looking happy despite the circumstances, enjoying this brief time back with his tribemates.

{Dianne and Aava were eating, watching the dragons through the window. Barnabas, ten bird draugr, and a handful of rats were patrolling the plateau, watching for any signs of unusual activity. A draugr's eyes were unhindered by darkness, allowing them to see everything.}

Dianne: "I doubt the poachers would show up this early. Once things quiet down out there, Aava and I will post up on the cliff side."

(They're eating while Armin is still making dinner? What is this, a time paradox? XD)
.
Armin grunted in agreement. 'By the way, Fred just texted. He said he thinks it's very likely that the poachers are holed up in Shacklestone, but he doesn't know for certain yet. He wants us to continue with our plan for now.'
.
Outside, the dragons were eating dinner and chatting. Though many of them seemed hopeful, others looked worried, stressed, or preoccupied. Phyllis was one of them.

(I thought by "making some quick dinner", he was making himself a plate, my bad. XD)

Dianne: "Alright. If our stakeouts don't yield results, we'll look there next."

Aava: "I hope we find them quickly. I'm seeing a lot of worried faces out there..."

Just then, Ryder - in dragon form - poked his head through the front door.
.
'Hey, why don't you guys come sit with us for a bit?' he offered. 'It's super toasty next to the fires. And... I think it might help everyone be a little more optimistic, getting to the people who are helping them.'

*getting to see the people who are helping them

Dianne: "Oh, ok, sure."

{Getting up, Dianne and Aava follow Ryder outside, looking at the group of dragons.}

Ryder led the group over to the nearest bonfire. The flames rose eight feet high and it felt very warm. Most of the tribe were in dragon form, tearing up chunks of meat and fish, but several were in human form, sitting on camping chairs or on the grass.
.
Ryder sat down beside his sister, indicating some empty chairs that Armin, Dianne and Aava could take. 'No signs of the poachers yet, huh?' he said.

{Dianne and Aava sit where Ryder indicated. Dianne looks up at him while Aava watches the dancing flames.}

Dianne: "Not yet. As soon as anyone comes through a portal, the birds will see them and Barnabas will sense their fears. They will not be able to stay hidden."

Ryder nodded solemnly. 'This will all be over soon. I'm glad...'
.
'Thank you again, for doing this,' said River, looking over at them. She was in human form, eating a platter of poultry legs. 'We're all living in hope that the missing dragons can be returned.'

Dianne: "I will find them. There is nothing they can do to escape me. And you're quite welcome. Ryder is a good friend. I'm happy to help him out."

By then, several dragons were watching them curiously. A muscular black and purple dragon gazed over at Dianne, then gave a sly, rather lecherous grin.
.
'So, this is the guest Ryder brought back? ...Not bad, if I say so myself...'
.
'Back off, Havoc,' said River wearily.

{Dianne looks up at Havoc, squinting at him. Aava instantly recognized the look in his eyes.}

Dianne: "Excuse me?"

Aava: "Bad idea, buddy. I learned that the hard way."

Havoc ran his gaze over Aava without interest. Then he looked at Armin. Then back at Dianne.
.
'I believe I heard from Ryder that you and the vampire gentleman are an item.' He lowered his head slightly, grinning and making eye contact. 'Anything you miss about being with a dragon?'
.
Armin looked like he wasn't sure whether to be amused or concerned, and settled for watching quietly, braced to stop Dianne murdering Havoc.

{Dianne scrutinizes the dragon, then smiles and leans back.}

Dianne: "No, not at all. My current arrangement is much preferable to what I had."

Armin raised his eyebrows with surprise at this reaction. Havoc looked somewhat disappointed, but tried to hide it.
.
'A shame. We might have had fun together. Maybe if he leaves you someday, you'll think of me,' he said flirtatiously.

{Dianne chuckles, shaking her head.}

Dianne: "Maybe you would have. I think I just would have been disappointed. No, I doubt I will. I doubt I'll even remember you after I've finished here. You hot headed fledgings are all the same."

'You wound me, my lady. I have never disappointed anyone. Well, you might not remember me, but I will think of you every day. Or should I say, every /night.'/
.
//This guy and Aava could compete for the worst gutter mind award,// said Armin privately to Dianne.

{Dianne chuckles at Armin's message.}

Dianne: "Eww. You got that right. Only way we'll be together is in your fantasies. And even that version of me probably won't like you."

'Enough talking, please,' said Garnet abruptly. 'I'm going to sleep, so all of you settle down and be quiet.'
.
Obediently, the dragons ceased their conversations and began to lie down to rest, leaving the fires burning around them, as if for protection.

{Dianne puts her helmet on, then hands Armin the other ring.}

Dianne: //Let's go post up.\\

Armin slipped the ring on.
.
'Uh, River and I are gonna sleep over there,' whispered Ryder, indicating a spot slightly apart from everyone else. 'It might help draw the poachers in.'
.
So far, the valley was still undisturbed.

Dianne: "Alright, we'll protect you. Have a good night, you two."

{Dianne whispers. She takes Aava's hand and leads the group to a cliff overlooking the dragons.}

Dianne: "Ok, no light and no noise from here on out. We just lie in wait."

Armin started to follow her. 'Hold on, I thought you couldn't stay out here because it's so cold?'

Dianne: "In human form, the armor keeps me warm enough. Also, I just didn't want to sleep outside, as bait."

'As long as you're sure you aren't going to freeze to death...'
.
Once they reached the cliff edge, Armin sat down. There was a little grass and heather, just enough to make a comfortable spot to settle down and wait. Down below, the fires still blazed, and the dragons were dozing.

Dianne: "Don't worry. Just...Don't let me fall asleep..."

{Dianne sat on the grass, watching the dragons below. Aava huddled up to stay warm, watching as well.}

Armin leaned against Dianne's other side, even though their armour made it less than comfortable. The unusual situation helped him to stay awake. He watched the fires and thought about what might have happened to the captured dragons. //Hopefully they're still alive, but the odds aren't great..//
.
(TBC)

Over an hour later, when the dragons' fires were smouldering low, something stirred around the southern end of the valley. A portal opened, and four men came through. Three had powerful tranquiliser guns while the fourth had an unfamiliar but similarly gun-like device. As soon as they were through, the vortex shut.
.
'Why are we trying this again?' grumbled one.
.
'It's good to check back occasionally, the lizards might slip up, like that idiot who let us take her kid three days ago.'

{As soon as the men came through, the birds and Barnabas were immediately aware of their presence. Dianne sat, still vigilantly watching for disturbances. Aava was sitting, doing her best to not fall asleep. Barnabas's voice could be heard in all of their ears.}

Barnabas: "They're here. South side. Four of them. Three with tranq guns, the other with something I don't recognize."

Dianne: "It's showtime. Let's creep up on them, ambush them once they're far enough away from their portal point. Barnabas, figure out what they're using to make portals and neutralize it, any means necessary. And remember, we need at least one alive."

Aava: "Copy that."

The poachers began to move forwards quietly. Two of them were vampires. The one carrying the unfamiliar device was a werewolf. And one, judging by their scent, was a witch. They must have made the portal themselves.
.
'The dragons seem to be huddled up as usual,' said one, seeing the mass of bodies in the distance. 'Continue nonetheless...'

Armin stood, drawing his enchanted blade and looking down the cliff. //Time for some fun...//

Dianne: //Careful. We don't want to spook them.//

{Dianne and Aava carefully prowled forward, down the hill. Dianne led them around the huddle, using the dragons and bonfires as cover. She was looking to take the poachers from the left side once they got close enough. Aava was remarkably silent as she moved.}

Barnabas: "Two are definitely vampires. Stay out of sight."

The two vampires led the group while the werewolf and witch took up the rear. As they drew closer, they quickly singled out Ryder and River.
.
'You see that? Tranq them; it's strong enough to put them out without waking them up. And if anything does wake up, Herbert, make a portal behind us immediately.'
.
Three took aim at Ryder and River with their tranquilisers.

Dianne: //Cr@p, they're going to shoot Ryder!//

{Dianne saw this, becoming a smoke like mass to quickly and silently close the distance. She rematerialized behind the riflemen, taking the two vampire's heads and slamming them together. Barnabas appears behind them casting his chain around Herbert's neck and dragging them down..}

Despite being attacked, the poachers didn't let out any exclamations. If the dragons woke up, they'd have an entire furious tribe upon them. The two vampires who Dianne slammed together were dazed, slumping down. Herbert dropped his gun and grabbed the chain around his neck, trying to loosen it.
.
The werewolf aimed his weapon at Dianne and pulled the trigger. With lightning speed, a chain shot out the end. It wrapped itself around Dianne's leg, then started to retract, with the intention of pulling her down.

{Dianne stumbled a bit, but quickly grabbed the chain and yanked it with all her might, trying to bring the werewolf to her, or at least disarm him. Barnabas tightened the chain, then jumped on Herbert, biting into his face savagely.}

The werewolf dropped to his knees, hanging on grimly. Just then, Armin leapt on him from behind, bashing him over the head with the hilt of his sword. The werewolf convulsed and fell forwards. The chain grappler released its grip on Dianne and coiled back into the device.
.
Herbert let out a yell and desperately blasted Barnabas with a surge of magic power. At this, the dragons began to stir. Several lifted their heads and roared with rage.

{Barnabas disappears, mostly avoiding the attack. Aava then ran up to Herbert, punching him hard across the face with a large, wooden fist. Dianne closes the distance, readying her hammer.}

At that, Herbert just seemed to be knocked out. He slumped back, bloodied and bruised. The vampires and werewolf were also out. Armin lowered his sword and surveyed them all.
.
'Back! They must be kept alive!' bellowed Garnet as the tribe surged forwards to tear the poachers apart. They held back, but the growling and snarling of fifty dragons was mildly terrifying.

{Seeing that all the poachers were out cold, Dianne approaches the horde of angry dragons.}

Dianne: "Garnet, we need a place to hold them for interrogation. Barnabas, bind their limbs and disarm them."

(Posting new room)