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Plannings
Solo #17
+1,001 words

Maps. Hundreds and hundreds of maps. They were poured out all over the furniture and the floors when Shaozu walked in. The Dragon King paced around carefully around the room, his arms folded behind his back even as he studied what looked like the layouts of several different kingdoms. The Aoide had carefully brewed a cup of jasmine oolong tea for his lord. It was his favorite... or, it had been. "Brushing up on your geography?" Shaozu drawled, frowning as he tried to pick his way through the mess of clutter.

Mang glanced up, offering his faithful servant a weary smile. “I’m certain I don’t have any idea what you mean.”

“Where in Creation’s name did you get all of these?” Said Shaozu, stooping to pick up a surprisingly fresh piece of parchment. “And how are these all so well preserved?”

“Silence and Knowledge are to thank for that. They’ve kept the Library in divine shape. Oh, Lady Knowledge wasn’t best pleased with the thought of me borrowing anything…” Mang laughed, his long tail sweeping from side to side with amusement. The result had maps flying everywhere, and he stopped instantly, chagrined. “I promised to bring her back any books I found, as well as fill in the sections of the maps that were missing.”

Shaozu arched an immaculately groomed brow, his lips thinning. “Are you planning on leaving?” He radiated disapproval. His master had only recently remerged into this world. The thought of him venturing out so soon… well, Shaozu didn’t like it. Perhaps he was being unreasonable. Still, it was his duty to worry. After reuniting with Mang after centuries and centuries… His frown deepened further. Perhaps he was being selfish.

Shuo had stooped to pick up one particular map, glancing up from the parchment to fix a steady stare upon the aoide. He missed Shaozu dearly. The man was the one who worried over him, did his best to both faithfully serve and offer brutal honesty. A Dragon King was not above criticism… but occasionally, it was wise to offer a reminder of when and when not such opinions were welcomed. “Despite the seeming stability of All That Is, things are still so fragile. The sooner I renew the bonds between mortals and gods, the more strength we shall all have… and the less likely something like the Gehenna is soon to repeat.” Despite the steady, even tone of his words, his crest had extended, baring those iridescent fevers that practically quivered with rage even now. His tail, too, beat a staccato upon the wooden floors. The culprits still needed to be found—but could they risk a confrontation? It had merely taken one—one!—Grigori to nearly wipe out All… and though his rebirth progressed smoothly, a jabbing thought at the back of his mind reminded him that he had made it this far once before. It had not stopped yet another failure from occurring.

Shaozu said nothing for a long while. How could he argue with such logic? Despite what he wanted, he knew his feelings to be irrelevant in the scheme of things. All he could do was faithfully serve, and trust that the Dragon King knew what was best. He knew that the past still haunted the dragon even now, and the last thing he wished was to exacerbate those thoughts. “Would you permit me to pack for you? Lightly, I assume, since you’ll be traveling…” The aoide looked momentarily frustrated, folding his arms and tapping an index finger against his bicep. “If I may request something.”

Mang inclined his head, gesturing for Shaozu to continue.

“Do pick up a few more followers. I can hardly be expected to prepare for you as thoroughly as I’d like without proper manpower.”

The dragon’s grin was a toothy thing, gleaming white in the dim lighting of the room. “I’ll see what I can manage. I promise nothing. Sit for a moment? I need someone to run my thoughts by…”

The Aoide looked supremely uncomfortable with adapting such a casual stance, but he wasn’t about to reject Mang’s wishes, either. Stiffly, he sat down, his hands folded in his lap.

“I wish to utilize Yggdrasil, in hopes of covering as much ground as feasibly possible. I will take a small group with me, preferably those who know how to defend themselves and others.” He was not so naïve to think that he could take on the world just yet, despite regaining his ability to shift into his true form. “Others, too, to help with note taking… Not too many, though. I hardly want to lead a parade.”

Shaozu snorted. Loudly.

Mang fixed him with a sharp look, his crest springing up again as though affronted. “Whatever you’re thinking, don’t!”

“I’m merely aware of how fond you are of theatrics.”

The Dragon King chuckled, stretching with a soft groan and shaking himself out. Shaozu looked him over carefully, noting his attire with barely concealed disdain. Ever observant, Shuo noticed. “Stop scowling, Shaozu. You did the best you could, considering.” The spines jutting out of his shoulder blades rended most traditional robes useless. Mang rather liked what Shaozu had done for his clothing. Though the aoide would never admit it, he was quite skilled with a needle and thread.

“It is not fitting for your station.” Shaozu grated quietly, but dropped the topic in lieu of switching to another. “Would you permit me to accompany you, my lord?” He would feel better about accompanying the enthusiastic dragon, and as of now, he did not see much that he could do here.

Mang nodded absently. “But of course. Someone loyal at my side would never be turned away. In the meantime—go to the markets, see if you can convince others to join us. Pay them if you must. “

Mercenaries. Shaozu scowled, but one look from Mang had him slightly bowing his head. “So be it.” Perhaps he could weed out the worst of the filth that way. “I will make preparations.” The market would be the best place to stock up on supplies, and with another bow, he exited the room.

Shuo studied maps for a moment more, but his mind was tired and prone to wandering. Perhaps a walk among the gardens would help rejuvenate and recharge him. After all, there was so much to be done.

Recruitment
Solo #18
1,001+ words

Shuo made a point to swing around the market place on his way back to his rooms, always seeking an excuse to mingle with the bustling population. He needed to check on Shaozu, and how his progress was going with supplies. After all, though the aoide was an excellent servant, he was only one man. That, and his manner of speaking to others could sometimes be a bit off putting. Fortunately, it didn’t take long for him to locate the prim aoide… and he seemed to have gathered a small crowd. Mang drew closer.

“—you all have seen just what can happen if our faith is not placed within the gods. And without that faith, the end might very well come upon us again. I need bodyguards, workers, and record-keepers. You will be rewarded handsomely.” Almost carelessly, Shaozu drew a sack of gold from his robes, allowing the bulging bag to dangle. Murmurs rippled through the crowd like wildfire, and the aoide spotted Shuo standing near the back. His stare soon earned others, and silently, the people parted to focus on the Dragon King almost curiously.

”I am Mang.” He intoned quietly, drawing himself up to his full height, his arms loose and relaxed at his sides. He was not quite as impressive as his other brothers just yet, but there was no mistaking the aura of a Dragon King. His gaze swept across each of them, as though measuring their worth. The Four Clawed. The Mediator of Crowns. My purpose is simple. I am here to again reunite mortals and the gods. I am the one who will take your prayers to the Twin Crown. I am your emissary. And now more than ever, the gods need you and your support. Powerful and ageless, we may be, but it is your faith that makes us strong!” His tail lashed out with the passion of his words. “

“This journey will be long and arduous. There will be lands you’ve only dreamed of seeing. You will have my gratitude—and for those of you who prefer your rewards to be a bit more tangible…” He smiled. “It will be a handsome payout.”

“Those of you who wish to pledge your services, step forward. Know that this contact will be binding, and if you choose to break it for selfish reasons, the consequences will be dire.” Mang closed his eyes for a moment, concentrating, and the power of the Dragons and the Twin Crown seeped into the earth itself, blessing a small circle around him. “Step forward, brave adventurers. Tell me your names.”

Silence fell. What if no one steps forward? Shaozu wondered, his hands folded behind his back even as he kept his stoic expression firmly in place. Then we try again. And again, and again, and again, if necessary, until we—

A young woman stepped forward, radiating nervousness as well as a fierce determination as she stepped right up to the Dragon King.

Mang smiled kindly at her, his expression gentle. “Hello. I am Shuo Huang Zhe. Who might you be?”

“Eleanor, sir.” She was young, but a woman grown, her wavy brown hair pulled back and out of her face. She was slim in the chest and wide in the hips, wearing a modest dress. “I… if it’s a record keeper you need… I can also cook and organize.” Her tone was firm. She had confidence in her skills.

The Dragon King nodded thoughtfully. “Eleanor.And you are willing to leave the Pantheon behind to accompany me? To help me in this quest?”

“I am, sir. M-M’lord.” She stumbled over her words. She clearly wasn’t used to dealing with gods—but the correction meant she was willing to learn.

Mang extended his hand, his gaze never leaving those big, brown eyes. “Then we have a deal, Eleanor. And I will protect you to the best of my ability.”

To her credit, she did not hesitate to take his hand, her grip surprisingly firm. It was soft and lacking in callouses, but he didn’t question her. There would be no slackers in his following, particularly on a journey where supplies were limited. “So be it.”

The Hallowed Ground made certain that the deal was sealed, and his geass would make sure punishment would be inflicted if necessary.

More and more stepped forward, offering their services. The next notable mortal was a large man, impossibly broad and with a look that could make rocks flinch. “G’ran.” He growled, folding his arms over his chest. “Rider of brown Ormeteth.”

Mang’s brows creased with confusion, and he was about to ask who Ormeteth was when he heard a sudden rumble. On the rooftops perched an enormous brown dragon, his eyes whirling a bright green as he peered down at the pair. Hello. Mang sent, a little delighted to see such a magnificent creature.

Hello. You are so small. Do you get larger? The dragon sent back curiously. G’ran’s eyes widened with shock. Dragons did not speak to anyone but their riders or... other dragons...

Mang laughed. Not as big as you, I’m afraid, but yes. I do get bigger.

The dragon crooned contentedly, satisfied with such an answer. I like him, G’ran-mine. We ought to help.

What did you think I was doing, you deadglow? The words were softened by the love in his thoughts, but none of it showed on G’ran’s face. “We can keep you safe. You have my word.” He held out his hand.

Mang did not hesitate to shake the older mortal’s hand, sending his mental thanks to Ormeteth as well. Eventually, at long last, the crowd started to clear, and Mang gave clear instructions for his newfound followers to meet back here in a few days.

The big man, however, lingered for a moment or two. "There are dragonriders here." He said gruffly, and Mang got the feeling that he had passed some secret test of sorts. "Six of us, total. We should talk more later. But soon." With that, he strode briskly through the market place, and after a moment, the great brown dragon pushed itself up and into the air, clearly following.

Shaozu stepped closer after the wind from the beast's wings had died down, looking mildly impressed. He knew his lord was gifted in the ways of speech, but it never failed to amaze him to see him sway mortals. “That went well.” He approved, allowing the hint of a smile to curl at his lips.

Shuo smiled in return, his tail twitching. “Yes, I think so. Come. Let us finish purchasing supplies before we plot out our first destination, shall we?” Together, they walked through the markets.