Welcome to Gaia! ::

Maeron had begged him. Sam used to think he would only fall for a Keinling's wide-eyed hope, but the purple-haired Orderite had proved him wrong. After Sam had snapped at him during their first meeting, Maeron begged him to learn more about Dragon slaying, for his bonded's safety of course. They'd trained by hunting Peisios near the lake, but after only a few successful kills, the boy thought he was ready for more of a challenge. So, Samael had (grudgingly) flown him and his bonded to Eowyn. He had no idea what the child planned to do, or where he would stay, or how he was going to care for the young Keindred, or how and when he was planning on leaving. But that wasn't Sam's problem, even if it did wound him to admit it.

Mae, on the other hand, was excited for the journey. Sure, he didn't know anyone on Eowyn, and he'd have to miss class and find someplace to stay, and still make sure Darke was well-cared for. But adventure was calling him. Who knew when he'd have another chance like this? There would be plenty of time to live out his life on his home continent or Serenia, but he doubted he'd run into another gullible Drakein who could be swayed to fly them across the ocean. So, after a bit more persuasion, off they went!

The flight had been long, and boring, and neither of Sam's riders had been able to sit still for an instant. Not to mention the fact that they were a rather heavy load when combined together, plus Mae's bag full of things he thought he would need... But Sam couldn't blame Darke for his fidgeting, since there was no comfortable way for a Keindred to ride a Drakein in flight... He tucked himself between Mae's legs and hunkered down between Sam's wings, hoping that would keep him from falling... Mae always had a hand on him, and Sam was pretty sure he could catch wind of the Orderite's voice while in the air, but he had no idea what the child was saying with the sound of the wind rushing around them. As long as Darke was calmed by it, it seemed okay.

By the time they'd reached Eowyn, Sam was ready for a nap. He made a show of collapsing onto the ground, wings, tail, and neck going limp in exhaustion. Unfortunately, he couldn't say the same for his companions. The Orderite lad was eager to see Eowyn's sights, and Darke was only feeding off his excitement. The two youngsters bounced from his back and ran to explore their surroundings.

Sam grumbled as he shoved himself back to his feet. Easy for these two to scamper about, they hadn't done the flying. Still, the Drakein trudged after them. They might not be his kids, but he had brought them here... They were as good as his responsibility now. Fortunately, they did operate on a buddy-system, so at least he didn't have two youngsters running off in opposite directions.

Of course, Sam could only be amused as the heat of the sun started to wear them down faster than their antics ever could. Somehow, the Drakein doubted that the boy wearing a scarf had put much consideration towards the weather. And the poor Aiskala Keindred was completely out of his element. For claiming to be such a smart little lad, Mae didn't put much thought toward his actions... Sam gave him a soft smile as he caught up to the two, fanning out a wing to cover the youngsters from the sun. "You could at least give yourself a little time to acclimate, don't you think? No one's going to make you leave before you're ready." Sam reminded him with a chuckle. "Besides, you can't slay Dragons here if you're exhausted."

"I know that!" Maeron grumbled, keeping in step with Sam so he could still be under the shade of his wing. "It's just that I - we," He amended, as if including Darke made his argument more valid. "Have never really left the forest before... It's weird. It's hot." Darke nodded his agreement, though vocalizing such a thing must have been too much for him. He was starting to understand simple words and gestures, like yes and no. And hot, apparently. The young Keindred trudged at Mae's side, nudging him over so he could be a part of Sam's shadow as well.

"It'll be cooler in the mountains. You can make it!" Sam promised with a chuckle, when he received a disheartened look from each of his companions. He set off, swiping his tail behind him every know and then to make sure the two youngsters were still at his side.

With his wing blocking most of the skyline from his two younger companions, Sam spotted Toki and Grrel fluttering toward them much quicker than Mae or Darke did. Although, when the young Orderite caught the sound of beating wings, he tugged Darke toward him, letting the Keindred's head rest against his stomach. Of course, by now the Keindred was probably more formidable of a foe than Mae was... At least he had his teeth and claws. "Oh, relax." Sam scoffed as he tucked his wings back in to let Mae and Darke have a look at the two Drakein that had joined him.

Maeron instantly tensed, making Darke shiver in anticipation. Sure, Sam was well enough, but even Mae knew he couldn't fend off an entire hoard of Drakein.

"Greetings, Grrel, Toki!" Sam said pleasantly, despite the tiredness that tinged his voice. He figured he didn't have much room to gripe about exhaustion around an old man. "These are a couple of my... friends," Sam shrugged, unable to think of a better word. "From Serenia. They're doing a bit of exploring here for a while."

The Orderite's teal eyes flicked accusingly to Sam. He knew these others! The tip of Samael's tail smacked him in a warning to be pleasant. He hadn't known the boy long, but he did have a tendency to be rather rude... "How do you do...? Mae grumbled half-heartedly, an arm still looped protectively around Darke's neck. Despite his bonded's attitude, Darke seemed genuinely curious. He reached his nose out to give Toki an inquisitive sniff.

Mae blinked at Toki curiously. He'd seen lots of Drakeins in his books, but this one seemed even more different than most of them. Of all those that he'd met since starting his adventures, this Toki fellow seemed the most polite. Despite his reservations, Mae sent him a tiny smile. He slowly let his arm drop away from Darke, so that the Keindred could bound up closer to the old Drakein and observe him.

Sam only shook his head at Toki's remark. Mae wasn't the nicest of children, so he could probably take whatever she dished out... Not that it was a particularly good thing. "Hey, Grrel." Sam greeted as she touched down. His gaze slipped briefly to see Mae's surprised face at her outburst, but before the Orderite had the chance to snap back, he cut in. "This is Mae and Darke." He gestured to the two respectively. "Out of Serenia to explore for the first time." For some reason, he hoped that very subtle sentence would help Grrel understand that Mae was certainly in no condition to be stealing eggs from a nest. Especially not an Aiskalan nest.

Sam's wings drooped at the very thought of having to fly Mae and Darke back to Serenia. They may look just like children, but together they were heavy nonetheless. The Gaili sent an apologetic look to Toki, grateful that he was willing to stop a fight before it started. While Mae had helped him dispatch a few Peisios, he was still certainly no match for Grrel, and Sam wasn't entirely sure whose side he'd be fighting on... His own, probably. But as he cast his gaze down to the young Orderite, he spotted how indignant the boy was.

"I'm not a thief!" Maeron snapped at her, crossing his arms with a huff. Despite having two-legger features, Sam recognized a pout when he saw one. The Gaili understood the feeling of not wanting to be accused for something you didn't do, but he could already tell there was no reasoning with Grrel outside of this matter. The little Orderite didn't seem to understand, though. "My Ma sent him to me. She knew I'd take good care of him!" He informed Grrel curtly.

Darke sighed and rolled his eyes. He'd wanted to meet other Drakeins and learn there ways, but Mae always made it so challenging... Still, he had to stand firmly at his Bonded's side! He trudged back over to Mae, giving him a warning nudge before sitting down next to him.

Mae instantly felt himself go into attack mode as he glared at the Kiandri. How dare anyone badmouth his mother! Sure he didn't know her personally, and he had no way of knowing how she'd actually come about Darke's egg, but he knew that she couldn't be a bad person! She was his mother, and mothers couldn't be evil! He turned his teal orbs on the older Drakein. "I wasn't picking a fight..." He muttered. If anyone was picking a fight, surely it was her. Mae sighed nonetheless. He knew he wouldn't be pleased if his kids were taken away... And despite the Drakeins being merely animals, they seemed to be moderately intelligent. They probably cared just as much for their young as any Magescian did. Maybe. "I'm sorry you've had eggs stolen, but I know it wasn't like that with Darke. I just do."

Darke brightened as he was nuzzled, despite nearly being shoved off balance by the much older and larger Drakein. "I do not mind." Darke told Toki with a swish of his feathered tail. "I have new family." he bounced up to give the Kiandri a nudge before darting in a circle around Mae and giving him an equally forceful bump.

"I know..." Samael admitted sheepishly, not willing to acknowledge how he could never deny a child's begging, no matter the race. "But Eowyn will make them strong enough, I'm sure. And though there aren't any Aiskalas here, I still think this is a good place for Darke to learn more about himself." The Gaili said firmly with a nod.

Sam nodded in understanding. He doubted they'd get anywhere talking to Grrel like this, so it was probably best if they parted ways for now. "It was good to see you again." He said respectfully, inclining his head.

Mae scoffed at the old Drakein's words, but Darke only beamed. He did so very much enjoy giving his boy a playful n** every now and then. The Keindred giggled at the nudge and waved his tail in farewell as the two Kiandris headed off. "Mae, let's be sure to show them how strong we are, okay?"

The Orderite boy couldn't help but smile fondly. he wanted absolutely nothing more. "You got it."