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Fotia Capital: Hot Gates
The massive walls loomed over the villagers and those who headed for the entrance of Fotia. There were beasts being rode with various belongings of the travelers strapped to their backs. Beasts of burden. These dragons were simple and used like cattle. These were known as Qli. There were many entrances to Fotia. One gate on each of its five sides, separated by the volcanoes. Those coming from Vrondi made their way to the southwest gates. Where armored Fotian guards stood ready. For anything.
ThranKaur visibly sneered at the lesser dragons, feeling a spark of annoyance at these… animals who share his kind’s name to act the way they did, and at the children that did this to them. However, it really wasn’t his place to judge. He had been gone for a long time, and this was no longer his world. Hey may debate themselves as much as they wanted.

Approaching the SouthWest Gate, still dressed in his ragged garb hat cleverly concealed his true nature, he looks up at the ‘large’ gate, before looking towards one of the guards. The light from the volcano nearby illuminated his armour in a… pleasing way, the orange light making the metal shine as if alight.

After waiting a while for the pack animals and others ahead of him to pass through, the Dragon in disguise heads towards the entrance to the city. Might as well see what they have done with the place.

As the heavy old soul stepped on the sand to cross the paths to the Fotian gates he would see the lively grass fields that were farms and homes to people that lived outside the gates. The smell of fresh baked foods and the sounds of playing children and working men. The road led straight into the Fotian gates.

However as they went they were stopped and checked one by one by the guards at the gates. The checks were simple. Citizenship or no entry. It was soon the turn of the robed man. The guards standing next to the entry gates kept their weapons in their sheathes. It was clear they were prepared and capable given their size and red armor that resembled dragon scales.

“Citizenship badge.” The one heavy voiced and dark skinned Fotian spoke to the man. His horns were chipped from what seemed to be from battles. His armor however was clean.

ThranKaur raised his eyebrows as he met the man’s eyes. He… had not considered this. A badge of citizenship? Perhaps this nation was not the same as the one he had previously visited after all. As the man continued to stare, he shuffled slightly and masked his scales. No good getting found out here before he wanted to be known.

“I came here to inquire about how one gets a badge.” He relies, voice smooth and deep. “No one I ask seems to know how to get one, and I’m not sure if that’s just great misfortune on my part or planned.” Of course, this was all Keeal shit, but it wasn’t exactly like he was too worried about being found. Perhaps he would have been, a few centuries ago when his kind’s mightiest were struck down as he wasted away in that prison. But now? He doubted anyone alive had met a being such as himself.

“Eh? This isn’t where you ask questions.” The guard said with dismissive tone. The other guard across from him gave an amused smile. “Likely some trash that wants to get in and beg till their pockets are full.” He chuckled and this prompted the other to do so too. Their combined laughter making a loud hoarse sound.

“I tell you what. You pay me a fair fee and I let you in.” His index finger and thumb rubbed together slowly with the sound of his gauntlets metals clanging together. “For as long as he can last before being caught. Rags like that? It’ll be clear he’s a jobless, homeless beggar. Wahahaha!” They roared with laughter again. “A citizenship badge is too rich for your blood, and judging by your blood you’re not even Tyro.” They let others pass as they flashed their citizenship badges before stepping in.

Ah yes, it occurred to ThranKaur that currency may be some sort of constant throughout this land. Perhaps it was fortunate, then, that he had kept the small pouch the bandit leader had dropped at his feet the moment he began to beg for his life. A quick inspection had told him the bag was filled with those shiny coins, although he wasn’t sure how much they were worth. So with that in mind, he just put the whole bag in the man’s hand, nodded, and walked on.

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The city was.. Misty. The ground constantly warm. The combination of geysers and humidity sprayed light moisture on most of those who walked about the city. People did not wear much. Bare feet were common and a single robe, tied to let the majority of the body breathe, was too. Red was a common trait among these Tyro. This along with bronze skin that glistened on well shaped exteriors. Most Fotians lived an active life and kept a honed body through out the majority of their lives here.

People walked past the ragged man. The elevation of the city blocks led up to the side of a volcano where the castle was erected for the royals of Fotia. The lower the elevation the warmer and poorer it was. But none seemed to be struggling too hard. The streets were busy with people selling, trading, or just making their way. A few strange looks were given to the old man as he walked by however. The children playing on the streets, playing gladiator, did not seem to notice.

ThranKaur took a moment to just soak in the warmth and humidity of the place, his old scales having dearly missed such a temperature on that misty, miserable hellhole. After he was done getting that out of his system (and more weird looks), he looked around himself.

He wasn’t all that hungry, and as much fun as it would be to cause a scene he could probably hold off for the while. But he had come here to see what this new world had to offer, and that large structure built into the volcano certainly seemed interesting. So with that in mind, he began to make his way in the general direction of the palace, observing the rather odd buildings as he went.

As he went along he would find the people to grow fewer, the buildings nicer, and more armored guards walking the streets. No longer did children play freely. No more constant chatter from common people. Instead the silence of these elevated buildings brought a coolness with it and a silence. The ground was not as warm, and the mist was weak here. In the distance, the incredibly faint roar of a crowd is heard.

Further up was the gates that led to the path heading to the royal buildings, and then further up the castle. The sound of lava flowing from above could be heard. Red wyverns being rode far above around the volcano’s tip could be heard screeching and roaring. The golden gates was guarded by four heavily armored soldiers who held muskets to their sides and blades as well. They were standing at constant alert.

ThranKaur turned towards where he sound of the crowd came from, his keen ears able to clearly define the sounds of hundreds of descended, crying and shouting about… something. Curiosity piqued, the old dragon turned began making his way towards the sound, the nearby guards only glancing towards him before resuming their position.

It didn’t take long to see where all the excitement was coming from. A titanic wall rose out of the city grounds, adorned with carvings of his people being slaughtered by these Tyro. Pleasant. From the inside of the wall came the sound of cheering, and all around the outside were shouts as merchants peddled both their wares (which seemed far more geared towards violence than the frontal markets) and ‘exclusive entry’. Looking around, ThranKaur entered the mind of the nearest person who looked like what they were talking about, and was greeted by the image of what was inside of the wall.

What he would see would be a Colosseum crowded with young descendants eager to see something exciting. Then he would see the bloodied sand, crimson stained. Then he would see a blade plunge into a Dragon's sides multiple times. All while the beast itself eviscerated a number of foes. Eventually the beast would die and victory would be given to the survivors. . . This was the Fotian Arena.
 
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Mirror looked pleased with Valeria's skills. Galleria and Tikal calmly listened. A thief was not a welcomed member most of the time in the circles of the Aion and Taxis. However it was more honest that being a slaver or murderous bandit. Despite this Mirror gave Galleria a quizzical look before listening to Jasso.

Mirror looked at Jasso but before he could speak on his mention of being a wall Ella interjected her assertion that he was far more than a barrier. Mirror found himself smirking at this in a humorously pleased way. Tikal nodded in agreement. Galleria was sipping tea as well, she found a seat close to Mirror and drank with a classy upright posture. She cleared her throat after the interruption and then Kyvro began to speak his part. As he spoke of being from the Dolofon she gave him a frozen stare, she felt uneasy now.

Mirror took notice of Ella and Jasso's closeness. His seductive gaze looked else where indeed as he was not one for needing attention, or to break up a partnership. His wings sat on his back like a cape as he sat in his seat continuing to sip the tea as everyone had their turn to speak. Mirror sighed at the mention of the Dolofon. "The Aion and the Dolofon are not enemies. The nature of their work is separate from the concerns of our work. At times we may even work together, as seen now." He gave another sigh, but this was of satisfaction as he finished a gulp of tea.

"However. The Nayu of Nero often plague my kind with their need to feed. So." He turned to Galleria with a glare who was visibly unnerved by this as she sipped her tea. He then turned back to Kyvro. "I trust you're not one of those unsavory types from Nero." His eyes gave a cold piercing glare before he turned to the map on the table. "It will only be a matter of time before we hear of something. Isn't that right Tikal?" To this mention Tikal gave a concerned look between the interaction of Kyvro and Mirror. "Yes. With his unique nature of magic his aura should be traceable. All we must do is wait."

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The arena was guarded yet was fairly open to the public. Though to gain entry to the seats one must go through the gates and up several stairs. Or one could stay on the floor, where high up barred windows allowed one to see the inside of the arena where the battles took place. Shouting and whistling could be heard as well as cursing and spitting. It was violent and rowdy. All for the sake of fun. The majority of those here were Fotian, barely clothed in the heat were most of the commoners who sat in the lower floors. Whilst the higher floors and less hot areas were more clothed citizens with decent wealth. Even higher than that to the very tops were the royals. Bloodlines of those who have relation to either the current king or the previous kings and queens.

There were guards that remained at the ready and citizens walking about with food and other concerns to be met as they either left or entered the Colosseum walls. Even some children hung around this area with no issues from the guards. Suddenly a couple of shouting could be heard from near the entrance as three men were tied together in a line by their necks and led by a Tyro slaver. He shouted for them to stay in order as they made their way to the gates that held the combating slaves. The cold stone walls and the rusted metal bars that closed it off. "This lot was a cheap one. Likely only good for a few minutes of the show. This one here though can run pretty good, may last twenty minutes if we're lucky." He said while smoking a pipe and letting the smoke exit his gold pierced nostrils.

"It's going to be a pain having to round up another lot for the next couple of matches."
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A being of light made its way through the floor of the orphanage. The group had no choice but to watch as the light came up in the form of a thin Sol with a clear white mask on. It had no clothing on besides this but its body was translucent allowing no details to be seen . His voice echoed in the mind of Tikal. Who nodded in response before the light vanished into a small ball and went flying through the window. "They found a lead. They had a steed held no too far from here. They took it away and the tracks in the forest have said to be heading through the sands of Fotia. He's likely heading there as we speak.." Mirror looked at the group after Tikal spoke and sighed. "Fotia.. I feel as though talking to their authorities would be of some use." He said while looking at Galleria. "Y-you're not coming?" She asked nervously.

Mirror chuckled. "You can handle this yourself. Once the Fotian authority is made aware of the bounty they'll surely handle this problem. With compensation in mind of course.." Galleria looked at the others. Finding her determination again it seemed as she looked at them with a serious expression. "A-alright then. You heard it we are to head to Fotia immediately." Once she said that she began to scurry upstairs to which Tikal shouted behind her. "Where are you going?" Galleria shouted back as she floated up the stairs. "A change of clothes! Fotia is really warm!"

Tikal sighed and then looked at Ella and Jasso. "I apologize you two. But I cannot accompany you to Fotia. If anything happens here I'm in charge of many of the matters dealing with the Taxis. So as a result I'm stuck here until this is resolved. Please handle it for me, if you can. You're our only two representatives who know what they're up against." She gave them a concerned yet assured look. "I think you make a great team and watch each others backs."

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It was not long until the steeds were prepared. The Qli dragons of various colors rode just like horses. Galleria rode a white one. They soon were on sand and walking along the hot sunny fields to Fotia. Volcanoes in the distance marked the territory and the walls that connected them did so as well. It was three hours from their exit of Sunfire. Galleria rode a Qli on her own while wearing a scarf around her head and face to block the sun and sand. She was ahead of the group and they stopped at the entrance gates to reveal their citizenship badges. Those without Galleria said were her guards or slave and was passed along.

It was the heat of Fotia was they would notice first. The warm misty air that made liquid a common thing to deal with from your head, to your back and even the most private of areas would quickly become moist here. Galleria undid her scarf and revealed a red strapped top with a white skirt and sandals.. Her wings were weighed down by the moisture. Her hair was tied into a bun and a white fan was in her right hand waving at herself constantly. "Let's see. According to those guards the royal guards headquarters are on the higher districts. Near there." She pointed to the castle that was high above the city on a volcanoes side. The group began to head there and as they did the air became less misty and more cooler.

Next to the building Galleria walked to was a large and populated area that led to the Colosseum. Galleria walked into the building but once inside she was met with armored soldiers with piercing crimson armor plates and dragon shaped designs. "Your business here?" One hulking soldier asked as he took a sip from a flask, his helmet sitting next to him. Scars on his face made claim to his experience in battle. "I am Galleria Illumi of Vrondi. I am a member of the Aion." She revealed her blue feather badge which was attached to her ear like an ear ring piece. She then continued. "I am here to talk about a bounty in Vrondi that has slipped its way to your lands. Possibly even your city." She gauged his reaction. He looked at her with a intrigued look in his eyes. "Must be a pretty high bounty, and pretty recent." He closed his flask.

"What's the description?" His deep voice rattled out as he put the flask on the table. The strong smell of what he was drinking permeating in the room.
 
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Jaso could only smile and squeeze Ella's hand in comfort when she hit him. He hadn't meant for it to sound like he was expendable, or that he had no value for his own life, he just knew he could take hits and was the most resistant to physical damage in the group. Upon hearing Galleria's cough, he looked up to see that Mirror had cast his seductive looks away from Ella. The wary look in his eyes softened at this, it seemed Mirror had more honor than Jaso had first given him credit for.

He stayed quiet the rest of the meeting, as was usual for him, Fotia was merely another part of the world, although the heat it emits might prompt him to switch into a lighter armor set, last thing he needed was to collapse from heat stroke. At Tikal's final words to him and Ella, Jaso nodded. "Don't worry. This time, we wont underestimate him. We'll be ready for anything he throws at us."

His confidence was in stark contrast to Valeria. After Fotia was first mentioned it seemed actual heat had left her face, the expression was clearly unsettled. "Fotia, eh? I know it well, but... there might be a prob-" She couldn't even finish her sentence as Galleria was already rushing off to change clothes and the meeting seemed to be disbanding. She could only put her head in her hand and mutter to herself. "Now what, Valeria?"

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When it was time to mount up, Jaso had arrived having changed his fully armored apparel for a breastplate and spaulders, his tunic was sleeveless allowing those who didn't know him well to see the defined rocky hide his Oro blood provided him, while his pants were simple with boots fit to traverse multiple types of terrain.

There had been too little time, he hadn't gotten a chance to really sit down and talk to Ella about everything that happened back at their headquarters, so before they set off, he made sure to catch her in a more secluded area. "Once we have a moment of rest, I'd like to talk about... us." He said rather shyly before giving her a quick hug and helping her onto her Dragon.

Valeria arrived having purchased a light niqab, a clothing piece that covers her hair and face with the exception of her vivid green eyes. To those who asked she stated "A girl has to protect herself from the desert sun somehow right?" A ruse that was easy to see through, but she mounted her Qli dragon and followed the rest of them regardless.

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The desert sun beat heavily down on Jaso, sweat poured down his face, stinging his eyes and he constantly needed to take drinks of water. He was certainly glad to have changed armor as his full suit might've left him dead halfway through the journey. He praised the gods when he felt the air finally start to cool as they climbed a volcanoes side. Galleria had gone to handle the official business which gave Jaso time to check on Ella and the rest of the group.

Valeria chose to stay in the back, much quieter than she was during the meeting, but Jaso didn't mind. He could tell she didn't wish to speak of whatever was bothering her. He approached Ella and offered a hand to help her from her steed. "Sometimes I envy you getting to wear so little, that might've been my toughest test of endurance yet." He joked, wiping the last of the sweat from his brow.
 
The ‘dragon’’s flesh and bone crumpled beneath ThranKaur’s fist, the entirety of the larger beast’s charging body halted with the impact of his ancestor’s strike. To the roaring crowd of the arena, it looked as if Old Man Thran (A name that had quickly risen once they saw the age of his form) had seemingly halted the beast with his signature titanic strength.

Stepping into the beast, the dragon in disguise grabbed it by the head and neck before heaving, the entirety of the feral dragon (in his opinion small) bulk lifting into the sky, before slamming back down onto the ground on top of its back with a sickening crack, a cloud of sound erupting from where the two crashed down, obscuring them from view.

When the sand settled, the crowd was greeted with the heavily leather clad form of Old Man Thran sitting atop of the Drake’s upturned chin, one fist in the air. Rapturous applause followed as the crowd began to clap and roar, before guards and workers began to enter from the sides to drag the corpse away and guide Thran away.

ThranKaur looked up from where he was sitting and resisted the urge to rampage. It was one thing for him to enjoy putting down such an animal as that, the mockery of his noble people as it was. It was entirely another for them to cheer for the death of a dragon, even if they were mistaken in assuming that pest was anything like a creature such as him.

However he resisted, and took the friendly pats on the back and the pouch of coins he was really there for. Since arriving in Fotia around a week ago, the dragon had very quickly cemented himself as a prominent star in this ‘colosseum’ under the name Thran. A foreign name for sure, but it served his purposes well enough. Since initially enlisting in the colosseum in order to earn currency, which he now understood the value of a little better, he had made a splash by not only taking out all competitors in a free for all melee with only his fists, but also the two vermin drakes they had set loose as well. Apparently that had been impressive enough for him to be able to order some new clothes for his admittedly titanic form.

Having finally replaced the rags that swished too much for his liking, he was now dressed from neck to ankle in full body, form fitting dark brown leather that didn’t run the risk of revealing him and wouldn’t tear like steel. He rather liked the way it felt against his scales he decided, and made a note to inquire just how it was made. Perhaps some sort of oil?

Eventually making his way into the room where the victors relaxed and either left or waited for the next round, the dragon in disguise found a bench to lay on and quickly dozed off for a nap. It was tiring keeping his strength at enough to marvel and amaze, but not enough for people to be suspicious it wasn’t just magic.

Plus he had another match in a few hours and he would need his energy for that.
 
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