The Balance of Life

Its hard to say when it began, when the blood shed got so bad that rivers went from blue to red in just a day’s time. Fields once full of flowers and rolling grass became wastelands with bodies spread across them, some said it began when the gods clashed causing the seas to part and great mountains of land to rise from the depths. Others say it began when a simple disagreement between them caused and inleads ripple to spread lasting 600 years, that the two clans that came from these waring gods had been fighting swallowing both land and sea into the blood shed. To the fiery north was the land of the Crimson Dragon, born of fire he spread his influence driving his people on, to the bitter north was the land of the Azura Dragon, born of water she raised her people to survive the harshest of winters urging them to band together against the coming storms. It was said these dragons represented the peace and balance of the world, always checking and balancing the other keeping the circle of life ever flowing but none could figure out when or how the wars began…. the dragons themselves locked in a timeless battle it seems.

It was this history that she had grown up on, learning to fear and hate the dragons of the north as their influence spread claiming more of the southern lands. Driving her people to the seas and living on next to nothing, so many lives had been lost for something none could remember why it. But it seemed to matter little as she stood on the bow of a ship looking upon the large city, built into a large mountain over looking what was known as Azure Bay…it had once been her peoples homeland till about 100 years ago when it was lost in a great battle said when the azure dragon herself fell into the bay allowing the crimson dragon to claim the land for himself. Red flags baring the dragons crest flew high, as she glanced towards her own a blue flag flying beneath a red one signaling to those in the harbor that the emissary’s had return from the far islands that hardly any ships could cross without a keen eye or a native of the islands to guide them

It felt like a dream that several months ago, the emissary came with a proposal from the new Crown Prince himself. An offering of peace between nations to help end the suffering…one that required one simple thing….that was for the last living heir to the Azure Dragoness’s bloodline…to marry the crown prince. It had come to a shock to her uncles, to the grand counsel. Arguments insured but all she could do…was think how easy the war would finally come to an end if she agreed. All were against it, even now she wondered if she should have accepted as she took a deep breath looking ahead, noticing red flags gathering at the harbor no doubt the royal guard she gripped the railing tightly in her hand as soon the captain of the ship walked up. Wearing her house colors “Princess…we’ll be docking shortly…. we still have time we could turn aro…” “that do captain, even if we did…they’ll sink us before we could get the ship around think of your wife and baby boy you’d be leaving behind.” “but princess…” “We all have our duties Captain, as last of my line…this is mine”

In truth she was scared, petrified the last Azure Dragon that came here lost their life and since then the line had been dwindling in that time. Brave men and woman sacrificing themselves in hopes to winning a war that to her…seemed almost impossible to win. On the day the emissary came, she knew…the way she could save her people were to offer her own life…this was her war even if she had never seen battle…so as the ship grew closer to the docks her hand gripped the banister that much tighter as her sapphire blue eyes stared ahead and her blond if not almost silver hair blew behind her. Every story, rumor or report of what sort of person the Crowned Prince was…flooded her mind but the one question she did want answered…why now…did he desire peace…after all these years…what changed the mind or heart of a man feared by so many…

War. Efficiency. Rage. Domination. These were the words that marked the Imperial spread of the Crimson Dragon Empire across the Northern Lands. It is unknown what fuels the fiery rage that bellows beneath the blood of those marked of the Crimson Dragon. 600 years of endless battle and bloodshed had transformed the Crimson Dragon society. Life was all about combat readiness and proving your worth on the battlefield. A dragon that could not battle was unfit to be called a dragon in the eyes of their undefeated almighty leader. Under the iron claws of the Crimson Dragon, a nation of warriors was unleashed upon the continent sent to conquer. However the Crimson Dragon was not a foolish dragon and was very strategic and taciturn. Also a dragon with the spirit of the earth representing the firm stubbornness of the ground and the fiery wrath of the magma below when disturbed, the fires of the Crimson rained down upon villages and cities of their rival Azure Clan for centuries until 100 years ago.

In that apocalyptic showdown of Azure and Crimson Dragons above Azure Bay in which the Crimson Dragon came out victorious, it was not without cost. In the years ensuing the showdown, the Crimson Dragon remained dormant in a near death state in an attempt to recover. In his stead, his son Karyu, the next Crowned Prince marked with the Crest of the Crimson Dragon, along with the council of Elder Dragons, ruled and continued the war in an effort to keep up the appearance that all was well in the Empire. However the time had finally come when the Crimson Dragon could not longer maintain his life force and decided to become one with the Earth Mother again passing along the title to his yet coronated son.

With Kayru as the new head of the Empire, he had begun implementing changes. Instead of having a large untrained army, he swiftly removed any who resisted his new way of doing things and those who still pledged loyalty to his father and focused on having an elite trained guard capable of eviscerating entire armies with a small force. He sent his force out on a pilgrimage to clean up each of the cities in the Empire that did not follow the laws the previous Crimson Dragon had allowed to let them abuse and brought order to a once chaotic Imperial nation. With that fear of those who broke his laws or crossed him grew rapidly and spread across the kindgom.

However Karyu was a pragmatic man. The reason he brought swift law and order to the Empire was because he knew if he did not, rising dissent would lead to civil wars and fractioning of the empire. It was a necessary decision in order to ensure peace be had in the Northern Empire with rough summers and hot desert winds can quickly cause fields to grow dry and barren if not tended and cared for properly during the harsh conditions.

In such his proposal was also another of his pragmatic moves. Unlike his war driven father, Karyu was also much the scholar, and a diplomat who often was the one forced to listen to the people while his father was off driving the war campaign. He knew the struggles the farmers were having with their crops and that eventually, if the summers continued to remain hot and drought and famine begin to spread, that they would not only lose their kingdom, but their entire people to starvation if nothing was to be done. So this was the solution he had come up with. He would end the senseless war of his father and restore order to the Empire. Then he would marry the current leader of the Azure Dragons and allow them to integrate into our United Kingdom. By which they would be able to use their dominion over Water Magics to help restore their fields and be able to provide enough food for their kind to eat and survive. All the wars throughout the years had driven the Dragonkin to the verge of extinction and other races outside their world were beginning to grow in strength and number to be able to one day challenge the Dragonkin as the most superior of the races and that was something Karyu could not allow to happen.

Thus here he was, sitting in the back of this carriage outside the gates of the Azure Bay as he waited for his future wife's ship to dock. He figured that he would accompany his Emissary and Ambassador and give the leader of the Azure Dragon's the respect any ruler deserves by cordially meeting face to face to accept the proposal. Karyu had long raven black hair with a dark crimson sheen to it and deep blood red eyes that flashed crimson in the light. He sat crossed legged in a formal military uniform with his regal robes wrapped around his shoulders leaning on his arm "All this pomp and circumstance for a two second meeting"he sighed aloud "I have much better things I could be doing with my time." as he closed his eyes waiting until one of his annoying advisors came to retrieve him from his carriage

The Azure Dragon Kingdom had once been a proud nation in on its own, living closer to the shores and water ways around the southern half of the lands they prospered among the water, able to control the waves and even gather up the fish. The lands had once been lush and green, the wind always blowing to fill the sails, it was here at this very bay were they prospered the most the Azure dragon keeping the skies clear, it had once been a beautiful jewel to the land but that day 100 years ago...when she fell the water and wind seemed to recede from the land, making it harder for fishermen to go out, the winds hardly enough to fill the sails...it had been simply not noticed till now in present day she could see what had befallen the land. With her peoples abilities they were able to survive though they could not rely on it or the balance would be affected that much more, but their once proud nation dwindled scattered to the winds consumed by the flames of the their enemy and forced to either serve or die beneath their claws...while those that fled, once were proud nobles, warriors, scholars cast aside their titles to become no more than simple folk, selling silks for just a few things of food. They had fallen from the grace they had once been upon, that It had crossed her ancestors mind in the past to chase all wind and water form the lands of the crimson empire but even they were not that cruel to make innocents suffer, after watching their own.

Though she now could see first hand even just with so little how the lands seemed to suffer, she shifted on the deck as the ship grew closer till it was soon pulled up along side the dock. The captain once again stepping towards her as the plank was laid down for her to descend, "Princess Willow....there is still time we..." "Thank you Captain, see to it that your men are rested and well fed..." she cut him off, turning to look towards a covered carriage baring the Royal Seal of the Crimson dragons. Her future husband no doubt inside, she took a deep breath before she stepped forward her own guards already moving down the plank setting up a protected front to guard their last link to their dragon. As she stepped up, her hair flew back causing the strands to shimmer like sparkles upon the water, the wind seemed to welcome her first causing those around to gasp as soon a few commoners pointed to the sky. "Look! Clouds.....re...real full clouds?!" a small smile spreading to her lips, it seemed the land knew when its dragon had returned as she began to walk down heading to the dock and soon...towards the carriage that had her 'future' within it. She was scared of course, but she couldn't let it be shown even as she slid her hands into her sleeves picking at her nails in a nervous tick that her uncles had scolded her for..

'Easy willow...one step in front of the other....its not like...your going to get married right here and now...' she said to herself, as she kept walking hoping to get her nerves under control. This was for the better of their nations, they needed his protection and they needed their ability to just live off the land again...she would walk with her guards as the emissary stepped forward bowing his head. "Mi'lady thank you for coming....we have prepared a meeting spot for you and the crowned prince." She nodded her head as she smiled at the older man, "Thank you milord, it has been quiet the journey but...if the prince will receive me as is I will be of course grateful" "The prince understands such, please....follow me" she would then follow the man towards the gates of the bay, outside were the carriage sat another ran up and bowed. "Milord the princess has arrived and is being brought to you as requested....she...does ask forgiveness for her appearance and humbly asks you over look it" he said simply

Karyu opened his eyes as his carriage door opened as he was alerted to what was going on as he drew in a slow breath as he sat up before leaving the carriage "Considering the circumstances I will forgive any egregious behavior"he stated as he walked ahead towards the private tent that had been erected for the two leaders to meet without others interfering. As such the Crimson Dragon Imperial Guards were posted up on one side of the tent while the Azure Dragons were free to have the other

Karyu pushed back the curtain of the tent stepping inside and the man was a sight to behold. Broad shoulders on a strong and wide frame though with a slender elegance about him. He wore colors of deep gold, black and crimson and his aura seemed to fill the room with a warm yet bone chilling glow that captivated your attention as he entered it. He moved over to one of the soft prepared cushion seats as he sat down before pouring himself a deep red wine and taking a sip from it before his eyes finally lay upon the woman who was to be his future wife and bear his offspring

He honestly wasn't too pleased with it himself. He figured he'd have Crimson Dragon concubines to fill his time in between. Crimson Dragon men were known as rough and passionate lovers who use their hypnotic charms to sway their lover into a passionate whirl. Crimson Dragon women were known to be much the same if not better at the seduction. Yet his children were to be half his and half and Azure Dragon. Though admittedly he did not know much about the Azure's culture or way of life he knew it was a sacrifice and a stain on the pure blooded family name that he would have to bear for the rest of time. The resistance against him was beginning to call him Karyu the Weak One because he ended his father's genocide. That is why he did not feel remorse about his decision to eradicate them all from his new kingdom.

Though when she moved his attention drew back to the current situation as he looked at her "Allow me to introduce myself. I am Karyu no Ryūjin the Crimson Dragon and crowned Imperial Prince. I am pleased that you decided to accept my proposition and agree to a proposal to end the war and unite our people. To be honest I did not think you would hear me out"he said with a slightly amused tone in his deep voice "You Azure Dragons are one for surprises if nothing else"he said now with the same disdain he previously had returning once again "And you are?"

Once the Princess was ready, her Lady in-waiting Selene left with her Princess and left with instructions for the care of the men and where to take the Princesses belongings that she had brought with her.
Selene has been with Willow since childhood and had been her friend and confidant. Her rock and support, just as willow had been for her. Presently her was a silent and supportive presence off at distant for her Princess. Her hair was a pale Periwinkle shade that turned a deep blue at the ends that was draped down her back save for a brides. In at the back of her head. Her dress was well detailed and a lovely shade of mint and grey with gold accents. It was nothing compared toWillows dress of choice. She looks up to watch the scene unfold in front of her and she honestly hated it. Seeing the the path that was laid out in front of her friend made her sad and sick to her stomach...but she would be there every step of the way

To think that in just a moment she would be meeting her future husband, in truth it didn't sit well in her stomach at the thought that she would be wed to the  very family that had been out hunting hers for decades. Though she would shift a bit trying to keep herself calm, her eyes closed for right now trying to just count down the seconds and stay focused. This was a simple meet, discuss the proposal and move on if she played her cards right this would be quick and she would only have to see him during special ceremonies she hoped to return to her home land and work on relations form there. It was possible right? She would look over towards her friend and gave a small smile, "take it easy Selene, this is simply a discussion on what is to come next. Nothing more" she said warmly, she had grown up with her the two as close as sisters. Like her uncles she knew Selene was against this choice, but it was the only way. "I know you do not like this, but we must think of the others...we cannot survive another attack." She would have continued but she heard footsteps her eyes opened and she winced a bit when the curtain was pulled back, the figure blocking a good deal of the sun and she had to raise her hand to help block some of the light till he stepped fully in.

At first she wasn't sure what to expect she was going to see, but to see him she was rather shocked he was better looking than what the reports stated. He seemed closer to her in age, but she could tell that he had seen war as he had similar look that her own generals had. She remained silent even as he settled himself down and poured himself a drink, she had stuck with water wanting to keep her mind clear and focus not tainted by what wine could do. She would though soon take a deep breath letting out a sigh, hoping to get his attention that this wasn't just a casual 'lunch meeting' so when he introduced himself she bowed her head towards him. "Tis a pleasure milord, I am Princess Willow Hachisuka crown princess to the Azure Dragons" she said raising her head. Her blue eyes soon meeting his, as she did he could almost see if not smell as if he was staring into a vast ocean with the breeze rushing towards him. Were his people were fire and earth, hers was wind and water polar opposites of one another normally seen at each others throats but at this moment sitting before one another.

"As for your...proposal my counsel is rather against this whole thing...fearing you will take this advantage to kill me" she said honestly, sitting still and calm though her hands were gripping her knees tightly beneath the table trying to keep herself calm. "I will state this, that I am here for my people to put a stop to this war that has caused enough destruction..."

"Well that is somewhere where we are in agreement"Karyu stated as he took another sip of his drink before setting it down "I too believe this war has caused far too much destruction. As such our kind no longer has the strength and numbers that our ancestors once had"he said "It is sad and I fear an uprising of other youkai may finally occur if we do not band together as Dragonkin and maintain our order atop the world"he said "That is why I have decided to swallow the pride of the Crimson Dragons and offer myself up to you, as your husband and mate, to end this war not only for now, but for all generations moving forward. Our offspring will be the first of a new era for our kind. A True Dragon. One born of all of the elements of the Earth Mother. It is the evolution and enlightenment of our people after millennia of war and chaos."he explained too her "It just so happened that fate chose our generation to play itself out."

He then moved to stand up to walk over to the two of them "I will no longer be your enemy should you agree to my proposal and we wed. Together we can focus on how to restore our people to their former glory and stake out a new future alike. Our crops are drying up and your people can barely barter enough food to survive. War has caused this to happen to our people. Together we can be the ones to fix it."he told her as his fiery eyes drank in her cool one as the power of their two mighty auras mixed together in an invisible dance around the room as his inner dragon could drink in the intoxicating energy from being so near his equal and opposite. It caused a curious spark in the young ruler that he had never quite felt before. The woman before him disgusted him, yet all the same intrigued him, amused him rather. "It is a sacrifice I feel we are both willing to make as selfless rulers for our respective clans."

Selene swallowed the lump in her throat at the Crimson Dragons proposal. His words spoke true of the hardships in both kingdoms, and she forced her hatred and anger down. ’our people wouldn’t be starving had you not attacked us!’ Selene wanted to scream, but kept her self quite.

Willow looked upon the Crimson Prince that sat across from her, everything about him screamed at her to run. To not trust the serpent that had destroyed and taken so much, even if not him directly the blood shed that followed his family line was one that could not even be washed so easily. Though hearing him admit that this war had caused enough almost made her chuckle, to hear the war mongering Crimson Dragons admit to it was almost too good. Though her own people also were to blame, allowing whatever age-old hatred to continue to fester even now she could see Selene trying to restrain herself. Though her concern of other youkai did not cross her mind, they lived in peace with the other clans and she would look up at him “Seems your relationships skills need work milord, the other youkai clans and mine hold no ill will towards one another. Though our own relationships between yours and mine have faltered for decades…we took the chance to band together with the other nations and thus why we have survived this long….it is only because of these past alliances that I sit before you now.”

Her voice was calm, even as he stood up and stepped towards her, she would not show fear even if everything in her shook. Her hands gripped her knees tighter luckily hidden in her sleeves, “I am happy to see you suck down your pride I had thought you’d attempt to wrap your hands around my throat and be done with my people once and for all…to be the lone dragon in the sky as your ancestors desired…and attempted to do 100 years ago.” Willow would take a deep breath anger was not something she needed to use or display even if she wished to, she closed her eyes letting him continue his speech. The wind was faint even in here, but she could hear outside the tent and even into the city the cries of his people…in the distance she heard her own. Her pride much like his own needed to be shoved down, even if this man made her stomach twist and knot together…his last words though made those blue eyes open.
He could almost feel her aura grow, as she would look up at him slowly standing up, she wanted to scream at him about what he knew about sacrifice but that… was the naïve child in her. She was the crowned princess…future queen of her people and…his own if things went well. She would soon let all hatred slip from her, her body relaxed as those blue eyes of hers seemed to turn soft and warm towards him. “I have traveled far from my home to come to your side milord Karyu” his name slipping from her lips like fine silk across the skin. “To unite our people and become once more… the balance that these lands. So, if you will have…me…I offer to you know… myself to be your bride and mate” she would then bow her head towards him. It hurt, everything in her told her not to submit to him…but to survive…she had to…she needed him to save her people.

"You merely are far too trusting of other beasts it seems. Never forget that in the past our ancestors were sought after for wisdom and guidance from the other races. We were viewed as mythology and divine beings. Now we are hardly better than the rest...at least in their minds that is. "Karyu scoffed with detest dripping in his voice though he paused as she continued before an amused smirks crossed his striking features "Well you misunderstand me then. I am not my father. I am planning on taking the Crimson Dragon clan in an entirely new direction. We are going to overcome our inner turmoil and beyond into superior beings far better than we ever have had before. To reunite the dragons and form true Dragonkin once again. I would not cause harm to you, in fact, I need you you. This wouldn't be possible without you being exactly as you are now."he told her with a dark yet charming smile as he watched her relax visibly before him before accepting his proposal to be his wife as she bowed her head before him as he closed his eyes and nodded his head in return. For a dragon to actually bow to another was a sign of deep respect and showed her true willingness to agree to his proposal

"Then I will humbly and honorably take you as my Bride. I promise I will protect you and your people, and be able to provide them with a way of life worthy of those blessed enough to call themselves a Dragon, that you have my word. All cities in the Imperial Empire will be open for your people to migrate too including the Capital where my...I mean our new palace is in the process of being erected. My father's old palace was practically a den and it was time for some new modifications."he said with a pleased smile "And with this to, comes the expectation that you will birth me an heir apparent that will stand as a treaty of peace between our two nations evermore. The first dragon to bore of all the elements since a time before our people existed...it will truly be a miracle to behold and you shall be the honorable mother to the next generation of our kin. That is a responsibility that you and...by extension your hand maiden I'm sure will be able to meet and overcome."he said as his eyes rested on the other woman in the room "I suppose now would be as good a time as any for you to introduce yourself too? Considering you'll be moving into my....our castle and be waiting on Willow hand and foot I might as well familiarize myself with you too."he said though in his mind he had already checked out.

She had agreed to his proposal, which meant that his plans were finally going to begin coming to fruition. A move to the castle, a wedding ceremony and siring an heir were merely inconvenient steps on his path towards conquering the land and rising above as the King of all Dragons and restoring order and peace across the land. With Dragonkin back on top and ruling the other races, the natural order would restore balance to the world and begin to restore it.

She would straighten her spine hearing him speak of the other races, typical emperor she thought as she eyed him. He desired power but could not see that he needed the aid of those around him, she had learned the harsh truth of standing upon the blades edge without anyone there to aid her. Luckily she had her best friend and trusted advisor Selene at her side, but as she heard his words stating he needed her exactly as she was. She raised one brow, but his dark grin made her shudder as she slightly feared what lay behind that smile…he was a being of fire and chaos a dragon always ready to bare their fangs and extend their claws. As he mentioned her friend she would slowly soon move to stand before her friend, “Selene is a trusted and loyal member of my court, she will follow her duties” she said showing she was rather protective of the woman.

“I will uphold my duties as both queen as well as future mother to any children we bare.” She didn’t like the thought that he would be not only her first but also her last in many things, the thought again made her stomach tighten as she took a deep breath to try and calm herself…to keep her fear and childish wishes to herself though she was sure Selene knew what she was feeling. When he asked her to introduce herself Willow would give a faint smile to her friend, “This is my hand maiden Selene she and her family have served mine for many decades…”

She then looked back towards Karyu his expression on his face told her that this meeting was nearing its end and she would shift, “I am sure we have of course taken up most of your time Milord, your capital sounds like a grand place but until your….our palace is finished in construction perhaps it is best that I remain here in the bay. I will send word to my people that they may start traveling towards your cities within an open invitation extended by your generous hospitality. Then we can begin work on restoring the lands, though it will take some time…. the wind is stale here and the rains needed are not carried upon sickly winds…”

Even if he had fertile lands nothing could be grown if the rains never could be nurtured to return, a point she’ll make at another time that thanks to the death of the azure dragon or at least its physical body, this was why his lands suffered as they did. “Though unless there are other matters you wish to discuss milord, we will see ourselves out” she motioned for Selene to stand and start to leave, wanting to spare her dear friend to talk to this…man.

“An..honor to meet you My lord.” She said as she bowed to the Prince. Now that they had agreed upon the marriage, she would have to bow to this man and care for his eventual children.....in the name of peace. She bit her tongue and stood straight and adverted her eyes low so it as to look up at him or risk him seeing the seething hatred she held. This long war had cost her greatly in the lives of her father, one of her brothers and a man whom she was to marry once the war was over. She had seen their deaths....not first hand but through a gift very few knew about. Selene was Seer. Her visions of the future helped in some situations, this meeting for example. She had envisioned two dragons tangled in what looked like fighting and clawing at one another....she d assumed it meant that they would try to kill each other or that this would lead to the war continuing.....but now it accused to her that this envisioned battle was a battle of wits. She bowed her headd again tot he prince and turned to leave with her Princess.

Kayru nodded his head in indignation of the information he was told "Well then I hope your aid finds as much comfort here as you do."he stated nonchalantly "I do have just one issue with your previous statement, you shall be accompanying me back to the palace in 3 days. The private chambers are already restored and completed. It is other parts of the palace that are under renovation such as the dungeon." He commented "The Elders and I are to stay in Azure Bay another few days in order to finish drafting the wording on this treaty, in which you will then publically sign and then we will return to the palace together with the rest of the caravan. I recommend you gather a list of your people who wish to move directly to the capital and have them be ready to travel with the caravan."he told her as he moved back over to his wine taking in a deep breath and taking a sip

Karyu turned around to look at her once again as he drank in her features, beautiful face, long flowing hair and an amazing body all dressed in lowly robes and cheap silk. At least he knew his children would be attractive and powerful at the least. The aura radiating off of such a small frame was heavy and bone chilling though it caused him no pause before he did something very unexpected as he did a half bow before her "I look forward to the day of our union Lady Willow" he told her as he opened his eyes afye bowing meeting hers directly yet again

She wasn't thrilled with the idea that she would be leaving once again in 3 days, but it seemed he wasn't going to be backing down from that. She thought of anything that was possible to delay it, however the sooner an alliance was made the better things could progress for the two nations and put a true end to this war. There would be some civil unrest she knew that, two nations that had warred for so long couldn't just in a single night care for the other. She took a deep breath and would speak, "I will send for others but it takes several weeks to even get to the bay where my people live. Those here will be establishing trade and other various aspects thus why I would have...liked to remain here to ensure everything would go smoothly." she said stating that to him openly.

Her plans weren't going how she would like but she turned to Selene with a faint smile, "Selene could you make preparations to...contact the generals about what our plans will be moving forward?" she asked warmly, gently placing her hand on her friends shoulder. Telling her more or less to nod and she waited till her friend stepped out even as Kayru turned and would bow towards her, she paused for a second but she nodded her head "As do I...milord Kayru" she would then turn and step out letting the canvas fall close behind her as she would quickly move away to head towards a few of the noble locals that would lead her to the main building of the bay to rest. They would climb into the carriage and once it began moving, Willow leaned back against the seat and groaned rubbing her temples, "what are we going to do Selene...nothing we thought of even got through and hes already pushing us to leave the bay....I had hoped to stay here much longer at least until the wedding...."

“He’s very determined to keep control of the situation. He’s playing a mind game where he is a few steps ahead of you....he may plan to keep you disoriented by randomly giving orders to where and when you should go.” She said as she looked up from her lap. “ perhaps you should play to his strategy Princess. Stay as you planned till you have your business in the bay settled and don’t let him sway you, show to him the Azure dragon is not to be taken lightly.”

She sighed heavily this was going to be an interesting play between them, she couldn't just roll over and do as he said Selene was right. She looked at her as she would speak, "your right..." she tapped her chin before brushing her hair from her face and would then reach up to pull the pins from it letting the silver hair fall freely making her sigh heavily. "I hate having to dress up, even just this little bit...now I'm going to be ruling over so many people...I bet he thought I was some country bum...and who drinks wine this early in the day!" she grumbled. "he didn't even have any shame in basically saying that all I'm going to be good for was to give him children!"

“Wouldn’t be surprised if that’s EXACTLY what he thought. Crimson dragons are so arrogant.” Selene said and sighed. “Though honestly.....it’s good to see him taking the idea of peace seriously....when I had that vision of this meeting I worried he would try to attack you.”

"I know Selene, but sometimes we have to look at it a different way." she said as she sighed some, "when I saw the tapestry of the two dragons tangled together, it made me think of your vision...but it also made me remember the stories about how the Azure Dragon fell all those years ago. Since then we haven't been able to best them, much less get ahead....with my father gone and my mother not able to bare a second child....I'm all thats left of the Azure Dragons....so I understand your worry along with the others" she closed her eyes trying to think. "I'm terrified...all my life we were told to hate them...now...im to merry one and not just any regular branch memeber...their prince and soon to be crowned Emperor...I'm trying to make sense of your visions, to give me some sort of guidance but your vision only has three paths I can see." she looked up at her friend. "The first...leads to death, he attacks me as you say thus ending the azure dragon line permiently...the second another war breaks out causing mor elives to be lost...again possibly my own.....the third..." she gripped her hands together, a faint redness forming on her cheeks. "we are...tangled together in passion and love...with a bright future for both of us...and our people...im a child to think that would ever come to pass...I doubt that man could ever love anyone more than himself or his pride.." she said softly looking out the window of the carriage as they neared the 'palace' within the bay.

As the prince drank his wine the curtain would shift, as a dark haired female stepped in dressed in elegant red silks and gold. Her lips painted red with dark eye shadow around her green eyes, that shimmered in the candle light "my king, you should not be sitting alone in the dark...." she said with a purr to her lips as she moved to his side, taking the bottle of wine off the table. "at least allow me....your ever faithful to serve you...." she said with a grin, pouring him another glass. Though she did glance towards the other cushion, a slight glare before speaking. "how did meeting that wrec....I mean your bride to be go my prince?" this was Karmen one of his concubines and for awhile some thought to be the one that would become...his queen until the alliance talk of the Azure Dragoness and her prince marriage was put on the table...needless to say she was not happy about being put in second place.

Karyu shifted in his seat hearing the curtain drawn as he turned to see Karmen sauntering her way over to him. A poor position this woman was in. He knew well of both her love of him and lust for power, yet she was to be denied the crown many so rightly felt she deserved. She had been given to him as a gift from his father to take care of his primal urges. She was his first of many women and one of the few that was able to quell his insatiable appetite both in and out of the bedroom though she also knew the thin line drawn around his temper and how quick he was to anger. He took the glass she offered taking another drink letting out a deep sigh. This was his special wine made from an enchanted vineyard that seemed to help suppress the inner fire that welled inside him from time to time. Without it he tended to grow more angry and aggressive, much like his father with a head clouded with nothing but death and destruction.

"It went about as well as I imagined it would. The hatred pouring out of their eyes is insipid. However logic shall always win the day. It is a political marriage that is needed for both of our races to continue to survive. We have entered the Era of Coexistence."he stated "They do not trust me, thus will likely do all that they can to resist me. However I am prepared for that scenario because I did not expect this transition to come willingly. I was more than prepared to siege the city and take the Princess by force if necessary, but alas she actually agreed to my proposal, a surprise I must say"he told her sipping gingerly as he spoke

"I will admit, she intrigues me."Karyu admitted "No one has ever caused me a moment of pause, but the first time our eyes met it was as if an icy dagger had pierced the very essence of my soul. It cooled me inside....I was able to think without needing to drink copious amounts of wine the closer she drew to me. In fact the wine I did sip had absolutely no effect during the meeting."he said slightly surprised himself in retrospect "She is everything I am not....feeble...weak....undignified....yet somehow...is still so much more..."he said with a lofty, curious tone to his voice "I expect you shall treat her with the same respect you'd treat any Empress. Both of you will one day bare my children, I do not want any infighting or I'll kill you both and raise the children myself."

Once they returned to the Bay, Selene followed Willow into their temporary home. “Shall I draw you a bath? We did just travel across the sea and then met with the prince straight after....you should rest.”

Karmen felt a bit of anger rise up within her, that this 'princess' had stirred something in her prince and she couldn't accept it. Till now it had just been her, he had come to her for a long time once she earned his..favor, now this wretched forign blue blooded serpent was ripping it away from her. "She sounds quiet..the woman milord, I've never heard you speak of any lady in such a way...that you'd be willing to actually...chase after" she said watching him, but his threat that he'd kill both of them if they were fighting. She would look shocked, "I would do no such thing milord, it would bring such a dishonor to your name that I could not bare for such to happen...I have served you faithfully I shal...serve her as well. Teach her the ways of your courts, which I'm sure...she' is not aware require formal attire and not...something one wears fresh off a boat."

Willow would nod her head, rubbing her forehead "That sounds great" she smiled looking to her friend. "Wish I could rest beneath the aurora stars like we have back home...I doubt with so much light from this city alone we could even see any stars...so long as I don't have to see the prince for a few days I think I'll recover well enough...its not like he'll barge in here and go into the same bath as me" she laughed.

Karyu's red eyes glimmered slightly hearing her words "Chase? You misunderstand me. I chase nothing. I bring things beneath my will. My wings cover my domain and my eyes see all. I would never chase this woman, it is just as simple for me to kill her and crush the will of her people as it would be to seduce her and bed her properly. However, I am trying to end the senseless spilling of our kinds noble blood. That is the only reason why she is in the position she has been put in."he told Karmen as he then let a smile grace his lips "That is what I like to hear, and that is why you are always by my side to this day. Your loyalty, and brilliant mind is something I look forward to using in ruling my empire, and for my children to attain one day as well."he said as he gently stroked the side of her face with the back of his hand "You will make that woman worthy enough to be my Queen as you are....or both of you shall suffer...together"he said as a dark glint crossed his eyes though his touch was still gentle "Are we clear?"

“Right away your Highness. Will there be anything else in the mean time?” She asked as she began to pick out fresh clothes for her friend and princess to wear afterwards.

Karmen would shiver feeling his touch but she was more or so slightly afraid at the look he had on his face, that accompanied that smile "Clear as the skies milord...I shall start at once with your...authority to ensure that your future bride is perfect for you" she said leaning into his hand, with a warm smile. "I will do anything for you my prince" she said warmly, even though she wanted nothing more than to strangle that woman's life from her body. The world didn't need two dragons only one, and she was looking at the mightiest of them all.

"I think that be all Selene, try and get some rest yourself I'm sure your as exhausted as I am" she said with a small smile, gently walking over to her friend and placing her hand on her shoulder. "and don't worry about the clothing I can do that myself you know...I'm not useless" she chuckled

"Such a good woman you are Karmen. Come, let me reward you"Karyu said as his arms seemed to snake around her body as he stepped around behind her "Make me proud"he whispered against the back of her neck as he slowly began trailing kisses down her exposed shoulder as his fingers nimbly slipped inside her robes beginning to trail up her skin before the canvas flap opened and another man walked in. He was a large burly man with many scars on his arms and chest as he brought his fist up against the breastplate of his armor "M'Lord I am here to report that the ceasefire has been enacted and all troops are working together with the Azure Dragon to return the dead and the wounded to their loved ones per your orders."the older more grizzled looking dragon stated

"Ah thank you General Vorkea, as ever I always receive swift results from you."Karyu said as he let Karmen go turning around "Find the woman and make yourself useful. I have business to attend to. I will have you in my chambers tonight, and do not make me wait."he said as he then turned and headed out of the tent with Vorkea to discuss the next set of orders

"Now comes the time to start the plan. With the proposal accepted and the war ended we have a two part plan. The first is to reinforce our current strongholds across the empire. We have suffered many casualties and it will take some time to recover our loses on both sides."he explained as the two of them walked "The second, is to ready ourselves against the inevitable attack of the other Beastfolk. The Azure Dragons falling into alliance with the other races has given them knowledge on our magic and technology. Anything forged from dragon fire is twice as strong as regular steel. There is no doubt they now have access to dragonforged weapons and armor. And as we know, only a dragon can kill a dragon....so with beastfolk having access to dragonforged spears and swords..."

"...they now have the capabilities of actually standing a chance against our armies..."General Vorkea finished as the dawning realization drew upon him as he let out a sigh "My lord, my apologies. I served under your father for many, many years, and while as great of a dragon as he was....he did not have the vision and taciturn mind that you possess...I am sorry for ever doubting you as a child when you first brought this up to your Father's attention."