The Next Step [c]

[Konungr of Hyrule]

Huffed fumes escaped the full-lips of The Patriarch—uninspired strides carried the giant of a man onward. Konungr, alongside many other Goron of various social status and military ranking roamed the towering Palace located directly in the center of the Goron metropolis. Armored sentinels stood at the ready as their King passed them. Truthfully, tensions seemed to be at an all time high considering the state of their homeland—both Death Mountain and the tattered land of Hyrule. "At ease, folk." Konungr spoke to a group of armored giants guarding the main entrance to the throne room. In an instant, the up-tightness of the sentries faltered—the hardened looks morphed into something more jolly and friendly; much more familiar and welcomed in such trying times.

"I'm well aware of my current state and attitude as of late. Allow me to carry this weight; allow me to bare the mental wounds, and allow me to wear them in pride for our people and our struggles. Where I lack, I want you all to make up for it in spades. Smile, allow our people to know we will prevail through this plight." As he spoke, more guards gravitated towards his words and presence. He was asking them the impossibleasking them to allow him to stand alone regarding the most recent events. They all trusted the judgement of their wise and powerful leader. But it didn't take a renowned scholar to know Konungr was slowly killing himself due to his actions. "I'm expecting The Dragon Tamer to discuss a few private matters. Please due make sure we aren't interrupted until we are finished." With a few jests and head nods, each guard made their promises that Konungr and Daragni would not be interrupted. Kounugr nodded in return before pushing open the two massive slabs of stone acting as gates for the throne room.

The very moment he entered, he was greeted with a little growl from the divine being that would save his race when the time was right. He grinned, steady eyes fixed upon the Dragon who had long made herself at home in his vacant throne. As Konungr approached, the curious lizard arose with a flaming yawn, embers ejecting from an open maw. "It's about time we test, Daragni. Don't you think?" To be honest, he was more-or-less speaking out loud, but his words were directed at the curious little dragon who seemed to be chewing at one of the diamond encrusted armrest's of the throne. "It has been two years since he has returned and yet I still know nothing of the boy. Though I do know I can entrust you to him, little one." The dragon let out another growl before flying up from the throne. Konungr took a seat—the five massive pillars behind him vacant of the wise elders of his people. Now all he could do was wait from the arrival of the Tamer, all while the energetic beast of divinity flew around the massive chambers.

✝ tag(s) - @cassius
✝ notes - Konungr is finally reaching out to Daragni in an attempt to get to know him better. He is doing this by asking him how he feels about the current state of their home and Hyrule. Konungr will then tell Daragni how he plans on attacking both issues and based off how Daragni responses, he'd either fail or past this little "test": by passing Konungr can fully entrust their peoples only mean of survival to him.

[Deleted]

[attr="class","healing"]

[attr="class","healingimg"]

[attr="class","dsthealing"]HE BURNS WITH STRENGTH

[attr="class","healingtri"]

[attr="class","healingtable"]

[attr="class","personhead"] [attr="class","personbody"]

: Konungr of Hyrule

[attr="class","words"]

: 302

[attr="class","healingpost"]
It was truly a new day in the Goron City. Daragni had been preparing for this meeting for days, and yet he still wasn't quite sure what words to say when they would finally gather. His grandfather had assured him that destiny would come before him, and perhaps now was the time to begin the true work of their home. Still, he couldn't help but truly linger on the words upon his request for a audience - as though the true meaning behind the encounter was left with secrecy.

He made his way through the burghal, ascending the tower which lead to the throne room, nestled below the perch where Dinara was kept as she grew older. Two men, towering over the small goron whom despite growing older was still quite small and slim for his age, bowed in his presence as they opened the twin doors which led straight to the hall of authority. There, Konungr, the patriarch in charge of their people sat in anticipation; Dinara flying overhead in the large open clearance.

Agni was nervous. He found his throat became dry and his stomach was tight with apprehension. Despite being home for two years, he still felt out of place, as though the change in the world was too great for him to adjust. Hyrule had fallen, and the goron people were suffering their own losses. Even Agni had fallen victim to the loss of loved ones to the Calamity.

He stood in silence before the Chieftain for a moment, before bending the knee and bowing his head in respect, hands clasped together as he awaited to be summoned.

Do not be so worried, a voice filled within his mind, and he looked up immediately to Dinara, whom looked before him at her perch. He nodded, still waiting in silence.

ADDY ☆

[attr="class","healingclass"]
[googlefont=Raleway:300,400,800]
[newclass=.healing]width:450px;margin:0px auto;[/newclass]
[newclass=.healingimg]width:450px;height:250px;z-index:8;position:relative;overflow:hidden;[/newclass]
[newclass=.healingimg img]filter:grayscale(50%)[/newclass]
[newclass=.healingtri]width:0px;height:0px;border-bottom: 0px solid white;border-left: 450px solid transparent;z-index:10;position:relative;margin-top:175px;opacity:0.8;transition: 0.4s; -webkit-transition: 0.4s; -moz-transition: 0.4s; -o-transition: 0.4s; -ms-transition: 0.4s;[/newclass]
[newclass=.healingimg:hover .healingtri]border-bottom:100px solid white;margin-top:92px;[/newclass]
[newclass=.healingimg:hover .dsthealing]margin-top:-215px;[/newclass]
[newclass=.dsthealing]font-family:Raleway;text-transform:uppercase;font-size:20px;text-align:left;padding-left:35px;margin-top:-200px;color:#ef6f2b;filter:grayscale(0%);transition: 0.4s; -webkit-transition: 0.4s; -moz-transition: 0.4s; -o-transition: 0.4s; -ms-transition: 0.4s;[/newclass]
[newclass=.healingimg:hover .healingtable]margin-top:-40px;[/newclass]
[newclass=.healingtable]margin-left:250px;font-size:10px;z-index:11;position:relative;transition: 0.4s; -webkit-transition: 0.4s; -moz-transition: 0.4s; -o-transition: 0.4s; -ms-transition: 0.4s;text-transform:uppercase;color:#8F2C54;[/newclass]
[newclass=.healingtable a]font-size:10px;font-family:Raleway;color:#8F2C54;font-weight:400;[/newclass]
[newclass=.dsthealing span]font-weight:800;[/newclass]
[newclass=.healingpost]width:400px;padding:25px;font-size:10px;text-align:justify;background-color:#fcfcfc;z-index:8;position:relative;[/newclass]
[newclass=.personhead]width:10px;height:10px;background-color:#666;border-radius:100%;border:1px solid #efefef;margin-top:-9px;margin-left:-1px;[/newclass]
[newclass=.personbody]width:10px;height:6px;background-color:#666;border-radius: 5px 5px 2px 2px;margin-top:9px;padding:2px 2px;[/newclass]
[newclass=.words]width:8px;padding:3px;height:8px;background-color:#666;border-radius:3px;[/newclass]

[newclass=.healingclass]height:0px;overflow:hidden;[/newclass]

[Konungr of Hyrule]

A harden glare leveled on the massive slabs of stone functioning as two doors for the Goron "throne room". Eyes of gold watched as two armored sentries stood behind the Dragon Tamer—once the boy was within the room, they'd dismiss themselves; combining their strength to shut the twin slabs and leave the current ruler and the Tamer be. "Thank you for accepting my request-" Konungr spoke to Daragni, the tone of his voice deep, powerful, and unfaltering. However, he'd pause—the brief moment of silence coupled with the herculean man standing from the throne. "Brother." Konunugr added, his words coming to an momentary end with Goron signature term of loyalty and kinship. Though, it did feel slightly odd calling the boy anything other than his name or occupation. Truthfully, Konunugr knew very little about Daragni. So how could he, in good-faith, call him Brother?

"Step forward. You are Goron, present yourself as such." Konungr spoke, a heavy hand gesturing for the boy to take a few more strides forward. "You've been back with us for two years. However, you have that same look in your eyes upon your return back then. Do you feel as if you belong, Daragni?" Konungr asked, his words thicker than freshly obtained honey. "Two years and I am now just checking up on you and your well-being." Konungr expelled a sigh, the type of sigh one does when riddled with exhaustion and soreness. "Forgive me-" another quick pause, "-Brother. I'm doing the best I can in regards to everything unfolding around us." His eyes were still on the Tamer and they never broke away from the boy. Konungr needed Daragni he did indeed care for him and wanted him to feel welcomed and loved on all fronts. Konungr was sure the other Goron already had this under control, but he knew; by the way he was acting, one could assume he had some kind of malice for Daragni. He had very strict rules when it came to the Dragon and how she should be approached. But these boundaries were in place to ensure their race could rise above such troubling times. He could only hope the Tamer understood that.

"Now tell me. How are your studies coming along?" He inquired, baby dragon roosting overhead in her nest watching the conversation take place.

✝ tag(s) - @cassius
✝ notes - Konungr is acting very "awkward" despite having a funny way of showing it. Best way I can describe is like trying to talk to that one sibling or cousin who you think hates you for whatever petty reason your mind convinces you of.

[Deleted]

[attr="class","healing"]

[attr="class","healingimg"]

[attr="class","dsthealing"]HE BURNS WITH STRENGTH

[attr="class","healingtri"]

[attr="class","healingtable"]

[attr="class","personhead"] [attr="class","personbody"]

: Konungr of Hyrule

[attr="class","words"]

: 787

[attr="class","healingpost"]
The conversation that had commenced between the two felt forced; and Daragni could feel the constriction within the air as the patriarch had greeted him within his home. Beads of sweat had permeated on the young man's forehead, as he stood upright, frozen in place as he listened to the boulder of a man speak. "It is an honor to finally meet you," he tried his best to convey with tenacity.

Without much of a warning, the chieftain had suddenly commanded him to approach, chiding him to act as his own kind, and the boy's eyes widened in a jolt, as he quickly snapped into action. Yes, his people were a strong race; one that presented themselves in a tenacious and stately manner. All the years Daragni had spent up on the mountain top had softened him; making him humble and obedient. He was lesser of his brothers and sisters, but his wisdom prevailed because of it.

Without hesitation, Daragni took this moment to calm his nerves, allowing the soothe of his scaled companion to recollect his spirit. He stepped up with a stride, standing proudly where he was meant to. Garbed in a hempen tunic, wrapped within a samite burgundy robe, which had been gifted to him from the monks for the completion of his training.

Konungr had asked of the boy if he felt he belonged, as for his time back, he had withdrew from his people to continue his studies, as well as the care he tended for Dinara. He only really ever left his studies when he absolutely needed to. He had learned much from the Wise Men of Snowpeak; of the gods, and of their legacies. He learned of The Cycle of the Triforce, and of the many heroes that stopped the cataclysm. He was enlightened to a higher plain of knowledge, so that he may be able to communicate with the Daughter of Din. Because of this, he felt he no longer truly bore the connection with his brethren - not because he felt superior - but because he simply grew unaccustomed to society.

The mountaintop was lonely. There were many nights he laid awake in anguish, wondering what was going on around him as he stood among stone and ice. How his friends and family carried on in his absence, and how they were growing up. Some days, he just wanted a friend. But as time wore on, he desensitized himself to the burden this solitude brought him; and when he came home it was no different. He felt like a stranger among his people. He had not heard much about the world around him while in training, and when he had returned home, they were in the middle of a war. The Queen of Hyrule had been overthrown. Many people began to seek protection from its borders.

Things were different, and culture shock caused him to isolate.

"Truthfully, I have suffered grief since my return. I wasn't aware of the matter of contention beyond the temple. So when I had arrived home to hear of the suffering that Hyrule has ensued, I felt somewhat detached... but I also had discovered something," Daragni gave a hard nod. "In my studies, I am aware of my fate in this world. I have a very important role to play in my lifetime - it's just a matter of when. I command the very daughter of our Goddess, and she will play a role in stopping a great evil."

He took a step to the side, as he turned to face the flying dragon that continued to circle around them. "I've been having strange dreams, as well. Something is telling me--no--Someone is telling me that there's not much time. So it is fated that you have requested my audience, because I have something very important to talk to you about."

He stopped for a moment, clearing his throat quietly as he took a deep breath, preparing for how to word himself carefully. He turned back to face the patriarch, taking a deep breath with direct eyes. "I would not request this if there was any other way. I've talked with my grandfather about this and he felt that I was ready. And even though I’m not of age, I promise I will not disappoint you.”

He paused. Shifting his gaze over the expression upon his chieftain, he smiled with determination and humility. With the utmost respect, his eyes became soft, showing that he wished not to demand this of his liege. He would not take advantage of Konungr’s trust and acceptance. “Please allow me this one favor. I request entrance into the Fire Temple.”

ADDY ☆

[attr="class","healingclass"]
[googlefont=Raleway:300,400,800]
[newclass=.healing]width:450px;margin:0px auto;[/newclass]
[newclass=.healingimg]width:450px;height:250px;z-index:8;position:relative;overflow:hidden;[/newclass]
[newclass=.healingimg img]filter:grayscale(50%)[/newclass]
[newclass=.healingtri]width:0px;height:0px;border-bottom: 0px solid white;border-left: 450px solid transparent;z-index:10;position:relative;margin-top:175px;opacity:0.8;transition: 0.4s; -webkit-transition: 0.4s; -moz-transition: 0.4s; -o-transition: 0.4s; -ms-transition: 0.4s;[/newclass]
[newclass=.healingimg:hover .healingtri]border-bottom:100px solid white;margin-top:92px;[/newclass]
[newclass=.healingimg:hover .dsthealing]margin-top:-215px;[/newclass]
[newclass=.dsthealing]font-family:Raleway;text-transform:uppercase;font-size:20px;text-align:left;padding-left:35px;margin-top:-200px;color:#ef6f2b;filter:grayscale(0%);transition: 0.4s; -webkit-transition: 0.4s; -moz-transition: 0.4s; -o-transition: 0.4s; -ms-transition: 0.4s;[/newclass]
[newclass=.healingimg:hover .healingtable]margin-top:-40px;[/newclass]
[newclass=.healingtable]margin-left:250px;font-size:10px;z-index:11;position:relative;transition: 0.4s; -webkit-transition: 0.4s; -moz-transition: 0.4s; -o-transition: 0.4s; -ms-transition: 0.4s;text-transform:uppercase;color:#8F2C54;[/newclass]
[newclass=.healingtable a]font-size:10px;font-family:Raleway;color:#8F2C54;font-weight:400;[/newclass]
[newclass=.dsthealing span]font-weight:800;[/newclass]
[newclass=.healingpost]width:400px;padding:25px;font-size:10px;text-align:justify;background-color:#fcfcfc;z-index:8;position:relative;[/newclass]
[newclass=.personhead]width:10px;height:10px;background-color:#666;border-radius:100%;border:1px solid #efefef;margin-top:-9px;margin-left:-1px;[/newclass]
[newclass=.personbody]width:10px;height:6px;background-color:#666;border-radius: 5px 5px 2px 2px;margin-top:9px;padding:2px 2px;[/newclass]
[newclass=.words]width:8px;padding:3px;height:8px;background-color:#666;border-radius:3px;[/newclass]

[newclass=.healingclass]height:0px;overflow:hidden;[/newclass]

[Konungr of Hyrule]

"If it were up to me. I would have allowed you to continue your studies and kept you oblivious to the matters at hand. Our people need you focused, staunch, and ready to accomplish what needs to be done. But I can tell looking at you, something within you; what makes you Goron has receded. However, in its place, you have gained something neither I or are forefathers could even begin to comprehend. Whatever it is that is eating at you, believe me when I say this, Brother. You are around those that understand the part you will pay in this struggle. We all love you and hold nothing against you. Truthfully, I wish it was I who could care your burden. But Din has a plan for us all, so all any of us can do is play our part and trust in our Goddess."

It hit Konungr harder than any blow from the mightiest of Lizalfos when face to face with the Dragon Tamer. He meant his words: he truthfully wished he could carry the burden of being the vessel of Volgaea; The Daughter of Din. He hated to see his people suffer from the scourge and the ongoing problem through the country. He wanted to help everyone—shoulder their burdens like the titan he is proclaimed to be. But he knew how illogical and nonsensical his wishes were. Regardless of that blurring fact, it still didn't stop him from having such fanciful desires.

Konungr continued to listen intently to the words of the Dragon Tamer—for he too has succumb to such odd and specific dreams. "Go on. Speak your peace." He gestured for Daragni to continue his words—an armored arm resting upon one of the diamond encrusted rests of the throne. However, mid-way through Daragni's request, using utilizing the concept of context-clues. Konungr had already realized the request the Tamer wanted and exhaled a somewhat frustrated and exhausted sigh—showing he wished said request would be anything but that. Through the words of Daragni, Konungr never broke eye contact. In fact, with his eyes, he somewhat challenged the docile Goron—pitting his mental mettle against his own. The Chieftain narrowed his gaze, once soft eyes now glowing a vicious and searing white. He stood up from his throne, seven-feet of stone and muscle seemingly never ending in size. Konungr took slow steps towards the Tamer—the very foundation of the throne room trembling from the kingly and powerful presence for the Goron.

"Elder Thorgann must have informed you that the road leading to the Holy Temple has fallen to the Scourge, correct, Brother?" Konungr spoke, slowly crossing the distance between him and the Tamer with uninspired strides—steps full of menace and challenge. "It was the first location to fall when the Monstrosity rose from the depths. The Temple crumbled, our guards reduced to ash. Everything reduced to stone and ash as the darkness devoured it in one mighty gulp. I, alongside some of our mightiest warriors went to seal the path. It was apparent we couldn't reclaim the Holy Temple so I had to make a tough decision. In the process I lost every single warrior and I am the only one alive to tell the tale. You are also the first to hear about this; I even refuse to tell the Elders of the horrors that lurk." It was obvious there was pain in the heart of Konungr, he showed it to the Tamer, but he remained unfazed and continued to walk forward. "There is an evil down there older than time itself, yet you wish to risk not only your life but our peoples future? When the other Temples within our land began to fall and their Sages awakened. I refused to let ours undergo the same fate... And for good reason." He was now no more than a foot away from the Tamer, looking down at the much smaller male as he continued his barrage of words.

"If you fail. If both you and the little one fail. We are all doomed; the land of Hyrule is doomed. I've spent years ensuring not only your safety but the safety of Hyrule." He ceased his words for a moment, "You're soft. Hardly even fit for the mantle of Goron as it is. Yet you wish for me to place what little faith I have left in you? " He huffed, warm steam ejecting from his nostrils—steam that rumpled the hair on top of Daragni's head. "Tell me you have what it takes to cleanse our Holy Temple. Because if anyone can do it, it'd be you two."

✝ tag(s) - @cassius
✝ notes - Konungr is a man of action. He has all the faith in the world in Daragni. But there is apart of him that believes the boy is still too soft and new to the events unfolding around him. Konungr needs to see that grit before he grants him access to the Fire Temple. Because if he fails, everything and everyone is doomed.

[Deleted]

[attr="class","healing"]

[attr="class","healingimg"]

[attr="class","dsthealing"]HE BURNS WITH STRENGTH

[attr="class","healingtri"]

[attr="class","healingtable"]

[attr="class","personhead"] [attr="class","personbody"]

: Konungr of Hyrule

[attr="class","words"]

: 454

[attr="class","healingpost"]
"Elder Thorgann must have informed you that the road leading to the Holy Temple has fallen to the Scourge, correct, Brother?"

The words hung over Agni for a long moment, as he took a deep breath, becoming impatient and anxious. There was no time to ponder on the troubles that could follow - the risk that Daragni would take. He shook his head, trying with every fiber to contain his apparent apprehension, but it was hard. His hands formed into fists; his weight shifted between his feet, and he let out a hoarse breath in defiance at everything Konungr had to say.

"I know what the risk is!" he said defiantly. "I've touched the corruption myself. I've felt the vile horrors that kill those among us--that killed my mother, and yet..." he stopped for a moment. He knew Konungr would not believe his words. He barely believed himself when he discovered it. But this wasn't about taking a risk; it was about divine intervention. Something was calling him - he absolutely believed it. Through the fires and scourge, there was something in that temple. And it wanted him in there. It absolutely needed him in there.

"I don't know if there's such thing as an immunity to this blight. But it does not effect me. My own mother fell victim to its plague. Quarantined from those among us. But it will not touch me," he explained. "Dinara is the only one who can stop this as I've heard a hundred times. If that is true, perhaps that means its master must as well."

"You're soft. Hardly even fit for the mantle of Goron as it is. Yet you wish for me to place what little faith I have left in you? "

"This isn't about strength or proving myself!" Agni snapped, reeling back as he took a moment to calm his thoughts. He took a step forward, eyes fierce with tenacity. "This is what I have been training for. This is why I spent eight years on a mountain far from home. Of course I'm not like you, or anyone here. I've been away too long, and the monks raised me to be different. But maybe different is what you need. Maybe that's why the champions, or those that 'fit the mantle' will never be able to stop this."

Silence once more, as the two stared off, still as the sands. He took a deep breath, standing proud, firm with the earth beneath him as his arms crossed. "This is what I was born for, and there is something in there that is telling me we don't have any more time to waste. The darkness within grows stronger, and soon it will spread to our homes."

ADDY ☆

[attr="class","healingclass"]
[googlefont=Raleway:300,400,800]
[newclass=.healing]width:450px;margin:0px auto;[/newclass]
[newclass=.healingimg]width:450px;height:250px;z-index:8;position:relative;overflow:hidden;[/newclass]
[newclass=.healingimg img]filter:grayscale(50%)[/newclass]
[newclass=.healingtri]width:0px;height:0px;border-bottom: 0px solid white;border-left: 450px solid transparent;z-index:10;position:relative;margin-top:175px;opacity:0.8;transition: 0.4s; -webkit-transition: 0.4s; -moz-transition: 0.4s; -o-transition: 0.4s; -ms-transition: 0.4s;[/newclass]
[newclass=.healingimg:hover .healingtri]border-bottom:100px solid white;margin-top:92px;[/newclass]
[newclass=.healingimg:hover .dsthealing]margin-top:-215px;[/newclass]
[newclass=.dsthealing]font-family:Raleway;text-transform:uppercase;font-size:20px;text-align:left;padding-left:35px;margin-top:-200px;color:#ef6f2b;filter:grayscale(0%);transition: 0.4s; -webkit-transition: 0.4s; -moz-transition: 0.4s; -o-transition: 0.4s; -ms-transition: 0.4s;[/newclass]
[newclass=.healingimg:hover .healingtable]margin-top:-40px;[/newclass]
[newclass=.healingtable]margin-left:250px;font-size:10px;z-index:11;position:relative;transition: 0.4s; -webkit-transition: 0.4s; -moz-transition: 0.4s; -o-transition: 0.4s; -ms-transition: 0.4s;text-transform:uppercase;color:#8F2C54;[/newclass]
[newclass=.healingtable a]font-size:10px;font-family:Raleway;color:#8F2C54;font-weight:400;[/newclass]
[newclass=.dsthealing span]font-weight:800;[/newclass]
[newclass=.healingpost]width:400px;padding:25px;font-size:10px;text-align:justify;background-color:#fcfcfc;z-index:8;position:relative;[/newclass]
[newclass=.personhead]width:10px;height:10px;background-color:#666;border-radius:100%;border:1px solid #efefef;margin-top:-9px;margin-left:-1px;[/newclass]
[newclass=.personbody]width:10px;height:6px;background-color:#666;border-radius: 5px 5px 2px 2px;margin-top:9px;padding:2px 2px;[/newclass]
[newclass=.words]width:8px;padding:3px;height:8px;background-color:#666;border-radius:3px;[/newclass]

[newclass=.healingclass]height:0px;overflow:hidden;[/newclass]