The mid-Winter Solstice [Open] [Stormcaller Event]

The midwinter solstice. To some, a day of magic, trickery and darkness. To others, such as the Stormcallers, a time for celebration, of joyous reunion.

For a period of only a few days before and after this auspicious time, the winds that guard the Twilight palace grow calm, allowing any who don't mind the winds and rain passage into the heart of Stormcallers territory. It is at this time that the Mid-winter festival is held, time where any and all are invited to make their way to the palace, for a day (and longer night) of singing, dancing, food, drink and company. Here, on this day, the tribes do not exist, nor rank, nor history. Every guest, from the highest dwelling Vuari to the deepest living Lakara, is welcomed with open wings, as long as their intentions are pure. Even the Ki'Sha are invited, although often almost none would turn up.
But there is a special group that this invitation is extended to: Rogues.
Believing that everyone should have a chance to find a place that they can call their own, the Stormcallers happily accept any rogue that wishes to join the festivities, and take pride in showcasing the life of their tribes and other tribes. Rouges are encouraged to form closer bonds with tribes, and dragons who are already in tribes might even change tribes if they see anything they like.

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Claws clicking along tiles, Rihzome slowly walked around the corridors, heading towards Imperia's chambers. It was still a few days away, until the festivities started in earnest, but the winds and rain had already began their weakening, and travellers, mostly rogues at this stage, had begun to arrive. Of course, with those first few arrivals, he had begun to panic. Food, lodging, water, crime, medical supplies and safety… Any of those were of utmost importance during this time, and he was largely in charge of overseeing all of them. Of course, he had personally checked and re-checked many of these things, but still… it was worrisome to have some many draconiformes in the palace at a single time.

Shaking himself from his reprieve, as he reached the doors to the Queen's chambers, he knocked, waiting a few moments before pushing open the door and calling. "Queen Imperia, ma'am? The first guests have begun to arrive. I thought it would be wise to notify you." Falling silent, waiting for her response, he wondered, for a moment, if Caramina was nearby, before shrugging it off. No doubt she would be waiting somewhere downstairs, looking for Vortex. He had made sure he had received a special, personal invitation to join the festivities, from 'Caramina' herself. Smiling to himself, he shook himself. "You better not be sleeping in again." He called, a little teasingly, as he pushed the doors open completely, and waltzed into the room, looking for her.

The preparations had been going for weeks, with great amounts of food being brought in for the event. The Twilight Palace's stores for supplies were almost at their capacity.

Imperia's room was filled with the sound of rain, huge glass windows would usually show the storm outside in all it's glory. At the moment the storm was much weaker, but still filled the room with gentle sound.
Her bed and her room were a bit bigger than a dragon of her small stature likely needed, but tastefully decorated and relatively plain.

There was no response from Imperia before Rihzome walked in.
A guard was curled up on a couch in the corner of the room, nodding politely to Rihzome as he entered.
Imperia was draped lazily over her bed, she raised her head and looked over as Rihzome spoke playfully to her.
"Thankyou for letting me know. And I wasn't sleeping in. This is a perfectly normal time to still be in bed.
What time is it anyway?"
"Mid-morning, my Queen." The guard said helpfully. "The end of my watch is in five minutes."
Imperia groaned. "Okay, I slept in a tiny bit. But I'm ready to start the day!"
She leapt to her feet and swayed slightly, groaning as her head felt fuzzy. After a moment she hopped off her bed and stretched, then spun in a circle and did a few dance steps.
"Okay Rihzome, let's go and get this event started."

The pair of them walked down from Imperia's tower to the more used parts of the palace, past the library and the eating area, and down to the main entrance. The easiest way in and out of the Twilight Palace was on the river, but the main entrance was much grander, facing the open sky and the rocky mountains around the palace. It had huge doors that could only safely be opened when the storm was decreased. A huge chamber full of market stalls and a large water fountain lay just behind those doors. It was the largest open area in the palace aside from some of the storage rooms; large enough for a dragon to fly in it, although only just.
Already Stormcallers were bustling around, almost all of the Diplomats who usually lived far away from the palace would return for this event; and it could be hard to tell who was and was not a Stormcaller.

Caramina had woken up early, rising from her bed at the crack of dawn, to go down to the main entrance and wait for Vortex. As she stood, leaning against a polished marble wall and looking out through the open doors, she hoped that he'd received an invitation (still unaware of what Rihzome had done); it was likely he had, but what if the message was intercepted, or had failed to deliver? She shook off those thoughts, absolutely refusing to let them affect her mood or cause worry. Of course they'd deliver! Right? Caramina decided to distract herself with the scenery outside. Mountains rising from the ground were silhouetted beautifully against the rapidly lightening sky, and she watched as the sun slowly climbed higher into the sky, illuminating the whole world as it did so.

But she was growing bored, and at last she turned away, to head towards Imperia's chambers. Rihzome was already there when she arrived - the door was slightly ajar, and she peeked her head in to grin at the two, just in time to see the silver dragoness clamber out of bed, earning a stifled chuckle from Caramina. It was already this late, and Imperia was only just getting out of bed! She snorted a good morning and waited for them outside, silent as she followed them back down, her eyes too busy looking for Vortex.

"Could you two accompany me to the main entrance? I want to introduce Vortex~"

Sonus had been sitting at the main entrance, for once able to watch the storm raging outside without being attacked by it. Lightning suddenly flashed, followed by a rumble of thunder, and she roared in return, nearly matching the decibels that the thunder produced. She growled as her whole body lit up like a flare, flames roaring out in all directions. Taking a deep breath, she snarled, then.... sizzzzzzzzlleeeeee. Sonus paused, rain dripping into her eyes and open mouth. Her flames disappeared to embers along her scales. Her crest started to flash very quickly. She stood there, eye twitching. She slowly closed her mouth, nose twitching as she tried to control her anger, then shook herself free of any raindrops and took a step back, slamming the door shut with a force that reverberated through the entire castle.

Smoke never ceased to escape from her mouth as she paced. She growled at a guard that reached towards her, "I'm waiting for the Queen!" She snapped. Sonus had somewhat helped with the celebration, and she would be there to keep dragons in check and refill anything that needed to be refilled. Really, she loved the job, it gave her something to do and maybe dragons would actually talk to her. She sat next to the enormous double doors and snorted as the guard slowly inched away. She spotted many servants.. Or "Helpers" scurrying about. She lowered her head slightly, looking bored. Three figures came around the corner - she recognised only two - and Sonus' face lit up with happiness.

Vortex was awoken a bit earlier than he would have liked, shaken awake by a Vuari he didn't recognize. Sighing loudly and turning over, he saw the wyvern had a letter in their paw, which was extended out to him. Saying nothing, he picked up the letter and watched the wyvern leave, before looking down at the letter in his paws. Ripping it open with one claw, he read it slowly, his eyes only half lidded. An invitation, so it seemed, to an event within the Stormcallers. His heart jumped at the thought of seeing Caramina and Rihzome again, the signature at the bottom implying so. Shaking himself awake, he placed the invitation down on his bed, reluctantly getting up and exiting, noticing that the sun wasn't up yet. The lack of a sun, however, was no ailment to Vortex's flight, since he was quite used to flying in darkness. Regardless, he still had a moderately long flight ahead of him.

It was a little after the break of dawn when he approached the palace, the usual storm seeming weakened somehow, but a solid drizzle pelted his back. His wings ached from his flight, so he was happy to finally see his destination. Landing on the peninsula outside the main entrance, he looked around, not exactly sure what to do. The invitation said that he would meet Caramina just inside the gate, so, that was where he intended to go. Walking over to one of the guards, they smiled faintly and motioned for him to enter, at which he nodded and complied.

When the sun started rising Tsidia was already up for a few hours. Today was the day. Storm surrounding the Twilight palace calmed down which could only mean two things.
1. The mid-winter-solstice was on, and everyone (including her and Harry) was invited
2. Something apolitically destructive happened in the area.
Whatever the case she wanted to be there on time. As the catastrophe was less probable she took her time to prepare. She had to wash her scales, find a way to mask her injury (she went with creating a thin layer with enerkinesis, and tried to mimic her scale patterns and color. It took over an hour of pain and fatigue, but the effect was worth it, as material was now indistinguishable from her actual scales without close inspection), and finally practice her speech and movement patterns. As for Harry, well; he never really had to do much besides cleaning his scales from time to time. When she got back to her cave he was already wondering where she left.
- (slow inhale)
- Yes, I know. No, I will not help you with anything that involves hurting anybody. Today is special.
- (slow exhale)... . Persuade me.
- Free food, nobody is hostile, and most importantly [for you] there will be everyone from everywhere, good place to rejoin sociality and tie up first strings.
- Strings you say?
After less than a minute they were already in air, not far away, at least that's what it seemed.
- So it's like the one day in a year, when everybody magically forgets all their enemies and hatred to have a good time with everybody else who somehow experience it too like in not-that-good novels?
- kinda.
They were now approaching the main entrance. Without the ever-present storm the view from this place was truly breathtaking, but they had to land sometime. The palace itself was quite big for a castle, the spiral staircase in the middle connected everything quite well. Synchronizing in the air, they pulled off a sophisticated landing.
"I'm with him", Tsidia said while passing a guard. Tradition stated that everyone was welcome, so she didn't assume any resistance.
- Welp. Here we are

Imperia skipped over Rhizome's back, giving him a light smack with her tail as payback for his teasing, so that she could walk between him and Caramina.
"Good morning~ I'd love to meet Vortex!"

Imperia led the way down to the large doors and the main hall, smiling brilliantly as she saw many dragons already finishing their preparations for the next day and night. The trio got plenty of smiles in return, but one in particular stood out to Imperia.
"Sonus!" The silver dragoness cheered, dashing through the crowd and expertly dodging around all of the dragons who were too slow to move out of her way. The guards grew tense as Imperia approached Sonus, just in case there was a fight, but they relaxed when Imperia threw her whole, rather small and light, body around the fire dragoness in a hug. "I'm so glad you came! I know you still don't always trust easily, but I'm so happy to have you here. I hope you're ready for your special task tonight." she winked.

While she waited for Cara and Rihzome to join her after she'd ran slightly away from them she looked around the room curiously, soon spotting a masked dragon hovering by the door as if waiting for someone. Vortex, perhaps? She would get to him soon, but first her attention was caught by a pair of dragons who swooped in for a stylish landing. The male had marvelous patterns on his scales, but looked rather intimidating, while the females was gorgeous with spectacular rainbow wings. From her place on Sonus' neck Imperia waved excitedly at them, making a mental note to talk to them as soon as she got a chance.

Sagramour had heard that there was to be a gathering at the Twilight Palace. The more interesting news was that Rogues were invited to attend. He stretched his wings and gave them a few strong flaps before leaping from the entrance of his caves. He could barely see in the low light of dawn. He began making clicks so that he could sense the area around him. He couldn't see much until he flew low... He had to fly in between massive trees to be able to use his echolocation, but that just made the journey more interesting. He enjoyed the feeling of the rain on his feathers and scales as he flew towards the Palace. The little droplets cooled his scales and it felt as if he was a little cleaner. He pulled an aerial corkscrew as he flew just because he could. He bolted upwards and dove down towards the Palace entrance. As he neared the ground his wings snapped open and slowed him down to land with a satisfying thud. He smiled at the guards stationed at the entrance and shook himself off so he wouldn't track as much water behind him. He wondered how many or how few dragons had already arrived. He made his way inside the palace. He'd adorned himself with a little more treasure than normal for the event. He had on a couple golden bracers on his forearms and he'd put silver bands around the base of his horns. They had dark purple sapphires embedded in them. Other than that he was relatively plain. Being a rogue he didn't have much, but he'd wanted to at least make a show. He retracted his claws realizing that they were still out. He spotted a few dragons inside. There were two that he didn't recognize. One a large dragon with the colors of fire burning across her scales, and the other a dark black dragon similar to his size. He hung near the back of the room by the entrance waiting a little while...

Sonus took a slight step back, the small figure of the Queen bounding toward her in large leaps and bounds. Sonus blinked as the Queen leapt up and hugged her, shock vibrating through her body. She stood there for a moment, not really having a very affectionate life, given usually only by Ardent, her mate. Blood rushed to her cheeks as guards stepped forward to try to stop the hyper Queen, but backing off as Sonus threw her enormous wings around Imperia, hiding her from the Guard's watchful eyes. Dragons were beginning to form around them, dragons that she didn't trust, and dragons that would most likely annoy her. If anything, she'd kill anyone or anything that would even make the slightest threat toward her Queen. That was another thing she was here for, the best protection, or... Second option.

"Hello, My Queen." She mumbled, giving her a little bop on the nose with her own. Thankfully, she had had her flames out for quite some time, her skin only warm to the touch. She listened intently, nodding and giving a polite grin, "Well yes of course, anything for you-" Pausing before she said the word "friend". Sonus didn't exactly know what she was in the Queen's eyes, only that she herself was taken in and given a nice warm welcome. Taking a small breath, her crest thrumming deeply, she looked up once more, opening her wings. Her brother-in-law, Rihzome, came striding through the crowd, Sonus giving a happy little chuff of surprise. She gave a small roar of hello, it echoing around the castle. "My brother!" She said, somewhat stepping over the Queen with ease.

Caramina had been quite excited to introduce Imperia to Vortex; how would they react when they met each other? Hopefully they'd make good friends; then they could be one big family, she supposed, a small smile making its way onto her maw. And as for Rihz, there should be no introductions needed; after all, he knew Vortex already. But when she saw Sonus, who seemed to not notice her as she went to greet Rihzome and Imperia, she muttered something about interrupting Sonus and Imperia before slipping off to join Vortex. His mask was in place as usual, and looked shiny, as if he had bothered to polish and clean it. She put her wings around him in a hug, murmuring, "How have you been, Vortex~?" When she pulled back, humming a soft tune, she gave him a shy smile, then turned her attention back to Imperia and Rihzome. "I'm glad you could come; it'd be quite boring otherwise. Imperia and Rihzome seem...busy."

Vortex didn't have to wait long, as he was quickly greeted by Caramina. She looked as beautiful as ever, if not more so. Of course, he had not bothered to polish his mask, but the light drizzle outside of the palace did it for him anyways. As she pulled him into a hug, he was prompted to return it but she withdrew quicker than he could return the embrace. He let a small smile touch his maw as he replied, "I've been lovely." He wasn't being entirely truthful, but he was mostly being honest, as the time he had spent with the Vuari was actually not that bad, (Save for the mind-boggling amount of tunnels he had to try not to lose Fate in). Nodding slightly as she indicated to the two, only one of which he knew, it only took a few ticks in his mind to link the name 'Imperia' and the dragoness Rihzome was speaking with. However, he had no clue who the large wyvern was. Shaking his head and turning his attention back to Caramina, he smiled more warmly. "How have you been holding up? I've missed you..."

Imperia rubbed her back fondly over Sonus' chest as the larger dragoness stepped over her, then she noticed that Caramina hadn't come with them and was instead speaking to the masked dragon.
Her interest immediately perked Imperia lowered her body, her tail waving fondly to Rihzome and Sonus to let them know she was leaving them to it for now. She weaved through the crowd, passing right in front of a well presented rouge with stylish gold braces and handsome silver on his horns.

She looked around the room for other dragons, the event was still barely beginning, but she had been wondering if there would be many dragons from other tribes attending. Ki'Shan dragons would probably need their queen's permission, but it was certainly worth hoping for. Lakara dragons were very unlikely, but they did have a river and rainforest so it was always possible. She was sure the Xoyan dragons would have sent a spy at the very least, maybe one of the dragons who she thought was a Stormcaller was in fact an agent. But no matter if they were, even the most obvious of spies were welcome here.
She was also looking forwards to seeing if any Vuari dragons showed up, she personally had always felt a sort of kinship with her fellow wind dragons and that tribe was full of them.

A few moments later she'd slinked her way over to Caramina and the other dragon. She rose back to her normal, although still not very high, height and smiled brightly at the pair of them.
"Hello again, Cara. And I presume that I'm speaking to Vortex? My name is Imperia and I'm delighted to meet you." She ran a curious gaze over his body, admiring his mask too. He was unusual, but he looked pretty good and he seemed friendly enough.

Quietly chuckling at Imperia, his head shaking slowly, Rihzome wrapped a wing over his Queen, holding her close, in a gesture that was both protective and affectionate. Striding for the door, he was pleasantly surprised to be greeted by Caramina, and gave her a quick, tight hug, before returning to chaperone Imperia. "Of course, it would be my pleasure." He replied, lazily strolling with Imperia behind the only slightly smaller silver scaled dragoness.

Enjoying the scenery, as always, although slightly perturbed by the vastly muted sounds of storming as they walked, his face broke into a wide smile as he heard an all-too-familiar roar. Tempted to reply with one of his own, he was beaten to the punch by Imperia, who rushed out and threw herself at Sonus, snuggling the much large female. Shaking his head, beaming towards them, he turned his attention to Caramina and Vortex for just long enough to smile towards them, before focusing on two newcomers, both of whom landed in quite a synchronised display. Striding towards them, he smiled, mainly towards Tsidia, turning it to her companion for but a moment as well. "Tsidia." He purred, sweeping a wing forwards, bowing and inclining her head to her. "A pleasure to see you. And that extends to you as well… Harry, was it?" He seemed to both state and question. Straightening, he waved dismissively to the guard, who nodded, leaving them, taking up post away from them. "It's been much too long since I've seen you Tsidia." He said softly, cocking his head, lifting a paw before letting it fall. "How is your neck faring? Healing up yet?" He asked, ignoring the mimic she had placed over it, knowing what really was there. "I could have a look at if you wish. Our healers would be more than pleased to tend to any wound you have." He told her, before perking up as he felt a very familiar mind.  

Twisting his head around, he searched through the crowd, until finding him. "Sagramour!" He called, loud enough for him to hear, but not as loud as he could. "Come and join us!" He told him, gesturing over, before turning back and smiling to Harry and Tsidia. "It seems that all of my rather rare friends are turning up today…" He chuckled, even as his head twisted again, towards Sonus. "Dear sister!" He replied, smiling to her, and gesturing her over as well, unwilling to abandon Tisidia right now.

"Yes, and it's good to finally see you. Tsidia talked a lot about you recently." Harry said, and looked up, smiling at probably the most formal sentence he prepared for this day. Meanwhile Tsidia lowered her guard, both physically and mentally. She almost flooded Rihzome with her thoughts and feelings, relieved to find someone capable of responding to her presence. "I missed you too." Her response was enriched by a soft blush hearing Harry talking, but she knew how to hide it well. They both chuckled, looking as he constantly turned and exclaimed to greet others he knew. "It heals ever so slowly, but don't bring it up in public. I wouldn't risk leaving Harry alone for more than a few minutes." Tsidia explained, and gently wrapped her tail around Rihzome, pulling him close enough for her to hug him briefly, enough to satisfy her need for physical contact. Harry watched intently, laughing internally, almost feeling sorry for all the traffic heading towards Rihzome, key word being "almost" here. He created a small string, less than millimeter wide, transparent of neutrality, and extended it towards Rihzome's head, pushing out a single line of "I can do that too", before breaking connection.

Caramina smiled, a slight blush rising to her cheeks. "I'm doing fine.
I have a book - two books, actually - that I want to show you, though. It's in the library, and it's about the different types of constellations in the sky. And there's another one I found, about a masked black dragon who hunted down criminals and sent them to the Leader. It's a really interesting book, I'm sure you'll like them." Then she paused. "However, going now would be rude, especially if Rihzome or Imperia sees us doing so. It might leave the wrong impression, and besides, food is about the be served! We can't miss it." She turned her gaze towards the crowd of dragons in the middle, consisting of Sonus, Rihzome, Imperia, a rogue, and two other dragons that she saw frequently but did not actually take notice of. Imperia suddenly broke off and moved towards them, and Caramina greeted her enthusiastically, with a small wave of her wing. She did not say anything, instead dropped a 'hello' before watching them, letting them introduce themselves to each other.