Blackheart

Second Wind

Paul stepped out into the Citadel and motioned for the pair following him to go ahead.

Andric and Fianna climbed out of the sewers and into the "Citadel" as it was called.

In truth, it was more like an encampment than anything else, with tents, lean-tos and tiny wooden shacks just big enough for someone to lie in, but the paladin could see why the survivors had taken to calling it by such a name.

In the midst of death and terror, this was a sanctuary, a home. A bastion of life, deep in enemy territory. It was a safe place, but with that happiness came fear, that it was the last one left.

What truly caught Andric's attention however, was the massive figure in the middle of the hub. Above the hovels and tents, a great beast lay among the rest, rising high above them all through size alone.

A dragon, with rich red scales. The beast seemed to be resting, in this underground base of all places. How bizarre...

Andric had met plenty of dragons throughout his lengthy career of keeping the peace in Geralthin. This one appeared to have just only reached maturity, its life as an adult just barely having begun. He judged the dragon would be growing in size for quite some time. Someday, it would no longer be able to fit through the large hole above it...without making its own, anyway.

"Well, I'd better catch up with the rest of them. Go ahead and settle down if you want. See you around."

Paul moved back into the sewer smoothly, scurrying off into the dark before either could object.

The paladin took off his helmet and placed it atop a large, wooden box next to a pile of bags and barrels near the entrance. He decided protection wasn't necessary at the moment, as with a place this dark, limiting his vision at all hindered him greatly.

Andric looked over to the crowds of people going about their business, all seeming to pause and stare at him as he lead Fianna into the camp.

A few whispered as he passed, eyes locked on him. Mutterings of "human" could be heard.

Well, it made sense, in a way. Humans were a rare commodity in the city of beasts.

Fianna looked around somewhat fearfully, sticking close to Andric as the people stared at them.

Folks from the wolfmen of the far north, to the lizards from the sands of the southern island graced the camp. Andric approached the first armored figure he saw, deciding they were likely a guard or soldier before this all started. There were a few around, likely organizing this group of surviving citizens.

The one he approached was a reptilian, armored in chainmail and wearing a tabard with the crest of Palethorn on it. Andric had seen it before during his many visits to the city to check up on how Senci was doing. It was the suit of a guard, no doubt.

"Excuse me."

"Yes?" the reptilian looked as though she was getting on in years. While not as old as Andric, she was not a young woman, to be certain. The way she carried herself seemed to imply she had been a soldier at some point. The squared shoulders. The sharp eyes locking on the pair. The straightened back and professional attitude.

"Hello, I haven't been here before, and I was wondering if you might offer refuge to my friend here? She has been through quite a lot..."

"Indeed, you haven't been here," the reptilian answered, "Only a few humans ever have been. Who is this?"

"Well, I've only just arrived, and I found her out in the streets. This is Fianna."

"Hello," the koutu offered shyly, still standing behind Andric.