From the Egg to the Stars (A Dragon Quest)

[X] "Gleep" and shake the finger
-[x] jump on to her arm and rush to the top of her head
--[x] when there gleep in triumph
 
Okay, cos it looks like the voting's dried up, it's your two hour warning!

Also, here's a picture of Queen Delia:

Born a commoner, Delia Thesali had always felt the call to battle and war. Tempered by a strong desire for justice, Delia joined the Linderin guard and working hard, rising through the ranks with speed and dedication. Appointed to the rank of sergeant at the age of 22, Delia continued to excel, taking part in several skirmishes with encroaching orc and barbarian tribes, as well as being part of the negotiations with the neighbouring country of Lenthar that ended in a lasting peace, rather than the ceaseless border skirmishes which had become the norm.

A captain by the age of 25, Delia was allowed to become the squire of the ailing Knight of Rushwater. Once more, Delia proved herself an excellent student, soldier, and eventually, a knight. It was at this point that she met the prince and heir apparent of Linderin, Markus. Initially, they disliked each other, as Markus had been sent to Rushwater in order to undergo knightly training of his own, and did not treat the training with the seriousness Delia did. However, they grew on each other, culminating in the Battle of Breakwater falls, where Delia saved Markus's life fighting a raiding beastlord tribe, and he saved her in turn. This wary respect grew into a long-lasting friendship. Upon completing their training, Markus had Delia transferred to the capital at her request so that they might continue to see each other, and their friendship eventually grew into a romance.

Despite her origins as a commoner, the ruling queen at the time, Katterin, allowed Markus to pursue a courtship, despite the protestations of her court. In order to quiet those who murmured their dissent, they allowed each of them to choose a champion to duel Delia one on one. Glad at the opportunity to prove herself in a field in which she excelled, Delia beat down all challengers, silencing any who would challenge their courtship.

And so it was that Delia Thesali grew from commoner to soldier, from soldier to Knight, and from knight, to Queen of Linderin and General of it's Armies. To date, Delia has had seven children by Markus, and even at the age of 48, has shown no signs of slowing down in her role as General, heading out on sorties with her warriors in order to keep the people and her family safe. Her second and third children, Alexis and Anton, take after Delia in build and skill, and are currently out on quest, though that are due to return within the next three months.
 
Inserted tally
Adhoc vote count started by Alphaleph on Nov 4, 2017 at 12:02 PM, finished with 28 posts and 21 votes.

  • [X] "Gleep" and shake the finger
    [X] "Gleep" and shake the finger
    - [X] As a distraction before you climb on her head!
    [x]Gleep
    -[x] jump on to her arm and rush to the top of her head
    --[x] when there gleep in triumph
    [X] "Gleep" and shake the finger
    -[x] jump on to her arm and rush to the top of her head
    --[x] when there gleep in triumph
    [X] The Garrison – Alaina says she wants you to meet her mother, and that she can normally be found drilling the men and women who make up Linderin's armies, making sure that they're capable of keeping the peace if something were to happen.
    [X] "Gleep" and shake the finger (not too hard)
    [X] Bite the finger.
    -[X] It is part of your hoard now.
 
Warriors and Wizards.
Yep, Delia's this kind of mother. Enjoy!

---

[X] "Gleep" and shake the finger

You extend your front claws to grasp the finger presented to you, and Delia smiles as you give it a shake up and down. You give her a cheery "Gleep!" and the smile grows into a grin.

"That's good to hear. I look forward to the point when you're able to share a proper conversation with me." Delia laughs slightly, as Alaina begins to recover herself more fully. "I must admit, I half expected you to try and climb onto my head like you did my dear husband." Delia's hand moves to the top of your head, and she gives you a scratch as you extend your head into her hand reflexively, purring.

"Markus didn't tell me quite how adorable you were though… Why didn't you bring him to see me earlier Ally?"

"Cathy wanted to see him, so we stayed inside yesterday." Alaina responds, having caught her breath fully by this point.

"Did she now? And how is my eldest daughter?" Delia asks, her gaze moving to Laurel now as she smirks, "After all, you seem to see her more than I do these days."

Laurel seems to catch something in those words, and blushes slightly as she replies, "she's doing well, your majesty. Neptune has piqued her curiosity, and she remains active."

Delia gives a small, knowing smile. "Of course he has. Cathy was always fascinated by dragons. I remember when she was just a girl, and she would beg me to read her the same stories night after night. Naturally, all of them had dragons in them, though none were quite as cute as you." She chuckles, "no… They were all either mighty, or wise. She must have been delighted when she heard."

Setting Alaina back on her feet, Delia absently pets her head while Laurel gently places you back onto her shoulder. Absently, you wrap your tail around Alaina's neck, holding you there loosely once more, as one of her hands comes up to lightly scratch your neck, making you purr.

"Even though you're not one of my soldiers, I'd welcome your visiting us here again. I could even help you grow stronger." Delia states, slightly more business-like now, as her soldiers seem to be reforming their ranks. "But for now, this sorry lot needs me." Delia jerks her head at her assembled troops, several of whom are staring at you with undisguised interest. "Now shoo. I've got recruits to whip into shape!"

As you're walking away, back across the courtyard and into the keep, the sound of Delia's voice draws your attention again. "And Laurel! Take good care of my daughters! Both of them!" Alaina starts to giggle as Laurel's face goes bright pink and she hides her face in one hand, ushering you and Alaina inside with the other.

---

Shortly after, you, Alaina and Laurel are moving through the keep once more. This time, however, you're heading towards the wizard's tower. You couldn't keep your interest contained when they explained to you what's actually there, and you're practically dancing on Alaina's shoulder as she climbs the stairs up through the keep, Laurel behind you both as she keeps a wary eye on you two.

"Magister Tannenbaum is fun sometimes, when he's not super busy. He's one of my teachers, but we normally do our lessons in the library, or in the gardens when it's sunny and he feels like his back's up to walking around and looking at plants and stuff." Alaina says, hunching over as she mimes an old man staggering about. "He's super old as well, and I've known him forever, so he's like a magic grandad." She leans in close and whispers the next part, "and he's got soooo many stories, apparently he knows everything, which means he probably knows about Laurel and Cathy too."

You feel Laurel's presence right behind you, almost chilling you to the bone before you hear her voice. "I can still hear you, you know." Her threat is implied, and Alaina smiles shakily, before mouthing "later" at you.

Continuing in silence now, you reach a part of the castle, which once again, you've never seen. But magic hangs in the air, dense, thick. You feel like you could almost reach out and touch it. But before you can, Alaina chirps from next to your ear.

"We're here!"

Before you is a plain looking wooden door. Or at least, it is to your mundane vision. To your magical senses, it is a riot of colour, layer after layer of magic woven together to form almost a tapestry of magecraft in the shape of a door. Alaina reaches out, and it opens before she can even touch it, allowing all three of you to enter before it slowly closes behind you once more.

Inside, the wizard's quarters are again a riot of wards and magic, but intermixed with drying herbs, brewing potions, and well-worn furniture. Books and scrolls of parchment are piled everywhere, most of them covered in the same spindly handwriting.

"Magister Tannenbaum?" Alaina calls out, and a dry, almost reedy voice replies

"Over here, child." You look to where the voice originates, and before you, seated in an overstuffed armchair with a book almost as large as their entire body, is a rather small person of extremely advanced age. Their face, what isn't hidden behind whispy white hair, or the pair of gold-rimmed spectacles perched delicately on his nose, is lined with age. His robes are simple, and well-cared for, and as he makes eye contact with Alaina, he smiles.

"And what brings you to my workshop this day? Have I forgotten about your lessons again?"

"That's next tenday, Magister Tannenbaum, I'm here because there's someone I'd like for you to meet."

"Oh? And who could that…" And then Magister Tannenbaum catches sight of you. "Oh my…" His voice stills with shock as Alaina steps closer, giving him a closer look at you. "In all my many years… I never thought I'd see…"

Magister Tannenbaum offers one aged hand, palm open, for you to climb on. Alaina looks at you questioningly, as if asking you what to do. Laurel remains by the door, her face a frown of intense thought.

---

How do you react?

[ ] Write-in

I will exercise full veto-power over any votes which I think are out of character or inappropriate. I will also become annoyed if it keeps happening. You have been warned.
 
[X] Gleep! And jump towards him, but miss, because he is so short.
 
He offered his hand! The gleepinging is at hand!

[X] Gleep! and Lick his palm. Then climb on.
-[X] Prepare the ascent to his head where we shall unleash a mighty(not really) gleep!
 
[x] Hop on his hand. Preen and pose for him as he examines you, though don't hesitate to nip at him if he gets a bit handsy.
 
"I must admit, I half expected you to try and climb onto my head like you did my dear husband."

...

I will exercise full veto-power over any votes which I think are out of character or inappropriate. I will also become annoyed if it keeps happening. You have been warned.

Wait, is this you telling us that we have to jump on his head or suffer your displeasure?
 
[X] Gleep! Then climb on.

Well, I suggest climbing to his head, but he's short and the only shiny thing in his head is his glasses. You don't mess with a wizard's glasses.
 
[X] Gleep! and Lick his palm. Then climb on.
-[X] Prepare the ascent to his head where we shall unleash amighty(not really) gleep!

Let's be honest, we shall sit upon all the heads!

...except the queen. She deserves respect.
 
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