[Benathorn]

Māor

Owner: Bast-et
Gender: Male
Breedable: Yes
Type: Jade Elkrin

Treasure of the Isles
The Oriental Isles are famed for the Jade Palaces and beautiful culture, but what is truly beautiful are the secrets held within this place. The Jade Palace holds within it's walls a vast secret garden that harbors many ancient and thought to be lost creatures from Eldemore. The Royal Empire here prides themselves on the care and respect they give to their magical beasts but none more so than the fabled Jade Elkrin. They are said to be graceful in appearance and will only accept a rider from royal oriental blood and no other. The Decedents of the Jade Palace have bonded with these creatures for hundreds of years and they still continue to do so till this day. Their beautiful scales decorate their hide in various hues ranging from a shimmering bronze to blackened ebony. A Jade Elkrin's scales are one of the most prized gifts in the world and their beauty has no match. The Emperors and Empresses that live in the palace have small jewelry and sashes adorned with the scaled ornaments, proclaiming their right to rule and signifying their bond with the deer. When a prince or princess comes of age in the Jade Palace they are sent into the Secret Gardens to be judged by the Jade Elkrin. If they are accepted they will receive a scale from their new mount, the highest of honors that can be given. But, if they are rejected, then it means the young human is not fit to rule and is cast out from the gardens, shamed. Only the pure of heart and sound of mind will be accepted to rule at the Jade Palace, but first, each ruler must be accepted by the Jades. For they are one of the few creatures who can judge a man's true worth.

[Flowerdust]

Dropping out I sadly can't find the time

[zacherie]

Wow, he is amazing! <3

:Form:

Name:

Taelin
(Meaning "way within, inner path")

Breedable:

Yes

Short Story:

The boy gazed up at his father. “Daddy,” he asked, “do you think I will become a good Emperor when I grow up?” The Emperor only smiled and ruffled his hair. “Of course,” he said. “Of course…” The boy grinned and wandered off, tagging along with his other siblings, who had gone without him during the time he went to ask his father that question. The Emperor sighed, chuckling to himself. Then, a distressed frown crossed his face. He walked over to a chair and slumped in the chair. A few minutes later, his wife came along, greeting her children that were passing by before walking up to greet her husband. She smiled at first, but when she saw his distressed face, she frowned.
“What’s wrong?” she asked, laying a hand on his shoulder. He sighed and shook his head.
“The prophecy… I don’t understand,” he said, rubbing his temples. “The oracle told us…the prophecy… I don’t know how it is going to work out. A Lost Princess? Is that even possible? How would…” he trailed off.
She lifted his chin up and looked at him in the eye. “It’s okay,” she said gently. “You have enough things to worry about. You do not need to have the issue of a prophecy clouding your judgment.” She helped him up and gave him a tight hug.
“Now don’t you fret. Now, let’s get you some rest. You have more important things to think about at the moment," she said. "I think you'll be fine with a bit of tea. Servant!" she called out. Almost immediately, a small girl popped out of nowhere. She was about nine, with hair that strained against the hairband that kept it down.
"Ah, so it is the little Anathasia, the new servant!" she exclaimed, cupping her hands together. "Seems like you popped up very quickly! But anyway! Would you like to fetch us some tea?"
"Of course," Anathasia replied with a smile. She hurried off to grab some herbal tea.
Lost Princesses seem cool, she thought as she walked off.
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
A few years had passed since Anathasia overheard the conversation. The Emperor and Empress had long since forgotten about the conversation, instead concentrating for the last few days on getting his eldest son prepared for his coming-of-age ceremony.
The Emperor fixed the last accessory on his son and beamed at the boy. "My son, already going through his coming-of-age ceremony!" he boomed, patting his son on the back. He saw a bead of sweat on his son's forehead and wiped it off.
"Father, that was unnecessary," he laughed nervously. The Emperor smiled apologetically and gave the boy a small hug.
"Don't you worry," he said,"follow your heart and your feet will guide you through the Gardens. I trust you."
The son coughed and ran his hand though his hair. "Th-thanks, Father," he mumbled.
Anathasia stood behind the father and son, playing with her collar. As she was a good and loyal servant of the family for the last approximately eight years of her life since she was nine, they decided it might be nice for her to accompany him to the gate of the Gardens. Which she happily agreed to take on.
The son waved a shy farewell to his father. His father smiled in return. But there was one more reason why he was smiling that time.

"Maybe," the Emperor whispered under his breath, "she is the Lost Princess."
"Bah. Or maybe I'm just getting old."
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
Anathasia, as well as some distinguished members of the Palace, accompanied the son to the Secret Gardens. He seemed eerily quiet, and so she tried sparking up a conversation.
"The coming-of-age ceremony seems pretty interesting."
"Yeah."
"Nervous?"
"Yeah."
"Ah."
She didn't have to ask. His eye-darting, sweating, and the constant running his fingers though his hair said it all. She composed herself and cleared her throat. He looked at her in question.
"I know you'll be good out there," she said, offering him a small smile. He shrugged his shoulders and concentrated on the walk. Anathasia frowned a bit, and like him, concentrated on the road.
Soon, they came across stepping stones. A graceful arch loomed above them, leading the way into the Gardens, almost as if daring anyone to come toward it.
The son looked at the arch that separated the Garden and the outside world. He gave us a small wave and with hesitation in his step, walked into the Garden. Anathasia tried to peek into the Gardens, when an official grabbed her by the shoulders and commanded her to stop.
"After all, you are only a servant!" he exclaimed, his laughter booming across the empty field before the arch in front of the Garden. The others roared with laughter along with him, slapping their knees and holding onto each other for support.
Anathasia sniffled and crossed her arms. “Might as well stand here and wait for the Prince to come out, right?” The officials, still in a laughing-coughing fit waved her off. “Whatever you say,” one of them wheezed. The group hobbled away from the entrance of the Gardens. Anathasia shrugged, assuming that was a yes.
For the longest time of about five minutes, she stood outside. However, the gentle breeze that came from the Secret Gardens beckoned her to look into the Garden.
“They told me I couldn’t enter anyway,” Anathasia said, trying to deter herself from looking.
But… She just had to. Something in there was beckoning her.

So she stepped into the Garden. Immediately, a rush of adrenaline coursed through her. “So far, I’m good,” she whispered, placing one foot in front of the other. A small rustle in the bushes startled her, but it was only a bunny that emerged. She sighed, putting a hand above her fluttering heart.
She took a few more careful steps, and when nothing came at her, she paused. And she started to laugh. Ha! She was in the Gardens! Never before had she felt so alive, or so…at home. She shook off the feeling. It seemed so foreign.
Suddenly, she stumbled upon the Prince and what looked like the legendary creature they called an Elkrin. “Wow,” she whispered under her breath. The blue scales on the Elkrin were illuminating its surroundings. It was almost spellbinding. However, the Prince didn’t seem in awe at all. More like, devastated. He cringed as the Elkrin snorted and swished his tail. Curious, but wary, she edged her way toward them. The Prince fought back tears and made a dash for the exit out of the Garden. He accidentally bumped into her, and she squeaked as she tumbled directly in front of the Elkrin.
The Elkrin snorted in surprise, and then leaned in as he sniffed her. A mind began to press up against her consciousness.
You don’t seem like a Princess, now are you? it said. Anathasia sniffled and looked up at the Elkrin.
“I don’t mean any harm, I’m sorry, I shouldn’t have come—“ she said before being cut off by the Elkrin.
Wait…[i] he said, scrutinizing her. [i]I don’t suppose you are the daughter of—!
His eyes widened and stomped the ground.
You’re… You’re the Lost Princess the oracle has told us about! he exclaimed.
Anathasia’s head was whirling around in confusion. “Umm, excuse me, sorry,” she said, “but I’m afraid you might have this all wrong. I am not a princess,” she explained, “but just a servant.”
The Elkrin shook his head. I don’t think you understand. Let me explain, he said, his voice soothing. There once was an Emperor. He had four children. However, when it was time for them all to go through the coming-of-age ceremony, one of them did not pass. And because of that, he was banished from the Gardens and from the Palace, sentenced to live with the common folk for the rest of his days. But he had found the fault of his old ways after he had been banished. It was too late to return now, so he had settled down and started a family. So in this way, he passed on his royal bloodline. A few generations later, a daughter had been sent to the Palace in hopes of her having a good life that her family never had. Who knew, he said, that the great-great granddaughter of the banished Prince would come into the Secret Gardens once again? The Lost Princess has returned.
"So, you are saying I am that daughter?" Anathasia asked, remembering remnants of a long-forgotten conversation. Yes, the Elkrin replied, nodding.
You have a kind and innocent heart. You are compassionate. And you were raised around good influences, the Elkrin said, smiling.
"Yes, but so was the Prince that had just left. Why did you turn him down?" Anathasia asked. The Elkrin gave her a sad smile.
Yes, he had all of those things. But what he didn't have was confidence. You, on the other hand, are always confident. Which is one thing a good leader must have.
The Elkrin then lowered his head to pick a scale right where his heart was and offered it to Anathasia.
"What's this?"
I have chosen you. And you will be the next Empress, he said, nuzzling her.
"Thank you... Taelin."

And we had been together ever since.

[.sweetypie.]

This guy is absolutely gorgeous!
He needs a name fit for a god o.o
I'm dropping, out, I can't compete with you Diddle <\3

[Diddlebug]

Wow he is Stunning!!

:Form:

Name:

Xidorn
This name means "Truth Seeker," because he finds the truth in someone's abilities and heart.

Breedable:

Yes, but I'd be very picky.

Short Story:

I entered the enclosure through the magnificent temple door, and it stood with an air of great patience and wisdom. It watched me with mysterious eyes that dug deeply into my soul. I wearily approached with light steps, nervous for the moments that lie ahead. This one sliver of time would determine what would come of me; my life actually depended on this Elkrin's decision. I needed to seem, to be, worthy of the stature of a king. I kneeled before the great Jade stag and kept my eyes focused downward. He pawed the earth beneath him and I brought up my face, just to become enthralled by deep, all-seeing golden eyes and shimmering scales of ocean blue. His pupils stated strait back into mine, intertwining its black tendrils around my soul, sifting through its contents. My body refused to respond, rendering me incapacitated, not that I wanted to move; his ferocious beauty was too captivating. The creature blinked quickly, severing the mental connection between us instantly. I couldn't believe it; he had rejected me.

I turned to leave, a single tear rolling down my cheek. It was a devastating feeling, as if my whole being was quickly falling apart. I took a wobbly step and fell, a sudden weakness overflowing me. I felt something touch my shoulder, and turned slowly to see the great beast's head resting on my shoulder. I attempted to stifle back my hopeful cry, but only suppressing it to a moan. I felt a rush of tingles beginning to flow through my body from the point of contact, electrifying my every sense. I began to see the lush forest around me in a new way, almost through different eyes. Colors ran rampant through my mind, bombarding my thoughts with their vibrance. I could hear every sound the creatures around me made, my hearing seemed to reach for miles. I could smell the sweet fruits and flowers all at once, even the ones hidden from my exquisite sight. I gripped the roots beneath me to keep my head from spinning, but I couldn't feel them in my hands through the tingling. My taste buds were in a mad frenzy, working just as well as my nose did in basking in all the beautiful tastes in the air. The Jade Elkrin pulled away and I began to gasp desperately for air, and after each breath I began to quickly return to normal, my senses stabilizing one-by-one. You may not be worthy, I felt a deep voice reverberate inside my skull. but you will be.

"I..." I couldn't find words that would fit the moment, and gibberish just continued to pour awkwardly off my tongue. Stop. I felt the strong voice in my head again, and fell silent. It wasn't like hearing a voice in your head, but rather the feeling of a huge thud forming words in your mind as it rattled your brain. I managed to think of something to ask, and tried to form the words to speak to the great Elkrin before me. You do not have to speak, I created a partial connection between our minds. We can hear each others direct thoughts; but not minds, we are not fully bonded. I suppressed my reply to a quick confirming thought. I had at first deemed you fit for the throne, but during the bonding process, I realized your major flaws; but I was indeed too late. We are now partially bonded, but I refuse to finish the task until you learn your duties and become a proper heir. I was completely overwhelmed, scarcely aware of my surroundings, my senses beginning to numb. Yet I still felt his mighty voice in my mind, and willed myself to focus, scared to miss something important.

He had felt me wonder off, and paused before continuing his thought. Moments ago, I have you a glimpse of what your senses will be when and if we become bonded, and I hope they were to your satisfaction? I could sense that he was patronizing me, and quickly retorted. Yes, of course. They are the senses you hold, are they not? I felt an abrasive edge come to his voice in his rebuttal. Ah, but they will be yours if you learn to be more respectful. I suddenly felt ashamed for speaking so rudely, all the blood rushing to my face. He was only trying to help me. I muttered a sincere apology and looked down at my hands, beginning to pick anxiously at my nails. Congratulations, you have just learned your first lesson, you have learned to properly apologize. I felt the warmth in his voice, and knew he was being honest. That wasn't so hard. He then smiled down on me. But their are many more to come youngling.

I stood quickly, eager for the task that lay ahead. Come, let us walk. Walking? What would that help? You seem to be forgetting I can hear your conscious thoughts, even though you aren't directing them towards me. You will definitely need to become more respectful. My cheeks reddened and I took a deep breath. I apologize for my rudeness, sir. A small smile slipped his mouth up his face, and I felt his tail on my back as he nudged me along. Now we'll just have to make a habit out of that. I huffed a small sigh and picked up my head, moving along at a quicker pace in order to keep up. Good. I didn't know what he was speaking of, but he didn't seem to mind. What is your name, great Jade? I received the name Akihiko from my parental figures, it means 'bright prince'. Surely you have one as well! He looked up into the large canopy and gave to it a heavy sigh. I have yet to receive a name, I was taken from my birth parents at a young age from the wild to be brought up here, in this enclosure. I didn't know what to say or think, it was a terrible thing to grow up on your own without a name. It's alright, do not worry yourself young child, it is not at all your burden to carry. I still felt pain for him, and my chin fell to my chest in misery.

A large insect suddenly sprung out from a bush I had just left behind. It was about the size of my index finger, shining black with vicious fangs. I readied my foot to bring it down on the creature, but fell backwards gasping in pain instead; the Elkrin had just stomped on my foot for no apparent reason. Not all creatures are as they seem, the only truly evil things are some humans themselves. He bowed his head and breathed a warm, fragrant breath onto the creature, and dark, black whisps began to seep from it's back. They no sooner formed iridescent wings and began to lift the creature into the air towards the shadows once more. That's a Cerulean butterfly, correct? He watched as the butterfly drifted into the darkness. Yes, but you should know every creature, and its stages as well. The butterflies are an important part of the ecosystem, what would happen if you came blundering in here and stomped on all of them? I thought for a moment. Yes, that's correct, the ecosystem would fall out of balance. You're going to have to get used to mind communication, be more quick-witted and intelligent. I smiled and laid my hand gently on his broad shoulder, feeling a twinge of electricity run through me, and I quickly retreated. You are either very brave, or not bright at all; I have my opinion, but I hope you show me otherwise.

The forest was beginning to seem trite, contrary to its first dazzling appearance. We came to a large clearing, and my opinion quickly changed. A small body of water stretched across the small expanse, and flowers were strewn delicately across the plush grass, all vibrant hues of the rainbow. Two Elkrin, a doe and a stag, struggled frightfully on the shore, and I quickly saw why. A few feet into the water was a small fawn, gripped tightly by vicious tendrils that must have been vines. I sprinted over to them, but slowed upon my approach. The parents looked at me with pleading eyes, and I jumped into the water without a second thought. I felt something wrap tightly around my ankles almost instantly, and I began to struggle, only for them to tighten. I gripped the fawn to keep her from going under, and held on without squeezing her. I saw the doe gently pulled off one of her mate's scales, and tossed it to me from between clenched teeth. It stuck to the water's surface, and I quickly grabbed it and began to cut through the vines intertwined with the small body that lay limp before me. I pulled her free and pushed her towards shore, and she floated over to the beach before being dragged out by her parents. I felt a sudden pull and I was underwater, gripping desperately for the air just above me. The vines wrapped around my throat, and I grappled with them uselessly as they quickly cut off my remaining air. I attempted to squirm free, but they held tight and fast, only getting tighter as I moved. All my energy dwindled, and I ceased to move. I saw a few small bubbles drift up from my lips, and my eyes slid shut as I was quickly dragged downward. I hit the bottom, and everything went black.

My eyes flew open, and I was utterly unaware of my surroundings; until I tried to take a breath. Runes swarmed me, looking for the most opportune place to start their meal. I screamed with little air, and began to feel energy coursing through my veins, willing me to fight. The scale was still gripped tightly in my hand, it had sliced my palm and four of my fingers. I used it to saw through the vines around me, and I pushed off towards the light above. I broke the surface gasping, and paddled quickly to what seemed to be the shore. I dragged onto land, and the feeling intensified. It began to sear my body, and I screeched in pain, it got worse, and I moaned from the agony. The feeling ever so slowly melted away, and tears slipped down my cheeks as I whimpered, curled into a ball. My stag rushed up, and once again I could see and hear him with extraordinary detail, but it was no longer all jumbled, I could distinguish him from the rest. Are you alright?! he nuzzled my chest, and I rolled over, coughing up water. Yes, I'm fine. My lungs sputtered, and I turned around onto my back again. What happened? I felt woozy, and my head began to spin when I looked down and saw blood rushing up my arm. You saved the fawn, but were dragged under. I felt your mind detach, and I finished the bond in mere moments to save your life. That's what pained you, and I'm sorry to put you through so much. I slowly began to sit up, but the stag gently eased me back down. You didn't have to save me, you could have just let me die and had been free from the bond. He smiled and lay down behind me, allowing me something to lean against. Ah, but why would I do that if you were worthy to be the next king?

This great stag was close after named Xidorn, for shortly after our bonding, we revisited his place of birth and allowed his parents to decide. Shortly after receiving his name, the stag adorned me with a necklace holding two scales, one blue that belonged to him, and one green, which was a gift from the father of the fawn I had saved. This Elkrin taught me things I never knew. He opened my eyes to the world I had no idea existed and I learned what it was like to be something other than a prince. We would rule together, as one.

Art:
-Xidorn and Akihiko-


-Xidorn-

[Bast-et]

These two are amazing Thorn <3

:Form:

Name:

Māor

Breedable:

Yes, for sure <3

Short Story:

She shouldn't have worn her leather armor. The sun pounded on them like they were ants under a magnifying glass, and for the thousandth time, Joan wished she hadn't been forbidden to cut her flaming- almost literally in the heat- red hair. 
"We must keep appearances, dearie" Joan mimicked the queen, and Alana snorted with laughter. And then all too soon, they had reached the castle.
One of the Queen's courtiers met them inside the gate and led the pair through the echoing hallways to the throne room where the royals held court. The grand doors opened to reveal the King lazily lounging on his chair while the Queen lectured her son with wildly gesturing arms. A polite cough from the courtier informed her of their presence, and she turned mid sentence with a plastered smile upon her face.
"Admiral Arc! As you can see, the prince is all ready to go! Just waiting on you, dear."
Joan fought to keep from grinding her teeth- "dear" was not a proper term to address an officer of her rank, but the Queen chose the term over the title at every opportunity. Joan glanced at the Prince. It was clear that he wasn't prepared to travel in any case.
"Your Highness," she inclined her head, "you may be more comfortable in light riding clothes than full armor..."
"Yes, yes, of course. Mother just wished to see how this particular suit fit me."
The Queen's mouth opened, clearly to inform Joan this was not true, but she closed it at the look on her son's face.
"Ill met you in the courtyard" he told Joan "Mother, Father" he acknowledged before turning and exiting the room.
Joan looked to the royals in askance.
"Well? Don't keep him waiting."
Joan bowed, and followed the courtier out.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Prince James arrived at the courtyard to find Admiral Arc finishing tacking a giant red war horse. It was contently resting it's thick head on the Admiral's shoulder as she checked his girth, but as James came closer the beast eyed him like it hadn't been fed for a week.
"Oh good, you're ready." Admiral Arc said absently as she straightened the horses brow band. "Mount up."
"That... Horse... Doesn't have a bit." he pointed out.
"We're building trust!" the Admiral said brightly.
"Not mine." he muttered. She snorted,
"He hasn't killed anyone in awhile, you'll be fine. Worth five armed soldiers in a fight, and I have orders to keep you safe. Besides, Sir Evil here hates bits. Better off without one. Promise."

And indeed, during the week to the port, Arc, Alana, and Evil successfully and easily repulsed a band of robbers that accosted them on the trip. And while Sir Evil did seem to take perverse pleasure in walking James through bushes and tree branches, he never did any real harm. And so they arrived at port safely and a day early. Luckily, as the sea journey was extended by several days due to getting becalmed. But when the wind finally carried them to port- in the Oriental Isles- a honor guard was waiting to bring the James to their secret gardens where, if he was worthy, he may be one of the lucky few to be rider to a Jade Elkrin, the traditional mounts to the emperors of the Jade Isles. He remembered his mother sitting with him and detailing his lineage... all the way back to the royal family of the Oriental Isles where she grew up. His mother fairly detested her arranged marriage and the lands she now ruled. All her hopes were pinned on James. If he proved himself worthy, the two kingdoms would be combined, and she could return to her childhood home. And her son would learn his heritage, in the lands of his ancestors. The time was now; his 21st birthday and coming of age was one day away, and his one chance to free them from their current position rested with the magestic Elkrin's decision.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Yuri ran happily through his father's special sanctuary- the expansive and secret garden hidden at the heart of the immense Jade Palace. Although he was only permitted one hour each day in the garden, Yuri felt it was here he truly had grown up. The other hours of the day- sleeping, lessons, eating, ruling- that was just waiting. In here was where he lived. Here he reverted back into the child he'd been the first day his father had shown him this wild place full of ancient wonders and divine creatures. It was here he honored his father's memory each day. He slowed and came to the most special place in the entire garden. His father's grave, a solid marble likeness, carved by the best sculptor of the Isles, and in it's hand the gleaming green scale of his own Jade Elkrin. Here Yuri usually spent the first half of his hour before leaving to wander the garden and clear his mind of the worries of the kingdom. But today he stayed, and fell into a meditative rest. 

"Yuri! I knew I'd find you here."
He woke to find his sister's dark eyes peering at him.
"You were supposed to be back thirty minutes ago! You need to clean up and get dressed! We have a very important event tonight you know." she raised one thin eyebrow and smirked, "You know, your twenty-first birthday celebration."

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Inside the garden, Māor watched as the young prince left the grave site of his father. Just as he had been watching over the boy since he first entered the garden with shining eyes and wonder. He had been hoping the boy would grow into the leader Māor had been waiting for. But while the boy had a bright mind, and an honest heart, he lacked the intensity that marked a great leader. And so when the emperor passed,  Māor regretfully stopped watching the boy. He already loved him, had seen him grow... But Māor had a duty to choose the next emperor, and Yuri was not that person. Māor resigned himself to further waiting.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

James was led to the Jade Palace through streets of vivid color and bustling crowds. Some paused to take note of the foreigner and her Elkrin, but few noticed Prince James. He was pleased to note that he blended in with the Isle inhabitants. The Palace itself watched over the Isle from a high perch, and appeared a jeweled bird with gem colors and sweeping architecture. It only grew more impressive as they drew closer, and even Sir Evil appeared slightly humbled. 
And soon they arrived.

Washed, scrubbed, and clothed in scrumptious silks, James was led to the formal dining hall of the Palace. Outside the door, he found Joan (they had grown closer during the trip, and her title sounded awkward now), dressed for the first time in very feminine robes, and her long red hair loose. 
"I feel like a stuffed turkey."
James couldn't help but chuckle a bit, and Joan smiled with him.
"There, I got you to laugh! You've been a bit withdrawn since we've arrived. What's worrying you?"
And all his concerns returned. 
"So much rests on this... My mother..." here Joan made a face but he continued, "the kingdom, my honor. And a potential life friend if I am worthy. I don't even know what is expected of me!"
Joan laid a hand on his arm.
"You'll be fine. As far as it's been explained to me, there with be a small formal dinner for you to celebrate your coming-of-age. Tonight you will sleep in a garden while I sleep in a comfy bed, and your dreams will be judged by the Jade Elkrin. Should you be deemed worthy, one will choose you for it's rider. And, if you are the one destined to be emperor, a certain Elkrin will choose you, and the rest of the day will be filled with celebrations and such."
"Sounds easy." he replied weakly.
They entered the dining hall.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Joan couldn't help but be amused by the situation. James and Prince Yuri shared the head of the table. Both had known of the other, but neither had recognized the significance of the other's existence. Or their shared birthday. They sat stiffly, eating little, and being careful not to brush elbows as they lifted chopsticks to their lips. Occasionally one would glance at the other, catch the other glancing at him, and then both would hurriedly look away. It was comical- and tense. All Joan could conclude was that she desperately wanted James to be found worthy. 
He has a good heart Alana whispered in her mind.
That he does.
And so concluded dinner.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Yuri eyed Prince James. Neither had spoken during dinner, and so they knew nothing of each other except they were rivals in this now. They were escorted to the door with great ceremony, and let inside. Behind them, the thick lock clicked closed. 
"So..." Prince James spoke for the first time, his voice trailing off. The man was watching the forest with awe as firelight flies flickered and mushrooms along the ground began to glow in soft hues.
"We must sleep." Yuri told him.
"Sleep? But it's so beautiful!" he took several steps towards the woods and then stopped. Prince James turned and gave Yuri a short bow, "I will meet you once more in the morning. It was nice to meet you cousin."
Yuri returned the bow, and the two young men parted ways.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

The two men were asleep. Yuri had chosen his father's gravesite, while James had finally sunk from exhaustion in a thick grove of trees. Dreams came to them, heavy and dark, full of hate, issues, and betrayal to test each men's resolve. The Elkrin watched, deep murmurs as the men's subconscious core revealed itself to them. James proved to be a man of many talents and levels of understanding. He had an organized mind, and a clear way of thinking, even when the dreams became convoluted. The Elkrin observed his strong body and will, and were pleased. 
Yuri was a surprise to Māor. It seemed that the sadness of his father's death had molded him into a stronger man, full of passion and intensity. He remained honest, hardworking, and the person Māor loved. And so his mind was decided.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Morning dawned in the garden and over the Isles, blue as the sea, and brilliant as dragon's flame. The men awoke at the same time, and retraced their steps to the entrance where they last saw one another. Dark rings under their eyes spoke of the restless night they had had, and each was quite as they pondered their visions. James was the first to see, and at his gasp Yuri's head jerked up. A small group of glittering Elkrin approached the two rivals, at their head a large stag, glittering an azure blue, and shining with golden hues. This stag dipped his head in acknowledgement of their trial. Then he passed over James to bow before Yuri. His wise eyes shone with love, and with tender delicateness, he nudged Yuri. Toward the herd behind him. And then he plucked a single glittering scale and offered it to Prince James, the man whose golden qualities had proven themselves to the Jade Elkrin of the Oriental Isles.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

"That, of course, was years ago" Joan continued, "And everyone knows of the prosperous reign Emperor James has brought to the Isles these last four years. He and Māor share the closest of bonds, and James and Yuri, his advisor in all matters, are like brothers." Joan continued to regal her small group of rapt listeners. James smiled from where he and Māor stood behind a pillar. He'd better watch that woman or she'd start embellishing it until he was a saint. And he wasn't anywhere near perfect.
Just perfect for me Māor informed him quietly.


1998 words

[ElementStar]

And thus, the ember of inspiration now thrives as a flame....

:Form:

Name:

Tomb

Breedable:

Yes

Short Story:

Stolen Treasures
Told by Rose Rosardia, Zander Du'Mal, and Tomb's perspectives.
Rose will be bold, Zander will be normal, and Tomb will be italic.

"I will start off this story. Anyways, Rose had traveled with her friend, Amelia VanHeart, to a Jade Palace to learn about thee culture. Their visit was brought to an abrupt halt when Rose vanished... along with a blue Jade Elkrin."

"My head throbbed with pain and the world around me was blurred. I struggled to my feet only to fall down again. As the tears streaming from my eyes fused with the blood from my wounds, I stared at my attacker. A male Jade Elkrin, I had entered the Secret Gardens unknowingly and was being punished. I tried to crawl away but the Elkrin kicked me once more. I blocked my head and gained several deep bruises and scratches to my arms. I was about to receive another blow from the mighty beast when a shadow leaped over me and fought the Elkrin. It was... another Elkrin, a stunning blue male Jade Elkrin, my focusing eyes watched the two battle. I knew not why the blue Elkrin was defending me... yet."

I battled the one I called brother. He knew not what his actions would bring him, for I knew. I knew the truth of the human girl. One of a lost bloodline. My ancestors and their ancestors knew of a boy who was stolen from the palace as an infant. I fought back my brother and defended the girl, I knew she was the one I had chosen. She was my choice, and no Elkrin could stop me from protecting her. I met get eyes as I approuched her, her blue eyes appearing brighter with the reflection of my scales.

"I sent a was talking to Amelia over a global radio, top of the line. I didn't know what was happening, but Anelia suddenly screamed. A male Elkrin had stormed past her, nearly knocking her to the ground. I kept talking to Anelia to learn what happened, but there was something odd. Amelia, after she calmed down, made a notable remark. 'I don't know where Rose is.' and I became the one in need of calming. I rushed to the palace as soon as I could. However, the palace was an entire days travel from my location."

"I stared into the eyes of my protector. I was tempted to run, but I couldn't. I reached out one hesitant hand, and he pressed his forehead into my palm. I was at awe, a creature that mere moments ago was battle one of his own kind was now making peace with me. He beckoned me to walk with him, so I did. I wrapped my arms around his strong neck for support and, together, we left."

Together, we left the palace. She was growing weak so I began carrying her on my back, and as we passed through the palace gates, humans watched in awe. They ran off when I snapped at those who dared take the girl. I paused for a moment, there was a scent I hadn't noticed before on the girl. Another female human.

"When I arrived, Amelia was in a panic. Rose had been taken by an Elkrin. We searched everywhere and soon found the hoof mark of the Elkrin heading away from the palace. We followed the trail, Amelia needed the occasional break though."

"I was being carried by the Elkrin, and due to boredom, I started talking to him. I named him Tomb, and he seemed to like his name. WIP

[Benathorn]

Thank you all for the compliments, I am very glad to hear you all like the new Elkrin. ^^

[R0be0]

:Form:

Name:

Crown Forged of Heaven's Castle (Crown)

Breedable:

Yes - with my consent.

Short Story:

(Give a short story describing a tale of this Elkrin's adventures or how he met you. Limit is 2000 words and you may have up to two images.)

[Kirbylover901]

:Form:

Name:

Quetzalcoatl, or Coatl for short.

Named after the Aztec winged serpent god. I chose this name since the Jade Stag is covered in scales, and so is the Aztec Quetzalcoatl- the stag's gold shoulder fur also looks a bit like wings, and the Aztec Quetzalcoatl has wings.

Breedable:

Yes, with the right doe.

Short Story:

(Blue font indicates Coatl's point of view. Brown font indicates Kerrigan's point of view. Black font indicates Kaylee's point of view,
and Kiyoko has the maroon color for her point of view.)

I blinked, looking around at the grey haze around me, blocking out everything except close things. A prince was standing before me, eyes hard and steely but determined. Someone who wishes to be judged, I thought with a frown. Concentrating, I stared at the prince- his personality was cruel and unkind, but deceitfully kind to adults; but he certainly was of royal blood. He was an only child, so he got most of the wealth and cheated in games. I blinked, and shook my head. Such a child was not fit to rule the Isles. The prince nodded solemnly and walked away, though I could here his sniffles of regret and loneliness. I pitied him slightly, then shook the feeling off. It would be unjust to live in a place governed by the prince.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
I stepped off of the Oriental Isle dock, Kerrigan running along and Kiyoko on my shoulder. The cool breeze whistled past as my shoes touched the white, almost bejeweled looking tiles on the ground. "Impressive," I muttered, debating on whether coming here was a good idea. We were on a little vacation- Aurora and Moss taking care of Nachu, and Kirin helping out at home. Maybe not the wisest thing to do, but I thought they could handle one runeling. And of course, new Elkrin- even now I could here whispers of talk about a rare Elkrin, and a prince. "He was such a promising child!" They seemed to chorus. "But the royal Judge rejected him!" Kiyoko slid back a little on my shoulder. I walked up to a young woman, wearing purple sashes, a silky red shirt and some kind of orange and red skirt. "What's going on?" I inquired, and the woman turned around abruptly. "How dare you speak to a royal that way!" She barked, teeth gritted.

I stepped back a bit, surprised at how nasty this woman was. She shook her head in disapproval. "However! Since you seem uneducated-" The woman paused- "A young prince was sent to the Jade Palace, a few days ago. He was disapproved by the Judge, and hasn't been seen since." She stroked her sash gently, revealing a little shimmering golden scale. It gleamed like a lustrous diamond, and had a certain vibe to it that lured me in. Grasping the sash with the scale and pulling it back, the woman smiled. "Everyone wishes for a chance to be Judged, you know. Are you of royal blood?" She finished, and I shook my head. "I don't know of my heritage," I said quietly. The royal shook her head again. "Well then, no chances for you then." I smiled a bit. "Why not? I could go anyway." I decided out loud. Eyes gleamed on the woman's peach-colored face. "Oh really? I suppose the guards will take you away..." She brandished her hand, and men cloaked in gold, brown and blue surrounded my runes and I. One guard, who was older than the rest, with grey, stubby hair and pale skin, smirked at me and Kerrigan. "Jade Guards, get them!" He called, charged toward me with their metal spears.


I jumped to the left with a sluggish leap as the male humans charged at my bearer. A spear impaled her side, others gracing her skin as she dashed to my opposite side. Staggering up, I leaped towards one of the spears, grasping it within my teeth while the younger female human managed to dodge another volley of spear attacks. I managed to steal the weapon from its owner, and curved it into the spear wielder's left. He shouted something, and tried to shake me off, wood splinters attaching themselves to my fangs as I held on. Crackling noises filled the air as I leaped up, biting the man's hand and clawing it. Blood leaked slowly out of his wounds, and he batted my with the sharp end of his weapon. Pain gushed from my wings, and little red splotches appeared as the color began draining slightly from my wing. Kaylee- that was her name, right?- had fallen down, clothes stained a reddish color as she flinched. The little runeling was no longer at her side, but I could see a hint of light yellow fur near the big structure in the distance's stars. She's escaped, I thought, but my grip was released. I tumbled down, smacking my head on the shimmering tile. Red liquid crawled through the tile's crevices as I fell into a metal structure- a cage- and blacked out.

I walked back to my Throne Room, relaxing on a pile of gold coins and laid down. Too soon, it seemed, heavy footsteps echoed in my room. I glanced around nervously, but no one was there. Just then, a few Guards came in- one holding a damaged metal cage with some sort of reptile- a rune dragon, most likely- and a few heaving a young female human on a stretcher. Both looked injured and weak, but the rune clearly had more strength than the girl. It was covered in scratches and bruises, and a loose tooth covered in brown stuck out. I shuddered. The girl was kind and determined, so what had led her and the rune here? The head Guard saluted to my through the open door, and marched away with the prisoners. I watched silently as the rattling of iron began again, and heavy breaths filled my now uncomfortable room.


I scurried into the crevice as Aunt Kerrigan and Kay-Kay were carried by rotten humans into a dark room. I was happy to escape- no one noticed a little runeling- but angry at the humans for taking my family away. I peeked out, dim light reflecting in my green eyes, and assessed the area. Humans with long wooden sticks pointed with gray points stalked about everywhere, as if they were protecting something important. A lone black shoe tumbled into a dirty puddle nearby, dousing me with gray mush. If this was what being in here was like, I certainly didn't want to be held prisoner. I got down on all fours, bracing myself, and dashed out from my hiding place. A human screamed something, something I couldn't understand, but soon a pack of more humans began hunting me. I scrambled away from new weapons- sticks with white woven strings in a cone shape- and tried to reach a spot of safety.

My eyes bounced open at a loud alarm call from the guards. Not from our... cell? I got to my feet and looked around. Bodies of prisoners were strewn everywhere, breathing but unconscious in the stone room. I looked at Kaylee and shuddered. She seemed to have suffered worse damage. She was covered in cuts and scrapes, bruises and gashes were spears had been prodded. A small window, blocked with iron bars was nearby, so I clambered up to see what the fuss was about. A speck of yellow and pink rushed by- Kiyoko! I never was so glad to see the little rune. She was dodging jabs from nets, which were trying to swipe her up. Hope gleamed in her green eyes. Go! Go! I thought, hope taking a spot on my now determined face.

My ears perked up as footsteps disturbed my peace. A little pink, fluffy creature scampered in, a runeling from its looks. I stared at it. What was it doing here? Only royals went in here, and this rune didn't seem royal. I gave it a chance. The rune collapsed, and then looked up with me with sweet emerald eyes. Its tail flicked limply to the outside, where whirls of blue and white covered up the plain stone walls. Guards, I thought curiously. But how could this little one end up being chased? I walked forward and swept the runeling under my tail, exiting the room and pushing through the guards that occupied the halls.

Shouts and cries loosened my eyes, and they opened with a start. I was in some sort of cell, with Kerrigan. Kiyoko was missing! I looked around worriedly, but there was no sign of my runeling. Kerrigan happened to be looking out a cell hole. I crawled up, wincing at the sudden pain coursing through me, and peeked out. Scales were shimmering, and a golden horn gleamed out- an Elkrin- and a little fluffball near it. Wait, a fluffball? Kiyoko! She unfurled her wings and tapped the stone. The Elkrin stag's horns unhinged the lock, and I slid out of the hole. Kerrigan followed, smiling with glee.

This stag had a royal air to it- it was noble and proud. "Godly, almost a Quetzalcoatl. A coatl." I mused over the word, then stroked the stag's horn. "That's what I'll call you. Quetzalcoatl." I smiled, and the stag looked up and seem to nod. A voice rang through the halls, eerie but proud somehow- "A princess has been chosen! The Jade Stag has approved of a rider!" The annoucement ended, and the stag looked up at me with shimmering eyes. "So you're the fabled Jade Stag?" I asked. Kiyoko dashed over to the stag protectively. Quetzalcoatl seemed to nod. I smiled. "A visit to the Jade Palace and meeting the Jade Stag- an adventure in itself!" I cheered, suddenly realizing where I was.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

I walked out of the palace with Quetzalcoatl, Kiyoko and Kerrigan. I hadn't changed at all-but I'd made a lifelong friend.