[Kallile]

Attar-------------------Baizen

It wasn't often the clan leader and his head hunter took time away from the clan to discuss politics. It was even less often that the brothers were alone together for more than five seconds. But Attar had seen a need and used his wit to con his brother into a weekend away from the clan to talk. The clan was slowly growing and with ranks firmly held and strength building...it was time to start scouting new areas to train. And, in the process, maybe find a female or two to. If there was one thing Baizen would do, it was scout dangerous terrain for training potential. Wooing females was a tedious but necessary evil.

They had been flying for most of the day by the time they made it close enough to the volcanic activity that the  heavy crystal wings of the hunter hindered more than helped his flight. They landed a few miles up from the base of the volcano, where the ground was cooling but still hot to the touch. The crust crunched and cracked under the weight of the two heavy males, causing Attar to occasionally lift a foot to shoo away a drop of lava burning through his claw.

"Keep moving," Baizen instructed stoically as he walked, simply letting the cooling lava remain on his claws and the pads of his feet. "Let it build. Let it cool. It will help you in the end."

That was supposed to be something the level-headed leader would say, instead Attar cast a glare in the direction of his brother. The younger was much stronger than he--mentally numb on many levels Attar dared to think. Whatever his vice or salvation, Baizen seemed capable of dealing with immense amounts of pain. Attar...could not. He was well spoken and witty, strong too, but the level of endurance he possessed didn't hold a candle to his younger brother.

"Well, I doubt we'll find females here but it should be a promising location to whip the omega and that weakling hunter of yours into shape. Izac could always benefit with practice as well. And you're right, we do need to press on. We need to make a memorable impression of where their leaders were able to make it to. Help strengthen our standings."

[Ander]

Uruloke

Uruloke rolled in his slumber, and the ground quaked. Magma that had long ago flowed and cooled over his prone form creaked and split, this lone movement piling atop years of other, smaller displacements suddenly becoming too much for it to bear. Jagged cracks ran haltingly down the side of the larger-than-your-average-Paragon, and minute as they were, they were enough: a chain reaction of shifting stone and scree skipped noisily across rock formerly silent but for the muted thunder of magma far below.

Until now, the sleeper had echoed those subterranean rumblings. Lesser in volume and magnitude, but just as unheeding and even less willing to stir. Now, however, a massive dark head emerged from the lava rock. As stone and silt flaked from the Primal's horns, their points gleaming obsidian, a neck as thick around as a tree trunk followed. The earth around him quaked anew as shoulders worked free, sharply sundering sheets of stone. His chest was next, and this dislodged from the rock with a flash of belly scales as red as the magma surrounding it, as red as the tongue that bared itself to sweltering air as Uruloke roared out his first yawn in years.

Though his eyes, open and gleaming in the wake of his cry, were even redder. The sleeper blinked a few times, gouging rents in the rubble around him with his claws in a deceptively bleary catlike stretch. Primitive as the elder Paragon looked - and in many ways he was - there was intelligence in that pupil-less crimson gaze. Though for the moment, he did nothing more than survey the volcano he had always known with a kind of detached curiosity. Wonder what exactly had managed to disturb him this time?

[Kallile]

As the brothers trudged onward, the ground beneath their very claws began to quake and slip. Both flared their wings and lifted off of the ground to avoid being snatched away in what they both assumed was a lava flow breaking loose. What they found instead was something much more terrifying. A mountain just a few lava-flow hills above them began to shift and break through to the surface...and what was underneath was not lava. Instead an onyx mass of scales and horns erupted through the crust into the light of day before letting out a roar.

Even airborne Attar could tell the beast in front of them was a mountain in an of itself. The leader was a decent sized Primal, though his brother still tipped the scales for what was considered normal. This creature...this creature might as well be a living god by his sheer size. Attar's eyes gleamed at the sight of opportunity. Baizen's eyes gleamed at the sight of a worth-while opponent, and the darker brother returned the roar with one of his own.

Attar gave him a sharp look before letting out his own, slightly less challenging roar. "Brother!" he called loudly to the waking force of nature, "Hail to you on this fine day, forgive us if we disturbed your slumber!"

Baizen snorted. Fine, let his brother play diplomat. He'd be ready to bring the pain when it failed.

[Ander]

Ah, there was the answer. Visitors - but wasn't it always? Uruloke's head rolled to track the airborne pair, eyes narrowing first at the larger of the two. Some instinct deep within the lava drake approved of the heavy, deadly-looking wings this one bore. He approved also of the challenge with which that one answered his waking call. That challenge was old talk, primal talk - no pun intended - that would only be muddied by words.

The black wrym's fangs bared in a grin at his challenger, an answering snarl grating through the space between them. No matter how long he'd slept, it was heartening to find that there were still those around who knew how to greet each other proper.

His gaze shifted to the smaller of the pair. More composed, more...courteous. This was the kind of talk the present day seemed to demand. "Your hail returned, brother," his voice, low as his growl, hesitated on the word. "Slumber is easily enough regained. I am more concerned with that which brings two warriors to Nori?" If there had been an answering courtesy in his reply, it began to ebb with his question. Uruloke had been here for many, many years. Safe to say, he'd become accustomed to the place. If this pair of babes wanted to drive him off - well, they were certainly welcome to try. His old bones could use the stretch.

[Kallile]

Attar seemed pleased with the response and dipped lower in his flight so the bigger brute could more appropriately size him up. Baizen dropped much faster to the ground; there was no need to use wings at the moment when his challenger had none. Start on a level playing field, then use your other gifts to crush them if needed. The lava wrym may be larger in size but every mountain had a weak stone in it that would cause everything else to crumble. And Baizen was going to use his brother's talking as his advantage to find it.

When Attar finally landed and caught up to his brother, he dipped his horned head a little to the elder. The black monster's horns spoke of his age and experience--something the smallest Primal in the gathering didn't want to invoke right now. "We have come seeking new grounds to test ourselves and grow stronger. We lead a small band of male Paragon who are growing complacent with their 'easy' life in the forests. It is time we force them to work harder to earn their place or risk losing the protection of the clan." He paused, looking the black and red Primal over once. He could easily take the clan he spoke of over, if he so wished, but maybe is Attar kept his freshly awoken mind busy with talk he'd feel a bit too blustered to consider the option.

"Of course, we didn't realize we were trespassing on claimed grounds. Do you hunger, brother? Perhaps a fresh meal to make amends for our intrusion..." Baizen snorted again, flaring out his wings a little but remained otherwise silent. He didn't like the sounds of that at all. Yes, weaker brother, please do make him weaken himself in the face of a worth while adversary. That was exactly what he needed right now.

[Ander]

Uruloke wouldn't miss the opportunity. His gaze lingered on the smaller male as he spoke, although no other part of him moved - silently considering his story. It was certainly as good as any other alibi. To boot, the Paragon was familiar with the idea of their clan: bands of his brethren who roamed the land, gathering power mutually instead of alone. In his time, too, strong families had drawn their kind together with the promise of such power. And times had clearly changed. He supposed - however odious - that in such a world, the offer of safety could prove equally appealing. After a few long moments, the elder nodded. It was feasible enough, and he could get behind such an idea.

The larger Paragon didn't escape scrutiny, though it was...subtler. The challenger lingered in the periphery of Uru's gaze even as he devoted attention to his brother. He took only cursory note of the way he balked at the thought of humbling himself as his courteous companion offered, though that was enough to bring the ghost of a smile to his scaly visage. For the most part, however, the other was momentarily ignored; a tactic that, the black Primal found, exposed the temperament of many a brute.

"Thank you, but I am capable." Imagine, these two hunting for him! He shook his head. While he understood the intent, that was a method of tribute that he'd never found appealing. "I believe I understand your intentions now, as well. There are many ways and routes around the volcano that would test the strength of your brethren. I will show them to you as I hunt, and you may decide the limits of your clanmates' endurance." As he would decide theirs, of course. And should they happen to be lying, and try to surprise him on his own ground? So much the better.

[Kallile]

It wasn't the powerful utopia that perhaps their giant friend was remembering fondly, but Attar had big dreams for his 'family'. At least, for those who were strong enough. With this beastly black drake having not attacked yet it gave him hope that perhaps he'd struck a correct cord at the very least. Baizen might be the fighter, but Attar was willing to talk his opponent dizzy if so needed.

His decline of the free meal was very much anticipated by the leader, who graciously nodded instead of chuckling as he so wished to do. "The gesture would be greatly appreciated, we've flown far to reach these molten mountains," he said.

Baizen stiffened up, seeming to know exactly the intent of the larger Primal. He could pass his tests (or he'd die trying), but his brother didn't have the mental willpower that he did. If Attar blew this, then they were both as good as dead in the face of such an adversary. The lava clinging to his claws had made the soles of his feet uncomfortably numb to the heat, but he had no way of knowing what other passes the black drake might lead them to. Or what kinds of traps.

"Well, if we are to accompany you then I believe introductions are in order. I'm Attar, and this is my brother Baizen." This was going to be quite the visit to the Nori region no matter the outcome.

[Ander]

The lava wyrm gave a tight-lipped smile. "Well met, Attar and Baizen. I am Uruloke of Nori." The Paragon's deep voice was accented when it came to his own name, likely an artifact of a dialect long past. Rather than the clunky moniker that might be more fitting a creature of his size and seeming, however, his pronunciation seemed smoother. It almost lilted, with a grace that didn't quite seem to fit the massive form.

He looked away from them. A low rumble spread from his throat, resonating through the barrel-chest and seemingly out from arms that dug suddenly into the stone around them. The Primal's claws acted as leverage, wrenching purchase from the ground so that he could - with a twist of his frame, and the groaning protest of the rock - pull the rest of his body free. His flank was just as big as the rest of him, a number of scars marring the thick scales. His tail was last to emerge, shaking a touch of residual magma from shield-like plates that bore the stripe of that crimson belly like a banner. He was careful to do so away from the brothers. Testing them was one thing, after all; no need to be rude.

Uru would only take a moment to roll his shoulders, stretching out muscles that had been suffused in stillness and slumber for... How long had he been asleep this time? Maybe these two could help him with that, if he could figure out to phrase the questions effectively. "Will you need more time to prepare?" Wouldn't that be just what he needed with this pair of young-bloods, to sound that much like a doddering old fool? Ugh, absolutely out of the question.

He did, however, purposely turn his back to them as he feigned readiness: thus the power play with his challenger continued. Certain languages did not change with the passage of time, and Uru was fairly certain that this one still spoke volumes in confidence, and dismissal. By all means, have my back, because you are not a threat.

[Kallile]

Attar rose his wings to seal himself away from the few chunks of molten ash that happened to spray their way as Uruloke properly emerged into the world. Baizen stood motionless and allowed the ash and rock to coat him like a badge. He didn't fear this monster any more than he feared his brother in battle, but he wasn't about to be stupid about it. His brother could play diplomat; stay clean and smiling. That's what he did best.

He did, however, take horrid offense to the signals being given by this onyx behemoth. Blazen disrespect for the strength of at least one brother--but then that was what he wanted, wasn't it? To provoke an attack out of rage and earn himself the upper claw. Baizen dug his claws into the earth and snarled his lips over large fangs in an attempt to hold back his displeasure. Oh, this Uru was brave, and he had to offer up silent respect to his brazen display of power. Attar gave him a sharp look and moved forward.

"Well met indeed, brother," he addressed when Uru had finally stopped moving the very ground they stood on. "Have no worries on our account, we have been conditioning ourselves for this journey and the perils we might face. We've come well prepared to face this mountain's challenges." This time Attar was a bit more brazen with his words. His brother didn't often get riled to the point of showing fangs and he was no fool. If this Primal wanted to send them unspoken messages, then he would speak clearly so that all could understand. Get up, old man, and let's see who isn't prepared.

[Ander]

Face safely turned from his guests, Uru's smile widened. How good to know that they both had a bit of bite, even if the smaller's was couched in diplomacy. "Very well." He replied lightly - giving no verbal sign that he was aware of his actions nor their results. The fact that he had yet to be attacked, however, spoke well of his larger challenger. He wasn't terribly sure what the relationship was between this contrasting pair, but it was clear that the one called Baizen was not just some run-of-the-mill bruiser, as might otherwise be expected. Restraint among the larger of his kind was rare, as Uru recalled: too often did such Paragon rely on their bulk and ferocity to carry them through. Too often, then, did they fail to survive.

It was a mistake many made with him - to their peril. He allowed it, as it tended to make things easier. But if this crystal-winged intruder were not that sort of brute? Not having that predilection to his advantage would be a challenging, though thoroughly welcome, change.  

There were certainly many who had come 'prepared to face this mountain's challenges' before - maybe they had even stood a chance. To these brothers' misfortune, however, he was awake this time. He stood, gave one more stretch, and moved away from the crater he'd emerged from. His steps carried him down the path, angling down into a dark, craggy valley.

[Kallile]

Baizen was liking this situation less and less by the minute. He could smell a trap even over the vile fumes of the lava around them, and this mountain of a Primal before them was the trigger to it. As well as the teeth meant to catch and rend the unlucky foe. He did not take kindly to being that unlucky foe. He trudged along slowly, keeping a comfortable distance from the much larger of his kind. Close enough to rend an attack of his own if needed, but far enough to evade the opposing talons should they seek his scales.

Attar was not quite so cautious as he took his place ahead of his brother. He may be within striking distance, but he had smaller size and speed on his side against the larger opponent. And of course, without the heavy wings Baizen had received, he was much lighter on his talons than the brute of the two.

"What brought you to these magma flows, Uruloke? It seems a barren place to find enough food for one as sizable as yourself. One would think you might have taken any territory with more plentiful feeding grounds that you desired." He trailed off curiously, though there was honesty in his answer. Their clan had to hunt daily in the forests--what beasts existed here that could feed a Paragon such as Uru to allow him to slumber long enough for lava to cool and harden over his sleeping form?

[Ander]

Uru chuckled. He couldn't quite bring himself to begrudge Attar the answer to an unexpectedly good question. "I am old, 'brother'. My body has long made done with growing larger. It has a smaller need for food than one might think." His steps were sure even as the stone grew less smooth underclaw. The rolling undulations of cooled lava transitioned to an older, pricklier composition the deeper into that valley they went. "While it is true that the volcano's bounty is sparse, my ashlands are yet rich with opportunities for those with the strength to take them."

For the first time since they had met, the sable mammoth's words were not meant to disparage his companions. He had seen many try and die to survive around the volcano. It was part of life in a way he didn't much care to explain. If the brothers were strong enough, they wouldn't need to find out. If they weren't, he would much rather have the element of surprise on his side.

[Kallile]

Attar seemed satisfied with the answer, though his question still stood unanswered. What the massive drake chose to feed on. The answers being formed in Attar's mind were not pleasant options; including seeing himself as a possible target should he not be careful. The older Primal was large enough to take on the task, after all. He had never been more glad to have Baizen at his side or, in this case, watching his back. "Truly, then, it takes an admirable strength to make one's home here. For a clan, however, I think it's best left to training grounds." It never hurt to remind him that they were not lone travellers--the clan would come seeking their leaders if they weren't back in reasonable time.

The crystal-winged menace was not so swayed by Uru's explanation. His foresight was only being proven the more the black Primal spoke. He strode just a little off the path the giant was creating for them to follow, determined to demonstrate his strength and fearlessness to the aged paragon. His rockier terrain held less footing than what Uru had already smashed down, leaving him lagging just a bit behind. But his lope was easy and his eyes fixed for any sign of trouble from the other. Just biding his time.

[Ander]

Another chuckle followed the smaller Paragon's words. "Truly," Uru agreed lightly, but didn't offer any more to the conversation. Instead, he changed tack, cutting to the left where the scree of stones moving beneath the travelers' claws echoed off of increasingly high obsidian walls. The incline here was a little steeper, although it was hard to tell which was degrading faster: the ground, or the erosion of the volcanic rock that surrounded them. Careful eyes might pick out grating gouges and forced striations in the curving walls, once that lent themselves to claws far more readily than any natural deterioration. Still Uruloke descended. For a guy so recently awoken, he moved with no lack of surety.

The Primal wouldn't stop until he came to the one side of the mountain proper, arching far, far above the trio's heads. It might have seemed impassible, if not for what appeared to be a hole in the ground. It wasn't only one, though - the area around and the side of the mountain itself was riddled with craters. The largest, seemingly two dug so close together that they had collapsed into each other, was large enough to encompass their guide; the rest varied from half Attar's size to half again of Baizen's. An audible bubble could be heard in the air, echoing up from the depths of some of the smaller tunnels: magma, sluggishly surging along deep beneath the earth.

"Welcome to Pass-through, boys." Uruloke looked out over the scene with something of a wistful expression. "Thus have I named it, anyway. This is one of those places I mentioned, where you might see fit to test your clan.

"A Sandshark burrowed about here, once upon a time. He was fairly...adamant about the practice. There are portions of these channels that cross through rock as firm as that which we stand on, and portions that degrade into silt as fine as sand, that betray your footing and pull you astray. Some lead to nothing more that great reservoirs of lava. Some narrow to a point so fine it is impossible to turn around. And all lead to a maze in the mountain - tunnels cross-cut with each other and winding and treacherous - with nothing but the rush of the volcano and the darkness of stone to keep your counsel." He glanced at them. "Yet it is the quickest way to make it through this impasse to the fertile grounds beyond."

He would give that some time to sink in. He was almost fascinated to see their reactions. Would these two put their brethren through a challenge they dare not attempt themselves?

[Kallile]

Quickening their paces to keep up, the brothers kept a wary eye on where they were heading. Baizen studied their guide, and Attar studied their surroundings--both acting as eyes for the other depending on their skills. Attar was watching for their way out, should the trap spring here. The walls were daunting but not impassable for the winged pair. That was quickly changed, however, as they found themselves in a cavern of caverns. Baizen stood at attention and swiveled his head to survey the dimly lit area better. The both of them stared around in awe as they listened to Uruloke weave his tale.

"Impressive, truly." He wasn't liking the idea of being left in the dark with the monster Primal lurking on home turf. But if they chickened out now...

"What are we looking or listening for to find the fertile grounds?" Attar nearly jumped when his brother spoke. He withheld his look of horror as his larger brother stepped forward. Baizen stepped ahead of his brother and faced Uru for the first time since meeting. "We'll accept the challenges of the maze in the mountain."