Valerik walked across the Squaldor Grasslands, his growing dragon walking next to him. The endless waves of green was inturrupted by a speck of brown peeking over the horizen. Valerik picked up the pace, and finally came into full veiw of the strcture before him.

A brown building stretched several hundred feet wide, its brown, wooden bases old and somewhat rotting. Around the back, the vampire could hear steel clashing and even the occasional spell. Valerik stepped through the double doors, and came into the room. His first things in sight was a desk in the center, with a elderly lady behind it.

Two wide and long corridors ran from either side of this large 'lobby'. In the lobby itself was chairs, and several potted plants. A fountain sang a bubbling song in the center, giving the atmosphere a peaceful, almost boring tone. Valerik approached the main desk and spoke, moving his lips in a way that his fangs were not visible.

"Hello, may I inquire what this place is?" he asked polietly. The women looked up from her papers, and nudged her glasses up her nose, then moved a strand of hair out of her face. "You're at the Outdoor Training Arena," she said, returning back to her work.

"Can you please explain more," Valerik said with a innocent smile. The women looked up with an annoyed look, and said "The hall on the right is were you can purchase equipment or training, and on the left is legal paperwork and coorperation meetings," she said, ending with a sigh.

Immeadiatly, she buried her head back into her papers. Valerik breathed in, and began once more, "Can I rent a training arena?" he asked, "YES" she roared. The sound echoed off the high ceiling, making Akor jump. She collected herself and continued, "Yes, just put the 'In Training' sign in front of your pin," she said, pointing to the way out before she was inturrupted again.

Valerik opened the double doors at the back of the lobby, behind the desk. He thought he heard the receptionist whisper "Finally!" on his way out. He smirked, letting the double doors swing behind him on his way out. He was immeadiatly greeted by a series of pins with stands on each side of them. The arenas were circular, filled with grass.

Valerik chose the unoccupied pin farthest to the right, and opened the circular gate into it. He closed it behind him, walking into it, drawing his longsword simultaneously. In the center was a stuffed dummy, filled with straw.

Various cuts littered the dummy, causing straw to spill out at the slightest bit of breeze. Valerik's observation's were inturupted by a small chirping sound. He had closed the gate without letting his dragon enter! He opened the gate, allowing him to bounce happily in.

Valerik entered an offensive stance, telling his dragon to do the same. A look of determination wiped over the dragon's face, and he chirped with anticipation. Valerik circled the dummy, and Akor followed. The vampire chuckled, nudging Akor with affection. Training a dragon would be hard work!

As Saeborn walked through the luscious green grass with Kira trailing behind him enjoying her flight in the warm air of the squaldor grass lands. As the two went through the grasslands Saeborn decided to call Kira down and get on her back. Saeborn stopped walking and looked for Kira in the sky to yell for her attention. When he found her Saeborn clasped his hands around his mouth and screamed with all that his body would allow him to "Kira! Come let me fly on your back please.". When Kira heard Saeborns call she quickly headed straight for him. She gracefully spiraled to the ground but landed with a loud thump. Saeborn walked over to her and could tell she was being very impatient because she started digging her ruby talons into the ground. He ran to her in a hurry after he saw her do what she did and Saeborn grabbed the saddle and yanked himself up her scaly back. When he had finally gotten firmly on the saddle strapped around her stomach she looked back at him with a smirk and flew off of the ground with might strokes of her wings in quite a hurry. They flew through the air with amazing speed. As Kira passed a hill and then the two of them found their-selves next to a old rotting building that looked as if it was crooked and leaning on its side. Saeborn told Kira to land next to the building doors and she spread out her wings and gently glided towards the large straw mat that laid in front of two huge doors. As Saeborn lept of Kiras back he walked up to the door and saw that written across the two doors were the words "Training Arena" in very faded black writing. When trying to open one of the doors Saeborn noticed that there were vines covering the walls next to it and that the hinges of the door were rusted shut. Deciding to do the place a favor Saeborn asked Kira to pull the door open so it could open and close. He also noticed that the other door was slightly opened and could be opened and closed very easily.

When Kira and Saeborn entered the building Saeborn was surprised at the quality of the inside. The room he had entered had appeared to be a lobby with a large marble desk with papers scattered around it. All of the sudden the chair behind the desk moved and a elderly woman popped up from under the desk with a large stack of papers in her hands. Struggling to get them on her desk she thrusted them onto the floor. One by one she picked them up and sat them in a very straight pile. While Saeborn was watching the older woman put the papers on the desk she looked up at him and said in a very rude voice "Are you going to help me here!. Saeborn quickly hurried up behind the desk and helped her pick up the paper off of the floor. When they were finished picking them up Saeborn herd Kira chuckleing to herself about it. Saeborn glared at her with his bright blue eyes and looked back to the woman and said "I am sorry I did not help you before". The woman looked at Saeborn and rolled her eyes then said to him "The hallway on the right is a trainging room with many different grass filled pins and the left hallway leads to a room you don't need to even worry about.". Saeborn looked up just as she had finished talking to see the two hallways that he had not noticed when he first walked into the massive lobby. He said to the old woman who was still looking at him and he said to her in a very sincere tone of voice "Thank you very much.". After he had finished talking Saeborn started walking away and herd the woman say what ever in a quiet tone. Kira started following Saeborn down the long hall way that was tiled with emerald and had the walls made of marble. Along the way to the door in the hall way there was flower pots with dead flowers filling the contents of the painted vases. Saeborn looked at Kira and laughed as he said to her "I guess the old woman isn't much of a gardener.". Kira nodded in agreement with a smirk on her face and all of the sudden a voice yelled down the hall way and said "I heard that!". Saeborn blushed and ran to the large steel doors that were covered in writing in a language Saeborn could not understand. As he opened the doors there was a loud shriek as the doors opened. Saeborn let Kira walk into the room first and then he walked into the lighted room and herd the shriek of the double doors as they closed rite behind them.

While Saeborn walked down the hallway of the training room in search of an unoccupied space Kira trotted happily behind him. As the two walked past different spaces trying to find a good one they came across another man with black hair that had a dragon at his side. Saeborn sat next to the gate and watched the man and his dragon. The dragon let out a chirp and then there was a creak of the gate opening. The next thing Saeborn knew Kira had walked into the training space and she was attempting to try and play with the other mans dragon. He quickly ran into the room and looked at the man and said to him "I am soo sorry about that but Kira can be a little nosey at times.". Looking at the man with a blank face Saeborn realized it was a friend he had met earlier on in his travels but he couldn't remember his name.

(OOC: Just imagine in my first post, my dragon was big. ^_^;)

IC:
Valerik's dragon sat upon the grass, its body barely fitting inside the ring. The vampire stroked the dragons back, his glossy scales reflecting against the sunlight, beaming on the stands separating the rings. Another reflection caught his eye. It was brighter, defiantly not the reflection of his dragon's scales. A mighty dragon was strolling around the building, its mighty wings still not as large as his ash dragon's. Its ruby horns and blue, metallic skin were beautiful. Valerik was not familiar with a shiny elegant dragon; his dragon's scales were corroded, still glossy, but defiantly more lack lustrous than an average dragon, or even less shiny than a mortal's gold jewelery. The mighty beast was somewhat familiar to Valerik

Valerik's attention turned away from the dragon, to the door. A squeaking noise caught his attention, as someone opened the door. From his appearance, he was the owner of the dragon. He was familiar, his scaly wings spread out from across his back. Valerik defiantly had some history with this man. He exited the ring, motioning for his dragon to stay were he was. Akor leaned over slightly, to try and get a smell of the other dragon, to perhaps identify it.

Valerik laughed. He was very intrigued in his dragon's body language, his way of communicated. He was also very interested to see how Akor would interact with this other, unknown dragon. He would like to see a positive outcome, maybe even some training together, assuming that a demonic elf would not mind the company of a vampire. Valerik chuckled at this fact. He recognized this man slightly, not quite sure, but a feeling in his gut reminded him that he would be able to gain a positive experience with this man, perhaps an alliance.

While Valerik took those few steps to the darkened elf, he was pondering his mind, trying his hardest to remember the man. Then, it came to him. He had discovered his dragon with this man, a long time ago. This man, and Valerik, had planned a special mission with a drow, Vencrest. 'Him again!' the mercenary exclaimed. He couldn't remember his name, though. 'I would think that his name would be easy to remember. I mean, we found our dragons together! How could I forget?' he thought exasperated, smacking his forehead lightly. Then, he remember. "Saeborn!" he exclaimed, his hand outstretched.

Looking at his dragon Saeborn was trying desperately to remember the name of the pale man in front of him. Just looking at the man reminded the demon of death itself which gave him a chill that shot through his body. Feeling this chill again Saeborn thought he had felt it before. Then he remembered that the man was a vampire. Putting the pieces back together the demon slowly started to remember the reason he had known the vampire. Then it came back and he remembered that they had met early on when they found their dragon eggs together. Desperately trying to remember the vampires name the demon looked down at the stone ground. He then noticed that the path was made in a V pattern. Looking intently down at the pattern Saeborn suddenly remembered that the vampires name was Valerik.

Wondering if it would be awkward between the two the demon walked forward to the gate and opened it widely and motioned for his dragon Kira to enter the cage. As she walked through the metal opening in the cage Saeborn followed her inside and he closed the gate behind him. Walking forward to go give the vampire a hand shake Saeborn slipped over a large rock that was inserted into the ground covered by the tall emerald green grass in the cage. The demon fell to the grass and as he hit the ground he felt a sharp pain on his leg. Gasping for air as he sat up Saeborn threw his hands to his leg in pain. When he lifted his hand to where he could see it the demon saw his covered and dripping with ruby red blood. Immediately Saeborn put his hand over the wound again and muttered some words in the language his step father had taught him before Saeborn was banished from the underworld. When he had finished reciting the spell a red and black orb appeared in the palm of his hand and slowly covered it. With his hand glowing red and black the demon traced his hand across the laceration on his leg. As the hand moved forward what used to be the cut behind it was nothing but a mere scar. After the wound was healed Saeborn grabbed onto Kira and pulled himself to his feet once again. As a precaution Saeborn took his axe that had never been used before and grasped its handle. He carefully pulled it out of its cowhide pouch holding it onto his side and looked for something to hit.

As he looked around the arena the demon spotted a large straw dummy that was being held by a large black pole that was stuck into the ground. The dummy was a few feet away from him and Saeborn charged forward with great speed and every step he took the demon gripped harder and harder on the axe. When he was in swinging range of the dummy Saeborn uppercutted it. The dummy's straw arm fell to the grassy ground with a thump. Satisfied with his new weapon he gently sat it down next to the wooden gate and said to the large red and blue dragon"If you wish you may finish it Kira.". With that said she lifted her long neck up into the air and hundreds of adimentium shards shot forward like bullets. As they all penetrated the dummy in fell to the ground. Overjoyed at how far Kira's breath weapon had come he walked over to her and stroked her head.

Saeborn than walked to Valerik and said to him "Do you remember me? We found our dragon eggs together. My name is Saeborn.". Saeborn then waited for the pale vampires response.

The demon came forward, to shake Valerik's hand. Then, he tripped clumsily on a rock, tripping. His knee collided with the stone, blood spilling out of his wound. Valerik's stomach stung with sharp pain. He quickly ignored it, turning his back on the unnatural craving picking at his brain. The vampire did not want to attack this new opportunity of an alliance. Saeborn muttered an incantation, magic flowing through his body. A black and red orb materialized. The demon pressed the magic orb against his leg. Immediately, the wound healed, sealing up in a scar. Valerik was impressed by Saeborn's magic. He knew the spell as well, but did not realize demon's could perform magic capably as well as mortals. Luckily, his cravings vanished, the presence of open blood gone.

Then, the demon walked past the vampire, drawing a glossy axe. By its appearance, it was new, possibly never used, or in remarkably good shape. The demon glanced around the arena, looking for something to strike. He noticed the dummy in the middle, and rushed it, upper cutting the straw sack with the axe. The steel weapon easily severed the arm off, straw and dead grasses shooting out of it. The demon then muttered something to the dragon. Then, the adamintine dragon opened its mouth, shooting out shards of metal. The shards decimated the dummy, bringing it to the ground. Valerik was impressed by the strength of the dragon's breath weapon. Although it was not as physically imposing as Valerik's ash dragon, it's powerful capabilities made up for its lack of strength.

Valerik watched as the dragonrider nervously glanced around at his surroundings. The vampire chuckled, not the least bit offended. He did not care if this one demon did not recognize him, but was slightly surprised that the demon could forget him. The two had discovered their dragon's together, and Valerik supposed it would be a very rememberable event, at least to Valerik. "Do you remember me? We found our dragon eggs together. My name is Saeborn." The demon told Valerik. The vampire chuckled, responding, "Yes I remember you! I could never forget that day we found our dragons!" he exclaimed. "How could I forget?" he asked rhetorically, chuckling at the thought.

Then, a brilliant idea struck him. The two dragon riders could train together, improving their skills. Valerik drew his long sword, but quickly lowered it to his side. He did not want Saeborn to think that Valerik was making an agressive gesture to him. He answered himself swiftly, "Saeborn, lets train together!" he proclaimed. He merely laughed, and headed to the ring. Valerik opened the ring, entering inside. "Lets spar!" he exclaimed excitedly over the other combatants fighting a few rings away. He wanted to measure his skill level to the demons.

The demon was over joyed that the vampire remembered him. Walking closer to Valerik he heard him say "Would you like to train together?". Responding to the vampires question Saeborn quickly said to him "Of course! I would never pass up an opportunity to train with you.". Walking over to the rotting wooden gate Saeborn picked up his axe and walked over to the training gate. Entering the large arena the demon took the axe and placed it back to where it belonged on his side. Saeborn could not wait to train with the vampire.

Then the vampire pulled out his weapon but quickly let it fall back into place. Then he said to Saeborn "Lets spar!". Pulling out his katana from its seath Saeborn lifted it up and said to the vampire in a joking manor "If you wish.". As the two were about to spar Saeborn heard a loud noise coming from behind them. Figuring it was people drunk in a different arena he ignored it. Swinging the katana towards the vampires chest Saeborn stopped his hand in mid swing. Looking behind him about ten large men entered the gate. They all lined up and walked forward drawing their weapons. Knowing the was going to end up in a battle Saeborn put his katana back in its seath and pulled out the masterwork axe.

He walked closer to the ten men and said to them "State your business." in a rude manor. One of the bandits stepped forward and removed his black wrap disguising his whole face. The man had long blond hair coming down to his shoulders and very deep blue eyes. His mustache spread across his mouth and hung off of his chin. He said to the demon "Get off of this training ground now! If you refuse we will kill you two.". Hearing the bandits hatred in his voice Saeborn walked said to him "Never! I guess we will be fighting then.". Rage flew through the demons body and the demon ran towards the bandit his axe high in the air. He swung at the uncovered man but he dodged the attack and the axe scraped over another mans face. The cut caused his face cover to be drenched with blood and he took it off. The mans face was covered in blood and the blood was falling down his face and staining the lusciously green grass.

Valerik was amused by the demon's spunkiness and willingness to train. The vampire could remember when he was young that training was more of a chore that his employers forced upon him. As if his employers were his parents. Valerik chuckled slightly harder at this, cheerful from the peppy attitude of Saeborn. The demon drew his kantana, ready to begin the sparring.

The demon's blade swung through the air, aimed for Valerik's chest. The vampire brought his own blade up in a horizontal motion, as if to wipe away Saeborn's katana. But the demon stopped in mid swing. Valerik sheathed, a pondered look on his face. "I thought you wished to train?" asked the vampire with a confused tone. But immediately, his question was answered.

Ten men came into the ring, each one of them garbed with a mask covering from their mouth to deep below their chin. From their attire, they seemed to be bandits, or perhaps a gang. "Get off of this training ground now! If you refuse we will kill you two," said the bandit in front. He was obviously the leader, for he was the biggest, his well toned muscles in comparison to that of a well seasoned gladiator. He had a humongous sword on his back, the sharp blade pointing to the ground.

Valerik began to open his mouth to talk, but Saeborn interrupted him. "Never! I guess we will be fighting then." Saeborn drew his mighty axe, lunging at the bandit leader. The leader jumped out of the way, leaving the rouge behind him to get cleaved by Saeborn's axe. Valerik drew his sword, preparing for combat. The rest of the bandit's drew their weapons. Maces, morningstars, daggers, swords, axes, and katanas were all simultaneously unsheathed. The air rang from the noise of the steel sliding through scabbards and belt buckles.

The bandit leader drew his own mighty sword, wielding it with both his hands. He charged Valerik, aiming for his skull. Valerik jumped out of the way, avoiding the blow. The leader stumbled, tripping on the ground in a cloud of dust. Valerik ignored him, focusing his energy. The energy formed in a ball of cackling lightning. As soon as the ball's energy growth was at its climax, Valerik released it. The lightning sprung forth, piercing three bandits in a chain lightning. Each of them fell down dead. They were fairly weak, for the bolt of lightning was very low energy. Valerik smirked, disappointed at the frailty of his foes.