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Post by Tismri on Sept 26, 2008 22:22:27 GMT -5
Adira looked over her shoulder and kept walking. She was almost at shouting distance by now. She wanted to stay, to turn and walk back, or to tell Gianna of what was happening to her, but all she could say was, "I must return to my master." Her pace quickened.
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Post by Trinn on Sept 27, 2008 16:05:26 GMT -5
Gladia's voice touched Gianna's mind. She is not walking back of her own free will. Some sort of compulsion is carrying her forth. With this new knowledge, Gianna extended a hand, her gedwey ignasia facing Adira, and shouted, "Letta!" As she released the magic from her body, the mark on her palm shone brightly, then the light faded slowly. Not waiting to see if her magical command had worked, Gianna broke into a run after Adira. Behind her, Gladia and the slaves watched with interest. Be careful, my rider. If she is indeed being controlled by a spell, then she may be forced into violence.
Gianna grimaced. I will heed your words. She was upon Adira now, and slowed her pace.
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Post by Tismri on Sept 27, 2008 19:51:01 GMT -5
Adira felt herself slow, though she did not completely stop. Different compulsions worked on her, none of which she was controlling. She stood there, her feet inching forward ever so slightly. She was nearly ready to burst into tears, just wanting all this magic on her to stop.
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Post by Trinn on Sept 27, 2008 20:09:09 GMT -5
Frustrated that her magic had not worked completely, Gianna came in front of Adira and began walking beside her. Vast, swirling thoughts berated her mind, thoughts of what sort of spell was controlling this woman, or perhaps what sort of charm. Sometimes people could be controled by an item imbued with magic. Another thought fluttered through her mind, and she posed a question. "Adira, did your master, no, your captor, did he by chance know your real name?" Her eyebrows furrowed together in concentration. "Your true name?" Please, she thought desperately, please know what I am talking about. Behind her, she heard Gladia release a low growl. Glancing over her shoulder, she saw that the dark purple dragon was watching her carefully.
Don't' stray too far, Gianna. Remeber, Galbatorix has his troops all over the empire. But more importantly, there are also dragon slayers. I would hate to run into them now. Gianna nodded.
Yes, you're right. But we have to discover what plagues Adira.
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Post by Tismri on Sept 27, 2008 20:28:17 GMT -5
Adira thought for a long time, thinking about what a true name was.
"No...I can't ever think of when he discovered any names besides the one I go by...although it is entirely possible. I can't remember anything being done to me that would make me like this. I..." don't want to go, "must return...I must go. I must I must." Don't let me go! I can't go back. "I'm returning to him." Please...don't let me go.
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Post by Trinn on Sept 27, 2008 21:10:36 GMT -5
Looking up and down Adira, Gianna asked the next question that came to mind. "Are you wearing any sort of trinket. A bracelt, a necklace, a ring... anything?" Burning in Adira's eyes was an emotion that denied her spoken words. In fact, Gianna was certain that the woman didn't want to go back to Barobus at all. Gladia, if worst comes to worst-
You will have to knock her unconcsiouse. finished Gladia.
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Post by Tismri on Sept 27, 2008 21:14:01 GMT -5
"No...not a thing. I don't wear anything like that when I'm dancing." Adira looked at her with pleading, panicked eyes. Do something! Please! Don't let me go back there! But try as she might to make her request known, the words refused to come.
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Post by Trinn on Sept 27, 2008 22:46:52 GMT -5
Then it must be a spell. Gianna told Gladia.
Aye. What will you do?
I must try to remove it. Sucking in a deep breath, and praying she had enough energy, Gianna began speaking under her breath. "Lift the spell that binds Adira to Borabus." The words came out in the ancient language, spilling from her tongue fluently. Her gedwey ignasia shimmered as the magic expelled from her body, and Gianna bit her lip as her energy diminished.
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Post by auoraroxx on Sept 28, 2008 10:47:24 GMT -5
Fierce, cooling winds rushed past her in a flurry of whispering, streaming air, whipping back her olive green cloak, filling her the exhilaration that could only come from riding the winds on dragonback. The crimson and gold setting sun fell upon her unbound auburn and gold curls and set them aflame as the chestnut feathers of Skareth her falcon glinted in the same light. Amber eyes were shut against the howling wind as she perched atop Syianna arms wide, embracing the wind. A laugh bubbled up and burst forth from her lips, a free, musical sound, one that she didn’t utter often much anymore.
Skareth alighted on her shoulder, gripping the leather pad ad affectionately nibbled her ear. Grinning, her eyes opened as she turned to stroke his wings. Audrina froze, mid-stroke. There, not a half-mile in front of them, below on the ground, was a purple dragon not unlike Syianna. The other was a darker color, but both were about the same size. The dragon on the ground had a crate next to it and a tangle of straps that was presumably to hold said crate. Audrina breathed in sharply as the door on the side of the crate was opened to reveal a group of humans in ragged clothes that stumbled out onto the plain, seemingly blinded by the sunlight that shone down.
A sudden movement attracted her attention and she fixed her tawny eyes on a figure that sprinted off in the direction of another person that appeared to be hurrying away from the main group, heading off in a northern direction, uneasy feeling was creeping over her as she discussed the possible identity of the dragon and one of the figures that was presumably her rider.
They're unlike any dragon or rider I’ve seen working for the Varden, or the empire for that matter. I’m not sure either little one, perhaps they were lucky enough to find an egg in the wild. Maybe, but what would they be doing so close to the border or Surda, recruits perhaps? That or spies. Even so, what would be the purpose of the crate to carry the humans, unless…Slavers. Shall we? Syianna only grinned, exposing the foot long fangs that gleamed sharply in the light. Don’t hurt them, we have yet to discover their intentions, they may just be passing by. Syianna snorted, heated smoke spurting from her nostrils, And I’m a frightened rabbit, cowering in a burrow. With a roar and a short blast of blue flames, Rider and dragon swooped out of the clouds and down to the plain below. Landing a few meters in front of the two people, Audrina swung off Syianna, drawing her azure rapier as she did. Stalking forward until she was only a foot away, she held her sword out hilt first, but alert to any sudden movement by either person. She inclined her head and spoke. “Well met Shur’tugel, as a rider for the Varden, Syianna and I ask that you please state your intentions. As you may know, you are close to the border of Surda and as such, it is necessary that you reveal your purpose for being here. “Finished her formal monologue, she studied them, her keen eyes reading their body language and appearance, trying to glean what information she could as she waited for their reply. Keep an eye out for the Rider’s dragon, she might try to interfere, but let’s not start anything until we know their intentions. Syianna inclined her scaly head in approval of her riders greeting and of her suggestion. If they try to harm you, I will let them feel the full wrath of a Dragon, little one.
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Post by Trinn on Sept 28, 2008 11:41:28 GMT -5
Gianna! The sky! Alarmed by Gladia's alert voice, Gianna glanced swiftly into the sky. Decending upon them, fast as an arrow, was another dragon, the purple of its scales sparkling in the afternoon sunlight. A spray of dirt struck Gianna's leg as Gladia came to a sliding stop next to her, ready to meet this new threat. Low growls trickled from her scaly throat. They both watched as the dragon landed before them, and then the rider, a woman, dismounted. In response to the unsheathed sword the stranger rider held, Gianna unsheathed her own weapon with a rasp of steel. As the woman spoke, Gianna and Gladia both relaxed. Ah, good. I was afraid they were of the Empire.
Aye, me as well.
Sheathing her dagger, Gianna crossed her arms and with a nod of her head back towards the gathered group of people, she explained the situation. "Aye, well met indeed, argetlam. You have no need to fret about our presence. We are merely escorting these people," she waved a hand towards the slaves, who were watching with wide, frightful eyes, "to Surda. You see, they were slaves, but we have released them from their captors. The only safe place for them to go is Surda." As she finished speaking, Gianna looked at Adira, anxious to see if her spell had worked.
Beside Gianna, Gladia extended her neck, flicking out her rough tongue to taste the air. Her tail, which had been raised to fight, was now lowered, occasionaly swiping across the ground. She kept a dark amethyst eye upon the other dragon, Syianna, slightly taken aback by her similair appearance. The others scales were lighter, but besides that, they were remarkably alike. Of course, most dragons do look alike, she told herself with a shake of her head.
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Post by auoraroxx on Sept 28, 2008 13:30:35 GMT -5
Audrina sheathed her rapier, it seemed, for now at least, that the threat of attack was gone although she stilled remained alert to any sudden movements that might indicate the need to draw her weapon once more. Spreading her hands to show she was no longer armed, Audrina chewed her lip thoughfully as the rider explained why they were there. It seems we were a little to hasty in our assumption little one. Aye, so long as they are telling the truth, If we were not in the midst of a war right now I would be freeing slaves as well. Syianna shorted in distaste, it’s a good thing they had the sense not to try and enslave dragons. Audrina chuckled at her friends dragonish wisdom. I doubt anyone would be foolish enough to try.As it should be.
Speaking in the ancient language, Audrina gave her promise to the other rider.”You too will have nothing to worry from us so long as you speak true and are not of the empire. I too would free those held in the bonds of slavery and punish the ones who forced captivity upon them. The fact that such people do this is a credit to Galbatorix’s monsterous nature.” She spoke with the conviction and barely concealed rage of one who’s will and body was bent to a master’s whim,unconciously,her fingers reached up and traced the scar that ran from her ear to her lower jaw.When she joined the varden,a healer was able to fade the scar,but a jagged pale mark still remained."I am curious though, as a matter of interest, how did you accomplish such? I was under the impression Galbatorix kept a tight rein on his slaves."
Turning an amethyst eye on the other dragon, Syianna projected her thoughts so the other could hear. Well met bjartskular, may many swift winds flow under your wings. So long as you and your rider keep to your word you will have no trouble from us.
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Post by Tismri on Sept 28, 2008 13:59:47 GMT -5
Adira barely noticed when the other woman and dragon appeared. Such emotions were piling their way through her, and she could do nothing to stop them. Fear, joy, hate, devotion. They were all commanding her attention, and all she could do was wait for it to stop. She could no even discern her true feelings on the matter. Deep within her, something wanted to return to her master, more than anything in the world. The rest of her was repulsed by the very idea. Such was the effect the magic was having on her.
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Post by Max452 on Sept 29, 2008 1:01:15 GMT -5
(OOC: this looks like an interesting thread, don't mind if I just jump right on in? I'm bored so i decided to have a slightly more older and bitter einar. lol)
Eyes glistening in the darkness, Einar was crouched low to the ground as he spotted his target. His mask covered his mouth and the stubble that had grown around his scarred face. He watched his target with indifference as he recalled the magic that burned half of his lower face. A slight twinge of anger filled him as he remembered the battle between the elf rider long ago, but was quickly subdued by a small sense of forgiveness, a forgiveness that had long developed after much needed contemplation.
He inched closer in the bushes at his target; another unfortunate soul who was entangled in the King's far reaching grasp.
Until recently, he had believed the King, who he once called Father, and all his grandeur dreams of peace and unity among Alegeasia, but the meeting of a woman awakened the illusions that trapped his eyes.
Gianna... His heart cried out with a pang.
Focus. You are not nearly done yet, my Rider. Stigandr's voice intruded through the Rider's thoughts.
Blinking momentarily, Einar regained his focus and turned his attention away from his memories and onto his target. Grinding his teeth, he jumped out once the poor soul was in range. Gripping his left sword he twisted his body around his victim and slashed through with ease.
Stepping aside for a moment to glance at his work, Einar stared at the corpse with no notion of guilt or joy. No longer was the kill exhilarating, but repetitive; he had lost his drive and purpose long ago. He bent down silently and removed the scroll that was hidden in the man's sleeve. Unrolling it, Einar looked at the contents, making sure that it was the item he sought.
Hurry up, the others will soon realize that you're the attacker if you linger longer. Stigandr warned.
"I'm done." Einar responded aloud and tucked the scroll into his cloak. Without another glance, Einar stepped over the dead soldier that carried the emblem of the Empire on his shoulder plate.
Disappearing, Einar hurried back to the castle on Stigandr, sure that the someone would realize his absence soon. Taking out the scroll again, he looked at the image of a familiar description of Gianna and Gladia on the wanted poster and the orders to kill on sight.
The King will wonder what happened to one of his Dragon Slayers, especially to the orders he sent that camp.
Let him wonder. I care not, just as long as she is safe. His dark eyes scanned the scroll before he held it up and mumbled "brisingr". The indifferent eyes he developed watched as the scroll burned completely through the cold night air.
And what happens if he finally orders you to go after her yourself? the silver dragon retorted.
Then you know what you have to do.
Stigandr frowned. You won't change your mind on the matter?
She will die at my blades if you don't.
And what of me? The dragon challenged, knowing that they already had this conversation before.
Einar sighed. "I don't know." He answered truthfully. "That's why she and I can never meet again, for if we do, I don't think I can survive losing either of you."
Stigandr huffed as they rode on, knowing that the only thing stopping his Rider from madness and apathy was the love of a young woman.
Within a few hours, Einar and Stigandr snuck back into the castle and no one seemed the wiser to what happened to a Dragon Slayer and his camp.
(OOC: I hope that made sense...I dunno)
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Post by Tismri on Sept 29, 2008 11:06:54 GMT -5
OOC: Einar just killed the Dragon Slayer that was after Gianna. It makes sense. lol, now what is going to happen when they do meet again?
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Post by Trinn on Sept 29, 2008 20:24:01 GMT -5
Listening to the smooth tongue of the ancient language, Gianna was greatful to Einar, who had trained her exceedingly well. The thought of the man trapped under Galbatorix's rule caused a twinge of pain to sieze her heart. With help from Gladia, she managed to push him out of her mind, no easy task. With effort, Gianna smiled at the other rider, replying in the ancient language. "Believe me, tis' no easy task. I use plenty of stealth, and plenty of magic." With her head, she nodded back towards Gladia. "That crate can hold up to ten people. We use it to ferry the ones we free to Surda. Then we start all over again." As she finished speaking, Gianna looked once more to Adira, hoping she was ok. Turning back to the other rider, she stated, "I would prefer that no one knows about me. This line of work requiers anonomity. You understand? I don't want the King to have any clue, no line he can trace back to me. So, please, keep me to yourself." Gianna looked pleadingly at the woman, hoping she would understand, and oblige.
Gladia dipped her head down, acknowledging the other dragon. Aye, and may the sun always shine upon your back. You need not fear my actions, or that of my rider. We only have the best intentions.
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