Choose

[Trinn]

"Help? Of course! An extra hand on this mission would be helpful, especially when its a familiar face." Gianna's heart pounded with anticipation. "We'll be flying with Gladia, so I hope you don't mind heights." From amidst a small group of hunters, Marcus's voice rang out.

"Romulus! The sun is getting low. Come. The hunt is on!"

Gianna nodded to Rom. "Go ahead. I'll fill you in on the details when you return."

[Max452]

"It would be an honor to fight along side with you. I look forward to when we will free our friends." Romulus smiled, glad that she had allowed it. "I am not sure...I know it will be an interesting experience." He smiled and turned when he heard his name. "Aye! I am on my way." He yelled back at Marcus. "Excuse me, Gianna, Gladia." He bowed at the dragon and ran off to join Marcus and the others in the hunt.

"This will be an exciting adventure." Rom mumbled to himself as he stopped beside Marcus. "Led the way, my friend! I will follow."

[Tismri]

"I'm in Surda," Diana whispered quietly. She looked up at the sky, wondering if Viel and Vana might still be in pursuit. She saw and heard nothing, but was still afraid. She glanced at the man helping her.
"All the way from the capital...never even truly knowing where I was going...and I made it."

[Trinn]

Will listened to the young rider talk to herself, noticing the way she kept glancing at the sky. Of course, she had probably been pursued by riders. A wonder she wasn't caught. he tought, amazed. The only other person he knew to escape such odds was Eragon. Patting her shoulder reassuringly, he lead her to the kitchen. As they passed through the halls, soldiers saluted and bowed, while nobles stared openly. When they finally arrived, there was a small table set up with a steaming meal of stew and bread. "Here we are, Argetlam. Have a seat and dig in."
****

Gianna watched Rom run to meet Marcus and the rest of the hunters, then turned to Gladia. Events have taken an interesting turn.

Indeed. I like him. He is noble and honest. A good warrior. Gianna smiled, then went to help the rest of Gladia Celesti set up camp.
__

Once Rom was with the group, Marcus motioned with a hand for the hunters to be quiet, then set off at a run into the surrounding woods. The others followed, some hefting spears, others arrows. Marcus himself chose a bow. As he ran, he paid careful attention to the ground, noticing the tracks of deer and other game. One set was fresh, and he turned to follow the tracks, motioning again for the others to be quiet. They all ran silently, moving like ghosts through the trees. Marcus was pleased with Romulus, and thought that he would be a good addition to Gladia Celesti.

[Tismri]

Diana stared at the bowl of food, then looked around that all the people around them. It seemed they were in a dining hall. Her years of serving caught up with her then, and she felt a little shy.
"Eat? Out here? With all these people?" she asked. The only people she had ever actually eaten with were her fellow servants, and the idea of people watching her eat made her feel nervous. But then the hatchling touched her mind again and sent soothing feelings, along with the idea that she was hungry enough to eat even if Galbatorix himself was watching. After another moment's hesitation, she started eating. Serenity crawled onto the table and settled near the middle, watching both Diana and General Kell.

[Max452]

Romulus followed Marcus with ease and noiselessly. He would have easily overtaken him, but thought it best to stick with the group. It was odd for him at first to be with such a crowd - he had been alone since he's time with the Rangers, but ignored it once the hunt began. He knelt down by some tracks and noticed the deer were heading towards the stream. He signaled his findings to Marcus.

[Trinn]

Diana's question struck Kel as odd, but he nodded nontheless. "Aye, these people are friends." He was relieved when the young rider finally began eating. Elbows on the table, Kell looked around the dining hall, letting Diana eat in peace. He would question her when she finished. A clatter of talons accompanied the hatchling's presence on the tabletop. Unsure of the little dragon's personality, General Kell withdrew his elbows and leaned back. He cast a gentle smile at the beast. "Hello little one. You sure are a beauty."
****

Catching sight of Romulus's signals, Marcus nodded once and began following the fresh tracks. The sound of the stream served to cover some of the groups movements, and soon, they could hear the sound of hoofs and snorts from the herd some feet ahead. Raising a hand, Marcus slowed the group, then with another motion, bid them to form a circle around their prey. They did so easily, then waited for the cue to attack. Marcus took in the herd with expert eyes, then focused his attention on a large doe. Raising his bow, he knocked an arrow, then drew the bowstring back. The hunting party copied his motions in preperation. When they all seemed ready, Marcus opened his mouth and released a shrill birdcall. At once, projectiles were launched into the herd. Marcus released his arrow, and it flew straight into the doe's throat. She fell quickly, for which he was glad.
****

With a heavy thud, Viel landed a few miles from Uru'baen. Vana! Vana! she cried, worried and furious. Minutes passed, the sun sank below the horizon, and then her rider stirred.

Every muscle ached in Vana's body when she regained consciousness. With a groan, she reached up and touched the dart sticking from her neck. Her lips curled into a snarl, and in one vicious motion ripped the projectile from her flesh. A spurt of blood followed. "Curse you Diana!" She growled. "Curse you Gianna!" Beneath her, Viel was issuing a series of formidable snarls. If not for that traitors sneaky actions, I would have had her and her dragon! Viel said in regards to Gianna. Her mace like tail slapped the ground in agitation. Vana breathed heavily, clutching the neck spike before her. Rider and dragon were feeding off each others rage.
We must go after Diana. That is our mission. Otherwise I would return to that woods and rid the planet of that traitor Gianna. Viel growled. We cannot return to the king empty handed, Viel. It would not be well for us.

Aye. But you cannot travel in your condition. I cannot fly when your in such pain. I can feel it too. Vana clenched her eyes shut. How long would this pain last?

Fine. Then we rest until the morrow. As one, they gazed towards Surda, planning their revenge.

[Tismri]

Diana quickly finished the food in front of her, wanting more, but not accustomed to ever recieving more than she was given. She smiled at the dragon on the table.
Serenity looked up at the king man who had taken care of her Rider. She responded to his words by touching his mind, her natural soothing images and feelings flooding his and Diana's minds. Diana instantly began to feel more at ease.
"Her name is Serenity," she said quietly.

[Max452]

On Marcus' signal, Romulus unleashed his arrows. He watched as his arrows hit his target. His elven speed outmatched his comrades as he struck three deer with ease within 3 minutes. Not knowing how many were in the camps or if Gladia would be willing to eat what he hunted, he figured to kill a couple of more. Grabbing three arrows at once, he placed them on the string, ripped a feather off of two, and launched it and three predetermined deer in the clearing. Smiling to himself, his arrows struck their targets in their throats. A small thud was heard as each one landed together in unison. Rom turned to look at Marcus, wondering if he should continue the hunt.

***
Selene and Slade were flying on the border of Uru'bean when they spotted something far off into the distance. Curious, they headed towards the area. The night covered the area, but Selene's instincts told her that something large was coming into their trajectory. She smiled a little once she spotted a garnet dragon. Veil She thought to herself.
Slade, let's go see if Vana needs any assistance...its unlike her to spot so close to home. Slade increased his speed and within minutes, they landed in front of Vana and Veil.

"Hail, Argetlam." She raised a simple hand. "Are you ailed?" She asked simply; she only talked when she needed to.

[Trinn]

Slashing his hand into the air, Marcus stopped the flow of arrows. The remaining deer bounded off into the woods. He counted the fallen animals. Ten in total. The fletching of the arrows protruding from six of the deers throat testified that they were Romulus's. Rising from his crouch, Marcus made his way over to Rom while the rest of the group began lashing the deer to sturdy poles. "Well done, Rom. You hunt well indeed. Gladia Celesti will eat well tonight!" The others shouted, "Aye!" in hearty tones, the bent back to their tasks. "Come, let us help our fellows." Grabbing the ankle of a doe, he dragged the carcass to a pole and began tying it down.
*****

A wide smile broke across Will's face when the images began flickering through his mind. "Serenity. I see why you chose the name. For a dragon, she is surprisingly peaceful." Winking at the gem like creature, he turned a bit more solemn when he looked to it's rider. "Now, argetlam. Would you mind telling me more about yourself?"
****
We have company. Viel said gruffly. From beside her dragon's left foreleg, Vana looked into the sky. A dark shape was flying steadily towards them. "Excellent." she said sarcastically. She recognized the ebony dragon when it landed, and Vana couldn't help but feel a little cautious. Viel also tensed. The rider, Selene, was a dragon slayer. I dislike dragon slayers. said Viel, flicking out her tongue to taste the air, and the scent of their visitors. Confidence mingled with curiosity.

"Greetings, rider Selene, Slade. Viel and I are fine. We are resting here for the night, that is all." Vana shifted, laying her hand on the hilt of her sword. Secrets among the empires riders was common, and Vana felt no treachery at hiding her reasons from this rider. "I appreciate your concern, argetlam. But it was unneccesary."

[Max452]

"I aim to please." Rom laughed with Marcus as he hefted a doe easily onto one of poles. As they were strapping the deer, Rom decided to ask Marcus more about Gianna and her dragon. He knew that they were both from the same estate, but knew nothing else. "Marcus, please do no take offense, but I was wondering, how did Gianna obtain such a magnificent beast?"

***
Selene wasn't surprised with Vana's frankness nor for Viel's seemingly agitation from their presence. Selene would have taken the rider's undertone to leave them alone, but on the observation that they were wounded deeply, raised her curiosity. "I understand, but I wonder, what battle have you encountered as of late? I notice the wounds you suffer? Is there a warrior about?" Her eyes shifted into the dark.

[Tismri]

Diana hesitated, not sure how much she really wanted to reveal about her true past. But if the Varden could ever trust her, she needed to tell the absolute truth.
"My entire life I was a servant in Galbatorix's palace," she said frankly, "Up until...three or four days ago. Then I was working in the hatchery and an egg hatched for me. I had always planned on escaping that wretched city, but after Serenity hatched...I was going to be forced to swear loyalty to Galbatorix, and I simply could not do that." She sighed and put her head in her hands.
"I barely escaped from the city with my life, and I almost feel terrible for it, because in running away, I feel I betrayed all the friends I had ever made." She thought of Vana, and the thought was filled with terror and sorrow and admiration.
I hope you can forgive me someday, friend, she thought. Serenity moved closer to her, reading her thoughts and sending her love and peace.

[Trinn]

With the deer tied down, Marcus hefted one end of the pole onto his shoulder. He considered Romulus's question while motioning for the others to begin the march back to camp. "You ask a rather mysterious question, Rom. Although she is our leader, we do not know much about her, other than she was once enslaved like us. Of course, many of us have speculated about her. In my opinion, she found the egg of Gladia in the woods, and that is that. However, it is hard to miss the sadness in her eyes, a certain hardness as well. There is more to her than an escaped slave turned rider."
******

Vana glanced down, looking herself over. The gash on her neck from the dart was crusted over with dried blood, and she had a small cut on her cheek from the tip of Gianna's dagger. "These wounds are but scratches. I've dealt with much worse." Crossing her arms over her chest, Vana stared Selene in the eye. In truth she was surprised the rider was speaking this much. It was a known fact that Selene was reserved with conversation. "This warrior does not deserve the title. She is a traitor, nothing more." Vana's voice held anger, disgust. "While on my mission, I was apprehended by this traitor. She was not alone, however. The only reason she escaped with her life." With a finger, she pointed at the dart some feet away. "Her friends threw that in my throat. Some sort of sedative. Viel was forced to retreat while I recuperated from the affects." Why do you not tell her about Diana? Viel asked, her tone angry. She could fly now and get her. Vana turned her head away sharply, annoyed by the question.
Because, although I may have cast away all ties with Diana, I cannot bring myself to leave her to the mercy of them. she said, sending Viel a mental image of the black dragon snapping the hatchling into his maw, of Selene's blade sliding through diana's heart without the offer of surrender. Veil snorted, the image making her want to tear her claws into Slade.
Fine. was all she said.
"Anyways," Vana said, continuing her conversation with Selene, "I when I am good enough to travel, I will resume my mission. There is no need to mention this to the king. He does not need to be burdoned with every little misshap." A sharpness entered her voice. "Am I understood, rider Selene?"
*****
A low whistle blew through the General's lips. "You made it here in four days? That is truly remarkable." Reaching out, he laid a rough hand on Diana's softer one. "Young one, you must never feel guilt for the things you do, especially in this. Your friends should admire your courage."

[Max452]

Romulus took in Marcus' words. "I see. I have sensed that sadness in her...almost as she lost a part of herself..." He shrugged. "Our lives are not so easy is it?" He gave a small smile at Marcus as he placed a pole over his shoulders. "Perhaps we can brighten her mood with this fine feast!" He gave out a cheery tone.

***
Selene eyed the wounds with scrutiny. On the explanation of the "traitor", Selene could only come up with three guesses of a rider who could escape from Vana. One was Einar - but he was probably in hiding in the Spine, not near Surda. Then there was Kalri...but no one knows where she ran off too. Finally there was Gianna...but she was presumed dead. She thought for a moment...no those were the only choices. Her mind buzzed with possibilities. The only way to confirm her suspicions was to go and see the tracks herself.

She smiled slightly when Vana told her not to tell the king. She mentally shrugged. She was 2nd in command after all. "I will not speak of it." She assured Vana. "Where were you attacked? I would like to inspect the area, perhaps gain an understanding of this...traitor and his companions? and my I see the dart?" She asked with a stoic expression.
Slade looked onto the conversation with bore. I hope your enemies suffered before you left, Viel-elda.

[Tismri]

Diana nodded absently, but her mouth said something different.
"My friends admire my courage? Perhaps those who were also lowly servants and slaves would admire me. But the only person besides them who ever called me a friend was the very person who tried to kill me as I ran!" She sighed and slumped back in her chair. Serenity gave a pitiful moan and crawled into her lap, offering her Rider as much comfort as she could give.
"Makes you wonder what true friendship really is," she added, more to herself than General Kell.
~~~~~
Tenel Ka rode slowly toward the large city. She had stopped in the place called Gil'ead to ask for directions. They all had looked at her in amazment when they saw the small turquoise dragon she had with her and gave her directions to the city called Uru'baen immediately.
Strange...I don't recall Tismri ever mentioning a city called Uru'baen before, the princess thought. Caedus seemed to suggest going to explore the city by nudging her single hand holding the reins in its direction. She sat taller and rode with ease to the city gates. The guards at first gave her a vicious glare when they saw the long stump of her left arm, but it was replaced by a look of awe when they saw the dragon, and also the regal look on her face. She passed into Uru'baen without incident.