Wyrda

[Max452]

Einar and Stigandr soared across the Spine, hoping to find a place to rest. They had just completed a mission for the King and were heading back to Uru'baen, but first, they needed to rest.

Einar glanced down below them, causing the wind to ruffle his raven hair. "I think that will make a nice spot." He pointed down below them. "The Woadark Lake is just below. Land north of it, I want to have some coverage in case we run into unexpected visitors."

I understand. Stigandr huffed and soared down.

They landed with a thud and Einar hopped down. He removed Stigandr's saddle and began to make camp.
I am going to go hunt. I will be back within 15 minutes. Stigandr said as he shook his body, thankful for the saddle to be off.
Don't have too much fun. Einar teased as he gathered some wood to make the fire.
Stigandr chuckled and took off to find some food.

[Trinn]

Gianna's breath came in ragged gasps. Her heart beat forcefully. Her legs ached with each step she took, but she stumbled forwards, unwilling to stop even for water. She had been traveling since the night before, running away from the life she had been subjected to. A life of misery, pain, humility. She winced when a sound suddenly filled the air. It was like the snapping of a ships sails, and it created an uncomfortable concussion in the air. Suddenly, a massive, silver creature burst upwards, some distance away. It was like a bat, but covered in mirrors that reflected the dying sun. Crying in surprise, Gianna flung herself down, underneath a group of bushes. The sight of the monster sent chills up and down her spine, and now, on top of the thirst that berated her throat, uncontrolable shivers racked her body. Don't stop, she thought stubbornly. Keep going. Dragging herself from underneath the foliage, Gianna went to stand. At first, her legs wouldn't work, and her first attempt to stand brought her back to the ground. Clenching her jaw, Gianna tried again, and this time was successful. Lurching forward, Gianna continued on.

A few minutes later, the smell of fire reached her nose. A groan left her lips. Please, no more people she thought dejectedly as she brought her shaking legs to a stop. Glancing up, Gianna caught sight of the trail of smoke. Thankfully, it was almost night. Shadows spread across the forest. I can at least see who it is. With an effort, Gianna began her painful march forward. She stopped at the edge of the forest. The trees thinned out into a beach, where a lake lapped softly against a sandy shore. At the sight of the water, Gianna almost threw herself at it. However, the man who sat before the fire some distance away caused her to stay well back. Not only that, but he seemed very dangerous. Yet to Gianna, everyone was dangerous. A sudden crack rent the air, and she looked down in horror at the snapped twig beneath her foot. With slow dread, she looked up again, at the man. Maybe she was imiganing things, but it seemed like he was looking at her. Turning quickly, Gianna attempted to run back the way she came.

[Max452]

After replenishing his waterskins, Einar was inclined to have his dinner. As he sat at the fire eating some bread, a small tingle inched at the back of his mind.
Stigandr, I sense someone nearby.
I am on my way back.
Understood, but stay in the air, I want to see who it is first. A deadly smile spread across his lips and under his mask.

He sat there, waiting for the the presence to come closer. With his right hand itching for its pommel, Einar sat patiently.
Who are you? He thought to himself as he stared out into the forest.

The sparks of the fire crackled and danced before him as he gazed out, his nostrils flaring with anticipation. As he contemplated, the noise of a snapping twig reverberated in his ears. Another smile spread across his lips.
There you are. He stared at the direction the noise originated from.

With his Elven speed, he jumped up from his seat and sped into the forest. Within moments he found himself behind a shadow, and with his quick speed, he unsheathed his right sword, grabbed the individual by the shoulder, and pulled her towards his chest. His short sword inches away from the person's throat ached to see the sight of blood.

"Who are you? Speak quickly." Einar's soft spoken voice pierced the night air.
Suddenly he realized that the intruder was not only a female, but a girl. Nevertheless, his training taught him never to be deceived by appearances.

[Trinn]

At first, Gianna thought she had made it away safely. The thought was quickly dashed, though, when a strong hand gripped her shoulder. Her mouth opened to scream, but suddenly there was a blade pressed to her throat. The touch of it sent her heart beating fast, the cold steel seemed ready to be warmed by her blood. She blinked rapidly, trying to get her red hair out of her eyes.

"Please," she said, her voice coming out hoarsly. "Mercy." Her mind raced as she began thinking of ways to escape this new threat. Could she break free of his grasp and then get away in time? Doubtful. He had seemed to just appear behind her before. Frightening thoughts of how the spine was supposed to be haunted reached her panicked mind. Perhaps he was a phantom. Stupid, she thought, Phantoms wouldn't make campfires. She tried speaking again. "I meant no harm, master," she said, slipping into the mind of a slave. "Just taking a walk through the woods." Her voice cracked at the end, revealing her lie. Gianna winced, half expecting the blade to suddenly slice across her neck. She felt like a fawn caught in the jaws of a wolf.

[Max452]

Einar sensed the panic and fear in the girl, who looked only a few years younger than himself. He glanced down at her once he heard her use the word "master".
A slave? In the Spine? He glanced around slowly around him and then back at the girl.

Without removing the blade, he glanced at one of her shoulders, where it was known to be the identification card for slaves. His fingers gently lifted the sleeve and he eyed brand; two swords crossed. Einar then scoffed. He recognized the brand well, for he had previous dealings with the nobleman who bore the crest, who was known to abuse his slaves and servants.

"A runaway, eh?" Einar whispered. He then glanced up at the sky for Stigandr.
It's just a runaway slave, Stigandr. There is no need to be tense. Go back to your hunting.
Very well, but I will be nearby, nonetheless.

Einar turned his attention back to the girl and then pitied her. He had hated the notion of slaves in the Empire, but was told that it was a necessity. His steady gaze held onto the brand on her shoulder.

Prejudged because of your birth. He snarled in his head. You and I are not so different. His thoughts lingered for a moment on his lineage and then back to the slave.

"You look tired and hungry." Einar stated matter-of-factly. "Rest and eat here, if you wish. I will not harm you. But if you try to attack or alert anyone of my presence, I will not hesitate to kill you. Understand?" Einar lowered his blade and gently released the girl.

[Trinn]

Tensing when the man gently raised her sleeve, Gianna held her breath, afraid of his next move. However, besides the blade held by her throat, and the soft, threatning tone of his voice, he seemed rather benign. Yet when he announced what she was, a runaway, Gianna again feared his intentions. Would he return her? Maybe throw in a free beating to teach her a lesson? A soft whine escaped her lips at the thought, and she again closed her eyes, waiting for the hit to come.

The man's next words surprised her. It was the least she was expecting. As he released her, Gianna stumbled forwards a few steps, trying to get distance between herself and the stranger. She turned quickly, then looked upon the man who had, against all odds, shown her mercy. He seemed well muscled, tall, and incredibly lethal. The blade in his hand seemed a part of him, and it was at the same time frightening and beauitful. Her eyes finally came to his own, and she found them the strangest of all. There was a depth in them she could not place, a humanity, yet also a wild streak. She found herself locked in his gaze, wanting to look away but finding it nearly impossible. Finding her voice, she managed to mutter with a dry mouth, "Thanks." The thought of his offer was tempting, yet her mind told her to move on. And she would have, if she could.

[Max452]

A strange emotion encompassed him as he locked gazed with the slave girl. Her eyes captivated him the most - there was an unseen fire behind them; though she was young, he could tell that she had experienced much.

He studied the rest of her appearance. Her clothes were ragged as well as her shoes. He could tell she had been running for a long time, perhaps without any food or sleep.
A strange compassion filled him when he heard her voice. Though she was covered in dirt and foliage, she was very beautiful.

He had given some thought of returning her back to her master, but knowing who he was, Einar repelled the thought.

"I insist you rest and recover your strength. You are in no condition to travel any longer." He spoke carefully. "As I said before, I will not harm you." As he noted a small untrusting glint in her eye, which was probably justified. He placed his sword back in its sheath and began to head back to the campsite.

[Trinn]

As soon as Einar turned his back, Gianna felt more at ease, but also unsafe. The night was now upon them, and the Spine seemed even more threatning. Tree's turned into fiends, shadows played tricks on her mind, and the small animals that scampered about caused her to constantly flinch. Before quite thinking about it, Gianna followed slowly after Einar, keeping some distance between them.

As they neared the fire, Gianna slowed her steps even more. Maybe he was leading her into a trap. Perhaps he was part of the scouting force searching for her now? No, he couldn't be. He said he wasn't going to harm me. It's time to grow some backbone. Taking a deep, rather shaky breath, Gianna walked into the firelight. She stopped when she could feel the heat, she came to a stop. Uncertain what to do next, Gianna crossed her arms. Her shoulders hunched over, an unconscious act she did to make herself less noticable. An unbidden thought entered her mind. He would be a good master, he seems compassionate and- Gianna cut the thought short, disgusted that it had ever crossed her mind.

[Max452]

Einar sat down on a log as he watched the slave girl being cautious, which amused him a little.
"I give you my word, I will not harm you. You need rest and water." He nodded at her lips. "Here." He held out one of his waterskins to her. "Do not fear. I have no intention to return you to your master." He hid a smile. "I never liked the notions of slaves." He told her honestly, waiting for her to take the water. "I also have some food." He nodded to the bread and fruit that laid next to him.

Einar, I have finished my hunt. I am on my way back now.
Wait a moment, Stigandr. I think you may scare our guest. Stay back for awhile.
For how long? The dragon asked with annoyance.
Until I call for you. Came the reply.

The dragon growled with annoyance. I thought the idea of me hiding in the Spine was done when we left Teirm!

Be patient.

[Trinn]

The man's words gave her more confidence, and Gianna was able to take the proffered flask without hesitating. Uncorking the bag, she brought it to her parched lips and drank deeply. It felt wonderful to soothe the fire in her throat, to soften the cracks that had marred her lips. She probably could have drank the whole flask, each drop of water, but she witheld, and brougth the bag away from her. Corking the lid, Gianna handed it back to the strange man. Her eyes traveled to the spread of food.

The fruit particularly caught her eye. At the estates she had lived within, fruit was never given to the servants. Rarely, someone would grow bold and sneak some from the trash, but if they were caught, the punishment was severe. Gianna herself had never tasted any. Reaching out her hand, she chose a round, red fruit. An apple she thought blissfully. Looking at Einar, she was relieved to see that he still showed no signs of turning on her. Moving to the opposite end of the log he sat upon, Gianna took a seat there, then took the first bite of her apple.

It was positively the most delicious thing she had ever tasted. The sweetness was like heavan, and the more she chewed the meat of the apple, the sweeter it became. Each bite was a moment of bliss. She found herself eating voraciously, and soon all that was left was the core. The apple was the most she had eaten in some time. At the estates, it wasn't unusual for the servants to go for a day without food. With a full stomach and a quenched throat, Gianna looked back at the man. "Thank you." She said clearly, her voice strong for the first time.

[Max452]

"You are welcome." He bowed his head slightly to show his appreciation to the thanks.

The slave girl's voracious appetite made Einar laugh. "Never had an apple before have you?" He reached to remove his mask, revealing his young, but experience face, and took a piece of bread to eat.

"What is your name?" He asked, intrigued by his visitor. "I am called Einar." He removed the hood of his cloak, and ran one of his hands through it. It felt good to take off the hood and mask, though he was unsure if it was wise to do so; not many lived to tell the tale of the identity of the masked assassin.

[Trinn]

Gianna watched, highly curious, as the stranger unhooked his mask and swept back his hood. She was shocked to find he was not much older than herself. However, there was an age to his features that was unnatural, as if he had lived through much, or at least had did much. It was not hard to imigane what kind of deeds he had commited, especially because of the sword he carried. There was no doubt in her mind that he had killed people before.

"No," she replied to his question. "never before." She kept her green eyes downcast as she spoke, a custom that had been beaten into her. She was surprised he wished to know her name, and even more surprised he gave her his. "I am called Gianna." she said simply, unused to making conversation. Her fingers began fidgeting at a loose piece of cloth. She felt unusual just sitting, doing nothing. She risked a glance back up at Einar, then quickly looked away again.

[Max452]

Einar watched Gianna attentively with his green eyes. He could tell she was uncomfortable talking to him, perhaps out of the habit that was no doubt burned into her. It angered him to know that people were used as pack mules for other people's amusement. He made a note to himself, that when the Agleasia was united as one, that he would end slavery, for good. No one had the right to control another. (OCC: Ironic coming from the guy who works for Galbatorix! HA!)

"Raise your head Gianna. I am not your master, so do not treat me so." He stated firmly.

A swooping sound began to disrupt the night. Einar gazed up, with an irritable expression.
Stigandr landed right beside him with a defiant attitude.
"I thought I told you to be patient!" Einar's voice became harsh.
I was. Now I am not. Stigandr stuck his tongue out at Einar.

Einar growled out several chosen swear words and then turned to Gianna, who looked panicked.
"Don't worry, he will not harm you! Stigandr just likes the attention!" He tried to calm Gianna.

[Trinn]

At his command, Gianna forced herself to look up, into his eyes. Again, she began to feel immobolized, lost in their depths. However, an odd, familiar sound reached her ear. But it was much closer than it had been before. The memory of the odd, scaled creature flashed in her mind. Then, in an instant that was accompanied by gusting wind, the monster landed right before her, unbearably close. The blood drained from Gianna's face as she moaned in hopeless fear, and now immobolization was caused by terror. Before, when she had caught a glimpse of it in the sky, the thing had been frightening. She had estimated that it was large, but now, seeing it this close up, the thing was positively massive. It radiated danger, from the curved teeth, the spikes running down it's spine, and the talons gouging the earth. At the moment, she could not appreciate the beauty of it's scales, which gleamed in the firelight like gems.

She looked from Einar to the beast, not understanding why the thing had not yet torn them apart. What was even odder, though, was the fact that Einar had named the creature. This is crazy! she thought wildly, tensing her legs as she prepard to run. That beast is wild! Finding her voice, she said quickly, "what is that?!" Jumping to her feet, she retreated back a few steps, not letting her eyes leave the lethal beast.

Glancing behind her shoulder, Gianna considered her chances of running. They weren't good. The beast would have her in a heartbeat, and probably Einar would as well. It was now apparent the two were together, however strange the notion was. Perhaps I am it's next meal. Her eyes switched to Einar, wondering if his kindness now had another motive.

[Max452]

Einar tried to calm Gianna. "It is all right, he won't hurt you." He turned his attention back at Stigandr.
"I told you, you were going to scare her if you came unannounced!"
Stigandr blew a puff of smoke at Einar, which irritated him more.
I got bored. You were taking too long.

"Gianna, please calm down. Stigandr is a dragon and he means you no harm." He tried telling her again.

I don't know, she looks tasty. Stigandr joked as he allowed Gianna to hear his thoughts.
"STIGANDR!" Einar's voice was loud enough to be heard in mind and body.
I was only joking. He slithered out his tongue. I won't eat you. Besides, I already ate.. He told Gianna as his silver eye looked deep into hers. No one seems to have a sense of humor anymore... He huffed as he turned away and sat down near the campfire, which reflected the silver scales that glittered in the night. Einar would usually appreciate the color, but at the moment he was infuriated with Stigandr.