Wyrda

[Trinn]

Racing with the clouds... A good way to put flying, Gianna thought as she turned back around. At Einar's words, the hatchling drew back its neck, although a small growl rose in protest. Gianna studied the small dragon,wondering when it would be big enough to fly. It could already glide, as it had proven earlier. Perhaps in only a week the deep purple dragon could be airborn. Suddenly, Stigandr lowered his neck and put on a burst of speed. The wind from the flight increased noticeably, and Gianna was glad for Einar's bracing arm. She tightened her own grip on the harness handles.

The hathcling began chirping excitedly, and Gianna looked down in time to see it just beginning to open it's wings. "NO!" She cried out, releasing the harness in a panic. She clamped down on the purple dragons wings as the wind shoved her back against Einar. Her heart beat madly as she held the dragon to her chest. If the small one had successfully opened its wings, it would have been blown off of Stigandr! Maybe it could have glided to safety, but Gianna doubted the small wings were strong enough yet to carry it that far. As her heart regained a steady pace, she realized her position against Einar and tried to straighten out. "Sorry!" she said over her shoulder, embarrased.

[Max452]

Einar's heart began beating like mad as Gianna pressed herself against his chest. He was overwhelmed by her simple scent. As Gianna straighten and told him sorry, he really wasn't, but only tongue tied at the moment. He couldn't hear anything else as he stared at her, not even Stigandr's laughter of Einar's emotions.
What is this new feeling, Stigandr? He asked the dragon as he tried to figure out what to say to Gianna.
Sitgandr merely continued to laugh. I'm afraid you are on your own on this one.
Einar swallowed and choked out a "No problem." He could have sworn that his face was bright red because he felt like he had been burned by Stigandr's fire.
"Are you all right?" Einar cleared his throat.

[Trinn]

Keeping one hand clamped down on the hatchling, Gianna used her other to grab the harness. A plague of unusual emotions rushed through her. She was used to feeling hurt, sad, depressed, and, rarely, even happy. But one touch from Einar, one accidental brush against him, and every emotion she knew could not describe the one that erupted at these moments. Her heart beat wildly while her cheeks flared crimson. Such an unusual, enjoyable feeling. Regaining control of her senses, she quickly replied to the rider, "Yes, I'm fine. The little one almost flew right off of Stigandr." Gianna kept her head straight as she spoke, letting the wind carry it back to Einar. I can't let him see me like this, with my cheeks on fire! I dont' even know what that means! Feeling eyes upon her, she glanced down to see the hatchling staring up at her with its amethyst gaze, looking almost apologetic. With her thumb, Gianna rubbed its small head, trying to regain a normal pulse.

[Max452]

Einar gulped as he heard her voice. Control yourself, Einar. You are an assassin, are you not? You were trained to eliminate all your emotions. They get in the way of your goals. Einar's mind kept telling and screaming at him. He scowled at himself, angry that his head was indeed right, but nevertheless, he could not help feeling the way he did; even if he did not understand what they meant yet. The feelings, he sensed, did not indicate any threats, so in the meantime, he would not cloud them.

Stigandr continued to fly over the land and plains, enjoying the flight as much as possible. It noted, but the sun's position and the landmarks below him, that they were near Ura'bean.
We are nearly there. I estimate 10 to 15 minutes. He told Einar, who relayed the information to Gianna.
"Once we are there, I will introduce you to my Father. He will be overjoyed to meet you and your dragon."

[Trinn]

At the mention of the time, Gianna swallowed hard. She was nervous to meet the king, especially after Stigandr's warning. She looked down at the hatchling, wondering if she was bringing within range of any danger. "Ok." She called back to Einar. "I'm glad this will please him." Falling silent, Gianna tried to control her nerves, which were oddly mixed with the other odd feelings. Suddenly, a city loomed up, and Gianna's nerves started thrashing inside her. Cities were not pleasant places for her. They were a reminder of the slave block, of being sold and bought, of being looked over like a horse. And this city was larger than any she had been to. The hatchling chriped and rubbed its head against Gianna's arm. Squinting, she thought she saw other dragons flying above the city. How many riders were there in existance?

[Tismri]

Marola watched from her room as Einar and Stigandr returned. She could not see much, but she thought she could make out a girl holding something riding with them. She turned away from the window.
What is it, Marola? asked Rauthr, watching as she crossed the room, in one of her thoughtful moods. "Thoughtful" usually meaning thinking about her father.
Nothing. It's just Einar and Stigandr returning. It appears they have either captured someone, or otherwise found someone worth bringing to the city. She sat on a couch and stared at the far wall.
That is not all. You're thinking about something, I can tell.
Marola sighed, then said out loud, "I was just thinking. I really don't know anything about my mother. The one time I asked Father about her, he told me her name and decribed her as the most beautiful and loving woman a man could ever wish to marry. He once told me I was a perfect image of her."
What was her name? Rauthr asked.
Marola hesitated. "Gloriana," she said.
OOC: sorry about the random post. I just wanted to jump in somewhere in here for a while. lol.

[Max452]

OOC: Its fine.

Stigandr flew over the courtyard of the castle and circled around to decrease their speed. Upon landing, Einar jumped down with ease.
A servant came up to them and Einar instructed him to alert the King of his return and of an ally that he had brought that would please him.

He turned back to Gianna, holding his hand out to help her down. "You will indeed please him. I too am overjoyed of you being here. Hopefully he will allow us to stay together as well." He made a crooked grin. "I know you must be wondering why we are in Ura'bean and in the King's castle. Forgive me for not telling you before, but I feared that you would misjudge who my father is because of some rumors and mistakes that have been held against him. You see, Gianna, my father is none other than King Galbatorix. Although he is not my real father, he has raised me as such. I do hope you can forgive me of not telling you this." He looked at her with sincere eyes.

[Trinn]

The courtyard Stigandr landed in was lush and beautiful. The sound of trickling water came from a fountain in the center of the large yard, while various birds chirped their songs. Alltogehter, a very peacefull place. Except, this all belonged to Galbatorix. A servant came up to them, and Gianna found herself staring at him intensly. He didn't seem too damaged, or even weak. Rather, he was quite healthy. A flare of hope bloomed in her chest. Her eyes turned back to Einar as he began speaking. At the announcment of his father's identity, Gianna feigned surprise by raising her eyebrows and widening her eyes.

Einars words only increased her faint hope, and she took his hand, a smile on her lips. "Of course, Einar. I would never hold anything against you." She glanced down shyly, her mind more focused on his rugged smile and the words stay together. With the support of his hand, Gianna carefully dismoutned Stigandr. She landed on the soft grass lightly. The hatchling glided down, landing on her shoulder. Feeling reluctant to do so, Gianna released Einar's hand, letting her own fall to her side. "Allright, then. Lets go meet your father." Before departing, she laid a hand on Stigandr's silver leg. "Thank you for bringing me, Stigandr. Maybe we can fly together again sometime?" The purple hatchling growled its agreement.

[Max452]

Stigandr snorted at Gianna's reaction playfully. That's overdoing it a little... he muttered to himself. He was happy to be home and told Einar and Gianna that he was going to his room. I am pleased you enjoyed your first flight. I look forward to many more with you and the small one. He huffed out a smoke ring around the purple dragon and took off.

Einar grinned widely, happy that she wasn't angry with him. "You don't know how much that pleases me!" His heart sank a little as she let go of his hand. It throbbed with sweat and heat, yet he still could not figure out why! These new emotions he would have to deal with soon, or he would go crazy! He nodded to his right, where the courtyard expanded into the castle. "The throne room is this way. It is best to meet him first and then perhaps, we can get some dinner?" He made a nervous laugh.

[Trinn]

Gianna cast a glare at Stigandr. Overdoing it! Please. She watched the silver dragon fly away, the wind from his wings tossing up her red hair. The small dragon on her shoulder tilted his head and swatted at the smoke rings, growling when the smoke dissipated away. It watched Stigandr until the silver dragon was out of sight.

At Einar's obvious joy, Gianna had to smile, especially at the mention of food. She was quite hungry. "That would be great." Her eyes glanced down at her garb. Would it be suitable to meet a king in such a state! She twisted some of the ragged cloth in her hand nervously. "Er, Einar. Do you think I could maybe get a change of clothes somewhere?" She gestured at her ragged white gown. "I don't have any money, but I will repay as soon as I come across some." Gianna's cheeks flared with the embarrasment of having to ask, and she wished desperately that someday, she would have everything she needed. I will never have to depend on anyone again.

[Max452]

Einar stopped short as he remembered the slave wardrobe she wore. "Yes. That would not do. You are no longer a slave, but a rider." He snapped his fingers and immediately another servant was by their sides. "Could you take her to the tailor and outfit her with some clothes? She is to meet the King soon, so be of haste." He turned back to Gianna. "You need not repay me a thing. Everything you need or want will be at your disposal. You are my guest here." He nodded at the servant who bowed at Gianna and gestured for her to follow him. "I will meet the King and tell him of you. This servant will get the clothes you need and will escort you to the throne room, where we await." He took her hand in his. "Be of good cheer, for a new and exciting life awaits you."

Uncharacteristic of him, he lowered his head and kissed her hand, causing his emotions to flare again. The servant eyed Einar with shock; the young rider had never exempt this type of behavior before, not even to the noble women of the court. The servant looked at Gianna, curious on what type of influence she had on t
he young man.

Einar gave her a small grin and then headed off to the throne room. His heart was beating fast as he went and his mind whirled. What just happened? he wondered.

[Trinn]

Again, Gianna was amazed by Einar's kindness. Before she could thank him, he took her hand and brushed his lips against her skin. The touch seemed to send a shock through her entire body, and for a moment she wanted nothing more than to fall into his arms and stay there forever. She managed to return his smile before he turned and headed away. What has come over me? she wonered, dazed. Her small dragon chirped, bringing Gianna back to her senses. She turned to look at the servant. "Hello." The man bowed to her again.
"This way, rider." He set off towards the castle, opposite of where Einar had went. Gianna followed the servant dutifully, casting a glance over her shoulder.

The room the servant brought her into was vast, numerous wardrobes lining the walls and chests filling the corners. Other servants besides the one that escorted her filled the room, mending clothes or sewing. They all seemed relatively happy. Gianna smiled at the ones who looked at her, but they only stared at her curiously. Probably due to the dragon riding on her shoulder. Her guide stopped before a plump woman who wore a measuring tape around her shoulders. "The rider is going to have an audience with the king. Argetlam Einar wanted her to be fit with new clothes." The large woman glanced Gianna up and down.

"Yes. I see. I'll get right to it." Gianna watched her escort leave, then looked once more to the woman, who introduced herself. "I'm Sira. Top seamstress of the castle. Don't worry young rider, I'll get you in top shape before you go off to the king." With a kind smile, Sira took Gianna by the shouldes and guided her off.
~

By the time Sira was done with Gianna, the free slave looked rejuvinated. Now bathed, her rich red hair shone in the light, while her skin exumed a healthy glow. The seamstress had dressed her in a flowing purple gown, trying to match the color of the small dragon. Silver emobroidery ran across the hem of the dress and the long sleeves. Gianna stared at her reflection in the long mirror, slightly shocked. Who new such a beautiful woman lay under the grime of a slave? "Sira, this is wonderful." The large woman smiled smugly while the small dragon chirped in agreement.

"All in a days work love. Now, I'll have more practical clothes waiting for you in your chambers. But I thought for your first visit to the king, you should look at least a little dazzling. And I must say, dazzling you are." Laughing, the woman guided Gianna to another man, who held a needle in his hand. "Marc. Take this young rider to the throne room." Nodding, the servant disposed of the needle and bowed to Gianna.
"This way, then, Argetlam."
~

Gianna stared at the large brass doors, apprehension thick in her mind. If not for the knowledge that Einar stood on the other side, she wasn't sure she could make it through the doors. The servant by her side nudged her on. "Go on now, rider. The king is waiting." Gianna stared at him with wide eyes.
"Yes. Of course." Taking a deep breath, she folded her hands together and walked through the doors. The hatchling sat upon her shoulder, neck arched and wings slightly flared. The small dragon seemed to realize the mood of the situation.

Gianna stopped her march half way to the throne. Looking up, she met the gaze of the king. His dark eyes held her attention, like a snake staring into the eyes of it's prey. She could see the calculation in them, the study of her and the hatchling. Keeping her breaths even, she bent smoothly into a curtsy, bending her neck low. "My lord." she said in a clear voice.

[Max452]

Standing to the side. Einar was just explaining his whole encounter with Gianna; how they met, how she was a slave, the guards that came, how he paid for her and freed her, and finally how they found an egg and it hatched for her. "You will be pleased, my Lord." Einar assured him of Gianna. It was then, when he finished his report, that the mighty brass doors opened and Gianna entered with elegance he could not possibly describe.

Einar's jaw would have hit the floor as Gianna entered the throne room. His analytical eyes looked her up and down; he admired the purple gown that seemed to radiate off of her skin. He gulped, entranced by not only her gown, but her beauty as well. When she curtsy, he suddenly remembered that he was before the King and did his best to hide his emotions; he was taught that emotions were to be kept in check, or he would never be able to be at his full potential. To kill your emotions was to kill you distractions and through that, the Empire would be able to bring peace quicker. It didn't fully make sense to Einar, but it was effective in getting the job done, however, now he was starting to doubt that theory...

Einar cleared his throat after Gianna spoke. Struggling, he averted his gaze and turned to the King. "My Lord, may I present Gianna. I encountered her whilst I was traveling in the Spine. It was there where she was blessed to become the Rider you see before you. I knew at once she possessed the spirit and talent of a Rider and that she would hold well as a Rider for our beloved Empire and King." He bowed low, waiting for the king to respond.

[Trinn]

Galbatorix listened, slightly bored, to Einar's report. In truth, he was rather annoyed the boy had gone to the trouble of buying a slave. The woman probably didn't know how to do anything except grovel! However, he was surprised when Einar began telling of the dragon egg whitch hatched for her. How strange. What could a dragon see in a slave? Just as the thought crossed his mind, the large doors swung open, and a beautiful, graceful woman approached. He watched her intently, at first not realizing the dragon riding on her shoulder nor the reaction from Einar. And then, as Einar announced her name, Galbatorix's eyes widened with shock. This is the slave! How could one of such beauty ever have been subjected to such a life? Reigning in his thougths, Galbatorix spoke in his low voice. "Rise, rider, and welcome." The woman rose immediately. She still has the instinct to obey. he surveyed. That could be useful...
~~~~

As her head was bent, Gianna searched the room with her eyes, trying to be discreet. After a moment, she caught sight of Einar, standing to the side. She wanted to smile and go to him, but held her stance. When in the presence of a king, one couldn't just wander about the room. The royal man's voice suddenly boomed in the large hall, and Gianna stood straight, averting her eyes to his chin. Would it be rude to actually look into his eyes? In some households, slaves weren't aloud to look anywhere except the floor. Unexpectedly, the king rose to his feet and walked towards her, a caluclating expression still on his face. He said nothing as he circled around her, and Gianna fought the urge to run. The hatchling on her shoulder twisted around to keep an eye on the king, for which Gianna was silently grateful.

Finished with his expection, Galbatorix halted infront of Gianna. She kept her eyes slightly lowered as he spoke again. "I am pleased you have decided to join the empire. You must think I am an aweful person, allowing slavery." He held up his hands, imploring. "Understand that I an no personal advocate of the act, I merely try to placate the nobles. After the varden are dealt with, I will begin my next goal. Abolishing slavery." He smiled widely at her, but Gianna found it false, insincere. She inclined her head again.
"Thank you, my lord. I understand." He nodded, then returned to his throne, where he spoke again.
"I suppose you don't know much about the outside world, let alone war fare." The king placed a hand on his chin. "I will send you tutors who will teach you to read and write. I will also have you trained in weaponry and magic." He glanced over to the half-elf. "Einar can train you in those." Gianna nodded, but felt slighted. He thinks I'm an idiot! Before the king could continue, Gianna brought forth her courage and interrupted him.
"Your magesty, I beleive the tutors will be unneccesary." He looked at her questioningly. "I can read, and I can write." Her eyes glinted as she said the words. A sudden smile broke across Galbatorix's face, and he clapped his hands together.
"Excellent! That will save much time." Gianna nodded. Learning to do both had been difficult, especially since she had to do it secretly. She was fortunate there had been older slaves willing to teach her. These thoughts abondoned her as the king begain speaking again. "You will begin weaponry training tomorrow." His dark eyes flashed to Einar. "You may find her an appropriate room. I care not where. And thank you, Einar. You have done well, my son. Now, the two of you should get some rest." Galbatorix settled back in his throne, clearly dismissing them.

"Thank you for your hosipitality, my lord." Bowing, Gianna straightened and left the room, eager to be out of his presence. Once outside, she stood by the door and waited anxiously for Einar. "What did you think, little one?" The hatchling stared at her a moment, then snarled. Gianna frowned, thinking back on the kings words. I don't really wish to join the empire. Or the varden. I just want to rule my own life, no loyalties, no ties. She bit her lip, her thoughts conflicted. But if Einar is here...

[Tismri]

Marola wandered around the city, still lost in her own thoughts. She wished she knew what her mother looked like. Marola knew she looked very little like her father. Morzan had had dark brown hair and eyes, as did Murtagh, her half-brother. Marola had bluish green eyes and bright red hair, though it had a dark black streak running through it. Morzan had told her that she looked just like her mother.
Who else would know what my mother looked like? The king, maybe, but I daren't ask him such a personal question. Murtagh wouldn't know. Einar...Einar might know. I know he's older than he appears. Perhaps he caught a glimpse of her...but there's no way he would know who she was... Marola's mind flashed back to an elf woman she had met several months ago. She had said she knew her father...maybe she met her mother as well.
Marola, be careful. Every time you meet Nerasa, you end up at each other's throats. She may be with Seana, and that could only end in disaster.
I'm sorry, Rauthr, Marola said, but I want to know about my mother. Nerasa may be my only link to her. Marola sighed, then headed back toward her quarters to rest.