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Post by Max452 on Dec 20, 2008 0:10:58 GMT -5
"I have encounter him before." Einar reply quickly. "And, if you would please, for I do not mean to be rude or ungrateful, but I would appreciate it if you mind your own business."
Einar! Stigandr snapped. She is an Ancient Rider! Be more respectful! She can destroy us if she means us harm!
Einar scoffed. She could try...
Stigandr huffed, rolled his eyes, and wandered a little off, annoyed with Einar.
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Post by Tismri on Dec 20, 2008 11:10:19 GMT -5
Tismri observed Einar carefully, searching his face. She ever so gently touched his mind to feel any emotions he had. She wondered at the man. What could make him so bitter and angry?
"What is in your heart, Einar?" she asked him, "What has made you like this?"
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Post by linea on Dec 20, 2008 14:32:22 GMT -5
The sun rose higher, touching the clearing below, and Salian no longer cared. He wanted to be far away, and told Torl as much. Torlynden snorted. And go where? Back to your cabin, where the people there could try and kill you?
Salian sat down on a rock and put his head on his hands, staring at his knees. "I don't know where, I just want to leave."
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Post by Max452 on Jan 1, 2009 1:59:16 GMT -5
Einar stared quietly at the flickering fire pit, wondering indeed what had caused his heart to be bitter and vengeful. It was then, he felt Tismri gently pass into his unconsciousness. He boarded up his mind swiftly; guarding the things he held dear to him: memories. He noted that even though she touched his mind, she made no movement to probe it. You are a strange one, indeed. He thought briefly, before turning to face her.
"My heart has long gone, Tismri." He replied quietly, but there was a painful longing in his voice. "The only happiness I retain remains for Stigandr."
As if he was called, Stigandr turned a silvery eye at the two, although his back was still turned towards them. The rear of his tail reflected the fire, causing it to illuminate a glassy glow. He remained quiet, however, knowing and sensing that Tismri was concerned as well as intrigued by Einar. He sighed, wishing that his words earlier would retain in his Rider's stubborn and thick skull.
After the long pause, Einar continued. "My heart was stolen from me. That is what has happened." He replied, wishing no more to speak of the subject.
***
Inside Lady Nasuada's tent, Arya stood rigid as she listened to the Generals devise a strategy to attack the next Empire village. However, hard as she fought, her thoughts continued to find its way to Eragon and Saphira.
As their relationship continued to grow, she found it rather easy to express her affections; whatever they may be, and it was beginning to frighten her. Since the loss of Oromis and Glaedr, Arya was finding it more and more difficult to hide her emotions from the humans. However, learning from her past, she was always able to maintain herself, despite her longing to burst into tears at the thought of her Elven kin and dragon. She swore that Nasuada noticed this; but the leader remained reserve and quiet. In all her years, Arya never felt more burdened by these wailing emotions since Fäolin's death. Forcing herself away from her distractions, she watched as the Generals stared at a map of Aalegasia, pointing to and fro from one direction to another. Her eyes flickered to Nasuada, wondering what course of action she would deem worthy; she had full trust in Lady Nasuada's leadership and has seen her prove her wisdom (despite her young age) time and time again.
After the tedious meeting, the Generals departed from the tent. Arya remained behind.
"They seem uneasy despite the progression we have made since we first began." Arya managed to sense from them, despite her own distractions. "As rightly they should; we are approaching the gates of Uru'bean." She tried her best to qualm her own fears.
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Post by Tismri on Jan 1, 2009 13:39:50 GMT -5
Tismri continued to watch Einar as he spoke. From the bitterness in his voice, and the way he looked to her now, she could guess it had something to do with a woman he had loved. She also guessed that she had died, most likely had been killed.
It seems the young ones can know just as much pain as we, she commented to Ismrolde.
Aye, the dragon replied, but since they have not the experience, I believe it hurts them more. When one is young, he doesn't know how to deal with the pains that come with life.
Neither do we older ones sometimes... Tismri's mind suddenly focused on Kaylayn, the mad elf that she had helped to capture and imprison just before she left. Having found him again, she was unsure how she felt about him. She sensed Ismrolde was amused by her mixed feelings about the elf, but she said nothing of it.
Tismri walked up to Einar and placed a hand on his face to force him to look at her.
"I truly am sorry for all you have gone through," she told him.
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Post by Max452 on Jan 1, 2009 14:00:47 GMT -5
Einar was caught off guard by the gesture Tismri had made. He had tried to fight it, but conceded. He stared at her, with intense eyes, as he heard her words and sensed her true humble honesty and condolence. It was then, when something inside him seemed to shatter; what it was, he knew not what, but when it did, he broke down into a quiet sob.
All the months of silence after Gianna's death finally crept upon him as he let it all go. Stigandr, too, shed a few tears as Einar let go of his mind barriers and finally allowed him into his concsiousness again; he felt it all, the pain, the regret, the hate, every emotion that was walled within einar eloped him.
"She's gone." Einar sobbed as he placed a rough hand over his face. "It's my fault..."
OOC: Einar has too many breakdowns. lol.
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Post by Tismri on Jan 1, 2009 17:13:56 GMT -5
Tismri saw his sorrow, his tears, and felt her own sadness of her return, to find most of the people she had known were gone. When she had first arrived, she had felt that it was somehow her fault, and that if she had returned sooner she would have been able to help them and stop the deaths. But Ismrolde had shown her that it was probable that if they had been there, they could not have stopped it and would likely have been killed themselves.
She placed a hand on his shoulder as he wept, not saying anything, not asking for any more information than he was willing to give.
OOC: yeah well. who doesn't these days? lol
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Post by linea on Jan 4, 2009 19:05:51 GMT -5
Salian awoke around midmorning, not even having been aware that he'd fallen asleep. He turned his head to look at Torlynden and then turned away again. After a minute of thinking about nothing, he stood and stretched. He ran a hand across his bristly chin and looked down at the people below. After a minute of thought, he walked over to his sleeping dragon and nudged his nose with a dirty boot. "Wake up Torlynden. We need to leave this place. Now. I don't know what happened down there, but I would rather not stay around that man. Come on, move."
Torlynden opened one gray eye and snorted. Without a word, he pulled himself to his feet and stretched, his talons gouging deep into the rock. He yawned, exposing lethal white teeth the length of Salian's arm. Then he lowered himself for Salian to climb on.
Salian glanced once more at the people below, and then mounted Torlynden. With one mighty surge, Torlynden leaped from the ledge, snapping his wings open before he reached the treetops. He circled once around the clearing, roaring his thanks that Salian has found rest there, and steered back west, toward Salian's cabin.
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Post by Max452 on Jan 5, 2009 20:30:49 GMT -5
After a moment, Einar regained his somber composure and straightened himself. Wiping the tears with his hand, he cleared his throat. "Thank you, I apologize for that." He glanced at Stigandr who was humming quietly. I had no idea that you felt so...If I had known...I would have helped you...why did you not let me in? Are we not one? Stigandr asked, his long neck glancing over his shoulder at Einar.
I am sorry, Stigandr...I did not want you to suffer as I did. From now on, I will not hide from you. You were the only one who would have understood and I kept you away. Never again. We are one once again.
A dragon-like smile appeared on Stigandr's face, pleased with Einar.
We are one, my Rider.
Turing to face Tismri, Einar had a new look of resolve on his face.
"I have lingered here far enough." He sniffed and addressed Tismri and Ismrolde. "If you truly wish to see the Empire fall, then join me, and I swear, with all the lives that have suffered under Galbatorix, I will not rest until he is as cold as the winter's frost." Einar's eyes grew slightly dark as he said the words in the Ancient Language. "Will you join us?" He asked, his eyes searching Tismri.
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Post by Tismri on Jan 5, 2009 23:10:22 GMT -5
Tismri's eyes closed for a moment as she thought. She could see that Einar was telling the truth, even if he hadn't spoken in the ancient language. She could see the pain he had suffered, and the anger in his eyes, that seemed terribly close to hatred.
"I, too, wish to see Galbatorix thrown down," she said carefully. "He has killed more friends than I wish to know, and will continue to kill more. As for joining, though, it depends on what you mean. I will fight with you for a common cause, but I will consent to be no one's side-kick, no one's partner except Ismrolde. I will go where I am needed, help those who need my help, and do whatever must be done." Her eyes softened as she looked into Einar's.
"Perhaps...you should go to the Varden. I am sure they would accept you, and you would have a better chance against the fallen one if you joined them. But, for the moment, do what your heart tells you."
Ismrolde gave Stigandr a long stare.
Keep your little one safe, she told him. You are both young, but never be without him unless at the highest need.
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Post by Max452 on Jan 6, 2009 5:06:02 GMT -5
Einar had on a playful, yet sly grin on his face. "I had no intention to have an Ancient Rider resolve herself to side-kick status. On the contrary, I had hoped that you would be in the front of the lines, helping me avenge all that have suffered on his hands." Einar listened carefully to Tismri's advice. "Aye. I may seek refuge with the Varden. They are the only one's powerful enough at the moment to defeat the King. As well with Eragon Argetlam, and Saphira Brightscales, I have no doubt that their numbers have increased then. However..." He paused, "I have done much in my youth against them; they will not accept me so willingly."
Stigandr tilted his head at Ismrolde. I thank you for your advice, and I will not leave him. What will your Rider and you do? Will you join the varden or attempt to face the unrightful-king-who-has-killed-and-enslaved-dragons-and-two-legged-men?
OOC: Saphira's point of view in Brisingr has inspired me. lol.
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Post by Tismri on Jan 6, 2009 18:19:12 GMT -5
Tismri smiled at Einar's comment, glad to hear that he wasn't planning on leading any kind of attack himself.
"I am certain that if you approach and tell them that you wish to join them, they will accept you. I would be more than glad to speak on your behaf." She studied his features for a moment, taking in his dark hair and green eyes.
"Tell me, Einar," she said, "were either of your parents elves? For you seem to have the look of one, though you look human to any others."
Ismrolde settled her large head on the grassy floor and continued to watch Stigandr.
My Rider and I have decided that we will fight with the Varden, gladly calling ourselves their allies. But we do not wish to chain our allegience with anyone. Not to the Varden, not to the elves, not to Galbatorix. We will fight for Alagaesia, and see her people liberated.
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Post by Max452 on Jan 6, 2009 23:58:06 GMT -5
Einar scoffed lightly. "It is easier to say then to do. The Varden will not welcome me with open hands, nor trust me right away." He sighed when Tismri inquired about his parents. "My heritage will not help my cause either." He sat silently for a moment. "Aye, my mother was an elf, of the noble royal house, so I am told..." He paused again. "My father....was not the most righteous being...and their affair had caused a great rift between the elves and the Varden. I was told she was treated like a leper among her own people." He gazed up at the sky. "Although, I'm not sure what to believe anymore. The things the King has told me over my life are starting to appear fabricated. I feel I have been manipulated all my life..."
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Post by Tismri on Jan 7, 2009 13:07:42 GMT -5
Tismri listened quietly to what Einar told to her. When she heard that the elves would treat one of their own in such a way, she knew the story to be false. Only if they had been out-right betrayed would the noble people refuse one of their own, and, though they were slow to forget, they were quick to forgive their own kind when there was true sorrow in the matter.
"I will speak with the Varden about you, if you so desire," she said, "For some reason, they seem to think every decision I make is the right and perfect choice. I have never claimed as much myself. I know I still make mistakes. But...I trust you are not one of them. The Varden need good fighters such as you, and a new Rider on their side would boost their confidance."
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Post by Max452 on Jan 8, 2009 23:30:27 GMT -5
Einar couldn't help but to scoff. "Rider or not. It will not be an easy journey for us." He made a sincere smile. "However, I will take whatever help that you may offer, and I thank you for believing in me." He sighed. "They would be foolish to adhere to every Rider they encounter....we all are not perfect, I know that. I pity the fool we believes us to be as such." He rubbed his face. "It's late. I think we should rest now. In the morning, if you will accompany me, I will try my case against the Varden."
Stigandr nodded, pleased with Ismrolde's answer. Aye, I as such. My duty is to Agleasia and to my Rider. I look forward to see what tomorrow will bring.
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