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Post by Trinn on Feb 8, 2009 18:51:19 GMT -5
Einar's tone softened Elaine's heart, and she wondered if perhaps she and him were so different. She had lost her parents too, and on many a dark night fancied what life might have been had they not been murdered. Her fingers trailed across the gold wrapped hilt of the rapier on her hip, the only thing she had of her father. "Wondering never does any good," she finally said, her own voice tight. "We can only face the future and hope that, maybe, hopefully, it will be better to us than the past was." Elaine was then gripped with the desire to know who exactly it was that Galbatorix had taken from Einar, who was so important to him that he completely changed alliance. But that was personal, and she didn't want to bring up a touchy subject. Two soldiers came around a corner then, and both stiffened at the sight of Einar, hands traveling to weapons. Elaine scowled at them, and they quickly bowed and continued on. "It would seem word of your arrival has already spread. Do not be dishearted to find that many of us don't welcome your presence." She glanced at him, half a grin on her lips, "You were, after all, one of our greatest opponents."
***
Aye. I am glad you have come to see your former king's folly. But these refugees are not all city folk, who at least know how to make a living for themselves. The majority are freed slaves, people who do not know how to take control of their lives, to do anything more than bow and say "thank you". Without fail, they come to the castle gates and seek refuge. And they always say, "Gladia Celesti saved them." Eridor snorted. If I sound bitter, its only because they are leeching supplies from the varden. I am all for freedom. Am I not a dragon? But the price is taking its toll.
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Post by Max452 on Feb 8, 2009 19:06:03 GMT -5
Einar nodded at Elaine's words of the past. Knowing too well that Tismri and Stigandr had said the same thing. "One cannot help but wonder..." He mumbled, as he thought about Gianna. His jaw tightened as his thoughts led to her death. He was so invoked in his own memory, that he didn't even notice the two soldiers reaction towards him. It was when Elaine spoke again that he dropped back down to reality. "I actually expected a worse welcome." He gave a half grin. "Which only proves how more honorable the Varden is." His face grew distant again. "Aye...and the same for you." They continued on, Einar more adept to silence as a part of him listened absentmindedly to Stigandr's and Eridor's conversation.
***
Stigandr huffed. I have always seen his folly...it was my Rider who was fooled. Despite my reservations...my heart has always been with my Rider....no...you sound honest. Stigandr replied as he stared at the freed slaves, and then he snorted. What? Gladia Celesti? Who is that? Stigandr's eyes and tails flicked with earnest.
***
Down below, when Einar had heard some of the conversation, he halted abruptly and his hands began to shake. "What? What did he just say!?" Einar's eyes darted to the skies as his voice rang loud in both mind and body. "Stigandr! What name did he speak?!" He spoke, not caring to contain himself.
Stigandr grimaced at Einar's mental shout. At the moment, he said nothing, awaiting Eridor's clarification. It must be a coincidence...Gladia's name was named after that bright star....they could have seen it as a sign of hope and used it...calm yourself, I will get the answer... He told Einar after a moment's pause.
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Post by Tismri on Feb 8, 2009 22:47:04 GMT -5
Diana walked down the hall of the castle, glancing outside where Serenity was flying contentedly. The perfect image of her name. The aquamarine dragon had just become old enough that Diana could ride her. That thought excited the woman above anything else.
Diana was startled out of her reverie when she heard a man give a shout. It sounded surprised...and somehow full of a desparate hope. But she felt her heart fill with dread. She would recognize that voice anywhere. She had heard it almost every day for many years. It was one of the voices she learned to fear.
What is Einar doing here? she wondered as she backed up against the wall in case he was coming her way.
Relax, Di, Serenity told her, and images of cool springs and babbling brooks, as well as flight through the sky, danced in her head, making her relax.
You always tell me to do that, Diana complained laughingly. But she was still startled.
I'm sure there is a perfectly resonable explanation, Serenity told her. Diana nodded, but was still unsure.
~~~~~
Tismir gazed down the hall after Elaine and Einar, smiling slightly. Then she turned to Nasuada. The young leader of the Varden never ceased to amaze her in the ammount of wisdom she possessed. The ancient Rider regarded the woman for a moment, then allowed a slight smile to cross her face.
"Well, Lady?" Tismri asked, "Was my trust well placed in your opinion?"
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Post by Trinn on Feb 8, 2009 23:05:00 GMT -5
At Einar's sudden shout, Elaine flinched away from him and drew her sword, holding it in a defensive stance. When it became apparent he was speaking to his dragon, Elaine relaxed, but kept her sword ready. "Einar," she said firmly, "what is the matter?" Perhaps he didn't turn sides, Elaine thought. Maybe he was just insane.
*****
Dipping his left wing down, Eridor banked to the left, his talons clawing the air as a sudden gust swirled around him. He hardly noticed. Who? More like they. As far as the varden know, there seems to be a mysterious woman freeing slaves all over the empire, sending them to Surda. However, we've also had reports of a mysterious tribe, recently formed, who call themselves Gladia Celesti. Apparently, they formed under our mysterious freedom fighter. Eridor rolled one eye down to stare at Stigandr. You recognized the name. he stated bluntly. Have you come across the tribe, or the girl, before?
****
"Very well placed indeed, Rider Tismri" Nasuada responded, her tone respectful, even humbled. "If not for you, argetlam, I may very well have had him thrown in a cell. Thank you for your intervention." Her deep eyes looked to the door. "I just hope all of our men, and women, will come to trust him as we have."
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Post by Max452 on Feb 8, 2009 23:30:11 GMT -5
Stigandr hummed as he listened carefully to Eridor's explanation. Aye, we recognize the name...a proud and noble dragon was named such...and the Rider was even more virtuous and pure than one could ever image... A young woman turned freedom fighter....yes...that I have heard before...but it is impossible...for she died months ago... Stigandr's voice was quiet and sad as he tapped into Einar's emotions. Einar...she's dead....they are dead...perhaps she had inspired others though? Stigandr tried to communicate with Einar, who seemed to be filled with a desperate hope...but the feeling turned quickly to a smashed feeling of it.
***
Einar stared at the sky with his fist clenched at his sides as he awaited for some news. Taking in every word that Eridor said through Stigandr, Einar tried not to get his hopes up, but it was of no use. Just believing that she was alive and having it taken away hurt worse than the first time he heard of her death.
A small tear formed in Einar's eyes as he heard Stigandr's words. Saying no more to his dragon, he quickly turned to Elaine, wiping the tear while he was at it. "Forgive me...I had lost myself for a moment..." He feigned a smile as his heart ached for its companion. "please...let us continue our previous conversation." His voice pratically begged her to change the subject as his composure showed a dejected sadness.
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Post by Tismri on Feb 9, 2009 13:51:37 GMT -5
Tismri smiled and nodded to Nasuada.
"I am glad," she told her, "for I believe Einar will be a great addition to our forces. It may take a while for him to get back the full prowess he once had, for I have felt in him a deep hurt that willl never be fully healed. But he will survive, I believe, and be at greater warrior for the Varden than he ever was under the traitor.
"Now, I feel I need to tell you, Ismrolde has just spotted more refugees and ex-slaves on their way to Surda. I believe you might appreciate the advanced warning so you may make the necessary preparations for them."
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Post by Trinn on Feb 9, 2009 20:55:01 GMT -5
The castle was nothing but a mere spec behind the dragons now, and Eridor began slowly angling towards a cove of trees, wind whistling past his wings. He was not prepared for the tone of sadness in Stigandr's voice, and so had to think a moment before responding. I am sorry for your loss. Not only am I sad that a human such as you describe is gone, but that another of our race has perished also. But at least she has left a legacy behind, and quite a large one. Eridor blinked, a thought crossing his mind. What I don't understand, though, is how these freed humans arrive to Surda so soon, and without inccident. How can so many people escape from one estate so easily. He shook his horned head in wonder, then related his conversation to Elaine.
I think we know why Einar seeks revenge against Galbatorix.
***
Slowly, Elaine sheathed her sword, not taking her eyes off Einar, who stared at the cieling high above. He seemed to be deep in conversation with Stigandr, or at least lost in some memory. When he finally returned to the present, Elaine caught sight of a single shining tear, which he quickly obliterated. And when he spoke, his voice held such pain, such sorrow that she herself wanted to cry.
"Of course." She paused, thinking quickly for a lighter topic. "So, after we get that room for you, is there any place in particular that you would like to see first?" Then, to Eridor, she said, It is a sad thing, losing the one person completed your life. I hope to never experience such a thing.
***
Turning, Nasuada walked behindherdesk and sat down, shaking her head hopelessly. "We get more of those people everyday. I don't understand why they feel the need to come here. Can't they survive in the countryside? Or in neighboring cities?" Reaching into a drawer, she pulled out a stack of leather bound notebook and leafed through the crisp pages. The journal held an overview of inventory, of what could be spared and what not. "These people are really becoming a burden." Nasuada looked up from the book, to Ismrolde. "I think I should send riders out to the border, to see if we can discover where these people are coming in. Or at least to tell them to stop coming to the capital unless they wish to enlist. What I would love is to find the cause for this. Gladia Celesti."
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Post by Max452 on Feb 9, 2009 21:15:01 GMT -5
Stigandr regained control of his emotions when Einar finally recollected himself. Aye. A sad and terrible loss it is, but the world continues to move, and so must we. Stigandr flapped his wings with ease as he kept the same pace with Eridor. It is an interesting mystery. Someone powerful must be aiding them. Perhaps we should seek this person out? No doubt they oppose the false-king and I assume the dark-queen of the Varden would like to have another ally? Stigandr mused on the idea.
***
Grateful that Elaine didn't press him any further about Gianna, he pondered her question. "The training grounds. I would like to see how well the Varden has trained. I could even provide some tactics against the King's soldiers." Einar finally answered as he cleared his throat from his previous misfortune.
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Post by Tismri on Feb 9, 2009 22:41:26 GMT -5
Tismri looked sympathetically at Nasuada.
"I understand the pressure this places upon you," she said, "but these refugees trust you. They see you and this city as a symbol of all their hopes and dreams. They look to you for guidance."
As you and the Varden see me and Ismrolde, she added in her mind where no one but Ismrolde could hear. Ever since she arrived, she felt that the Varden believed her to be the fufillment of everything they could ever hope for. They looked to her for wisdom and advice. They saw her as powerful and wise, and in the cases of a few men, the most beautiful thing that ever caught their eye. All this weighed in the ancient Rider's mind.
How can I be so old, and yet feel so young and unprepared for this role that has been thrust upon me? she wondered.
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Post by Trinn on Feb 10, 2009 13:12:45 GMT -5
Rounding a corner, Elaine entered the riders hall. The long hall had originally been meant for nobles visiting the large castle, but after the resurection of the riders, had been revamped as their living quarters. "The training field it is, then. But first..." approaching a door, Elaine tested the handle. The door swung open easily to reveal an empty room. It was filled with the usual decor, a four post bed, dresser, wardrobe, washbasin, and desk. The other riders usually added to their rooms, making it their own. "Here we are." Elaine looked back at Einar. "The General Kell usually assigns the riders rooms, so he has all the keys. I'll track him down later to get the one for this room. Do you want to unpack before we head to the training field?"
***
An intriquing quest. I would enjoy finding this person. And, as you say, Nasuada would certainly welcome another ally. They were above the small woods now, and Eridor circled once above them. This is where I usually come to hunt. The deer enjoy taking shelter in the woods below, and love to graze in the surrounding meadow. Ah, there are some now. With his keen sight, Eridor had spotted the brown flecked tail of a doe flitting between the trrees. Her herd would be nearby.
***
Inclinging her head, Nasuada accepted Tismri's words. "Indeed. And I would never turn them away. The Varden accept all who wish to start anew."
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Post by Max452 on Feb 10, 2009 17:35:20 GMT -5
Einar looked at the large room with some interest; he noted the size considerably. "I thank you for your help, Argetlam, however, do you mind telling me where the dragon's stay? Stigandr is fair too large to fit in here..." He made an embarrassed smile. "But besides that, I have little to unpack, so we can go straight to the grounds."
***
Aye, so would I. I would like to know very well who is using that name... Stigandr tilted his head as he stretched it out to scent the deer. Mmmm...this is a nice spot indeed... Stigandr hummed as his stomach began to growl at the sight of the doe.
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Post by Trinn on Feb 13, 2009 12:31:21 GMT -5
Elaine nodded, sympathetic to Einar's question. "Well, this castle wasn't built with dragon riders in mind." she said, stepping from the room and closing the door behind her. "So we riders just have to compromise. The dragons usually stay just outside the castle, some even sleep in the courtyards. And, if you'd rather not spend a night away from Stigandr, feel free to stay with him." Setting off at a casual but quick walk, Elaine strode towards the training fields. There were two within Aberon. One resided in the castle, while the other was set up among the varden encampment. She debated which to take him to, and finally decided on the varden field. After all, he did say he wanted to see how the varden trained. I just hope people won't overreact as I did. she thought, imagining Einar amidst all the varden riders, elfs, urgals.
*****
Wheeling away from Stigandr, Eridor gave the silver dragon space to manuever. Take your pick, silver-scales. The varden land is now your land.
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Post by Max452 on Feb 13, 2009 19:41:17 GMT -5
Einar followed Elaine, pondering the question. "I will pose the options to Stigandr." He replied simply, although, he personally wouldn't want to be parted from his dragon anymore-he was all he had. As he and Elaine entered the training grounds, Einar felt a pang come upon him abruptly. The last time he was around this type of atmosphere was when he was training with Gianna. His face hardened slightly as he watched the Varden train. Walking amidst them, he heard several jeers and yells come upon.
"What's he doing here?!" One of the soldiers cried out.
"Go back to your King!" Another shouted.
The elves narrowed their eyes at him, but said nothing, preferring to watch the new allied Rider.
Einar glanced at Elaine. "Well...I guess-" He didn't get a chance to finish because one of the Varden threw a rock and a large melon at him. He caught the rock with ease and tossed it on the floor while he stealthy unleashed his left handed sword and sliced the melon in half. He caught the sliced pieces after sheathing his sword. He offered one to Elaine. "Its a poor waste of food." He shrugged.
***
Stigandr watched the herd with delight. Thank you. He swooped down and as he did the herd started to panic and run all over the place. You can run...but you can't escape my claws! His talons snatched up three deer with ease and he tossed them up in the air. With one giant snap they were gone. Delicious! he gave a dragon smile as he went up into the sky again. It would be rude of me to not share this! He hummed, inviting Eridor to join.
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Post by Tismri on Feb 14, 2009 22:41:05 GMT -5
Tismri nodded to Nasuada, then stood and left. She sensed discord brewing in the streets of Surda and knew the people were seeing their new ally and not enjoying it. She left the castle quietly, aware of the awe-filled stares as she walked past. She sensed that a few who had seen her escorting Einar felt some doubt about her. Somehow, it comforted her. She was glad that people didn't think she was perfect in every way, because she knew she wasn't.
As she walked out to the streets outside, she saw Einar and Elaine walking some ways ahead, and the Varden were definately not happy about Einar's presence. She felt sad, because she knew Einar was a good person and did not deserve that treatment. She watched for a few moments, still hearing the angry shouts. Those who noticed her watching quieted instantly, and after several minutes, silence reigned in the street. Tismri said nothing, but her stern, sad eyes did the talking for her. Gradually, the people began to walk away from Einar, looking down to avoid Tismri's gaze.
The ancient Rider still did not say anything, but passed through the street silently, her elven boots making no noise on the ground below. She left the city in search of the one person who understood her intimately, to confide in her.
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Post by Trinn on Feb 17, 2009 10:37:23 GMT -5
Not completely surprised by the sudden assault upon Einar, Elaine took the melon half he offered her. She did not eat though, but instead sought out the one who had thrown the fruit. The soldier, who, along with the others, had fell silent at Tismri's gaze. But, now that she was gone, was glaring once more at Einar, a hard line his mouth. "Come with me, Einar." With melon in hand, Elaine marched over to the culprit. Seeing her, recognizing a true Varden Rider, he bowed and said respectfully, "Rider." Elaine waited, and when the solider said nothing else, gestured towards Einar. "I am not the only rider in your presence, footsoldier. Show respect, man, to those who deserve it." The soldier cleared his throat, then spit at Einars feet.
"I'm sorry, argetlam," he said, sarcastic now, "I was unaware that this rider, who has killed our men, was due for respect. I suppose the next time I see another enemy, I shall bow down and kiss his feet and ignore the fact that I am bearing my neck to him, which, I am sure, he would easily bring his blade down upon. Until this man," he said, casting a stabing glance at Einar, "has earned his place here, then perhaps I shall show respect. But as of now, he is only an enemy. Not to be trusted."
Elaine could hardly argue with the man. After all, those were her original thoughts, and at times she still found herself thinking this way. But Nasuada and Tismri trusted him, and Elaine could do no less. Do you need assistance? Eridor's gravely voice filled her head.
No. Not yet. "You should place your trust in him quickly, soldier. He will be fighting on our side now, and you would do well to remember that he could save your life, or let you get stabbed because of your words." Raising the melon, Elaine took a large bite, then turned and continued to the training fields. The other soldiers gave her a wide berth. They knew that her dragon, Stormwing, did not take kindly to those who in any way disturbed his rider.
****
Flapping his wings once, Eridor pulled free of the hover he had settled in. He had been listening intently to Elaine's confrontation with the soldier. There had been a time when he would have flow off as soon as Elaine's mood became troubled, but he had learend to trust his rider more, to acknowledge that, even though a fleshling, she was strong and more than capable of taking care of herself. He had been so protective of her that the soldiers usually kept their best manners around her. Flapping his wings again, he propelled himself towards Stigandr. Forgive me, he said, I have the tendency to be a little, over protective, of my rider, which other dragons have never failed to point out. One in particular stood out. He had decided to change his behavior after the ancient dragon, Ismrlode, had said something to him. Clasping his wings to his sides, Eridor dove down, through a tight hole in the canopy of the woods below, caught hold of a buck with his left foreleg, then spiraled back up. The buck was already dead, its neck broken. He devoured the animal in a bite.
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