A Hatchling

[Max452]

Arya smiled, delighted that Faolan had smiled, or atleast managed a smile one. She smiled at Eridor as well, for his attempts to frighten the black hawk.

"She may be small, O Brightscales, but I assure you, Jade is known to hold her own in battle. She is and will always be my guardian."

Arya reached out a hand and tickled the bird with a slender forefinger. At first Jade seemed to want to bite it off, but with a tender look from her master, she seemed to recline. It seems she has yet to learn to trust others... "Aye. I have seen with my own eyes how talented she is. She has a fair share of Urgals."

"Aye, that she has. She is a loyal friend." Faolan glanced at the two Riders. "If not for her, I do not think I would be here before you." He spoked regarding more than meaning; if not for Jade, his only link to Tara, he was sure he would have been lost in his own madness and not to mention her ability to spot the enemy without alerting her own position. "I imagine it is the same relationship that you have with each other." He directed the remark at the riders and dragons. "Though we do not share all our thoughts, I feel I am grateful to know some and experience an inkling of a rider's and dragon's relationship."

[andowen]

Sayu and Kiona stayed quite during the exchange between the small party that were congregated. Sayu felt utter joy at being around her own people again, not that she minded the company of humans, indeed she rather enjoyed it, it was just nice to see someone from home. You are happy now little one? Kiona asked Sayu, she turned and looked up at the red dragon and smiled. I am indeed. This has brought me much joy today. She replied to Kiona. As she was about to returne her attention to the group, and small dot in the sky drew her attention. Kiona followed her gaze also. That doesnt look right. Kiona said to Sayu. Sayu glanced at the group for a moment, then thought of the spell to enhance her vision. She looked again toward the sky and the small dot took a more reconisable shape. I think thats a dragon. She said to Kiona. It might be friend, someone else coming to join the varden. Kiona said. Yes, and it might also be foe. Sayu replied still looking to the sky.

~~~~

Murtagh and Thorn were miles and miles above the city, they couldnt really make out any shapes on the ground, but they could at least see the lay out of the city. Thorn memorized it instantly. We need to be closer. If we are spotted you have the hight and speed to either attack or escape. Murtagh said to Thorn. Thorn didnt agree with Murtagh, but slowly started to drift lower, but not too low. Murtagh scanned the outside of the city, looking for weak points and other such things, so he would at least have something to report back to Galbatorix. I dont think it would be practical for the king to attack the city itself. His best bet would be to draw the Varden out again like on the burning plains. Murtagh told Thorn. Yes but untill we know how many riders they have, and what their skill level is, I think it best not to raise another attack. Thorn said with slight concern to his voice. Murtagh patted his neck. Unfortunatly, dear friend, to the king, it doesnt matter what we think. Murtagh replied.

[Trinn]

Elaine found Faolan's relationship with the hawk amazing. She had known of dogs and cats to be close to their masters, but they were also domesticated pets. Remarkable, isn't it? she asked Eridor. The large gray dragon turned an eye on his rider.
Indeed. Especially the urgal remark. I wonder how she accomplished the task? Elaine shrugged. "Well, in that case, I am very glad that Jade is on our side." she said with a smile, glancing at Sayu, including her in the conversation. Her smile faded when she realized the other rider's eyes focused to the sky. Frowning, she followed Sayu's gaze. A bird drifted above the city, indistinct from its height. But there was something about the wings, and the tail... I don't think thats a bird.

Eridor rose from his crouch, immediately alert. That isn't a bird. It is another dragon. He could see much further than Elaine, and was able to recognize the creature. He glanced at Kiona and Sayu. Should we go to meet it? He heard Elaine's voice speaking to Arya and Faolan. "There is another dragon above us. We're not sure whether it is friendly or not."

[Tismri]

Elva followed the other's gazes toward the sky. She felt someone with an inner turmoil, following orders that he was not sure he wanted to follow. After watching him for a few minutes, she spoke up to the others.
"I don't think it would be wise going to meet him. Given recent encounters, I think it would be best to avoid confronting him. You'll only get hurt if you do, and I would have to stop you before that happened." Elva grinned at their responses. She knew the Rider and dragon were Murtagh and Thorn. But she also knew that if she told them, it would cause the two of them pain, something she needed to avoid. She sat on the ground and stared up at the sky, watching the red dragon intensly.

[Max452]

Arya and Faolan followed the eyes of the riders to the sky, where they saw a dragon, although he was still far away.
"Nevertheless, it is best to keep a weary eye on this new dragon." Arya deduced. "We must alert Lady Nasuada."

***
Einar had left Stigandr (OOC: he's doing that a lot lately! how sad!) and entered Abernon as a simpleton. Donning only his cloak, he entered the city. However, while he was looking at some knives that were on sale, he noticed something flying off in the distance.

His elven genes kicked in as he looked at it. A dragon, and a red one at that. What are you thinking Murtagh? Are you trying to alert the Varden? Einar hissed at him, but not contacting him at all. He had to remain discreet after all.

[Trinn]

At the sound of the cynical, oddly adult voice, Elaine placed a hand on the hilt of her rapier and spun to face the child. Her eyes fell upon Elva, the poor infant who had been cursed, rather than blessed, by Eragon. "Elva. You startled me." She tried to smile pleasntly to the girl, but it turned into an expression of sympathy mixed with pity. Glancing back up at the sky and the dragon that flew in it, she asked, "do you know who the rider is?" He must be empire, if we might get hurt confronting him. Elaine thought darkly.

Eridor raised his wings slightly, anxious to confront the threat and take it away from his rider. Aye. We should take him now before he can decide to come down on us. Elaine agreed, but waited for Elva's answer. In the meantime, she told Arya, "I'll send the first guard I see with a message for Nasuada."

[Tismri]

Elva was annoyed that they refused to listen to her. She answered Elaine.
"Yes, I know who it is. I also know that if you try to harm him, I am going to be obliged to stop you. Even though he is against the Varden, he is a Rider and must therefore be protected." At the odd glances from the others, she sighed, exasperated at their lack of understanding.
"One of the effects of the spell Eragon put on me tells me who should be guarded above others. At the height of those are dragons and their Riders. I must help any of them being harmed, friend or foe. Two Riders against each other causes more turmoil in me than I care to admit. So, please, do yourself a favor and do not attack first. The one who is attacked is the one I am told to protect, since the misfortune falls upon him." With that, she turned her eyes upward and watched as Thorn continued to circle the city.

[Trinn]

Elaine frowned, disliking the fact that there really was no choice but to wait. Eridor growled. That child cannot not stop me! Elaine placed a gentle hand on his leg.
Peace, Eridor. She is wise beyond her years, and I wish her no discomfort. Besides, if that rider attacks, we'll be the one's she's protecting. Eridor continued to grumble, but held his position. Elaine looked back to Elva. "Thank you, Elva. I do not wish to cause you any unease. We will do as you suggest and wait." She glanced at the others gathered, hoping she was right in saying "we". Eridor didn't exactly agree, but he didn't object. A flash of movement caught the corner of her eye, and she looked to see a guard ambling through the courtyard, keeping to the edge, away from the dragons. "You!" Elaine called out, halting the man. He turned to look at her, a bit puzzled. "Send a message to lady Nasuada. Tell her an enemy rider flies above, but as of yet, has made no move. Niether will we unless provoked." The guard bowed.
"As you wish, Argetlam."
~~~
Nasuada kept her face smooth as the guard spoke. "Thank you for the message. Please, keep posted outside. If there are any changes, inform me outside." The fellow bowed and left the room. Crossing her arms, Nasuada leaned back in her straight backed chair and exhaled loudly. The cool of the morning was already sizzling away to the heat of the afternoon. The only reason a rider would wait to meet a threat would be sound advice. It must be Elva staying their flight.

[Max452]

Faolan gave out a mental sigh. Arya said that they would watch the Rider, not go after him. Although it no longer mattered, for the girl, named Elva, who Arya told him about, stayed the young riders.
"Do you believe he is a threat?" He addressed Arya.
"At the moment, no. However, the more he circles, the more weary I become; he has the advantage of seeing the King Orrin's fleet and even our Riders."
"I believe it would be best to send a representative to address this rider. It would easily determine his intentions."
"It is not up to me, but I will go and discuss the matter with Nasuada. While I am away, you shall be my eyes and ears on the matter." Arya excused herself from the group and went to Nasuada's office.

Faolan and Jade continued to watch the distant Rider. What is your purpose? He uttered to himself.

Arya found herself at Nasuada's office. She told the guard at the door to let the Lady know that she wished to speak to her.

[andowen]

Sayu looked back to Elaine. Tell Eridor to tell Elaine, that if this rider hangs around any longer, we will attack, no matter what Elva says or does. I will not have this rider hanging around scouting the area. Sayu told Kiona. She waited while Kiona gave Eridor the message, and watched Elaines reaction.
She watched as Arya walked off to talk with Nasuada, then turned her attention to Elva. "The spell cast on you is both a gift, and a terrible curse. Take heart though changling, there will be no need for heartache." She said to Elva. She is a strange child. Kiona said looking at Elva with one big red eye. Kiona and Sayu both looked up again to the rider in the sky. He then started to circle lower. Kiona suddenly raised her wings and hissed. It's Thorn! She said to Sayu. Sayu did not doubt her for even a moment, but she stopped herself for repeating what Kiona said. Murtagh and Thorn were twisted by dark magic. Any fight against them would be a tough one. "Kiona says its Thorn." Sayu said to the group quietly.

****

Murtagh was looking over Thorns neck below at the two dragons in what looked like a courtyard. The red one is young, but that grey one is far older than you my friend, even with the rapid changes you go through, the grey would still be a formidable opponant. Murtagh said to Thorn. Thorn snorted and blew out a puff of smoke. I would be more than a match for it. Thorn said, sounding cocky. Dont be so sure, there are two of them. Murtagh said. Murtagh suddenly got a bad feeling about being there. He didnt know why it just didnt seem right. I think we should get out of here. I dont like this, besides, we werent sworn to kill anyone. Murtagh said to Thorn. The red dragon looked back at Murtagh for a moment. He dived suddenly to gain speed to get away from the city as fast as possible. Oh great, good idea, dive towards the city. You had better get out of here quick. Murtagh told Thorn.

[Tismri]

Elva blinked at Kiona's declaration.
"Yes, it is Thorn. Does it make any difference? I am still obliged to protect him if you think about attacking him." She grinned, "Especially now that he and Murtagh are leaving." She pointed upward and they saw Thorn diving toward the city.

[Trinn]

Elaine received Sayu's message. Looking at the elf rider, she nodded once, in agreement. She also agreed with Faolan's idea. We should just send a messenger waving a white flag. Surly that wouldn't cause a fight! Suddenly, Eridor roared, and Elaine swept her eyes back to the sky. The dragon, who was announced to be Thorn, was diving towards them. Elva's words caught her by surprise. "Are you kidding?! He is diving straight towards us!" Frantic, Elaine searched the courtyard for anything useful. A flutter of white caught her eye, and she rushed over to the noble woman. "I need to borrow this!" The lady looked at Elaine with wide eyes as the rider grabbed a hold of her white sleeve and tore it off. "Thanks!" Rushing back to the group, she leapt onto Eridor, then glanced at Elva. "I'm not going to hurt him!" Come on Eridor! With the white sleeve in Elaine's hand, Eridor crouched and prepared for flight.
~~~

At the guards message, Nasuada stood and walked to the door herself, opening it wide. Arya stood on the other side. "Has the rider attacked?" she asked, not following protocol. She was worried that another battle was about to break out. Just what we need, she thought bitterly.

[Max452]

Faolan narrowed his eyes as he spotted Thorn and Murtagh dive towards them. What is he thinking? Something does not appear to be right. He was slightly surprised to see Elaine rip off a sleeve of a woman and run off. It took him a second to realize what the Rider was attempting to do. "Be careful, O Rider! He is a powerful opponent!" He knew he would have to relay the message to Arya. Carefully, he contacted her with his mind, knowing she would recognize his mind.

Arya shook her head. "No, but he still circles the city. It is not safe if we do not act; he gains more information about us. The Riders wish to make contact with this Rider, whether it be as an attack or for talk." She explained.

Suddenly she felt Faolan's mind pressing against hers gently. She allowed him to enter.
"My Princess, the Rider is Murtagh and the dragon Thorn. He made an unexpected move and is diving towards the city as we speak. Argetlam Elaine is attempting to speak with him." He sent her an image of Elaine ripping the white sleeve and leaping onto Eridor.

Arya reverted her attention back to Nasuada and relayed what Faolan had just informed her.
"What would you have us do?" She asked.

[Trinn]

Everything was happening quickly, and Nasuada felt ambushed by the imformation. She thanked Elaine silently for acting quickly, but regretted the turmoil the action might cause Elva. "We need to get some soldiers together. If Elaine and Murtagh come to a fight, that will at least buy us time to get our defenses ready." She looked at Arya gravely. "Lets hope this turns into nothing more than a serious conversation." Walking outside, she addressed one of the guards. "Go to King Orrin and alert him of Murtagh's presence above the city!" The man saluted and ran off. Nasuada turned to another guard. "And you, get some troops together and rouse the defenses! Especially the archers!" Hearing the hurry in her voice, the guard diddn't even bother to salute, but rushed off after his comrade to do his duty. Nasuada turned back to Arya. "Come on, lets go see whats going on." Before leaving, she grabbed a sword hanging from the back of her chair.
~~~~

Eridor leapt into the air, pumping his wings downward powerfully. Elaine looked over her shoulder at Faolan, nodding her acknowledgment to his words. We will only speak with him, Eridor. Wait for Thorn or Murtagh to make the first move. Eridor growled.
Aye, rider. We don't want Elva attacking us. Flying swiftly, the distance between Eridor and Thorn started to close. Elaine held the white sleeve up, letting the length of it flutter in the wind.

[Max452]

Arya nodded, pleased that Nasuada never failed to disappoint her when it came to these intense situations. She followed Nasuada and told Faolan of the plan.

Faolan gave Elaine a small nod. "I alerted Arya. She informed Lady Nasuada and they are going to have soldiers set up should there be any problem. Be aware and weary around this man. He is not to be trusted. I will send Jade there as well. She will know how to act should anything go wrong. She will be my eyes and ears. Go in peace!" Faolan called out as Elaine flew off.