A Hatchling

[andowen]

Sayu inclined her head to Nasuada "This will please Kiona." She said as they started to follow the General. "Tell me Lady Nasuada, how best can we serve you? Islanzadi would prefer we didn't offer you allegiance, but we am still here to help in anyway we can."
Careful, dint dig yourself any holes you cannot climb out of Kiona cautioned. Thats why I have you to fly down and get me out. Sayu calmly told her. Not if the hole you dig is too small for me. There was a hint of worry in her voice as Kiona spoke.
They finally got back to the courtyard. There were even more people there now. Kiona stood to her full hight as Sayu walked over and placed a hand on her leg. "Lady Nasuada, I would like for you to meet Kiona." Kiona moved her head down and looked at Nasuada with one of her great red eyes. After a moment she lifted her head and said Tell her that it is an honor to meet her and for her to remain strong for her people. For we will win this war. Sayu repeated her words, then asked "Is there somewhere I can put my things? I dont want Kiona to have to carry them any longer than she has to."

[Trinn]

Nasuada rose an eyebrow at Sayu's words. Not here to offer allegiance... yet, if the rider was to be helping, she was as good as on the Varden's side. Nasuada decided not to worry too much about that comment. "The best thing for you both to do would be to stay low. The empire is unaware of most of the riders on our side. I'm positive they know nothing of you, unless you were seen coming here. Other than that, I may send you out to scout." At that time, the general brought them out in the open, where Kiona was waiting.

Nasuada stopped a few feet before the great beast and gave a low bow. "Thank you, dragon Kiona. I will take your words to heart." Sayu spoke again, and Nasuada said, "General Kell can show you your new quarters. It will be in a wing of the castle we place most of our riders." She looked back to Kiona. "I must attend to other duties now. You have my deepest thanks for coming." Bowing once more to Sayu and Kiona, Nasuada walked back into the castle.

General Kell clapped his hands together and walked up to Sayu. "Allright then, rider. I'll show you your room." He looked to Kiona. "As for you, great dragon. Most of your kind who stay here find some open place to stay. I would suggest flying around until you find a spot you like." He smiled, then turned back to Sayu. "This way, then." Once more, he led the rider down the castle corridors until they reached the wing all the riders took accomodation. He stopped before two oak doors. "Here you are, then. This will be your room in the castle." The general glanced at the door across from Sayu's. "I beleive that's Elaine's room. She is another rider. I'm not sure if she's in now, but you'll meet her soon enough." He placed a hand on her shoulder. "I will leave you now to unpack. Thank you for coming. And please, if there is anything you need, just seek me out." Bowing, he walked away down the hall.

[andowen]

"Thankyou General Kell" Sayu said. She opened the door and found herself in a large room. It had a bed against the wall on the left side. There was a writing desk on the right side, and a large window that looked out to a small courtyard. Sayu put her things down and took off her quiver. She left her sword srapped to her belt. Kiona where are you? I want to have a look around this city to get a better idea of where things are. Kiona sent Sayu an image of where she was, and Sayu set out straight away to find her.

[Trinn]

Come on Eridor, lets go check out the new rider. Elaine gazed at the city of Abernon from her vantage point atop Eridor. The massive dragon flew in slow, large circles around the city, his wing membranes fluttering in the breeze he flew on. Elaine could see the red spot that was the new dragon below. Many people were gathered around him, gawking at the new Varden rider. Well, what are you waiting for? Eridor let out a snort.

Nothing, really. I just don't want to return back to earth. It is a beautiful day, perfect for flying. But, I will admit, my curiosity is aroused. I shall take us back down. Elaine smirked. "Thanks Eridor. I new you'd come to see it my way." The gray dragon laughed, a deep gutteral sound. He flew once more in a circle, then dipped forward and clasped his wings to his flanks. Elaine's hair streamed back as she Eridor entered the dive, and she leaned as far forward as she could to make herself more streamline with her dragon. In only a couple minutes, Eridor unfurled his wings, exiting his fall to earth and landing lightly on the pavement before the red dragon. He closed his wings and regarded the new dragon with appraising eyes. Don't get too close to him, Elaine. You never know the attitudes of some dragons. Elaine rolled her eyes as she dismounted.

Please. It's a bonded dragon. He won't attack me savagely. You need to stop being so over protective. Patting one of Eridor's gray scales, she approahced the handsome red dragon. Giving him a slight bow, she began speaking, "Greetings Skulblaka. May I ask where you came from?" Eridor crouched behind Elaine, never taking his eyes from the red. He released a tendril of thought to the other, I am Eridor Stormwing. May I inquire yours?

[andowen]

Sayu has just entered the courtyard when the new dragon and his rider dropped in from the sky. Sayu watched with mild intrest as the rider introduced herself to Kiona. Kiona be polite. Sayu said to her dragon. Kiona let out a puff of smoke and said to both Elaine and Eridor. Kvetha Shur'tugal, Kvetha Skulblaka. I am Kiona, I hatched in Ellesmeara and have lived there since. "And I am Sayu." Sayu said as she walked up behind the two of them. She went to Kionas side and looked at the other two. She had only ever seen two other Dragons before, Saphira and Glaedr. This Dragon was much better suited to the air than Kiona. It would be interesting to train with them in air combat dont you think? Eridor would be swifter than Glaedr and more of a challenge. Sayu said to Kiona. Her only response was a snort. Kiona snaked her head around and touched her nose to Eridor. Seemingly satisfided she smelt Elaines hair and clothes. They both smell of humans. A pitty they didnt grow up in Du Weldenvarden. Kiona said. Perhaps the pitty is on us for not growing up here. Remember what Orimis said? 'We cannot judge those who believe diffrent, or who are brought up diffrent than us.' "So tell me, how long have you been a rider Elaine?"

[Trinn]

Hearing the woman's voice behind her, Elaine quickly turned to see who had spoken. The woman was an elf, as she had the natural grace and beauty the race possessed. Elaine followed Sayu with her eyes as the elf came to stand beside Kiona. "Well met, rider Sayu." Elaine bowed to her fellow rider, than straightened back up to answer her question. "I have been riding the skies with Eridor for two years." She smiled at patted one of Eridor's large gray leg scales. However, Eridor was preocupied with Kiona, who was scenting him.

He tensed his muscles, ready for a fight. However, it seemed that Kiona was only interested in getting to know him better this way. He relaxed when the red dragon withdrew, but tensed immediately when she began inspecting Elaine. His lip curled above his upper teeth in a silent snarl. If Kiona hurt Elaine... Fortunately, the dragon withdrew from his rider without incident, and he relaxed again. A thought drifted into his mind from Elaine, Wow Eridor. If you keep snarling at her, maybe she will fight you. Eridor blinked at Elaine.
Well, I was only warning her to be careful. I'm sure she understands. Still, he glanced at Kiona and said, I'm sorry I reacted to you that way. But to see an unfamiliar dragon so close to my rider, I felt her safety was at danger. He bowed his head. Forgive me?

As Eridor spoke with Kiona, Elaine was speaking with Sayu. "I've always wanted to go to Ellesmera and train with the elves, however, the varden needed a rider close by, so I stayed here." She shrugged, "There are many talented teachers here though, so I've been trained by Surda's best." Elaine was unaware of the existence of Oromis and Glaedr. It was a secret that elves kept among themselves, along with the riders who've trained under them. "So, what about you and Kiona? How long have you been bonded?"

[andowen]

Sayu was gazing off to the distance while Elaine. There were men arguing in the kitchens. After a moment she returned her attention back to Elaine. "Kiona and I have been one for 7 months. She is still very young, though our training began together the day she hatched. Our masters are... thorough" The oath she made in her native tongue stopped her from saying more about Orimis and Glaedr. Meanwhile Kiona was talking to Eridor. Apology accepted. I would never harm a fellow dragon nor his rider.
Sayu looked up to the sky for a moment then down to the ground. Looking up to Elaine she said in a formal voice. "Rider Elaine, I have spoken with my Queen, Islanzadi. She would have me assess you and Eridor in your skill with magic and combat. So to for fill the pact that was made eons ago between the dragons and elves. Would you accept this request from Islanzadi?" returning to her calm self that she was before she added. "Islanzadi only requests this because she is becoming more and more hopeful of our chances in defeating The Empire. She only wishes to be sure her hopes aren't extinguished like a candle"

[Trinn]

Elaine shrugged. "Sure. I accept this assessment." She glanced at Eridor, who was looking at her. What say you? The dragon shuffled his wings as he replied.
I say yes. After all, we need the queen on our side, so we should humor her requests. Elaine nodded, and looked back to Sayu. "Allright, Eridor accepts as well." She glanced at the sun, which was still high in the sky. "Would you like to do this now?" Maybe these tests would take longer than she thought, and they would have to begin tomorrow morning. I know I can do well with the combat, but it is the magic that I'm worried about. Elaine had been trained by some members of du vrangr gata, but often times they were busy and had not time. Thus, Elaine was mainly instructed in the use of magic, its limits and properties. She was hardly fluent in the Ancient Language. Eridor shook his head, tryling to release some of the energy pent up in his body.
Don't worry, my rider. You should do well with the magic. If not, well, maybe the elf can teach you a few things. Elaine placed a hand on his foreleg.
Thanks Eridor.

[andowen]

Sayu smiled. "Very good, Islanzadi is pleased. Perhaps there is somewhere more private we can go. At least somewhere away from all these townsfolk." She waved her hand to indcate all the people milling around, trying to get a glimps of the two riders and the dragons. Not that it was hard to see the dragons. Little one, perhaps I can take Eridor through some of the exercises that Master Glaedr put me through, while you talk about stick throwers and sword banging with Elaine. Kiona said to Sayu. A good idea. Sayu explained the idea to Elaine and Eridor and added "Of course you can be with her if you would rather, and I expect nothing less than for you to be with her while she is tested in magic." She was unsure if Eridor would accept or not. He was a very protective dragon.

[Trinn]

Eridor listened to Sayu, considering her words. He could tell the rider was honest, and thus decided. Allright, I agree. Go ahead and tell them, Elaine. I will fly for a while with Kiona. At the mention of her name, he stared at the smaller dragon. Maybe she would be able to teach me a few new things, he thought, although doubtfully. Elaine adressed Sayu. "Eridor agrees with your idea. While you test me in combat, he will fly with Kiona." Elaine walked over to Eridor and leapt onto his saddle. "I'll take us to one of the training grounds. There may be a few soldiers around, but it's the closest thing to private."
Let's go then Eridor. Just drop me off, then go with Kiona. Eridor raised his wings as he replied.
As you wish, my rider. With that, he leapt into the sky and angled off towards the castle. Only a few seconds later, he lowered himself into a large training court. Elaine dismounted, then laid a hand on Eridor's large cheek. Have fun with Kiona, and be open minded. Eridor leaned his head into her hand.
Of course. I will see you soon. Releasing a trail of smoke from his scaly nostrils, he once more flew off into the sky to go with Kiona. Elaine watched him for a moment, then turned to Sayu, waiting for further intstruction.

[andowen]

Sayu watched Kiona take flight then turned her attention to Elaine. "Eridor is very strong willed. But our masters taught us much. There are things that Kiona can teach him that he will never be able to learn anywhere else, except Ellesmera. Now Rider Elaine take your sword in your hand and block its edges." Sayu drew her sword and blocked the edges of it. Then took up her ready stance. "We are not fighting to the death, but I expect you to try as if you were to kill me." Sayu stood waiting.

Kiona flew abreast from Eridor. Tell me Eridor, what training have you had in the air? Or do you go by instinct alone? I am not best suited to the sky. I prefer my feet to be on the ground. But all the same my master put me through my paces. Fall back and do as I do. Kiona flew in front of Eridor and began a series of complex ariel moves. She did loops through the air, sideways rolls as if to avoid arrows. Then went into a steep dive while spinning at the same time. On her way back up she came under Eridor. Defend yourself! Once she was right under him she flipped over and attempted to claw at his belly.

Sayu lunged at Elaine and thrust her sword at her left hip hip but changed tactics at the last second and hit her on her right sholder. She spun around behind her and stood again looking at Elaine.

[Trinn]

Elaine nodded, acknowledging Sayu's words. "Yes, Eridor can be stubborn at times," she agreed, then turned her attention to the task at hand. Drawing her rapier, Elaine placed two fingers on the top of the blade and her thumb on the bottom, then spoke, "Geuloth du knifr." A spark of gray magic flashed between her fingers and thumbs, and she ran them down the length of her blade, until the edges were too dull to injur severly. Ready, Elaine faced Sayu. The elf rider suddenly attacked, going for her left hip. Elaine held steady, preparing to parry the blow. However, Sayu chanced course and was suddenly thrusting at her shoulder. With no time to spare, Elaine brought her blade up and around, blocking Sayu's attack. The sound of clashing steel rang across the courtyard. Fortunately, two years of living with the bond had altered Elaine's body and speed. She could now fight an elf and be able to win. Yes, but this is no ordinary elf. Clearing her mind so she could concentrate on the fight. Elaine twirled around as soon as she had parried Sayu's blow, facing the elf that had swiftly gotten behind her. Twirling her rapier in a tight circle, she slashed towards Sayu's right side.

Eridor blinked at the small red dragon. He was a little annoyed that this young dragon was trying to teach him something new. Keep an open mind, Elaine's voice echoed in his head. Taking a deep breath, he responded to Kiona amiably. As you probably know by now, there are not many dragons my age. I was the first to hatch in Surda. As such, I mostly trained myself. Sometimes, when other riders are staying in the castle, I will train with their dragons. He shrugged his massive shoulders, the focused on the arial manuevers Kiona was now performing. He copied her movements easily. Many of the forms he had performed at some point in time. The only exception was the spiral dive, but he was able to pass it exceptionally. As he came out of the dive, Kiona was suddenly below him, her feet aimed at his exposed stomach. Growling in surprise, Eridor barrel rolled away from her seeking talons, spitting fire at her mid-role. He dived down backwards when he left the barrel-roll, then flew back up in a big loop. Now he was some distance above Kiona, and he dove down straight at her. Unlike Kiona, Eridor prefered the sky to earth.

[andowen]

Sayu gave a slight smile at Elaines swiftness. At least there would be someone here she could practice with. Their fight had been going for almost an hour, Sayu hadnt tried yes to hurt Elaine, rather test her. After a few move moves sayu held up her hand. "Enough, I am convinced. You are as good a swords woman as I would be able to find anywhere. Even though the bond with Eridor has begun to change you, should you ever meet an elf in battle, expect to loose. Though I dont know any elves who would turn on a rder. Just always remember to move you feet. I can also teach you the Rimgar, we elves use it to maintain our flexibility and strength." Sayu removed the block from her sword and sheathed it. "Would you like to move onto your magic now or later?" She asked.

Kiona sprirled out of the way to avoid Eridors flame. She pumped her wings then tucked them in and twisted out of the way again, ust in time as Eridor dove at her. Kiona started to pump her wings hard. She was getting as high as she could. She watched as Eridor followed. She kept going higher. It was at these hights that she learnt she had the advantage over Glaedr. Being a smaller dragon the pressure didnt effect her as much as the larger dragon. Up and up she kept going. She looked back at Eridor and saw him started to struggle, but continuing on. Kiona took advantage of this and dove with all her speed. She flared her wings metes from Eridor and grabed around his neck with one paw and the joint of his wing with the other. They started to tumble back to earth. Kiona made no move to hurt him, she only held on so he would have to fight his way out. He was stronger than her but she had a good grip.

[Trinn]

OOC: I noticed that some of your writing is god-moding. For example, "She looked back at Eridor and saw him start to struggle..." Only I can control my character and determine if such is happening. Also, when it comes to battle, leave your attacks open for the other character to determine how to react. So, when Kiona grabs Eridor, you could write something like, attempted to grab, or reached for him. Just thought I would let you now. If you need any more help with that kind of thing, let me know.

Elaine parried the blows Sayu asaulted her with, and returned attacks as well. By the end of the match, Elaine's brow was furrowed with concentration as she began to tire. Her arms started to feel like lead, and sweat was dripping from her forehead. Immense relief washed over her when Sayu halted their sparring match. She listened to the elf riders words earnestly, and nodded her agreement to the words. "The rimgar sounds interesting. However, could we perhaps wait until the dragons return before continuing on with magic?" She smiled, then unblocked her own weapon and resheathed the slim blade.

Eridor snarled when Kiona avoided his attack, twisting out of his path just in time. Eridor cupped his wings, halting his dive, then pumped them down, shooting himself back up, after the red dragon. He was just starting to gain on the small dragon when he suddenly had trouble breathing. Not only that, but the air was growing much colder, and his breath came out in foggy clouds. He had never been this high before, and so the affects of the alltitude were greater. Eridor's mind suddenly became unfocused, and before he realized what was happening, one draconic paw was gripping the back of his neck while the other clutched at his wing joint. This sudden attack shocked him out of his fuddled mind, and as he sank to earth, his mind became clear again. With an earth shaking roar, Eridor twisted his neck around to bite at the paw clutching his wing. Hopefully Kiona would release him if she saw the danger.

[andowen]

OOC: sorry Trinn! i kind of thought after we started this that fighting between two people is hard over a slow moving RPG. i got carried away and am reading Eldest at the moment so i was getting stuck in the moment. so sorry!!!

BIC:
Sayu looked at Elaine and said "I agree we shall wait for the dragons return." She looked off into the distance then back to Elaine. "Would you agree to spar with me other day? I really have nothing to teach you, but it will keep us fit." Kiona, will you be much longer? Sayu asked Kiona.

Kiona quickly let go of Eridor when she saw him come around for the attack. She spun around and beat her wings hard to right herself. She was starting to tire. Forgive me Eridor, but the sky is not where I belong. She said to Eridor. We will be back soon I should think. Kiona told Sayu. Remember Eridor, the bigger the dragon you are fighting is, the harder they find it when they fly too high, Saphira taught me this. She drifted around in lazy circles