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Post by Trinn on Mar 3, 2011 0:56:45 GMT -5
Daemon's touch brought all the love Meera held for him to the surface, urged it past her current severity. She noticed that he moved his hand to his heart, a gesture she had become familiar with that gave away the pain he felt in his heart. In one step she stood before him, placing a hand tenderly on his cheek. "I will tell her, Daemon. Stay here and rest. I'll return when the news has been relayed..." Her hand slid down his cheek, then fell away. Turning, she strode to the tent flap to leave. She paused halfway out, one leg extended outside, and looked back at Daemon. "I love you." The words sprung from the depths of her heart, and the emotion showed in her dark benevolent eyes. Without giving him a chance to resond, Meera removed herself fully from the camp tent and strode briskly towards Nasuada's grander red pavilion.
***
"Then it is settled." Vana said, studying a map of Alagaesia she and Junya had spread out on a table. Her hands rested on the bottom edge of the map, fingers tapping softly every so often. Across from her stood Junya, the somber general with whom she was organizing the defense of the Empirial town Belatona. Spies had returned with the knowledge that the varden planned to move soon to take siege of this city, along with Melian. Melian was a smaller town, however, not as critical a place as Belatona. Vana and Junya had decided to send soldiers there, along with the shade Morna. Junya herself would be riding with that company. They had decided that should be enough to protect it from being overrun by the Varden. Belatona, however, was going to receive the most attention.
"Remind me again which riders will be defending the city." Junya said in her monotone but severe voice. Vana glanced up at her peer.
"Three riders, and then myself. I've yet to decide which three will be best suited for this task." Junya nodded, her only response. She was never well suited with words. "I plan on departing in two mornings. We will reach our respective towns a few days before the varden show their faces." Despite herself, a small, nearly indiscernible grin turned the corners of her lips. Viel was greatly looking forward to this battle.
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Post by Tismri on Mar 3, 2011 15:49:44 GMT -5
Daemon closed his eyes as Meera left, the overwhelming guilt he felt not subsiding. If anything, the lack of her presence magnified the betrayal he felt in his heart. Now she really did have something to blame him for. Saenon was now going to be a top priority among the Varden, to either capture, kill, or at the very least avoid.
He let out a groan; every beat of his heart seemed to increase in pain. He took several deep, calming breaths, his mind racing on a new track. Meera had just repaired the damage again a week ago. Before, it would usually be months at a time before it bothered him again. The time seemed to be getting shorter every day. He was certain his time was soon going to run out.
~~~~~
Amy paced before the scrying mirror. They had been set up so that the various bases the Varden had set up could report to each other quickly and easily. Everyone had checked in and told her nothing out of the ordinary had happened. Everyone except the base in Narda.
She had waited, ten minutes, thirty minutes, an hour. No one was ever this late in reporting. Finally, she faced the mirror and, calling on the power of the spirits she had summoned that morning to assist her, said "Dramur kopa." An image swam through the reflective surface, changing from her image to whatever was happening in Narda.
She gasped and stared for several long minutes at the sight before her. The mirror in Narda had been splattered all over with blood, including a streaked handprint on the bottom. She saw countless dead men there, and a few women. She recognized the spellcaster, her face twisted in some unseen horror. It was a terrifying sight. She released the spell and the image faded away back to her shocked face. Then she turned and ran to Nasuada's red pavillion.
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Post by Trinn on Mar 23, 2011 15:01:55 GMT -5
As she was nearing the large, magnificent red war pavilion, Meera was nearly ran into Amy. She dodged the charging sorceress just in time to avoid a collision. Reaching out, she grabbed her comrade by the arm. "What's the matter, Amy?" she asked, concern etched into her face.
OOC: Sorry for the short post :/
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Post by Tismri on Mar 23, 2011 15:19:13 GMT -5
OOC: 'sokay. As long as it's more than one sentence. lol
Amy was so intent upon getting to Nasuada that she didn't see Meera until she just about ran into her. She halted when the fellow magician grabbed her arm and asked what was wrong.
"Our base...in Narda," she said between gasps for breath, "They're all dead, completely wipe out! Not a single person left alive! I need to tell Lady Nasuada."
~~~~~
As they flew back to the capital, Saenon studied the man with her for a long time. She couldn't see any signs of remorse, guilt, or pain for the deeds he had just done, as if the brutal slaying of his former allies had no affect upon him whatsoever. For one who had claimed he was so devoted to the Varden's cause, he certainly had shown no signs of hesitation about killing them. It was impossible to tell what he was thinking; his face was expressionless, his eyes dead.
Stefan, in fact, had no real thoughts at that moment. He merely focused on the present, because the past was too painful and the future too maddening to think of. He had decided to not waste his energy struggling fruitlessly against Galbatorix's power over him now. He merely killed all the feelings in his heart and did the unthinkable mission given to him. But that didn't stop him from finding ways to defy him. As he had killed his former comrade, he knew he had to make sure there were no survivors, else they would have been taken and tortured for any information they had on the Varden. He refused to give Galbatorix that advantage.
There was one thing, however, that he couldn't keep out of his mind, a memory that pierced him with guilt that he couldn't suppress. In his mind, he kept seeing the bright blue eyes of his best friend, the girl he had become closer to than anyone else besides Jueru.
I'm sorry, Cheriie, he thought every time.
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Post by Trinn on Mar 23, 2011 16:30:10 GMT -5
The concern on Meera's face changed instantly to dread. Needing no other urging, she went with Amy the rest of the way to the pavilion. The nighthawks on duty recognized the two magicians, and apparently their haste, for the dwarf and elf stepped aside instantly for them. Sweeping through the entrance, Meera made a quick bow to Nasuada. "My lady, we both bear important news for you." She glanced at Amy, allowing her to speak first to get the news of the soldiers deaths off her shoulders.
***
Cherilyn sat outside her tent, arms wrapped around her knees. Her head was bent as she tried to conceal the tears that fell from her eyes, her long hair forming a curtain around her face. Cordelia sat closely beside her, her snout resting lightly on Cherilyn's head. The dragon's deep blue eyes stared up at the starry sky as she envisioned herself flying off with Cherilyn to rescue Stefan and Jueru. But that plan had already been foiled. They both felt like traitors doing nothing to help their friends. Guilt seemed to suffocate them. The two shared such sorrow that Cordelia at last raised her head towards the sky and released a keening wail that pierced into even the darkest shadows of the camp.
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Post by Tismri on Mar 23, 2011 18:40:51 GMT -5
Amy fairly flew through the last few yards to the pavillion, not even slowing for the Nighthawks to get out of the way, who did so just in time.
"My Lady, grave news," she said, repeating what she had just told Meera. "Our base in Narda has been attacked. Everyone, even the magicians, slain." She bent over and attempted to catch her breath.
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Post by Trinn on Mar 24, 2011 12:31:23 GMT -5
Nasuada's eyes widened in alarm, her hands shooting out to grasp the edge of the desk she sat behind. "How! Those men were seasoned soldiers, and the magicians! This is grave news indeed. If only we knew who could achieve such a feat... it must have been a rider, or a strong magician." At these last words, Meera spoke up.
"My lady, I have new information regarding one of Galabatorix's magicians, a black hand member nonetheless." Meera paused, wondering briefly if Daemon would resent her for giving away his sister. Steeling herself, she carried on, "Daemon has just revealed to me that he has a sister back in Uru'baen. Her name is Saenon. She is deadly and cunning. Her specialty is in creating illusions. She traps her prey in these and kills them off before they have a chance to understand their situation. It is very possible that Saenon killed our men in just such a fashion."
Clenching her teeth, Nasuada rose purposefully to her feet. "You said this is Daemon's sister? Why has he not come forward with this information sooner?" She asked in a cold voice. Meera's heart started thumping quicker. She was suddenly afraid for Daemon.
"His sister is also his twin. He is deeply attached to her no matter their opposing alliances." Nasuada shook her head.
"If he had come here himself to tell me of this Saenon, I could more easily forgive him... as it is, I'm not sure if I can trust him to help the Varden bring her down. And who knows, perhaps he has other 'friends' among the Black Hand. Guards!" Nasuada shouted, and the two nighthawks entered the tents. "Retrieve the magician Daemon and bring him to me." Meera's heart was now racing.
"My Lady, I can assure you Daemon's allegiance lies solely with the Varden. He came to me with the information on Saenon because he knew he couldn't keep it to himself any longer"
"I understand your affection for him, Meera. Don't let it blind you." Nasuada said, and nodded for the guards to carry on. At that instant the howl of Cordelia rent the night, and it made Meera feel empty and forlorn.
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Post by Tismri on Mar 24, 2011 14:26:28 GMT -5
Amy's eyes widened as Meera mentioned Daemon's twin sister and her abilities. The description of such a deadly woman chilled her to the bone, because something about it reminded her so much of her aunt. Not that their styles were alike or anything of the sort. Just that she was deadly and precise.
She also felt a bit of sympathy for Daemon. She, of course, had told the Varden everything about Jeshelle when she joined, but she felt no special love or bond with the woman. Daemon had a sister, and a twin at that. But still, Nasuada's concern was just, and he should have said something sooner.
~~~~~
Daemon glanced up as two Nighthawks entered his tent, disturbing his misery.
"Magician, Lady Nasuada has summoned you," one of them said. He tightened his grip on his seat for a moment, the subsided pain of his heart returning again, worse than before as it started to beat faster. He stood slowly. There were so many things he wanted to say.
Meera has all the information you need.
Can't you leave me to my misery?
Saenon is going to kill me.
If she doesn't, my heart will.
Still, he said nothing as he followed the guards back to Nasuada's pavillion. He kept his head down as he heard his twin's accusing voice ringing and echoing through his head: "Traitor! How could you do it? You betrayed me! I'm going to kill you." Unconsciously, his hand remained on his heart, which was increasing in pain with every step. He wasn't sure what of it was really physical and what was just emotional.
Even as he entered the great red tent, he did not raise his eyes to look at anyone, but merely said, "You asked for me, my Lady?" in an unusually monotone voice.
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Post by Trinn on Mar 28, 2011 14:26:36 GMT -5
At the sound of the nighthawks ushering in their captive, Meera turned and her heart skipped an uncomfortable beat when she saw Daemon so diminished. He didn't even bother to look at her, and she wondered if he indeed did feel she had betrayed him. Fighting the urge to go and comfort him, Meera remained where she stood, but her eyes were fixed on him i concern.
"Daemon, it's been revealed that you've been holding back valuable information about the black hand. We now know of your sister, Saenon. Is there anything else you may be keeping from us?" Nasuada's voice was severe as she spoke, and she truly seemed the fierce warrior Nightstalker now.
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Post by Tismri on Mar 28, 2011 14:51:05 GMT -5
Daemon remained silent for several moments, contemplating what he could answer without further worsening the intense guilt he felt.
"Only the reason for my silence, my Lady," he told her. Resolved, he raised his eyes to meet the Varden leader's, and his gaze held a great force behind them. "I said nothing about my sister because I owe her my very life. Were it not for her care and love through our childhood, I would have died before I was five years of age, and not one person would have cared that I was gone. She saved me from certain death innumerable times.
"You have no idea, Lady Nasuada, just how much guilt I have felt since joining the Varden. Though there was little except misery for me in the Empire, I still knew I betrayed the one person in the entire world who gave a damn about me. I allowed her to believe I was dead for years, and I knew it hurt her. Should I have betrayed her further by telling the Varden everything about her and making her a target? Were she killed, could I have lived on knowing I was the one who caused her death?" He paused a moment as a stabbing pain came up suddenly in his heart, and when he opened his mouth to speak again, he started coughing. He hacked and coughed and choked slightly as blood came out of his mouth and he fell to his hands and knee. He glanced up at Meera, his eyes wide in askance for her help.
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Post by Trinn on Apr 25, 2011 14:17:19 GMT -5
Meera kept her eyes on the floor as Daemon spoke. Her stomach felt sick when she realized that perhaps she was betraying his trust. But she could not keep the information of his sister a secret, it was far too important. Glancing at Nasuada, she took stock of her leader's expression. It was stoic, almost expressionless, yet there was a glimmer of of what looked like pity for Daemon. Meera's speculations were interrupted when she heard Daemon's breath catch. As he fell to the floor Meera rushed to his side and fell to her knees beside him. "What's the matter!?" Nasuada demanded.
"His heart. I need to repair it again." Meera answered sharply, forgetting manners. This was the worst she had seen Daemon, and it frightened her because just recently she had performed the task of mending his heart enough so he could live. Cursing herself for not finding a cure for him yet, She closed her eyes and placed her hands over his chest. She required a deep concentration to perform the task correctly. Shutting out the noise around her, she reached into the depths of her inner magic and began chanting words in the ancient language.
As she explored his heart through a magical eye, she was distraught to find that it seemed to be breaking. Not a normal, physical break, but one that was happening in some other way. She didn't know how to fix that, but she went over the physical injuries again, taking a long time in making sure she mended them the best she currently was able to. Whatever it was that was affecting Daemon's heart, it seemed to be deteriorating his heart faster. When the healing was completed, Meera returned to herself and took in a deep breath. Her shoulder's sagged from the weight of what she had discovered of Daemon's heart.
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Post by Tismri on Apr 25, 2011 14:46:41 GMT -5
Daemon shuddered and gasped as Meera repaired the damage again. It felt like his heart was holding together by a mere thread. When she was finished, he sat up slowly. He felt a cold sweat dripping from his brow and he reached for Meera's hand. Her love and support were the only reasons he was fighting to live now.
"I am sorry it's caused the Varden harm, but I hope you can understand, I could never willingly make my sister a target. My lady, is there anything else you need of me? I am weary and would rest."
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Post by Trinn on Apr 26, 2011 12:00:40 GMT -5
Thinking for a moment on Daemon's situation, Nasuada allowed herself to sit behind her desk again. The information the magician had kept from her was close to treasonous. Some sort of punishment, she thought, seemed necessary. However, it seemed he was already being punished with the matter of his heart. "There is nothing else I need of you, Daemon. You may go. But, I will have two nighthawks accompany you wherever you go for a week. I think you'll understand if my trust in you has been a bit shaken." Her gaze moved to the dwarf and elf nighthawks. "Uther, Albion, the task falls to you." The two bowed, and then settled their eyes on Daemon, waiting for him to move.
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Post by Tismri on Apr 26, 2011 13:56:27 GMT -5
Daemon nodded in agreement to Nasuada's words. Having two Nighthawks tailing him for a week would be a hassle, but it could have been much worse. He stood and bowed to her for a moment.
"As you wish, my lady. If there is nothing else, I will take my leave."
Amy stood by, watching the whole ordeal. This day just seemed too full of shocks for her to handle at once, but she kept focused on her main duty.
"My lady, about our post in Narda," she said. "I think we should send someone to investigate. Even if it was the Black Hand, there is also the possiblity that Stefan was behind it; he was one of the few who knew how to find it and how to get in. If that's what it was, then we need to find out and find a way to prevent this from happening again."
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Post by Trinn on Apr 27, 2011 12:15:27 GMT -5
At the mention of Stefan, Nasuada found it hard to keep her expression neutral. His abduction was a huge blow to the Varden's strength and moral. And if it were true that he did have a hand in the slaughter of the Varden's posted in Narda, that could only mean that Galbatorix had discovered Stefan's true name. "Aye," Nasuada said with a nod, "that would be well to do. A dragon rider or two could make the journey quickly, and mostly unseen if they stick to the Spine. Now who to send." Nasuada's glance fell to the dark wood of her desk, and she mulled over the names of the Varden's riders.
**
Meera watched Daemon until he was out of the pavilion, and then she stood and resumed her position to the left of the pavilion door. Her hands she kept clenched together behind her back. The sight of Daemon so weak and disheartened left her feeling sick. What she wished was to run outside and remain by his side for the week that the nighthawks were to watch him, yet her duty to the Varden kept her standing in the pavilion.
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