The Alarming Sound

[Tismri]

Diana noticed that Cherilyn did not have a weapon, rather unhappy with both the girl and herself for not thinking of it. She stood tensed for the attack, drawing Ilumeo in a flash. She hated killing others, knowing that many of them were either protecting their homes or coerced by Galbatorix. She would do what she had to do. As several soldiers became bound by Cherilyn's magic, she moved protectively in front of the girl, both to help her keep her focus and to protect her while she was defenseless. She blocked a lunge by a soldier, taking a quick twist with her hand and slapping her blade against his arm hard enough to break it. He cried out and dropped his sword, falling. She turned and swept across to another man, not killing them if they could help it.

From the shadows, a dark, invisible figure watched them with interest, focusing on each woman's actions and abilities.
~~~~~
Stefan growled when Vana so easily dodged his attack. It wasn't fair, as she had been a Rider for so much longer than he had. But he wouldn't complain. He knew she could soundly beat him no matter what he tried. Swiftly, he swung his sword behind him before he even turned, having heard where she landed. He spun around, using the location of his sword arm as his anchor point.

[Trinn]

Elaine moved quickly, acting on the defense rather than the offense. She realized, though, that defense wasn't going to save them. The soldiers who were wounded eventually got up and renewed their attack, if they could. Cherilyn was becoming distracted and losing her focus on her magic. In the back of her mind, Eridor was roaring and prepared to fly to the town. There were far more men then the three of them would be able to fend off in such a small space. Grinding her teeth, Elaine shoved back another man as he made an advance. In the corner of her eye she caught sight of a skinny soldier with a knife. He slithered up against the walls, moving around to get behind the three of them. He made it far enough to lunge in towards Cherilyn for a fatal blow. Twisting around, Elaine knocked the knife out of the man's hand, and in the next instant Celobra was sheathed in his hearts blood. "You fight without honor, snake." she said, her voice uncharacteristically vehement. Withdrawing her sword, Elaine turned back towards the rest of the mass. She did not spare the soldiers who made it close to them any more. They had a chance to flee, to leave while they were wounded and had a chance. But no more. Elaine was determined to escape Narda alive, with her companions. The only way to do so was to make sure the soldiers never got back up again.
***

Flicking Domia up, she pushed away Stefan's thrust. "Good, using your senses that way. Eyes can only get you so far." she commented. Moving again, she came to stop by Stefan's right side. Slowing her natural speed, Vana moved Domia in an upward slash towards his ribs.

[Tismri]

Diana blocked the blows directed at her, lost for several moments in battle. She soon began to notice that the number of soldiers they were fighting was lessening, some of them running away. She glimpsed Elaine for a moment, noticing that she seemed a bit fiercer than her usual self. She was mercilessly cutting through any soldiers in her path. Diana shrugged it off, supposing that she must just be feeling desperate in their situation, with Cherilyn needing to be protected at all. Soon, there were no soldiers left there. Diana took a moment or two to catch her breath, then sheathed her sword.
"Let's get out of here," she said firmly, though her voice shook slightly. The fresh bodies and blood intermingled with the older ones made the place even more ghastly.

From the shadows, the invisible figure smiled, his eyes resting on the brunette of the trio before him. She had excellent fighting form, was relentless, and most of all not afraid to get blood on her hands. The blonde who had been fighting was hesitant, and the other was terrified, but this...Elaine...she would be perfect.
~~~~~
Stefan moved his sword to block Vana's strike, pointing his blade downward. He turned on the balls of his feet and attempted to push her blade away, then tried another strike, aiming his blade in an upward slash toward her torso.

[Trinn]

It took Elaine a moment after Diana spoke to relax and stand straight from her fighting stance. Bending, she wiped the thick blood from her blade, restoring it to its graceful and delicate appearance in which Rhunon fashioned it. After sheathing the blade, she set out with Diana and Cherilyn. Eridor muttered in the back of her mind, saying he would have killed the soldiers sooner. The night air was refreshing as they sped from the village, but it did little to cool Elaine's racing heart. Oddly, though, she felt no remorse for the deaths she caused. She felt only a duty completed. Jumping over a tree limb, the three made it to the spine without further incident. Cherilyn was breathing hard beside her in terror, and Diana merely looked anxious to get back to the dragons. By the time they did reach their companions, Elaine had calmed. Her face was set back to a more peaceful expression. Eridor stood with his wings half unfurled, as if prepared for flight. His tail was lifted and ready to fight. He did not relax even when the three humans were before him. Cherilyn rushed over to Cordelia, hugging her bond carefully around the neck.
***

Stefan parried her attack well, displaying excellent form and intellect. Vana was even more confident that would he would come to be a valuable asset to Galbatorix's army. Raising her sword, Vana hit their blades together and quickly slid hers up to his hilt, locking them together. "That's it?" She taunted, sneering, "Come on, show me everything you know." Shaking loose their sword, she shoved Stefan forcefully back.

[Tismri]

Diana didn't glance back or around as they made their way out of Narda. She kept her attention focused solely on gettin back to Serenity. Her mind was an anxious rattle, but the closer she got to her dragon, the calmer she became. She paused to wipe the blood off her blade, though there wasn't much on it. The sword gleamed its pristine aquamarine as she slid it back into its sheath.
Diana noticed how tense Eridor was when they returned to the dragons and skirted past him. She found it an odd contrast to the calmness of Elaine's expression.
Diana walked to Serenity and brushed her had against the dragon's snout, letting her peace settle within her.
Are you hurt? Serenity asked, concerned, flicking her tounge out.
A few scratches, nothing more, Diana assured her. We may have to spend another night out here. The fight tired me, and probably Elaine as well, and Cherilyn needs time to recover from her terror before she will be fit to fly again. Diana stared up at the dark sky, and watched as small raindrops began to fall from the heavens.
"Well, Elaine," she asked, "Should we stay here the night, or move away from Narda, in case there are more soldiers looking for us?" She swooned slightly, exhausted from the unexpected fight.
~~~~~
Stefan's face remained expressionless at Vana's words as she slid her blade up his and kept them clashed together.
"There is no need for taunts. I will show you what I can do if you wish, but attempting to goad me is a pointless waste of breath." As their swords were locked in an unyielding position, Stefan quickly raised his leg and kicked at her torso. Whether or not she dogded it, it would pull their blades apart and allow for more strikes.

[Trinn]

We will fly. Eridor stated, exhaling from his nostrils loudly. We are well rested now. The three of you can rest on dragon back. Elaine agreed with him. "We ride." she said, ignoring the rain that fell from the sky. It was no storm. Not yet, anyway. "Nasuada will wish to here of our discovery as soon as possible." Seeing Diana waver, Elaine reached out, putting a steadying hand on her friends shoulder. "We can rest as we ride." She glanced over at Cherilyn. The girl looked like she might be sick, her face pale and her eyes dim. Seeing her in such a state, Elaine almost changed her mind. But the sooner they were gone from this place, the better. "Cherilyn, will you be capable of riding?" The girl shuddered before answering.

"I... I think so. But, I'm afraid this rain will hamper Cordelia's flight. She's not as large or strong as Serenity or Eridor." Cherilyn glanced up at the sky. "The wind is picking up." she commented as another shudder shook her.

Sighing, Elaine pulled off her riding gloves. "Then we shall rest for the night. We wake before dawn to move out."
***

Vana nimbly stepped back, out of reach of Stefan's foot. She gave him a pleasant smile. He certainly didn't bother hiding the fact that he detested her, and his situation. Twirling Domia for momentum, she lunged and stabbed at Stefan's calf.

[Tismri]

Diana initially agreed with Elaine that they should move; though she was tired, she could rest in the saddle as they rode. With Narda still so close, she couldn't shake her faint anxiety. However, she saw that Cherilyn seemed to be in no fit condition to fly, whatever she or anyone else might say. She was somewhat glad for her sake, then, when it was decided that they should stay, though she expected Eridor was a bit unhappy with the decision. Moving to Serenity's saddlebags, she pulled out an elixir she had concocted sometime ago and handed it to Cherilyn.
"Here," she told the girl. "This will calm your nerves and help with the shock a bit. I know first battles can take a toll on someone." Then she turned to Elaine.
"I doubt anyone can find us in this dark, but I'll take the first watch," she offered.
~~~~~
Stefan took a quick moment to breathe as Vana jumped back, focusing on the woman's next move. He watched as she lunged at him and jumped at the appropriate moment, her blade going under his feet. As he did so, he swept his blade toward her neck, morbidly hoping for at least a prick of blood.

[Trinn]

With a shaking hand Cherilyn accepted the bottle Diana handed her. As she uncorked it, she watched as Elaine gave Diana a nod and went to lay down with Eridor. In her minds eye she couldn't help but see the faces of all the dead men lying in the already grisly room. The wounds were sickening to her, but the faces were worse. Terror stricken, pleading, hopeless. Cherilyn's stomach rolled again, and before she could throw up she threw the elixer up to her mouth and drank in one gulp. The taste was surprisingly pleasant; somewhat milky, but with a comforting spice. It warmed her stomach and soothed its churning. Assuming someone would wake her for a turn at watch, Cherilyn curled up next to Cordelia, who curled around her rider as best she could. At first Cherilyn couldn't fall asleep. The sight of the gore and death haunted her, as well as thought of Stefan. He was trapped with Galbatorix, a puppet for the madman. We will save them. Cordelia said sagely, brushing her snout against Cherilyn's head. Holding on to that hope, however small, Cherilyn managed to fall asleep.
~~~

Although Vana was quick, she found herself at an awkward position with her blade hanging in empty air, underneath Stefan who displayed a surprising nimbleness. If this were a real battle, Stefan would already be dead. All she would have to do is redirect the path of Domia to an upward slash, thus cleaving her foe neatly in half. Of course, she could not afford to kill Galbatorix's new rider, and her new peer. Making a more awkward move, Vana twirled to the left, bringing Domia out from under Stefan and back in her control. This move cost her slightly. The tip of Stefan's blade nicked her collarbone, where she had not bothered to put armor for this spar. A pinprick of bright blood bloomed on her pale skin.

[Tismri]

OOC: And now...to offer cookies...mwahaha.

Diana leaned against Serenity, huddling close to the dragon for warmth and shelter as the rain started to fall a bit harder, with some distant thunder. As the hours passed, she kept her eyes peeled for a flash of red or the gleam of a sword, anything that would alert her to the presence of the Empire. The rain was falling heavily, so that even with her enhanced hearing, it was nearly impossible to make out any sound besides the pounding of water against the ground. As such, after nearly an hour had gone by, she neither saw nor heard the figure approaching Elaine.
The figure walked silently among the shadowy trees, dressed head to toe in a black, hooded robe. He slid through a small gap between the gray dragon's wing and body, barely manging to keep from touching it. Once inside, he cast a spell that would keep anyone from overhearing him speak, so that he could have a nice, private conversation with Elaine. Then he seated himself next to her and awaited her awakening.
~~~~~
Stefan felt a grim satisfaction when he saw the ruby blood drip down Vana's neck. It was likely the only wound anyone of his stature would be able to give her. He had the feeling, though, that she had almost given him that blow, that she could have easily avoided it if she wished. Grunting, he made a forward thrust with the point of his blade, putting all his speed and a bit of his strength behind the attempted strike.

[Trinn]

In her subconscious mind, Elaine felt the approach of another figure. It was nearly impossible to keep one's mind shut from intruders during sleep, and so, Elaine's mind was open to interrogators and to the presence of others. Blinking her eyes open, she looked around the small space, searching for the person she felt nearby. There was a wet gleam, like eyes, and without hesitation Elaine sprang up, drawing Celobra and striking at the figure.
***

In a more comfortable position, Vana parried Stefan's attack and slid up to his side. She slashed viciously at his leg, to repay him for the blood he drew. Fortunately there were no soldiers present to witness her little injury. She could not have people whispering that the Red Rider had been touched by one like Stefan.

[Tismri]

The figure only smiled as as he dodged Elaine's quick reaction, blocking her blade with his dagger. It was just the kind of thing he would expect from someone like her. The exact thing that made her worth this visit.
"You sleep rather soundly for a murderer," he told her, bemused. "That's good. You'll need a clear conscience for what I am about to propose." He slid the ebony blade back into its sheath and gestured for her to sit and listen for a while.
~~~~~
Stefan felt the pain in his leg before he even saw what Vana had done. She had moved more quickly than he could ever have seen, and the slash on his leg, though not deep, bled profusely. He staggered back a bit, then took a swing at her, twisting his blade toward her leg, then diverting at the last possible instant to thrust the point into her side.

[Trinn]

Back peddling as far she could, Elaine took a defensive stance when her sword was parried. The accusation that came next took her by surprise, and felt a guilty twist in her chest. Her eyes, now adjusted to the darkness, could make out the black-clad figure. He gestured for her to sit, but Elaine only lowered her sword. "Who are you to walk into the shelter of a dragon and awaken his rider? Who are you to accuse that rider of murder?" Her voice had a steely edge. She was defensive, for more reasons than one. How had this man managed to sneak up on her? Unless he had killed Diana... But, no, Serenity would be in a rage if that was the case. And everything outside was quiet.
***

At the sight of Stefan's blood Vana's pulse quickened. Viel was excited by the sight. She wished for more. But Vana kept a hold of her human mind, and rather than drawing more blood from Stefan as Viel wished, she moved to block the attack he returned. He fainted quickly, catching her by surprise. Rather than parry the attack, she shouted, "Letta du sverd!", stopping the sword in it's path and in the same instant flicking the tip of Domia towards Stefan's neck. "In battle you would have been dead many times over. However, you have displayed a quick mind and perseverance. You will do well in Galbatorix's army."

[Tismri]

"Patience, dear child, patience," he said. "All will be revealed in time. First, an introduction: my name is Lucien, and I have come to you with an invitation." Lucien again gestured for her to sit, and seated himself comfortably. Her defenses amused him.
"So, you deny that you are a killer, a cold taker of lives? What of those soldiers who now lie dead in Narda? You could have left them injured, but instead you slaughtered them mercilessly." He waited a moment or two for her to think on that, then continued. "And that is exactly what I am looking for.
"I represent a rather unique family. We are brothers and sisters, brought together in bonds of blood and death. Our father and mother care for us, giving to us targets to feed our need of death and pain. They love their children, you see." Lucien smiled as he spoke of his family, who had, in the past, made him feel as if he finally belonged somewhere.
"I have come to invite you to join our family. We have a place for you among us, if you so wish. You do not have to decide right now. If you wish to join us, you may let me know by completing a certain task. Near the western shore of Leona Lake, in a large mansion, lives a retired thief named Valen. He stole from many homes in his lifetime and now lives quite comfortably on this ill-gotten property. If you kill Valen, I will hear of it, and come to you again, and you will be initiated into our family." Lucien met Elaine's eyes, and though he smiled warmly, his gaze was as cold as ice.
"I do hope I will be able to call you my sister," he told her sincerely.

OOC: We can do another thread where she gets initiated so this one can get back to its original plot.
~~~~~
At the brief look of surprise on Vana's face, Stefan half-expected his blade to strike. He was surprised--and quite annoyed--when she used magic to stop his blow and flicked her own sword to his throat. His mind screamed at her words, defying the fact that he now served Galbatorix. However, his expression remained blank as he bowed his head and took a step or two away.
"I am sure you would have easily defeated me if so you choose. News of the fearsome deeds of both you and your dragon are whispers of fear on the lips of many Varden. Therefore, I am glad to have been able to have drawn even a prick of blood from you, for it goes to show that you are not as invulnerable as most seem to think."

[✧♏arie✧]

OOC: can i join? If you don't want me to just ignore this.

Jierda watched Vana and the new captive rider fight. She sat not too far away, with Thrysta at her side. Jierda knew that Vana was skilled, so she was suprised when the young rider's sword cut her neck. She could tell that Thrysta was surprised too, she could feel it in her mind. They hadn't noticed her yet, Jierda wasn't sure is she wanted them too, because then they would have to leave and not see the end of this fight. Then it ended.
"And it was just getting good too" she said out loud. Thrysta sat motionless beside her, not saying a word, but felling her rider's presence. Jierda did not think the battle would end so quickly, she wanted more. She thought about sparring with him too, but figured he wouldn't want to fight another skilled rider.

~~~~~~~~~~~~

Far away Midnight flew in the sky, with Marie lying on his back. She was looking up at the clouds in the sky. She loved the peaceful feeling of soaring through the sky, watching the clouds. She hadn't had much relax time lately so this felt great to her.
Midnight made no effort flying, he eaisly glided through the sky.
His wings caught the wind easily, so he barely needed to flap them. Marie thought about the varden and how their main goal was too to deafet Galbatorix or kill him. Marie badly wanted him dead, he had sent some riders to attack. They had killed her dad. Her dad hadn't gone down without a fight. He had killed the attacking riders, but he got badly wounded and died after the battle. Marie thought about joining the varden. She just didn't know quite how. Soon they were over Surda, near to where the varden was staying. Marie got up and sat forward, so she wouldn't fall off. Then Midnight landed somewhat away from the camp accross from a red pavillion.
Don't just walk in and say hello said Midnight. They may think you are with the empire.
I doubt they would think a 14 year old girl is with the empire. replyed Marie But that is still a good idea to wait.. They both waited for somebody to approach them.

[Trinn]

Taking a seat, Elaine rested Celobra across her knees. She would not let her defenses go away completely, that would only invite danger. The man's speech made her angry. He presumed that she needed death and pain in her life. That she was heartless murderer. This was not the case. At the mention of the thief, she found herself paying closer attention. Criminals always upset her. She had taken personal vows long ago that she would fight against the criminal, the dishonorable. Was that what this family was? A group of moral assassins? No, the cold glint in the man's eyes said differently. Still, the idea intrigued her. "I will consider your offer, Lucien." She said in a level voice. "Now I suggest you leave before Eridor awakes. He would not be happy to find an intruder sneaking around under his own shelter." As she spoke Eridor stirred, unintentionally emphasizing her words.
***

Vana sheathed Domia forcefully. She was ashamed of herself for allowing the youngling to strike her. "Just be grateful we never did meet in battle, Stefan. Otherwise you may think differently." Glancing at the long slash on his leg, she contemplated the dripping blood. "Scars remind us of who we are." she said, her eyes taking on a thoughtful, melancholy haze. "I leave you with this injury so that you will remember why you suffered it. Perhaps you will hate me for it... but hate is an emotion I'm accustomed to." Blinking, Vana glanced around the dragon court, and noticed a young dragon and rider watching them. Sneering, she flicked a hand up to wipe away the drop of blood on her collarbone. "We meet here again tomorrow. Do as you wish the rest of the day, but remember, escape would be futile." Turning her back on Stefan, Vana marched towards Jierda and Thrysta.

"And what did you learn from this spar, younglings?" she asked, coming to a stop in front of them. "Young ones like you must be in constant training, if you are to survive the Varden's war."