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Post by Tismri on Jul 13, 2011 23:48:14 GMT -5
As Lucien had been speaking, he was also watching the emotions range across Elaine's face, taking in her reactions to his words. It appeared to him that she was, for the moment, not the kind of person to take pleasure in the killing of others, though that would most likely change after she had been a part of their family for a while.
Then he noticed that he hit a sensitive spot for her. It was the mention of the thief. From that, he concluded that there was something she despised about criminals. He kept that in mind, for a point in the future when he would be giving her contracts, ones that she would abide by as she was breaking in. If she decided to join, though.
"Very well," he told her, standing. "I hope to see you again soon, Elaine." He turned to leave the way he came as the dragon stirred, but then glanced back. "I have but one request of you." His voice turned hard and cold, and a chill seemed to creep into the air about him as his eyes drilled into the woman. "Whether or not you accept my invitation, speak of this meeting to no one, not even Eridor." As he left the shelter of the dragon's wing and into the torrent of rain falling, he reflected on the few times he had to slay those he had invited merely because they had told others. Their family was a secret--possibly the biggest in Alagaesia--and they couldn't afford those secrets to leak out. Lucien would protect his brothers and sisters with his very life.
~~~~~
Stefan sheathed his own sword smoothly, unphased by Vana's words.
"I do hate you, but not for the injury you have given me," he said. "I only hate you because you are my enemy. That is all." He turned and limped slightly over to Jueru, leaning his head against the dragon's neck.
When will this nightmare end? he asked his bond despairingly. Jueru curved his head around in a gentle embrace.
I don't know. I can see no end to it right now. But perhaps there is hope. We mustn't give up.
Arquen moved out from the shadows she had been watching from and joined Vana and Jierda, hand resting on the lower tip of her bow.
"Must you be so harsh to him?" she asked Vana, glancing at the ex-Varden. "He is suffering enough already, and you have added more injury to the insults he has received. I have no love for the Varden, but try to sympathize sometime."
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Post by Trinn on Jul 14, 2011 0:02:17 GMT -5
Taken aback by the sheer hostility in Lucien's voice, Elaine was not able to respond right away to his demand. He was gone by the time she found her voice again. Not tell Eridor? Was that even possible. Her mind was always open to him. They were essentially one being. Elaine knew, though, that it was not impossible to keep things from him. There were many instances in history in which a dragon or a rider hid something from the other. Elaine would abide by Lucien's demand for now, although she wondered how he would ever find out she had told Eridor. After a few minutes she relaxed her tense posture, settling her back against Eridor's side. She had a good hour left before Jeriah would waken her for her watch. Closing her eyes, Elaine breathed deeply, searching again for sleep. Celobra remained naked across her legs.
***
Elves Vana and Viel thought simultaneously. They could never be trusted. Vana had learned that many times over. "Greetings, Arquen." Vana said as civilly as she could. "The wound is my way of sympathy." she said, turning her eyes on the elf. "The wound will remind him that he is kept here against his will. It will remind him that he belongs with the Varden. And that will remind him he must obey Galbatorix in order to survive and perhaps return to them one day. You may call me harsh, but my methods are effective."
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Post by Tismri on Jul 14, 2011 0:26:13 GMT -5
Diana continued searching the darkness through her watch, though nothing happened. Her appointed hours passed uneventfully. The rain never slackened and the night remained undisturbed. Soon she stood, a little stiff from sitting, and walked over to where Elaine was resting under Eridor's wing.
"Elaine," she called gently. "It is your watch now. Nothing has happened so far."
~~~~~
"I should think," Arquen replied to Vana's words, "that he does not need such a thing to remind him of his position. Stefan knows better than anyone else where his true loyalties lie." She watched the man and his dragon a while longer. "You do know, don't you, that there is the possiblity that he will be able to escape Galbatorix's clutches? True names are not set in stone, and though it may take a while, they quite often do change. I do not believe he knows this, though."
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Post by ✧♏arie✧ on Jul 14, 2011 9:50:59 GMT -5
OOC: Accually Jierda is not a youngling rider she had been a rider for a long time, and her dragon is really big because Galbatoix did the thing that sped her growth.
Jierda raised her eyebrow when she said youngling. Then someone else she didn't quite know so well came over to Vana. She watched the two talk. They had started talking before she could answer. Jierda just stared at Vana, and Thrysta justed turned her head and ignored her.
~~~~~~~~
Marie was starting to feel akward standing in the varden's camp.
Maybe they think we are with the varden. said Midnight
Maybe. Nobody came over to them, and she was too shy to just walk up to somebody. They decided that they would just wait, and Marie moved out into view more. Then maybe someone would come over to them.
Maybe we should go to them, this is getting odd. she said
Well if you want too......... said Midnight. Marie thought about it, then she said,Im too shy and i don't want anybody to attack.
OOC: By the way, Marie is trying to join the Varden.
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Post by Trinn on Jul 15, 2011 18:36:16 GMT -5
OOC: Oh, sorry shewolf. I'll reread her app.
The thought of true loyalties made Vana want to laugh. In war nothing was certain, especially loyalties. People were never what they seemed. She thought of her ex-comrades, Einar and Marola, whom she had thought to be empire to the core. But that had changed. "I'm not sure how far his knowledge extends in regards to true names. But even if he wishes to change it, it would be difficult."
***
Elaine had not managed to fall asleep. She had been mulling over Lucien's words, considering them more than she thought she would. Hearing Jeriah's call, Eridor stirred, waking from his deep slumber. Hurriedly, Elaine pushed all thoughts of Lucien to the back of her mind. To be terrified of him was odd. He knew magic, clearly, but Elaine had faced down magicians before. There was just something different and threatening about him. Clearing her mind, Elaine stood and stepped around Eridor's wing. "Thanks, Jeriah." she said, offering her friend a smile. "Get some sleep, you deserve it." Glancing around, she spotted the smaller shape of Cordelia. The young dragon slept soundly, but whether or not Cherilyn did was another question.
OOC: Hey shewolf, if you want to start a new thread where Marie joins the varden, that would work. That way it can just be a whole new story and Baviel can join. I was reading your thread about wanting to post.
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Post by Tismri on Jul 16, 2011 0:15:19 GMT -5
Arquen smiled a bit at Vana's words, knowing without even prying what she was thinking about. The Empire had seen several defections over the years. It was, she noticed, mostly from those who were emotionally invested in their work, and those emotions had become somehow diverted. Marola's reasons were unclear--after how devoted she had been to avenge her father, Arquen couldn't imagine what caused her to change. Einar had been more obvious. They all had seen when he'd first brought the former slave Rider back with him from an excursion how attracted he was to the girl. When she left, Arquen knew it would only be a matter of time before he did. It was the thing known as love that changed people so radically. Perhaps Vana would be able to see that one day.
"True," she responded to Vana's statement. "It may take him years before such a thing happens. By that time, Galbatorix will have crushed the Varden and set his domain over all of Alagaesia." In all truth, Arquen cared very little if Galbatorix won the war. The Black Hand was only a place to be, that could accept her and use her skills. She would never be welcomed among the needled halls of Du Weldenvarden anymore, not after killing her father so brutally. But even Uru'baen did not feel as a home to her. It was a place where she needed to be cautious at all times.
"Speaking of the king, he has given me an assignment to carry out, so I must be leaving now." She gave Vana a smile and turned away to find the target Galbatorix had given to her.
~~~~~
Diana smiled back at Elaine as she came into view, but thought that there was something very slightly off about her friend. She seemed a shade paler than her normal color. But perhaps it was just the darkness and the rain playing a trick on her.
"Yes, sleep will be quite nice," she told Elaine. "I will see you in a few hours, when we start our return to the Varden." She turned and walked back to Serenity, getting back under the shelter of the aquamarine dragon's wing. She laid out on the grass, not even bothering to get out her bedroll. Those few seconds out in the rain had left her drenched. She curled up next to Serenity's warm body and closed her eyes, welcoming the rest.
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Post by Trinn on Jul 16, 2011 17:27:59 GMT -5
The rest of the night passed uneventfully. Elaine sat on a fallen log at the edge of their clearing, chin in her hands. As the sun began to peak over the horizon, she still had not made up her mind about Lucien's offer. Behind her Eridor yawned, a hollow roar escaping his throat as he did so. Standing and stretching, she walked over to Serenity's glittering bulk. "Sun's up, Jeriah." she called, before making her way over to Cherilyn. "Sun's up." she repeated. The young dragon opened one eye, blinked, and uncurled herself from around Cherilyn. The girl still looked pale, but the strength in her eyes had returned. Elaine gave her a reassuring smile before turning and moving to Eridor's side.
***
Vana watched Arquen walk off, hiding the detest she felt for the elf. Turning back to Jierda, Vana said, "So how are you this fine day, rider Jierda?" The ground shook slightly as Viel prowled over to her. The garnet dragon arched her neck proudly when she came to rest beside Vana. As of yet no dragon had contested Viels self proclaimed title as leader of the hunt. It was some dragon lingo that she didn't quite grasp, other than it was a position of authority.
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Post by ✧♏arie✧ on Jul 18, 2011 10:40:42 GMT -5
"Fine, but I wish that something was going on so that i would have something to do." Jierda said without a smile. Thryta towered above Jierda. She wasn't a very talkative dragon, so she didn't say anything, but let her bored emotion show. Jierda smiled an evil smile. "Want to spar with me?" she asked.
OOC: If i made a new thread with Marie joining the varden, what would i do with her in this one? Would i just leave her out of it or something?
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Post by ϟ ßaviel ϟ on Jul 18, 2011 12:08:00 GMT -5
OOC: sorry to barge in, but shewolf what you can do is make the new thread where she is at the varden like she is on this thread and yes leave her out of this one and make the thread take off where this one left off for marie. sound good? if not im sure Trinn or Tismri could include something  |
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Post by ✧♏arie✧ on Jul 18, 2011 18:27:44 GMT -5
ok ill make a thread
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Post by Tismri on Jul 22, 2011 23:55:24 GMT -5
OOC: Timeskip! Yay! lol...what happens next takes place after "Bonded by Blood." I'm actually going to say much later...
SIX MONTHS LATER:
Stefan left the throne room with firm footsteps as an icy dread encompassed his heart. Every step from his steel boots echoed with mindless determination, carrying him to a fate his mind was screaming to avoid. This was the one command, the only one he had been truly hoping never to hear. But as much as his mind rebelled and he fought against every inch, he could not resist as his body moved to fulfilled the orders given to him through the power of his true name. Beside him strode Saenon; he had not seen the woman since their attack together on Narda. Why was it she of all people that Galbatorix had ordered with him on this mission? She would only make this much harder.
He entered the dragon courtyard, where Jueru whined. He knew without asking what Stefan's orders had been. He had scarcely left his Rider's mind at all during the last six months, being the only solace the man could find in this endless torment Galbatorix was putting him through.
Do we really have to do this? Jueru asked, tail whipping about, expressing the mental agony he was going through.
As much as I am fighting it, I have no choice...I must capture Cherilyn. And if she simply refuses to come...I must kill her.
His very worst of nightmares was finally coming true...
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Post by Trinn on Jul 24, 2011 18:03:47 GMT -5
It's been six months Cherilyn said, staring down at Cordelia's neck. She and four other riders flew in a formation above the Surdan encampment. Trinn had organized a watch like this for the whole day, with riders taking shifts. They were close to the empire's border, and as such, Nasuada and the others were afraid of attacks Galbatorix might make.
Yes. Too long. Cordelia replied in a sad voice. She sighed, and flames flickered at the corners of her lips. A few months ago she had started to breathe fire, and she was still perfecting the skill. They both flew in silent contemplation for a while, before catching sight of three dragons rising into the sky in front of their group. There was there sign their watch was over. At least for a few hours. The dragons in her group began to descend, but rather than joining them Cordelia angled off towards the east. She flew on until they were a mile or so from the encampment. Diving down, they landed in a breezy meadow. Cherilyn dismounted and retrieved the staff she had tied behind Cordelia's saddle. She had taken to the habit of training by herself, and for some reason, she had taken especially well to staffs. As she twirled the weapon around, Cordelia directed her head upwards to blow streams of blue fire into the air. They both trained for a battle they felt was coming. Skirmishes with the empire were more and more frequent. More than anything, they trained for the day they would free Stefan and Jueru from Galbatorix's clutch.
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Post by Tismri on Jul 24, 2011 20:41:47 GMT -5
Jueru flew through the familiar skies, taking a slow pace. His instincts told him to fly in the other direction, far away from the place where his Rider would have to take their friends. He had to fight it and do the Empire's bidding, or else Stefan would suffer for it. The only thing that was still good for them was the fact that Galbatorix had yet to discover his true name. Jueru did very little when in the dragon courtyard. he gave as much resistance to the madman's prying as possible, giving no indication of his personality and habits. Still, Stefan remained a slave.
"We should discuss strategy," Saenon told Stefan as they passed over the leagues. "I can distract the girl with an illusion and restrain her easily. Then you can focus on the dragon." Stefan instantly shook his head.
"No," he told her, his voice hard and stony, "I will do this myself. Do not try to help; you will only hinder me." Saenon was taken aback by the fierocity in Stefan's voice. This was the closest thing to emotion she had heard from him in the past six months.
"What is this girl to you?" she asked curiously.
"None of your concern," he replied, falling into icy silence.
Eventually, the Varden camp was in sight on the distant horizon, though no one from the ground would be able to see them. About a mile east of the camp, Stefan saw a flash of blue. From the size and judging the distance, he knew exactly who and what it was.
Land two miles northeast of them, he instructed Jueru, Then remain there with Saenon until I return.
Are you sure you want to do this alone? Jueru asked, concern radiating.
I am not certain of anything anymore, friend, he said as Jueru landed and Stefan dismounted. But I do not want you involved in harming our friends. With a slow pat, Stefan left the dragon behind and approached the place he had seen Cordelia, knowing he would find Cherilyn there as well.
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Post by Trinn on Jul 25, 2011 0:04:33 GMT -5
Twirling the staff about, Cherilyn found the motion somehow peaceful. It came naturally to her now, and allowed her to think of nothing else but the movement of the intricate patterns she made. In mid-swing Cordelia suddenly let out a low whine. Cherilyn halted, holding the staff by her side. What is it? she asked, looking to her dragon. Cordelia looked off into the distance, the tip of her tail twitching slightly.
I smell something familiar. she said in a tentative voice. Looking in the direction her bond did, Cherilyn squinted, looking for something that would explain it. A minute passed before a figure came into sight. His features became clearer as he approached, and Cherilyn's breath caught. Cordelia let out a low whine. "Stefan?" she said almost inaudibly, hardly able to believe her eyes. She began to move forward, but Cordelia blocked her way, putting a leg in front of her. Cordelia, it's Stefan! she said, nimbly sidestepping the leg.
But he may still be under Galbatorix's rule. she said carefully. Realizing the truth in this, Cherilyn placed a tighter grasp on her staff.
I will go carefully to him. she compromised. When Cordelia didn't abject, Cherilyn moved forward again. She walked slowly this time, hesitantly. Stefan's face had grown more severe in the six months he had been Galbatorix's slave. She could see the suffering in the hard set of his eyes. "Stefan?" she asked when he was close enough to hear, her voice hopeful but pained. She wished she could run to him, to tell him she was sorry she had not come to rescue him. But she had to be careful.
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Post by Tismri on Jul 25, 2011 0:17:58 GMT -5
Cordelia had grown since the last time Stefan had seen her, but that did not surprise him; she would always be about the same size as Jueru. When he caught sight of Cherilyn, for a brief moment before Cordelia got in the way, he felt his breath catch. Seeing her again brought as much pain and joy to him as he had ever felt. She appeared exactly the same as when he'd last seen her, all those months ago, and yet at the same time she seemed more. So much more. As she came around the dragon and approached more cautiously, he realized how much he had truly missed her. He wanted to run to her, speak with her, sit down with her and read for hours on end, and just enjoy her company as he had before. But the power of his true name held him in place, and he remained rigid, his jaw set. Unbidden words sprang from his lips, and yet despite the hardness of his gaze, his voice wavered and cracked as he spoke, betraying the utter despair he felt.
"Cherilyn, Rider of Cordelia...I have been commanded by King Galbatorix to capture you and your dragon, bringing you back to Uru'baen as prisoners. If you resist, I must destroy you." He drew his sword and gripped it tightly, hoping beyond hope that a miracle would happen at this moment to get him out of this.
But no such miracle came...
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