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Post by Trinn on Aug 15, 2011 19:50:48 GMT -5
A sudden vicious, chilling snarl rippled from Cordelia's throat, her lips curling up to reveal her ivory fangs. The scales on her neck bristled, her tail lifted dangerously. Leave my rider alone in Galbatorix's clutch! she shouted, indignant as if her pride and honor had been offended. Cherilyn cringed, wincing at the loudness of her voice.
Cordelia, peace, heart. The prospect frightens me as much as you. However, I believe it is the only way. I trust Stefan. He's our friend, remember? He'll do what he can for us. Cordelia still bristled, and her tail flicked menacingly. A few minutes dwindled by, until slowly Cordelia calmed herself and listened to reason. The snarl fell away, and her tail dropped to the ground with a thud.
I trust you, Stefan. She said to him, looking at him with her sea blue eyes. Return my rider to me quickly. Looking utterly forlorn, Cordelia fell silent. As an afterthought, she added, Tell Jueru I say hello. Feeling tears brimming in her eyes at the sight of Cordelia looking so miserable, Cherilyn rushed to her and hugged her.
I will be back quickly. And hopefully with Stefan. Do not fear for me. We will be reunited again soon. They finished their goodbyes, and Cherilyn reluctantly left Cordelia's side and came to stand before Stefan. "I'm ready." she said, her face now determined.
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Post by Tismri on Aug 15, 2011 20:26:56 GMT -5
Stefan waited cautiously as Cordelia grew furious. He had expected it, considering his request, but all the same he kept his guard up. After a while, she calmed down and agreed.
"Thank you, Cordelia," he told her. "I will try to reunite the two of you as quickly as possible." He couldn't help but feel his heart sink as Cherilyn hugged her dragon goodbye. For both their sakes, nothing could go wrong with his plan.
Once Cherilyn was standing before him, her expression determined, he gave Cordelia one last look. "She will return to you," he vowed in the ancient language, binding his very life to that promise. Then he turned and led Cherilyn to where Jueru and Saenon were waiting.
"Cherilyn," he said after a few steps, "I want you to do something for me. If it ever seems like I am going to harm you somehow, I want you to use my true name and force me to stop." It was a quick decision, but a very difficult one. He disliked the idea of anyone, even her, controlling his actions, and he hated the thought of more people knowing his true name, but even more than that, he couldn't bear the thought of harming Cherilyn and being unable to stop himself.
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Post by Trinn on Aug 15, 2011 20:33:59 GMT -5
When Stefan came spoke again, Cherilyn came to a shocked halt. "Stefan, no." she said, shaking her head firmly. "That is not something I should know. I don't want to know that, Stefan." she added, looking at him with a worried expression. "I would never use it, not even to save my own life." Her voice was firm, stubborn. Before he had a chance to say anything else, she strode forward, past him, and on toward where she thought Jueru would be waiting.
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Post by Tismri on Aug 15, 2011 21:00:41 GMT -5
"Cherilyn," Stefan said, starting to feel a little exasperated. He followed after her. "I want you to. Do you think I could live with myself if I killed you?" He walked along, frustrated. There were so many things he wanted to say, but he was unable to give voice to them. The words weren't coming to his mind to express himself. How was it that Cherilyn did this to him? For six month he lived without feeling anything at all, but ever since seeing her--before that, even, since receiving his orders to capture her--his mind had become a raging sea of emotions he couldn't quell. Sorrow at receiving his order, unexpected joy at seeing her despite what he had to do, and now frustration at trying to reason with the woman.
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Post by Trinn on Aug 15, 2011 21:47:50 GMT -5
Cherilyn couldn't believe Stefan was offering her his true name. That was sheer power, power she was afraid to have. She would never abuse such information, but it would be a temptation to her. How easy would it be to just command Stefan to stay with the Varden? Yet that would only tear him apart. He would be contending with Galbatorix's orders and her own. Uneasy with that thought, she glanced over her shoulder at him. Even scowling at her as he was now, Stefan was a handsome man. Her heart made an odd reaction, and she looked quickly back around. "No, Stefan", she said again, persistent. "You will not kill me. I do not need to know your true name."
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Post by Tismri on Aug 15, 2011 22:12:50 GMT -5
Stefan sighed at her stubborn persistence. Her unbending will might be admirable in some circumstances, but in this case it could only get her killed. Still, her words made him feel oddly appreciative.
"I wish I had such faith in myself," he told her. As they neared where Jueru was waiting with Saenon, Stefan put a firm yet gentle hand on Cherilyn's shoulder, to make it appear that he had forcefully captured her. The Black Hand magician appeared impatient, as well as annoyed.
"You took long enough," she said when she spotted him. "I was about to go after you to speed things along." Saenon looked disdainfully at Cherilyn, then glanced around behind. "You didn't manage to catch the dragon?"
"No," Stefan said. Just as Cherilyn envoked reactions from him, Saenon seemed to drain him of any real emotions, leaving his voice in its dead state. Memories of the torture she had put him through still lingered in his mind. He quickly thought up a convient lie to excuse her accusation. "I caught her alone. The dragon must have been off hunting." Saenon eyed him for a moment or two, then nodded.
"Fine. Let's return to Uru'baen. I tire or standing around here." She eyed Cherilyn for another moment or two as Stefan led Cherilyn to Jueru's saddle.
"No." Stefan told her firmly. "Don't even think about it. You harm her in any way, I don't care what Galbatorix does to me, I will tear you to shreds." The words poured out of his mouth of their own accord, but he couldn't stand the thought of Saenon torturing Cherilyn for hours on end the way she had done to him when he was first captured. Saenon blinked in surprise at the venom in his voice, but said nothing.
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Post by Trinn on Aug 15, 2011 22:23:24 GMT -5
Their private conversation soon came to an end as Stefan's empire companion came into view. Cherilyn startled slightly at Stefan's hand on her shoulder, but she quickly hid her fright. He would not harm her. When the empire woman and Jueru were full in sight, Cherilyn couldn't help but smile. Jueru had changed must since she'd seen him last. He was as big if not bigger than Cordelia. Cordelia hung around in her mind, seeing through her eyes. Seeing the woman's dangerous expression, Cherilyn's smile vanished. She had to at least presume the act of having been caught against her will. Keeping quiet, she instead returned Saenon's stare, letting her hate for Galbatorix become evident in her blue eyes. Hearing Stefan's suddenly hostile voice, Cherilyn looked again at him over her shoulder. His eyes burned with the thought of a distant but painful memory. She swallowed fearfully. The weight of where she was going finally fell upon her. Now that she was captured, what would Galbatorix do to her? Did he know her true name... The thought made her shudder. When they reached Jueru, Cherilyn shrugged Stefan's hand off her roughly. She hoped he wouldn't take offense. It was only to keep up the appearance of a struggle. Extending her mind carefully, she brushed the green dragon's conscious. It's nice to see you again, Jueru, regardless the circumstance. Taking the initiative, Cherilyn climbed up to the saddle and settled herself at the front.
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Post by Tismri on Aug 15, 2011 23:05:12 GMT -5
Stefan's hand fell from her shoulder as Cherilyn shrugged him off, giving the appearance of still struggling. He was glad she played along, hoping their ruse would last long enough for him to get her in and out of the city. He wasn't sure how long they had to get it done, but he truly didn't want to take any longer than a day. He followed Cherilyn into Jueru's saddle, settling himself in and Saenon got on behind.
It is good to see you again as well, Jueru replied to Cherilyn. I hope Stefan's plan works. As much as seeing you gladdens me, I do not wish to bring you where I am going. But we should be glad of one thing: Galbatorix has not yet discovered my true name. Somehow it has eluded him, though I believe he is getting closer. He spread his wings and took flight, circling a few times to gain altitude before turning back in the direction of the city. He only hoped Stefan's scheme would work.
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Post by Trinn on Aug 16, 2011 11:38:59 GMT -5
While Cherilyn was accustomed to flying with Cordelia, flying with another dragon was always a unique experience. The flight was the same, of course, but there were always little differences. As Cherilyn settled down for the long flight, her gaze drifted towards the Varden camp. When they reached their maximum altitude, the camp could be seen. I will be back soon. she said to Cordelia. The two had their minds embraced for as long as possible. But the miles quickly drifted away between them, and the presence of Cordelia's mind dwindled away too. When she could no long feel her bond, Cherilyn sighed, her head bowing down forlornly. Fear began to take hold. She was alone now, truly alone.
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Post by Tismri on Aug 16, 2011 12:53:56 GMT -5
Stefan watched Cherilyn through the flight, unable to keep himself from being concerned. He had no idea what it would be like for her to be separated from Cordelia, for however long. Even while in the dungeon, Jueru had always been close enough to Stefan to feel his comforting presence. He only hoped he could get Cherilyn out of the hell he was dragging her into as quickly as he was bringing her in. At one point, he took a piece of scrap paper and a piece of charcol and scribbled something on it. This wouldn't be suspicious, as everyone from Uru'baen by now knew he was attempting to stay literate.
Before too long, Uru'baen was in sight. Jueru circled above it for a while before lowering to the dragon courtyard. He looked around for a moment to see if Viel was in sight before landing and taking his subdued position. Though Galbatorix's minions no longer chained him down, the red dragon still kept a watchful eye on him for any hint of attempts to escape.
Once they were on the ground, Saenon took a few quick steps off the dragon's back. Stefan felt a grim satisfaction that the woman had one small weakness. He followed her after, grasping Cherilyn's arm in an appearance of keeping her from running, though his hold was gentle and more like he was guiding her off Jueru's back and to the ground.
He considered his next move carefully. He wanted to keep from bringing Cherilyn before Galbatorix, though he may demand to see her. He took a moment to pull an excuse from his mind.
"We'll take her to the dungeon," Stefan informed Saenon, "then inform the king of our success. I don't want to chance her trying to escape until we have a more efficient means of controlling her." Saenon stared at him with her calculating expression, seeming to weigh his words, then nodded. Stefan knew he could be risking the king's anger for not bringing her to him right away, but he was willing to suffer through that to keep Cherilyn from something similar. He guided her down a passage to the dank underground prison and into a cell. He pushed her in forcefully, then shut the cell door, which Saenon then locked. What Saenon didn't see, though, was that when Stefan pushed Cherilyn, he sneakily handed her the paper he had written on, an encouraging note to her. Once she was locked away, he and Saenon went to report their success to Galbatorix.
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Post by Trinn on Aug 16, 2011 13:08:21 GMT -5
Cherilyn had been dreading meeting Galbatorix. To see the nefarious man with her own eyes would be terrifying. She was only a young rider and he was so much more powerful. Her relief was great when Stefan smoothly deterred that meeting and took her to the dungeons. The lower levels of the castle were dank and dark. Her vision adjusted to the dimness, and she could see that the dungeons were old. In some places she thought there were stains from old blood. Cherilyn stumbled into the cell when Stefan pushed her in. Feeling something pressed into her hand, Cherilyn grasped it and avoided looking at Stefan or Saenon, to avoid giving Stefan away. When the sound of their footsteps had faded away, Cherilyn slumped down in the corner of her cage, feeling desolate. The paper was difficult to read in the darkness, so she carefully said a few words in the ancient language and a werelight sprang up above the parchment. Stefan had wrote her a note, and she smiled at how well it read and that he had not misspelled any of his words. He must have been keeping up with his lessons. Feeling a boost of morale from the note, she carefully tucked it away in a pouch at her waist. She had to get Stefan out of this place.
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Post by Tismri on Aug 16, 2011 15:20:59 GMT -5
Stefan regretfully left the dungeon, wishing he could have at least stayed with Cherilyn for a while. He wanted to take enough time to at least tell her his plans, but for now he couldn't do that. Not with Saenon lingering around. Later tonight, when he wasn't being watched, he could sneak down there and get her out. He only hoped Galbatorix would be halfway satisfied with the job he had done. All six months, he had been putting as much effort into barely completing the missions given to him, so the king should not be too surprised that he had not attempted to capture Cordelia. He had to be very careful right now. His plans rode on his ability to be deceptive right now, and Galbatorix was a hard person to fool.
Once he entered the throne room, his body bowed of its own accord, as it had ever since he was forced to pledge himself to the mad king, and he said, "Your Highness, I have completed the task you commanded me. I have captured the Rider Cherilyn. Her dragon, though, has evaded me." Again his voice was dead and emotionless, as it had been for the last half year.
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Post by ✧♏arie✧ on Aug 19, 2011 16:38:14 GMT -5
OOC: can i jump in again?, lol
Feeling bored Jierda finnally decided to go do something. She made her way up to the throne room, dodging the people walking past her. Thrysta was down with the other dragons, probally bored as well. Jierda came up to the doors, she wasn't sure if she should knock or just walk in. She thought he wouldn't mind if she walked in. After all, they had known each other since she was a young girl. She had be taken to the castle back then when her dragon hatched, and had been trained by Galbatorix himself. Jierda pushed open the doors. She noticed that someone else was there. It was that rider that they had caught a while ago, and Galbatorix had figured out his true name to make him do his bidding. "Oh, i'm sorry, I had no idea anybody else was here." She said, expressionless.
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Post by Trinn on Aug 19, 2011 19:43:22 GMT -5
Galbatorix regarded Stefan over his fingers, clasped together in front of his mouth, elbows resting on the arms of his throne. He was not at all surprised to learn that the dragon had not been taken as well. "Again you have succeeded, and failed. You are surprisingly adept at that." His dark eyes flickered, as if a shadow was moving behind them. "I will have to be even more precise in my orders from now on." His light armor clanked as he sat forward, his gaze turning even more severe. "Why have you not brought the Varden worm to me? I would like to see her now." As the sentence left his mouth the throne room doors thudded open. A black light crackled at the corners of his eyes. "Jierda." He barked, fixing his gaze on her. "What is the meaning of this? You do not just barge in on the Emperor of Alagaesia!" He was angry already from Stefan's lack to bring the dragon, and Jeirda's mishap did not improve his mood.
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Post by Tismri on Aug 19, 2011 20:09:12 GMT -5
Stefan felt a bit of pride at Galbatorix's first words to him. The fact that he was able to wriggle his way around his orders and manage to defy the king in some way gave him some meaning in life, something to strive for. However, when Galbatorix referred to Cherilyn as a worm and commanded him to bring her, for one instant every inch of his face set into a defiant scowl and he was about to, pointlessly perhaps, refuse. However, luckily for him the door suddenly slammed open behind him and distracted the king, allowing Stefan's face to relax again into its usual blankness. His eyes, however, did not lose their fury and he continued to stand there. Galbatorix had not yet used his name, and he refused to move one step until he did, at considerable risk to himself with the mood the king was in at the moment.
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