Dragon's Roar and Soldier's Cry

[✧♏arie✧]

Amber flew over the battle while Marie, on top of her, looked down to the side. Below Marie heard a roar of a dragon, and then saw them in a tussle.
"See any empire riders besides that one?" Jason yelled over the noise. Midnight swerved to avoid an arrow, so he had to hold on.
Marie shook her head. "No, and we should probably leave those to their own fight. Looks like they don't need much help at the moment." Amber looked around, and roared a challenge to any empire dragons.

[Max452]

OOC: Just to clarify, Sidhion isn't an Empire Rider, nor do any of the Varden know that the Empire is camped out on the outskirts...yet. Also, Tenal Ka is not an elf.

The colliding power of the Emeralds waves shook the ground and the recoil nearly blasted everyone to their feet but the two fighters. Sidhion's glare, an uncharacteristic expression on Rom's face, was inhumane as he began to rush Tenal Ka. He would have what he craved! It was his only hope to bring Aeglaesia back to a pure state, back to a place where all could feel safe once again.

As he rushed Tenal Ka, he ignored the pesky human who dared to interrupt his goal. Demonstrating amazing speed, he sped straight at Raegis, but his vision looked passed him. Concentrated only on Tenal Ka, Romulus flipped over Raegis as if he wasn't even there and continued toward his assault. Sidhion rose Rom's blade toward his waist, extending it in a horizontal position, intending to cut the Queen Mother in half.

***
"NO! Leave them alone!" Romulus shouted in the dark abyss of his mind as he watched the battle unfold before him. He could feel Sidhion's power caging him in. He pounded his fist against an imaginary wall, shouting for Sidhion to stop. "Leave them alone!" He repeated as he slammed his fists continually against air.

***
Time slowed for Tristan as his heart beat lessened. What happened? His mind splurted out as he felt himself falling sideways once his knees hit the ground. His vision diverted to the back of a charging Romulus and toward Tenal Ka. No. His mind echoed throughout his body. He felt the ground prick him as his vision blurred momentarily. He blinked slowly. Once the haziness evaporated, his vision focused on Tenal Ka and then at the woman behind his cousin. Teodora. His heart seemed to beat faster for a moment and then returned to its slowing beats. Am I dying? He could recall this feeling. He had felt it a few times throughout his life. His gaze still latched at Teodora. I'm sorry... He thought to her, and then a series of forceful memories attacked in his mind.
Come back you stubborn, pig-headed man! Teodora screamed at him as she pounded against his tortured body. They were in Uru'baen and Tristan had nearly died there. He felt the burning heat of that day and the immeasurable pain of his torture. He also once again, recalled the feeling of her pounding fists. The image flashed to another as his body began to grow dim...

Teodora was crying now. They were fleeing Uru'baen as she and the others had come to save him and Diana. "I'm not crying," she argued weakly, hastily bringing her free hand up to swipe away the tear stains on her cheeks. "Oh, shards, who am I fooling. Of course I'm crying! I nearly lost you!" The memory burned in him brighter than the other images that soon flooded his mind. It was then, perhaps he didn't realize it then, but he knew now, that she had pretty much given him a love confession. His mind recalled his promise. I promise, I won't make you cry like that again." I promise. I promise. Those two words forced his heart to beat again. Pain erupted into his body as he began to regain his mobility and consciousness. I'm not leaving you! He yelled out in determination to himself. His fingers flickered as his hand grasped the sword that had slipped out of his hands. Feeling the heat of the oozing blood, Tristan knew he wouldn't survive long, but all he needed was more time. Just a few more...

Staggering to his feet, Tristan achingly made his way toward the two Emerald fighters.

***
Locien let out a painful roar as blood dripped from his tail. His hind legs tried to kick Ismrolde in the face to let go of his tail. His draconic face swerved to face Thora, her talons extended toward him. Blood gushed out from Locien's soft belly as Thora's claws gripped him tightly. He had extended his own front talons in retaliation, clawing and biting Thora with all his might. It had been so long since he was in a battle that tested his skills.
Sidhion...hurry...I cannot hold them off for long! The icy dragon pleaded.

***
The roar of a dragon echoed in Kyler's ears. The battle had begun and he wished to head into it soon. He waited for Vana's signal.

[Rainbow Dash]

"Don't be a fool Raegis, there is nothing you can do. You certainly cannot best him in battle, and you can't hope to save her." Vylrin's voice echoed in his mind. "No but I can try." He yelled as he again charged Romulus, at meant to hit him at full speed. "At least use magic, love." He heard Vylrin's voice speak again. "Letta du sverd." Raegis shouted as he saw Romulus' blade raise in the air. He felt the energy leave him, but he stared to see what would happen.

[Tismri]

Tenel Ka calmly stared down the scowl that distorted Rom's usually gentle and relaxed expression. She felt as if she was staring at some monster with Rom's face. Still, she had trouble getting it out of her head that this was Romulus she was fighting here. He was one of the she'd actually taken the time to get to know, at least on some level, and she'd trusted him. Sidhion must have chosen how he possessed with care. But she faced him down with a cool expression, never flinching even as he moved to slice her in half. With Rom's elf-like speed and strength, she would never have stood a chance against him. But she simply watched as she reached for contact with her Emerald.
"Kodthr wyrda," she said calmly. Catch fate. Time around her seemed to slow, and she moved aside and Sidhion sliced through open air. This was the true power and extent of the Emeralds, and somehow she knew it barely even scratch the surface of their capablities. After all, this was only the power of one.
Time resumed its normal pace, and Tenel Ka felt remarkably disoriented. She'd only practiced the spell a few times before, and never under the pressure she faced today. She forced herself to focus, in case Sidhion moved to make up for his miss, and she drew her own sword. At that moment, she was slightly distracted by the sight of Tristan staggering towards them.
"You idiot," she muttered quietly, wishing her cousin wouldn't throw himself in the middle of danger all the time.
~~~~~
Pyra watched in amusement as Romulus--possessed by Sidhion--utterly ignored the challenge directed at him and catapulted toward Tenel Ka.
"Hmm, that must be so humiliating," she said, approaching Raegis from behind. "To have such a bold statement go completely unnoticed. But Romulus wouldn't have been able respond to you anyway. My father is a bit, ah...busy with him at the moment." She grinned slightly as she uncoiled her thorned whip. "I've been told to make sure that no one around interrupts him in his quest for the Emeralds."
~~~~~
Ismrolde growled fiercely as Locien kicked at her, and she momentarily released her hold on his tail. She started to fall and manuvered into a quick spiral to regain her balance. Then she leveled with the other dragons and, lashing with her tail at the icy dragon's side, attempted another grab at his tail. She missed this time and resorted to breathing fire at him.
You better move quickly, dear, she said to Tismri. The Rider mentally nodded and continued her ascent. It was dangerous to be in the sky so close to the thrashing dragons, especially since they were unable to see her. She moved above them and gazed intently at Locien's back. There was no one in the saddle. She considered for a moment and decided that might be a good lead. Why would he be wearing a saddle no one was riding? It might be a red herring, but she decided that it was worth looking into.

[Trinn]

Teodora had been pushed back by Tenal Ka's spell, and she now found herself staggered to one knee. Pushing herself back up, she watched as her queen and Romulus attacked each other savagely. They moved quickly, faster than she would ever be able to move In this fight, she was useless. Motion beyond the two fighters came to her attention, and she discovered with elation that Tristan was back on his feet. Moving towards the duel? Foolish man! Gritting her teeth, Teodora dodged past nighthawks and soldiers, skirted Tenal Ka and Romulus, and dashed to Tristan's side. Taking him by the shoulders, she stopped his single-minded path towards destruction. "This fight isn't for us, stubborn man." she said, scowling to hide her relief. Pulling him gently back, she pressed into the throng that had gathered into a loose circle around the Queen Mother and Sidhion's puppet. "Always trying to be a hero." she continued muttering, diverting her direction between the duel and Tristan.
***

Thora thrilled at the taste of blood. It urged her attacks to be harder, more ferocious. She longed for the kill. Bloodlust was her one downfall, even after years of life she could not entirely control it. Locien was no longer a dragon she had once flown with in peace, no more a former friend. He was now simply dangerous prey. Through her bloodlust she felt pricks of pain. Her rivals teeth had ripped a scale from her shoulder, inches from the saddle strap. Thora roared in anger. Trinn could not be hurt! Pushing back with her feet, she flung herself away from Locien and barrel rolled away from the skirmish. Blood flowed freely from the soft, exposed flesh from the torn scale. The saddle! she roared to Trinn, who had developed the same idea. A flash of green light appeared of Thora's shoulder, a spell sent from Trinn. Thora new it's intention; to slice away the saddle straps holding, they assumed, Sidhion.
***

The first mighty roar sent chills down Vana's spine. Beside her, Viel lifted her head eagerly to the sky. Not quite yet. she said in a soothing voice to her bond, and Viel whimpered. Vana's muscles were now tense. The time was drawing near for the empire to make it's move, a move that would hopefully end the rebel groups advancement. When the roaring of Sidhion was joined by two more voices, Vana jumped onto Viel's back and lashed her legs tightly to the saddle. Removing her cape, she let it flutter to the ground beside Viel. An attendant hastily came to scoop it away and stow it somewhere in her command tent. From where she sat, Vana could see the ranks of soldiers filed neatly, waiting for the signal to advance. More savage roars were heard, roars that shook the air around them even from where they stood. Muttering quickly under her breath, Vana spoke a short but complex spell. When she was finished, a glittering red light appeared above her army, and she knew, above the other two battalions stationed elsewhere. Viel growled softly, eager for the battle as she leaped into the sky, spreading her crimson wings.

[Max452]

OOC: Sidhion's still on the saddle...but, I guess I can work with this...mehehee

Locien snarled with emnity as he battled with Thora, glad that the copper dragon stayed at bay. He hissed and chomped where ever he could before the green dragon bolted away. He dived and swirled away from Ismorlde's deadly flames, just in the nick fo time. However, he wasn't able to dodge Trinn's tricky attack. The green light hit a major strap on the saddle, where, Sidhion was sitting.

SIDHION! Locien screamed through their connection.

Sidhion's eyes blazed opened, but it seemed only a part of his conscious was there. Reacting, Sidhion hopped off of the saddle in time as he clung to Locien's neck spikes, unaware of Tismri behind him. Sidhion, seemingly aware now, of the battle, stared at Locien's ragged state with rage.

***
Down below, Rom's vision slowed as Tenal Ka began to speed up. Sidhion quickly realized that she was using the power of the emerald to affect his speed or hers. By the time the spell ended, Sidhion staggered forward, annoyed that he didn't get to hit his mark. It was then, that Trinn had affected his saddle on Locien, causing him to revert half his strength back to himself. Now, his attention split to two battles, Sidhion was having a hard time controlling Rom.

***
Romulus felt the cage around him loosen a bit, but it was enough...

***
Sidhion regained Romulus' footing and turned around to charge at Tenal Ka. His sword swinging to decapitate her. Using a spell, he sped himself into a blur. His blade neared Tenal Ka's neck but stopped abrutly.
"LOCIEN!" Sidhion, through Rom, spoke, his eyes wide as he could feel his bond's pain as he was constantly attacked by the two ancient riders.
Taking this moment, the Real Romulus managed to wiggle free of his imprisonment.
"Tenal Ka!" Rom's eyes seemed to gain clarity,
"Oh, no you don't." Sidhion tried to regain control as he spoke through Rom's lips.
"Tenal Ka." Rom's voice was low, a mere whisper. "End it here. Kill me!" Rom pleaded. "I can only hold him off for so long..." He gasped as his eyes kept flickering back and forth from a greenish color.

As the battle above progressed, Sidhion cursed in the elven tongue and decided to aid his dragon. Reverting back from Rom's body, Sidhion was now completely conscious in his own body, the Green Emerald pulsing through his body. "You will pay for what you've done to Locien!" Sidhion hissed at Trinn and Thora. Blinded by his rage, he unleashed Reona - Reaper. The icey blue sword rung out. "Come and face me old friends!" Sidhion yelled out, trying to ignore the memories that suddenly came across his thoughts.

***
Tristan wobbled, intending to continue on toward the battle when Teodora came to his side. He looked at her, unsure why she was there for a moment. He blinked at her words. "Oh." He mumbled out incoherently. He allowed her to guide him away, feeling relief to have her near him. He stared, with concern and trust that Tenal Ka would be okay. His strength was failing him then, as the blood still seeped out slowly. Tristan, with one hand, placed a hand against his bloody chest, hoping to stop the bleeding, while the other, found itself on Teodora's shoulder. "Oh, I am not well." He muttered. He gazed at her as if he wasn't sure that she was there. "I love you." He slurred out before collapsing again to the floor.

***
The red flare was all he needed. Excitment and anticipation struck Kyler as he mentally nodded at Typhon to take to the skies. He would make sure that Sidhion would be gone. Typhon lunged into the sky, along with the others that were with him. The Empire troops began their marching charge toward the Varden army.

***
Seeing the red werelight in the sky, Einar knew that something else was wrong. He had witnessed the dragon battle above them and heard the battle in the Ismalian camp, but trusted that his comrades were safe. He only feared that something else may occur...and his fear came true. The Empire was coming.
"On your guard!" He yelled to the troops near him, knowing that the red flare was noticed.

Einar took to the skies with Stigandr.

***
Finally! Slade leapt into the sky with Selene on his back. They were with the third battallion and now, Slade was going to taste blood today! He let out a raging roar, not caring if their surprise attack was noticed or not.

[Tismri]

Tenel Ka was unable to regain full awareness in time, and she knew Romulus' blade was inches from removing her head from her body.
I've lived well, was the thought that came to her, and with it, a brief sense of contentment. There was so much more she had wanted to accomplish in life: she always harbored hopes of marriage, and of one day having a daughter to whom she would pass on her title. She had sincerely believed she was the one who would bring the Emeralds together and use them for whatever ends they were needed. She had wanted to repair the broken and twisted relations of her family and forge them together into something wholesome. But, as it was, if she was to die here today, she decided her life had not been so bad.
All this flashed through her mind in an instant, so she was stunned when a second later, she was still alive. She slowly became aware that Rom was conscious, and he was fighting for control of himself. She stared, fascinated, as his eyes seemed to flash between their usual amber and a bright green. She gripped her sword tightly for a moment when Rom asked her to kill him. Would she have to do it? Could she?
She dropped her sword and took Rom by the shoulders, gazing intently into his eyes. "I cannot kill you, Romulus Kingsley. I will not. And if you keep asking me to, I'll have no choice but to take Teodora's view on life and conclude that all men are indeed idiots, and I find that idea rather depressing." She drove her mind into his, using the power of her Emerald to give her the strength needed. You're stronger than this, Rom, she assured him. And I will help you any way that I can.
~~~~~
OOC: Haha, I couldn't remember if we could see Sidhion or not. Whoops.

Ismrolde clawed at Locien's hind legs, biting and snapping at him, to attempt to force him into dividing his attention between the two of them. Tismri landed herself on Locien's now vacant saddle. Many years of practice of such stunts with Ismrolde allowed her to keep her footing even as the dragons struggled back and forth. She inched closer to where Sidhion stood, seemingly preoccupied by his fight with Trinn and Thora. At his words, both Tismri and Ismrolde felt a deep cut in their hearts, and memories echoed through their minds through the long passage of time, back when they were much younger and much more innocent.
You always were a cocky one, Sidhion, Tismri thought to herself as she swung her blade forward. At the attack, she became visible again. She gazed at the maddened Rider with an expression of sorrow.
"Aye, it'll be just like old times, dear friend," she said.

OOC: I kinda feel like doing a flashback here, but that would make matters even more complicated. lol

[Rainbow Dash]

Raegis smiled, "Is that a challenge, you just issued me?" He asked whomever was behind him. Raegis felt the anticipation growing, it had been a while since he had a good hard fight, he was ready for this. "You would come at me from behind? That is cowardly and unhanded. But then again so is what Sidhion is doing right now with Romulus. A real warrior would take what he needs himself. Not manipulate the fates of others to accomplish his goals." Raegis mocked whomever was behind him. "Your father, Sidhion is nothing more then a coward." Raegis added those venomous words at the end, knowing any sane man or woman would bite at them.

[✧♏arie✧]

Nearly as soon as it had come the red werelight was gone. Marie could guess what this meaned, the empire was coming. She clutched the blue energy-storing gem in her hand for a momemt, then left it to hang around her neck. Her elven shape outlined against the sky as she looked at Jason. He nodded. Taking the lead, Amber glided silently to where the light had come. The orange dragon swerved, and Midnight had to flap his wings to keep up with her. Unsure of what was to come they flew to where the light had been.

[Trinn]

Teodora was briefly distracted by the fight between Tenal Ka and Rom. She could not catch every move, for they were unnaturally swift. When they suddenly came to a stand still, Tristan spoke. She turned and looked down at his wound, which was bleeding more than ever. He needed a healer, or else... The strength in his legs abandoned him then, and Teodor sank down on her knees beside him. Her arms held his shoulders up, and she just barely caught his last statement. Why did he always have to tell her important things like this before trying to die!? As angry as she wanted to be, her eyes stung with held back tears and her throat ached as she fought back a sob. The words she wanted to say floated around easily in her mind, but letting them out vocally was a different matter. "I love you too, you blasted man." she finally managed to gasp out. "You better not die now or I'll-I'll kill you again!" Looking around her, she tried to find a magician, a rider, somebody who could heal Tristan. But even she found someone, they couldn't heal Tristan. He was Ismalian, after all. What he needed was a traditional healer. Biting the sleeve of her tunic, she tore the length of it off, from shoulder to wrist, leaving her right arm exposed. Carefully, while still holding Tristan's shoulders up, she wrapped the cloth around his middle, hoping to stem the flow of his blood. It was a weak tourniquet though, and she feared it wouldn't last long. Looking behind her, she grabbed a soldiers leg and shouted at him, "Go find a healer. Now! This is the queen's cousin! He must be saved!" The guard stared at her, unsure if he should obey. "Shards and emeralds, man!" she cursed, "GO."
***

Thora hovered before Locien, held back from the fight by Trinn. Sidhion's challenge spurred their battle urge. Trinn was trying to remain tactful and calm, but it had been so long before she had been in any sort of battle. Thora's bloodlust was trickling into her own emotions, and the emerald... the power of the emerald lured her to use it, to destroy whatever was in her way. As she began to summon a spell, she spotted Tismri suddenly behind Sidhion. The spell hesitated at the edge of her mind as she waited to see if her friend's blow would land.
***

Vana looked behind her. There was only one other rider with her battalion, and about the same with the other two. The Empire's riders were scarce. Most of them had deserted, betrayed their king and in affect, her. She looked down, satisfied to see the soldiers trotting along on the ground, weapons at the ready. Most of them were foot soldiers. Since they were hoping to take the Varden by surprise, cavalry would have only given away their approach. As it was, the soldiers' armor still made a sufficient amount of noise. But the Varden camp, which Vana could see fully now, was in some sort of disturbance. Higher, Viel. Lose us in the clouds.

Viel acquiesced quickly, pumping her wings quickly to gain altitude. In seconds the misty chill of a cloud enveloped them, and Vana shivered against the feeling. They flew for a little longer, and then by unspoken agreement, Viel dove. When she burst from the cloud cover, she was directly above the Varden army. Opening her maw, she sprayed fire down among them, razing the tents and flesh alike as she swooped overhead. Her pass complete, Viel spiraled back up, pumping her wings for the clouds again to hide herself. Before immersing herself in the clouds again, she released one challenging roar.

[Max452]

Tristan gave Teodora a brief smile, having heard her words. His mind whirled and his heart was jumping all over the place. He found it so odd that in his current position he was never so happy before. He held her arm gently, trying to stay alive. He found it quite amusing that all of his confessions were always in a tense situation. Granted, they were always said in the moment and he never regretted them. Maybe that's why he said them; his courage only seemed to be provoked under stress and pressure. His breathing began to slow.

***
"Oi! Why are they all crowded about!" Lucia demanded as she swatted a soldier on the shoulder. "Move! We can't see the fight from here!" She peeked over the man's shoulder, gazing at Romulus and Queen Tenal Ka as they fought. Seth, on the otherhand, was looking somewhere else. "He's hurt!" His eyes wavered to where Tristan had just stood. "Grab our things, dear." Seth told her and was met with a smack upside the head. "YOU grab our things!" She huffed and headed toward the injured Prince.

***
Sidhion whirled around, seeing Tismri. "Aye. Let us practice, as we use to." Reona rang in the air as it met Tismri's blade. Sidhion's eyes seemed distant, reflecting on another time when Reona had met Tismri's blade. He shook it off. Why was he recalling these things NOW? Through Locien's vision, he spotted Trinn muttering a spell, but seemed to stop as Tismri appeared. Throughout all his 500 years and more, Sidhion had always desired peace, no matter the cost and over the past century, he believed he was willing to give up his friendship...and his heart...but now, when he was truly facing those he had once called friends, he didn't know for sure if he could do it. He momentarily thought of his children. Did they love him as he had loved them? True, he never showed it the correct way...but...it was for the greater good...wasn't it? Those thoughts sprung forth from his mind like a tidal wave and it was only Locien's pain that drifted himself away from it. We must do what we must. Sidhion heard Locien say, reassuring him that this was their only way to find peace, despite the dragon's own doubts....

***
Kyler flew swiftly, the army becoming further behind him. As he neared the Varden, Typhon swerved quickly to the left, nearly missing a silver bulge.

"I am surprised to find you here, Kyler." Einar's voice echoed through the air as they were now facing Kyler and Typhon, blocking their path to the Varden. The two dragon flew higher into the sky. "What is the meaning of this?" Einar's eyes were not one of anger, but of disappointment.

Kyler said nothing as he stared at Einar's eyes. His gaze flickered away, showing guilt in his eyes. Typhon crooned at the silver dragon, not wanting to fight him. "I will always be grateful for our friendship, Einar and I owe you much for helping me remember myself and to raise Typhon...but..." His gaze turned to Uru'baen, "I can't defy him yet...my heart is still there..." He referred to Uru'baen and to Vana. "You, of all people, should know how I feel."

Einar's eyes gazed down at his ring. "Aye."
"Just give me time to help her see the truth, Einar. That's all I need."
"And what of now?" Einar asked, his eyes darting back up as his hand threatened to go to his back and draw Edoc'sil.
"We must do what we must. I swore before, I will not kill any of you. My goal, as always, is to bring peace." Was all he said as he drew his sais.

I do not want to fight them. Typhon told Kyler.
Nor do I, but I must get to Sidhion.

"Will you let us pass?"
"You already know the answer, my friend."
"Aye...I know." Kyler twirled his sais as Einar drew his weapon.

The two dragon riders collided.

***
Across the plains, Kyler's battalion let out a deafning roar as they charged at the Varden.

OOC: forgot about Rom...lol

Romulus was amazed that Tenal Ka refused to end his life. Was she crazy? He could only hold against Sidhion for so long; the Ancient had more power than he had ever encountered before. It was then, he felt another power...more warm and inviting, enter him. Tenal Ka's voice echoed in his mind as her power and Sidhion's began to fight within him.

Sidhion, who was split within Rom and himself, now, fully relinquished Romulus as Tismri appeared to fight him.

Rom felt the crazy elf leave him, but before then, he viewed memories that seemed to pain the elf, memories of old comrades and...a love that he had denied for so long. Rom recognized the lover.

Rom, now in control of himself, gazed at Tenal Ka. He blinked, feeling really weak. "Thank you." He muttered to her and fell to his knees. He felt like a dragon had squished him. "We must stop him...perhaps she can?" He mumbled as he gazed up at the three Ancients. His eyes drifted to the woman that Sidhion had so long ago, fell in love with, but refused to acknowledge. Based on Sidhion's memory and feelings, it didn't seem like he ever told her.

OOC: OH man...I have no idea where that came from...perhaps...flashbacks are in order...hehehe....

[Tismri]

OOC: Haha...now the question is, which "she" did Sidhion fall in love with in the past? You didn't specify. And perhaps we could make a flashback thread...since we're just a bit too busy to stick it in here. lol.

Pyra raised her eyebrow at the man's words, holding out her hand.
"Well, I haven't attacked you yet, have I? Though perhaps I should have. As for my father being cowardly, I must say I have no cause to really disagree with you. Otherwise I doubt he would have abandoned me for so many years. But all that is forgiven and meaningless. Sometimes one must be a coward and use underhanded tricks in order to survive. Now..." She glanced up at the sky for a moment, watching Locien with the other two ancient dragons struggling, along with each of their Riders. It seemed Sidhion had been forced to relinquish his control over Romulus in order to defend himself. Then her eyes leveled as she heard the distant sound of more dragons roaring, and the indistinct but recognizable sound of an army marching forward.
"Well, it seemed the Empire has arrived to join in our fun," she said, cracking her whip at a nearby Varden soldier. The thorns caught his chainmail shirt and ripped it twain, and a quick second strike tore the skin off his body, leaving a long, bloody gash behind. Then she said a few, quick words in the ancient language, her escape spell that had yet to fail her. She found herself falling through the ground until it seemed like she had been swallowed by it. This was an odd sensation, as the spell had never worked that way for her before. She was relieved to be back in darkness, if only for a short time. The light had been causing stabbing pain to her sensitive eyes and cause her to have a blinding headache. The spell carried her some distance away from the clashing armies before it caused her to rise again.
~~~~~
Tenel Ka watched as Rom struggled against Sidhion, glancing up to where he, Tismri, and Trinn were battling in the sky with their dragons. They all seemed able to distract him enough that he finally released his grip on Rom. The half-elf soon gained control again and he fell, causing Tenel Ka to reach out in case he crashed to the ground. She listened to his mutterings and found herself wondering what he was talking about. Did he see something in Sidhion's memories, perhaps?
"He will be stopped," she promised him. She stared up at the sky where her mentor, along with Trinn was battling against the insane elf. "I'm not sure how, but we will stop him."
~~~~~
Tismri stood her ground as Mor'ranr met Sidhion's icy blade. She recalled the last time they'd fought...though at that time it had merely been for training's sake. That had been centuries ago now, but it felt to her as if it were only a couple of days. She noticed that he seemed distracted, and she wondered if he was remembering their past fights as well. The ringing of the blades echoed in her ears, a familiar sound.
Just as Sidhion seemed to draw himself back into the present, Tismri noticed that Trinn had a spell ready to launch. She met her friend's eyes and nodded, then did a graceful backwards leap onto Ismrolde's massive head to avoid whatever it was Trinn was going to send at Sidhion.

[Trinn]

Teodora heard familiar voices approaching, and she was both relieved and alarmed. The crazed old couple. Turning, she saw their shuffling forms coming closer. "Here!" she shouted to them, waving a hand. The soldier she had accosted earlier still stared down at her, and she gave him a scathing glance. Useless man! "Tristan, Seth and Lucia are here! They're going to help you. Just hang in there." As she spoke, another dragon roared, and Teodora's gaze was directed towards Nasuada's pavilion. A dark red dragon was suddenly diving down, then sweeping over the army, fire roiling form its mouth. The smell made Teodora grimace as the smoke mingled with burnt flesh and canvas. Then another roar, and two more dragons were clashing in the sky. "The empire is attacking!" she shouted out towards Tenal Ka, a small burst of panic setting in. They had not foreseen this attack.
***

Elaine stood near the nighthawks gathered around Nasuada's pavilion. They all switched from looking up at the brawling ancients to scouting the area for other threats. Elaine jumped, alarmed when a familiar red dragon appeared out of the clouds, bent on destruction. In an instant tents were on fire and soldiers were screaming in agony. "Letta du brisingr!" She shouted out, and her gedwey ignasia flashed as energy poured into her spell. The flames from Viel's first pass died, and Elaine ran as fast as possible towards where Eridor waited.
***

At Tismri's gesture, Trinn let the words roll off her tongue. "Shred his wings and break his bones." she shouted in the ancient language, concentrating on directing the spell only at Locien and Sidhion. The energy flew from her body, but the emerald powered most of it, leaving her feeling like she had lifted merely a pebble.

[Max452]

OOC: lol...yeah...only reason I didn't specify is because I don't know yet...lol. Random moment! lol

Sidhion glared into Tismri's eyes as he tried to focus himself on his plans and his goals. She will not stop him! He absently continued to recall their days in Ellesmera. They were always arguing about their beliefs. Despite it all, he appreciated her views. It seemed to keep him sane at times.

Tismri pulled back and flipped off of Locien. Sidhion! Locien growled out, having felt all of his Rider's emotions, but like him, missed the old days. It was much more peaceful. They hadn't lost their souls then...hadn't done things they regretted in the darkness of the night. Sidhion sharply turned around to see Trinn release her spell. He didn't know what she had unleashed, which made it difficult for a counter attack. He settled on one spell.
"SKOLIR!" He yelled out, feeding off of the emerald's power with ease. It pained him to see Trinn attack him. She was always skilled in combat. Something that he had always admired...and perhaps envied.

Sidhion's spell only deflected Trinn's spell partially. Locien let out a pained roar as his wings seemed to snap and contort on the wingbones. "LOCIEN!" Sidhion's voice was pained and angered as he watched Locien's wings change unnaturally.
"NO!" Sidhion felt him and Locien plumment dangeriously in the sky. The sudden drop caused Sidhion to separate from Locien as they were free falling in the air.
"Waise hiel." Sidhion commanded, feeling the power of the emerald as his eyes sparked green. Locien's wings snapped back into their proper position and the dragon's wings popped up, filling air beneath his wings. Locien soared upwards again, with Sidhion slamming against his scaly side, nearly missing a dangerous spike. Sidhion gripped onto a protruding scale and began to climb back onto Locien's back.

Steady himself, as he no longer had his saddle, Sidhion stared with a mixture of feelings at Trinn. He pushed his feelings aside and held out his gedwey ignasia, a spell on his lips ready for utterance. He hesitated for a moment, but it was brief. "Jierda!" His blue eyes turned away, as if not wanting to watch.

***
"Oh dear!" Lucia hurried beside Tristan, while Seth dropped their packs and began pulling thigns out. "Rid him of his shirt! Quickly!" She ordered Teodora as she pulled out her mortar and pestle and begna squishing herbs together.

The couple were deep in concentration as they pooled their skills together to save their friend. In the midst of their concentration, they were unaware of the battles going about them and above them. Their only goal: save the dying prince.

Once Tristan's shrit was removed and they had finished a green paste, Lucia began to slap it onto Tristan's chest and back. Muttering things about Tristan being close to death and that she better get paid this time. Seth seemed to be concentrating on bandaging the boy once Lucia pasted certain areas.

***
Rom, exhausted only nodded to Tenal Ka. "I'm sorry, friend." He told her as he slumped down further. He was too weak, but then he smelled fire. Glancing, he saw Viel spewing out fire. "The Varden is being under attack!" He tried to get up, but was immensely weak.

***
Aiden glanced around with horror as their friends were being scorched alive. He was thankful for Elaine for putting the fire out and magicians seemed to run about to heal people. Aiden growled out with Lenora.

A black mass in the sky appeared soon. The Dragon slayer, Selene rose past the stench of flesh as Slade opened his maw to crisp the Varden scum.

Aiden hopped onto Lenora, the two heading over to the black Rider, hoping that they were expereinced enough to stop them.

***
Arya muttered a spell that protected Lady Nasuada as she flew with ease to protect the Varden leader.

[Tismri]

OOC: He's in love with them both! Jk.

Tismri watched as Trinn's spell took affect, Locien's wings crumpling, causing him to crash toward the ground. Sidhion healed the dragon just in time, and soon Locien was even with Ismrolde and Thora again. She sighed to herself, wishing again that it didn't have to come to this. She hated battling, and she believed that peace could come without the clashing of arms.
She noticed with some alarm as Sidhion moved to cast a spell at Trinn.
"Thrysta istalri!" she called, raising her gedwey ignasia at him. A copper flame poured from her palm. The fire was powerful, but she compressed it to a tight beam, the flame intensely hot and blindingly bright. At the same time, Ismrolde breathed fire at Locien as well.
~~~~~
Tenel Ka heard the sound of the clashing armies and the enemy dragons at the same time both Romulus and Teodora informed her that the Varden were under attack. She stood and gazed around, noticing the red and black dragons overhead.
Caedus! she called, and the turquoise dragon was by her side in an instand. She glanced at Rom, hesitating.
"You're exhausted," she told him, helping him up. "There's no way you can fight in your condition. You!" she pointed at one of her nearby soldiers, "see that this man makes it to the medical tents. And if he tries to join the fight, knock him unconscious." She gave Rom a sweet smile before climbing onto Caedus' saddle.
~~~~~
Diana was tending to the sick and injured Varden when she felt a slight disturbance in Serenity's peace.
I smell Viel, she said. Diana hesitated a moment, nearly dropping the bandage she held. Why would Vana be nearby? The Varden had been expecting the ancient to attack in an attempt to retrieve the Emeralds, but she hadn't expected the Empire to try taking advantage of the situation. She continued helping one soldier who was feverish, getting medicine for him. Then she heard Viel's attack and not long after recognized Slade.
She left the healing pavilion and stood outside, her eyes firmly fixed on the crimson dragon attacking the Varden.
Why, Vana? she asked herself, shaking her head. Has there not been enough bloodshed already? She gripped the hilt of Ilumeo and grit her teeth together. She recalled when Vana had let her go, back in Uru'baen all those months ago. They were hesitant, but she felt they had parted on a small level of friendship. After all...Vana did allow her to leave without trying to stop her. Diana ran to Serenity. She wasn't sure how the battle was going to progress, but she knew she needed to contribute somehow.