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Post by Tismri on Feb 24, 2012 1:29:47 GMT -5
Kat stood in the courtyard by Vanilor, gazing up at the sky. She had seen the crazy aerial acrobatics performed by the other dragons and Riders under the king's service. She was eager and anxious for them at the same time. She wasn't sure how well they would perform when they began, but she knew that with some practice, they would be just as good--better, even--as the rest of them.
She stared down at her palm, flexing her hand. The mark on it shimmered in the sunlight. Despite the months of living with the dragon, having him in her mind was still difficult to get used to. However, it wasn't as much a shock anymore as it had been when he hatched.
SEVERAL MONTHS EARLIER:
Kat walked past the door of the dragon hatchery on her way to retire for the evening from her position at the king's side. She noticed, with some annoyance, that it was not being properly guarded. In fact, it wasn't being guarded at all. She instantly felt angered. The fools! What if a Varden spy came in and tried to steal the eggs? They were supposed to be watched night and day.
Bothered, she went inside to guard the eggs until the proper assigned fool arrived. She was momentarily dazzled by the sight within. She had never seen the dragon eggs before. They looked like dozens of gleaming gemstones, far more valuable than her family's entire estate. Of course, she knew the outside wasn't so much what mattered as what those hard rocks held within. Each new dragon hatched from within this room meant another Rider under the king's service, another force with which they could combat the bothersome Varden.
She gazed over all the eggs for several moments, then settled her eyes on one deep dark yellow one while she waited for the guard to return.
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Post by Max452 on Feb 24, 2012 1:43:44 GMT -5
Excitment pulsated through Vanilor as he gazed up at the dragons that seemed to fly with ease. He let out a low whiny sound, indicating his urge to fly with them. To prove his worth. He shuffled his wings, eager to dominate the sky. He would be the best. He would beat Bloodwing. He snorted. I want to fly. His voice was sad. He was still too young. He turned to nudge Katriana with his moist snout. He could sense her recollecting the past. His throat rumbled out a humming sound as he too, began to recall the months back. His snout rubbed against Kat's hand again. Let us go, Kat...it is getting late. Will you read me a story before we rest for tomorrow? The youthful dragon asked, already sending an image of Katriana reading him stories of Vanilor.
Several Months Earlier:
Ancient magic and unintelligable memories streamed the young yellow dragon's being. He had been in a seemingly deep slumber for so many years, waiting...just waiting for the one that would free him from his flightless prison. And now, he felt like he sensed the one that was meant to be his companion...his bond.
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Post by Tismri on Feb 24, 2012 2:02:11 GMT -5
Kat sensed the surge of longing from the dragon and smiled slightly. Flight had seemed to be his primary ambition since the time he first hatched, and she knew it would only be a matter of time.
Soon, Van, soon, she assured him, brushing the dragon's soft snout. She felt from him his deeper objective; from the time he first met Vana's dragon, Viel, he desired to best her. Kat couldn't blame him, after the way the bloody beast had demanded him to respect her as the "leader of the hunt," whatever that meant. Not long after that, she had assured him that they were already better than Viel and her Rider of lowly origins. Kat thought of Vana with distaste. She never understood why Galbatorix had so rapidly taken a mere servant and put her in charge of his entire army. She knew, though, that Galbatorix would soon see that Kat was worth more than Vana, and place the woman back where she belonged.
She smiled slightly as Vanilor requested a story. He was so much like a child. After he'd hatched, Kat had searched the entire library for a history of dragons to expand her knowledge of him. When Vanilor was old enough to comprehend the words, he had seemed captivated by them. She could easily tell which was his favorite.
Very well. But it must be short. I need to awaken early tomorrow, to practice with the... The word came rather unpleasantly to her mind. With the magicians tomorrow before I return to the king's side.
***
Kat was mesmerized by the egg in front of her. It was such a pretty color, nearly matching her own golden eyes. She hoped that the dragon inside would be great and powerful, and that his Rider would be one of worthy blood, and not the peasant and servants most of them seemed to favor. She reached out and brushed the egg with her hand for a moment. Then she stepped back suddenly. She could swear the thing had just moved.
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Post by Max452 on Feb 24, 2012 2:24:24 GMT -5
Vanilor knew how much Katriana hated going to the magicians. We must become stronger than them. He reminded her, knowing she would understand who them was, as he sensed her surface thoughts. He gazed back up to the sky, noting one red dragon that seemed to command the sky with such ease. He envied that. Soon, he would not only command the sky, but it would bend to his very will. He let out a little grunt, pleased with this idea, and not shielding it from Kat. He was her bond after all. They must share everything and be aware of one another always. It was what it meant to be a Rider and Dragon Bond. How he knew, he did not know. He just knew that was how it was suppose to be. Vanilor's throat let out a cooing sound, demonstrating his happiness that Kat would read him a tale. His tail swished back and forth as he began to paddle beside her. Just one chapter, please. He asked as he noticed a servant hurrying by. He snarled at the man, noting his closeness to them. No one was allowed to come near her, not without his permission, especially these, "of lowly station" as Kat seemed to call them.
***
Months earlier:
Vanilor shifted in his cramped position. He felt it! He felt his bond near! He wiggled from anticipation. How he awaited this moment! He continued to move, but he no longer felt her touch. He settled. He needed to sense her more....it was not enough yet. He had to make sure that this was the one that would break him from his prison.
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Post by Tismri on Feb 24, 2012 3:11:34 GMT -5
OOC: Rar...need action...need...random confrontation with Vana! Mwahaha! lol...*sigh*
Kat smiled, knowing very well to whom Vanilor was referring. She agreed with him silently as the walked down the hall. Kat rather disliked her relocation to the Riders' quarters. They were farther from the king than she would have liked; it would be harder for her to reach his side should he require her services for anything.
Kat had not even noticed the servant walking by until her bond growled. She was glad Vanilor seemed to understand at least on some level her attitude toward the lesser people. She glared at a certain door as she and Van passed it. Vana's quarters. The insufferable woman seemed to believe that Kat was her subordinate. Kat resolved that she would had none of it. Her commands came from the king and the king alone.
***
Kat walked away from the egg, feeling peculiar. Where was the blasted guard? She explored the hatchery a bit more, glancing at every egg, but her eyes kept drawing back to the yellow one she had touched earlier. Eventually, she returned to it, and, cautiously, touched it again. Then she picked it up...and after that, she sat and placed it in her lap, stroking it absently.
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Post by Max452 on Feb 25, 2012 2:29:11 GMT -5
OOC: Go and drag Trinn here. lol.
Vanilor held his scaly head high as they traveled into the castle and towards their room. He was glad that it was specifically designed for Riders, or more precisely, more designed for the dragons to gaze up into the sky. Vanilor loved staring upward into the enchanted ceiling, knowing that one day he would be in the sky. He just had to be patient. They had reached their room then, and Vanilor waited patiently for Kat to open the door. He hummed, excited for the chapter that she would read. They were reaching his favorite part in the story. Where Vanilor was battling Urgals and he would roast them! He grew excited for the idea that he would one day be able to breath fire. Now, he only managed to feel something build in his throat, but nothing came out. Again...he was too young. Soon. He just needed to be patient.
***
The warmth of Kat's hands caused the young dragon to stir again. He could feel her now. She had left momentarily, but had now come back! The ancient energy that connected them to one another surged through him. He knew it was time! They had found one another. It was time to be free! The yellow dragon began squirming harder, using his tiny talons to break through the egg. He yelped, feeling the hard surface scrap against him. But it didn't matter. It was natural. This was nature. He fought through the shell, pushing and clawing out. He managed to stab through a large chunk of shell, just large enough for his little snout to poke through and sniff the strange new air. He squirmed in his membrane home, eager to get out of it. He continued to break free...
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Post by Tismri on Feb 25, 2012 12:04:11 GMT -5
Once she reached her door, Kat unlocked it swiftly. She didn't trust any of the other Riders, so she always kept her quarters locked tightly. Once the door was opened, she motioned Vanilor to go inside. She entered the room and removed her ebony armor, preferring something more comfortable to relax in. She brushed her had across the books that lined one of her shelves until she found the one that the dragon wanted. She settled on the floor near Vanilor and smiled as she opened the book to read to the dragon.
***
Kat's hand stopped halfway through stroking the egg when she felt it move. It had wobbled a bit in her lap, on its own accord. She stared at it as it continued to move. Soon cracks started to form.
What? No...no, no, no, don't start hatching right now, she thought, taking it off her lap and setting it on the floor. She took a couple of steps away, even as the dragon's tiny snout appeared through a hole. She looked wildly around the room, hoping that there was someone else. Maybe it was hatching for another person. But there was no one. She was alone in the room...alone with dozens of motionless eggs and one that was slowly cracking open.
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Post by Max452 on Feb 26, 2012 13:45:47 GMT -5
OOC: Hmm..what can we do to get some action in here...hmmm
Vanilor slithered inside their room, eager for the story they would hear tonight. He placed himself on the rather large pillow that was next to Kat's bed. He curled up, waiting patiently for the tale of Vanilor, the King of the Dragons. Of course, it was rather early to retire, but Vanilor wasn't interested in the events that took place within the castle. He thought it was boring, especially if he could not attend most of them. Selfish and protective as he was, he hoped he was distracting Kat from the Ball that was being held tonight.
***
Several Months Earlier:
The hatchling finally broke free of the small imprisonment with a final growl. Having bounded out of the egg, the yellow dragon shook himself. He gazed around, unused to being on his legs and in this new adventureous world. He began to sniff around, looking for the bond that set him free. He spotted her then, several feet away from him. He let loose an excited chirp and began to paddle toward Katriana.
***
Present:
Marek exited out of his carriage, a bored look on his face as he stared at the massive castle that belonged to the King. A ball! How he hated these events. It was just another place for nobles to rub in the faces of one another their riches and how many slaves they had. Blah Blah Blah. Marek's only measure of sanity was exiting out of the carriage with him. He turned, offering a hand to Karliah, his only genuine smile. He was lucky that his Mother allowed them to attend..well, as a couple. She was not pleased at the thought, but ever since the argument she had with Kari, well, she was a bit more tamed and supportive. She even had her personal tailor dress Kari for tonight, claiming that she would have no one know who the woman was and went on and on about their reputation being destroyed if anyone ever found out that a Robinson was courting a highly wanted thief. Marek shrugged off the conversation, he was just pleased that Kari even wanted to come with him. "Milady." He smirked at her as he helped her out.
OOC: THERE! THERE IS YOUR BALL!! HAPPY!? lol
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Post by Tismri on Feb 26, 2012 23:01:54 GMT -5
OOC: Yeeaahh!!! Par-tay!!!!!
Kat opened the book and began reading. She took her time, her voice lulling in the way she knew Vanilor enjoyed listening. She became distracted as she heard an unusual amount of noise outside, like the sounds of many people arriving. She was about halfway through the chapter when she suddenly remembered: the King's ball was that night! She was expected to attend, both as a noble and as one of the king's protectors. His bodyguards had been told to attend all special events, after that one occasion several years ago when a member of the Varden infiltrated and attempted to assassinate him.
"Dammit," she muttered, the book dropping from her hands. She stood in a hurry and rushed to the wardrobe. As she searched through the endless clothing--from tunics to gowns--she wished she'd found a personal servant to help her. Perhaps soon, so she wouldn't risk running late again.
"I'm so sorry, Van," she apologized to the dragon as she dressed and fixed her hair at the same time. "I'll finish reading after I get back. The king is sure to be disappointed in me right now." She pulled on a pair of shoes and gave the dragon a hug. She hated to leave Vanilor alone in here, but he was too big to really attend the ball with her. If only he could fly, or do something else to pass the time.
"I'll be back soon," she promised him as she rushed out the door.
***
Kat nearly jumped in surprise as the dragon popped out of the shell. Though she knew it was happening, it was still unexpected. The creature was tiny, so unlike the beasts she had seen in the sky so many times.
No, crossed her mind again as she took another step back. The little dragon was crawling toward her, and it had an excited look in its eyes. No, this can't be happening. I slay these things, I don't ride them. She motioned to shoo it away with her hands. She wish she had some way to let it know it had made a mistake. It should still be in its shell, waiting for its real Rider. It still came closer and she reached down to push it away. As soon as her hand touched it, she felt a paralyzing shock run through her body, and her mind went numb from the icy pain. She shuddered and fell to her knees, panting as she did.
After her mind cleared, she opened her eyes and glance at the dragon. She nearly glared at it, but in truth it seemed so small and helpless at the moment that she couldn't really be angry at it. She saw the silvery mark on her hand, knowing what it meant.
"Well," she said to the baby dragon. "I guess I'm stuck with you."
***~~~~~
What the heck am I doing here? Karliah asked herself as the carriage pulled up to the palace. She was going to an event with hundred of people she despised. And worse, for Marek's sake she had to act like them. She had to pretend to be one of them. The dress she was wearing was tight and uncomfortable, and her hair was pinned up painfully. In truth, she really did look the part. She appeared like every other noble in the crowd. Although it had taken five of the Robinson's servant most of the last two days to get her like this. She'd barely been able to get any sleep and had been dozing off and on most of the day.
Still...the way Marek had looked when he asked her. How could she ever have said no? He had looked so hopeful, and described the event in such glowing terms that he'd almost had her convinced that she actually wanted to go.
Karliah smiled as Marek held out a hand to help her out of the carriage, and she gracefully accepted. It was one of the few gestures she had practiced and had down perfectly. She only hoped she knew well enough that she could blend in with the rest of the crowd.
"Why thank you, kind sir," she said to Marek, and even added a small giggle that she'd heard many rich girls make when they were courting rich boys. That, however, almost came naturally. Marek put her in a rather odd, giddy mood. She turned to look at the palace and staggered slightly. The building was massive! Rooms upon rooms...and probably full of items just waiting to be stolen. She held onto Marek's arm as she regained herself.
"What does a person need with so much space?" she asked, awed and incredulous at once.
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Post by Max452 on Feb 29, 2012 15:44:10 GMT -5
Vanilor hissed as Kat stopped reading abruptly, the book falling dramatically to the floor. He did not appreciate the loud crowd outside, as it had deterred Kat from spending time with him. He made a whiny noise as Kat apologized and began to dress. He didn't want her to go. He sat on his haunches, appearing lonely and grumpy at the same time. I understand. He replied sadly, knowing that she had her duties to attend to. After all, she had to be the best, and the best usually was busy. He sighed. He didn't know what he would do here alone. His talons pattered on the floor as he followed Kat outside. A dejected noise came out of his scaly lips. He used his nose to shut the door, knowing Kat didn't like people barging in and rummaging through. He sat outside the door for a moment, trying to figure out what he must do. After a moment, the dragon decided to head to the training grounds, perhaps, he would be able to fly tonight! He slithered away, hoping that Kat wouldn't beat herself up too much. Can you get me one of those custard pastries? Van sent an image to Katriana of the pastries he had seen a servant deliver to a noble one time. I am curious to try it. He told her as he sent another image of him trying to fly in the training grounds, to let her know where he would be.
***
The young dragon tilted its head curiously as Kat tried to shoo him away. Not understanding that she wasn't excited as he was about his hatching, he continued to approach her. He dodged as she shooed him, which only managed to encourage him further. He could feel the ancient magic guiding him to her. They must complete the ancient ritual. He chirped when her palm was held out before him. When his soft noise touched the noble's hand, the dragon, whether dictating the process or not, completed the bonding process. It was a strange sensation. A flicker of foreign life and intelligence entered within him; knowledge and images coursed through him. It would take him a month to fully comprehend Kat's thoughts and personality, but he felt the tendril of her consciousness slip into his then. He felt pain, but it was not his own, but rather he felt a warm sensation pulsate through him like a wave against the shore. The bonding was complete.
***
Marek smiled as he gripped Kari's hand firmly in his hand. He led her off the steps of the carriage and was amused at her wonderment and fascination at the spectacle before her. He slowly began to lead her inside the massive doors. "What ever they need to use it for, I assume." He told her, mesmerized at her gown and figure. "But, they probably just show it off." He whispered to her as they walked inside. Music and voices could be heard as the guests began to dance and converse with one another. "Play nice, Kari...and I promise I'll make it worth your while later." He whispered coyly into her ear as nobles began to gawk at Karliah. Some began to approach to introduce themselves and Marek politely introduced Karliah and himself, putting on his snobbish persona. He gently tugged Kari toward a table that was prepared for them.
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Post by Tismri on Mar 2, 2012 17:34:40 GMT -5
Kat smiled slightly as she heard Van's request. She made him a promise that she would get him one of the desserts as she made her way downstairs. There was already a large gathering when she arrived, and she melded into the masses flawlessly, as if she had always been there. She chatted amiably with all the familiar people, as she and her family knew everyone who was anyone in the Empire.
***
Kat sat, staring at the dragon for a while. She couldn't think what else to do. She cursed fate for bringing her here; her place was by the king's side, not up in the air. But it was done, and there was nothing she could do about it now. She would join the rest of the king's Riders. She smiled slightly, though, when she took note of the dragon's tiny size. It would be some months before he could fly and even longer before she could ride on him. She would be able to continue her current duties a while longer.
Sighing, she finally stood, feeling tired. She reached down and picked up the dragon to carry it to her quarters. As she left the hatchery, she shut the door firmly wishing she had keys with which to lock it. She would have to mention the guards' tardy behavior to the king the next day.
***~~~~~
Karliah walked with Marek to the ballroom, trying to conceal her wonderment beneath a mask of the cold arrogance she had seen so many nobles wear. She smiled when Marek asked her to be nice. She really would try for his sake.
She didn't speak much with the nobles who came over to introduce themselves to her, only nodding and giving a few terse words of greeting. It was taking so much effort to hide her distaste of the whole lot of them.
As Marek guided her to their table, her eyes turned to the dancing. She followed the graceful movements, mesmerized by the sight. Her father had taught her how to dance, a very long time ago. She loved that activity, though that was one thing she had never told Marek.
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Post by Max452 on Mar 3, 2012 2:46:59 GMT -5
Vanilor inhaled the fresh crisp air of the night. He enjoyed this sensation: it meant freedom to him. His draconic eyes scanned the dragon courtyard, noticing the other dragons were mulling about or flying in the sky. He lithly motioned to an open area where he could try to take off without being crowded in by the other dragons. Sniffing the air, he could sense the temperture drop as the night air signified winter was still upon them. Gazing upward, Vanilor spread his wings wide and jumped into the air, flapping it with a steady beat.
The young dragon's wings caught a small breeze, which allowed him to glide downward, but was still unable to fully fly. He snapped in frustration. He made no progress from this morning. He expected an increased result each time he tried. He huffed. He would not be beaten! He tried again, not caring if the other dragons watched him tumble up and down in the air. He would achieve his goal!
***
The hatchling made an abrupt sound as it was caught off guard with Katriana's manuever. His surprise disappeared once he felt himself comfortable in her arms. He nuzzled her affectionately, enjoying the presence of his Rider. Their walk seemed to lull him into a peaceful sleep.
***
"Finally!" Marek whispered to Kari as he held a seat out for her and once she was seated, he sat next to her. "I was beginning to get a headache from all those greetings." He feigned another smile as another noble greeted them and quickly walked off once spotting some other rich folk. Marek distracted himself with a cup of wine momentarily. He placed the cool liquid down and placed an arm over Karliah's chair. "So, what do you think of it so far?" He asked her, noting how her eyes gazed over to the dance floor. "Would you like to dance?" He asked her, a hint of humor and affection in his voice. He cared little for dancing, but that was only because he was just waiting for the right partner. By the way Kari gazed toward the dancing guests, Marek wondered if she desired to dance. For once, he felt inclined to oblige his partner.
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Post by Tismri on Mar 14, 2012 16:21:03 GMT -5
Karliah watched the nobles as they danced and talked. Although she loved to dance herself, everything else happening here didn't seem worth while to her. There was so much else these people could be doing besides standing around sipping wine and chattering. She smiled, though, when Marek asked if she wanted to dance.
"I would love to," she replied, smiling. And perhaps if they danced, they would be able to stave off questions from the other rich folk wanting to greet them.
OOC: bleh post...still somewhat lacking in present creativity. Why do I make masterful plans for the future without thinking through exactly how I am going to get there? lol
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Post by Max452 on Mar 17, 2012 2:08:51 GMT -5
Marek's eyes and lips gleamed with happiness as he took Kari's hand in his. "Excellent!" He whispered to her as he stood with her. He lead her to the dance floor, where a soft melody began to play. Marek lead Kari to the middle of the dance floor, noting how the eyes of nobleman stared at them, some in wonderment, others in simple curiousity. "You are so beautiful." Marek whispered to her as he placed his hands in the appropriate places and began to lead them in the dance. "Thank you for coming with me tonight; you make it bearable." He smiled at her, glad that his fate had lead him back to Kari.
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Post by Tismri on Mar 17, 2012 2:33:47 GMT -5
Karliah blushed lightly at Marek's compliment. No one but her parents had ever called her beautiful, and the fact that he said it here, among all these noblewomen, made her feel so special, and she believed him. She allowed him to guide her along the floor, and dancing with him was one of the most natural things she ever felt. They belonged together; she just knew it.
From the side of the room, Kat watched the couples dance. Her eyes were caught on an odd sight; a young woman she didn't recognize. She knew the Robinson fellow well enough--at least, she knew who he was, and their mothers were good friends.
A small group of young ladies walked up to her; her childhood peers who were still her friends on some level.
"Oh, Marek's found someone else!" Adriana whined.
"You never stodd a chance with him anyway," Glistel said stiffly. "But who is that? I don't recognize her."
"Must be another one fostered and kept by her parents for years," Jada theorized.
"Whoever she is, she's no noble," Kat stated stiffly. The rest of the girls glanced at her inquiringly. "Just look at the way she is carrying herself. As if she had no dignity whatsoever. Her movements are rough, not refined as ours have been trained to be. Also, she smiles too much." After a moment, the rest of the girls agreed with her, and there was an unspoken pact that they would avoid this mystery girl at all cost, although Adriana still wanted to flirt with Marek if she could.
After three songs, Karliah was finally tired out. She relaxed a bit, and held onto Marek's hand for a moment.
"Do you think you could get me a glass of wine?" she asked him.
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