The Remedy

[Max452]

Einar's raven hair ruffled against an unusually powerful wind. His emerald eyes scanned the terrain before him; eyes unsually calculating and stoic. Uru'baen is within reach. He told Stigandr. The former assassin turned to his silvery companion. It had been years since he stepped foot in Uru'baen, since he seen that lying and merciless man who, in another life, he had called Father. Einar withheld a disgusted sneer as memories of his brutal childhood and life in Uru'baen.
Ease your mind, Einar. You mustn't think ill thoughts. You'll get bloodthirsty, and I fear what will happen if you do. The silver dragon cautioned his Rider.
Einar shuffled out of his thoughts quickly, not wanting to unleash the half of him that desired to kill and shed blood needlessly; memories of what he once did haunted him now and again. He brought his left hand to his right, where he absently rotated the wedding ring, the only solace he had at the moment. It was a poor substitute for his wife's touch, but it still calmed him enough.
I am sorry. It's just...well, Uru'baen brings bad memories.
Not all bad. Stigandr replied with mirth as he sent his Rider the image of his wife Gianna and Gladia, Stigandr's mate. We were able to find joy when they were there.
Yes, and I will forever be thankful for them. A happy smile formed on Einar's lips. Come. Its almost time to meet Kyler.
Do you think he will be there?
He sent us an urgent message. There must be something brewing. All of Alageasia, I fear, can sense the blood that will come soon. Einar replied as he hopped onto Stigandr. The large dragon, majestically bounded into the sky, his large mass flowing toward the spot where they would meet Kyler and Typhon.

***
"How about Ruth?" Tristan suggested.
NO! That sounds too human! I am a dragon! Not a human! Tristan's dragon exclaimed, annoyed with the list of names that Tristan had come up with.
"I'm running out of ideas."
I can see why Teodora thinks most men are idiots.
"HEY!" Tristan growled out. "Who's dragon are you, eh?"
Yours, but that doesn't mean Teodora isn't right. The she-dragon smirked, knowing that Tristan wouldn't dare insult Teodora.
"Fine! What do you suggest your name should be?"
The two month old hatchling pondered for a moment. I read in Tenel Ka's book about a name...I like it...I shall be called Trinity. The dragon said matter-of-factly.
"Trinity? Why Trinity?"
You'll be mad at my reasoning... She whisked her tail back and forth in embarrassment.
"No, I won't, come on, tell me."
Well...your name...Tristan..it has Tri in it... Trinity began cautiously, before Tristan interrupted her.
"You want to match my name?"
Not exactly...well...Tri means three...and, well, you need three people to complete you and keep you intelligent...yourself, me, and Teodora.
"HEY! I do not need three people to keep me smart! You've been hanging around Teodora too much! And what about your name? You have Tri too!"
Trinity chuckled. That is because without me and Teodora, you'll get yourself in trouble. I am the glue that holds us all together. So I am Trinity. She whisked her tail in an elegant defiance.
"WHAT? That's it! No more hanging with Teodora for you!"
Nonsense. I like her; you cannot possibly keep me from speaking with her.
"Well, if you like her so much, why don't you name yourself after her, then!" Tristan fumed, annoyed with Trinity.
Nonsense., Trinity said calmy and her tone signifiying as if the answer was obvious. Teodora is unique. Her name means God's gift. And therefore, is a gift to you. She doesn't need you to be complete. She's God's gift. She's obviously perfect already. Trinity informed Tristan, who just gaped at his dragon, unable to argue that fact.
"Who's dragon are you, anyways..." Tristan muttered, crossing his arms as he sat on the grass outside his tent.
Your's, silly. Trinity hummed and nuzzled her Rider gently. You are my heart bond. That seemed to cheer Tristan up a bit.

***
Kyler shuffled in his saddle, awaiting impatiently for Vana to come with him. He had told her that he had a surprise for her...and well, he hoped she wouldn't hate him after she found out what it was. He was tired of this whole blasted war and he hoped, that by taking Vana to see Einar, to hear his explanation of why he was with the Varden, that Vana might see the truth about Galbatorix. Kyler, himself, had yet to confess to Vana that he did not proclaim loyalty to Galbatorix; the only reason he was here was for Vana. He needed to help her see the truth, but in her own time...but time was lessening. The Varden were nearly at Uru'baen's feet. He needed her to know for herself or risk losing her forever to the isolation of a crazed King. He just hoped that this was the Remedy to freeing her from the King's illusion.

[Trinn]

Typhon's icy form was spotted easily below. Viel tilted her wings into a dive, and before long landed beside her one dragon friend. She bit at his neck playfully, though with a hint of superiority, while Vana greeted Kyler. "Well, I'm here and eager to see what this surprise of yours is." She said, smiling at him excitedly. "It must be good, if we have to fly to it." Her smile grew reminiscent as she recalled one of their favorite places to visit, the fire fish pool. She was almost positive that wouldn't be where Kyler was taking her. They'd been there before and it wouldn't be much of a surprise. Vana noticed that Kyler looked a little tense. "Is everything all right?" She asked, staring at him with concern now.
***

Tristan's tent was easy to spot now. His golden dragon was too big to fit inside now, and could usually be found lurking just outside. Today Tristan sat outside with his dragon, and Teodora smiled and waved at both of them. Tristan's bond had helped Teodora get over her prejudice about dragons. Before she thought them rude, vicious, and man-hungry creatures. The golden dragon proved otherwise. And she had such a sweet voice! The first time Teodora had heard it she was shocked. "And what are the two of you up to?" She stopped before the dragon and held out her hands to its snout to sniff. She had just came from Tenal Ka's pavilion. One of the extra personal guards the queen had hired during Tristan's recovery had been kept on, to Teodora's disappointment. But now she felt a bit grateful that she had someone to relieve her of duty once in a while. She looked from Tristan to the dragon, feeling cheerful for once.

[Max452]

At the sound of Viel's wings above him, Kyler glanced up, the nervousness in his stomach becoming more poignant. He really hoped this would end for the better. Typhon yelped playfully, glad to see Viel as she nipped him. Typhon made a noise and gently nipped Viel's wingbone. The young dragon sensed his bond's distress, but trusted in their relationship that all would be well. Besides, he figured that truth would win out in the end.

Kyler gave Vana a nervous smile. She was so beautiful when she smiled, and he could tell she was excited about their outing together. He absently wondered if she would ever smile like that to him again after today.
Do not worry so much. Just speak the truth. She has never faulted you for doing that. Typhon comforted his Rider.

"Yeah...of course." he gulped, clearly nervous. "Um, I hope you like it...its...hard to like at first, but, if one pays attention with an open mind...I...I think it would rather pleasant." He stammered out. "Um, just follow me and Typhon, okay?" He smiled fully, but his eyes were still worried. Follow me, Master Viel! Typhon nipped at the dragon again before launching into the sky.

They flew for a good while as they neared the Spine. Spotting their meeting point, Kyler signaled for them to land near the lake. Gliding downward, Typhon gracefully landed and folded his wings. Typhon barely landed when Kyler hopped off of his saddle. Still nervous, but gathering courage, Kyler waited for Vana. Once she approached him, he explained his surprise.
"Um, Vana. I know you won't like what you're about to see, but I promise you, I am doing this with the best intentions and with all the love in my heart that I possess for you. With the battle at Uru'baen imminent, I've had some time to think about things...I'm tired of this war, and I want you understand someone else's point of view. And to think about some things....just promise me that you won't act to rashly when they appear. This is just for talking, so please, don't fight them. Please. And Viel, please, this request is the same for you." He finished talking and right on cue, a silver dragon appeared in the sky.

What is this!? He has betrayed us! Stigandr halted in the sky, surprised to see Viel and Vana with Typhon and Kyler.
Einar's jaw clenched, but then immediately felt a presence brush his mind. He recognized the presence and slowly lowered his guard.
Einar, I know this may look suspicious, but I want you to speak with them. Please, help her understand the Varden's quest and the truth about the King. Please, I beg you. If anything goes wrong, I'll take her away immediately, but please, help her... Kyler rushed out quickly, surprising Einar. Kyler wanted him to convince Vana of their cause? That was like convincing a fish that it wasn't a fish. However, hearing the man's plea, Einar and Stigandr slowly landed across from Vana and Viel.
"We come under a truce, Vana." Einar told her as they landed, hoping that they wouldn't lash out at them.

***
Tristan heard a lovely voice as he glanced over to see Teodora. He grinned, feeling better after his conversation with Trinity. However, he was unafraid to show his annoyance when she asked what they had been doing. Tristan rolled his eyes. "We just figured out what to call her." He stared pointedly at Trinity, who was nuzzling Teodora's hand gently.
I shall be called Trinity! Trinity arched herself proudly.
"Yeah, yeah." Tristan didn't sound too thrilled, but was glad that Trinity had a name now.
Ignore him, he's bitter because of how I chose my name. Here, see Trinity then preceded to explain and show Teodora her conversation with Tristan.
Tristan rolled his eyes with annoyed amusement. Well, at least they got along now. That was all he really hoped for, but really, he wondered sometimes if Trinity waned to be Teodora's bond.
Don't be silly. I chose you. Never doubt that. Trinity informed him, as she showed Teodora Tristan's reaction.

[Trinn]

Vana was surprised by how far they had to fly to see this surprise. When at last they landed, the spine loomed before them in the distance. Vana began to smile, but it faltered on hearing Kyler's nervous speech. By the end, she was positively dreading what he had waiting for them. No sooner had he stopped speaking, then a familiar silver dragon appeared in the sky. Shocked, and unable to form a response for Kyler, she quickly unsheathed Domia and glared up into the sky. She was still seated upon Viel's back, and the red dragon tensed as if for flight. Viel paused, though, paying heed for once to anothers words besides Vana's. Keeping from the flight she longed to take, Viel settled in an agitated crouch, snarls rolling from her throat. Her eyes burned like embers, and she snapped her teeth angrily at Typhon. Traitor! she accused of him, her tail lashing back and forth.

Vana, too, felt betrayed. What did this mean, that Einar was here? That he had been brought by Kyler? She felt dizzy, knowing the implications. Blinking to steady herself, she refused to look at Kyler, and instead fixed her stony gaze on Einar.

"A truce? For what purpose, treacherous wretch?" She said, sneering at him with contempt. "I never thought I'd be unfortunate enough to have to speak to you again." Viel snarled again, in complete agreement. At last Vana glanced at Kyler, her face without emotion, except for that of bitter regret. "And you. I trusted you, yet you bring this man before me. It will be to no end. I am his sworn enemy."
***

Teodora found herself grinning at the end of Trinity's explanation. "I never knew that's what my name meant." she said thoughtfully, looking over at Tristan. Reaching out, she laid a hand on his cheek. "Never fret, silly man. Dragon's don't make mistakes. At least, that's what they all seem to believe." She bent slightly to kiss his forehead, surprising herself by the open display of affection. She normally reserved these things for when they were alone. Straightening, she glanced back at Trinity. "I think the name suits you. And for all the reasons you have stated. Especially the one about keeping our Tristan in line." She smirked at that, giving Tristan a mischievous glance.

[Max452]

Typhon whined and shrunk downward in a submissive crouch. He said nothing else, sensing the anger from Viel and Vana. He did not expect her to be that mean to him. Did she really think that he would betray her in such a way? He whined again.

Kyler's heart ached as Vana's cold stare finally focused on him. He was about to speak, but Einar's voice rung out first.

"It is good to see you too, Vana." Einar stared at Vana with caution and uncertainty. Kyler better know what he was doing. He pushed away his desire to unleash Edoc'sil. Stigandr remained alert, ready to fight should Viel pounce. "Believe me, this is much as a surprise to me as it is to you." His voice was gruff, but steady as he watched the Red Rider. How many times have they crossed paths and she only desired to kill him and Stigandr? Especially what she did to Gianna and Gladia when they crossed. "Kyler...are you certain about this?" Einar asked, but noticed how Kyler was more focused on Vana.

"Vana..." Kyler's heart did its best to remain strong after Vana's accusation. "You can still trust me. I only brought you two together to speak. Enemies can still do that, can they not?" He watched her carefully, hurt in his eyes at her tone. "Shur'tugal," his voice an affectionate plea, "trust me. Please, just speak with one another. If only to avoid more bloodshed. We all desire the same thing: Peace."

"Kyler, give it up, Vana's heart is too cold to even see passed Galbatorix's manipulations and lies."
"Watch your mouth, Einar! She has more heart than anyone I know!" Kyler lashed out.
Einar stared at Kyler in surprised. "Ah...so that's who you love..." He glanced back at Vana in unbelief. She was actually capable of loving someone...maybe there was hope for her to see the truth.
"Please, just speak one with another. I don't expect you to change each other's minds. I just want some understanding to be made." He glanced back at Vana. "Please, Vana." He pleaded with her, with all the love he possessed.
Einar sighed. "To begin with, I am sure you have many questions on why I defected Vana. Now is the chance for you to learn why, for yourself." Einar's eyes were more gentle than when they had first met again. "I will answer any questions, with all honesty I possess."

***
It is an honorable and perfect name, Teodora. Trinity hummed, pleased that Teodora liked her name.
Tristan was still muttering some things, but they were washed away the moment Teodora's lips touched his forehead. Tristan stared at Teodora, with a pleasant wide-eyed surprised look on his face. She had never showned affection to him out in public. A wide grin soon spread on his face.
Trinity chuckled, amused by Tristan's emotions at the moment. I am glad that you approve on both accounts. She nearly laughed out with Tristan's next thoughts.
"I don't need anyone to keep me in line! I can manage well." Tristan stammered out, but a blush was clearly shown on his face from Teodora's mischievious look. Tristan felt a rush of heat course through his body. "Well, I suppose I don't mind it when you are keeping me in line." His eyes sparked a coy look within them.
Let us go flying! Trinity pronouced quickly, interrupting Tristan's sudden inappropriate thoughts.

[Trinn]

Vana turned her eyes away from Kyler as he spoke, unable to watch him lest her emotions get the better of her. How was he even on speaking terms with Einar? But, of course, he had been gone for a year. That must have been when. Kyler and Einar, they were only friends. That must be! When Kyler mentioned trust, she almost scoffed. Trust was a flimsy thing. At Einar's jibe, Vana's eyes flashed with hurt. That was how most people saw her, she realized. A cold, emotionless being. For a long time, that had been true. Her feelings were saved only a little by Kyler's defense. Anger and regret swarmed through her, and after a moment of internal debate, Vana slammed Domia back into its sheath. Lithely, she dismounted from Viel and strode to stand before her dragon.

"I'm not so sure I do have very many questions for you, Einar." she began, standing at ease in front of Viel, confident in her skill as a warrior and a rider. "That little slave girl stole your heart, and you eloped with her. You abandoned the man you called father to lust after her! Where is the honor in that?" She glanced back at Kyler, her gaze softening only a little. "Peace, that is all I've wanted. The Varden rebels can never give Alagaesia peace. They are too bloodthirsty." her gaze returned to Einar, hardening instantly. "Galbatorix is the only one who truly knows how to restore peace to this broken land."
***

Teodora looked at the ground to hide the flush growing in her cheeks. She was saved from any further remark by Trinity's outburst. "Flying? Perhaps you should go by yourself, young dragon." she said, looking over Trinity's golden mass. "I don't think you are quite strong enough to carry Tristan." Not only that, but she was afraid for Tristan's well being up in the sky. What if he fell? She didn't want to have to look over an injured Tristan again anytime soon. And if he died! She would kill him again!

[Max452]

"I know, Vana." Kyler's voice was soft. "But maybe there is a possibility that Peace can be made without violence. Please, just hear Einar out." Kyler's eyes hardened a bit when Einar spoke. This was not how he imagined it to be.

"Watch how you speak of my wife..." Einar's voice was calm, but his eyes were threatening. Einar...remain focused. Now is not the time to pick a fight. Einar sighed, trying to compose himself. "I can see that the King is still using that excuse for my disloyality to him." Einar folded his arms, a tired look on his face. "You have no idea what he did to me, Vana." His green eyes steadied themselves on Vana. "A man, that I once called Father..." His voice was low, as he remembered his past. "...yes, its true, he essentially took me in the moment I was born. Growing up, all he ever wanted was for me to become a Rider. He would push me and train me, and when I faltered or made a mistake, I would be beatened...humilated until I got it right." He smirked. "I was trained to be hard and cold; you may be quite familiar with his training." He glanced over at Kyler and then returned it to Vana. "There was no love for me; I received none from the man I once called Father. And yet...I hungered for his approval. The King only knows coldness and bloodshed, Vana. There is no warmth there." He pointed at Uru'baen. "And when I found Gianna, I...I never experienced love before. It's so warm. I fell for her; I admit that. She saved me from a solitude that I thought I was cursed with; I think you might know of what I speak." His eyes flickered at Kyler, who was watching Vana carefully. "But when she left...well, I became bitter and instead of comfort from my father, I received punishment for having brought her to Uru'baen." Einar's voice became harsh as he recalled those days of torture. "For weeks, the King would plague my mind with images of Gianna, and then manipulate me into believing that she was the enemy. Weeks, Vana. Weeks of being tortured within the mind, and for what? For falling in love with a woman? I was stuck in endless vows then, sworn only to kill those that were deemed the enemy. How could a man who has proclaimed Peace do that? even to his so called son?" Einar's eyes reflected some hurt. "I only ever wanted to do what was right, and yet he stripped down my pride and manipulated me to be a killer. And that's why I left, Vana. Gianna was only the door that helped me realize how fake Galbatorix is. Don't let him do the same to you, Vana. The Varden are nothing like him. They're not bloodthirsty, but hopeful and honorable. They helped me seek forgiveness for the things I've done. I want no more innocent blood on my hands." Einar stopped speaking then, watching how Vana reacted to his tale.

***
Trinity whined. But I want you both to see how it feels. She shuffled.
"Teodora is right, Trinity. You're still too small to carry me, let alone both of us."
Trinity huffed and looked away dejectadly.
"Hey, don't do that. Just give a few more months, and then you can take us flying whenever you want." Tristan smiled as he reached out to stroke her gold scales.
Anytime I want? She asked, hopeful.
"Yup." He assured her.
Oh, okay...well, I suppose I'll go flying by myself for now...you two probably want to be alone anyways. She let out a trail of smoke from her nostrils, reminding herself that she could not yet breath fire. Soon though. Soon. She thought to herself as she bounded into the sky.
Tristan blushed again from Trinity's implications, but glanced over at Teodora. "Soo...what do you want to do?" A sly smile on his lips.

[Tismri]

"Is this what you truly want?" Allecia eyed the young woman. There was an undeniable strength in her expression, but she also seemed tired. The pressure of her life seemed to be getting to her.
Tenel Ka nodded, her eyes downcast. "Yes," she said. "I have too much responsiblity toward me people. I can't afford to be distracted by these emotions. If you could...make me forget about him, I would be in your debt." She hated to say it. Rom had been giving her so much joy in her life, but the time she spent with him was distracting her from her duty.
It was a couple of weeks ago when she'd first met the strange woman. Allecia seemed kind enough, but sometimes her words caused Tenel Ka to question. And ever since then, she began feeling more and more the pressure of her station as Queen Mother of Ismalia. There were too many distractions in her life, she had come to realize through conversations with the woman. The main distraction being Rom.
Allecia smiled slightly. "I can do that," she said. "If you will just relax for a moment."



Several hours past. In a small forested area a mile or so from the Varden camp, she awoke. Everything around her was strange and unfamiliar, but she couldn't remember anything that wasn't. Broken fragments of a glittering city, a dragon, a blood-strewn field were all that remained in her mind, and none of it made any sense to her. Not even her own name came to her.
She slowly sat up, looking around she could see no one. She was alone.
~~~~~
Caedus knew something was wrong. Disastrously wrong. He knew Tenel Ka was not dead, but there was something else. He couldn't feel her anymore. It was as if the magical bond that had connected him to her was severed. He was alone in his mind.
She had been keeping him from her mind while she was out. He hadn't been worried, as often both of them had times when they wanted to be alone. But over the course of the last few hours, his connection to her had slowly been growing fainter and fainter, so gradual he hadn't noticed at first.
Anxious now, not knowing where she was or what had happened, a whine escaped his throat. He flew to the cocoon-tent that was Tristan's home. He was with Teodora and his heart-bond. They were the very ones he wanted to speak with.
Tristan, Teodora, he called out. His voice was stressed to the point of panicking. I've lost her! I can't feel Princess anymore! He swung his head into Tenel Ka's great tent, irrationally hoping to see her in there, reading as usual, and gazed out over the entire camp. Where is she?! He loosed a roar of terror and loss, worried about his bond.

[Trinn]

It was impossible not to be moved by Einar's speech. Even Viel found herself thinking twice about her position. Was she using her marvelous skill for the wrong side? Was she, leader of the hunt, being mislead? But that thought was quickly shoved aside, though Vana still pondered. Her expression remained fixedly neutral. "You will understand if I do not leap to join the Varden. Your story is sincere, I can tell that much." She paused, unsure what exactly her thoughts were. So Galbatorix tortured Einar? That didn't make him a monster. Torturing was a common practice among many leaders. And Einar was being rebellious. Perhaps the king was practicing the thing called tough love. Or perhaps he was really the bloodthirsty one... Vana shrank from that thought, repulsed. And yet she could not deny it outright. Galbatorix never seemed too friendly. He was polite around nobles and other important figures, but he always got what he wanted. So what if Einar was right? Could she join the Varden? Her face turned even more stoic.

"I could never join the Varden, Einar. I would be considered an enemy even while I was there ally. I've fought against them for too long. And Viel... she could never fly among those who considered her less than they. She is too proud, and too good for that." At this, Viel growled her ascent. "For better or worse, my fate is tied with Galbatorix. I despise traitors, and if I were to become one... I do not know if I could live with myself, even if it was fighting for a better purpose." She turned to gaze up at Kyler, and her expression turned sad.

"There is only one reason why you would wish for me to speak with Einar, Kyler. You sympathize with the Varden, which means you will not fight against them. You are not the King's riders, but theirs." Her voice felt strained at the end. When she had finally found some solace in her life, some sort of comfort from the obligations of the day, it was quickly taken away. Or rather, gone of it's own accord, and that hurt more than anything. Tearing her gaze from Kyler, Vana retreated to Viel's side and climbed back up to the saddle. "Now I know where your true feelings lie, Kyler, I ask you to go back to the Varden with Einar. I cannot have you around Uru'baen, feeding secrets to Nasuada." She had to stop speaking then, because her throat suddenly felt choked. With every ounce of willpower she fought to withhold the pain and the tears that begged to be released.
***

Teodora grinned at Tristan, no longer feeling embarrassed of her blush. "A great many things." She implied, winking. She bent down to pull him to his feet, when she was suddenly bowled over by a powerful gust of wind. Letting out a cry of surprise, she fell flat on her stomach, losing any seductive power she might have had. Scrambling to her feet, she twirled about to find Caedus landing nearby. He looked positively frantic, and it terrified Teodora. Could dragons get rabies? It certainly seemed he had! Before she could do anything other than stare in fright, the great dragon's voice was booming in her mind. Her fright turned to incredulity. All fear gone, she marched over to the dragon's head and pointed up at him furiously.

"You LOST her!? How is that possible!? You're a DRAGON!" She nearly screamed. Taking a deep breath, she stopped pointing and tried to think rationally. "I was just with her not too long ago. She should have still been in her pavilion, reading those books of hers." Exasperated, she threw her hands in the air. "Well we can't sit around! We have to go look for her!"

[Max452]

Einar sighed at Vana's words. He understood her thoughts and knew that it would take more than his words to convince her to join the Varden's cause. He glanced over at Kyler, who looked more annoyed at Vana about something.

"After everything we've been through together, you honestly think that is how I feel?" Kyler looked up at Vana, a mixture of hurt and irritation. "Everything..." His gaze turned more soft and affectionate, "everything I have every done was for you...the only side I am on, is your's Vana." Kyler paused, trying to control his emotions. He was flabbergasted and hurt when Vana had asked him to leave. Did she not know him at all? He only ever wished for her to find happiness and peace, and he knew it was not with Galbatorix. That was the main reason he invited Einar here. To show her that there was a possibility of something better. He wanted her to realize the truth and in that simple fact, find peace.

Einar could tell that it was best for him and Stigandr to leave. His eyes gazed back to the Rider who, in a way, was not so different from himself. He hopped back onto Stigandr, and turned to address his former comrade once more. "Sometimes, Vana, we need to stop looking at which side is right or wrong, and do what we know in our heart to be right. If you ever change your mind, you and Viel will always be welcomed in the Varden; Stigandr and I will vouch for you. Redemption is never an easy path, but it is possible, even for people like us. May peace be with you both, Argetlam Vana, and Queen of the Skies, Viel." He bowed his head in a respectful salute and then gazed at Kyler. "Whatever you decide, Kyler, I understand. This doesn't change the fact that you're my friend. Maybe, one day, we will all," He glanced back at Vana too, letting her know that she was included in this as well, "gather again as friends. I would very much like you to meet my family." He gave both of them a sincere grin, and within an instant, Stigandr soared into the sky, heading back to the Varden camp.

***
Kyler watched for a moment as Stigandr's form disappeared in the night. "Shur'tugal." His voice was low, profound, even, as he spoke to her, his eyes never straying from her's. "Vana, I love you and I don't intend to be anywhere but by your side. All I wanted for you is to see the truth. You...you saved me from Sidhion. Is it so wrong of me to desire the same thing for you? Your happiness is all I have ever desired." He sighed then, "But I know, that I have somehow betrayed the trust between us, and I cannot deny that I have been involved with the Varden, so, if you so wish, I will return with you as your prisoner; for I cannot no longer serve a man who is ruthless and would deny me my heart." He gazed at her, a sense of longing and pain streaked across his face. Typhon whined then, knowing what Kyler was thinking. They would go through pain and torture if it meant that Vana and Viel would see the truth.

***
Tristan's grin turned more sly as Teodora winked at him and bent to lift him up from his seat. Excited for what she had in mind, he took a hold of her hand, but any plans that they had for the night instantly vanished with Caedus' frantic pleas. Thrown back by the massive gust of wind, Tristan landed on his side next to Teodora. He shot up instantly when the panicking dragon let loose his concern. "SHE'S GONE?!" He got to his feet and scrambled over to Caedus. "Where did you last see her!?" He asked, panic and fear instigating itself within him. I will help look for her! Trinity communicated and began her search near the camp and along a mile radius. "Can you sense her, Caedus? Anything at all? If not, she's not in the camp. Trinity is looking." He quickly informed the aquamarine dragon.

[Tismri]

She stood up, confused and disoriented. Nothing seemed right to her. She was alone, in the woods. Well, she wasn't going to discover anything just sitting here. She walked through the trees, not knowing where she was going. Perhaps she could find someone, who might be able to tell her who she was. At least she wouldn't be alone anymore. Somewhere in the distance, she hear the roar of some fiercesome beast that caused her to pause and cower, hiding in case it desired her for a meal.
~~~~~
If he wasn't so busy panicking, Caedus likely would have growled at Teodora for screaming at him in such a way. He whined, his tail whipping dangerously around.
She went for a walk, he told them. She told me she needed to clear her head. And now she's gone! I can't sense her at all, not even if she's in danger! In his anxiety, he launched himself into the air and began to circle the camp with Trinity, searching the outskirts of the camp and beyond.
PRINCESS! WHERE ARE YOU?! he called out, letting loose a forlorn roar.

[Max452]

OOC: Aw, poor Caedus.

Tristan groaned. "Hey! You could have atleast taken us with you!" He yelled up at Caedus. Anxious, Tristan didn't know what to do. "HEY YOU!" Tristan shouted at a soldier passing by, who, fortunately had two steeds with him. "We'll bring them back, I promise, this is urgent!" He commanded the soldier, who, was a bit confused, but agreed to the Prince's request. "Teodora! Come on!" He took the two steeds and motioned to give her one to ride. "I'm not letting my cousin out of my sight again!" He muttered with angry panic.

***
Romulus maneuvered his way through the Ismalian campgrounds; his feet quite accustomed and familiar in its path. He was wondering if Tenel Ka wasn't too busy to join him for some breakfast. Granted, he hoped his request and actions weren't too inappropriate, but he had grown to love the Queen, even if he was unsure how she felt about him. Although, there were some times that he felt that she was returning his affections, and that gave him some hope. He wondered if he was a being a bit selfish for wanting to court the Queen Mother of another country, but he couldn't help what his heart wanted. He hoped maybe, when she realized that all of his requests to either go eat or to simply enjoy her company as she studied would become noticable. He pondered on these thoughts, when he heard a forlorn cry of a dragon. He paused. That sounded like Caedus! Fearful of an attack against Tenel Ka, Rom raced to the Ismalian Queen's tent.

The familiar tent soon came into view, as did Caedus launching himself into the sky after another cry of angiuish. He spotted Tristan and Teodora getting onto some horses. "What's wrong?" His eyes were filled with concern. "Why is Caedus sad?" He asked, followed quickly with, "Where is Tenel Ka?!"

Tristan stared at the Ranger for a brief moment, debating within himself. But, if anyone could track and locate anyone, it was Romulus. "Tenel Ka is missing. We ar--" Tristan didn't get a time to finish. Romulus was already speeding off after hearing that Tenel Ka was gone. "HEY! You don't even know which direction to go!" Tristan shouted, hopping onto the horse, amazed at the half-elf's speed; he was already out of sight. "HEY! Wait for us!" He yelled after the Ranger, bounding his horse to follow him.

Romulus sped through and out of the camp. At the mention of Tenel Ka gone, his heart gripped him with a fierce panic. No. It seemed to breathe out. He zoomed off, following the path that Tenel Ka normally would walk when she felt restless and desired to be alone; he would recognize her footprints anywhere. She had to be just taking a stroll. She couldn't have been kidnapped! She was just probably unaware of the time or just felt like being alone for a bit...but Caedus' reaction...Whoever took her will pay! He thought to himself as he set off in a determined run, his trained eyes scanning the area for any sign of her.

[Tismri]

She paused for a moment, reaching a small brook within the woods. She realized that she was thirsty and knelt down to drink. In the murky water, she saw a dim reflection of herself and stared. Long auburn hair was held back from her face by several large, elegant braids. Gray eyes reflected her confused nature.
From somewhere nearby, she heard the sound of footsteps fast approaching. Someone was coming. So she wasn't alone? She hoped the person was friendly. Maybe they could tell her something about herself, or at least together they might be able to make up a story. She sat there, kneeling by the brooke as she waited for the stranger to show himself.

[Max452]

He must have ran nearly a mile before he heard some unusal movements to his left, further into the woods. He spotted a bird nearby and began to communicate with it. Help me find a woman please. She's missing! The bird sent an affirmative emotion and took off toward Rom's suggested direction. He wanted to know if the sounds her heard were worth checking. He paused, kneeling as he spotted Tenel Ka's footprints. She had wandered her...and recent too. He placed a tender finger on the print. It didn't look like another set of footprints were here, eliminating the idea of a kidnapper, but still, he wasn't sure. Moments passed and the bird finally came back. It sent him the urge for him to go to his left. Thanking it, Rom again ran off.

***
In the air, Trinity scoured for any sign of Tenel Ka. She hoped she was safe. She spotted Romulus down below as he manuevered further into the woods. She sent Tristan the directions. I think he's found something... She communicated to him.

***
"Trinity says that Rom may have found something. He's this way." He reeled his horse toward the direction of Romulus as he told Teodora.

***
More angonizing moments passed as Rom searched for Tenel Ka. It was then, to his great relief he found her, near a stream. "Tenel Ka! Thank the Gods you are safe!" Romulus ran toward her, glad that he found her. "We were so worried. Are you all right?" He asked her, wondering why she hadn't communicated to Caedus about her location. It appeared that she was just taking her usual stroll.

[Tismri]

She glanced up as the stranger approached. Or was he a stranger? He seemed to address her with familiarity. He had an odd appearance, a young man with gray hair and amber eyes. She stared at him for a long moment. No...no, there was nothing familiar about him whatsoever. She backed away, still confused.
"Do...do I know you?" she asked him.