Empty

[Tismri]

Aye, Oranthor responded as Jeriah continued her relentless tickling, Our Riders seem to bring this out of each other, and apart...it is a terrible occurance. He thought back to Jeriah's depression once she heard the news of Lathem, and even before, when he had just left.
Jeriah was laughing herself loudly. When she finally tired to tickling, she leaned over Lathem and gave him a kiss, then let him go.
"Had enough yet?" she asked him.

[Backabuth]

Or they just become insane... Zamah thought of the many months he spent mourning over the loss of his rider, while still seeing and feeling everything that he did. He could've gone to him, saved himself and Lathem from so much grief. But he knew that when he let everything play out, they would be closer than ever. I missed you, Oranthor. It has been hard to have no one to share my thoughts with.
Lathem breathed heavily, laughing every few moments. "I," He coughed, "have had enough. But I thank you for making me laugh so," He coughed again, "much." Reaching up with his hand, he touched her face. "You're beautiful, love."

[Tismri]

And I you, Oranthor said, the bond of brotherhood growing between the two dragons. This has been a trying year for all of us.
Jeriah touched Lathem's face gently, smiling happily.
"I love you, Lathem," she told him, giving his a kiss, "ever so much."

[Backabuth]

Lathem brushed his hand across her cheek and nodded. "As do I. But as much as I enjoy your company, I really think we should get going...to where I have no idea. But I'm sure Galbatorix is most likely looking for me...or not. But we cannot be sure." He closed his eyes and inhaled the autumn air. The leaves that fell were crisp and of various colors, but a certain energy emnated from them. He expanded his mind and touched one's conciousness, feeling the leaf as if it was his own body. The feeling of weightlessness weighed down his mind, making him feel older than his 16 years. Speaking with both his mind and mouth, he said, "The seasons express the way I feel. Spring is chipper and dandy, while Summer is the season of fights, drowsiness, and misery. Autumn in the the beginning of the end; leaves dying here and there until the first snowflakes fall and everything dies."
Zamah listened to Lathem's words. Aye, summer is the time of misery. For thine, it is and will always be the worst time of the year. The feelings of happiness and sadness coursed throughout the dragon's mind, unknowingly flowing into Lathem's.

[Tismri]

Jeriah sat down by Lathem, holding his hand tightly.
"Lathem, don't say things like that. There's no reason for this melancholy mood." She leaned her head on his shoulder.
"After winter, spring always comes and brings everything to life again. I promise you, Lathem: winter will not be then end. Our spring will come and flourish." She sighed, half happily, half with a little depression.
"Why don't we go home? To the Spine? I miss our treehomes...almost as much as I missed you."

[Backabuth]

Lathem brushed back her hair and smiled encouragingly. "Come on, now, I didn't mean for it to make you cry." He touched her cheek and then stood up, helping Jeriah up as well. He brushed off the leaves and such that dirtied his clothes, then took her hand in his, walking over to where Oranthor, Zamah, Jahag, and Ganer stood. Ganer had climbed upon Zamah's back and fallen asleep, the same with Jahag except on Oranthor. "I want to go home, my love, but I can't. I have sworn myself to Galbatorix. I don't want you to come and get yourself killed...maybe you four can go to the Spine, and I can return to Uru'baen." He touched the hilt of his sword. "But I can't stand to be away from you any longer..."

[Tismri]

Jeriah shook her head vigorously at Lathem.
"I won't let you return to that evil city, Lathem. I'd have both Oranthor and Zamah kidnap you first." She leaned close to him, putting her arms around him, never wanting to let go, for fear he would be lost forever.
"I'll find some way to free you from that drajl man," she promised him, accidentally using an Urgal swear word she had learned among the Varden.

[Backabuth]

Lathem smiled and kissed her forehead, bringing her in close to his chest. "Then you can stay at my quarters, and Oranthor and Zamah can stay in the dragon hold. Nobody would take notice." Looking beyond Jeriah's blond hair, he gazed into Zamah's eyes. What are you thinking, little one? Lathem smiled slightly and inhaled the soft aroma of Jeriah. I don't want to go back. But if we go back home, we will be pursued for the rest of our life. Sighing silently, Lathem continued. I'm trapped, Zamah. Lathem gratefully accepted Zamah's loving embrace with his mind, letting his emotions run freely between them.

[Tismri]

Jeriah relaxed in Lathem's arms happily. Then she stiffened ever so slightly, feeling a forboding presence nearby.
Not now...can't you leave me alone for one week? I need to be thinking of ways to free Lathem, not worrying about getting caught by Kyrron. Then it struck her. That was exactly what she needed to do. By allowing herself to get caught, she could insist on Lathem's freedom and exchange herself for him.
But I will never serve Galbatorix. I will have to die. Her heart quickened at the fear of dying, but she willed it to slow, prepared to endure far worse to free her love.
Not now...but soon. Very, very soon.

[Backabuth]

Lathem felt Jeriah stiffen in his arms. Lathem pushed her away just enough so that he could see her eyes. "What's wrong, love?"

[Tismri]

Jeriah looked into Lathem's eyes, then threw a glance in the direction she knew Kyrron was waiting and watching. She looked back into Lathem's eyes and decided she would not tell him of what she was going to do. He would not like it, and she couldn't be hindered in it. She had to tell him something, though.
Very simply, she said, "He's here."

[Backabuth]

Lathem scrunched up his forehead, confused, then straightened it out, realizing what she meant. "N-no...No, Jeriah. No. Please. No." Shaking his head, Lathem tightened his grip on her arms. Suddenly feeling the presence of Kyrron, Lathem gritted his teeth and bit his lip. "Please, Jeriah."

[Tismri]

OOC: is it just me, or does Lathem get scared easily now? lol!
"It's all right, love," Jeriah told him softly, "I know how to handle myself with him. It'll be fine, Lathem. Trust me." She leaned her head against his chest, letting him know she wasn't afraid of Kyrron anymore.

[Backabuth]

OCC: He's gone through insanity and lost his loves...whatddya expect? lol
Lathem sighed and stroked her hair. "Sometimes I wonder how much you love me. Now I know you are willing to be taken to the devil for me." Looking over at Oranthor, Lathem contacted him with his mind. What do you think of this?

[Tismri]

Jeriah looked at Lathem with serious eyes.
"Lathem, I love you more than words can express. That's the absolute truth."
Oranthor looked at Lathem with a worried expression in his amber eyes.
Lathem...there's something she's not telling me. She and I have faced Kyrron numerous times...but she's hiding something from me, and I have no idea what it could be.