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Post by wiana on Aug 30, 2008 23:36:32 GMT -5
Elianora watched Salian take food from the pantry. She let him prepare the meal, giving him pointers when he looked at a loss. Smiling, she accepted the bowl that he offered her and took a mouthful. Rolling her eyes with pleasure, she communicated with Soranai. How is your meal, love?
Soranai hummed with pleasure, and then growled with distaste. My meal goes well, but Torlynden will not leave me in peace. He eats like a wild beast. The monster catches his prey and then tears it open, dissecting it alive. I won't tell you what he does after that. Disgust rippled across their link. Then Soranai pushed those thoughts aside and asked how Eli was doing. Blush crept up the half-elf's face and thoughts of Salian's kiss crept unwanted across her mind.
Cold fury ripped through Elianora's mind as Soranai received the thoughts. That spawn of darkness did what?! First you spend the night with his dark partner, and then you kiss him!! I will rip him to shreds! You are mine, and mine alone! Jealous thoughts continued to boil through, and Elianora winced. Her bowl slipped through her fingers and crashed to the floor unheeded.
Soranai! Soranai! Please stop! You are too furious to listen! Please, listen! Elianora begged. The fury stilled, though hate still boiled behind the scenes. Elianora took advantage of the silence to push what she discovered of Torlynden and his partner at Soranai. The dragon absorbed the information without a sound, her hatred cooling to dead thought. After a minute she said, I apologize. I understand now. Then she withdrew into her own mind, leaving Elianora feeling empty.
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Post by micaylah on Aug 31, 2008 0:12:02 GMT -5
Doing as he asked Aethelwyne took his hands, sitting cross-legged across from him. She closed her eyes, though she peaked through one for a second. Then, entering her meditative state, she concentrated on Taran's chanting. Feeling her own heartbeat, then his, then the twins, she concentrated on their love. She felt as his mark upon her begin to warm her skin as she felt the power from his chanting and their bond grow. The children listened. She could feel them.
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Post by wiana on Aug 31, 2008 14:58:17 GMT -5
Salian watched Elianora's change in expression with little concern, but when she dropped the bowl, he hurried to clean up the mess. He waited for her to finish her conversation with her dragon , for that was the only explanation for her reactions, hovering a few feet away. When the blank/pained expression cleared from her face, he asked what was wrong. She just shook her head, got up, and left. He felt her spirit leave the house and leaned back against a counter.
He made a quick review of the past couple of days, aware of Torlynden's silent observations, and groaned. How can we get back into Galbatorix's good book? he asked Torlyn. The two thought in silence for a couple of minutes, stray thoughts traveling their bond. Then Torl exclaimed in delight. What? Salian asked.
That thought you just had, about how close Elianora is to Aethelwyne. And how close YOU are to Elianora! All you have to do is capture Elianora and hand her over to Galbatorix! It should be simple. Her spirit is already weakened from Soranai yelling at her, just a quick thrust and teleportation. . . . The dragon let the thought trail off.
Salian smiled. You're right. After all, the elf means next to nothing to me. And she already trusts me so much. I'm sure Aethelyne will follow after her, try and rescue her. Then he pushed off the wall and followed Elianora's path to the out doors. Just keep Soranai at bay. I will capture Eli's spirit, and then teleport to you. And we'll all go to the king together.
Torlynden laughed maliciously, and then sighed. Can I hurt Soranai? Just a little bit? Salian denied him. Torl moaned for a second, and then brightened up. You are back to thinking like a hunter. Pride filled Salian's mind from Torlyn, and he schooled his expression.
Yes. And now for the hunt!
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Post by taran on Aug 31, 2008 19:53:13 GMT -5
Taran focused further, telling his children little things about magic and its effects, but leaving the rest up to Aethelwyne.
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Post by micaylah on Aug 31, 2008 20:06:49 GMT -5
Aethelwyne worked with the children on controlling their ability to transport her and Taran when they perceived them to be in danger. She sent them calming, reassurances that if they were truly in danger, they would reach out to the children for help. She told them their focus right now was to grow healthy and strong. She let her feelings of love and comfort flow through the bond they all shared.
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Post by wiana on Aug 31, 2008 20:18:38 GMT -5
Salian sneaked up behind Elianora, knowing that it was pointless. Slowly, he raised a hand, preparing to send a jolt to her spirit. She shivered and half-turned. "Salian? What are you---?" She never finished. With a thrust of his hand, Salian grabbed her shoulder. The spirit energy he sent into her conquered her weakened defences in a second. She slumped into him, her mind connecting to his. Soranai roared defiance and Salian got the picture of her taking off. Then Torlynden leapt at her, bringing her back down. Elianora! NOO!!! Sora screamed, and then was silenced.
The slaver picked up Elianora, told her to close her eyes, and slung her over his back like a sack. Then he teleported to Torlyn. His dragon mouth was wrapped snugly, not to point of blood, aroud Soranai's neck. For a second the picture looked to Salian's mind like a struggle between a bright autumn sky and a cloud, with the cloud winning. Then Salian moved to Torlynden. "Unfortunately, I'll have to send an image to collect my things," he said, slinging Elianora up onto Torlyn's back.
Soranai groaned, defeated, as she watched Salian strap Eli onto Torl's back with his belt. Her mind was still connected to her partner's and all she could sense was deadness. When Torlynden released her neck, she stayed motionlessly staring at Elianora. Two large tears spilled from her light blue eyes.
Salian mounted Torlynden, satisfied that Soranai wasn't moving. Then he spoke the enchantment. At the last minute, Soranai let out a harsh roar that could be heard for miles, a roar of deep suffering. Then the group was in Galbatorix's hall off the throne room.
Torlynden lashed out at the door with his tail, making hall vibrate. Soranai cut her roar off short, staring at the door with streaming eyes. I am a failure, she thought. Oh Eli!
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Post by Trinn on Aug 31, 2008 22:48:12 GMT -5
Galbatorix's eyes snapped to the bronze doors. He recognized the sound. So, Salian had come back. "ENTER!" He roared, standing to his feet as he did so. With a flick of his hand, the great doors swung open, revealing a rather astonishing sight. Salian and Torlynden had with them another rider and dragon, of whom he recognized. What was the slaver up to?
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Post by wiana on Aug 31, 2008 22:55:53 GMT -5
"King Galbatorix, I bring you an offering, and a possible way to gain what you seek," Salain said after bowing and entering. "Here is a half-elf, who knows Du Weldenvarden, and has wandered many places. And her dragon Soranai, a dragon from the Varden. I bring them to you for I now know that the rider and Aethelwyne are friends. I suspect that Aethelwyne owes Elianora, and will do what she can to free her."
Torlynden spoke up, bowing his head low for the crazed king. Salian gained the trust of the girl and managed to capture her for you, my king. One small thrust and she was his. All her knowledge is at your grasp, for she has lived for three centuries. Not that I think it will heighten your vast knowledge by much. Both the girl and her weeping dragon are at your disposal.
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Post by Trinn on Aug 31, 2008 23:08:22 GMT -5
At first, Galbatorix only felt rage. How dare this man show his face again after his betrayel. Then, as he calmed, he realized Salians' actions, and a smile came to his lips. "Ah, Salian. You know, I thought you were turning to the varden. Fortuantely for you, you have brought me a great gift. As such, I will pardon your slip this once." His eyebrows drew down in a terrifying scowl. "But ever fail me again, and you will surly perish!" As if to emphasize his point, black magic writhed up and down his arms.
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Post by taran on Aug 31, 2008 23:22:34 GMT -5
Taran strengthened their bond, feeling his love for Aethelwyne spread into his children. Feeling something outside their connection was amiss, Taran broke the exercise. Standing, he looked toward the sanctuary.
"Aethelwyne, something terrible has happened," he said, worry clearly written in his eyes.
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Post by wiana on Aug 31, 2008 23:22:46 GMT -5
"My lord," Salian said with a faint smile. "I would be a fool, nay greater still, to turn to the Varden. After everything that I have done in your name, I wouldn't survive. And on the other hand, betraying you would be faithless of me. After all the generosity you have shown on my behalf. Torlynden and I are your faithful servants. That episode earlier was a lapse of judgement. I little realized what I was being asked to do. I will be more cautious in the future considering my employers.
"Now, what would you have be do with this girl," he nodded at Elianora, who was still slumped on Torlyn's back.
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Post by Trinn on Aug 31, 2008 23:32:16 GMT -5
Pleased with Salian's words, Galbatorix found himself smiling again. "Very good. Now, as for the half-elf." He fell silent, considering. He absently stroked his chin, feeling the stubble growing there. After a moment's silence, he finally decided. "Take her to a cell. Have Torlynden keep an eye on the dragon, who I would like chained up somewhere as well. If it's as you say, Salian, then that witch will want her back. And this time, I will be ready for her." His smiled turned purely evil as he anticipated his revenge. "Thank you for your services, my loyal servant."
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Post by micaylah on Aug 31, 2008 23:32:25 GMT -5
Aethelwyne looked to Taran. Reaching out she could feel it too. We must get back to Sanctuary. 'Doc I need you now.' Even though still angered he came to her call. Rising she jumped upon his back. "Hurry love." she yelled to Taran. With three strides Doc was in the air again. Landing in the clearing outside of Sanctuary, Aethelwyne dismounted. Looking around, she didn't see any physical sign of Elianora, Salian or their dragons.
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Post by taran on Aug 31, 2008 23:43:09 GMT -5
Taran leapt atop Adurthil, following Aethelwyne's lead. Landing beside her, Taran ran into the sanctuary, looking for any sign of their guests.
"I can find no sign, love. Nothing," he told her. "I fear we have been compromised."
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Post by wiana on Aug 31, 2008 23:46:30 GMT -5
Salian bowed his head, and began to turn, and then hesitated. "My lord, perhaps we should keep Elianora in a place where Aethelwyne and Taran would not expect. They would naturally expect the dungeons," he ventured, unsure if it was safe.
Torlynden readied himself beside him, readying himself for anything.
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