Arrival

[Trinn]

The city was in sight now, and what a city it was, Maude thought. Nestled on the side of a moderate sized mountain, the cities ivory structures gleamed in the bright mid-afternoon sunlight. Waterfalls cascaded down under bridges or through man-made tunnels. Perhaps most beautiful of all, dragons in a myriad of different colors could be seen flying above the city. Maude felt her breath catch just a little at the sight. She sat with her father now atop Typhon, and Maude looked over, where her mother sat astride Viel. Vana wore her red cloak, and the long velvet like fabric billowed out behind her in a frightening yet beautiful way. Maude noticed that Vana's face seemed suddenly ferocious, the way it might look going into a battle, Maude mused. And it was then that Maude noticed her mothers sword was partially unsheathed, giving a glimpse of the blood red blade of Domia. Maude had never seen her mother like this, battle ready, a warrior, and she thought it suited her magnificently.

Vana looked over then and noticed Maudes staring. Almost instantly her demeanor changed. She pushed Domia back into it's sheath and smoothed out her battle-ready features. Maude felt a moment of disappointment. In that instant, she had seen her mother as she would have been in the days of the Empire war. Proud, undefeated, fierce, and absolutely beautiful. Those Varden scum! Although her mother would never admit it, Maude thought that she must still feel some resentment.

Her eyes then turned to Viel, and it was clear the she-dragon felt a high level of anxiety. Her tail twitched back and forth, making her flight somewhat rocky, though she flew straight. Her lips twitched, as if fighting the urge to turn into a snarl. The tension from Viel seemed to be emanating in waves. Her mother might be able to control herself, but Maude worried about Viel. She nearly jumped then when Viel suddenly opened her maw and roared incredibly loud. The call wasn't exactly challenging, but Maude thought she heard something rebellious in it. Turning her eyes back to New Doru Arabea, she watched as dragons turned suddenly in their direction. This would be the moment of truth, and Maude felt her heart beating wildly.

[Max452]

The city of the Dragon Riders was indeed a sight to behind. It seemed to hold a mystic, but majestic appeal, that seemed to match the idealism of the dragons. Kyler had never seen such a city, not even when he had traveled to Ismalia; this seemed to be on whole different level of awe. He and Typhon absently wondered how long it took Shadeslayer to build and construct such a city. It was in his musings that he felt his daughter shift slightly in his arms, as she was seated in front of him. He turned to look where he gaze was directed and was not surprised to see her staring at her mother. He smiled. Maude adored Vana, and for that he was thankful, for it had softened Vana's heart for the past 16 years. No longer did she have to hide her feelings, but she had found balance and Kyler was proud of her for it.

Kyler stared at his wife a moment longer, admiring her, before turning back toward their flight. He had spotted the speckles of dragons and instantly felt very protective and worried for Vana and Maude.
Typhon, be ever on guard. They will allow us to land, but I don't know if they will allow us to leave willing... Kyler alluded to the possibility of being held captive.
If they dare try to harm any of you, I will fight tooth and claw until their blood is on the floor and you are all back into the sky! Typhon's throat rumbled with a low growl, vibrating his whole body. Kyler gently patted Typhon's scales, soothing him.
I hope it does not come to that. Kyler whispered to his bond and soon found himself tensely considerably when he heard Viel unleash her cry, drawing attention to them. He wrapped his arms around Maude, perhaps a bit tighter than necessary. No one was going to touch his daughter! No one!

***
Stigandr was looping around the sky, playing with some other dragons when he heard a familiar roar that he had not heard in years. At first, his instinct told him to roar back with a challenge, but Einar's mind quickly pacified the beast.
Calm, Stigandr. If they meant harm, Viel would have charged by now. Einar soothed his dragon as he sat on the saddle, his eyes directed toward two familiar dragons.
Viel is cunning! She could just be waiting for a moment to strike! I will not let her harm the hatchlings! Stigandr referred to the younger dragons that were with them.
The war is over. Let them have their say before we act rashly.
You place too much faith in Kyler. Its been sixteen years...
Yes, and time may have changed them all for the better.... Einar added before Stigandr bucked and began flying toward the Red Rider and half-elf.

Stigandr stopped and hovered before Viel and Typhon, his tongue flicking out, as if tasting their emotions. Einar divulged no emotions at first as he studied his old friend and old enemy, however, a look of surprise appeared as he spotted a young woman with Kyler. She looked very much like a mixture of the two! He couldn't help but smile.
"Well met, Argetlams. I have to admit, I am surprised to see you, but am glad as well. I had told you once before, that I hoped to meet again under a banner a peace. Is this hope accomplished this day?" Einar asked, projecting his conversation to his wife, alerting her of Vana and Kyler's presence. It does not appear they are here to fight. He told her as he gazed at faces he had not seen in sixteen years.

[Trinn]

Despite herself, Vana felt a surge of fury at the sight a familiar silver dragon coming quickly towards them. Old memories of betrayal and spilled blood filled her head. Wasn't that just yesterday? But no, it had been sixteen years. It took some considerable effort, more than she wanted to acknowledge, to calm herself and settle on images of peace. Viel, however, was having a much harder time. I want to tear his throat out! she cried, her muscles tense as if to charge.

You Must not Viel! Vana commanded, We are all allies now. The war is over! We must make peace! In the time it took for Einar to reach them, Viel finally calmed herself. Still, Vana did feel anxious. Her entire family was with her today, and she couldn't bear the thought of any of them falling prey to old prejudices. She studied Einar now, fighting between acceptance and denial. Oddly, when Einar began to speak, Vana felt better. He was not shouting accusing them of past deeds, or calling for a battle. She remembered clearly the words he repeated to her now.

"Well met, Einar. This day we do indeed meet under a banner of peace." The words seemed to have an odd effect on Vana, as if a promise had just been sealed. "I hope that past deeds will have no weight here. We have come to start our lives anew here. In peace. Is there someplace we can land and talk more? Viel has a full clutch in her belly and she is tired from the flight." Viel growled in acquiesce.
~~

Maude watched with fascination as a silver dragon flew to meet them. Her parents and both dragons seemed incredibly anxious, most obviously Viel and Typhon. She had frowned a little when her father had tightened his group around her. Were these ex-varden riders really going to attack? But here was one speaking now, and he seemed friendly enough. But she could not forget what he represented, although it seemed mother and father were trying. She watched the new rider carefully. He seemed young still, due to the bond. How old he really was, she didn't know. He seemed almost noble though, and that bothered her. Her mother was far more noble than he could ever hope to be. Her father, too. They had both been disgraced at the end of the empire war. It was odd for her to see mother talk so familiarly with him. It was odd for herself to hear another person talking. Maude felt suddenly afraid to go into the city. Her entire world had been two people and two dragons. Now she was faced with a much larger population. She hoped she wouldn't have a nervous attack.
***

Gianna was observing two students with their newly hatched dragons. She remembered with perfect clarity the day Gladia had hatched. It had been the beginning of her freedom. Not for the first time, she hoped Ian could impress a dragon hatchling. Sometimes she thought a person wasn't really free until they shared a bond with a dragon. A dragon had given her opportunities to improve herself, to fly above all that she had known and return to the ground born again in her own image. Yet there were bad people in the world. Not everyone achieved enlightenment through the bond. She watched the two students and wondered if someday in the future, one of them might be a future Galbatorix. Another reason she watched the new riders. One was dwarven, the other, an urgal. And now they worked and existed in harmony. The thought made her feel incredibly happy.

Her happiness was drained at Einar's message. Vana! And Kyler! Without thinking, she rushed to find Gladia.

[Max452]

Einar smiled, glad of Vana's words. He glanced over at Kyler, who merely nodded in agreement with his lover. Odd. Kyler usually was a talkative one, but then he noticed his tense demeanor over his daughter. Ah, he is worried for the young woman. Einar communicated to his bond.
Stigandr flicked his tongue out again. She tastes like them. Their hatchling? Stigandr suggested.
She does look like them a great deal. Einar's eyes bore away from Maude and back at Vana. I'm happy for them. Einar added.
"Yes, we can speak in one of the halls. I am sure Eragon will like to speak with you both. And you need not worry about the past here, Vana, at least not from me or my family. I do have to warn you though, many still remember the wounds that were caused, just, be careful." He warned them.
"We thank you, Einar." Kyler finally spoke, his tone friendly.
"Come. Viel needs her rest, and I am sure, when the eggs do come and Viel is well rested, that she would like to show these hatchlings the true meaning of being Queen of the Skies." He complimented Viel before he and Stigandr led them all toward the courtyard, where they could land.

They come bearing peace, Gianna. Do not worry so. Einar's mind carressed his wife's as Sitgandr finally landed, Typhon and the others following suite.

***
Ian was sparring with his sister in the training grounds when he spotted his mother rushing to Gladia. He glanced at Eva, blocking a strike as he did. "Mother seems tense. I wonder what is going on?"

[Trinn]

Following Ian's gaze, Eva watched as their mother fairly flew across the grounds to Gladia. She noticed that the dragon also seemed tense. Rather than attacking Ian again, Eva dropped her sword arm and instead ran after their mom. "Mom!" she shouted after her, auburn hair flagging out behind her. Gianna skidded to a halt and turned to her children.

"Stay here Eva!" She said, her voice uncharacteristically hard and stern. Einar's reassurances had done only a little to soothe her anxiety. Eva didn't say anything, feeling abashed and suddenly frightened. Gianna paused for only a second more, and then jumped up to Gladia's back. Glaida immediately took off, propelling into the sky and angling east. Before long she was out of sight.

Eos landed next to Eva, and Eva was half tempted to follow after her mother. Instead she rested a hand on her dragons warm shoulder. "That was odd." she said aloud.
***

Vana smiled at Einar's kind words. She could feel Viel's pride at the compliment, and it seemed that peace would truly be possible. Without any hesitation now, Viel followed after Stigandr. Just as they reached the courtyard Einar had indicated, Gladia appeared, smoothly swinging in to fly beside her mate. Vana watched the purple dragon for a moment, before turning to Gianna. She didn't blame Gianna for being upset. The girl was once a slave under the empire, which Vana had defended. In time, she hoped Gianna would be comfortable with her.

When they had all landed, Vana slid easily off Viel's back and landed with her cape falling into place around her. She had insisted on wearing the garment. She didn't want to forget her past, but she did want to make their future better. Vana had wanted to remind the riders here that she had once been a great warrior. It was something she didn't want anyone to forget. The Red Rider still lurked somewhere inside of her. She turned her attention to Kyler, watching her lover adoringly. He was the reason she was able to come here today. Without him, she may have went crazy with the defeat of the empire. Maude dismounted, a little more clumsily than kyler. Vana held her hand out to her and Maude came over. "Einar, Gianna, this is our daughter, Maude." She wondered where Einar's children were, for she remembered he had said family.

[Max452]

Ian furrowed his brow when his Mother told Eva to stay. Mother wasn't usually this worked up. He glanced at Eva and nodded in agreement. "Something must be happening." A sly smile formed. "She did say you had to stay, but not me or Eos..." He sheated his sword. "What do you say, Eos? Wanna go see what got Mother all worried?" Ian asked and then rolled his eyes, knowing that Eva would start protesting. "Well, Mother never specified where 'here' was, either, Eva. You want to come along too?" He asked, his eyes glowing with michief.

***
Einar dismounted from Stigandr, glancing at his wife with a little disapproval and amusement. Did I not say not to worry so, my love? He asked her as he watched the former Empire Riders dismount and come toward them.

The white haired Rider was glad that Einar was being hospitable. It provided great relief to hear that he had held no ill will, however, the warning Einar gave about others not being so kind, worried him. He glanced over at Vana, catching her loving stare. He gave her one as well, reassuring her that this was the right thing. Kyler followed quietly after Maude, keeping himself alert should anyone try anything to attack his daughter. He landed on the ground with ease, following next to Maude protectively. He smiled as his child was introduced, beaming with fatherly pride.

"Well met, Maude. I am Einar, Rider of Stigandr." He tilted his head up toward Stigandr, who was nestled next to Gladia, but his haunches were poised to pounce whenever it was required. "And this is my wife, Gianna, Rider of Gladia." He reached out to Gianna, hoping that she would relax. "Our children are here as well. They will be excited to meet you all." He added, now wondering where Ian and Eva were.

[Trinn]

Eva shook her head at Ian's rebelliousness. "She was pretty clear about what she meant, Ian." she retorted. Still, her curiosity was burning.

I will go with Ian... Eos said, sidling towards Eva's twin. "Ok fine, We'll all go!" Shaking her head the whole time, Eva climbed into the saddle and waited for her brother to get. When they were both settled, Eos took to the skies, flapping her brilliant yellow wings steadily. It was easy to find their mother. They were a little farther east in another more formal courtyard. Eva studied the two new arrivals carefully. Eyes suddenly turning wide, she turned to Ian, "Riders from the Empire war! The old enemy!" she said, recognizing the red cape the woman was wearing. Wasn't that the Red Rider? No doubt stories of her had become twisted and over exaggerated since the end of the war, but it was well known that she had been one of the Empire's most formidable opponents. Many had thought she was dead. Eos suddenly turned away.

"Eos!" Eva exclaimed. I don't want to get us in trouble. she retorted stoutly. We're sitting ducks up here for them to spot.
***

Maude regarded Einar and Gianna passively. Did the two expect her to make friends with their brats? Unlikely. The old foes continued to make small talk as they walked to the hall which Einar had mentioned. Before they stepped inside to deal with formalities, Maude looked into the sky and saw a yellow glimmer far up in the sky.
***

The meeting had been rather formal but hospitable. It was agreed that Vana and Kyler could help teach the younger students. Maude would be enrolled in some of the beginning classes in hopes she may impress a dragon. More than anything, Maude hoped she would. Her parents and the other two now stood saying their goodbyes for the day. Maude was glad to be rid of them. They seemed almost too nice for having been former enemies, especially Einar.

[Tismri]

Gloriann had been reading at the edge of the city when the two stranger dragons with Riders arrived. Her attention was first caught by the roar, the dragon's voice unfamiliar to her.
They're strangers, Sundavar commented as they landed. Despite herself, Glory couldn't help but watch the interaction taking place. Uncle Einar soon arrived to greet them; he seemed to know them. The adults looked nervous more than anything, she thought. As for the youngest--a girl who looked like she was closer to Ian and Eva's age than her own--she looked upset by something. Maybe she just didn't like being here.
We should go meet them! Sundavar said, prodding at Glory. The girl shook her head, not exactly interested in making friends with these strangers. Come on! Sundavar whined, The girl's probably going to be one of your classmates soon! Or at least live in the city and train. You'll see her a lot. Might as well get to know her. Before Glory could protest more, Sundavar caught the neck of her tunic between her jaws and made a bound over.
What if it's a private meeting? Glory asked as she felt a jolt go through her body upon landing.
Then they would be meeting indoor somewhere out of sight, Sundavar explained. No one has a private meeting in town. Before Glory could say anything more, they were near enough to be noticed by the group.
Hello! Welcome to New Doru Araeba! the dragon rang out like she was some sort of guide for the city. Glory kept her eyes down and tried to hide behind her dragon.
"Sorry, Uncle," she said quietly, apologizing for intruding. "Sorry, Auntie."

[Max452]

"Yes!" Ian exclaimed with glee, having won over Eos. He laughed out loud when Eva finally gave in. "Come on, Eva! Live a little!" He chuckled, glad that he could be himself around his twin. He hopped onto Eos and before he knew it, they were hovering high in the sky over the newcomers.

His eyes widened at Eva's realization. "Really? I thought they were all either killed or in hiding or imprisoned." Ian whispered to his sister as he squinted down to see the Red Rider and the Ismalian half elf rider. "I think Father and Mother talked about them once..." He continued to observe them, noticing that they had another with them. He couldn't really see that well as they were high up. Eva was lucky that she had Eos; her senses were already heightening day by day. "Father said that he grew up around her...and that he was good friends with the other one...he always looked kinda sad when talking about them." He commented. "While, well, Mom always looked annoyed." He jerked when Eos began to turn the other way. "Hey! Eos! Come on! I want to see if its really them!" He then groaned. "Oh, now look! They're going inside! We missed them!" He began to grumble. "Can we at least talk to the dragons?" He finally muttered out.

***
"I'm glad that all went well." Einar gave a soft smile at the new teachers. "The students will learn much with you two. Kyler, I even hear that their will be Ismalian students; they'll be eager to learn how to use magic from you."
"Aye, and I will be eager to teach them!" Kyler smiled back. "I'm also glad that Maude will be attending." He turned and wrapped a tender arm around her shoulders. "You won't be too embarrassed that your parents are teachers, will you?" He teased his daughter.

As the they were talking, Einar heard a familiar voice and smiled as he saw Glory. "Ah, Glory, Sundavar. Come meet your new teachers and classmates. Kyler, Vana, and Maude, this is my niece, Gloriann and her dragon Sundavar." Einar introduced them. Again, he wondered where his children were. Ian better not be getting his sister into trouble...

[Trinn]

Vana and Kyler looked much more at ease now. Even Viel seemed relaxed. Maude, however, felt grumpy. She knew that the plan had been to live here, but now that the fact had come to pass, she wasn't at all excited. There were too many people here, and she wasn't used to people. She felt her mood turn even more foul when another girl showed up, and it became apparent that she was related to Einar and Gianna. She wanted to scream "I hate it hear!" and storm away, but she didn't have any place to storm away to yet.
***

Vana eyed the young girl critically. She was almost the spitting image of another rider she had once known well. "I dare say," she said, tapping her chin, "That this is the daughter of Marola, Rider of Rauth. Is that not so, young one?" she asked. Marola had gone missing some time before and had never reappeared, and least not to Vana. She wasn't even present during the last battle. Vana had assumed she had died somehow or another, probably by assassination, but clearly that had not been the case.
***

Eva turned to look down once more at the two ex-empire riders, and she immediately noticed Sundavar. "Eos! We can land now! Glory is there!" She didn't really want to face Vana or Kyler, especially the dragons, but she new Ian was dying to meet them. Eos seemed uncertain, and it was clear she feared Viel. Finally, the yellow dragon turned and began drifting downwards. She landed lightly beside Sundavar, butting him with her nose in hello. Eva dismounted and stood at position next to her dragons shoulder. She looked sheepishly at her mother. Gianna frowned just a bit, but she didn't reproach them for being present.

"And here are our children, who seem to have been spying." Gianna's face remained stern as she continued to introduce them. "This is my daughter, Eva, and her bond, Eos. And this is my son, Ian."
***

Great! More of the brats! Maude fought the urge to challenge them all to a duel. The two swords strapped to her back would be the perfect way to test the varden children. Instead she remained silently standing between her parents, observing the talking with slightly hateful eyes.

[Tismri]

Glory approached the strangers shyly as Uncle Einar beckoned her. Sundavar crowed happily when she heard that the older ones were going to be their new teachers. Surely these old friends of Einar and Gianna's were going to have plenty to teach them. She turned to Eos as she arrived and said excitedly, We have new teachers! I can't wait to learn from them! Do you think they know more than some of the others here?

Gloriann glanced over at Ian and Eva as they arrived, glad for their company but at the same time starting to feel her nerves rise with so many people present.
"Hello," she said to the strangers as Einar introduced them. She looked up at the woman, Vana, curiously. "You...know Mom?" she asked. Mother rarely spoke of her past, but sometimes Cortell would fill her and the rest of their siblings in on a few details.

[Trinn]

Vana smiled at Einar and Gianna's children. They were twins, of course, and little duplicates of their parents. She was happy for Einar, and it surprised her. There had been a time when she wished only for his death by her own hands. She turned her attention once more to Glory. "Yes, I knew your mother. She was, or used to be, a bit brooding. You remind of her greatly." There was a shadow in this girl, Vana thought. From what or why, she couldn't yet tell. "I would like to see your mother again sometime. Perhaps we can take a trip together one day Glory."
***

Eos examined Viel carefully, keeping her head lowered unconsciously. The dragon gave off a smell that hinted of fierceness. She would have been terrified to face her in battle. The other dragon seemed kinder, but it was clear he was a warrior who had seen his fair share of fighting. I think they know very much indeed. she said to Sundavar.
***

Viel regarded the two hatchling dragons from the corners of her eyes. There used to be a time when she would have tried asserting her dominance over them. She still desired to do so, but she was wiser now. This wasn't her territory. Saphira was master of the hunt here. Thinking of the saphire dragon made her hackles rise slightly in a feeling of jealousy and rivalry. Perhaps one day she could challenge her....

[Max452]

OOC: hahaha poor Maude. Perchance we shall make this more interesting...come here Ian. lol

Einar chuckled and patted Gloriann gently on her shoulder. "Yes, indeed, this is one of Marola's children; your skills haven't rusted at all - that's good." He complimented Vana before she began conversing with the young girl. His attention turned to Gianna when she looked at Ian and Eva with stern gazes. He hid a laugh. He wasn't meddling into this one, he knew better.

Einar watched Ian hop off Eos and followed his sister, his eyes locked on his mother. His usual, innocent, but guilty look mixed on on his face. "Sorry, Mother... " He then glanced over to the newcomers, seemling awed; his eyes wide. His eyes then settled on Maude and he froze.

"Come along, say hello." Einar rolled his eyes, having to instruct his childrent to be polite when they knew better.

***
Kyler greeted the three children with an incline to his head. He glanced at Gloriann. He had heard of Marola, but never met her. "Well met, children." He then turned his attention to their dragons when Stigandr came over.

The hatchary is on the highest tower, Viel, if you wish to stay there for the remainder of your pregnancy. If not, you can quarter with your bonds; there are still plenty of housing within New Dora Abarea - you can pick which ever you like. Stigandr explained. Typhon then nudged Viel affectionatly on the snout.
You may decide where you like to stay; I will go with you.Typhon asserted that there would be no other option.

[Trinn]

OOC: Yeah. She's not gonna make any friends this way. lol

Maude began to feel a little uncomfortable under the stare of the boy, Ian. At least his sister seemed a little more polite. Eva stepped forward and bowed formally. "Well met, riders Vana and Kyler, dragons Viel and Typhon, and of course, Maude. I hope we shall all become friends." Eva smiled at stepped back, watching Maude as if expecting a reply. Maude didn't intend on giving one, until Vana nudged her.

"Hi." She simply said, and then felt embarrassed at her lack of eloquence. She looked up at her mother, but Vana didn't seem embarrassed. She smiled proudly down at her.
***

Viel considered her options, and at last lifted herself to her feet. Typhon and I shall go to the hathchary. She announced to Vana, Kyler, and Typhon. Nipping playfully at her mate, Viel then launched into the sky, somewhat slower than usual due to her pregnancy.

[Max452]

Einar was pleased with Eva's greeting. She was always very polite and generally kindhearted. She reminded him of her Mother, which only made his heart swell with more love for them both. He looked at Ian, expectandly. Ian! Einar pushed with his mind at his son, wondering what was making him freeze. It wasn't like the boy to no be polite. Surely he wasn't judging them? He knew very well that Ian wasn't prejudice, no matter the person. Ian! Einar called out again to his son. Was he shy? Ian wasn't shy. He was quiet, never shy.

Finally, the last mental yell caused Ian to unfreeze. "Hh--hello!" Ian spat out. His eyes blinking and he turned his face away briefly to compose himself. What is wrong with me? Ian thought for a moment. He gazed at his parents, embarassed at his own behaviour. "Well met, Argetlam Kyler and Argetlam Vana. And Maude...well met." Ian stumbled out and Einar gave a mental sigh to his wife.

***
Typhon chirped at the nip and took flight quickly after Viel, swirling around her playfully. To the Hatchery then. He replied, whilst Stigandr watched them with silent awe. He was amazed that Viel could be...nice.