The Eggs in Ellesmera

[Trinn]

Cherilyn stayed a few paces behind Yita, not wanting to make the young woman feel under pressure. She sensed the deer too. Yita was a good aim, Cherilyn saw. It was evident in the way she held the bow, her posture while knocking the arrow and pulling back the bowstring. The deer would die easily and relatively painlessly, if Yita did indeed release the arrow. Cherilyn was not surprised when Yita did not. The deer had caught sight of them now, and Cherilyn could see its muscles tensing for flight. Dipping into her pool of magic, Cherilyn uttered a few quick words in the ancient language. The deer fell, now dead. "Don't worry Yita. Hunting will become easier in time. Next time, you will need to make the kill yourself. Fortunately the deer will last your young bond for a few days. Come, we should return quickly. Cordelia tells me that Deloi is near famished. She will be happy to see you."

[ylta]

Disappointed in her lack of ability to kill the deer, Ylta busied herself with trying to figure out what Cherilyn had said. It must have been one of the death spells. Ylta wasn't too proficient in magic yet, but she had heard that dragons boosted one's ability to perform it. On the way back to the clearing, Ylta asked, "You could speak to Cordelia all the way back there?" It seemed like quite a long distance, but Riders were mysterious in their ways. Maybe asking a few questions would help her to be a better one when the time came.

[Trinn]

Cherilyn smiled at Yita's question. It was good that she was inquisitive. The most curious people were often the best learners. If Cherilyn had been one of he master dragon riders, she would have liked to train Yita. As it was, her duty was to bring new riders safely back to Bromsland. "The bond with your dragon will strengthen over time. As she grows older, your minds will become more strongly melded together. Perhaps this seems strange and maybe even a little frightening. It may sound as if you could forget yourself. But I assure you, no matter how commected you are to your dragon, your own identity will always be there. There is no real risk in losing yourself. Except for in some extreme cases." she thought about explaining Galbatorix, but then decided to leave that for the masters to indulge in. "anyways, Cordelia and I can hear each other over quite a few vast miles. But if I were to travel across the country, or out of the forest, her voice would be lost to me. A few miles are nothing for a dragon and rider."

[ylta]

"Wow." Ylta fell silent. Sure, it was awesome to have a dragon, but it could probably be annoying, with them reading your thoughts all day. Ylta felt a nudge in her mind. Deloi couldn't be that attached to her so soon, could she? But the nudge felt familiar and gentle, and Ylta tried to respond. I'm here, little one. We have food for you. A contented sigh seemed to fill Ylta's mind. Rushing to the clearing, she saw Cordelia standing protectively over Deloi. Relief washin over her, Ylta took the deer to the little dragon, who began eating messily.

[Trinn]

Cherilyn followed after Yita, back into town. A group of elves had gathered Round Cordelia, trying to get a look at the newly hatched dragon. Cordelia let them look, but she stood ready for any trickery. Though the Empire war was over, Cordelia and Cherilyn had trouble not thinking about spy's, assassins, and thievery. It was ridiculous to think that an elf would attempt to murder a hatchling, and yet the thought lingered. Cordelia backed away from the hatchling to give room for Yita. She smiled draconicly as the small one began its firsts feast on the deer. Cherilyn moved to her bonds side and observed he hatchling. "Yita, we must travel to Bromsland immediately. If you have any family or friends, you should go say goodbye. It may be some time before you see them again."

[ylta]

"Bromsland? Already?" Ylta looked up in alarm. "Isn't it kind of early? I mean, Deloi just hatched." She patted the hatchling on the head, but she drew back when a shapr pain pierced her hand. Did you bite me? she questioned the dragon. Flipping her hand over, she saw a silvery mark forming on her palm. With relief, Ylta realized that it was just the gedwey ignasia, or Argetlam, the sign of a Dragon Rider. She sighed. "I guess I should tell my parents where I'm going..." Swiftly, Ylta got up and ran to her house, which wasn't far away. Taking paper in hand, she scrawled a short note:

Going to Bromsland. Have dragon hatchling. Goodbye, Ylta

She rushed back to where Cherilyn and Cordelia were waiting. "I'm ready," she said, picking up her bow.

[Trinn]

"indeed yes. A rider's training begins immediately. There's not a moment to lose. Cordelia will be able to carry us all to Bromsland. The journey will take a few days. Cordelia will be flying slower than usual for you and your hatchling." Cherilyn conveyed, explaining the situation to Yita. She was glad when the young elven girl quickly gathered her things, and was surprised at how quick she returned. "Excellent. Well, if you're sure you are ready, then let us be off." Cordelia crouched to the ground, laying as flat as she could. "just go sit in the second seat. Keep you hatchling safely in your arms." Cherilyn had equipped Cordelia with a double saddle in case they had another passenger. She was glad now that she had. She gestured for Yita to mount. Some people feared the great size of dragons, and especially the thought of flying. It had taken Cherilyn a while to accustomherselfnwith flight. Her mind turned briefly to thoughts of Stefan. The quicker she returned to him, the better.

[ylta]

Ylta cautiously mounted Cordelia, feeling a bit strange. The dragon didn't seem to mind the extra passenger, but Ylta didn't want to overburden her. Luckily, the mount wasn't too hard; she just swung her leg over with a bit of a jump added. The saddle was strangely comfortable, and Ylta lay low in it, cuddling Deloi to her chest. Anticipation rose within her. She was really going to Bromsland. Ylta felt Deloi's thoughts merge with hers, raising the tension higher. She had dreamed of going to Bromsland for her whole life, but now that the time was actually here...

[Trinn]

Like most elves, Yita proved herself graceful and capable of normally hard things. Such as mounting a dragon. The girl had potential. Cherilyn leaped up to her spot on Cordelia's back and settled herself in the saddle, securing her legs to the straps. She looked over her shoulder at Yita. "If you feel you need to stop at some point during the flight, just tap me on the shoulder. Sometimes it's a little difficult to hear over the wind. Or, if you know how to touch a person's mind, you can get my attention that way. Now, off we go!" She looked next to her, where her partner was also ready for the journey. They would return to Bromsland together to report. She nodded to him, and he nodded back. Then, Cordelia launched herself into the sky, her dark blue scales sparkling in the dappled sunlight coming through the trees. The other dragon followed right behind her, and their wings sounded like small claps of thunder. When they were in the sky and leveled out on their path towards Bromsland, Cherilyn looked behind her at Yita. "Ok?" she mouthed.

[ylta]

Ylta nodded, a little green from the takeoff. The ride was smooth, but also jarring to Ylta's untrained bones. To take her mind off the flight, Ylta stroked Deloi, who seemed quite happy to be in the air. Deloi strained her wings, but Ylta kept her down, because she didn't know how soon dragons were capable of flight. Ylta could have sworn the dragon looked at her crossly, and she felt Deloi's anger swiftly touch her mind. Calm down, she told the hatchling. You can't fly yet. I don't want to lose you. We're going to a place where you can learn all that stuff. Deloi settled down, apparently soothed by Ylta's mind-voice. Ylta soon felt the dragon's sides heaving rhythmically, and knew Deloi was asleep. She wished she could sleep too, but she still felt a bit air-sick.

[Trinn]

Seeing that Yita was relatively fine, Cherilyn turned back around and focused on the flight before them. During the three days of travel, they rested for midday lunch, and sleep every night. On the dawn of the third day, they were flying above the river that led into Bromsland. By the evening, the mountain that housed New Doru Arabea loomed up before them. Night had fully fallen when Cordelia at last landed on a cliff side courtyard. Nearby the thunder of a waterfall could be heard. Cherilyn patted Cordelia's neck, thinking her for a smooth flight. She dismounted, and held out a helping hand for Yita.

[ylta]

Ylta yawned as she took Cherilyn's hand and dismounted. Ooh, her muscles were so sore. She winced with almost every step. Deloi, on the other hand, seemed perfectly fine, turning around and around on the ground. She had grown quickly, and was now larger than an average housecat. Scampering around, she investigated everything. We're really here, Ylta thought, with a twinge of dread. What if she wasn't good enough? "Cherilyn," she whispered, "is it hard? Being a Rider?" She hoped for some reassuring words, but feared a less positive outcome. Glancing at her surroundings, Ylta took in the beauty of it all, from the roarin waterfall to the cloudless sky. This would be a great place to live... but what if she didn't stay?

[Trinn]

Cherilyn regarded Yita as she thought over the question. A good question, too. With some deliberation, she finally answered. "Yes, Yita. It is difficult, to be a rider. It is our duty to be always fair, and always just. It is our duty to raise our swords and fight to protect those who are weaker than others. It is our duty to be honorable, when others would be dishonorable. It is our duty to be a beacon of good and light in this mad world. These are tough burdens to bear, but the reward is great. And know that you will never be alone. You will have your fellow riders to hold you up, and most of all, most importantly, you will have your dragon. She will prove to be the greatest friend of your life, your greatest comrade, and your greatest protector. Think about that tonight. I will show you to a temporary bunker where you can spend the night. In the morning, I shall take you to meet with the masters. They will decide on your route of training, and provide you a more permanent and comfortable residence. Follow me, then." Cherilyn left Cordelia in the courtyard and moved up a flight of stone steps. The steps led up to a street of sorts. Werelights floated above in even junctures to illuminate the cobbled street. There were some elves walking about, and a few older riders and dragons. The humans and Urgals and dwarves were all probably in their quarters readying for bed. She took a left onto another street. It was here that she walked into a room. It was filled with beds, all of which were empty. They were used only for short stays and sometimes very young students. "Here we are. I suppose, being an elf and all, that you may not be able to sleep. If that's the case, then feel free to walk about. I ask only that you do not stray too far from here. New Doru Arabea is a large city, and it may be easy for a new comer to become lost. Is there anything else you need, Yita? If not, I will come and get you early in the morning."

[ylta]

Ylta pondered Cherilyn's words until long after they had been spoken. She hardly noticed the city itself, though it had a beauty she would have liked to explore more. When they reached the sleeping quarters, Ylta silently shook her head in response to the question she had been asked. Clutching Deloi for comfort after Cherilyn left, she turned on one foot, taking in her surroundings. All the beds were empty, so Ylta chose one at random and lay down in it, staring at the ceiling. She shuddered. It truly was a scary thought, meeting the elder Dragon Riders. She would be a failure, she knew it. You won't be, said a voice in her mind. Startled, Ylta glanced down at Deloi, who was humming with pleasure. You spoke! Ylta thought at the little dragon. Yes, Deloi responded, clearly happy with herself. Thank you for your comfort, Ylta said, then closed her eyes. She didn't fall asleep, but she would feel rested in the morning. Deloi curled up behind Ylta's head and began snoring, in soft rumbling noises. Ylta smiled. Maybe the day wouldn't turn out so bad, after all.

[aseku]

Aseku gripped her bow tightly and she hid in the bushes. This was her chance to prove to her parents that she can become a Dragon Rider! She lifted her weapon and placed a arrow. She narrowed her eyes at her target- an urgal. It was feasting on a small dear not noticing Aseku about to finish him. She drew back the arrow and then released. In a blink of an eye the urgal was hit and it bellowed out cries of agony. It gripped its shoulder and pulled out the arrow glaring at Aseku. The elf stood trembling, why would she do that! The urgal approached her but Aseku couldn't move. Fear overwelmed her as the urgal withdrew an axe. The elf stared up at the beast as it held the axe above her head and prepared to make the final blow!