Vindicated

[Tismri]

Samara smiled but rolled her eyes. "You are a stubborn old goat, aren't you?" she asked him. She moved to help him up and lead him out of the inn. She didn't turn to face him as he tried to convince her to leave him.
"If helping my best friend means tarnishing my name, then I don't want this title anymore," she told him firmly. "You think after twenty years, I'll just ignore you from now on? Think again, Joshua." She stayed quieted for a few minutes, contemplating. "I do need you, Joshua," she said softly. "I'm alive today because of you. Everything I've ever achieved was because of you. And I'm pretty sure you need me, no matter how much you seem to want to deny it."

[Trinn]

Freedom, a new world... Nethia liked the sounds of that. But who was his leader that could provide such a thing? Nethia was now caught by the strange mans promises. Nefrox whined in her mind, trying to convince her the world was just fine. It was just some people who were corrupt. lets just go see what this leader of his has to say. If we like it, we stay. If not, we run, and maybe takenanfew things with us. Haha! Nethia laughed inwardly at the thought of stealing from a great leader. Some accomplishment that would be. "Alright, we have a deal. I'll go see what this leader of yours has to say." Nimbly climbing up Nefrox's saddle, she settled herself and then helped the man on. The saddle was simple fare. She had stolen it from a village she on e thought about settling in. Celesti, or something like that. Well, family life wasn't for her. The people there had been too nice, too righteous. Especially the dragon riders. They probably would have turned on her eventually.

Her thoughts drifted Away when Nefrox shot into the sky, his wings creating a gale of wind that knocked the exiting patrons to their backs. Nethia clumsily found the young mans mind and spoke to him. where do we go?

[Max452]

Aramis sighed. "If I'm the goat, you're the stubborn mule." He retorted. "Samara, I did not spend half my life to have you run around risking your life for me. You have position now, which means you can change things. I'll always be around for you, but just in the shadows." He replied, almost sadly. "Just, for once, do me this favor: Live your life. Get married and be happy, and stop chasing after me. Honestly, I never quite understood why you are so intent on finding me all the time." He huffed as hobbled along. "I'm just an old goat, after all." He replied sarcastically. "Find yourself a good man and change things for the better; live your dream."

***
Dominic nodded, pleased that Nethia wanted to hear his Leader out. He followed her up onto the dragon, a bit weary at first since it was his first time. He sad behind Nethia and was glad when they were flying away; the authorities had finally showed up and were startled to see a dragon flying off.

Dominc hoped that his Master would be pleased with Nethia and Nefrox. He hoped that Rider Katriana and Vanilor wouldn't kill them. As he was thinking upon this, he heard Nethia's mind press against his, speaking to him. He opened his mind and listened to her question.
Toward the Spine. That is where our encampment is. He then proceeded to give her detailed instructions on finding the Shade's army. Do not worry, you cannot miss it; a large yellow dragon resides in the middle. He clarified. That is my leader's dragon. He added.

[Trinn]

So the leader was a dragon rider. Nethia hoped the stranger wasn't leading them to their era from Bromsland. They were all self-righteous fools. She received a doubting thought from Nefrox. He had always felt a curiosity about the other dragons. Nethia couldn't see herself running around with such company, no matter what Nefrox said. And she felt guilty for being sonstubborn, because she wanted Nefrox to be happy. Sensing her thought, Nefrox immediately soothed her wih reassurances of his happiness.
~~

The flight to the spine lasted the rest of the night and Hal of the next day. Nefrox was beginning to flag, unused to such long flights. When Nethia was about to demand he stop and rest, a yellow glint winked at them from the forest. Nethia looked down and felt her breath cath. A large area of the forest had been burnt away to form a large clearing. In it, a host of men, women, and dragons gathered there. The identity of the yellow glint became apparent. A gigantic dragon looked over the crowd. He looked proud and powerful. Nefrox felt the need to run away from one so powerful. He felt he was entering a rivals territory. But he pressed on. Finding a spot to land, Nefrox descended in tight circles, to land in a puff of dirt some distance from the yellows mammoth. Nethia felt her throat to dry. She recognized shades in the gathering. what have I doomed us to she thouht, and this time Nefrox had nothing to say.

[Tismri]

Samara shook her head as she listened to Aramis' words. He would probably never understand the depths of her devotion to him. After all these years, he was the only one she was still willing to trust. Everywhere she looked, the noble life was full of cutthroats and politics, even with the new peace established. It was nothing like she had ever imagined.
"Good men are hard to come by," she said quietly. She had, in the past, looked for a man who might love her, but in the end they always seemed to be intent on gaining her wealth more than her affection. Over the last couple of years, she had just given up.
"I am working to make a difference, Joshua. Just because I come to you every few weeks doesn't mean that I don't spend the rest of my time working on the matters of my estate, bringing the Nolan name back up to the proper, noble status it once stood for, before my father corrupted it with his greed. I work nearly every day, and occasionally I long for a break. So I set out for a walk...which more often than not seems to lead me straight to you." She looked away, staring into the starry expanse for a long moment.
"You've been the only real thing to me for most of my life, Joshua. If I lost you...I don't know what I would do."
~~~~~
Her eyes blazed like a wildfire, and the villagers who had been brought before her could almost feel their insides burning at the intensity of her gaze. She strode slowly along the line.
"You know this false peace will not last," she told them. "Retribution is coming; Galbatorix's will still burns brightly. And when it comes, we will show no mercy to any who stands against us." She paused before a girl of about fifteen. Younger than the war, not yet knowing the pain of it. She was visibly frightened, shaking where she stood. The Shade gently, almost motherishly stroked her hair.
"Don't worry," she whispered, though her voice carried to all ears, "We have yet to start our spread. I will give you a chance to join us, a chance to bring about true peace that will reign eternally, for there will be none left to oppose our will."
"There will always be those who stand against you," an older man called out. "They may take a while to rally their courage, but when they do, they will rise up, even as you are doing now. And you will be defeated." The Shade turned curiously and walked to him.
"Did you fight in the war?" she asked him.
"I did," he replied firmly. She could tell; he had the battlescars to prove it.
"And was your king murdered?" there was venom in her words that left the old man feeling ice in his veins.
"No," he replied. "A tyrant was defeated." Those words pushed the Shade past her limit. Her gaze smoldered, and the man collapsed in agony as every part of his body shrieked in pain. She picked him up with a single hand and hauled him in front of the crowd, so not only the villagers, but the entire gathering could see him.
"Watch well, my followers! See what fate awaits those who dare oppose us!" With her free hand, she tore into her victim, evicerating him bit by bit, pulling out bones and small pieces of organs. The man screamed until he passed out, and soon after died. She tossed what remained of his corspe aside and turned away, snapping her fingers as she did so. Someone approached her with a basin and a towel, and she washed her hands of the blood. Then she went to stand by Vanilor, patting the dragon's side.
Our time has nearly come, she told him. She smiled slightly. And he was wrong, you know. No one will oppose us. I will see to that. There will be none left alive to turn against us. She turned to gaze toward the dragon who had arrived during her speech. One much smaller than Van. Recently hatched, almost, though large enough already to ride. She smiled to herself; it seemed Eragon had lost one of his eggs, and this Rider came to her.

[Max452]

Aramis sighed, relenting his argument...for now. Samara always had the knack of getting him all soft and sentimental. The reached the edge of the town and away from prying eyes. Aramis had noticed earlier that a speck of blue was darting across the sky, away from them. He wondered idly if that was Nethia escaping. He sighed again. He hoped that she had escaped that assassin.

Aramis returned his attention to Samara. "You've found me now; I'm quite fine." His voice nonchalent, a method he used to try to get Samara on her way again. He glanced down at his marred leg and quickly healed it. He felt a bit wobbly from the loss of energy, but knew he would be fine. "See, all is well. You don't have to waste any more time with me." He tried to wave her off.

***
Dominic remained silent throughout the flight to the Spine. He was unaccustomed to flight though, and tried to refrain from becoming too nauseous. He barely slept, as he was still unsure of Nethia and Nefrox motives; he didn't trust them either. Finally, he spotted the familiar gathering. He knew his Master was somewhere in the midst of it all, but for now, his eyes were fastened on the yellow dragon in the middle. He glanced at Nethia. "There! That is where you will meet our leader." He told her over the wind. "Land to the side so we may walk to them; they will think you a threat if you approach head on." Dominic warned.

***
I do not see why you didn't just let me eat him. Van mused as he sniffed something in the air. His yellow eyes gazed upward as he spotted a dragon who's hue seemed to shift from blue to purple. The great dragon narrowed his eyes as his body tensed. The urge to fight found him, but he refrained, knowing that Kat would want to see who it was before he devoured them. Opposition will come Kat.Vanilor replied wisely, his eyes still latched onto the incoming dragon, Let them come. It will be much more fun to watch their hopes fade away when we crush them. Van chomped his jaws, eager to shed bleed and prove that he was King of the Skies.

[Trinn]

Nefrox landed as Dominic instructed. He settled off to the side of the gathering, his eyes never leaving the yellow bulk of the lead dragon. He folded his wings docilely at his side, holding his head down even though he slightly hated himself for it. He had to do what he most to keep Nethia safe.

Nethia herself felt a tremor or fear at the sight of the yellow dragon, but even more at the sight of the shades. And the dragon rider of the yellow beast... a shade as well! An abomination of the worst kind! How could a shade provide freedom and peace!? But there was no choice now but to continue on with this meeting. Anything else would surely bring death. Swallowing hard, Nethia dismounted and made a clumsy landing. She could feel eyes on her, and her skin developed goosebumps. Someone walked by with a mysterious, bloody mess in his arms. Nethia's fear increased. She looked back at the man who had tricked her into coming here. Was he dooming her to another cruel master? Her fear was now tempered with rage. She would meet this shade leader, but she would rather die then be victim to another cruel master.

[Tismri]

Ah, I apologize, my friend, Kat said to her dragon, rubbing his snout affectionately. My anger just got the better of me. Next village we raid, you may devour half its citizens if you wish. She turned to see the indigo dragon that had landed nearby. She eyed its Rider, a young woman...with a distrustful appearance. She seemed overly cautious. She also recognized the man who dismounted, and gave a smile.
"Ah, Dominic!" she called out to him as she took a seat on Vanilor's claw, where she towered over all present. "Welcome home. Were you successful in your little venture?" She'd sent him after that traitor Aramis. Dom had been raised an assassin, and she'd had every confidence in his ablities. Aramis was old and weak by now. "And I see you brought friends. Bring them here."
~~~~~
Samara sighed as Joshua tried to send her on her way. When she noticed he was still wobbly after healing himself, she moved to support him.
"I really should just take you back to my estate and leave you tied up in there," she told him. "That way you would keep yourself from getting into so much trouble all the time."

[Max452]

Dominic followed Nethia down and was a step behind her as they made their way to Katriana and Vanilor. He spotted what was left of a body being hauled away. His stomach churned. He dearly hoped that she wouldn't do the same to him. He spotted the look of betrayal on Nethia but gave her a reassuring half smile, as if telling her that it would be all right.

When she called him, Dom bowed respectfully at her. "Forgive me, Joshua Aramis escaped my grasp; I will return on the hunt soon. I would have pursued him, but another opportunity arose. I brought you someone who is eager for freedom of this captive land. Her name is Nethia the Fox and her dragon, Nefrox." Dom presented Nethia, his eyes not daring to look at Katriana; his master instructed him not to, or it would be a quick way to his death.

***
Vanilor watched with cold eyes at the newcomers. His momentary glee of Kat's promise vanishing as he felt the gnawing need to place the new dragon in his place. He was the King of the Skies here, and all will know it! Van remained quiet as the two-legged assassin spoke. His eyes never left the younglings. I smell determination in them Kat. I don't know if that will be good for them or bad for them right now. Van conveyed. The dragon was unsure if this new Rider and her bond were sent to kill Kat; a sucide mission if it was.

***
Aramis huffed, defiant. "How many times will it take for you to understand Samara! I have been marked! The Black Hand and other enemies will not cease to kill me! If I had stayed with you, as you had so offered years ago, then you would have been endanger as well! How do you think I would feel if I had placed you in that position again? I promised to keep you safe! Even if it means to be away!" He told her stubbornly as he steadied himself better. "Stop being so selfish and let me go!" He yelled out, but regretted it instantly. Samara was the least selfish person he knew. He edged away from her, trying to maintain an angry aura, but his eyes related a more painful and regrettable expression. "Samara, please, do not seek for me anymore. Your safety means a great deal to me...I cannot bear losing the one good thing in my life...the one good thing that has given me redemption...please..." He muttered, his anger deflated.

[Tismri]

Kat felt a burst of pure anger flow through her veins for a moment when Dom admitted his failure. How dare he return here without Aramis' rotten corpse? She jumped off Vanilor's claw and stood before him. He was keeping his head down; the boy had been taught well. Still, she wanted him to know just how very angry she was with him. Gently, she put a finger under his chin, bringing his eyes up to look into hers, her overpowering gaze showing a the depths of her fury, which would turn his blood to fire and cause him unimaginable suffering.
"I do not like it when my people fail me, Dominic," she said, her tone falsely amiable, shrouding the threatening voice behind it. "Next time, if Aramis escapes from you, you shall pursue him to the ends of the earth. The only reason you are to leave him alive is if I recall you from your mission. Am I understood?" She continued to gaze at him for a moment or two longer before she released him. Then she turned to the newcomers. Nethia the Fox...Kat had heard of this girl before.
Another street rat, she commented to Van. But this one is honest about it. She knows her place in the world. She walked slowly around the thief, curious.
"What brings you here, Nethia the Fox, and Nefrox?" She stood a ways back and eyed the girl. Kat's voice had become a more soothing, melodic tone. The mere sound had the ablity to sway people to her side. She knew they could use another Rider on their side, especially when they would attack Bromsland.
~~~~~
Samara was stunned by Joshua's biting words. Was she really being selfish, wanting to make sure he was safe? All she wanted was the exact same thing he wanted for her. She walked slowly away for a moment, keeping her head down as she tried to restrain tears.
"You're all that really matters to me, Joshua. I just want you to be safe, the same as you want for me. And I don't care about the danger to myself, so long as you are well, I am happy." She turned and looked back at him, watching carefully. "I love you, Joshua," she finally told him. In truth, she'd loved him for years, even as a little girl. She just never got around to saying it yet.

[Max452]

Dom resisted the instinct to shiver at Katriana's touch. His chin lifted so his eyes could lock onto the Shade's piercing eyes. He refrained a gulp. Was he going to die here? He listened intently to her threat and warning. "I will bring you his head, my lady. You have my word; I will not fail you again." He promised her, knowing the consequence if he didn't. He remained where he was as Kat inspected the newcomer, knowing fully well that she had not dismissed him verbally yet.

The yellow dragon inspected the newcomers as well. He was ready to pounce if they dare try anything. No movement went unnoticed by this dragon. They lack proper training, Kat. Send them to Selene and Slade, if they please you; she will whip them into shape. Vanilor snorted, finding this conversation boring.

***
Aramis felt guilt from his cruel words as he watched Samara turn to leave. What could he say to make her happy? He knew that she could not be with him, nor he with her, not as long as he was still hunted. He felt disgusted with himself for making her feel horrible. He glanced up, seeing her stop and turn toward him. Her next words left him frozen on the spot. He had always known that she loved him as he loved her, but it was purely platonic. Wasn't it? However, the way she said it now, the look in her eyes, it made his heart beat rapidly. How could he have been so blind? Her actions seemed to make sense to him now. It was the same cause behind his own actions.

He closed his eyes. This was not suppose to happen. She was not suppose to fall in love with him. He was much older than she and he was a killer; hands stained red for all his deeds. No matter his own longing for companionship, he was not worthy for someone such as she. However, despite it all, he felt himself move in a flash behind her. He felt his arms wrap around this woman he had known since a child. "Thank you, Samara." He found himself whispering into her ear as he leaned in behind her. It was strange, it was as if his body was moving on its own, and he was just merely swimming in his hidden emotions. He planted a soft kiss on the top of her head and just stood behind her in silence for a moment. This seemed to complicate things now. She was not suppose to love him. It would make the separation that much harder...

He stayed as he was, holding her close, knowing that this time, he would have to stay away for good - for her safety and sake. Let them stay this way a moment longer, pretending that all is right and fair for them.

[Tismri]

Samara closed her eyes as she felt Joshua's arms wrap gently around her. This was the first time she could ever recall him embracing her; before, she had always been the one to hug him. And there was something more to this. She knew, just by his touch and his whispered words, that he felt the same way. She leaned back against him, putting her arms over his as if attempting to keep them there. For the past twenty years, this man had been her best and only true friend, her idol and her joy. She was always so afraid of losing him, and she couldn't bear the thought.
"Joshua," she whispered, her voice so soft she thought he might have to strain to hear. But she couldn't make herself speak any louder for fear of destroying the moment. "Stay with me...just for a little while." It had long been her plea to him, every time she saw him and he would either leave or send her on her way. He always found some excuse, but she hoped that, just for now, he would remain.

[Trinn]

The shade's voice turned suddenly friendly. Nethia felt somehow more relaxed. She even dared a glance up at the woman. Nethia regretted it, for no matter how friendly the shade sounded, the eyes remained wild and fiery. "my bond and I came here to hear what your mission is. From what I have gathered, you seek peace in Alagaesia. You seek. New world order... I am interested in joining you." Nethia spoke without much thinking. Every fiber of her being told her to flee. Follow a shade? It would be as bad as her worst "family" was. But the crowd around her seemed to be here I their own accord. There was respect in many eyes, but then again, here was also a great amount of fear. Nefrox shared her sentiments. To run would be death.

[Max452]

Aramis tensed at Samara's familiar plea. He really wanted to stay. Now more than ever. But the dangers of doing so worried him. He stayed silent for a few minutes longer, trying to fight his own desires to stay with Samara. He held her closer, his chin resting against the side of her head. "You know I shouldn't, Samara." He told her, neither saying yes or no. He didn't know why he left the answer open. Was he really considering it? Was he really willing to risk her life? Why? Why did he have this feeling of hope? Hope that she would convince him to stay?

[Tismri]

Kat smiled a smirk at the girl's response to her. She was a bit brave, even daring to look her in the eyes.
I want them to follow me with a semblence of free will, she replied to Vanilor. If my followers only fear me, they may turn. I need them to believe in me first, and fear second.
"Yes, I do seek peace," she replied to Nethia. "I seek to rid the world of the filth that the human race has become, to cleanse them and make them righteous. I have felt the cruel pain inflicted by man. One I held most dear was taken from me." Her mind returned to Galbatorix; her voice affected pure sorrow, but her expression was one more of a crazed rage. "I seek a world that is free of such cruelty; only punish those who are truly evil. But first, we need a purging flame placed upon those who have been corrupted. Then we can set things right." She gently brushed her hand against the side of Nethia's face. "So...will you join me in making the world a better place?" she asked her.
~~~~~
Samara waited in silence for several long moments, nearly holding her breath. His anger was not the resounding "no" she had long come to expect. She felt a flicker of hope. She turned her head so she could look at him, her face an inch away from his.
"Please," she said softly, her lips drifting toward his.