Heartless

[Tismri]

Karliah crouched low behind a sand dune. The heat was beginning to lessen as the sun descended, giving a unique view to the surrounding world. She peeked around the side.
There they all were. Hundreds, or even thousands. Humans, elves, dwarves, Urgals, even dragons. Mixed in the fray were a number of Shades, their appearance usually discernable by their bloodred hair and maroon eyes. There were a few she spotted that didn't follow the trend, but they were far between. Still, there was an unmistakeable presence of evil emanating from them.
Ever since one scout had returned to Ilirea after having seen them from afar, most had been too fearful to get a closer look. At last, and stubbornly against Marek's wishes, Karliah had volunteered. There was one other, a boy around seventeen maybe, who had stepped up to go. He'd been trained for some years on scouting. She only hoped it was enough to keep him from being caught.

The thought had come too soon to her, it seemed. The whole army of them suddenly seemed stirred up, hooting and whooping as she spotted them making way toward the center of the gathering, where she saw the kid being dragged. There was a fairly large yellow dragon, probably the biggest around, and a woman sitting against it. Karliah instantly felt her heart drop into her stomach. She hadn't wanted to believe it to be true; this woman, obviously the Rider of the dragon, was a Shade.


As her minions threw the boy on his knees before her, Kat gazed at him nonchalauntly, even a smile starting to form on her lips. "So, that dark-skinned harlot who sits on Galbatorix's mighty throne has sent you to investigate us?" she asked. She gazed around at those gathered around her; those loyal to Galbatorix, those who simply hated humanity, those who even just longed for the end of the world. They had all followed her call. With time, and organization, they would soon attack Alagaesia, slaughtering all in their path.
"Well...congratulations. You have found us." Everyone seemed to explode in laughter at that. They feared nothing, least of all those boy who lay quaking before them. Kat became troubled. Even the Varden would never have been stupid enough to send only one scout. There had to be another, this one much better at the assignment of being unseen. In a flash, she grabbed the boy's hair and jerked him up, laying a dagger against his throat.
"Shall I see how your blood tastes?" she asked him, her voice quiet, but she knew the words would carry far enough. She shuddered in anticipation. "I may spare you if your friend comes out. Otherwise..." She poked him lightly, a prick of blood escaping down his neck. She daintily brushed her finger against it and brought it to her lips, giving a satisfied sound.

Karliah hesitated for a moment. She knew, though, that she had to comply. They would likely find her if she didn't come out, and then they both might as well be dead. Although she now began to doubt either of them would escape here. She left her hiding place and came out in view of everyone, raising her arms. Calmly, she removed her weapons to show she was unarmed and made her way to the Shade Rider. Once she got close enough, she stopped dead in her tracks. She knew this woman; old hatred echoed through her veins, along with a new level of fear.
"Ah, the street rat who likes to pretend she is noble," Kat said, and Karliah knew she recognized her as well. "How are the dear Robinsons these days? Joined the rest of the cowardly rich folk in groveling before the false queen?" Kat shook her head, and Karliah could see the disgust in the Shade's face. It seemed like she wasn't an ordinary Shade. She at least retained her self-awareness.
"Never matter. I will leave you alive this time. I need you to deliver a message for me." Kat released the boy, who scampered to stand next to Karliah. She wasn't sure she liked that...they would let both prisoners free? "Tell that harlot Nasuada that vengeance is coming. Her past sins will be reckoned. Tell her to warn Arya and the elves. Tell her to warn Eragon and his precious infant Riders. We are coming to take back what is rightfullly ours." Kat turned and took her seat against the dragon again. Although there was no furniture, she was surrounded by rich objects made of silver and gold. Karliah waited, to make sure it wasn't a trap. She and her fellow scout turned around and began to walk away.
"Oh, wait. I almost forgot," Kat called out, standing again. Karliah stopped, dread starting to build. She heard fingers snap, and the boy was roughly grabbed again, dragged back to the Shade Rider. "I just want to make sure my message is absolutely clear." Karliah didn't turn. She was too afraid. She heard the boy yelling, screaming. Then there was the sound of a blade swinging, severing flesh, along with the squelching of blood, and a soft thud upon the ground.
"Here. Catch," Katriana called out. Almost mechanically, Karliah raised her arms, and her hands enclosed on a round, soft object. She didn't even look at it as she walked away. She knew it was his head.
A maniacal laugh escape from Kat as the woman marched away. She returned to her seat against Vanilor, while one of her followers soon came behind with a silver pitcher. Kat held out a cup to be filled, and then brought it to her lips. She revelled in the taste of blood from the decapitated man, bringing her an ecstacy like nothing else.
"Tyrant!" her voice rang out. "I think it is high time you paid a visit to some old friends. Do you not agree?"
***
"That is what they said, your Majesty," Karliah said, finishing her report to Nasuada. She'd carefully wrapped her fellow scout's head in a cloth, and held it in her hands as she told the story to her queen. She wondered what Nasuada would think of all this. They had not seen or even heard of such brutality since the war.

[Trinn]

Nasuada felt sick. A sickly chill crawled over skin, increasing as karliah's report went on. At the end, she felt swallowed up in fear. For a moment, she could not think of any words to say that could adequately describe what she felt. A shade rider. She didn't think that was even possible. No only a shade rider, but seemingly fully aware of its human life, a shade wih a purpose behind its destruction. A shade who wanted revenge. Against her. And it had An army of like creatures and sympathizers. Nasuada placed her hands on he large desk to steady herself. "this is far worse than I expected." she sai, stating the obvious. It was far worse than anyone had expected. "we need to send messengers to Arya and Eragon immediately, of course. As well as to Queen Tenal Ka in Ismalia. There is no time to waste. " her eyes made he mistake of looking at the head Karliah carried. It was covered, but she could imagine well enough the face behind it, the blood and gore... "Elaine will be sent to Ismalia. She's been there before and will be able to make the journey quickly. For Queen Arya... We shall send one of the elves still here in the palace. And for Eragon..." Nasuada had almost mentioned General William Kell. He still seemed so alive in her mind. But he had passed last year from age. A sad loss it was. How she could use his skills in leading now. "I believe the dragon rider Diana is still in Alagaesia. We shall send her. Unless you have any better candidates, Karliah?" Nasuada still fel panicky. How much time did she really have until the shades dread army began their attack? Her intuition told her very little.

[Max452]

Upon hearing his name, the elusive and malicious Shade stepped into the clearing. Like the predator he was, his walk was deadly and slow and ready to pounce at any given moment. Tyrant's lips curved into the familiar smile of Tyr Valentine. "It would be my utmost pleasure." He replied to Katriana. "I know exactly who I wish to visit first." Tyrant stated with a impish grin. He approached Katriana, eyeing her with his predatory eyes. "Unless, there is someone in particular you would like me to say 'hello' to, first, my dear. Tyrant licked his lips, the behaviour of Tyr and Remus seeping through as he studied Katriana. A massive, thundering, and dangerous roar was then heard, causing the earth to quake. Vanilor's mighty jaws snapped dangerously at Tyrant. The yellow dragon disliked the Shade's frivilous advances toward his percious Rider.
Tyrant's lip twitched. He knew better than to get on the dragon's bad side. That meant Katriana would be more inclined to expose herself to her bad side, and that, was something he did not want; she was more powerful than he, and he was not so foolish as the Spirits that embodied him.
The yellow dragon snorted, proud of the fear he created around him. Around his precious Kat. The dragon rested his head next to Katriana as a warning to all, but as a comfort to his only true friend.

[Tismri]

Kat watched with hard, calculating eyes, not the least bit interested in her fellow Shade's advances. She could easily recalled both Tyr and Remus, having known both of them before they ever reached this point. She was a little disgusted at the thought that her father had once tried to arrange a marriage between her and Kingsley. But then, everything about her father disgusted her now.
She sensed Vanilor's anger stirring up, somewhere in the back of her mind. At that sensation, she felt every fiber of her being starting to call out for blood, to tear the shadow before her into pieces. But she controlled herself...for now.
"Choose whoever you want," she told him, waving her hand dismmissively. "I care not as long as you state our message. Oh, and also," her eyes took on a more fiery appearance than normal, the bloodlust of her every waking moment becoming apparent. "I suggest you try not to rile Vanilor up. Unless you want me to methodically rip each of your limbs off." She smiled brightly; it could be such fun tormenting people who could not die except through a stab to the heart.
She leaned back against her dragon, her heart at ease. She even felt rather merry. Thank you, King of the Skies, she told her bond. We still need to teach a few of this rabble to respect us.
~~~~~
Karliah stood back as the words sank in for the queen. Everything that had happened reflected in her mind, the horror of the whole situation. She felt numb as she thought of it, willing any emotion she might feel to not exist. She was afraid she would go mad otherwise. She would at least wait until she reached home, where she would feel her husband's comforting arms around her.
"Each choice sounds good to me, my lady," she agreed with Nasuada's choice of messengers. She looked down at the object in her hands; though it was covered, the boy's terrified expression would not leave her mind. It rather disturbed her; as a thief she had rarely needed to kill anyone, and when she did, it was quick and relatively painless. Her victims never knew what his them. As a scout during the last few months of the war, she'd never even needed to draw blood. So to actually see such carnage herself, to hold evidence of it in her hands, pushed her mind to the limit.

[Trinn]

"I will send for Diana and Elaine immediately. I must also find an elf... Karliah, thank you. Take as much time with your husband as you must to recover from the mission. You've done me a grat favor in recovering this information." Nasuada stood and gave Karliah a slight bow. To have walked into the mixers of such horror and come back sane... It was something Nasuada didn't know if she could even have done.

[Max452]

Tyrant forced a smile, fighting all his instincts on producing a sneer. "I will remember that, Argetlam." He bowed. "I shall spread your message proudly." A genuine smile appeared; he was going to enjoy tormenting his enemies. "And all shall know that none dare oppose you and your mighty dragon." He walked backwards and then turned, disappearing quickly to his next assignment. He felt Tyr's blood boil as the image of his first victim entered his mind. Marola.

OOC: I think I'll start a new thread for Tyrant's plans...and do I finally get to use Arya!? hehehe!

***
Vanilor nuzzled his Rider affectionately. I will always be here for you, Kat. The yellow dragon stated. We will rule together and no one will dare make you hurt again. He told her.

[Tismri]

OOC: Uh oh...I have this sensation that Marola's going to be very angry and terrified in the new future. lol.

Karliah bowed her head as Nasuada dismissed her. A nearby Nighthawk offered to take the severed head from her hands, removing this object that had left her petrified for the most part. She walked slowly down the palace corridors to leave. She knew Marek was waiting for her near the main entrance, worried to death about her. And he'd had good reason to be.
~~~~~
Diana poked her head into the kitchen, where all the cooks were busy scuttling about in their methodical, organized manner. She jumped into the fray for several moments, knowing this room like the back of her hand. After that, she walked down the various hallways and assisted the various servants in their duties, often giving them pointers on how to get the work done most efficiently. Though most of the servants who had worked for Galbatorix stayed on in service to Nasuada, they were beginning to age, and many younger people had been recently hired to work what the elderly could no longer do. Most of them looked up to Diana as a guide, as she'd been born a servant in this castle. And she never complained; in truth, so long as her employer was fair and righteous, she was happiest doing some of the most mundane tasks.
You are a very unique Rider, Serenity commented to her, humming with pleasure. Your humility is most of the reason why I chose you. Diana smiled at that, and through their connection expressed her pleasure at the comment. All these years and it still amazed her that Serenity had chosen to hatch for her at all.

[Trinn]

The nighthawk had scoured nearly the entire palace in search of Diana. And here he found her, of all places, in the kitchen. The man huffed in annoyance and trotted to her side. "Rider Diana, I have an urgent message for you from Lady Nasuada. You are to see her immediately, and then you shall travel to Bromsland to relay a message to Eragon. Well, come with me then, please Rider." he waited for her acknowledgement and then swift made his way back to Queen Nasuada's quarters. He knocked at her door, then let himself in. Nasuada was standing near a tall stained glass window. Her brow furrowed in deep thought. She turned and the furrow relaxed a little.

"Argetlam, thank you for making such haste. I'm sorry to skip right over formalities, but we must be getting to the point. War is upon us once more." From there Nasada related the news of the shade rider, not withholding anything from Diana. Every little detail could not be spared. At the end, the wrinkle in her brownhad grown again. "You and Serenity must make all haste to Bromsland. Eragon must know. His riders will be life or death to Alagaesia."

OOC: I'm not sure who to send to Arya...

[Tismri]

OOC: hmm...well, I have a couple of elves to choose from. Let's go with one slightly less-used.

Diana didn't slow her pace even as a Nighthawk stood like a new obstacle in the kitchen. Everyone in there just seemed to flow around him as the continued in their task. She listened to his message, set down the pot of stew she'd been carrying and turned to follow him. She was confidant that this crew could pick up the slack. They'd learned well.
Her eyes narrowed in concern at the guard's words. The fact that a Rider was chosen to fly out to Bromsland meant that haste was needed. She felt a dull fear settle in the pit of her stomach as she followed the Nighthawk to Nasuada's quarters. She gave a qhick bow to her queen, and then listened carefully as the situation was explained to her.
Diana felt sick at the description of what their scouts had witnessed in the desert. A Shade Rider, loyal to Galbatorix, and seeking revenge upon his enemies.
Why can't the past die? she wondered to Serenity. The war has been over for years. Why bring it back now?
Justice breeds vengeance, Serenity said, sadness in her voice. It is evidenced all throughout history. This Shade has taken years to put together this plot, so we can be sure it is well thought out. We should be grateful that we have received this much warning at least.
"Of course, your Majesty," Diana replied to the task appointed to her by Nasuada. "Serenity and I shall leave for Bromsland immediately. Is there anything else I need to know before we leave?" She recited the facts to herself in her mind, knowing she would have to state it all clearly and completely when she met with Eragon and the other Riders.
~~~~~
Shivan walked around the outer gates of the castle, her mind drifting. The air was beginning to cool; the rolling plains of Ismalia were likely covered in a light layer of snow already. Alagaesia was still too warm for her taste, but she visited Ileria regularly as she would see if Nasuada needed any messages sent to Ellesmera or Ismalia, or Aberon and Tronjheim for that matter. Her wanderings led her nearly everywhere, though she had yet to go as far east as Bromsland. The desert always turned her away from that direction.

[Max452]

Marek paced back and forth at the palace entrance. He had just heard that Kari had returned. He was training a group of new archers today, as was his role for the past few years now. He had excelled in the military, having taken that route to support his ever growing family, as well as his usual duties of nobility (one of his least priorities). He was in a middle of a session when he had heard his wife had come back...alone. He remembered that another young man had gone with her on her scouting mission. Worried, Marek continued his lesson, but when the rumor of Kari carrying a head reached his ears, Marek ended the lesson right then and there. He had rushed to the palace entrance and was about to go inside when he learned that she was giving her report. Impatient, Marek wanted to barge in, but his better side told him to wait. And, so he did, for a good two hours, Marek paced back and forth, worried and concerned for his wife.

OOC: I think Arya appointed an elf to be the Ambassador for her people. I can't recall the elf's name...I think it started with a V though...you can always just scry for her! lol

[Tismri]

OOC: Oh yeah...Vanir, I think. That elf that kept kicking Eragon's sorry butt in Eldest. lol

[Trinn]

"I have told you all I know." Nasuada said tiredly. "Made the wind stay under you wings, and the sun at your back, rider."
***
The second might hawk found Shivan. He saluted her and then launched into his message. "Queen Nasuada requests your presence. She algae urgent news to relay. If you'll follow me..." he turned and led Shivan back through the castle, to Nasuada's office. He bowed to the rider who was just leaving, and then continued on into the room. Nasuada dismissed him with a wave of her hand. "Shivan, thank you for coming so quickly. I find our time short, sonI shall get to the pout." As she has with Diana, Nasuada recited the Shades message and the over finite details that she new of the new enemy. By the end she was seated again at her desk, hands steepled before her face. "I need you to travel to Ellesmera and deliver these tidings to Queen Arya. I would scary her, but the forest will not allow it."

OOC: I forgot! We need to send someone to the dwarves too! Any ideas on that? Lol

[Max452]

OOC: Lol. Trinn, I can't wait until you get internet again...its funny to see what your ipod change the words you want to write though...lol. Oh, and um, send Aiden and Lenora! Those two are still around; I doubt he went to Bromsland. lol

Arya was perched against Firnen, her eyes distant as she recalled memories of her past. Her thoughts lingered on Eragon and Saphira for a moment longer before Firnen called her out of her reverie.
It's a shame we can't do this often. The green dragon sighed. They were located in the garden, which Arya had expanded so that Firnen could join her. The young Queen was taking a small reprieve from the world in her favorite location with her favorite companion. She glanced up at Firnen, a smile tugging on her lips. It is, but it is as it should be. We cannot change that. We both have our duties to our people and land. Arya stated diplomatically.
Firnen sighed. Do not chide me, Arya. You know better to act like that around me. The dragon huffed.
Arya's eyes flashed with amusement. I'm sorry, Firnen. It's been a tiring day. Arya hugged Firnen's leg. Come, the Council expects my answer about some more idle issues. We've taken a sufficient rest from it all. She rubbed her temples, reigning in her emotions. Sometimes, she wished she was just the Rider and not the Queen. Sometimes..she wished she could visit them...
Firnen whined. He was doing no better on his own issues. They had been separated for 16 years now...but to one of her lifespan, the separation was still fresh for her. Arya sighed, composed herself before straightening the elegant dress she wore. She really much preferred her leggings...
Come, Firnen. Arya replied gently.
I miss them. Firnen muttered, uttering Arya's sentiments as well.

The Queen and Dragon soon departed the lavish gardens, and into another meeting with the councils of the court about mundane topics that had been waging for over a century among her kin. Arya sighed. She sometimes despised the sly politics of her people. She hoped maybe that she could go and visit Nasuada; it would be nice to see her. She wondered if she could devise and excuse to do so...she shook that thought away immediately. She would not shirk her duties. She was a Queen now and her yawe was to protect them. With the natural grace she possessed, Arya entered the council chambers, her elegant raven hair flowing behind her as her bond squeezed in from the back.

***
Aiden was lazily sitting on Lenora's saddle, watching the soldiers and servants scurrying down below them. The red dragon was curled up on one of the towers of the castle, resting herself after another visit to Celesti. Aiden had reported in and was now, with his dragon, with nothing to do. I'm bored. Aiden replied suddenly as he lounged on the saddle, gazing upward into the sky. Let's go visit the elves. He added.
Lenora opened a half slit eye. Is there a particular elf you had in mind to visit or the whole of their kin? Lenora teased.
Shut up! Its been awhile since we visited. She'll hit me for sure if we delay any longer. Aiden replied, referring to his love/hate relations to his elven friend. I can already feel the bruise coming... He absently rubbed his arm.
He felt Lenora's body shake, indicating that she was chuckling. Don't be so dramatic. Besides, you both have your own duties. When it slows a bit, I'm sure Queen Nasuada will let you visit. In the meantime, we best get our next assignment. I too, am a bit eager to move about. Being lazy does nothing for anyone. Lenora replied as she got up from her curl position. Aiden let out an annoyed grunt. he almost had fallen from her movement. He adjusted himself into a more proper position on the saddle before Lenora launched herself down into the courtyard, startling a few people. Aiden hopped off the saddle. I'm hungry. He replied, marching off to the kitchen to snag a bread or two.

[Tismri]

OOC: Ah, Aiden...Tento shall beat him thoroughly for not visiting her sooner.

Diana bowed to Nasuada and hurried out, making haste to the courtyard where Serenity was ready to take flight. Diana saddled her, took provisions for a few days' flight, which Serenity would undoubtedly make nonstop. In hardly any time at all, they were in the skies, wheeling their way eastward to Bromsland.
~~~~~
Shivan entered Nasuada's presence without a word and listened to the instructions. Her straight white eyebrows closed together in concern, but she said nothing.
"This is indeed grave news," she said once the human queen finished. "I will leave immediately to warn Arya Drotting." She inclined her head, and turned to leave. Once she was outdoors, she called out with both her mind and voice. "Odhaviing!" Within moments, the red dragon appeared and landed nearby.
What is it? he asked, concerned. She lept onto his back and explained in mental flashes what was happening.
We need to makeall haste to Du Weldenvarden, she finished with, and he took flight in moment.

[Trinn]

OOC: I know! lol. I catch them too late, and it's a hassle to try and modify the posts. I can't wait either, so that way I can stop being a failure as an English major lmao.

The nighthawk found Aiden. He was the same who had found Diana. What is with dragon riders and kitchens! he thought to himself, exasperated. He approached the rider, trying to remain civil, though he new time was running out for them all. "Rider! Come with me, please! Queen Nasuada needs your aid in a matter of great importance." Feeling like he was having deja vue, the nighthawk led Aiden back to Nasuada's chambers, then gestured for him to go in.