Pömnuria Wyrda (My Fate)

[Max452]

Ian blushed again. Honesty! He needed to learn to control his emotions. That felt like the 10th time since he produced such a reaction from talking with Maude. It was so foriegn to him; she was the only one that could illicit such a reaction. He glanced away from her, feeling the silence, but not minding it; it didn't feel as awkward as before. His eyes darted back to her as she declared that she wanted to walk. He felt forlorn for a moment, thinking she wanted to be alone, however, that proved false with her question. Ian nodded. "I would feel very honored!" Ian understood the notion about a clutch, as Gladia had a few with Stigandr, however, he was slightly perplexed at the word dragon-mother. "Dragon-mother?" Ian's face was puzzled as he went to scoop up his dragon, cradling it in his arms. He walked up to Maude, allowing her to lead the way. He really didn't care where they were going as long as he was going with Maude.

[Trinn]

Maude felt embarrassed at Ian's question. Of course he wouldn't understand. Most kids were raised in town and cities within a normal family unit. But shouldn't he understand a little? After all, both of his parents were riders as well. "That's what I call my mothers dragon, Viel." She debated going any further into detail, and decided she should a little. "You see, I was raised in the spine with my parents, and their dragons. That was all. Those were the only souls I knew. Until now." She thought he would laugh at her then, make fun of her perhaps. Maybe he wasn't as good as she was beginning to think he was.

[Max452]

"Oh, okay." Ian nodded with understanding now. That made sense, a bit. He never called Gladia that, but he respected Maude's own customs. He listened carefully as she explained her background to him. "You lived in the Spine? Just with your family?" He frowned. "Didn't that get lonely sometimes? I mean, yes, you have your family, but, I don't know, maybe its just me, but sometimes, I like a break from them." Ian chatted, feeling a bit more at ease. She actually shared something personal with him! This day was just getting better! "I use to sneak out when I got frustrated with Eva or if I was scolded for doing something; I ran off to go see Zee, where ever his tribe was or go see my cousins; it was my escape." He looked askance at her. "Did you have someplace that you could escape to?" He asked, excited to know more about her. The hatchling in his arms chirped as he gazed at the world around him; everything was so new and he enjoyed being with his bond!

[Trinn]

"I guess I was just used to being around them all the time." Maude said, shrugging. "Although there were times when I did feel the need to be alone. It was then that I went off into the woods by myself to think." She glanced at Ian, feeling slightly jealous of all the people he had been raised around. "Your life sounds like it was very nice". She said, hiding her feelings. "What tribe is Zee from?" She asked, covering over her jealousy. "And what's his actual name, if you don't mind me asking?" They were getting closer to the end of the woods. From there they would have a somewhat long trek up to the clutching caves. The woods were beautiful in the early afternoon light. The leaves were now in full orange and red of fall. Maude walked silently through the woods without even trying. It was just a habit at this point.

[Max452]

"That must have been nice." Ian referred to Maude spending some time alone. He really wondered what it was like. He always had Eva, so he never really felt alone. He glanced over to her, mentally putting all her words into his memory. It sounded like they lived very different lives. At the mention of Zee, Ian obliged to tell Maude more about his friend. "He's full name is Zebulin. He's of the Ayati tribe. Their nomads." Ian explained as he followed Maude. He enjoyed the vibrant colors of autumn, but especially the company he held. He hiked up with Maude to the clutching caves, eager to see Maude's dragon-mother and the clutch. During their walk, Ian found the silence a bit unnerving, thinking that Maude was getting fed up with talking to him. He quickly thought of something to say, anything to really learn about her. He thought about Eos's wooing suggestion,slightly blushing, and withuot thinking blurted out the question in his mind. "What's your favorite flower?"

[Trinn]

Alagaesia had many nomadic tribes, though many were small and not well known. This Ayati tribe didn't sound familiar to her though. They must be a small tribe as well. Or perhaps now they were growing. "I see." she said, and fell silent pondering the tribes she did know about, and ones that she may not. Maude didn't mind the silence. It had often been silent like this growing up. They were nearly to the caves when Ian blurted out an odd question. "I don't think much about flowers." she said, frowning at the odd question and racking her brain of all the flowers she knew of. They were mostly wildflowers. "I find the bellflower very pretty." she said at last. "I think the proper term is creeping bellflower. They're purple and grow in bunches on a tall stem. I'm not sure about my favorite, but they are beautiful." She stopped now at the mouth of a large cavern. There was an incredible heat coming from inside, but bearable. A sulfry smell lingered in the air. This was where Viel had layed her clutch. She was inside brooding over the eggs now. Viel was very protective of them. She allowed no one inside except Typhon, Vana, Kyler, and Maude. "Here we are." Maude said, looking into the cave.

"I've already let Viel know that you are with me. A good thing too. She may have eaten you otherwise." And without another word, Maude stepped into the cave. They walked through an immense tunnel, took a sharp turn, and entered an even larger cave. Viel lay at the back of the cavern, a clutch of thirty-two eggs resting between her two front legs. She was currently breathing a thin stream of fire over them, to keep them warm and to bake the shells to make them stronger. She cut off the stream of fire and looked up at Maude and Ian. A low warning growl rumbled in the large garnett colored dragon's chest, directed at Ian.

He smells like his father. she told Maude, with a tone of resentment. And that silver dragon. He was a good fighter. Maude continued walking, until she stood just infront of the clutch. They were a rainbow of colors. Some were large eggs, others rather small. She gestured for Ian to come closer. "Viel says that your dragon-father.. I mean Stigandr- was a good warrior. She also wants you to know that she never lost a fight to him. Though of course, she never exactly won one either." At that last comment, viel snarled nastily. Maude was unperturbed. "Sorry, Viel. You are master of the hunt to me, great she-dragon." This seemed to appease Viel, for the dragon's eyes became sleepy and she rested her head alongside her right leg. She kept one large red eye on Ian, though, untrusting.

[Max452]

"Oh, creeping bellflower..." Ian made a mental note. She didn't say it was her favorite, but she thought they were beautiful. He was thinking whether or not he should give her those said flowers as he walked with Maude inside the cave, hearing her say something. He had nearly come to a decision when he finally processed Maude's warning. Ian tensed when he saw Viel and gulped in fear. She's gonna eat me! Ian glanced at Maude for help. He stood near the entrance of the main cave, hesitant and weary of going closer to the clutch. They were pretty, but Ian's attention was mostly on the she-dragon. He gazed back at Maude, catching her gesture. He nodded, though fearful still, and tentatively walked closer, standing next to his crush. "Good day, Viel. You have a beautiful clutch!" He gave a tentative smile at Viel. "Stigandr would be happy to hear that, especially from you; he told us stories of the mighty Viel and your matchless prowess." He complimented, trying to get on the dragon's good side so he wouldn't be eaten. He watched her as she laid her head down, looking tired. Just then, he heard clinking noises and glanced toward the source. He spotted an icicle dragon coming in from behind them.
Viel. I've caught a big one for you today! Typhon entered the cave, his eyes fixated on his mate, and then at the two human hatchlings. The dragon recognized Maude's scent, but the other, was new, though familiar. Who is this, Maude? Typhon asked, his voice dangerously low. The male dragon wasn't keen on outsiders visiting his mate and clutch while he was away. Though, he trusted Maude, this male he did not. He gently deposited the large deer he had caught, beside Viel. He tilted his head curiously at Ian and then glanced at Maude. A new friend? The dragon asked, speaking only to Maude. Ian shuffled, feeling awkward at being scrutinized by two big dragons. "Hello, well met." Ian let out a hesitant smile, though it might seem more of grimace at the tension he felt.

[Trinn]

While Ian was trying to make a good impression, Maude had sat herself down in front of Viel's large paws. She idly stroked one of the dragons immense ivory talons. He tries too hard. Viel mentioned, and Maude refrained from telling Ian as much. Hearing Typhon enter, Maude stood and went to greet him. She placed her hands on his muscular foreleg. This is Ian Einarson. He is a fellow student of mine. He is friendly. And if he tires anything, I will personally take care of him. But he won't. See, he has a hatchling now himself. Viel heard this as well, and she sniffed the air to scent the hatchling.

A very fresh hatchling. She commented. It will be a good rival for my younglings.[/i] Maude smiled at that. Viel was confident that one of her offspring would rule the skies one day. Whether wild or bonded.

Maude returned to Ians side. "Vile plans on having some of her eggs destined for bonds to riders. Those will be set aside when they are ready to be placed under the spell. The other eggs will remain with her. When they hatch, she will carry her infants into the wild, where she will raise them there to survive." Maude explained. "Viel is eager to meet the wild dragons. She years for a good fight again."

[Max452]

Einarson? Typhon gazed over at Ian once more, the boy blinked. I trust you know best; if he does try anything though, I will be happy to dispose of him for you. Typhon leaned his mighty head down and nuzzled Maude affectionately. He then proceeded to lie himself next to Viel, nudging the venison toward her. Was your day good? He asked her as he allowed the two leggers to converse themselves.

The hatchling in Ian's arms shuffled for the first time since the entered the cave. Its white eyes were wide as it stared at Viel and Typhon, eager to greet them. He began to shuffle in the arms of his bondmate and freed himself soon after. "That would be a sight to see; I've never really meant any wild dragons. I wonder how they differ---Hey!" Ian cried out after listening to Maude explain Viel's plan to raise her hatchlings.

The white dragon bounded over to Viel and Typhon. It hummed at them and then began to sniff the air for their scent, as well as the other eggs. "I'm sorry! He's been doing that a lot." Ian motioned for the dragon, but it just went further toward the eggs, sniffing as he went. He glanced at Viel, hoping that she wouldn't eat his new dragon. "Come back here." He glanced at Maude, a panicking look in his eyes as he darted back to Viel, as he hoped that she would help him catch the dragon before it was Viel or Typhon's snack.

[Trinn]

At the sight of the hatchling rushing towards her clutch, Viel lifted her head and stared down at the young dragon. It was no threat to her, or her clutch. If the hatchling had been a few months older, Viel would have put it quickly in its place. As it was, she put her head down to its level and blew smoke into its face. Go back to your rider, youngling. she told it, sending it images of Ian. Or you may get into something unpleasant. and here she sent it images of herself snarling and fighting.

Maude knew that Viel would not harm the little one. It was too young to be admonished. "Relax." She told Ian, seeing that was quite clearly very worried. "Viel would not kill a bonded dragon. Not anymore. We are allies here. Your hatchling is safe for now. It is an infant, after all." She placed a hand on his shoulder and shoved him towards his hatchling, who was nose to nose with Viel. "Go get him, then, rider." she said, challenging. "A riders duty is to protect his bond, right? Don't just stand there, then.[/i]

[Max452]

The hatchling halted, staring wide eyed with wonderment at Viel. He sneezed as the heated smoke was blown in his face. He shook his head, trying to rid himself of the smoke. Glancing up at Viel, it chirped with some measure of understanding as he recognized the image of Ian. His eyes darted back to his worried rider, then, when the next image came, the hatchling whimpered slightly. It was not looking for a fight. He sat down, remaining still, thinking that was what the great red dragon wanted.

"Ack!" Ian stumbled forward from Maude's push. "Uh...right...right. Viel won't hurt it." Ian caught himself before making a bigger fool of himself from falling. He glanced back at Maude nervously. Great! Now she thinks me of a coward of sorts...can't even protect his dragon from another! He scratched his arm absently and cautiously went to grab his hatchling. "Sorry, Viel." Ian gulped as he picked up his bond, staring right into Viel's eyes with a nervous air about him. The hatchling glanced up at his rider and chirped happily! Well, I'm glad you're happy. Ian replied without amusement. Once he grabbed his dragon, he quickly went back to Maude's side. He averted her gaze as he secured the hatchling in his arms. "Um, thanks..." He muttered sheephisly.

Typhon chuckled to Viel, a thundering noise echoing in the caves. He may look like Einar, but he is not like his father; to nervous, but then again, rightly so. He nuzzled his mate. You radiate power. He chuckled again and then glanced at Maude. Come, look at the clutch, Maude. Look how they shine! Typhon said proudly.

[Trinn]

Maude watched Ian closely as he went to retrieve his hatchling. He was nervous and anxious, and she thought he would do well to toughen up a bit. Although, facing Viel or Typhon was rather more intimidating than most things when Ian returned to her side, Maude gave him a congratulatory pat on the back. "Good job." She said, trying no to laugh. It was hard for her to see Viel as intimidating, having grown up with the red dragon. She smiled up at Typhon. Doing As he suggested, she went up to view the clutch again, but not before grabbing Ian's hand and dragging him along with her. She thought nothing of their joined hands, feeling in no way awkward or embarrassed. She let go of his hand now and sat down. She touched the glossy surface of one egg, marveling at it's texture and warmth. "Here, Ian," she said, glancing at him, "aren't they beautiful?" For the first time in her life, Maude was happy to have someone else to talk to. She was happy to share this view of Viels clutch with Ian. The guy wasn't so bad, it turned out. He was a little weird, but honest and nice. Her grudge against the Varden in no way lessened, but towards Ian she felt kinder.

[Max452]

OOC: lol you're enjoying torturing Ian aren't you? lol

Ian's smile was sheepish as Maude congratulated him, although, he had a funny feeling she really wanted to laugh at his behavior. "Thanks..." he mumbled, embarrassed of his overreacting. Well, as long as it seemed Maude was enjoying his company, Ian, somehow, didn't mind being an idiot. "Whoa!" Ian felt his hand jerk and it took him a moment to realize that Maude was holding his hand! The young boy went red from the warm contact, and that tingling sensation in his chest seemed to only magnify from before. He absently hoped his hand wasn't sweaty. When she released him, he felt a bit forlorn and had to hide his disappointment through a calm exterior. He plopped himself down next to her as she began to gaze at the eggs. He smiled, enjoying the happiness he sensed from her.

Ian carefully composed himself as he let the hatchling down. The white dragon sniffed the air again, but simply curled up in a ball instead of wandering off. Ian watched his dragon for a moment, before turning his green eyes at Maude, clearly enjoying her company. He smiled when she called his name and gingerly reached out to see the egg she was referring to. He studied it for a moment and then glanced up at Maude, his blush returning, "Yeah, very beautiful." He referred to both objects in the line of his sight. He cleared his nervous throat and glanced his full attention back to the warm, vein-like egg. It was so amazing that a dragon was inside! He glanced down at his dragon. He would forever feel blessed that a dragon hatched for him. "Its so amazing that a dragon is inside!" Ian voiced out as he carefully handed Maude the egg. "We're so lucky that the dragons are coming back; my Dad said they were almost extinct. Its amazing how they've come to thrive again." Ian commented.

***
Aradan stepped out into the training circle. He was in the mood for a fight today; to test his skills and to see how much he had progressed since his last lesson. "Would anyone care to be my partner?" The half elf asked aloud to the other students in his midst.

[Trinn]

Maude admired the egg in her hands a moment longer. It was a bright shade of red, lighter than Viel's jeweled garnet red. She turned the egg's smooth sides in her hands, marveling at how the egg's color would darken and lighten depending on the light that hit it. At last, and regretfully, she replaced the egg to its multi-colored brethren. "Beautiful..." Maude agreed, completely ignorant of Ian's admiration. "It's amazing indeed. To think that all of these eggs will produce grand dragons like Viel and Typhon! They will all be mighty warriors!" Viel made a noise in her throat, a whiny sort of growl. The mother dragon was eager for her infants to hatch and prove themselves. "My mother and father always told me that Alagaesia was lucky to have the return of dragons. She said that if she regretted anything about the war, it was killing the dragons of riders. During the war, she didn't have time to stop and think about it. But afterwards... she really felt bad about it. I am happy to have been born in the time of the dragons rebirth. We're all going to be in the history scrolls someday. It's an exciting idea."

As she spoke, Viel stirred and lifted her head again. She nosed the deer that Typhon had brought her. A good and hefty kill it was. She swung her head around and nudged Typhon's shoulder affectionately. A fine kill, from the finest of hunters. And without further ado, Viel snapped down on the deer and devoured it in two halves. Maude watched this with sickly fascination. She had seen her dragon-parents eat before, but never quite this close. Small pools of the deers blood had formed where its body had been.

[Tismri]

Arasu stood alone in a sea of students, virtually unaware of any of them. She held a small wooden block in her hands and was carving away at it, intently focusing on the task at hand.
You could train with your bow, Midori suggested, nudging her to look toward the targets. Arasu stared at it for a bit, her hands still absently moving in the same rhythmical motions to shape the wood.
Why? she eventually queried her dragon, the only word among a series of images and emotions in her mind.
You never know when you might need the skill, the violet dragon stated. Arasu thought long and hard about those words. She couldn't really understand what Midori had meant by it, but it was obvious the dragon wanted her to do something besides carve for the moment. Gently, she set her wood block and knife in her pack and approached the targets.
Remember what the ebrithils said, Midori coaxed her. Arasu had walked a bit too close. Stay about this far back. Keep your eyes on the target as you nock the arrow. That's it...now take a deep breath and raise the bow. Midori practically recited the entire archery lesson from earlier that day to her, knowing Arasu likely didn't recall all the steps.
The girl's eyes drifted briefly to a young man standing near the sparring circle, and she sent a questioning thought to her dragon.
He seems to want to spar with someone, Midori explained, sending a image of a mock swordfight. Arasu wasn't much for blades, aside from her carving knife. Midori caught a brief sensation of disappointment from her bond, and a chuckle came from her throat.
I agree, for a two-legged, he is very cute. But watch we're you're pointing that arrow now! Don't aim it at him. Arasu put her mind back to the task of relearning how to use a bow.