Rebirth

[Trinn]

A group of men and women stood in the clutching cavern. The warm air lingered on their skin and caused some to sweat. Maude stood between her parents, watching the ceremony excitedly. The great red dragon, Viel, stood at her impressive full height, straddling the thirty-two eggs she had lain a month before. The dragons head was lowered over her eggs now as she choose those that would hatch for riders, and those that would hatch in the wild. After a while, she made her decision and informed Vana and Kyler. Vana moved forward with Kyler and they helped to remove the chosen eggs to a pile near the masters of New Doru Arabea. In the end, Viel had determined to leave the majority of her eggs with the riders, in total, 27. She choose to rear only five of her clutch in the wild. Viel was an intelligent dragon. Raising five hatchlings would be easier than raising ten for a first-time mother.

Viel settled into a crouch now over the five eggs she would raise personally, looking satisfied. Now it was time for the ceremony of the bond. There were a small group of bystanders near the other end of the cave, separated from the dragons family and the masters. They were allowed to watch the ceremony from a distance. Maude scanned that crowd now, wondering, hoping, to see one particular boy. But the voice of Master Trinn returned her attention to the formal affair. The twenty-seven eggs were now surrounded by the masters of New Doru Arabea. Eragon stood at the head of the circle. He began to chant in a deep voice, and soon, another master joined, and another, until they all chanted together. They joined hands, joined their energies. Now the eggs seemed to glow ethereally, and an intense, metallic humming filled the cave. The masters cut off their chant simultaneously. The eggs faded back to their natural hues, and the mysterious humming fell away. The masters all looked exhausted, but happy.

Now they began to file the eggs into elaborate crates, in which they would transport the clutch to the egg vault within the city, where they would join the others. As they were doing this, Viel crooned to those fated eggs one last time, looking over the crates a little forlornly. Then, turning to her motherly duties, she gingerly picked up the five eggs in her mouth. She made an odd clicking sound at her mate, and then she walked out of the cavern, to begin raising her five eggs out in the Skullblaka mountains. Maude looked up at her mother.

Vana watched Viel go with a somewhat panicked look. Her mother was worried about Viel, no suprise. She would not see her bond for many months, until the hatchlings were old enough to fend for themselves. A second later Vana broke into a run and dashed after Viel. Maude watched as her mother climbed up onto Viels back, and accompanied her dragon outside the cave. Maude remained, having already wished Viel and Typhon farewell. She continued to watch the eggs being packed away. Her eyes fastened onto a red egg. It was the egg she had always found the prettiest. She felt a sudden intense yearning to go hold it again, before it was forever out of her reach. Moving quickly, she reached the egg and scooped it into her hands. Master Trinn looked at her, as if to say something, and then continued on packing the eggs away. Maude glanced back at the viewing crowd. They were all drifting away now that the ceremony was over.

The egg felt unusually warm in her hands, as if the magic were still settling into its shell. A sort of small vibration seemed to shake Maudes hands. At last, it was time for this egg to be packed with its siblings. Maude decided she would do the honors. She moved to the designated crate and tenderly lowered the egg into the silk lining of the box. The masters began to close the lid, but stopped when a sharp crack split the silence. Maude was half-turned when it happened, and now she turned back to face the crate. The egg had a hundred little cracks running across its shell. The snapping noise continued, and finally little pieces of shell began to fall away, making a nest of red shell around a ruby colored hatchling. Maude was breathless, staring into the eyes of the small dragon. The whole cavern was quiet, the only sound the dripping of water from stalagmites. Maude knelt down in front of the crate, unable to stop staring. The hatchling preened the afterbirth of the shell from its body. At last it settled into a sitting position, curled its tail around its body, and looked at Maude. The girl reached up and held her hand near the hatchling. With evident purpose, the little dragon reached out with its nose and touched Maude's palm.

There was pain now, pain Maude had expected. But it was more pain than she thought it would be. Despite how hard she tried, Maude arched her back against the pain and accidentally bit her tongue, drawing a thin line of blood. Her eyesight blacked out for a moment, her hearing lessened to a buzz. When her functions returned to her, she was hunched and half sitting, half laying. The hatchling was still settled in the crate, staring at her. Maude felt tears form in her eyes. This was the moment she had been waiting for for nearly her whole life. And at last, after months and months of being in Bromsland, she was at last a rider. Maude beckoned for the hatchling, and it spread its wings and leapt from the edge of the crate, drifting into its destined riders arms.

[Max452]

Ian was amazed that Maude invited him to Viel's ceremony. He felt very honored and was excited to share this with Maude. The young Einarson moved through the small crowd, his white dragon atop his head as he managed to squeeze himself into the front, so he could watch. He spotted Maude and gave her a bright smile, his eyes already lighting up from seeing her. His dragon sniffed through the air and made an excited chirping sound. The Rider and dragon watched as the mighty Viel chose the eggs that were to participate in the ceremony and spotted Typhon moved to help, along with Vana, Kyler, and Maude. This was so exciting! Ian had never seen this performed before. Sure, Stigandr and Gladia had their own clutches before, but he never was priviledged to see the bonding ceremony.

Ian remained silent as the ceremony began, though paid close attention to the words uttered. As the ceremony progressed, Ian felt a soft chill, as if magic was gathering and surrounding them - making way toward the would-be bonded dragons. "That's how you were bonded." Ian whispered up to his dragon, who just chirped in awe.

When it was all over, Ian watched as the family began to pack up the bonded eggs and made way to them just as Viel launched into the sky. His green eyes watched at Typhon followed right after, making the same noise his mate had done. Ian's eyes flickered over to Maude, and then noticed how her father seemed concerned about something as Ebrithil Vana ran off with Viel, but then Ebrithil Kyler went back to packing up the eggs.

Feeling that it was now appropriate, Ian made way to Maude, watching her as she was placing a red egg into the crate. Ian was halfway there when he spotted her turn around with a perplexed expression. And then it happened. She looked to be in incredible pain, and not registering the cause, Ian ran quickly to her aide, his dragon gurgling with annoyance as he clung to Ian's head.

"Maude!" Ian screamed as he skidded on his knees to her side; her father had appeared on her other side. Ian watched with silent anticipation and excitment as a red dragon popped out of the crate and glided to Maude. A wide grin spread on his face as he realized what had happened (his hatchling was chirping with obvious excitment). "You all right, Argetlam?" Ian's smile radiated off his face as his friend and crush received her wish.

"Hold still, Maude." Kyler instructed as he bent over his daughter. He muttered a long spell as his hand hovered over her wounds. His hand glowed a mixture of blue and white as he began to heal his daughter. "Congratulation, Maude." He beamed down at his daughter, glancing briefly at Ian and then back at Maude.

[Trinn]

Maude hardly noticed the arrival of Ian or her father. Her eyes were fastened on the hatchling in her lap. It's scales glittered in the torchlight like rubies. Light red scales covered the hatchlings body, darkening as they reached the wings and underbelly. In a way the dragon was like Viel, but Viel was a much darker red. The hatchlings face was small and angular, predatory. Small but sharp ivory spikes ran down the dragons spine, with the telling gap at the base of the neck and back. Four horns protruded from the top of the dragons head, almost like a crown. Two smaller horns protruded from each cheek. The dragons eye was red at the outside of the iris, and blackened before reaching the pure black of the pupil. The hatchling struck Maude as regal, even in its infantile state. It sat very straight, wings folded neatly at its side, tail wrapped around the feet.

When the tingling sensation of the healing wore away, Maude finally tore her eyes away from the little dragon. She looked up at her father first, giving him a wide smile. Standing carefully, supporting the hatchling in one arm, Maude hugged her father tightly. He, of course, new her dreams of being a rider. Her happiness at the moment knew no bounds. "Thank you". She said to him. Releasing her father, she turned then to Ian. Despite herself, she chuckled at the sight of him. His dragon was making a bit of noise while clinging quite humorously to Ian's head. "Never better." She answered him finally. She looked from her father and back to Ian, her expression sobering a bit. "So when does training begin? The sooner the better!" She was eager to prove herself as a rider now, eager to be recognized now as such.

[Max452]

Ian's frantic worry died when he spotted Maude's happiness. He smiled, happy that she finally impressed a dragon. He waited paitently as Maude and her father shared their moment, eager himself to perhaps have one with her as well. He gave her a humorous, but quizzical look when she laughed at him. "What?" He asked, unaware of how he looked. He noticed her eyes were directed on his head. "Oh!" He chuckled a bit, realizing that his dragon was uncomfortable. He removed the hatchling from his head and it seemed to look at him with annoyance when he brought him in his arms. The dragon huffed but turned to look at the red dragon with wide eye curosity. It crooned at the hatchling as if in greeting, stretching its white neck.

***

Kyler's smile broadened as his daughter hugged him. "I'm very happy for you. You're Mother would be proud, though, a bit disappointed that she had missed this special moment." He returned the hug warmly and kissed her forehead. "You're not feeling anymore pain?" He asked for reasurance as a concern expression donned his features. He did not like it when his daughter was hurt. Kyler turned his gaze to Ian, when his daughter began to speak with him. He wondered for a moment on the boy. He was the only one out his daughter's classes that she had personally invited. Just how close were they? He better not be thinking of anything inappropriate with his daughter. Or he'll regret it, Einar's son or not. Kyler than cleared his throat, realizing that his fatherly instinct of being overprotective was growing. He glanced back to his daughter when she excitedly mentioned training. He laughed warmly. "Patience, Maude. You are being trained remember?" His eyes twinkled with mirth. "You'll just get extra classes now that you have your dragon. Which, will start tomorrow, once I speak with Eragon about your new bond." He hugged her again. "Go on, go play and show your dragon around." He nudged her along. "I bet he or she is eager to see the world you live in, yes? And perhaps eat too."

***
"I'm really happy for you, Maude!" Ian told her as Kyler hinted for them to go and play. He had noticed a scruntized looked from Ebrithil Kyler and wondered what that looked was for. He gave his Master a polite, departing wave as he gestured Maude to come play with him.

[Trinn]

Maude shook her head at her father's question. She didn't feel any pain now, just an odd sensation on the palm where she had been marked with the Gedwey Ignasia. She was Argetlam now. Silver hand. In fact, Maude only felt a great and rather giddy happiness. "Oh, right." she sad after her father mentioned she was already in training. Well, official training she should have said, then. She frowned a little at the word play. "I'm a little old for playing, dad." she said under her breath, a bit of her solemnity returning. It was hard to be grumpy given her current situation though. Smiling again, she gave her father one last departing hug, then dashed out of the cave with the hatchling huddled in her arms. Maude assumed that Ian was right behind her.

She slowed when she stepped outside of the large cave, blinking at the bright sunlight. The hatcling in her arms seemed more sleepy than hungry, she thought, looking down at it and noticing the half-closed eyelids. Maude jumped slightly when the little dragon made a sudden high chirp. Perhaps it was hungry after all. "We should go hunting." Maude said, glancing behind her. To actually hunt, they would have to travel outside of New Doru Arabea. The trip would take up the whole day, she figured. Which meant she would have to get the hatchling something to eat in the meantime. Moving on, she redirected her steps back towards her own quarters, where she had some dried meat stored away.

[Max452]

Kyler laughed at his daughter's words. "You're never too old to have fun." He chuckled again as he watched his daughter zoom off with Ian right behind her. Vana, our daughter is growing up. Kyler thought forlornly as he watched his daughter disappear into the sunlight. Turning back to the crates, Kyler returned to moving the eggs to their appropriate new home. He caught a glimpse of Typhon flying in the sky, besides his mate. A happy emotion passed between the two as the icicle dragon discovered Maude to be a new Rider. The dragon-father immediately began to share the news with his mate and Vana.

***
Ian followed closely behind Maude, enjoying the fact that they were friends. He skidded to a stop once they reached the entrance. "That would be fun! The last time I went, was with Eva and Eos; there are some really good game at the edge of Bromsland." Ian informed her as he watched Maude interact with her dragon. He couldn't rid himself of the smile he bore as he stared at her. She was meant to be a Rider, he thought. She was even more beautiful and perfect to him at that moment, as dragon and Rider stood gazing out into the sunlight. The hatchling, whom he had named Castiel when he was told that it was a male, shrilled in annoyance with Ian's emotions, as if reminding him to keep his head on his body. His eyes darted down at it. What's wrong with you? He asked, annoyed, but only received a dramatic eye roll from the beast. Ian grumbled something about his dragon needing to learn manners to Maude before following her back to her quarters here.

[Trinn]

Vana thrilled at the news from Typhon and Kyler. Her daughter had impressed a dragon at last! Farewell, Viel. You will not leave my thoughts until the day we are reunited. Be safe, my heart, and return to me soon. Vana rested her head on her bonds neck for a moment, reluctant to leave. Viel crooned to her, soothing her. Vana nodded, as if to herself, and then sat up. Viel was already up in the air, flying away with Typhon. Vana swung her leg over Viel's side and let herself fall into the air. She fell backwards for a few seconds, watching Viel fly away, until turning herself around to face the fast approaching ground. Timing everything perfectly, she uttered a quick spell, and immediately felt her free fall slow. Air built up around her like cushions, until at last she was deposited safely to the ground. Vana took a moment to straighten out her tunic, and then broke into a run back to Kyler.
***

An hour later, Maude was ready to set out on their hunting trip. She had a bow strapped to her back and a quiver over her shoulder. As usual, she brought with her her two Falchion swords. The red hatchling she had stowed in a traveling pouch, which she carried across her body. It's small head was the only thing that could be seen. Maude hoped it would sleep for the hike outside of New Doru Arabea, at least until they reached hunting grounds. She had fed a hefty amount of dried meat as well. It's stomach had bulged by the end of its small feast. She had told Ian to go prepared himself as well, and now she stood by a fountain waiting for him. The fountain had two carved dragon statues circling each other with fanned wings, and heads looking up. Water trickled from their mouths, as if they were playing in the water and spitting it out. This particular fountain rested at the edge of New Doru Arabea. It was where travelers who came on foot would normally enter. Unless they wanted to enter near a hiking trail further up, near the woods of meditation.

[Max452]

OOC: *Sniffle* Bye Viel! Bye Typhon! lol

After making sure Maude returned safely to her home, Ian bid her a temporary farewell before racing off to collect his bow and arrows. He grabbed his gear, stuffing it with provisions; some food in case they got hungry, bandages if they got wounded, and some other supplies. Bow and arrow strapped on his back, beside his two dual swords, Ian made sure to tell Eva and Eos where he was headed, should they worry about his sudden disappearance. "You know how to find me if you need me, Sister." He told her before heading off to meet Maude at the designated fountain. The hatchling, stowed on his head; its seemed its favorite spot, much to Ian's displeasure sometimes, hummed happily as the two spotted Maude at the fountain.

Ian gave a friendly wave as he stopped before her. She looked absolutely beautiful standing next to the fountain; a perfect image in his opinion, which he would store away in his memory, along with other images of her. He shook off those thoughts for now; Maude was his friend now and he didn't want to jeopardize it in any way. Maybe, when he could gather more on her feelings about him, then...perhaps, he could finally reveal his own. Until then, he would silently pine after her. He smiled at her, eager to be off on their hunt together. "I have to admit, its been awhile since I've hunted, but I'm really excited to do it." He admitted as the hatchling atop his head twirled his tail around Ian's neck to secure himself as the Rider walked.

[Trinn]

Spotting Ian coming towards her, Maude easily smiled and waved at him. She was surprised at how comfortable she felt now around Ian, and even more surprised that she looked forward to his company. His little white dragon was perched upon his head again, making Maude smile wider. "It's been some time for me, too." she admitted, setting off towards the hunting grounds she had in mind. Looking over her shoulder, she took in the sight of New Doru Arabea rising up behind them. It was a majestic city, really, and she had only recently begun to consider it a sort of home. Turning back to face front, she continued on towards the end of the city and into the foothills of the mountain. As they walked, she wondered briefly when she would see Viel or Typhon again. She already missed her draconic-parents. She was determined to raise her hatchling into a fine dragon by the time they returned.

The two of them walked in companionable silence for a little while. It was when they were well out of the city that Maude broke the silence. "I thought about getting us horses for the journey. But, well, I don't know how to ride a horse." She glanced at Ian, wondering if he would laugh at her.

[Max452]

Adjusting his pack, Ian followed beside Maude as they left the city. He happily tread along with her in silence; quite use to it by now. It wasn't as if they didn't have anything to talk about, but Ian felt that they just simply enjoyed have each other's company. He heard his hatchling hum along as they walked, matching his steady steps. At one point the dragon inched toward Maude, glancing down at the newborn dragon. It crooned a funny sound, as if it was trying to talk to it about something. Ian didn't mind it, as long as his dragon didn't fall off his head. Ian enjoyed the scenery as they walked. The tall trees provided sufficient shade as their leaves were beginning to turn red or yellow, informing the two riders that autumn had arrived. The young Einarson glanced upward, wondering what his parents were doing right now. Apparently, his mother was expecting baby! That made him smile. It seemed their family was getting bigger now! Maybe his Mother would have more soon, that way, they could match Aunt Marola and Uncle Marcus' family! they always outnumbered them whenever they had some sort of family game together. he mused on these thoughts when his attention diverted back to Maude. What was it like to be the only child? He wondered if she felt lonely all the time. Her statement about horses ended those thoughts. He glanced at her, surprised. "Really? You never rode a horse before?" That wouldn't do! "It's easy! When we get back - I'll teach you! It'll be a good practice for us when we need to learn how to ride our dragons!" Ian stated, pleased at this new opportunity to be with Maude. "My Dad taught me; of course we never really had to ride a horse since we had Stigandr and Gladia, but Dad said you never know, so he taught us." Ian rambled. "My first time was hard; I couldn't get up on the saddle and Eva making me laugh didn't help either. Finally Dad had to help." He chuckled nervously, running his hand through his hair, as much as he could without the hatchling blocking him. "But yeah, if you want, I could teach you." He reiterated.

[Trinn]

Maude was glad Ian didn't laugh. She would have felt terrible if he had. "I would like that." she said, referring to him teaching her how to ride a horse. "Like you, I had Typhon and Viel to carry me around. I suspect riding a horse can't be more difficult than riding a dragon." Although, to her, horses seemed more flighty. They seemed to spook easy, and throw their riders often. Unlike a dragon, they didn't seem to want to work together. "And I had that wild boar, during the exam. Although, he was much bigger than horse too..." She bit her lip, feeling slightly worried now about the prospect of horse riding. She would probably fall off. "It'll be a good skill to have." She said aloud, as if reassuring herself.

[Max452]

"Great! Then when we get back, i'll teach you!" He smiled brightly at her, but it faded when he seemed to recall something. "Whatever happened to our friendly boar?" He asked Maude thoughtfully as they walked. "Do you think Master Roland kept the boundary walls or you think he just let all the animals go or something?" He asked, wondering about the creatures they had faced in the exam. "I wonder where that stupid werecat is too. I'll like to strangle him..." Ian muttered darkly.

[Trinn]

Maude smiled when Ian mentioned the boar again. "I believe the boundary walls are gone. There were some regions in the exam that weren't meant to be there, such as the icelands. They had been magically placed. The desert too, I think. So everything I believe was returned to its natural state. At least, that's what my mom said. But our friendly boar... well, I had a talk with Master Roland about him. He said that I could take care of him here. He has his own grazing pasture now, and, his own watering hole. He actually stays with the cattle and sheep, and I think he rather regards himself as king of the flock." She laughed a little at the image of the boar. "You should go visit him sometime. He has a name now, too. Thomas." She had chosen the name because she had read of it in a story. Thomas was a brave warrior from before the fall, and had apparently slain a shade. It was a rather human name for a boar, but she thought he deserved it. "As for that werecat... If I could get my hands on his fat neck! Well, I suppose I'd let you have the pleasure of throttling him." And she smiled and nudged him playfully with her elbow.

The hatchling in the pouch slept on, as if exhausted from hatching and from eating it's first meal. It was oblivious to Ian's dragon's chirping and growling.

[Max452]

Ian smiled as Maude nudged him playfully. "Yeah, I get first dibs on him! and I'll let you have the last punch!" His smile turned devious at the thought. "I can't wait." He cracked his knuckles, and at the sound, the hatchling on his head chirped in agreement. Ian sighed then, returning to their previous topic; the werecat had the knack of getting him sidetracked. "Oh, well, that's good that everything goes back to the way it was." He commented about the boundary walls and then chuckled at the mention of the boar's name. "You named him Thomas?" He smirked at her. "Really? Aren't we attached?" He teased her, poking her in the arm playfully. "Hehe, I'll visit him, for sure! He helped me out a lot in the exam." He smiled brightly at her as they continued to walk.

[Trinn]

"Yes, well, he deserves a name! Names give us purpose after all. I felt bad calling him Boar all the time." She glanced askance at Ian, then laughed along with him. "I actually thought about taking him along for the hunting trip. But I didn't want him watching me kill other grazing animals. It might make him think differently of me. And I do think he thinks." she added. Thomas seemed rather intelligent sometimes. Given his size, he must have a larger brain, which would mean more smarts. More something, anyways. "Well, come on, slow poke, let's pick up the pace!" And Maude stepped into a faster walk, eager for the hunt.
~~

A few hours later, they were in the sparsely wooded foothills where hunting was allowed. Maude moved on the balls of her feet now. Her bow was in her hand, with an arrow tensed at the string, ready for the slightest gesture of a deer. She hoped that her hatchling wouldn't wake now, and give away their position to any nearby game.