Madness

[Max452]

OOC: Title courtesy of Muse lol. And I'm hoping that this thread would start off with Ian going on a mission into the Empire...not quite sure how or what he will be doing...but felt like a new thread that wasn't in New Doru Arabea. lol.

Ian fell to the ground with an exhausted thud. Bare-chested, sweaty and dirty, Ian had reached the peak of exhaustion. The young Rider stared up into the hot afternoon, a rare break from the chilly weather they seemed to be having lately. He heard a grunt and a thud, followed by a minature earthquake beneath his dirt encrusted back. Ian turned his head to his right to stare at Castiel. The white dragon groaned as he too, was exhausted. They had both spent the morning and early afternoon training - getting stronger. They had opted to fight against one another, one on one, magic and non magic. Of course Castiel won; he was a dragon! But Ian knew, that he had almost taken down his bond today!

The two stared up into the blue sky, both thinking of their motivation to become better. Ian's desire for equality and peace was ever evident in his mind, but in the last month, he truly began to realize the daunting task of it since the news of war reached his heart. Glory and Sundavar were gone - taken (willingly or not) to the Shade army. No one had heard of them since. And Seth had gone off on his own to find her too, angered that Glory was seemingly forgotten by the Council. Ian partially felt the same, but Master Roland had assured him that a search and rescue party was out looking for Glory and Sundavar and that he must continue to train against a rising threat. At that thought, Ian clenched his fists together. He had a duty and promise to protect his family; a reminder was branded onto his shoulder.

It finally seemed that all their training was to prepare them for this. War was truly here and Ian didn't know if he could truly become the warrior he desired to be. He closed his eyes, listening to his breathing and Castiel's as well. They had so much to fight for now. His family - Father, Mother, Eva and Eos, Castiel, His cousins, aunt and uncle (Glory especially), and Maude...Ian's heart hammered in his chest at the thought of her name. Maude... Ian thoughts were affectionate. She was a primary motivation as well, if not the one that truly fueled him these days.

Finally, Ian felt some energy come into his limbs and he slowly sat up; legs sprawled out as he looked around the Woods. A chill went down his spine as he thought about the news of a Shade Rider. An abomination bent on destruction and polluted vengeance. His father said nothing could come of it and so, they must fight against this new Madness that encircled the land.

I smell someone coming, Ian. Castiel's voice broke the growing boy's thoughts as both Rider and dragon turned toward the woods to the visitor.

[Trinn]

Maude found Ian just as Castiel landed. She lingered in the shadows of the woods for a moment, taking in the sight of the man she thought she loved. Magda soared overhead, circling, waiting to land as well. Ian had changed so much already since she had first met him. He no longer seemed boyish, as she had first thought of him. He had matured, mentally, and, she thought as she looked over his body, physically. When it seemed that Ian and Castiel had noticed her, she walked from the woods, pretending not to have been watching, and feeling slightly embarrassed that she had been.

"Hey there." She said, giving him a smile. "What are you two up to?" Magda landed then, alighting gracefully on the grassy ground. She folded her wings and nipped at Castiel in greeting. "Fighting each other, by the looks of it." Kneeling down next to, Maude brushed her fingers across Ian's cheek, letting a bit of her energy cross into him. "There you go." she said, and sat back.

[Max452]

Ian's eyes brightened at the sight of Maude emerging from the trees. His grin mirrored his happiness. "Hello, Maude." His voice raspy from lack of use and quaked with thrist. He had forgotten that he communicated with Castiel through his mind now; it seemed so natural that he felt like he was using his vocal chords. Ian cleared his throat as she approached and knelt beside him. His chest hammered, as it always did when she was in his presence. His eyes half liddly shut as she barely touched his cheek. He felt a new, strong energy pulsate through him. His cheek tingled from where she touched him as she drew away. "Thank you, Maude." He smiled affectionately at her. He glanced over at Castiel, who was playfully growling at Magda; it seemed his dragon also felt a new surge of energy at the sight of visitors. We want to become stronger. The white dragon told all present. He glanced back at Magda. Wanna play? He challenged her, his tone always playful as he lowered his legs, as if to pounce the ruby dragon.

Ian rolled his eyes. Cas would never grow up. He turned his attention to Maude, who was growing more beautiful each day, to converse with her instead. "We just finished training." He explained briefly to her what they were doing. His stomach rumbled then and he nervously chuckled. "And I've worked up an appetite." He stretched his arms, getting rid of the kinks. He stood up then and stretched his back by rotating it from side to side. "What have you been up to?" He asked her as he offered his hand to help her up.

***
Roland stared out of the Council tower; the usual meeting place for the teachers to gather if they needed to discuss missions for the Riders. "We've received that Melian and several other towns have been attacked. Casualties are unknown, but Nasuada's scouts believe its part of the Shade's army." Roland turned to face the friend he was speaking to. "We've been too idle. I know we've been training the students to gather the basics, but the more we wait and prepare, the more footing this threat has. We need to send Riders to assess the situation in Melian and to work with Queen Nasuada and Queen Arya. We need to assure the people that the Riders do have a presence in Algeasia, or they will lose hope to this new abomination." Roland's good eye closed as he thought about the dire situation the land was in. He knew that not many of the Riders were ready for this, but they simply had no time. People were dying and the land needed them. It was time to send out reinforcements, just enough to bind time to further train the new Riders. He couldn't do anything about the older Riders, as they were spread thin as it was, crossing between Ismalia, the Empire, and Du Weldenvarden; they had they're own preparations to worry about. Roland sighed and opened his eye. He really had hoped peace would last a few more centuries.

[Trinn]

Magda smiled, or at least, smiled the best she could. In Castiel's weakened state, she would have the upper hand. I am bigger, now. she said to him, a challenging snarl rippling in her throat. Are you sure you want to play? I shan't be nice about it.

Maude ignored Magda. That dragon was always up for a fight. It would be interesting when, finally, Magda could meet Viel. Would the two dragons squabble? Would Viel be motherly, or would Magda reject Viel as a mother? These thoughts worried her sometimes during the night. But now she wanted to focus on Ian. Shirtless Ian. Taking Ian's hand, she allowed him to help her up. "Magda and I were going through the Rimgar for most of the day. I'm becoming quite advanced, now. It's really truly relaxing, once you get used to it." She said, referring to the advanced exercises the elves practiced. "Magda could only do a few of the poses, of course. But she likes it, too." With a smirk, she lightly patted Ian's stomach. "Come on, we should probably go get you some food. And leave those two to have their playtime." From the corner of her eye, she could see Magda getting ready to pounce. Grabbing Ian's hand, she pulled him along, back towards the city.
***

Trinn spoke up, putting in her thoughts on the matter. "Indeed, I think our young riders should begin acting their parts in the world. They can only learn so much from being here. Real experience will be what shapes them, and, hopefully, improves them." She stood from the chair she had been seated in and began to pace. "Thora thinks that our young rider, Maude Vanasdaughter, is ready. From what we've seen, Maude has needed little training in swordplay, even in magic. She is quick and sharpminded. We should send her to Melian to investigate the nature of the attack." Trinn paused, listening to the voice of her bond.

"Thora also thinks that the young Einarson is ready. He shows incredible potential, though I think he is still hesitant about his role. What he needs is to be out in the world. That being said, we should send the two together. They can go from Melian, to the smaller villages that were attacked, to gather info and to give moral to the unfortunate townsfolk." Satisfied with her answer, Trinn went back to her seat and sat down again. She looked across the faces of her peers, wondering what they would say of the matter.

[Max452]

You are still small to me, little one! Castiel huffed out, still out of breath from his spar with his Rider. And I am always ready to play! He finally let himself pounce onto Magda, playfully swiping her with his talons as he went to chomp down on her neck.

***
Ian gently, but firmly helped Maude up and smiled as she shared with him her day. "Rimgar, eh? That's impressive Maude. I'm still at the intermediate level - I'm terrible with those things. Cas loves it though; I think its cause he loves to swim a lot." Ian held her hand after he helped her up, enjoying the contact. Ian's smile turned into a smirk to match Maude's as she slapped his stomach playfully. "Okay." He went along with her but stopped by a passing rock to grab his things with one hand as the other was still latched onto Maude's. "Let me grab my shirt." He motioned to grabbed it, along with his swords and a side bag he had brought. Einarson briefly let go of her hand to place his shirt on quickly and to latch his weapons and bags to their appropriate spots. He straightened out his clothing and briefly wondered what Maude thought about him with his shirt off. Ian was self conscious about his body, not sure if he considered himself good-looking and wondered slightly if Maude did. He didn't notice her blush, so probably not; she liked him for his personality, he guessed. He gripped her hand again, happy that she had accepted his advances to court her. "I'm ready now." He told her, ignoring the playful snarls of Castiel as he played with Magda.

***
Roland listened to Trinn's suggestions, as long with Thora's - they were wise, honest, and fair in their dealings with others, so he trusted their opinion greatly. Roland nodded. "I agree on all accounts. Experience is needed and they are one of the few that have progressed quickly. With Seth and Hyperion still missing, and Eva and Eos on their own mission, I feel that Ian, Castiel, Maude, and Magda will be well suited for this mission. They proved their teamwork during their main examination and I've noticed the trust between them as well." Roland commented and glanced over to one teacher, who's expression twisted briefly. "Kyler? Do you or Vana object to our recommendation."
Kyler sighed. He had not meant to frown at the news that his daughter was recommended to scout and retrieve information about Melian. "As her teacher, no, I do not, but as her father, I do have concerns, as any father would." He rubbed his temple. "My concern will always be for her safety, but I trust the company she keeps to protect her, and I know my daughter - she is ready and needs this opportunity to prove to herself that she is a Rider and warrior. You will have no objection from me." He finally stated.
Roland nodded. "Then, are were all in accord to allow Ian Einarson and Maude Vanadaughter to embark on their quest to Melian?"

[Trinn]

Throughout the meeting, Vana withheld her thoughts. They were mostly all covered as the council went on. The last bit, however, threw her. Send Maude out into Alagaesia? Was her daughter really ready for that. She felt the old, familiar grip of fear tighten around her. Next to her, she watched Kyler from the corners of her eyes. It was obvious he felt the same. Yet she did not say anything to protest the decision. Maude would have to go out on her own sometime. At least, for now, she would have Einarson. The boy was raised by Einar, which meant he would have to be a skilled rider. And Gianna, too. From what Vana could recall, Gianna had been better at magic than swordplay. "Aye." Vana said, agreeing with Roland that she, at least, was in accord. Across from her, Trinn also gave her agreement.
***

Magda met Castiel head on. She had caught up to his size quickly, though she was slimmer than he, more wily. They wrestled on their hind legs for a moment, each trying to gain the upperhand. Maude maneuvered her head, trying to get at Castiel's neck with her gleaming talons. Part of her held back, though, not really wishing to harm her friend. Part of her, though, wanted to sink her teeth into something. Perhaps, soon, she should go hunting.
***

Maude watched Ian as he went about putting his tunic back on, and then strapping all of his possessions back in place. Perhaps he felt uncomfortable under her stare, but Maude somewhat enjoyed making him flustered. "Now let's go eat!" She said again. Before heading off into the woods, Maude turned to Ian and brought herself close to him. Slowly, languorously, she moved her lips to his cheek and gave him a soft, delicate kiss. "Race you back." She whispered in his ear. Breaking away from him, Maude dashed back into the woods with a laugh.

[Max452]

Roland looked around the rest of the council. He gave a grateful nod to Vana as the others also agreed. "Very well. Then we will send for them immediately." Roland then glanced at Vana again. "Would you like to inform them, Argetlam Vana?" He asked out of respect for her. "Or would you prefer someone else?"

***
Castiel continued his playfulness with Magda, enjoying the play fight, but tired as well. He had not yet recovered from his previous exhaustion. The dragon snarled once more as Magda managed to hit his chest. He applied pressure on his hind legs, using it as leverage to try to topple her over. You...are still little! He teased her with a huff.

***
Ian grinned and nodded as he motioned to move. Maude's next move caught him unawares. She moved close to him, making his heart stop. He became hot and flustered, and extremely hopeful as his eyes followed her movements. He gazed into her eyes, eager for what was to come as his eyes darted to her lips. She kissed him on the cheek then, making him feel like he was just swimming in fire. Her breath tickled his ear and he let out a blissful shiver, not registering her words yet. A delirious smile was on his face as Maude moved away from him. "Wha....what?" He finally understood what she said as she raced away. "HEY!" He laughed and ran after her. "That was cheating!" He ran after her, trying to catch up, but she had managed to create enough distance as he was staring off in his own happy oblivion. He had to remember to return the favor later.

[Trinn]

Vana considered Roland's question a moment. "I shall go." she said, and stood to depart. She glanced at Kyler. He would want to go get Maude, too, but Vana felt it was best if he stayed here. "I shall return with them shortly." She informed the council, before hastily moving off and down the spiraling flight of stairs leading down and out of the tower.
***

They emerged from the woods onto a paved street. It was a business street, where tradesmen could sell clothes, shoes, food, and any other goods. Most of the shopkeeps were men or women who had come to Bromsland in hopes to impress a dragon, but who, ultimately, did not. Maude was impressed at their ability to move on and start lives different from what they might have imagined. Then, coming from around the corner of one of the shops, appeared Vana. Maude smiled at first, until she saw her mothers worried expression.

"What is it?" She asked, trotting over to her mom. Vana placed her hands gently on Maude's shoulders, and for a moment, simply stared. Maude could tell that her mother was deep in thought, and so, she did not say anything to disrupt her.

"It's time for you to attend to your duties as a dragon rider, my daughter. The council of the elders has called for you." Vana's eyes looked over Maude's shoulder, at Ian. "You as well, Einarson." Maude felt a thrill of excitement. Would she finally be setting out to perform a mission? But why did her mother feel so sad about it. "Before you learn of your mission, I want to say this." Vana said then, looking again at Maude. "There is a war coming, which you may have heard rumors of. The rumors are true. There is a dragon rider shade roaming Alagesia, followed by an army of immense proportions. Maude, if you come anywhere near this army, flee. Do not try to be brave or courageous. You must flee." Maude frowned.

"But what if we get the chance to hurt the army?" Maude asked, but was surprised when her mother gave her a firm, rattling shake.

"You are not to go near them!" Vana commanded, an almost frantic look in her eyes. "If you see any hint of that army you will flee! If you value the sanity of your mother, you will do so." Maude stared, shocked and a little afraid by Vana's intensity.

"I will flee." Maude agreed, though in the back of her mind, doubted if she would. Vana looked again at Ian.

"The same goes for you, Ian. Your parents would not want you meddling in the affairs of the shade and her army. It is no place for such new riders. Trust me in this, please." Maude nodded again, even though her mother had been speaking to Ian. The worried look in Vana's face seemed to ease, and she released Maude. "Thank you. Now come, my Maude, Ian, the council waits for you."
***

Magda could sense Castiel's exhaustion. And so she gave no ground to his shoves, but rather, shoved back. Unfurling her wings, she flapped them powerfully, using that force as well to push back at Castiel, and to buffet him about the shoulders and face.

[Max452]

Ian almost caught up to Maude once they entered the outskirts of the city. He laughed as she crossed first, not minding that she had beaten him. He chased after her still as they passed by all the shops and people, ignoring the stares they were getting as he did. Ian then spotted his teacher - the mother of his girlfriend. He slowed to a jog and then stopped right behind Maude. "Hello Ebrithil Vana." He smiled at Vana, but it faltered slightly when he saw the worried look in her eyes; it reminded him of how his Mother looked when she was worried about something. He listened carefully as his teacher announced that they were to go on a mission. His eyes brightened on that. He was finally going to get to do something! He was immensely excited. Green eyes dimmed the moment he heard about the war. This was not unfamilar to him. Glory. Ian worried about his cousin, hoping that Eva and Antien or even Seth were having luck finding her. He hoped that maybe that was what they were going to help with, but somehow, knew it wasn't at the same time; he would have to trust in his sister and friends to bring Glory and Sundavar back. Ian's eyes flickered back to the present as Vana desired them to promise to stay away from the Shade Rider's army. This was not new. His Mother and Father had informed them of this threat - right after Eva decided to go find their cousin. That was one thing he admired about his parents: they told them the truth and trusted that they were prepared enough, although, Ian had a funny feeling that his father would activate their rings just to go and find them and make some excuse that he was just around just so he could be with them. "We will flee." Ian assured his teacher as they headed toward the council. Ian wondered what mission they were taking to make Vana-elda worry so. Ian walked beside Maude and gave her one of his sweet smiles, assuring her that nothing bad was going to happen.

***
Castiel let out a huffed snort as Magda increased her force and even used her wings as a buffered leverage! Not fair! The white dragon then felt himself fall backward as his left hind leg lost its footing. Castiel toppled backward with a thud, causing the ground beneath to reverberate under his size and pressure. Ack! Castiel cried out as he laid on his back vulnerably. He then sensed the news of Ian and Maude getting a new mission. He raised his head up to Magda. We're leaving! He chirped, a wave of excitment passing through him. Finally! We get to see somewhere else besides this place! I was starting to get bored! He bugled but then panted. He was so tired. I think I'm going to take a nap. Castiel declared. You've beaten me today, Magda! But once I recover, we're going at it again! He challenged her.

[Tismri]

Tismri sat silently through most of the counsel. She was still concerned over Gloriann and she couldn't help but worry if they may lose more young Riders by sending them out. Shades could be cunning creatures and turn one's mind with mere words if they were eloquent enough.
She glanced at Vana as the woman went to inform her daughter of her new mission. She couldn't help but wonder what was going through her mind; of the last pair of students she sent out, one of them did not return. Would she be worried that the same might happen again? Tismri admired the young woman's strength for going through with it.
As Vana left, and everyone awaited their return, Tismri approached Kyler. Her promise to Sidhion would not allow her to rest.
"Kyler," she told him softly, knowing his mind must be more on his daughter's safety now. "If you happen to have a free moment, I have something I must give to you."

[Max452]

As the council waited for Vana to return with Maude and Ian, Kyler sat in his seat with hidden concern. He was worried about Maude and the mission she was about to undertake. The reality of the war was becoming more and more apparent and Kyler had hoped to shield his daughter from it. He wanted to voice his concern to Vana, but knew it wasn't the time. He felt lonely in his thoughts and wished that Typhon was back. He was thus preoccupied when he heard Tismri's voice. The half Ismalian glanced up and gave a tired smile to Tismri. "Something to give me?" His face and voice perplexed as he stood up to face her properly. They had barely known one another and Kyler found it very odd that this Ancient had something to give him.

[Tismri]

Tismri nodded once to Kyler's question. "Yes. I was asked to give it to you, and I see this as the best opportunity." She gestured for him to follow and made her way to her home. Inside, she found what she sought stored carefully away, wrapped carefully in cloth. She turned to face the young man slowly as she uncovered it for him.
"He asked me, if I ever met you, to give this to you," she held out Reona, a sword even more familiar to her than it was to him. Mor'ranr's blade had often met this in many a spar. "He also asked me to tell you that he is very sorry for the pain he caused you. Mere words cannot express the depths of his regret. He hoped that this gift would be able to say what he is unable to." She stared into Kyler's face with steady emerald eyes, her expression completely serious. "And it is my hope that, whatever has occurred between you two, you may be able to eventually find it in your heart to forgive him. Or at least to not dwell on the pain."

[Max452]

Kyler followed Tismri, but glanced behind him to the Council chambers, wondering if this was the best time. Vana would be back soon. He turned back to see Tismri and sighed. It was best not to disrespect an Ancient one. He followed her to her home and with geniune curiousity, watched her unviel the object that was to be given to him.

At the moment of recognition for the blade, Kyler's eyes flickered dangeriously. He glanced up at Tismri, backing awhile slightly. He heard the words she uttered, but the hate for the man who was his Father burned within his heart. He had caused him pain. He had caused Vana pain. And now this man was asking for forgiveness?! LIES! Sidhion was bent only destruction and selfish causes!

Kyler backed away a bit more. "He asks for something that I will not give him." Kyler finally looked Tismri in the eyes. "What did he do that made you believe in him? Did he give you his eloquent words? They're all lies! He is nothing but a selfish manipulator!" Kyler yelled, pointing at that sword. "I don't care if he gave you Reona, or the message behind it! He will never truly believe Peace has been sought! This is another ploy for him to try to harm me and my family!" He slashed his arm in the air. "I will have none of it!" He then glared at Tismri. "You tell that self-righteous fool that I want nothing of his and if he appears, I'll kill him!" And with that Kyler stormed out of the home of Tismri and continued his way back to the Council room.

[Tismri]

Tismri sighed to herself as Kyler stormed out in anger. He seemed so unwilling to listen; she'd not said Sidhion had desired his forgiveness. She said she desired it for him. She felt afraid for the boy. If he allowed this bitterness to remain in his heart, it could only cause pain for him and those close to him.
She did not follow him, or try to reason with him. He would have to work things out on his own. She wrapped the sword again and put it back in its place, where it would wait until Kyler decided to claim it.
"I am sorry, my love," she whispered as she set it gently down. "I tried."

[Trinn]

Vana returned to the council chamber a little while later. Maude trailed after her, as well as Ian. Vana stopped in the center of the room, and gestured to her daughter, and then to Ian. "I shall allow someone else to inform them of their mission." She said, knowing that she wouldn't be able to deliver the quest to Maude without sounding sad or even a bit angry. She took her seat next to Kyler, noticing as she did that he seemed rather upset himself. Making a note to talk to him later, she trained her eyes on her daughter, hoping and praying that the journey the elders were sending them on would return Maude safe to her.