Madness

[Trinn]

OOC: Haha, it was supposed to be where Eragon found Saphira's egg.

Vana bowed her farewell to Tismri, before turning and leaving with Kyler. She scowled at his question. "You would never become like that man." She said sternly, confident in her belief. "You are kind and generous, Kyler. If your fate had been to become like your father, than you would have already become him. But you are here, with me, and we have Maude. No, you will not become like him." Vana paused, reflecting on Tismri's warning. "But Tismri is wise, and perhaps we would do well to heed her words. Anger is unhealthy. I know that better than any." She smiled and squeezed Kyler's hand tighter. "You're the one who saved me from my anger and hate, Kyler."
***

A flash of ruby scales announced Maude's arrival. Magda swooped in towards the tower, spiraling down and around the structure as she went to make her landing. Maude had packed the dragon's saddle bags thoroughly, with food and supplies. She had her two scimitars strapped to her back, a dagger at her hip, and a belt of throwing stars around her waist.

Magda landed with a clack of talons and a flutter of wings. She trotted a few steps forward to stand beside Castiel. Maude dismounted and trundled over to Ian. "Ready!" She said, eyes shining brightly with excitement.

[Max452]

OOC: Oooo! It all makes sense now! Though, I was kinda hoping for crop circles....lol j/k

Kyler gave Vana a soft expression as she expressed her assurance that he was not like Sidhion. "Thank you, Shur'tugal." He kissed her on the cheek. "You have so much faith in me and with you, I know I can do anything." He relished the warmth of their hands together. "I will do my best to relinquish my hate for him - it will be hard, but I am sure it can be possible." He whispered, hopeful. He didn't want to be filled with anger or hate the remainder of his life. He had done his best to teach Maude that love and kindness could overcome any challenge and he did not want to become a hypocrite. And he also knew, that with Vana's help, he could do anything. "I do hope Maude will like it." Kyler changed the subject, knowing that they needed to find their daughter before she headed out. "It may not be Magda's color, but it will do for now until she is able to claim her own." He referred to the Rider sword that he carried with his free hand.

Kyler sensed his daughter was back at the Council's tower, so he led Vana back there to find their daughter next to Ian. It seemed they just arrived by the way he heard Ian's next words.

"Yes. I'm excited." Ian gripped Maude's hand as she bounded toward him. He smiled brightly at her, with a twinkle of mischief. He kissed her softly on the lips, his heart pounding as he did. He was still new to their relationship and had only dared to kiss her on the lips when they were in private or on special occassions. Now, with excitment coursing through him, he felt more daring than normal.

Kyler gawked at Ian's bold move. He darted his eyes over to Vana as if to her to tell him that he was seeing things. "The nerve!" He had suspected that Ian was courting Maude; his daughter seemed happier these passed few months. "I'm going to kill him; he can't just take advantage of my Maude." Kyler grunted and was on the verge to marching over to the couple to annihilate the boy that dared kiss his daughter without her permission!

[Trinn]

OOC: haha!

Vana felt her eyes go wide as she witnessed Ian's bold kiss. She felt an equal amount of anger, but she noticed, as Kyler began to march off, that Maude seemed to be enjoying it. Hastily, she reached out and grabbed Kyler's arm, pulling him back. "We jump to conclusions." She said to him, whispering. "Our Maude has found a young love. Let's not ruin it, eh? Although, we should probably give them a lecture about being careful..." she said, a small grimace settling on her lips. She glanced at Kyler, making sure he was calmed down. "It was only a matter of time, love. And Maude could do worse than Ian." Still hanging onto his arm, in case he should do something rash nonetheless, Vana cleared her throat loudly at the couple. She was satisfied to watch Maude break away from Kyler quickly, a look of shock and embarrassment on her face.

"Sorry to interrupt." Vana said, a little gruffly. "Perhaps we should reconsider sending the two of you together... your relationship could hinder the mission, and, well, I don't want anything reckless happening." Maude looked thoroughly embarrassed now.

"Mom! I- there will be nothing reckless! Right, Ian?" Maude turned to Ian, her cheeks flushed bright red.

[Max452]

OOC: Methinketh to speedth threadeth aftereth Maude receiveth Reona, aye? Lol. Sorry, couldn't help myself. I watcheth Monty Python and the Holy Grail youtube excerpts...lol.

"What? What are you doing?" Kyler glanced back at his wife, a perplexed look on his face when she stopped him from abolishing the boy's existance. "My Maude? Love?" His eyes blinked, registering the two words together. He glanced back over to Maude and his eyes turned worried and a bit forlorn as he watched his only daughter kiss the boy. He glanced down at Reona. "She really is growing up." He stated to his wife as he missed the days when the only man Maude would ever allow to kiss her was her father and only on the forehead. Now she was grown. And the kisses she seemed to demand now were the ones that meant more intimacy from another man...on the lips. Kyler frowned. He was losing his baby girl. Kyler's thoughts were pulled out with Vana's next words. "Careful???" He sputtered out, realizing what his wife was insinuating. "Oh that boy better not try anything." His eyes darted dangerously at Ian as he followed behind his wife to approach the two. For the sake of Maude, Kyler did not kill Ian in that moment. Vana's grip on his arm helped.

***
Ian jumped away from Maude the same time she did from him. His face was ghostly pale as he faced Maude's parents.
Haha. Smart move. Castiel's voice rang into Ian's head as the boy watched Master Kyler's boiling expression.
"Hell...hello Master Kyler, Master Vana." Ian inwardly gulped.
"I'm not sorry we interrupted..." Ian could have sworn he heard Master Kyler say as his eyes glanced from Maude to Master Vana. His eyes went wide at her words. "No! No no. It won't be a problem, Master Vana...Master Kyler." He felt his heart panic at the thought of being separate from Maude. "We'll keep our focus - this mission is too important to us." He then gave Master Vana a quizzical glance. "What do you mean reckless?" Ian asked innocently. He couldn't understand why they would think anything bad would happen. If anything, Ian would protect Maude harder since they would be together. She was his best friend and the love of his life; he would take care of her. What recklessness could they possibly mean?

"What do you mean reckless?" Kyler repeated under his breath to Vana in disbelief. Could Ian be dense at what they were implying or was he trying to act innocent so that he could take advantage of his Maude! "It means," Kyler's voice rose a little higher than his normal volume as he addressed Ian with a stern gaze, "that you will treat my daughter with respect! And if I find out that anything...and I mean anything...happened between you two during this mission, no rock in this world can hide you." His fatherly protectiveness shone out as he jabbed a finger into Ian's chest.
Ian paled again, and gulped. He nodded. "Nothing bad will happen to Maude, I promise!" Ian hastned out.
"Good." Kyler eyed Ian for one more minute before turning toward an embarrassed daughter. His expression softened as he faced her. "Now, Maude, your Mother and I thought it best that you have a Rider's sword with you on this journey," His eyed flicked over to Ian, "to protect you from miscreants," Kyler's eyes flicked back to Maude, " and any other dangers or threats." He then presented Reona to Maude. "Its name is Reona." The icicle blade shone brightly as Kyler unsheathed it for Maude to inspect. "It belonged to my Father...your grandfather."

[Trinn]

Maude felt completely mortified by her father and mother's appearance. The feeling only increased by her father's barely controlled outrage. The only thing Maude could thing to do was apologize, and then, ignore the scene and move past it. No need to linger and bring herself further embarrassment. With cheeks flaming red, Maude turned her eyes to the sword that her father revealed. Reona... Reaver. It's blade shone at first white, than blue. The color was breathtaking. Maude began to reach for the blade, but stopped at the mention of a grandfather. "What?" she said, looking up with startled eyes at her parents. "My grandfather? He was a dragon rider, too?" She had never heard this before. Maude had always assumed that her grandparents had been ordinary people, leading hard lives during the long Empire war. All probably deceased, since neither of her parents had ever mentioned grandparents before. Maude did not miss the careful look her mother gave her father. What was that about?

[Max452]

Kyler's eyes flickered uncomfortably for a moment at Maude's questions. He felt Vana's cautionary expression and knew that he would indeed have to be careful with his words. He did not want Maude to become weary of wielding the blade of the man they had told her to stay away from.
"Maude, do you remember when we told you about Sidhion?" Kyler knew his daughter was strong and could handle truth, but he hoped that she would not be angry with him from keeping her from knowing her grandfather. "He..." He took a deep breath, ignoring Ian's curious stares behind Maude. "He is my Father. Your Grandfather. He...we believe him to have changed his beliefs, for once he told me, that when he had discovered peace, he would put Reona down and live a peaceful life, and as his son, he would give me Reona. And so, Tismri has given Reona to me, as a messenger for Sidhion. I want to believe he has changed, but more importantly, I want you to give you a worthy sword. A sword that can do much greatness in your hands." He motioned for his daughter to take Reona. "Will you accept this gift Maude and can you forgive your Father from keeping this knowledge from you?" He asked her quietly, apologetically.

[Trinn]

A strange feeling came over Maude at the revelation of Sidhion's lineage. The man had always been portrayed as a monster, someone to fear and stay away from at all costs. He was an ancient who suffered from insanity. To think that such a man had spawned her father, who in turn spawned her, made Maude feel slightly sick. She looked now at the icicle blade with new eyes. How many had this sword slain, and for what purpose? At last she looked up at her father, trying to think of what to say. She did feel angry, but, more than that, she felt curious. Sidhion had found peace? He had changed his ways? A small part of her now desired to find Sidhion, but it was faint.

"I forgive you." she said softly, and at last took Reona from Kyler. "You did what was best for me." she said, as she lifted Reona before her eyes, admiring the coloring of the sword in the sunlight. A sort of finality seemed to settle over her at that moment. It was as if fate had just made a check mark on a list. The blade was not her usual style, but it fit her weight almost perfectly. It was a bit heavier than she was accustomed to, also a bit longer than her scimitars, but she found she could twirl it with ease and move about fluidly. "Thank you, father, mother." She said, looking at her parents with gratitude. With a riders blade, she felt just a bit more confident that this missions would be a success.

"You're welcome, dear daughter. But we keep you two from departing, though, admittedly, I would keep you here eternally if I could." Vana was able to keep back tears this time, though in her gut, she felt the urge to cry. Looking at Ian, she fixed him with fiery eyes. "Keep my daughter safe, Einarson. Though I doubt she will need you. But if you should fail..." Vana didn't continue with that statement. As a master of Bromsland, she could not hold personal grudges against students. Yet, she knew, if Ian returned and Maude did not, that no earthly thing could keep her from avenging her daughter.

[Max452]

Kyler felt a huge amount of relief as his daughter forgave him. He gave her a tender smile. "Thank you, my Maude." He whispered to her as she examined the blade. "Go Maude, we have made you linger here too long. There is much for you to do. Remember, keep true to yourself and protect one another." He glanced over to Ian, having some sanity come back to him. However, Kyler noticed, that Ian was a bit pale after his wife's words.
"I will keep Maude safe." The boy promised, a fiery determination in his eyes. He would not allow anyone to harm Maude. However, Ian wondered about one of Master Vana's statements. Did she think him weak? He hoped not...because if she did...then did Maude think him weak too? He mentally frowned at that thought.

"We must go, Maude." Ian replied, trying to sound normal, but he was a bit sad at Master Vana's implications. "Goodbye, Master Kyler and Master Vana. I promise we will do our best to protect one another and to help those in Melian." He inclined himself respectfully at them and left to mount Castiel.
I don't think you're weak. Castiel said to his Rider as he turned to face him.
Thanks... Ian replied weakly, doubting his strength. He waited patiently on Castiel for Maude to mount Madga.

[Trinn]

Maude resisted the urge to hug her parents once more. That would only making leaving harder. Taking the sheath that went with Reona, Maude buckled the belt around her waist and then sheathed the icy looking blade. She went to Magda's side and mounted. Lifting a single hand, she waved farewell to her parents. Magda lingered for a moment, and then with a clack of talons and a swoosh of wings, flew into the sky. Maude looked over her dragons shoulder as they ascended, watching her parents dwindle away to little tiny specs, until, some time after, she couldn't see them at all.

I wonder when we will see them again. She mused as she turned forward, setting her sights on the horizon.

I fear, not for many months. Magda replied, a somber note in her voice. And I never got to meet the ones who bore and sired me.

Maude frowned, feeling sorry for Magda. She had hoped Magda would be able to meet Viel and Typhon sooner, rather than later, but, as always, fate had other plans than the ones she would have liked.

In due time, dear one. Maude said, stroking her dragons neck soothingly.

OOC: Ok Max, feel free to doeth some skipping.

[Max452]

Once Maude mounted Magda, Castiel bounded in the sky with her, watching the only home he had ever known grow small with each passing second. It's all right, Castiel. We'll come back.
I know. The dragon replied, I'm looking forward to seeing what Aglaesia is like.
Me too. If we can, I hope you can meet my parents and friends. Ian's hair ruffled about as they followed Maude and Magda to the mainland.

***
Kyler waved his daughter goodbye, feeling forlorn without her already. They were never separated like this before. This would truly test their family. With one strong arm, Kyler wrapped around Vana's waist, leading her back into the city, where they would wait patiently for their child's return.

***
Days Later on the outskirts of the Empire:

Slade let out a huge yawn as he stretched himself. Selene, why are we here again? And why did you not let us lay Melian to waste?
Selene glanced over to the black dragon. It is called a trap for a reason, Slade. According to young Gloriann, there are only a few riders that are old enough to be a threat. We must lure them out, and annihilate them. That is why, we wait.
But hide? I do not like to hide, Selene! Slade growled out. They had been hiding for days since they had attacked Melian and the neighboring towns. The great dragon felt like a coward, and that was not a good sign. He would crush all those that oppose him, not tuck his tail beneath his legs!
Patience, my friend. Patience. Selene soothed her bond as she glanced over to her companion, wondering if they felt restless as her dragon.

***
I think we should stop for the night, Maude! Ian called out over to his best friend and lover. We should reach Melian by tomorrow, but I think we need to stop to rest for now. Ian advised, knowing that they had been traveling with haste for the last few days. It was time for some real rest so that they could be prepared for whatever they faced tomorrow.
Castiel agreed and voiced it to his kin and kin's bone. Whatever attacked Melian is probably still out there, we need rest. He told them.

[Trinn]

Alright. Let's land then. Maude agreed. The journey out of Bromsland had been interesting for Maude. She had watched the land pass away with intrigue, noting a few familiar places from her journey into Bromsland with her parents. There was that long, winding river, for instance. And the Beor Mountains. She could see them off in the vast distance now, like teeth of giant dragons.

I should like to fly amidst those behemoths one day. Magda said wistfully.

And we shall. Maude assured her. Look. She then called out to everyone. There's a grove of trees down below. That should provide us with enough shelter for tonight. Magda seemed to agree, as she then began circling downwards, in quick, short swoops. They reached the trees in due time, and Maude gratefully dismounted. Her legs were beginning to get sore from riding all day. Stretching, she examined the trees and decided a ward or two might help. Walking the perimeter that would be their camp, Maude set up wards that would alert them of a person, or a dragon, stepping into the campsite. Little animals like squirrels and birds would not trigger it. When she was through with that, Maude began gathering kinder. "I have to admit." she said to Ian, glancing over at him, "I'm really quite excited to go to Melian. I've never been to a town before, other than Bromsland, and that doesn't really count."

[Max452]

Castiel swooped after Magda, decreasing his speed as he spiraled his way toward the canopy of trees. He was secretly grateful that they were taking a break now; he was getting hungry. The dragon landed and neatly folded his wings, slightly sad that he wasn't flying, but glad that he could perhaps go hunting tonight. After Cas was properly grounded, Ian hopped off with a grateful pat to his companion. Thanks, Cas.
I must admit, the flight here was really long...I've never flown that much before, makes me wonder how Eos, Sundavar and Hyperion managed. Castiel commented as he went over to Madga. Let's go hunt. I want my belly filled before we reach Melian. Cas nipped at the crimson dragon before turning his attention to the two Riders. Behave, you two... The dragon snorted over to them, more so to Ian.

Ian glared at Castiel. What was that suppose to mean!? He went over to help Maude set up camp before responding to her. He gave her a big smile. "Melian is a nice town; its a lot bigger than when I had first visited. My Mother and Father would sometimes take us to different towns and cities to trade or to simply explore." He snuck behind Maude as she gathered kinder for the fire and wrapped his arms around her waist, resting his chin against her shoulder; he had gotten more bold since they had left Bromsland, perhaps it was the lack of supervision. "I think you'll like it." He told Maude. "And perhaps, after that, we can go explore Alagaesia together? We could probably find the Ayati Tribe; I love for you to meet Zee, and then maybe take you to see Celesti!"

***
The cries of a wounded town filled Selene's ears as she walked amongst the streets of Melian. She had disguised herself tonight as a begger, wandering in order to find information and to see if the people had sent for aide. So far, she had heard that Queen Nasuada had sent for help and that pleased her greatly. Soon, those Bromsland brats would be here and Slade and her would have something to do.

***
Sidhion and Seth sat in a tavern in Surda, listening for news of any threats. The boy was wholeheartedly eating his meal, grateful to have more variety than Sidhion's constant menu of fruits and vegetables. True, the boy no longer craved for meat, having understood the reasoning behind it now, and experienced the disgusting thought firsthand after watching Hyperion and Locien hunt one day. He felt true remorse as he had "watched" the deer be taken down after having, moments before, seen and shared its energy. Since then, Seth no longer craved meat.

Master and apprentice continued to stay at the tavern until something caught both their ears.
"Aye, Melian was attacked no more than a week ago!"
"Shh, Stevens! You don't want to jinx us with the same fate, do ya?" A patron had sushed his friend as they talked in the corner.
Sidhion's attention was caught, but pretended to continue to read the scroll that was laid out in front of him.
"I hear it was Rider that attacked them! A big one too! Black and viscious. They haven't seen them since, but who knows..."
"Strange...a Rider attacking? Are you sure? Maybe its Galbatorix...back from the dead."
"SHHHH Stevens! Don't jinx us!" The two continued to converse quietly but Sidhion had heard enough.

"Seth, its time to go."
"Aye, Master." Seth stopped eating and left the tavern with his Master without a word until they were out of the town. "Melian was attacked by the Shade Rider, weren't they?" Seth asked.
"Not her, no, a servant and a dangerous one. Her brutallity is well known and she specializes in killing dragons."
"Really? Are we going to Melian?"
"Yes. Rider Selene does not attack needlessly. She is up to something and we must go and investigate further."
"Yes Master." Seth replied as they began to make the trek home in order to prepare to leave the next day.

[Trinn]

Magda returned Castiel's playful nip. I will get first kill! She boasted, before hurtling up into the sky. Maude watched her bond go, smiling at the beautiful grace of the dragon in flight. It was one thing to ride a dragon, another thing completely to watch one.

Her smile grew when Ian wrapped his strong arms around her. His breath tickled her ear as she spoke, and Maude felt completely content in that moment. "I would like that." she said, having heard often about the Ayati and Ian's home town. "I would like that very much, indeed." She turned in Ian's arms, so that she could hug him and wrap her arms around him too. "I hope we can help Melian." she said softly then, her thoughts returning to the mission that had come to Alageasia for. "The sooner we get there, the better."

OOC: Yay! Maude gets to meet her grandpa! lol

[Max452]

OOC: Yay! Everyone do the happy dance! lol

Ian sighed happily as he and Maude embraced. He was content and would not be surprised if this was what perfection felt like. He nodded into Maude's hair, sharing her concern as well. "We will, Maude. We'll help them the best way we can." He whispered to her before relunctantly parting from her. "Let's get this fire started and get some good rest. Like Castiel said, who knows what to expect tomorrow, and I want to be prepared; who knows if the enemy is still present." He told her, shoving down his fear. This was the real test now. Would he be a worthy Rider? A worthy man for Maude? He knew he would do whatever was necessary to protect her and everyone else that sought for peace, but at the same time, he had a hidden dread: would he be willing to kill? He had never killed another human being before, and that thought terrified him. His parents had always taught him that lives were precious and should not be taken easily. Would he be able to do it? Could he be willing to have blood on his hands? He left these silent questions to himself, not wanting to bother Maude with them, nor wanting her to see him weak (another insecurity he had). Sometimes, he wondered, if Maude really needed him - she was tough and strong in her own right, and could take care of herself - or if he was truly worthy of her. An image of Castiel attacking a stag slapped him out of his thoughts. He focused on the present now.

Ian tugged on Maude's hand gently, wishing to take the kinder she was collecting - his own silent helping. "Here, let me help." He smiled at her, pushing down his fears once more. Whatever he could do to help her, he would willingly succumb to it. "You need to eat!" He told her cheerfully. "And then off to bed! I'll take watch!"

[Trinn]

Reluctantly, Maude parted from Ian and returned to the task at hand. She was stopped by a gentle touch. A moment of stubbornness came over her, and she almost told Ian to let her build the fire. But she realized he only wanted to help, and she let him take the kinder from her. "You can have first watch, but Magda and I shall take second. And you better not try and take the whole watch! Even though I know you probably could. You're a tough guy." Maude smiled at Ian, ran a hand down his cheek, and then went to her packs to retrieve some of the tough travel food. Dried meats and stale bread. "We should probably get some fresh meat, soon." she mentioned to Ian as she began to munch. "I'm getting sick of this weak fare." Striding over to his side, she handed him a portion of the stale bread and meat. "Come on, you must eat as well." And she nudged him gently in the ribs, prodding him on.