Journey to Find the Lost

[Max452]

OOC: Oh, how convenient, thanks Eva. lol Nighty, nighty. lol

Antien nodded his head. "Aye, I will take watch. Rest well, Eva." Antien whispered to her, his grey eyes following her as she retired to bed. His eyes flicked over to Eos and the elf, tentatively reached his consciousness out to the dragon. Eos, do you mind if I speak with you privately for a moment? It regards Eva. Antien went straight to his subject, knowing that would immediately get Eos to respond to him. He was unsure how the dragon felt toward him, but he knew how she felt about Eva and that was his prime concern at the moment. He needed this off of his chest and Eos would provide a safe and neutral advisor...he hoped. Antien briefly scanned the area around them, doing his duty to protect Eva and Eos, whilst his attention divided itself to Eos.

[Trinn]

A little while after Eva had went to bed, Eos was roused by Antien. She opened one golden eye and looked upon the elf. Eva? She opened her other eye and let her gaze rest upon her rider, who was sound asleep. Carefully, Eos lifted her head and woke herself more fully. What of my rider, elfkin? Eos asked, snaking her head forward a bit to stare more fully at Antien. The flames of the fire burned on, but they were smaller now, shallow like. There were more coals than flames. Not wanting Eva to get chilled, Eos cracked open her jaws and hissed out a small stream of flame. The fire roared to life again, fueled by dragon breath.

[Max452]

Eos voice was a pleasant chime in Antien's mind; as all dragon voices were. He turned his eyes to lock onto the golden ones before him. If I may, I wish to confide in you something that has troubled me greatly for some time. It concerns Eva, and I hope, to gain some wisdom from the one who knows her best. Antien confessed, feeling exposed to the yellow dragon, but hoping for comfort as well. He was so lost when it came to this matter, a strange feeling he had never felt before.

Unaffected by the sudden burst of fiery life, Antien continued on. I know you must be aware of Eva's feelings for me...and perhaps aware of mine. His grey eyes were unwavering. I am confused, Eos. I have never felt these feelings...yearnings for another person as I do with Eva. She is cunning, kind, sympathetic, and confident. She....she possess a fire that I have never before encountered in someone so young. I...I believe I have developed feeling for her...feelings that desire for her to become my mate. Antien paused, wondering what Eos was thinking...what she would do at this revelation. He continued though, wanting her to hear him out. I wish only the best and happiness for her, which leads to my confusion. Antien glanced down at his hands, hands that had crafted and molded tools and weapons, hands that were rough and worn, hands that desired to know the softness of a woman's touch. Grey eyes slowly glanced into golden ones again. I am an elf and she a young human. She has many years to experience things - to desire things. She is destined to do much and I fear that if I court her, that I will hinder her progression toward greatness. I am coming into an age that desires a quiet life, one free of war. I desire a family...and...Eva may be infatuated with me and I would not be surprised if she wishes to be my mate, but at a young age, Eos? I will be robbing her of her youth of whatever wyrda has in place for her. I cannot do that; I will not do that. And another issue: her desires will change as she grows older. Humans are not like elves. Our views are completely different. They live in the moment, whereas my race as always plotted and planned centuries ahead. Eva will grow tired of me, and I desire to love and mate with only one woman. He glanced away, feeling confused and frustrated and knew his emotions were beginning to show on his face. What shall I do, Eos? You know Eva best. If you feel that she and I have a chance, then I will take it, no matter how much time she needs - I will wait for her. But if you know that I will only hinder her from her greatness, then I will step down. I will hide my feelings until wyrda is pleased to relinquish me from them. I...I desire her happines, Eos, whether it contains me or not. What shall I do, great dragon? Antien poured out his heart to Eos, hoping that his words made sense and that Eos would be able to rid him of his confusion. Thought it may appear cowardly, Antien needed another to tell him what he should do.

OOC: Whoa...hope I didn't overload Eos there. lol.

[Trinn]

OOC: haha, I'm trying to think of a good answer. Hope this works.

Eos heard Antien patiently, though at times, her lips curled up into a snarl. So the elf did have feeligns for her Eva! This was an interesting revelation, and for Eos, a surprising one. She had been telling Eva to quit chasing after Antien because she thought the elf would not be interested. How wrong she was! Wise dragon! Foolish dragon, she felt. Swinging her head around, Eos stared at eva's slumbering, peaceful form. Her precious two-leggeds hair was splayed across her bedroll, while her face was curled down into the covers. Protectively, Eos unfurled a wing and placed it over Eva. Only then did she turn again to address Antien.

I am a young dragon still, and my wisdom is not all that it should be. You have proven to be wise in your actions now, Antien elfkin. This is what I know. Eva yearns for you. At first, she thought nothing of you. But the more she visited your forge, the more attached to you she grew. Does Eva love you? Quite possibly. Is she infatuated? Without a doubt. Now, this is what I think of the matter. Eos paused to collect her thoughts and make sure Eva was still sound asleep before continuing on in a chiming voice. It is as you say. Eva is a young human. She is energetic and thirsty for experience and knowledge. But she is not as most humans. She is faithful and loyal to an incredible degree. Where most humans are flighty creatures, Eva is not. Even so. You should not tamper with her quite yet, Antien. And I see that it pains you for me to say it. Eva admires you, but is it a lasting admiration? Or just infatuation? Only time will tell. This is what I propose. Lets us continue our journey without a love affair. See if the two of you change during the course of it. Perhaps, Antien, it is you who is infatuated, and by the end of our quest, you may not feel the same as Eva. It is always a possibility. Wait Antien. That is my opinion. See if your affection holds true, and Eva's, too.

[Max452]

Antien was latched onto ever word Eos spoke to him. A frown marred his features for a moment, but vanished after Antien thought more about Eos' words. He nodded to her, understanding her intentions and thoughts. He didn't think he was the one that was infatuated with Eva, but Eos brought some new things for him to ponder about. Did he really love Eva or was it just an attraction that he desired to act out of lust? He hoped not. Eva seemed too important for a mere "fling" as he had heard some humans call it. He did not want a fling. He wanted committed. He nodded to Eos. You speak true, Eos. I will wait. He couldn't help the sadness in his grey eyes to form at that moment. His instincts didn't want to wait, but he cared for Eva to do so. He needed to make sure that this was his mate - on both their ends. Thank you for your counsel. You do not know how much I truly do take into account your words; you are important to Eva and therefore, important to me as well. Antien bowed his head at the dragon. Feeling a bit forlorn and frustrated (though not as he was before), Antien needed some time to just think. Excuse me, Eos. I must go check the perimeter. Sleep. I will watch over you both. Antien assured and vanished into the night, making sure that none would harm them.

***
Morning came slowly to Antien, as he had much on his mind. He had determined, after conversing with Eos, that he would hide his feelings for Eva and keep his flirtations at a minimum. He rounded the campsite a few times before deciding to wake Eva and Eos.

"Eva, Eos. Dawn has risen. We must get going if we wish to gain some ground before the hot sun reaches our backs." He informed the Rider and Dragon, keeping his emotions caged away.

[Trinn]

Eos followed Antien with her golden eyes as he went to scout. She stayed awake, staring after him, for a little while. Had she give the right sort of council? Sometimes she doubted her wisdom, wondering if she really should have told Antien her opinion or not. If Eva found out what she had told the elf... would she be angry? Eos blinked, then turned her gaze to the sleeping rider. She would have to be careful not to think about the discussion that took place tonight. Things would take their natural course, for better or worse. If Eva truly did love Antien, then that would last this journey. It would last, even, the entire span of this new war. Resting her head on her forepaws, Eos closed her eyes and sighed heavily. A few minutes later, she slumbered deeply, dreaming of grand hunts and wrestling with wild dragons.
***

It took a moment for Eva to wake to Antien's call. She blinked her eyes open, finding a clear, morning blue sky above her. Beside her, Eos was standing and stretching her wings. Sitting up, Eva looked about and found Antien. Something seemed different about the elf this morning. He seemed somehow more somber. It reminded her of the dream she had had last night. It was muddled now, and she had already forgotten the bulk of it, but she did remember that in her dream, Antien had rejected some advance she had made. Well, no matter. It was only a dream.

"Good morning!" She said, and at last stood and began to break camp. "Thank you for keeping watch, Antien. Although, you should have awoke me! I could have kept second watch. You're valiant, but I am no damsel."

[Max452]

"Good morning, Eva." Antien gave her a polite smile, hoping that was appropriate behavior. His eyes flickered over to Eos for a split second and then back at Eva. "No, it was no trouble; I need little sleep these days, and as a Rider, Eva, you must be well rested whenever you get the opportunity. True, you are no damsel, but that does not mean you are not important. You will always need as much energy and strength you can manage should we face any challenges." Antien told her as he began to put his things away. He kept his face and voice guarded as he spoke to her as he went to his pack and deftly retrieved some food for Eva. "Here, you must eat to maintain your energy and health." He told her, making sure that he made no contact with her as he handed the food, his eyes avoiding hers. Once he delivered the food, he went back to his pack to finishing packing.

***
Tyrant breathed in the morning air. His red, predatory eyes scanned the terrain. He glanced over to his companion. "Do you sense that?" Tyrant's lips curled up into a devious smile. "I have a feeling we're going to have a good fight today." His eyes turned back into the desert that bordered the Beor's. "I feel power coming our way..." He snickered. "...I cannot wait until the fun arrives."

[Trinn]

Yes, there was most definitely something wrong with Antien. He didn't smile, or joke with her. He hardly even looked at her. It left Eva feeling extraordinarily downcast. What had she done? Don't worry about it. Eos instructed. Perhaps he's just having a bad day. Eva didn't think that was the case, especially after her dream last night. Things just felt suddenly very out of balance. "Yes, thank you, Antien." She said, accepting the food he handed her. She didn't miss the careful way he did that, either. Feeling rather depressed, Eva began to nibble at the bread and fruit, while watching Antien from the corners of her eyes. He moved about determinedly, as if looking at her or otherwise acknowledging her would be a mistake. Frowning, Eva ate the rest of her food, staring now only at her food. In her mind, Eos gave her images of sunrises and green forests, trying to cheer her up. But it didn't work. When she was finished, Eva saddled Eos and then climbed atop her dragon and settled in for another long flight into the hadarrac. "Ready when you are, Antien." She said, and then, in order to confirm her suspicions, added, "And I don't think I'd mind it if you decided you needed to do some clinging..."
***

"Ha!" Morna laughed, throwing her head back. Her green hair trailed out behind her like a banner of death. "Fun indeed, dear Tyrant!" She went over to her fellow shade and trailed a pale hand across his chest. "Shall we go inspect, my malevolent one? I do hate to be kept waiting."

[Max452]

Antien finished gathering his things and flung his pack against his back. He nodded up at Eva when she asked if he was ready. "Yes, Eva." At her next words, a playful smile formed on his lips - it was so natural for him to do so around her. He was about to give her a clever retort when he became aware of his need of restraint. Eos had said no love affair, and that meant, not to lead Eva on - flirtation limited. Perhaps he may have seemed a bit cold (he had not missed Eva's perplexed stares as he was packing), but he did not want to lead Eva on if this was just an infatuation on both their parts, however, at the same time, he didn't want to push Eva away, if in reality they did harbor true feelings from one another. This thought caused more frustration within Antien. He thought talking with Eos would solve some things, but now it seemed like more problems had been created. He mentally sighed. He felt like Eos had practically told him not to court Eva and that, simply, depressed him. All this inward battling flashed within his mind within seconds, but any could see how his eyes became distant as they seemed to contemplate something.

Antien realized he had not responded, and perhaps looked foolish with his lips partially opened from before. His lips flashed Eva an easy, generic smile, as he tried to cover up his more playful one that he gave her only moments ago. "I will keep that in mind should Eos's flight become unsteady." He tried to keep his tone steady and even, rather than his playful self. Really, this was making his chest hurt. How was he suppose to place this distant facade on for the remainder of their journey?

***
Tyrant gave Morna a malicious grin as she slid her finger down his chest. "Mmm, indeed, unless you desire for foreplay before the real fun begins." Tyrant alluded as he gave Morna a suggestive stare. "But," He watched her heatedly for a moment before glancing out into the bordering desert, "which is the foreplay?" He chuckled. "Hmm," He made a pondering expression before dashing off toward the border, "I think spilling blood will be a perfect appetizer." He yelled back at Morna. "First one to spill blood gets to pick the next game." His eyes twinkled evily as he thought about the games he would like to play with Morna. All consistanty with her on her back. His thoughts spurred him on to find the power that enticed his bloodlust.

[Trinn]

Eos regarded the interaction between Eva and Eos passively. Inwardly, however, she felt like she had spoiled a good thing. She could feel Eva's disappointment, and it made Eos feel as if she had given the wrong advice. And Antien... well, he was going too far! She would have to speak with him again tonight. Before Eva could grow wise to her thoughts, Eos focused on images of hunting and flying.

Are you hungry Eva asked, noticing the images.

No, not really. Just, just ready to go. She caught the strange look that Eva gave her, and one stray thought.

Everyone is going crazy.
~~

Eva's hopefulness at that first, playful smile Antien displayed vanished when a stale smile took its place. It seemed as if he would say something more, the way he stood there, looking rather dumbstruck. Or perhaps just deep in thought. What he at last produced was very disappointing. "Right." She said, looking away from him, a sinking feeling in her gut. When Antien was ready and mounted, Eos at last took off. Eva said no more, caught in her own thoughts.
***

Morna chased after Tyrant, grinning gleefully. He thought he would be the lucky one today. Morna thought differently. She raced after him, both of them no more than a blur. They sped across the land with unnatural speed. More unnatural, even, than an elf. For some time, they chased each other towards the power they had sensed, until, at last, a speckle of yellow flashed in the sky. "Mine!" Morna shouted, and jumped upwards. Air spells sped her up into the sky, at an angle, her destination the pale yellow dragon.

[Max452]

Antien did not miss the disappointment on Eva's face. He could feel within him too. He carefully climbed onto Eos and sat himself down. He felt downcast as they went up into the air, continuing their journey. Antien quietly sat, thinking how he could better interact with Eva without making his feelings known. He was thus amid his ponderings when he spotted something coming straight toward them. Antien's eyes grew wide as he felt the malicious nature of two presences coming toward them. Eos! Eva! We have enemies coming! Antien projected out to them as he quickly took out his bow and two arrows. Notching them, Antien wasted no time firing at the two Shades that came manically at them.

***
"Ha! I'll get the first blood!" Tyrant sprang himself out into the air after Morna, uttering quick spells to launch himself highter and faster toward Eos. "Ooo lookie at the arrows!" Tyrant uttered his own spell, sending a shockwave of lightening at the Rider, dragon, and elf.

[Trinn]

Roused from her musing by Antien's frantic, mental shout, Eva blinked and looked about. It wasn't hard to find the two figures flying through the air towards them. What were they? Whatever they were, they meant to do damage. And they were strong! She watched as one of the figures abolished Antien's arrows, and then, sent crackling lightning their way. "Skolir du Kevekya!" she shouted, casting a ward around her bond, herself, and Antien in the form of a bubble. The lightning struck the ward and sizzled around it, but caused no harm.

A gigantic roar rumbled out of Eos's chest, directed at the two assailants. Shades! She informed Antien and Eos. Flapping her wings, she flew faster, baring her teeth at the two evils. The sky was hers! They would fall! The shades were close now, and in seconds, Eos would be upon them.

Eva unsheathed Aiedail, holding in a firm, if somewhat nervous, grasp. She had to squint her eyes as Eos unleashed a pillar of flame at the two shades. When her vision was fully returned, she gasped to find a female shade nearly right next to her, a blade in hand. Startled, Eva hastily swept her blade up, parrying the sword struck the woman sent her way. The shade laughed, an eerily tinkling sound, and moved backwards, towards Antien. Eva twisted, watching as the female shade sent a barrage of thrusts and jabs his way.

[Max452]

Antien's eyes grew wide at the thought of Shades. And not just one, but two. He quickly unleashed his sword as he spotted one of the Shades appear next to Eva. She look menacing with her green hair and red eyes. He uncharacteristically growled out protectively as Morna attacked Eva. Antien didn't have time to react when the Shade turned on him instead. He blocked the fury of jabs and reacted with his own, trying to stab the Shade in the heart. His movements were fast and fluid, but fighting in his seated position and in the air was challenging.

As Morna was having fun with the male, Tyrant decided to have fun with the girl (who looked vaguely familiar). Tyrant charged at her, uttering more spells to keep him afloat. "Hello, dearie, my, aren't you pretty!" Tyrant cackled as he thrusted his sword at Eva.

[Trinn]

Morna blocked and parried the blows the elf threw her way. He was clearly at a disadvantage, seated the way he was. And Morna preferred it that way. "Having a little trouble?" she asked in a sweet, mocking voice. About to maneuver behind Antien, Morna found herself straddling thin air. The yellow dragon was diving downwards, spiraling quickly. If the dragon landed, that could spoil some of the fun of an easy target. Snarling savagely, she placed more spells around her, and shot downwards after the dragon.
***

OOC: haha, Tyr reminded me of Rumple from Once Upon a Time when he said "Dearie"

Eva's brow was drawn down in concentration as one shade left and another arrived. This one was male, and he looked positively devious. Bringing Aiedail up in a flash, she blocked the sword stab, and the blades rung like a bell across the sky. She stared into the shades eyes, feeling strangely unafraid. Fear was the mind killer. It was a mantra she had come to tell herself lately. To be afraid was to be weak, to have given up already. It was to favor panic. Eva would not succumb to it. Not yet, anyway.

Her stomach plummeted as Eos suddenly entered a steep dive. Eva felt herself lift off the saddle, and was grateful for the straps that held her to it. Aiedail moved down her hand, and she was quick to grasp the hilt tighter before the sword could fly free of her hand. Her hair streamed out behind her in a fiery flag, and she hoped it wasn't getting in Antien's way. Looking over her shoulder, she watched with some dismay as the female shade put on a burst of speed and came after them. Eos!

Heeding her rider's call, Eos made a quick decision. Using all the agility she possessed, Eos flipped over, so that she was diving down backwards. It was a risky move, leaving her belly exposed and her vision of the ground blocked. But Eva wouldn't let her hit the ground. Opening her maw, Eos released a flame of yellow, blazing fire at the female shade, who was mere feet away. This time, the shade had no time to react. Eos watched as the woman was consumed in the fire, before turning quickly over once more. The ground was shockingly close. Flaring her wings out, she came level to the ground before landing with a loud, earth shaking thud.
***

"Skolir du brisingr!" Morna said under her breath with wide eyes. The sheild came up over her a second too late. She felt the intense, agonizing flames of dragon fire wash over her skin, and then there was only coolness as the ward protected her from further damage. Momentarily blinded, she hovered in the sky, and when the flames had cleared and she could see again, she discovered that the yellow dragon had indeed landed. Laughing shrilly, Morna resumed her flight towards the prey, her flesh healing as she went.

[Max452]

OOC: Hehe. I like Rumple! Especially since Belle's his soft spot. lol.

Antien's stomach lurched at Eos' unprepared manuever. He kept his head turned, trying to locate the female Shade as they fell, but again, Eos surprised him by flipping around. He had a better view of the two Shades that were sailing toward them, but he felt more exposed until they could get on the ground for a more advantageous fight.

The moment Eos landed, Antien jumped off, twirling his sword at the two Shades in order to lead them away from Eva. "Come here you abominations." Antien declared as the two Shades landed.

The male glanced at the female, amused. "Do you want to play with him? I much prefer to play with the girl." Tyrant smiled deviously at Eva. "She looks delicious." Tyrant glanced over at Morna and an eyebrow rose at her appearance. "My, Morna. You look hotter than normal." He chuckled. "Shall we?" He gestured to the Rider, dragon, and elf. "We still have our game to win."

Antien protectively placed himself in front of Eva and Eos, blocking the Shade's view of her. "You will not go near her." His voice was low and threatening.
"Oh, Morna, isn't he a protective lover? Hmm, this will be more fun when I kill her in front of him! Come on!" Tyrant jumped up gleefully as he charged passed Antien, swiping his sword at him as a distraction so he could charge at Eva instead. "He's all yours!" Tyrant laughed as Antien moved to his left to block Tyrant's sword, but left Eva exposed to the crazed Shade. He growled out, intending to follow, but the threat of the other Shade stopped him. He suddenly felt very torn - did he go and aid Eva or end this threat first?