Journey to Find the Lost

[Trinn]

Unable to help herself, Eva smiled as Antien seemed to return to his old self. It was such a relief. His recent somberness had been quite depressing. "And I would be delighted to show my favorite blacksmith the place I call home." Beside her, Eos grumbled a bit. Eva attributed it to the recent battle, though Eos's thoughts were oddly muddled. Was she trying to hide something? "It's decided then." Eva said, turning to Elaine and Marola. "We shall all rendezvous in Celesti."

"Excellent." Elaine said, and Eva watched as the rider easily clambered up Stormwing's side to reach the saddle. The somber grey dragon shook himself and spread his wings, blowing smoke familiarly at Rauthr. Eva didn't know her aunt and parents had such friends as Stormwing and Elaine. She was glad to know such allies existed. Following suite, Eva mounted Eos and extended a hand to Antien to help him up too.

[Max452]

OOC: Shall we move it along again? lol

Antien smiled at Eva's comment, feeling a warmth in his heart at her words; especially since they came from her. Antien glanced over to the two other Riders when Eva went to address them. His eyes flickered over to Eos, and immediately he felt his confusion over Eva coming forth again, as he remembered his talk with the yellow dragon. He inwardly frowned. In light of this battle, Antien felt he held more than infatuation toward Eva - the idea of her hurt and wounded caused fear to enter his heart, and even more so on the thought of her dying; his heart actually felt like it clenched within his chest. There was no doubt that Antien held affection for Eva, but now, the same two questions were revived within his mind: Did Eva return the affection in the same way and was he to pursue her or let her lead a life without him as a distraction? In the end, which happiness mattered more to him: His or her's? Thoughts muddled again, Antien staggered (he was still wounded from Morna's strike) over to Eva and Eos, mounting Eos with Eva's help, despite not really needing it. "I am ready, Eva." Antien told the yellow Rider as he settled himself in.

[Tismri]

Rauthr's steady flight towards home left Marola with enough time to calm herself. She breathed gently and tried to think of positive things that might have happened at home. After all, Cortell's emotions seemed mixed, happiness, sorrow, and shame all jumbled together. Something had to cause her son a measure of joy.
Once he landed near their home, Marola immediately took off to find her family. She sensed Cortell was waiting for her in the house, and as she got closer, she could sense Marcus, Tally, and Lyta were near as well. She didn't sense Daeron, though she attributed that possiblity to his being off with his friends again. Entering the house, she located her husband and children.
"What's happened?" she asked, concerned despite herself.
"Well, something happened with Tally," Cortell told her, "and something happened with Daeron..."

[Trinn]

OOC: I forgot Antien was still hurt! woops lol.

Eos launched herself skyward, flapping her wings steadily and easily gaining height and speed. As the land dwindled away beneath them, Eva agily twisted around in the saddle, so that she now face Antien. The move brought her quite close to him, and it was all she could do not to blush. "Your wounded." she stated, matter of factly. "Let me return the favor." Before he could raise a word of protest, Eva settled a hand on his broad shoulder and uttered the words that would heal him.

It took only a few minutes, and then Eva ended the spell and settled back. She felt her heart give a funny feeling flutter as she looked at Antien. "There. Just like knew!" She said, mainly to distract herself. Giving him one more smile, she twisted back around so that she was sitting properly. You're a damn fool she scolded herself.
~~~

When at last they arrived in Celesti, Eos landed outside of Eva's home. Eva dismounted and gave her bond a thankful pat on the cheek. Eva looked towards her home, wondering if her mom and dad were inside, or attending to other business. "Well. This is Celesti." she said to Antien, gesturing at the humble village.
***

Tally sat in her room, watching the brown amber dragon scuttling around the floor. She folded her legs up under her, perched at the edge of her bed. The hatchling ran into a book shelf, stumbled back, and flared its wings aggressively at the shelf, as if to intimidate it. "Come here, small one." Tally called out, patting her knee. The baby dragon turned its head around to stare at her, before darting over and climbing up to her lap. Just as it was getting settled, there was a commotion outside. Mom!? Shooting to her feet and jostling the little dragon, Tally threw it up to her shoulder, (where it dug in its claws to perch) and rushed out to find her mother speaking with Cortell. "Mom!" She exclaimed, smiling, happy to have her mother home again.

Her father came from the kitchen, his face relieved, rather than angry. He never got angry at their mother. "I was so worried." He said, pulling her into a hug. Tally watched them fondly, thinking there couldn't be a greater love than this.

[Tismri]

Marola turned when she heard the voice of her eldest daughter, but her view of the girl was quickly eclipsed by Marcus' sudden embrace. Marola could feel herself relaxing into his arms, her heart tearing a bit as he voiced his concern.
"I'm sorry," she told him. "It was just that, when I heard that Glory had gone missing...I couldn't just sit and wait." She sighed and looked over his shoulder at their daughter.
Marola could feel everything inside her freeze at the sight. There was a dragon hatchling on Tally's shoulder. Had it happened again? One of her children was chosen by a dragon? It seemed impossible, and it threw everything into a jumble in her mind for a moment. She was so stunned that she couldn't even move.
Of course, she knew of the joy that the bond between a dragon and Rider could bring. She would not trade her relationship with Rauthr for anything in the world. And she had seen the joy on Gloriann's face when the dragon hatched for her, the exact expression Tally held now. But to her, Marola felt the bond came with a price. It had taken nearly two decades for her to realize how steep that price actually was, but now it was clearly presented to her every day. She saw the effects of time changing the world around her. She saw her dearest Marcus slowly succumbing to age, and other old friends growing older and some beginning to pass away. It was painful to her beyond measure, to see it happen and know that she would endure on, see entire generations rise and fall. And, in her heart of hearts, she would never have wished such a fate on anyone, least of all her children.
She doesn't realize it yet, she told herself. Let her retain her innocence and joy a while longer. A smile, half-forced, came to her face.
"I see we have a new addition to our household," she said. She could feel Cortell eyeing her curiously, reading into her emotions.
"Mommy!!!" a little voice cried out. Lyta came from another room and squeezed herself in between her parents, hugging her mother happily. "You came home! Did you find Glory?" Marola paused for a moment after her wayward daughter was mentioned.
"...No, Lyta...I didn't find her," she said, speaking to her entire family. "But I do know where she is." She glanced around the room. It seemed like most everyone was here, but there was one notable absence.
"Cortell," she said, as he seemed to know something about it. "Where is your brother?" Marola could sense the shame welling up in her eldest, sorrow and frustration coloring his emotions.
"Daeron..." Cortell started. She could tell he was trying to think of the best way to break the news to her. "He...left. He took off with his friends and left town." Marola released her hold on Marcus and turned to face her son more fully, some dark emotion clouding through her thoughts.
"I thought I told you to keep an eye on him," she said, her voice stern, boarderline anger that was a result of her worry.
"I thought he was home," Cortell explained, a little desperately. "He went to his room to sulk after you left, and so I went out to watch the town. By the time I realized he'd sneaked out, they were already long gone."
"Well does anyone know where those kids went?" Marola asked. She couldn't lose another child. She couldn't even bear the thought. Cortell was extremely hesitant, though. He cleared his throat.
"Um...we know where they went," he said. He looked down at Lyta and then Tally. "I don't think...I think we should wait to go into details..."

[Max452]

OOC: Eh, he's fine. He can heal himself; just wanted to show that he cared more about Eva than his own wellbeing. lol

Antien didn't mean to stiffen; the sudden closeness with Eva had caught him off guard. His eyes latched themselves onto Eva, swimming in their emerald depths before her voice unhypnotized him. He blinked once, relaxing under her touch; feeling quite pleasant from the contact. Before he could tell her that he was fine, she began to heal him. He was going to do it, later, once he had more energy; it wasn't like he hadn't had worse wounds before. "Thank you." His voice came out low, inviting, as he forgot to check his emotions before speaking. He cleared his throat, and darted his grey eyes away from embarrasment. He was glad, but sad at the same time, when she retracted her hand and turned from him. He mentally grumbled at himself for the forlorn feeling he had then experienced. Why must this be so hard?

They traveled in silence until they reached her home. Antien would have enjoyed the view, but his mind and heart were battling with one another again for him to truly appreciate the cozy atmosphere that Celesti exhibited. Finally, Antien's stomach dipped from Eos decent and soon, the elf found himself dismounting and standing in front of Eva's home.

***
Just as Eos landed, Einar appeared at the door; a grin on his face as he spotted his daughter...and an elf. A male elf. He mentally frowned at that. "Gianna. Eva and Eos are here....and they brought company." He informed his wife as a roar was heard above them all. Stigandr's silver scales glittered across the sky as he zoomed down toward Eva and Eos. EVA!!! Yellow-sun! He called out to them with happiness. It had been awhile since he had seen the hatchlings; it was a nice distraction from the rising war and troubles that they had faced in the last few months. Einar watched as the dragon crashed down in front of them all, thrashing his tail in merriment.

OOC: Lol. Where's Elaine? With Marola or Eva? And if you were wondering, yes...Antien is going to lose some self control...in the near future...just not telling when. Hehe. *smiles evily*

[Trinn]

OOC: I forgot about Elaine! lol and yay for no self control on Antien's part! hehehe

Marcus nodded, agreeing with Cortell. "Aye, someplace a bit more private. Tally, would you mind taking Lyta outside?" He paused, hearing Gianna's voice echo in his mind. "Ah, it seems Eva and Eos have come home too. Go say hello to them, dear ones."
~~

Tally stared at her father and Cortell, incredulous. They obviously did't think she was old enough to handle the news about Daeron. Well they were wrong! She opened her mouth to protest, just as her new bond flared his wings in his own way of protest. However, her father then mentioned Eva, and Tally figured she could find out the news about Daeron later. She'd get it out of Cortell. "Fine." she said, trying to act grumpy. "Come on, Lyta, let's go see Eva!"
~~

Elaine stood beside Eridor, between the two dragons she had flown with to Celesti. She was unsure whom to accompany. She decided to stick with Eva. Marola had family issues to resolve, and Elaine didn't want to intrude on those, not until Marola was ready for help, anyways. And besides, she hadn't seen Einar or Gianna in ages.
~~~

"Dad!" Eva exclaimed, spotting her father coming out of the house towards her. For a moment forgetting Antien, she rushed to her father and embraced him in a tight hug. She had never felt so grateful to see him again. Having near death experiences apparently had that affect. A second later, her mother appeared, rushing out of the house at a near run. Soon Eva was embraced by both her parents, and she felt incredibly content. Not wanting to ignore her other set of parents, Eva eventually detached herself from Einar and Gianna and went to greet Stigandr. "Hello, silver scales!" she said hugging him around his snout. The earth shuddered again, announcing Gladia's arrival. "Gladia, gem of the skies!" she said, and moved to hug Gladia in the same manner.

After the greetings, Eva moved back to Eos's side. The yellow dragon stood meekly aside, feeling somewhat intimidated by the elder dragons and Eva's parents. She had met them all only once before, and she had been much younger than she was now. Don't be afraid! They all love you! Eva encouraged. Eos took heart, and picked her head up a bit more.

"Mom, dad, this is Antien. He was my travel companion on my journey." Eva said, introducing Antien. She had placed a hand on his arm while she introduced him, and now she somewhat regretted the move. Juts touching him set her heart pounding.

"A journey, eh?" Gianna said, crossing her arms and eyeing Antien fiercely. "Just what sort of journey were the two of you on?"

[Tismri]

Lyta smiled brightly when she heard Eva and Eos had returned. She'd not seen her cousin in a long time, nearly as long as it had been since she'd seen Glory. She didn't like that they'd had to leave. Excitedly, she took Tally's hand and ran outside to see Eva.
"Wow!" the little girl exclaimed upon seeing the yellow dragon. "Eos is really big now!!!"

Cortell was glad when Marcus found an excuse to send Tally and Lyta out of earshot. He didn't want what he was about to say heard by the youngest, especially, and while Tally was tough, he wasn't sure she would have the stomach to hear the scene he was about to describe.
"I and a few others went to track those boys down," Cortell told his mother. "We followed their trail to a nearby town. There, for the most part, they seemed to disappear. I did hear from a few residents that they saw Daeron--or at least someone who looked a lot like him--leaving town with some girl, heading in the direction of the Haddarac." Cortell's eyes narrowed at the thought. Marola thought she was going to be sick. First Glory, and now Daeron? Both of them in the Shade's clutches.
"Perhaps it wasn't him..." Marola said, "Maybe he was still with his friends."
"I...hope not," Cortell said. "Like I said, they seemed to disappear. No one knew anything about them, except that they were briefly in town. But then we were walking by an unoccupied house on our way to leave. There was an outdoor entrance to its cellar, and at first we thought an animal must have died in there. I got curious, and I opened the door." The boy turned a sickly shade of gray-green and he buried his face in his hands, palms to his eyes as if trying to block the image of the sight out of his mind. "We found the boys. All of them accounted for. They were...mutilated. Limbs hacked off, organs removed, tendons ripped out. They had been there for over a day, just left like that. All the pieces of their bodies were arranged in these neat little piles." Marola stared at her son.
"All of them accounted for..."
"Except Daeron," Cortell confirmed. Marola didn't know what to feel. Relief that her son may still be alive? Terrified that he may be in the Shade's hands? And who had killed the rest of those boys? Why had Daeron been spared?
She began to feel light-headed she fell back against the wall and sank to the floor, dizzy and confused.
"Why does this keep happening?" she asked no one in particular. She just kept losing her children, one by one. Her old, lingering fear returned to her, as if some demon were whispering it in her hear. It's all your fault. You're a terrible mother. Just think of the life you once led. The life you still lead...

[Max452]

OOC: Poor Rola.

Einar hugged his daughter tightly; he had missed her greatly. When she left his and Gianna's arms to greet Stigandr and Gladia, he watched her affectionately. However, the affection left his eyes when Antien was introduced; he did not miss the touch Eva placed on the elf, nor how the elf seemed to stare at his daughter in such a....longing? look in his eye. He recognized that expression...an unsure, confused, longing expression; he once held that for Gianna before they admitted their feelings for one another. Einar, however, said nothing, allowing the more, intimidating parent to deal with the elf. Besides, if he dealt with it, Eva would probably yell at him for maiming the elf.

***
The moment Eva touched his arm, Antien's heart began to race rapidly. Was this going to happen every time she touched him now? Now, when he had confirmed his own love for her, was he always going to be fluttering about like a insufferable fool? He wanted her as his mate, desperately, but Eos' words, and his own doubts of being a hinderance to her promising future kept him at bay. True, the fight with the Shades made him realize his love, but it did not change the fact that Eva was a Rider. She had duties. He would not be a distraction. He would not hold her back from her true potential. These thoughts ran through the elf's mind as he stared down at Eva, smile and all, but his eyes, shone with well hidden longing except to the trained eye.

Antien detached his eyes from Eva and to her parents. "Well met, Rider Einar and Rider Gianna." He politely bowed to them. "It is an honor to be officially introduced. I never had the opportunity to during the war with Galbatorix." He informed them with an elven grace. His eyes locked onto Gianna's fierce eyes, sensing trouble as she desired to know about their journey together. He had a funny feeling he shouldn't mention it, but the woman seemed very intimidating and if she was refused her answer, it would bode ill for them both. "Aye, Rider Gianna, Eva and Eos allowed me to join them on their quest to find more information about Rider Gloriann and Sundavar." He would omit the part that they had a run in with two Shades. "Rider Elaine and Rider Marola are here as well, as we met them on our journey." He added, hoping that would distract the Riders from focusing on Eva's quest too much, as he felt very protective of her.

[Trinn]

Marcus found himself grinding his teeth as Cortell retold the events that had befell Daeron. His son and daughter both gone now, and without a trace. He felt anguish everyday they were gone. He had to remind himself that Lysa, Tally, and Correll were still safe. It was the only thing that kept him from storming off in a righteous rage. So it was with a sad heart as he watched the news sink into his wife. He loved her so much, and to see the pain in her eyes made him want to cry out and curse the Gods. Instead, he sank down beside her and pulled her into his arms, kissing the top of her head. "We will find them, Marola", he said, referring to both Daeron and Glory. Marcus had never cried in his life. Not even while he had been enslaved and beaten on a daily basis. But at this moment, he felt dangerously close. "Did you discover anything about Glory?" He asked, to distract himself. He held Marola at arms length, studying her eyes. He wanted so much for her to be happy. That Daeron had went missing during his watch made him feel at fault for the pain his wife now felt. He was a failure to her. Not for the first time, he wondered if she would have been better off marrying an elf or another rider.
~~~

Gianna studied Antien a bit more, before responding to the mission he claimed he had embarked on with her daughter. "Is that so? Eva, I understand your situation with Glory, but you are yet a young rider..." Eva interrupted her then.

"I know, that's why I took Antien with me. He has the experience and knowledge to help me. Remember, mother, riders must all go on difficult voyages at some point. At least I brought along help." Before Gianna could raise an argument against that point, Tally and Lysa joined them. Elaine, too, joined their gathering. Gianna felt herself relax, and she greeted Elaine with a smile and turned to greet the rider of Stormwing, leaving the children to say hello to each other.
~~~

"Indeed she has" Tally said, looking with admiration at the pale yellow dragon. The brown amber dragon on her shoulder sniffed the air, getting Eos's scent. But Tally was soon distracted from Eosnwhen she spotted the elf. A full blooded, tall, graceful, mystic elf! Her excitement to see Eva was overshadowed by her excitement at the presence of an elf. "Tally it's rude to stare" Eva said, but their was mirth in her voice. Blushing in embarrassment, Tally averted her eyes and mumbled an apology. "Dear cousin, is that a dragon hatchling perched on your shoulder!" Tally perked up again.

"Aye, Eva. The little one hatched a few days ago. Zee and I were out in the woods when we found the eggs, and here I am. A dragon rider! Oh! But I'm not the only one! A dragon hatched for Zee too!"

"What! That's great news! You two can go to New Doru Arabea together now for training!" Tally bit her lip, unable to tell Eva that she didn't exactly want to go to Bromsland. She would prefer staying in Celesti and training under her mother and Gianna and Einar, even training with Cirilai and Kunin. The Celesti had great knowledge to bestow, especially in the art of battle.

[Tismri]

Marola tried her best to wrestle her emotions back in order, to quell the voice that seemed to be echoing in her head accusingly. She felt better in Marcus' arms, knowing that he was still there for her despite everything. Her eyes turned downcast at his question.
"I did," she replied to him. "Glory is serving in the Shade's army. She was probably tricked into it somehow." Her voice was flat, her eyes unseeing. Her expression showed how thoroughly unsurprised she really was by the news. Glory was her daughter, after all. Marola remembered all those years under Galbatorix's charge when she believed in every lie and false cause that was presented to her. It took Cortell to break her out of that. She hoped Glory wouldn't have to resort to such extreme measures to come back to her senses.
"From the information I found, it seems the Shade Rider is training her to kill, and be the best at it." Marola's lips pressed together for a moment. "I have no doubt she'll be quite the prodigy at it."

[Max452]

Einar's right eyebrow rose at Eva's attempt to assure her mother that all was well with her mission. His Rider enhanced eyes did not miss his daughter's apparrel nor the elf; they had been in a fight recently - dried blood on their tunics gave them away. He locked gazes on the elf that stood before them and a silent message was sent: You have better explain this mission.

Antien gave a slight nod at Einar, abiding to the Rider's wishes. Eva would be displeased, but it was best for them to know what had transpired earlier this day; Gloriann's involvment in this impending war must be known to those closest to her.

It was then, the others had arrived and Einar broke his glare from Antien and greeted Elaine with mirth; it had been awhile since he had seen his friend. "Elaine!" He motioned to clasp her arm as old comrades would. "How are you and Eridor? And Dublin?" Einar asked as he greeted her, using his other hand to grab ahold of his wife, bringing her closer so they could speak to one another as the children spoke.

***
Antien blinked for a moment, unsure on which conversation to join. He felt intrusive to both as he desired to be with Eva, but knew that he probably should be with the adults, discussing the Shades that had attacked them earlier. His choice was decided for him as Eva's cousin began to stare at him in awe; it had been awhile since he received such stares. It was quite amusing. He gave a humble bow at Tally. "It is a pleasure to meet you, Argetlam." He inclined himself to her before allowing Eva and Tally to reacquaint themselves with one another. He stood himself straight, posed in his elven simplicity before turning to join the adult conversation.

Eva's conversation with her cousin had made it more apparent to Antien the evident time gap between them. Let her have her youth while she can. He thought to himself, not wanting to steal away any of her innocence, but could not help casting discreet glances at Eva whenever she was not looking at him.

***
"Not that I am complaining about your visit, Elaine, but I have a feeling that your visit is not one of recreational enjoyment." Einar finally said after their greetings were completed. "What news have you to bring?" He asked, glancing briefly at Antien as he turned to join their conversation, expecting a full report from Elaine and the elf.

[Trinn]

Marcus felt his mouth set in a hard line as Marola relayed the news of Glory. His daughter, turned into a murderer. She must have been forced into it, yet from the way it sounded, he couldn't help but wonder if she had volunteered herself for the training. Glory was ever thirsty for knowledge. "We will get her back." He said, staring at nothing in particular as he daydreamed of slamming a knife into the shade rider's heart. "But to do that, we will need allies. Marola... we need rider friends who will help us penetrate the shades army and help us rescue Glory."
***

Elaine fidgeted with the hilt of Celobra as she greeted Gianna and Einar. "I wish I came to you merely as a visiting friend. But of course, that's not the case." she said, beginning to answer Einar's inquiry. It was then that Antien approached, and Elaine wondered if she should tell of the skirmish with the shades. If he didn't, she would. Eva's parents would need to know. "I was flying across Alagesia in search of a lost child. One of my wards has gone missing from the orphanage... I fear she may have fallen to the darkness of this world." Elaine frowned, saddened to think of the young girl, one of the first brought to the orphanage. It appeared more and more that the girl had run away, abandoning Elaine and her home. Elaine wondered what she had done wrong to push the girl away like that. "As I traveled, I noticed certain ill tidings. Suffice it to say, the shade rider grows more bold. It was with great fortune that I flew over your daughter and the noble elf here. Isn't that so, Antien?" Elaine said, inviting him to tell of the fight they had so recently been through.

[Max452]

Einar was an attentive listener as Elaine began her tale. He had high respect for the Rider, as she was one of the first that befriended him after being his enemy for many years. She was a skilled warrior and a held a kind and honest heart. He would be ever grateful to call her friend. An eyebrow rose as she turned to gaze at Antien, who, inclined his head respectfully at the Rider. Einar's eyes narrowed at Antien, a mixture of curiosity and killer intent sparkled within them as he ran scenerios in his head on what Elaine might have stumbled upon. Eva had better not been in trouble...or she would be in trouble for leaving Bromsland!

"Yes, we were very fortunate." Antien replied, hinting no emotion as he guarded his feelings from those around him. He knew Eva would be cross with him later for informing her parents, but it had to be done. "As Eva and I traveled, we were attacked by two Shades. A male and a Female. If not for Argetlam Elaine and Argetlam Marola, we would have been overwhelmed."

"What?" Einar's eyes darted over to Eva, a disbelieving look on his face. His daughter failed to mention that little fact to him when they greeted one another. He was going to have a good talk with her later of omitting facts to her parents. He glanced over to Gianna, seeking her counsel on how to react properly; if he went by his instincts, there would be lots of yelling.

[Trinn]

When Antien had finished his short description of the fight, Gianna found herself clenching her hands in tight fists. Her daughter had almost died at the hand of shades. It would have been too much grief to bear if that had come to be. "My sincerest thanks to you, Elaine, for aiding my daughter. I am forever in your debt. I must thank Marola too..." Her green eyes turned on Antien, and there was fire in them. "Antien... you are an elder elf. Yet, you let my daughter embark on a mad journey? Did you not to stop to think of her youth and inexperience?" Gianna's voice remained calm, not betraying the anger in her eyes. "If there had been a single shade, no doubt you would have been able to handle him. But we are at war with a shade rider! Who commands a shade army!" Her voice had risen slightly, but it was enough to catch Eva's attention. Her daughter looked towards them, and Gianna could see Eva's own anger. Her daughter was strong willed when she wanted to be.
***

Tally was saying something when Eva heard her mother's voice, almost a shout. Her head snapped around to look at the group of older folk. Her parents looked furious. Antien looked almost guilty, while Elaine appeared wary. "That's no good." Tally said, also looking over at the older group.

"No." Eva agreed, feeling furious and sad and guilty all at the same time. She was no child! And how was she supposed to gain experience if she didn't embark on journeys such as this!? "Tally... Eos and I are going to go into the woods for a bit. You can come if you like." And eva turned and hurriedly climbed onto Eos's saddle. The yellow dragon trotted off towards the woods, before Gianna and Einar could catch them.

Tally stood awkwardly with Lyta for a moment. "Come on, Lyta, the woods sounds like fun." Grabbing her little sister around the waist, Tally swung her up into her arms and carried her off towards the woods after Eva. Her amber hatchling sniffed at Lyta's face, then chirped raucously as if finding the whole situation hilarious.