(!)Royal Disaster

[Tismri]

WARNING: The beginning of this thread contains an intensely violent torture scene. You have been warned.

Teza Mae woke, feeling groggy with a slight headache. Out of habit, she reached her mind out for Garrus; she was confused when she didn't feel him.
"Ah, you are finally awake, your Highness," someone said to her side. Teza Mae glanced over in that direction and tried to sit up. Her wrists were bound to the table she was lying on, and she soon discovered that the same went for her ankles.
The person she saw was terrifying to behold. She was beautiful, with blonde hair and angled features. She wore a circled on her brow and her clothes were fine. But her eyes...Her eyes seemed to glow with a fiery light, and just looking at them made the princess feel as if her mind was on fire, causing her to wince and look away.
"Don't worry about your dragon. He is being well looked after."
"Where am I?" Teza Mae looked around. It was so dark, she couldn't even tell if she was in a room, in a tent, or underground. "What do you want with me?"
"Ah, neither of those questions are of much importance to you. It won't matter much longer. However, I will indulge you with the answer to your last question." The Shade stepped closer and stroked a hair out of Teza Mae's face, a sweet, fear-inducing smile on her face. "Ismalia is a thorn in my side. I have already sent my message to Nasuada and Eragon and the neighboring lands. But I wanted to send a...vastly more personal message to Tenel Ka." Teza Mae felt a pit in her stomach. Send a message to Mother? She didn't even want to know what sort of message. "I never, in a thousand years, expected the Ismalian princess to walk straight into my arms. But you make my task much easier."
***
FLASHBACK:
Teza Mae looked through her pack one last time, to make sure she had everything she needed. Most of her supplies were in Garrus' saddlebags, so she should be more than equipped for the trip.
Jason had no idea that she was leaving. She knew he wouldn't approve, or insist on going with her. But Garrus was barely big enough to handle her weight. He couldn't hold two. And she had told Aradan that she was going, and why, but not when. She'd told him goodbye three days ago.
She'd heard that Tati had run off while her family was searching for Tylon. The princess' concern for her cousin and best friend had escalated to become paramount in her mind until she grew nearly sick with worry. So she had resolved to search.
Teza Mae crept out of her room and outside, where Garrus sat in waiting.
Are you ready, Princess? he asked her as she mounted his saddle. Teza Mae took a deep breath, looking around herself for a moment, then gave him a mental nod. Silently, the crimson dragon spread his wings and flew westward toward Alagaesia.
***
A few days later, they had stopped at a town, near where Tatiana had separated from the rest of her family. She was going to ask if anyone had seen her, describe her appearance. She even brought a picture of her likeness that had been drawn back when they were all still together in Freia.
But when they found the town, it was all a smoking ruin. It seemed abandoned at first. But then a girl a bit older than she was came out.
"Are they gone?" she asked, wide-eyed. She was splattered with blood, and her red dress was wet with it.
"Who? What happened here?" Teza Mae asked in concern.
"I...some...people came here," the girl said, trembling. "I tried to hide, but they found me. They killed everyone. Oh, gods, they're all dead!" Teza Mae was concerned; she'd heard about the Shade's army attacking towns near the desert.
"I didn't see anyone," she said. "How did you survive?"
"I...I hid under my parents' bodies," the girl said, looking sick. She was quaking. "I-I-I...oh, gods, they're gone...All gone."
"Shh," Teza Mae told her, wrapping her arms around her. "I can take you somewhere safe," she promised. "I can get you back to Ismalia. My mother can provide a place for you."
"Your...mother?" the girl asked curiously.
"Yes, my mother is the Queen Mother," Teza Mae told her. She started to guide the girl to Garrus, who was out of sight looking for mor survivors. Suddenly, she felt alarm resonate from him, but a moment later, felt a pain in the back of her skull.
"Oooh...Kat is going to be so pleased with me!" the girl said, her giggling echoing in the princess' mind as she fell unconscious.
END.
***
"Sachiko," Katriana called. Teza Mae recognized the girl from earlier. Her giggling continued. "Do give our guest here the best of treatment. We want her to look perfect when we sent her back to her mother."
"Of course, Kat," Sachi replied. She set a box of something that clanged loudly on the floor and started digging through it.
"I'll leave you to it, then," Katriana promised. "Make me proud, Sachi." Then the Shade left.
The next few moments seemed like an eternity to Teza Mae. Eventually, Sachiko found what she was looking for. It was a rather fancy knife. The princess felt fear as the blade came dangerously close to her face.
"I told him I'd use this on the best of occasions," Sachi said, talking to herself more than Teza Mae. Then she started the madden giggling again. Teza Mae turned her head away, trying to evade the knife. "Now, now, don't do that," Sachiko said, grabbing her jaw and turning her to face her again. "Now open up those pretty eyes of yours."
The princess' scream could be heard all throughout the Shade's encampment. The blade sank deep into her left eye, and partway into her brain. Then it was pulled out again. And thrust in again. And again. And again. Each stab increased Teza Mae's agony.
"No! Stooop! PLEASE!!!!" Words could be heard between the screams. Even when the blade was out, there was no relief from the pain. Her vision was black and red, the pain kept growing beyond what she had ever experienced.
Teza Mae had often wondered what it was like for her mother when she lost her arm. What sort of pain it had been. Before now, she could only imagine. Now, though...now she knew. She beyond knew. This pain was indescribable. Excruciating was not a strong enough word. Agony wasn't strong enough. Teza Mae knew that her mother's pain wouldn't even begin to compare to this torture.
"Hmm, there. Now I can take it out with ease," Sachiko said. A fresh wave of agony came to Teza Mae as she felt the woman's fingers digging into her eye socket. She felt foreign liquid drip down the side of her face.
"NNOOOO!! DADDY!!!!!! HELP ME!!!!!!!!!!!!!!" Teza Mae screamed out, longing for her father to come rescue her from this nightmare. To come into her room and wake her up, hold her as he did when she was little.
"Well, now...what next?" Sachiko asked, considering. She looked at the princess' mouth as she screamed. "Ah, there we go." She caught ahold of Teza Mae's tounge. Teza Mae screamed more and tried to pull back. Every movement brought another fresh wave of pain from her eye.
Just let me fall unconscious, she begged. But it never happened. She was fully aware even as her tounge was being sliced out. Blood flowed down her throat, choking her and turning her screams into choked gurgles.
Daddy...Garrus...Jason...Aradan...somebody, please...help me... she thought, hoping this nightmare would end soon.

[Jay]

Jaygon and Turma had been flying over the abandoned town searching for any clues on where the Shade army was, or where they might strike next, when they saw a girl knock Teza Mae unconscious. Jaygon we should go down there and help her, Turma said.

"Wait Turma if we fly high enough she might lead to the people who ordered her to do this if there are any. Just make sure she doesn't see us," Jaygon said softly. They rose higher in the sky as they followed the girl who had Teza Mae until they came to where the Shade army was hiding. Turma lighted down gently a ways away from the camp and Jaygon dismounted.

So what's your plan Jaygon? Turma asked placing her head beside him.

"Stay hidden until I reach the the part of the camp where the princess is then stir up some trouble. Just stay a reasonable distance away from the camp maybe see if there are any others in the area who are willing to give us a hand," Jaygon said. Turma nodded and went to go hide herself somehow. Jaygon used energy from a gem on one of his swords to turn himself invisible and enter the camp.

More than once he almost got caught his heart pounded each time threatening to send into another coughing fit. Once he got to the center of the camp he found a place to hide and stretch out his mind trying to not hit any of the enemies by mistake. He hadn't gotten very far when he heard the princess screaming. Jaygon immediately got up and ran that way still cloaked. He entered the tent invisible seeing the girl torturing the princess.

Alright Turma start now Jaygon told her through their mental link. He then went to one of the sides of the tent. "Well, well, we can't have this now. Stop this immediately!" Jaygon exclaimed trying to spook the girl with his voice that that appeared to have no body.

[Max452]

OOC: Time to have some fun.

Tyrant was musing his way through the camp, as he usually did when he was bored. However, one particular instance today caught his undeniable interest. Rommie's little girl had been captured, and now, to his delightfulness he could hear Sachiko torturing the girl. Take that brother! Remus's spirit gleed on happily.

However, his psychotic happiness was short lived when he felt a strong presence drift through the camp. He narrowed his eyes. They had an intruder. He had once sense someone with much equal power before, a few months ago, as they too roamed the camp. He thought nothing of it, but this time, he wasn't going to take any chances. He followed the presence and was led to Sachiko's tent, where Teza Mae was being tortured. As he neared the tent, he heard an unfamilar voice. He licked his lips. A new prey.

Tyrant bounded toward the tent, uncaring what Sachiko was doing; though it was sometimes best to leave the girl alone or she'll be in a frenzy for having her prey taken from her. Tyrant had to learn that a few times the hard way. He followed the voice and then uttered a spell that created mist around the tent, exposing a male-like figure beside it. "Ah. Lookie, lookie, what I found!" He smirked and then yelled out with glee. "I FOUND AN INTRUDER!' He laughed manically before unleashing his lightening spell at the figure.

***
Daeron went to the tent of his sister, hoping, that maybe she had cooled off since the fight with Sachi; they hadn't spoken since then, despite his numerous attempts (she always seemed preoccupied with Katriana whenever he had time to speak with her). Now, he hoped that his sister was able to speak. He wanted her and Sachi to get along. Reaching Glory's tent, Daeron knocked.

***
Romulus awoke with a start. His breathing was heavy and his skin was sleeted with sweat. Something was wrong, terribly wrong. He could feel it. He could hardly remember the nightmare he had just had, but one thing resonated with him. The screams of his little Teza Mae. Sitting himself up, Rom got out of bed, running his fingers through his hair, trying to calm his frantic heart. He knew it. He couldn't explain how or why, but one thing was for sure. His little girl was in danger. Romulus quickly got dressed, not wanting to waste any time. He went to the bedside of his wife, gently waking her. "I have to go; something's wrong. I fear Teza Mae and Jason may be in danger, but mostly Teza Mae." Romulus explained as he went to gather his things into a pack. "Do we have a scrying mirror?" Rom asked, wanting to contact Bromsland. They had been stationed in Gil'ead, at the Kingsley estate while they were preparing for war with the Shade, as well as for easier access to their children. Romulus face was hard and worried as he stumbled in the hours before dawn, gathering their things together.

[Tismri]

Sachiko was so absorbed in her fun that she barely registered the presence of others in the tent. She waggled Teza Mae's severed tounge before her one remaining eye, grinning from ear to ear.
"It really is quite a revolting thing when you actually see it, no?" she asked. She tossed it aside uncaringly. Teza Mae whimpered, then gagged and coughed, and in turn began to scream again. Now unable to speak, these primitive sounds were all she was able to utter.
"What next?" Sachi asked. She trailed her fingers down Teza Mae's arm, and her grin grew wider, accompanied by an ecstatic giggle. She returned to her box of torture tools and dug around for a moment. She brought out two new knives: one that was long and thin with a lightly serrated edge, and another one so tiny it might have been meant for a physician's use. She returned to her first spot and pulled on the princess' arm, exposing the inside of her wrist from underneath the shackle. Then, she very carefully used the small knife to barely slice the skin. In the midst of all her other pain, Teza Mae hardly felt a thing. Sachiko was very careful, making sure not to slice the major vein in the wrist. Couldn't have perfect princess dying too soon now. She peeled back the skin--that, Teza Mae noticed. She tried struggling more, but to no avail. Sachi carefully pulled out a couple of tendons, and used her long, thin blade to cut them. Teza Mae whimpered more; her whimper became an inhuman screech as Sachiko took a severed end of a tendon and ripped it right out of her hand. Then she took the opposite end of the second one and pulled it out of her victim's arm. Teza Mae couldn't believe it was possible to feel any more pain, but it just kept coming.
Just...just let me die... she begged now. She couldn't bear this any longer. She just wanted the pain to stop. But Sachiko wasn't done.
"We need to do something with your feet now," she said. "But what?" She thought for several moments, then brightened. "I know!" She took out her oldest toy, her blood-soaked, rusted kitchen knife, and methodically sawed through the tendons in both heels; it would now be impossible for Teza Mae to either walk or talk now.
~~~~~
Gloriann was meditating in her tent, thinking on what she had learned earlier today. She had spoken to a dwarf who had told her he rejected his entire clan to join Katriana. He had been a supporter of Az Swelden Rak Anhuin, and was repulsed by the thought of his kind being granted Riderhood. He came to Katriana because he went into self-imposed exile and was searching for a place to belong.
Isn't that what we're all doing? she asked herself. Looking for a place to belong. She would have asked Sundavar, but the dragon was busy assisting others in restraining the Ismalian princess' red dragon, who was going mad at the cries of his Rider.
She opened her eyes when she heard a knocking at her tent, and went to see who it was. It was Daeron. Glory felt a small lurch in her stomach, a mixed swell of anger and hurt. He had chosen that-that thing over her. She knew it; she had seen him rush to her while Tyrant dragged her off that day.
"What do you want, Daeron?" she asked, trying to be civil but her hurt apparent.
~~~~~
Tenel Ka woke when she felt Rom's gentle promptings. Her grey eyes opened wide at his near panic and she sat up. "What is it?" she asked, and listened as he explained. She didn't question him. He would likely be the first to know if their daughter was in danger.
"Our scrying mirror should be set up in the study," she told him. She got up with him; she knew she couldn't go running off, as she needed to stay and provide leadership to their people stationed in Gil'ead, but she wanted to see if everything was all right for their children.

[Max452]

OOC: Oh man! Make the torture stop! I feel so bad for Teza Mae!!! And the Rom side of me is screaming to kill Sachiko!!! *pulls hair*

Daeron gave his sister a guilty and sorrowful expression as she appeared before him. "Can...can we talk, Glory?" Daeron asked, feeling shameful and knowing that he earned every amount of hate his sister could muster toward him. He had never explained his relationship with Sachi properly, but worse, he made it seem like he chose her over his own sister. "Please?" Daeron added, his eyes pleading for his sister to forgive him and talk with him.

***
Romulus nodded to the location of the mirror. He placed his bags by the bedroom door before heading over to the study in a mad, hurried, walk. Finding the mirror, the Duke Ranger conjured the spell that would place him in contact with one of the teachers in Bromsland. He thought quickly of which teacher he would wish to speak with. Tismri. He would speak with Tismri. Besides Trinn, who he believed was off on her own mission, Tismri was the other teacher is was most acquinted with and would know about Teza Mae and Jason's whereabouts. He scryed for her quickly.

***
Lycus seemed to be gliding as he walked beside Katriana, never leaving any sign of footprints as he did. His eyes were ever watchful as he glanced about them, noting the various members that were scattered across their camp. He was glad that Katriana left Sachiko's tent; he couldn't stand the girl's screaming nor Sachiko's sadistic torture. No one deserved that fate, but it was what Katriana wished and so, he would let it pass, even if, one day, Katriana wished the same fate for him. The silent guardian continued along with his protectee, wondering what she had planned, though, having somewhat of an idea after being with her for so long.

[Tismri]

OOC: Okay, I'm out of torture ideas anyway. Man, Sachi's gonna have to run and hide before Rom storms in. lol

Glory stared at her brother for several moments longer. Now he wanted to talk. Now he wanted a chance to explain things. Her eyes narrowed at him, and nearly every ounce of her desired to just shove him away. But this was Daeron, the only family she had in this place. She had to at least give him a chance.
"I don't really think there's anything to talk about," she said, turning away from him and walking into her tent. "You're a masochist who lets his awful choice in girlfriend use you to satisfy her own perverted desires." She sat down on the floor and crossed her arms, glaring at him. "What do you want from me, someone to heal you after your ridiculous escapades of pain?"
~~~~~
Tismri awoke from where she sat at her desk with a start. She was so exhausted; it seemed she was spending every waking moment trying to keep track of her missing students. It seemed as if one by one they were all running off on their own self-proclaimed missions, running wild across Alagaesia. Gloriann, Seth, Eva, and now Teza Mae, along with their dragons. She knew where the first two were, and had an idea about Eva. The Ismalian princess, however, she had little to go on.
And now she glanced at her scrying mirror, seeing the image of the girl's parents reflected back at her. So, they had heard somehow. Or at least got the idea that something was wrong. She stood and approached the mirror, her hair disheveled and her eyes lightly bloodshot from lack of rest.
"I know what you are going to ask," she told them, rubbing her forehead against her temples. "Teza Mae disappeared yesterday; Jason reported it when he awoke that morning. We have been looking for information as to where she might have gone. When we questioned Aradan, he told us that she took Garrus and went off in search of her missing cousin, Tatiana. Several Riders have gone out in search of her, but we haven't any idea where to begin our search."
~~~~~
Katriana returned to her position near Vanilor; a smile spread across her face as the screams of the young princess echoed delightfully in her ears. For the Ismalians to have their crown princess so horridly disfigured was to be a testament to the Shade Rider's might and power. She was confidant that due to the Ismalians' natural resistance--or whatever it was--to magic, Teza Mae would never be able to fully recover from the torment Sachiko was putting her through. Not even if the elves and Riders gathered together all their best, most talented healers.
She glanced to her side, where she knew Lycus shadowed her, invisible, yet constantly present. She and Vanilor alone knew of his existance and location. Many of the deeds her followers attributed to her supernatural abilities were actually accomplished by her faithful guardian. He was perhaps the most useful tool in her arsenal, even more important to her war than any of her Riders, or Sachiko.
I told you she would prove useful, she told Lycus, referring to Sachi. When they had first crossed paths with the girl several years ago, Lycus had nearly killed her out of habit for attempting to threaten her. However, Kat had seen the girl's usefulness, and kept her around like an amusing pet.

[Max452]

Daeron frowned at his sister's words as he followed her inside her tent. "I'm...it's not like that..." He told her as she sat down. His frown only deepened at her sarcasm. He glanced away from his sister. "It hurts her, when she hurts me, but she can't help it." Daeron whispered to his sister. "Some things happened to her to make her this way. She can't help herself to cause pain and when she can't, well, it hurts her." Daeron returned his gaze to his sister. "I just want to make her pain go away, Glory. She means a lot to me; I love her. Besides you, she's the only one here that really thinks I'm special." He sighed and glanced down at his hands, a bit dejected. "Katriana only tolerates me because I'm your brother; I don't stand out, not like you." He admitted to her. "I love her a lot Glory and I love you too. You're my sister. I tried to find you after Tyrant took you away and even days after that, but Katriana said you were busy and I was distracting you from training...and...I dunno, I felt horrible about everything. I mean, you probably hate me cause I went to Sachi first. But she can't heal herself, not like you can; she doesn't know magic. And, well, your my sister...I thought, maybe you would understand how I felt about her. She makes my day brighter, Glory. I just want us all to be friends." He told her, finally glancing up at his sister. "I...I'm sorry, Glory. I never meant to hurt you; I was going to tell you about us, but, well, that didn't work out too well..." He sighed. "What can I do to make you like me again?" He asked her.

***
"She's. Gone." Romulus spoke softly, slowly, processing what Tismri had just informed him. His baby girl was gone and based on his feelings right now, she was in incredible danger and pain. His eyes locked with Tismri. "She's hurt. I can feel that. Call off your Riders; that'll only ruin the trail." Romulus' tone was hard, but not angry - that he would not let show right now. He would leave his anger for those that were harming his daughter. "I will set out immediately. Thank you, Tismri, but I will work better if your Riders do not tarnish her tracks. Days have passed already and the world may have swept some things away, but the earth will speak to me; I will locate my daughter, and out of courtesy, I ask you to remove your Riders." His amber eyes were serious and intimidating, an expression he had never worn before, or at least, not intensely as he was now. His eyes were a silent threat to Tismri: I will kill those who have taken my child, and anyone that stands in my way will be cut down.

***
Lycus stationed himself at Katriana's side, opposite of Vanilor, as it has always been. The great dragon crooned softly to his rider before nuzzling her affectionately. He ignored Lycus, as he had grown accustomed to the elf's loyalty and reliablity. The white haired elf scanned the terrain as Katriana spoke with him. For now, milady. I still hold my previous opinion of the girl. She is unstable and instability is not what I want around you. Her emotions govern her. I have noticed her relationship with Daeron Celesti. She is becoming devoted to him and in time, I feel she will favor his loyality over yours; making the instability increase ill in your favor. A pet is only obedient to the Master who has the food. Lycus paused, hearing another scream from Teza Mae, I fear, milady, that you are running out of food. Lycus shared his opinion to Katriana, as he always did.

[Jay]

"Letta!" Jaygon said with authority. The lightning froze in midair becoming a glowing ever-changing line of energy that stretched in the air between Jaygon and the man who had just compromised his position. "Young one, you better stop before you hurt yourself," Jaygon said calmly flicking his wrist sending the lightning back at the man. "In no way are either of you my equal so I would prefer to just take the princess and be on my way. Because if you insist on drawing this out I can't promise that you'll survive the encounter," Jaygon turned himself visible again now that the mist showed where he was anyways.

Turma had gotten Jaygon's signal and dived into the west side of the camp beginning to burn tents with her breath before lifting off to get out of range and doing it again from the air. Turma watched as they ran out of the tents to try to kill her. This might be fun she thought as she roared.

Jaygon heard Turma's roar far off and smiled, "The other riders are here now. You better go and defend your camp or else this tent might be the only one left," he tried to make his bluff as convincing as possible.

[Tismri]

Glory just stared at Daeron as he explained his feelings to her. She couldn't understand it. How could anyone love that thing? Sachiko wasn't even human. She was a creature that thrived on the pain of other people. She couldn't even understand why Katriana tolerated her, when sh was so obviously not a part of the peace that had been promised to them. She would probably only be tolerated until the war was over. Then Kat would surely get rid of her, something unneeded any longer.
"I don't think she believes your so special," she told Daeron. "She thinks your gullible, a willing victim. You're something she can turn to when her cravings for pain aren't satisfied. What happens when she goes too far? She's going to kill you one of these days, I just know it!" Glory was visibly upset as she looked away from her brother, trying to hide the hurt and anger that consumed her every waking thought. She turned back to him when he asked his last question. "I'll like you again when you stop spending all your time with that death-bringing--" She called Sachiko something that would likely shock Daeron to hear coming out of her mouth.
~~~~~
Tismri stared at Romulus intensely for several long moments. He had that look in his eye, a look she had seen perhaps once in a century. The look of a determined father out to protect his precious children. And there would be no stopping him.
"Very well," she told him, "I shall call them home. Atra esterni ono thelduin, Romulus Kingsley, Queen Mother." She inclined her head to them before turning to call the Riders home.
~~~~~
Tenel Ka gave a nod to her old mentor as she turned away. She was gripping Rom's shoulder tightly, feeling sick with worry. Teza Mae...dear Teza Mae, the daughter she had always dreamed of an more.
"I'm going with you," she told her husband, her expression resolved, even fierce. She was just as determined to rescue her daughter as he was. The army could handle themselves while she was gone; her child was the most important at the moment. "Caedus will fly us to where we need to go faster than you could ever go on foot."
~~~~~
Katriana listened closely to Lycus as he expressed his concern. She stroked Vanilor's snout affectionately, smiling at her dearest bond.
You are certain of this? she asked Lycus. She had been concerned about the relationship Sachiko had gotten herself into. At times, it seemed the girl was beginning to soften, her hatred not quite so prominent anymore. Though she seemed to be enjoying herself very much at the moment. We may have to find a way to deal with that. Such strong emotional bonds have a way of...creating resistance to me. Her eyes narrowed, their bright fire reduced to a smolder.
In the meantime, though...Van, I do believe it is time to send our guests on their way. She took her place in Vanilor's saddle, and knew her constant companion would join her there. Vanilor was to take Teza Mae away from the camp and unceremoniously drop her in Alagaesia, a spot where she would be found and likely recognized despite her condition. It wouldn't do to have someone track her down into their territory. She didn't feel like losing men to enraged parents, siblings, or lovers. After Teza Mae was dropped, her dragon would be released to find her.

Sachiko dragged the barely conscious princess out of the tent and near to where Kat was sitting on Vanilor.
"She stopped screaming, Kat," Sachi said, a bit of a pout on her fact. That didn't last nearly long enough, but she'd been told to stop before she killed the girl, which really irked her. She backed away to leave room for Van to pick the girl up, and waved her gore-soaked hand up at her leader. "Have a fun trip!" she wished them.

[Jay]

Jaygon left the tent running after the girl who had taken Teza Mae. He ran through the camp not stopping and not caring who saw him. He searched the area with his mind trying to find Teza Mae, There! Jaygon began running even faster as he sent the place where she was to Turma so she could meet him there. I have to protect her from further pain and return her to her father or this might go badly, he thought.

Turma landed as Jaygon got to the girl and what looked like Shade, on a dragon? "So you are the Shade rider I've been hearing so much about," Jaygon said calmly Turma watching from behind him. "I will be taking the princess back to her family now! Don't try to get away with her, I will catch and perhaps someone even more dangerous than me will to."

[Max452]

OOC: Hey, Jay, um, I never posted Tyrant's reaction - I know you're eager to post and all, but I would have liked to have responded to your previous post since your character was interacting with mine. Please be aware (and not just this particular occurance) to just give others a chance to respond. Thanks.

***
Tyrant cackled madly at Jaygon's display of magic. He watched his lightening come back to him and chanted another spell that allowed him to catch it and launch the fiery electricity into the air. The Shade narrowed his red eyes at Jaygon's speech. "Oo! You are going to be a fun prey, I can tell!" He laughed at the Ancient once more. "You know, you are pretty arrogant for an old geezer!" Tyrant taunted him, his eyes sinister and deadly as he watched his foe appear before him. He tilted his head to the side, amused at the man's next words. "You actually think I care what happens to the others?" He asked, listening to the screams of some of the men in the army (who, in his opinion were really stupid in letting themselves get hit by flames). "Kill them, if you can - you seem very confident that Katriana has chosen weaklings for her army." Tyrant smirked as he drew his sword. "Shall we dance, then? I'm eager to see what your blood tastes like." Tyrant cackled again. His cackle was then interrupted by Jaygon dashing off after the Ismalian Princess. "HEY! Come back here!" Tyrant flashed over with his Shade speed, appearing right before Jaygon. "Tsk tsk, we haven't even had a chance to play." He angled his head to the side, so half his face was toward Vanilor. "Sorry, Kat! You can go now! I'll play with him!" Tyrant declared happily as he turned his full attention to Jaygon and the rather large dragon that appeared.

"Why do you get to have all the fun!?" Elijah popped out of nowhere, throwing an explosive at Jaygon, causing a preemptive strike. "I call dibs too!!!" Elijah bounced over Tyrant and made a mad dash to slice Jaygon in half with his sword.

"HEY! My prey!" Tyrant yelled after the crazed bomber and then, he too, dashed to fight Jaygon and his dragon. Tyrant uttered another lightening spell and shot it directly at the dragon's eyes, hoping to blind her, whilst heading to Jaygon's side to slice him (Elijah on the other side).

***
"Glory!" Daeron's eyes widened at the foul language that came out of his sister's mouth! "That's not true! She loves me! Agh! Why can't you understand! I thought you would! I just want all of us to get along! How can you ask me to stop seeing her?! That's just selfish!" He yelled at her out of frustration. "She's different with me! I know it! You can at least TRY to get to know her! She's willing to try but your not!" Daeron's anger was starting to get the better of him as he continued to yell at his sister. "AGH! Your just like them! Never trying to get to know the people I'm with or what matters to me!" He yelled at her, his eyes growing red as he fought back tears as he compared her to their family. The family that never seemed to care about what he wanted or even tried to know him. They just ostracized him because of the things he did. "I should have known I couldn't count on my family." He declared out of hurtfulness and anger. "I hope you're happy now, Glory. You and the others finally got what they wanted: I'm gone!" He declared with finality as he stormed out of his sister's tent. It was then more madness began as the sky began to pour down fire. Daeron glanced up at the scene before him: a massive dragon was attacking the other side of camp. "Sachi." Daeron's eyes widened as he saw that her tent was in the midst of the battle. Without a second thought, Daeron ran off to where Kat and Sachi were to aid them the best he could.

***
Romulus thanked Tismri for retreating her Riders and whispered the elven blessing as a departing thought. He then turned to his wife; his eyes softer than before. "Are you sure, Tenel Ka? This could be a ploy to damage our army whilst we search for Teza Mae." He gazed into her grey eyes, a worried look held within in own. How much suffering would his family have to endure? "I can track quickly whilst on the ground; its hard for me to track in the sky." He told her, knowing that he could not sway her in her decisions, but granting her the options she needed to evaluate it so that she may choose the correct one. "However, I do need a ride to get to Surda, as that would be the first tracks she would have made when coming back to Alagaesia." Romulus added.

***
I suggest you either break her bond with Daeron or establish a bond with the boy so that she would be no resistance to you. Loyalty is only good when it is bound to you, milady. Lycus shared as he hopped onto Vanilor's saddle, right behind Katriana, as the dragon rustled himself for flight. The great dragon hummed with pleasure as he was eager to be on his way into the sky. Once all passengers were upon him, Van flew with one massive pump of his wings to where Sachiko was, dragging out the little Princess. Van sniffed the air, smelling something foul. With one claw, Van scooped Teza Mae up, ignoring the dragon that was causing mayham until she was before him. Vanilor snarled at the intruder. Shall I kill them? Van asked Kat, not caring that the she-dragon was much larger than he. He was more powerful, in his humble opinion. It was then, Tyrant and Elijah appeared, causing a battle to start.

[Tismri]

Glory's expression grew shocked at herself when she heard her brother's hurt words. She had gone too far, she knew. But Sachiko couldn't really love him; she didn't even know what the word meant. Still, she felt as though she was losing her brother as he left her tent.
"Daeron, wait, I--" she stopped, her hand reaching out for him. Maybe she should just let him be...Once he had time to work through everything, or once Sachiko showed him her true colors, he would forgive her for her outburst.
~~~~~
Katriana considered the word Lycus had told her; his advice was quite valuable to her always. It would be safer, I think, to break the bond between them. Attempting to establish a bond would take time, and then there would be always the risk of their snapping each other out of it. I should get Daeron to trust in me, and unknown to him destroy what he has with my dear Sachi.
She eyed the mayhem below and above her, the sounds of battle delightful. She smiled evilly down at the intruder who was being closed in upon by multitudes of her forces. Let them be, my Sky-King, she told Van, patting his shoulder. Tyrant and Elijah are obviously restless, and no doubt many others among my followers are as well. Besides, if they attack us, the risk damage to the prize. Her gaze drifted down to the prone princess lying in Vanilor's claws.
A spell formed from the Shade Rider's lips, and even with her nearly limitless power, it would take much out of her. She created an incredibly dense cloud around Vanilor, to throw off any chance that the enemy dragon may attempt to pursue. She then enhanced her eyesight as well as that of Vanilor and Lycus, so they could see through and make their way to their location.
~~~~~
Tenel Ka met Rom's eyes with determination, although at his words a flicker of doubt resonated in her eyes.
"I know our people may be in danger, but...this is our daughter." Her voice broke; the thought of Teza Mae in danger caused her to fear. Still, his words reminded her of her duty. "Very well...if you believe it is best...Caedus and I will return here after you pick up her trail. On one condition." Her gaze turned very firm, and she would take no debate on this. "You will let me know the moment you find her, and Caedus and I will rejoin you."
~~~~~
Sachiko turned around at the clash that suddenly occurred behind her. Magicians one and all were attacking each other now, one of them the intruder she'd heard Tyrant proclaim. Magic was cheating in her opinion. They messed with the nature of things and bent it to their will. Still, she knew she had to get out of there. Silently, as Elijah and Tyrant both attacked the enemy Rider, she slipped away, wanting to find Daeron.