Gone without a trace -16y

[Melantha]

OCC: yah im not sure where you guys are in timeline but before i work out whats to happen with my characters ill set this one a few months after the defeat of Galbatorix


Melantha woke from a terrible nightmare, the same one she had been having for months only it wasn't a nightmare it was real.

Andromeda poked her head under her wing to find Melantha awake "did it happen again?"

Melantha gave the dragon a mental nod and snuggled closer to Andromeda as tears began to form up in her eyes.

Andromeda knew there was nothing she could say or do that would make it any better. Many months had past since fall of the Empire yet they were unable to leave the field which once served as the Varden campgrounds outside the city. Thought of leaving was out of the question, they had to stay and wait, they had to pray and hope perhaps then they would discover what had gone so horribly wrong to cause Seth and Abaddon to disappear with out a trace.

Melantha went over the scene in her head just like she had done countless times before.

***FlashBack***

She clung to Andromeda’s back hunched low as Andromeda dodged the enemy dragons tail sending a jet of flames back. They were taking a beating but Andromeda didn't let up. Melantha's mind was fixed on the fight, she had to focus but occasionally she would look over her shoulder to wear Seth and Abaddon was fighting on top of the citadel.

Andromeda dived surging forward in attack, the enemy dragon dodged side ways but she managed to sink her claws into the dragon’s side. Melantha raised her sword in defence as the enemy rider lunged at Andromeda. The rider was fast but she was faster, she deflected the blade just as she was engulfed in shroud of flames. She felt the heat around her skin but her magical protections held up. She deflected several more blows as Andromeda sunk her teeth deeper into the enemy dragon.

The dragons tumbled in the sky in a downwards spiral. The lager dragon clung to Andromeda in its claws and Melantha was forced to cling on to the saddle upside-down. Andromeda tried to throw the lager dragon off but her effort was futile they were going to crash. “Melantha jump” she warned
Melantha hesitated “You will be crushed under our combined weight!”
Melantha didn’t argue she pushed off Andromeda’s back and jumped aiming for the rooftop of a building. “Reisa” she cast on her self to stop herself from falling so fast.

Melantha still hit the ground hard enough that it knocked her out instantly, sending her sword flying. She tumbled across the roof until she came to a stop laying flat on her back close to the edge.

Andromeda snarled as she struggled but the dragon pushed her down until they crashed into the side of a tower. Just as Andromeda’s back hit the side of the tower the enemy dragon let go and Andromeda slid down and crashed into the ground bellow. Before she could recover the enemy swooped down and landed on top of her. Andromeda sent a jet of flames as she thrashed against the dark green dragon.

Melantha stirred the sound of shouts, swords clanking against each other, Explosions and roars all around. She pushed herself to sit up her head spinning, her body ached from the fall but she pushed herself to stand and retrieve her swords. She ran over to the edge of the roof and looked around finally spotting Andromeda pinned down by the other dragon. A rage filled her and she ran, jumping from roof to roof towards Andromeda the daunting feeling that she wouldn’t make it.

Pain spread through her shoulder and the dark green dragon tore into it. She bit into the dragon’s leg but it was useless. “Mel!” She called out desperately.

“I’m coming” Melantha replied jumping down from a low roof and fighting her way through hoards of empire soldiers.
“I need to get to the other side of the courtyard” she said yelling franticly at the Varden soldiers that had formed ranks around her. She heard a yes mam followed by a shout of orders before all the men charged forward clearing the way. She charged forward knockings soldiers in the face with the hilt of her sword. “You have to get up!” she said breaking through the line.

She caught a glimpse of Andromeda lying at the foot of the tower the enemy dragon was clawing at Andromeda’s side. Just as she was about to charge a purple shadow swooped out of the sky knocking the Dark green dragon off Andromeda.
Melantha ran forward sheathing her sword and yanking off her gloves.

Andromeda growled in pain thrashing against the bigger dragon. Just as she spotted Melantha, Abaddon swooped down knocking the green Dragon off her.
Andromeda stood as best she could and limped forwards to her rider a few paces dripping crimson blood before collapsing.

Melantha reached Andromeda as she fell onto her side. She took a deep breath in and began to heal Andromeda’s wounds. Her hands shook they were so deep she had to use up the energy stores in her necklace and almost half of the energy stored in the main gem on her sword. When she was done she sat against Andromeda to catch her breath but the breather was short lived a huge explosion sounded overhead and stones rained down on them. Melantha looked up to see the tower tremble.

Andromeda felt the ground shake and stones from the tower showered down on them as the tower began to crumble. Her danger instincts kicked in they told her simply Run “ON” she told Melantha.

Melantha understood immediately, she jumped onto Andromeda’s back and Andromeda took off as the tower fell behind them the sound was deafening, for a moment they were surrounded by a cloud of dust but when it settled the sound of panic spread bellow.

Melantha stretched her mind out to Seth and Abaddon but their minds were gone. Panic rose up in her stomach “Go back!” she shouted out loud and in her mind.

“Mel it’s not safe” Andromeda replied,

“I can’t feel them, Put me down over there we need to find them!” She said terrified.

Andromeda immediately turned around and flew back to the tower reduced to rubble she found a large stone to land on.
Melantha dismounted and Andromeda took off again circling the wreckage above scouting for survivors.
They spent hours digging through the rubble they found few survivors but no trace of Abaddon or Seth. They searched day after day but there was no sign of them even after the rubble was cleared.

*************

Andromeda lifted her wing to let the sunlight in “come on you need to get up and eat something” she said persistent to get Melantha up and about.

Melantha rolled over ignoring Andromeda, she looked down at the ring on her figure, the ring Seth had used to prepose to her with the day he went missing.

[hagvar]

Gidion flew over the old varden camp where they stayed during the fight at urû baen when he noticed a black dragon laying in the field Gidion said to his bond "Basil would you mind checking on the dragon see if it's alive?" As basil flew lower Gidion noticed that the dragon was indeed alive but Gidion could not see any rider he told his bond to be careful it might be hostile. When they landed they were a good 200yrds apart Gidion walked the rest of the way. When he got within 10yards of the dragon he bowed I am Gidion rider of basilgrrad may I ask where is your rider? And there he stayed wating for an answer.

[Melantha]

Andromeda smelt something peculiar in the breeze. The scent was distinct she recognised it as another dragon a male dragon. Andromeda watched as the dragon passed overhead, she expected the dragon to fly off into the distance only it did the unexpected it landed 200yards away. "Mel we have company." she said watching as a rider dismounted from the white dragon.
Andromeda lifted her head off the ground and stared at the Rider who was walking towards them.

Melantha caught a glimpse of the dragon and rider as she peaked out from underneath Andromeda’s wing. They looked familiar but many riders had fought for the Varden when Galbatorix fell it was impossible to have met them all.

Andromeda blinked as the Rider introduced himself. At his question she raised her wing further so it revealed Melantha as if to answer his question.

Melantha wiped the tears from her eyes as she sat on her knees close to Andromeda. She stayed silent as if she had forgotten how to use her voice.

Andromeda steped in for her rider “ nice to meet you, I am Andromeda and this was my rider Melantha.” Melantha was not herself at all, she had hoped that things would get better in time but hope had turned false.

[hagvar]

Pleased to meet you Andromeda and you too Melantha As he was talking basil flew to Gidion. "This is my bond basilgarrad" said Gidion basil bowed his head. "May we be of any help to you you seem... Distressed" said Gidion as he took a couple steps closer. When he got to the dragon he melt and reached out his hand to Melantha hopeing she would take it.

[Melantha]

Andromeda nodded in greeting to the white dragon taking in his scent. Andromeda allowed the man to approach her instincts told her he was genuine and not any sort of threat to her or her rider.

Melantha looked up at the man, Gidion, not giving any eye contact she hesitated for a moment then slowly took his hand and with his assistance got to her feet.

Andromeda didn't answer instead she turned to Melantha giving her a mental nod of encouragement.

Not knowing how to answer at first she stared off into the distance at the form of the castle Ilirea. "no, nobody can." she said monotonously her thoughts disconnected from what was going on in front of her.

Andromeda returned her gaze to Gidion a look of sadness on her face. She felt helpless she was suppose to be Melantha's heart bond yet nothing she could say or do would get through to her. She was upset about Seth and Abaddon's disappearance too but there wasn't anywhere else to look, no leads to follow, the trail was dry from the very beginning and now they were emotionally stuck.

occ: this is my answer for Seth's disappearance on the site.... so unless he comes back on they are never going to find them.... which is kind of sad and depressing...

[hagvar]

OCC: ya I won't be leaving any Time in the near future so let's get our rp on lol

Gidion was glad to see her take his hand but was a littel saddened to her her say that no one could help but he was detimind to find out what was wrong. " May I ask why you are out here are you looking for something? "He noticed the dragons look of pure sadness" "maybe we can go some place more... Homey maybe a nice cooked meal and a warm bed to sleep in?" theres always room for a fellow rider at my... Humble abode. He wiped the tears from her face it will be ok I'm here to help.

[Melantha]

Andromeda’s body tensed she didn't know how Melantha was going to react, most people they had encountered had stopped trying, even Melantha's own mother had left for Ellesmera in hope she would follow but weeks had passed and Melantha insisted on staying close to Ilirea.
They visited the old Varden campsite and the North East tower almost every day hopping to find something new.

Melantha continued to stare at the castle wondering what hidden secrets it held while Gidion spoke. She was startled as she felt Gidions figures touch her face she immediately backed away from his reach she placed her hand on the hit of her sword as warning.

Andromeda moved herself so that her head came between Melantha and Gideon. She faced Melantha “calm down it’s alright, I’m here I wont let anything happen to you.” She said trying to sooth her rider’s fears.

Melantha looked at Andromeda and felt a calmness wash over her she didn’t fight it she trusted Andromeda.

When Andromeda was sure she had Melantha under control she did something she wasn’t proud of she blocked her rider out of her mind and reached out her mind to Gidion. “Please you’ve got to help me I need to get her to Ellesmera, I think the elves their can help her, she is not herself.” She felt ashamed but it had to be done.



0cc: I think I’m going to make her slightly crazy, considering the traumatic stuff she’s gone through in the past its no wonder she hasn’t snapped already.

[hagvar]

Gidion was surprised and a littel hurt when Melantha rejected his kind gesture but then he thought did I just expect her to give in and let me comfort her no this was a much deeper hurt also we just met."I don't even know why she's sad he thought to him self." Then Gidion felt the dragon touch his mind and tell him that she needed his help to get Melantha to Ellesmera but something was amiss she blocked off connection to her bond not letting her know what they were plotting and how they ment to do it.
"Of corse I'll help a fellow rider but I think it's best we go back to my place so I can get some things,we can get some rest, and we can have a good meal before we leave for Ellesmera" he said back to andromeda hoping that she would agree he was kinda hungry.

[Melantha]

Andromeda turned to Melantha giving Gideon a metal nod “if i can convincer her.”

she turned her attention back to her rider unsure what to say.
"mel i think we should go with them, it would be good for us." she tried to say it in the gentlest way she could

Melantha fought back tears "I, i can't, how could you even suggest that." She snapped back.

Andromeda took a moment to gather her thoughts "I love them as much as you but Its been months its time to leave this place. Seth nor Abaddon would want us wasting away here because of them, do you really think they would want what has become of us?"

Melantha folded her arms against her chest “I guess its my fault that you don't understand”

Andromeda continued “I feel they are alive as much as you but without anything to go on there is no point staying here, what is it that I don’t understand?”

Melantha tensed she had kept one small detail to herself for quite a while.
She had tried to ignore it but the pressure of Gidion and Basil’s presents made her tense. She hadn’t been around another human, dwarf or elf for a while she had forgotten how to act.

Andromeda waited patiently, it was the only thing she could do then a thought came to her “I think we should tell Gideon and Basil everything I think it will give us a new perspective on the situation, they genuinely want to help I don’t think we should pass up the opportunity.”

Melantha looked from Andromeda to Gidion giving him eye contact for the first time wondering if Andromeda was right. Was she desperate enough to try what Andromeda had suggested? Yes.

Closing her eyes she began to speak putting to wards the very thing that caused her pain. “My husband to be and his dragon disappeared during the attack on the city.” She said motioning towards Ilirea.
Tears pored down her cheek and her knees began to shake “The Tower collapsed almost right on top of us and… and they were gone.”
she turned away wiping the tears from her eyes on her sleeve.

Andromeda moved in closer to Melantha as she noticed her quivering. “That’s enough for now, let me finish” she was proud that her rider had made some progress.

[hagvar]

Gidion stood and listened to every thing that Melantha and andromeda had to say then replied "wow I had no idea so there just missing no magical trace or anything? Well that's enough for now follow me to our base for the time being he jumped up onto basil and they flew away " what do you think of them?"Gidion said to basil. Basil replied "they are truly genuine and the littel two legs Heart is deeply broken her bond only seems to want to get her help." "well go to the abandoned town so we can get ready to go".

Occ: srry about the delay my birthday was yesterday lots going on lol 1 week till Christmas

[Melantha]

Andromeda eyed Gidion as he spoke, when he finished he watched him mount Basil and they both flew off.
She turned to Melantha "I know you don't want to leave but it would do you some good to get away from here for a while, this place will always be here we can come back to it any time you want." she pressed her nose gently up against her riders chest.
"I think we should follow them." her words were gentle as possible.

Melantha placed the side of her head against the top Andromeda's snout and warped her arms around the dragons head. "okay."she said sadly before climbing onto Andromedas back, what she wanted to tell her heart bond would have to wait.

Andromeda was surprised when melantha agreed She wasted no time taking off and following the white dragon who had almost disappeared in the distance .

occ: thats okay totally understandable christmas time can get pretty busy, hope you had a great birthday.

[hagvar]

Gidion looked back and half expected to see nothing behind him but when he turned around he saw Mel and andromeda. He told basil to slow down so they could catch up. "We will be there by nightfall, best we plan what to do before we get to my base. I was thinking that maybe we could go from here to the Beor mountains I have some one you should meet. Then I believe we should go to the edge of the forest and camp there. Then go into the Forrest in the morning. The forest is dangerous at night even for dragon riders what do you think Mel?" he said attempting to get Mel to speak to him.

[Melantha]

Andromeda shortened the distance between herself and Basilgarrad who had slowed down to let them catch up. 'Thank you both for your kindness' she said slowing down as she reached Basil's side.

Melantha took deep breaths watching the trees pass bellow as they flew. When they finally caught up with Gidion and Basil she tried even harder to take her mind off things. It took her a moment to reply when Gidion asked her thoughts, it was getting too much she didn't want to make plans it made her head hurt to think about. "That sounds, fine."

"Sounds good to me too, lets take things one step at a time shall we" Andromeda chimed in feeling her rider getting tense.

They flew the rest of the way in silence.

[hagvar]

As you say from now on take a step at a time he looked at Mel giving her a kind smile I think you will enjoy my base it's more for girls. Ive been practicing my nature magic made a few new things but none are very different than the plant they came from. From that point on Gidion turned his attention to the passing land below I'm going to take a nap he said to his bond be careful I don't want to wake up falling. Then he drifted off.

[Melantha]

occ: sorry i took so long last minute holiday just got back. Sorry my post sucks.

Andromeda followed Basil's lead she was glad to finally leaving Ilirea. She didn't know where they were going exactly but anywhere would be better than staying near Ilirea and being constantly reminded of the battle.

Melantha nodded at Gidion she was more than a little nervous about going to Gidion's base. She kept taking deep breaths keeping herself in check but nothing she did could stop the silent tears that dripped down her cheeks.
Melantha lowered herself against Andromeda's back and watched in a trance as the landscape move below. Soon enough she drifted off into a dreamless sleep.