Yawë

[Max452]

Ian had a very annoyed frown on his face as he stood in the tent, facing Sidhion, Seth, and Maude. He did not like the decision at all. After the raid by the Shade Army after Selene's supposed capture, Melian was left even more desolate and the families that had been taken were still not found. Apparently, Sidhion had been the main target of the whole attack against Melian, but lucky for them, they were able to fend them off enough for them to retreat. Selene and Slade were freed. Now, they were gathered in this stupid tent discussing the fact that Maude would return to Bromsland to inform the Council of Riders of the situation. This, was the reason for Ian's frown.
"Why can't I go with Maude?" He asked again, a defiant gleam in his eyes.
Sidhion sighed. "As I explained before, Maude must go and report, Seth and I must track down Selene and Gloriann, and you must stay to rescue the families and build this town back up until Maude can rejoin you."
"I still don't like it."
"Is that because you won't have Maude around, Ian?" Seth replied, a cheeky grin on his face.
Ian glared at Seth, forgetting that the boy couldn't see it. "Maude...what do you think of this?" Ian asked trying to control his temper.

[Trinn]

Maude stood with her arms crossed, staring at Sidhion, not amused. Why couldn't she just scry the elders? There was something more to her return than a report. She didn't say anything for a while. Ian was pretty much speaking her own thoughts for her. When the attention turned to her, she looked at the ground glumly. "Shuttup, Seth." she said, giving him a quick glare, though of course, he wouldn't see it. Perhaps he could feel it, though. He had been receiving special training form Sidhion. "Who am I to refuse the orders of my elders?" was her formal response. "That is not to say that I like it, nor do I find it the best solution. When, after all, we could simply scry." Now she glared at Sidhion, who could very well see. Maude suspected he had already scryed Tismri, and together they had discussed her and Ian's fate. The elders probably already knew of the situation here. "But we've been over that already, even if I don't think I've received a good answer for it." Her gaze turned to Ian, softening. "Magda and I must fly to Bromsland, with all haste. And with eve more haste, we will return."

[Max452]

Ian's frown was more evident with Maude's announcement. He made eye contact with Maude just as he heard Seth's voice.
"I was just stating the obvious, guys." The blue rider shrugged. "Sheesh." He added.
"You come back soon." Ian said, his eyes reflected a worry to Maude.
"Maude and Magda will be fine, Ian. You must learn to trust each other." Sidhion interjected.
"I do trust her." Ian growled out. He didn't add that it was Sidhion he did not trust.
The Ancient sighed. "As a Rider you must do what is necessary, even if it means to sacrifice your time and presence from your loved ones." He glanced over to Maude. "The Council wishes for your presence, Rider Maude. It is your duty to obey, as well as you, Ian. You are needed here. Now, Maude, gather your things; you leave at once." Sidhion commanded before leaving the tent with Seth.
"I don't like him or this." Ian fumed, crossing his arms in irritation as he spoke to Maude. Perhaps he was being selfish on the whole matter, but he just couldn't see why Maude couldn't be more helpful here...with him. He knew something else was brewing, why else the separation?

[Trinn]

"Me either." Maude agreed, letting her hands fall to her sides with a sigh. "Sidhion... he's my grandfather and yet I feel no connection to him. He's a foreign being to me that before I had feared... and yet, we must do as he says." Her frown deepened. Outside, she could feel Magda lounging outside, basking in the Surdan sun. Even if winter was nearly upon them, here in Surda, the sun still persisted in its heat. Trying to relax, Maude moved to Ian's side and wrapped her arms around him. "I will return as quickly as possible." she said, speaking softly into his ear. "I...well, make sure you don't get yourself hurt while I'm away." she said gruffly. What she had meant to say was I love you. But who was she to know what love was? She loved her parents, her dragon-parents, and Magda. Did she love Ian? It seemed like it, but before the words were spoken, she wanted to be absolutely sure. Perhaps their separation would give her that clarity.

Pulling away from the embrace, Maude kissed him lightly, quickly, before dashing out of the tent, and away. She found she hated goodbyes.

[Max452]

A sad frown graced Ian's features as Maude vanished from his arms; he could still feel her warmth around him. "I'll miss you." He whispered to himself, feeling the warmth of her light kiss leave him. He wanted to tell her that he loved her, but she left too quickly and he was in his happy oblivion state when she kissed him too; she always had that affect on him. After he gathered his senses he whipped himself out of the tent and ran off to where she and Magda were launching off from. "Bye, Maude! Be safe!" He called out to her, while Castiel nuzzled his red kin. Take care of one another! He told her as they left.

[Trinn]

"What!?" Maude exclaimed, eyes fiery as she stared aghast at the elders before her. They all sat calmly, regarding her with silent, knowing expressions. The entire council was not present, only a select few. Trinn, for one. It was she who spoke now.

"You are one of our finest new riders, young Maude." Trinn said, folding her hands in her lap, "and Sebastian is no good to us here. He needs to get out and feel the harshness of the real world. He needs to experience hard travel and grueling circumstances. Perhaps, even, he needs to see the blood shed by war. This is why he will fly with you and Magda. Now... The state of Alagaesia is largely unknown. We are aware of the circumstances in the most major of cities, but the outlying forests, fields, hamlets... they are dark to us. It is this reason that we are sending you and rider Sebastian across Alagesia. Keep to the skies. Try not to draw attention to yourselves, but help where you can. Fly across Alagesia and back. We need only to know who much of a hold this Shade Rider has. How many towns have been afflicted, whether or not there are parts of the enemy rider army stationed outside of the main host. You get the idea." Trinn paused, settling back in her chair. "When you return, it is our hope that Sebastian will have changed for the better. Perhaps, then, a dragon will find him worthy."

Maude fumed, her hands curling into fists. So, this was why she had to return to Bromsland! "I understand quite clearly, masters. Yet, I do not understand why you did not just send another rider in my place. I was working with Ian in helping Melian."

"I understand your frustration. But Sebastian needs refinement, and we have come to the conclusion that you are best suited to the task." Maude blinked, even more perplexed. Didn't they know she despised that man!? The door to the council room swung open then, and Maude turned with smoldering eyes to glare at the one who walked in.

[Max452]

OOC: I'll go and start a new thread for Ian's adventure, I mostly made this one for Maude's adventures. =) Oh, and Sebastian is still not a Rider...I haven't decided if he's nice enough to get a dragon for Christmas. lol

Sebastian strutted into the council's room with his head held narcisstically high. He spotted Maude and gave her a cheeky wink as he strode to stand next to her. "Aye, did you send for me Elders?" He asked with an arrogant flick of his wrist as he saluted them. Sebastian was glad, to say the least, to finally have a chance to prove himself. He was annoyed since he had come to Bromsland when no egg had hatched for him, now, he still had no bond. How was he suppose to prove himself to his Father or to the rest of the nobles if he still had no dragon!? Wasn't a dragon suppose to determine his status and worth? Wasn't it suppose to bring forth more fame and fortune to him? He would have a dragon, one way or another. He glanced over at Maude. And he would have Maude by his side, one way or another.

[Trinn]

OOC: Woops! lol. Post modified! And yay for Ian having his own thread!

Disgust filled Maude's features as she watched Sebastian stride into the room, as if he were something to be proud of. He didn't even seem to realize she loathed him, as he swept his eyes casually towards her. There was a look in those orbs that made her want to shudder. It was as if he was staring at something that was already his. Her eyes turned back to Trinn, who was speaking again.

"It has come to our attention, Sebastian, that although you have no dragon, you could still be useful to our order. We want to see what you can do in the field. You've shown us enough of yourself here." Maude almost smirked. There was a certain tone of exasperation in Trinn's voice. The ancient rider's smooth, porcelain features betrayed no annoyance, though. Her black hair was tied back in an elegant ponytail, an emerald brooch holding it in place. Her clothes were all of an emerald hue, with a beautiful velvet cloak that looked expensive indeed. It was said that Trinn was of noble birth, but had given up her ladyship to become a dragon rider. A good trade, in Maude's opinion. In fact, Trinn was apparently only a nickname, but one become more permanent with time. Looking at Trinn now, Maude could only hope to become as noble, and a fearless a warrior.

"With that being said," Trinn was saying, "it is our decision that you take the journey with Maude. The two of you shall leave within the hour. That is all." Maude's admiration for Trinn vanished. A great warrior the ancient may be, but she had a poor choice of character, to think Maude would not kill Sebastian in his sleep.

"Ugh." She grumbled, turning with a clack of boot heels to exit the chamber.

[Max452]

OOC: Yay! If only I could figure out a plotline for Ian lol. Maybe he should get tortured....Maude would LOVE that! ahaha!

"I'll be happy to show the Elders my expertise in the field!" Sebastian arrogantly replied as he glanced over at Maude again. "Well, isn't this a pleasant surprise!" He exclaimed with an air of nobility once Master Trinn had dismissed them. "We'll get to spend ALL our time TOGETHER!" He grinned at her and held out a hand in front of them, gesturing to the door. "After you, milady." He couldn't help the smirk on his face. Finally! The stars were aligned in his favor. He would have Maude and Ian would be far from her mind once he started to work his charm. Besides, all the other girls he had been with had falled for him, but now, he wanted a true warrior, a woman who would stand by his side and gain him more fame and fortune for his family. Maude was the perfect candidate.

[Trinn]

Maude ignored Sebastian's outstretched arm as she swept by him. She trotted quickly down the spiral staircase and out of the the tower. The bright sunshine reflected off the snowy ground and caused her to squint against the painful reflection, just as the chill of the winter wind made her draw her grey fur cloak closer around her. Turning sharply, Maude snapped at her new companion. "Listen, and listen well. This will not be some fun jaunt across the land. In fact, there will be no fun whatsoever. There will be hardship and cold nights sleeping under the stars. We will see the effects of this shade rider's rise. Something tells me we will see things that will haunt us the rest of our lives. Keep all this in mind, Sebastian, for you seem far too happy for this sort of mission." As she finished, Magda landed behind her, stirring the snow into a whirlwind around them. Maude fought back a shiver and turned to her bond. The ruby hued dragon carried a saddle in her mouth. She dropped it from her jaws and Maude went about the business of saddling the dragon. "You should prepare yourself more thoroughly. Bring travel food if you have any, and plenty of warm gear. I will pick you up at the rider barracks in half an hour. Make sure you're ready." Maude didn't look at Sebastian as she spoke, keeping herself busy with the saddle.

[Max452]

Sebastian frowned to himself as Maude swept passed him. He did not like being ignored. He kept his silent anger to himself as he trotted off after her. He would have to fix her independance once they were wed, that was for sure, after all, his father said a wife was to be obedient to her husband. He just had to make sure Maude would do that. Yes, he fully intended to have Maude as his wife. She was by far the prettiest girl in Bromsland and the strongest too; a perfect wife. Of course, he would have a little fun with some other girls now and again, but it was all about the image. He needed Maude to make sure his family line would be prestige and perfect.

He followed her down the stairs, slightly annoyed that she was faster than he; her bondmate was already making changes. He would have to fix that too; a wife should always be beside or behind her husband, not before. Sebastian inched back as Maude turned to him. He was completely oblivious to her sharp behavior as he was too engross on how to make Maude a more suitable woman when he would present her to his father. He completely ignored her words, only catching a few. By the end, he merely smiled at Maude. "Sooo since its going to be cold, I suggest it best if we share beds...to keep each other warm." His smile turned coy as his thoughts grew more lewd as she turned to saddle Magma...wait...Maggie...Magda! Yes, that was the creature's name. Too bad he didn't have a dragon yet, as it would make this match more perfect. "Ah, yes, I think I shall go and pack. I look forward to our time together, Maude. See you in half an hour." Sebastian pried himself from his position and walked off in the snow to his lodging to pack.

***
Half an hour later, Sebatian was packed and ready to go on this new mission. He was finally going to show everyone that he was the best warrior in the land. However, he was even more excited to be going with Maude. By the end of this mission, Maude would be so in love with him that she'll do whatever he said. His father would be pleased, and he would be ever the one to bring greatness to his family. That was all he truly desired. The young warrior waited at the designated spot for his future wife to be.

[Trinn]

Maude did her best to ignore Sebastians comment about their sleeping arrangements. The thought made her skin crawl unpleasantly. Magda had dug her talons into the stone ground, feeling the urge to tear the incompetent Sebastian apart. Maude belonged with Ian!

"I can't stand him!" Maude said aloud once Sebastian had left.

And we are stuck with him for a while. Magda added, puffing out a dark trail of smoke from her nostrils. I could eat him. Nobody would question the motives of a dragon! Especially me! I am offspring of the mighty huntress Viel, and the great wind dragon Typhon!

Maude found herself smirking now, proud of the dragon she shared a bond with. "That is so." She agreed. "And yet, the elders would surely think less of us... maybe... Ah, we're doomed either way, dear Magda. Come, let's get ready. The sooner we leave, the sooner we're done with this abominable task."
~~~

Magda landed before Sebastian with a clatter of talons. She didn't bother folding her wings, as she would be taking off soon again anyways. Maude threw back her head, shaking her white hair out of her face, before settling a grim stare on Sebastian. "Well, come on then. Sit here." She pointed to the spot behind her. The saddle she had equipped Magda with was double seated, perfect for the company of two. It also meant Sebastian wouldn't have to cling to her for the flight. Yet, somehow, she had a feeling he would. "And don't forget to think Magda for being gracious enough to let you ride her. It is a great privilege for the unbonded to be able to soar the skies with a dragon." She said, unable to help taking a jab at Sebastian for being yet unbonded. Neither did she dismount to help him up. First, she wanted to see if he could even figure out how to begin the process of mounting a dragon. Perhaps, also, she wanted to see him struggle. It would bring her great enjoyment.

[Max452]

OOC: Hehehe, I'm just waiting for Maude to punch Sebastian...or Ian to pop up and strangle him...or both...at the same time. lol.

Sebastian smiled once Maude arrived and approached him. She looked so pretty when she had unraveled her hair. He cleared his throat and handed her a bouquet of lilacs that he had retrieved from the greenhouse. "Here, for a pretty maiden!" He annouced to her, before listening (for once) to her instructions. "Ah, yes...dragon riding..." He seemed hesitant at the idea, having only ridden a few times on a dragon. He approached Magda. "Thank you, Magda for the ride." His voice sounded hollow...superiour, as one would speak to a horse or dog. Gathering up his courage, Sebastian was able to mount Magda, although it took him three tries before getting it right. He made a mental frown at himself - he would not be able to hold onto Maude from his seat. He'll have to make it up later; after all, he had just given her flowers, she was bound to adore him now, all the other girls did when he had done the same thing...

[Trinn]

Maude watched Sebastian's struggles with amusement. To his credit, though, he might have made it up easier if Magda had not kept shifting her weight from leg to leg. Maude was not going to stop her. But at last Sebastian was seated, and Maude directed him in how to secure his legs to the saddle. The flowers he had given her were clutched in one stiff hand. She really wished he hadn't done that. No matter how much she might hate him, it seemed too cruel to just throw them away. Instead, she stuffed them in a saddle bag without a word of thanks. It wouldn't do to encourage Sebastian.

Finally they were set to leave. "Ok Magda, take us up." And don't be afraid to have some fun with it. she added silently. Magda was happy to oblige. The dragon fanned her long wings once, twice, and then pushed herself up into a powerful jump. Her wings beat the air in great sweeps, clapping like sails catching wind, as she spiraled up into the thinness of the sky air. It was said that at this height, people had a hard time breathing if they weren't accustomed to dragon flight and high altitude. Maude had never had that issue, having been flying with dragon since she was just a babe. She wondered now how Sebastian would fare. It was at this height that Magda leveled out, sometimes dipping up or down. Maude sat at her ease, hands crossed together on the pommel of the saddle.

[Max452]

There were many things Sebastian disliked in life. One, he had discovered today, was that he disliked dragon riding. Very much. His stomach felt nausous, his hair was ungraceful, his lungs burned for air, and most of all, he could not engage himself in a conversation with Maude! He hated riding a dragon. He never knew that until today; the few times he did ride were never like this or this high. His lungs strangled themselves for air as he huffed and puffed behind Maude; he desparately tried to remain cool and suave, but failed miserably. To increase his foul mood, Maude had stuffed his lilacs into a saddle bag. Weren't women suppose to fawn over men that gave them flowers?! Had all his noble lessons in courting women wrong!? He mewed over that thought as he struggled to gain some air in his lungs. Perhaps he needed to be more straight forward. A kiss. Yes, that would have to be the next step in courting. He would kiss Maude and that would make her fall for him. He continued to concoct this plan as they traveled to their destination, not really caring for the mission as his mind was more set on getting Maude to fawn over him like any other girl he had encountered.

OOC: Hmm...what bad guy shall we place here...*sits and thinks*