Yawë

[Trinn]

OOC: who indeed!? And Sebastian makes me laugh, always. I have a small idea... Perhaps we throw in a random, npc character or two who are enemy riders. When it seems Maude, Magda and Senastian are about to be overcome, they are rescued by someone we haven't seen in a while. What say you!?


After thirty minutes or so, Magda finally descended into denser air, giving Sebastian's lungs a respite. Maude could hear the noble spawn wheezing behind her, ever so often. Killing him would be frowned upon, so she had asked Magda to take them lower. The red dragon's shadow floated across the snowy ground, looking to the untrained eye an eagle. Maude twisted in her seat, eyed Sebastian to make sure he hadn't passed out, and then quickly turned back around. Settling into a hunch, Maude settled her fur cloak around herself and drew up the cowl, fastening it with magic to keep the wind from tearing it back. Situated like this she remained fairly warm. She couldn't say as much for Sebastian.
~~

When a cold winter moon lifted above the horizon, Magda had crossed the border of Alagaesia. They had decided to travel to the north and east around the Hadarrac. Weeks later, when winter had a firmer hold on the land, they would return to Bromsland from the south, to avoid any winter storms the north was sure to offer. Surda was known for it's mild, nearly non-existent winters.

Magda drifted down now on outstretched wings, gliding in descending circles. She landed with a crunch of snow, between two hillocks. Off in the far distance, one could just make out the outline of the great elven forest, DunWeldenvarden. Maude spared the distance woods a glance as she dismounted. One day she and Magda would visit the elves, and one day Maude would wield a blade of her own, designed in the forge of Rhunon and sung to life. Then Sidhion could have his reaper back. It was with these things that she went about setting camp.

Finding dry shrubbery and sticks, Maude threw them in a pile. A second later Magda snapped her jaws open and spit out a stream of fire, alighting the campfire. Briefly the group and nearby hillocks were brightly illuminated, cast into sharp relief by the dragon fire. Soon the light settled back down, and the fire mellowed. Still, it seemed to cast an extra warmth that ordinary made fire would not. "Sebastian." She said, addressing him now. "What did you bring for supper?" Maude was curious to see how the green traveler had outfitted himself for food.

[Max452]

OOC: AYE! lol. I like that idea! And I think I got the hint on who you want the rescurer to be, eh? I'll be happy to bring her in. hehe.

This mission was by far a mere nuisance! Sebastian was cold, weary, and hungry! The flight here was obnoxious too! Even though he finally was able to breath during it, he still found it distasteful and cold! Luckily, he was wearing his cloak during the ride so he didn't freeze to death, nonetheless he was still freezing! Now, as they were making camp, Sebastian finally was able to set down his bedding and help around a bit; he wasn't entirely useless. After all, he was a noble; he must learn to do this when he went hunting with his father!

Sebastian plopped himself onto his makeshift bed, digging in his pack for food when Maude asked him about supper. He glanced up at her, a smile on his face! He was getting annoyed from her ignorning him all day. He took out a rather large bag within his pack and showed Maude his rations for the day. "Potatoes, some dried meat that can be cooked, and some stalks of celery." He announced to her proudly. Secretly, he actually loved to cook and had found himself quite good at it. He had brought along two packs for this trip - one of food and the other his things. Sebastian loved to eat, so it was no surprise that he would have a lot of food with him; the weight of his packs didn't bother him due to his training in Bromsland. "Would you like to make it?" Sebastian asked, knowing that it was the women's duty to cook, but feeling quite protective of his food. "I...I can make it if you prefer it, though." He added, unable to help himself because of his love to cook.

OOC: Hehe...time to get him to open up just a bit...hehe

[Trinn]

OOC: Arya!? That would work! But I actually had Viel in mind Lollll. I was thinking one of Viel's young got into Alagaesia and started doing some damage, so Viel has to go bring him/her back. It could be like a side quest lol.

Maude settled against Magda's side as she watched Sebastian pull out his food. A smirk lifted one side of her mouth. He had brought potatoes. In fact it seemed he had brought a whole pantry. Her smirk vanished instantly when he asked her to cook, and indignation settled in. "It's your food. You cook it." She snapped. Turning her back on him, Maude ruffled around a saddle bag and pulled out her own dinner. She decided she didn't want to share any of Sebastian's food. Turning back around, she held a hard travel biscuit and jerky strips. "Carrying around good food like that is costly to your energy and your bonds, if ever you get one. It is better to hunt what you need during the journey, and carry light but filling food such as this," and she waved the biscuit and jerky strips around. "Remember that. You'll eat we'll tonight, but such meals are often out of the question for journeys like ours."

[Max452]

OOC: OHHHH!!! I thought of Arya cause you went to Du Weldenvarden! hahaha! But yeah, Viel would probably be better since Magda is eager to meet her family! hahaha. But whatever one you want! It's Maude's journey after all! hehehe.

"Fine." Sebastian replied, a bit annoyed at Maude now. She had been quite rude this whole trip so far. All he did was offer for her to cook. What was wrong with that? It was her duty! He humphed and got up, placing a pot over the fire. "There is nothing wrong with eating properly. If you eat properly, you gain more energy to fight and use your spells." He told her, indicating that he had, in fact paid attention in his courses. "I for one, dislike using magic, but Master Roland has said that one needs energy to use them, what is so wrong for me to eat right? So what if we're traveling? Why give up simple pleasures?" He retorted to her as he cut his potatoes with his knife over the pot, letting them plop into the water. He did so with the meat and celery as well. "Besides, the weight is also a good training method..." He added as he sprinkled some spices into the pot and sat back down, waiting for it to cook. He glanced up at her as she ate. "What is your problem with me? I have been nothing but nice and cordial." He asked her, feeling fed up with everything. "Would you prefer I kiss you now? Is that why you're so angry with me? I know my simple words and flowers did not meet your expectation, so what is it, hmm? What can I do to make you happy?" He asked her, brow furrowed in a mixture of confusion and anger. True, this was not how he wanted it to go, but Maude and this whole trip was infuriating him. Women, especially Maude, were confusing! Forget all these games. He would get this over with right now so Maude would finally accept his courting and forget Ian; that weak Rider was not worthy of her!

[Trinn]

As Sebastian went on about the values of carrying good food, Maude could almost see his point. Still, she thought of that sort of food as extra weight. And there was plenty of energy in wild game and berries. Not to mention dried jerky. And in the summer, it was easy to find fruit. Rather than argue, Maude merely shrugged in indifference. She was just about to take another bite of her biscuit when Sebastian turned the topic, surprising her. In truth, she thought he was too dense to have noticed her dislike of him. She was beginning to think he did in fact have a brain when he asked her about kissing. The biscuit fell out of her hand.

"Kiss you!?" She exclaimed, eyes wide with horror and a bit of amusement. Magda was making odd chortling sounds. Dragon laughter. "Heed me now, Sebastian, I do not, and will not, ever plan to kiss you, nor do I want you to try. If you do try, I will hurt you." She paused to let that sink in. "I am... in love with another man." She said, admitting her love for Ian. It seemed an appropriate time. "And I do not plan on changing my mind any time soon." Shaking her head, Maude stooped and retrieved her biscuit. Dusting off the snow, she resumed her dinner, hoping that Sebastian would not insist on continuing this conversation.

OOC:I shall make it happen in the next few posts. I think in a couple days they will run into the enemies.

[Max452]

OOC: Okay! lol

Sebastian went wide eye as Maude revealed her thoughts about them kissing one another. No women that he had ever encountered refused him! No one but Maude! What was going on? This was not right. Flabbergasted, Sebastian blinked out of pure shock. "You...are in love...with Ian?" He sounded disgusted, shocked, and confused. "Why? He's...so...scrawny, and weak, and he isn't a noble! He doesn't deserve you! I do! I'm strong! I'm reliable! I can offer you a life of comfort and security! What does he offer?! A life in the woods?! He's a son of a former slave and a well known assassin! He's...he's of...poverty and weak; he probably would cry over his kills!" Sebastian ranted out loud, completely thrown over Maude's confession and ignoring her a bit as he paced about. She couldn't possibly love that low life! Who in their right mind would!? A noble over a peasant! It was pretty clear to him who Maude should be with. "No, no, this shalt happen. You'll marry me and have a peaceful, noble life." He uttered as he seemed to talk to no one in particular. "I'll make you fall in love with me." He seemed to declare to himself.

OOC: Is he annoying you yet? lol

[Trinn]

OOC: I find it funny! Maude... not so much lol

At first, Maude thought she had become so angry, she was snarling like a dragon, until she realized that it was in fact Magda doing the growling. The biscuit in Maude's hand was crushed into crumbs, having been pulverized in Maude's sudden, shaking fist. The insults to Ian would not stand. "You forgot a few things." She said, her voice tight with suppressed rage. "Until I moved to Bromsland, I lived my whole life in the Spine. I was the one living in the woods. Ian lived in his village." Maude took a step forward. "His parents that you speak of posses more nobility and honor than you or your family could ever hope to have." Another step forward. "I seek neither comfort nor security. I'm a dragon rider! My duty is to forsake comfort and security so that others may have it!" Two steps forward. "How dare you compare yourself to Ian! He does not boast, nor is he as presumptuous as you. He does not boss me around, he does not make plans for me. Ian is more of a man than you will ever be, Sebastian. I would rather marry a crab over you any day!" Maude was in Sebastian's face now, jabbing a finger into his chest with each statement she made. She was baring her teeth rather savagely at him, her emotions feeding off of Magda's. "The next time you ever mention the two of us together romantically, or try to insult Ian, I will leave you here to walk back to Bromsland. Better yet, to crawl back to your noble estates."

[Max452]

Sebastian's eyes were wide with surprise and fear as Maude approached him like a lioness. It appeared she really did love Ian. And, those facts about her life, well, he didn't know that. He blinked and realized something. He really didn't know Maude at all. He just assumed things because she was pretty and could fight. He...for once, was the one who assumed and judged by appearance, when secretly, he detested those that did the same to him. He gulped and nodded to Maude. "I'm sorry, Maude...I...I won't bring these topics up again." Sebastian felt deflated. "I just, I thought maybe...nevermind..." All his life he had gotten what he wanted, but no one before, had told him otherwise. He walked back to his pot of food, not really feeling hungry as he went to stir it, silent all the while.

OOC: Whoa...like I have said before: dont mess with Maude. lol. Shall we fast forward a bit? lol

[Trinn]

OOC: I think we shall

Too upset with Ian to reply to his apologies, Maude stalked back to Magda's side. The ruby hued dragon had settled down more than Maude, and she tried now to calm her rider. Maude huffed as she grabbed her bedroll and unrolled it next to Magda, before throwing herself into it. Moodily, she turned so her back was facing Sebastian.

Eventually, she felt relaxed again, and even a little remorseful. Though Sebastian had hurt her feelings, he didn't know any better. It seemed she had truly hurt him in return, and it was worse on her part. She did know better. Sighing, Maude turned around in her bedroll and looked over at Sebastian. "I'm sorry, Sebastian." she managed to say. "I shouldn't have been so harsh with you." Her mouth was open, but there was nothing else to say.
***

Two days later, they were soaring over the shrub lands between the Haddarac and Du Weldenvarden. They could just make out the desert and the forest, one shining like gold, the other emerald. In another day, they would reach Gil'ead. It was mid afternoon when two distant shapes detached themselves from the horizon. Magda slowed her flight and released a snort of unease. The two shapes glistened in the sun. Dragons... Maude said, one hand sliding towards the hilt of Rheona.

"Sebastian... prepare yourself." She said to her companion, looking over her shoulder and fixing a somber eye on him. "We have company."

In the time it took for Magda and the two strangers to draw together, Maude had prepared wards over herself, Magda, and Sebastian. She was glad she did, for the two riders she met now were not familiar to her. There dragons were older than Magda, by about a year. They parted and began to circle the red dragon. "Riders from Bromsland," Maude began, hoping she was addressing friends. Her opening statement was cut short by a cruel looking man with coal black hair. He rode a tan dragon with sharp, curling horns at its head.

"Don't waste your breath, whelp! We're no friends of Bromsland!" He chuckled at that, as if it were a funny joke. "Rather, we favor our good queen, Katriana. I'm sure you've heard of her." He shifted in his saddle, and that was when Maude noticed the long, barbed lance in his hand. It looked sharp enough to pierce dragon scale.

"That's a shame, for you." Maude said, sneering at the man, her face the picture of loathing. "Now you will die. Or perhaps you'd rather surrender?" Again, the Tan rider laughed.

"Not likely! Thanis... let's kill em!" Suddenly the tan dragon sprang forward, teeth bared. Maude knew what Magda was going to do, and she only had time to hug the neck spike in front of her before her dragon dropped out of the sky, free falling to escape the sudden attack.

[Max452]

After a moment of hearing Maude's apologize, Sebastian mustered a smile; he was a noble - he should move on like one. "It's okay, Maude. Thank you for clearing things up for me." He told her quietly as he went about eating and preparing himself for bed. There was a lot for him to think about tonight.

***
It had been two day since their traveling together. Sebastian didn't bother Maude again and only spoke what he needed to say or to respond to her questions if she had any. He remained polite and cordial, but his thoughts were mostly occupied with reflection. Maude had been the first, really, to ever be blunt and honest with him. In truth, he knew that Maude was now in love with Ian, but he too, found himself liking her too. Though, a part of him knew that this pursuit was bode ill, Sebastian could not help it; he wanted her. So, he devised another plan. He would befriend her, more than Ian had, and there, she would learn to love him. There. That was the perfect plan! He would have her as he felt that Ian did not deserve her. Sebastian was struck out of his thoughts as he heard Maude's voice. His eyes darted over to the "company" that Maude had pointed out. Sebastian instantly placed a hand on his sword; he had a bad feeling about these newcomers.

Sebastian narrowed his eyes as the two Riders approached; he did not recognize them. As Maude conversed with them, Sebastian used his learned skills to analyze and inspect the new Riders. They were indeed older and more experienced. If they be enemies, it would not be easy for them, especially since Sebastian disliked using magic.

The talks of peace didn't last long as the Riders attacked them. Sebastian drew out his sword, ready but scared at the same time. This was a real fight. His stomach lurched as Madga dropped; caught off guard, Sebastian gripped his saddle to stay in place. He really hated flying!!!!

[Trinn]

Magda tore out of her dive, spiraling to the right and jolting her passengers. Her wings snapped open, caught the wind, and sent her soaring back up. The two dragons were close behind. Looking over her shoulder, Maude noticed that the Tan dragon, and the other, a brown dragon, were splitting into a formation. One went above, another below. Maude frowned, realizing what they would do. She informed Magda, and the young dragon was quick to act. Rather than let the dragons capture them in their pincer tactics, Magda barrel rolled down, surprising the brown dragon and rider. They clearly hadn't expected her to put up a fight.

Magda reached out with her talons, catching the brown dragon's flank. She latched on and then struck with her fangs, biting a chunk out the enemy dragon's leg. Hot blood sprayed out, catching the wind and falling into Maude's face. She ignored it, and instead shouted out to Magda. "Watch out!" The rider was preparing to throw a spear at Maude's bond.

OOC: You can play one of the riders if you want!

[Max452]

OOC: I think I shall; can't let you have all the fun!

Sebastian jerked too and fro from the impact between Magda and the brown dragon. He was so unused to dragon flights and battles that he almost fell off to the side. Gripping his saddle hard, Sebastian prepared to fight, despite his disorientation. He spotted the spear coming their way and instantly shouted his claim. "I got it!" He told Maude and Magda and he stretched himself to parry the spear that came at Magda's flank. His broadsword wacked the spear aside and watched it fall briefly before noticing the tan dragon coming straight at them.

"Maudeeee..." Sebastian called out, hoping to alert her of the additional danger. The tan dragon roared and spread its claws wide, hoping to grip the red dragon's rear side. The young noble was inwardly frantic as they were clearly outnumbered. "We're outmatched! maybe we should..." his voice trailed out, having seen something in the distant head toward them...

[Trinn]

Magda heard Sebastian's warning, but the tan dragon was too close for her to evade. All she could was swivel herself around, to meet the tan dragon face to face. His larger talons cut into her shoulders, grabbing her there. Magda shrieked in pain and fury, retaliating by kicking her back legs at the belly of her enemy. Suddenly she felt sharp pain at her rear, and Maude's frantic cry. The brown dragon had latched onto Magda's flank, tearing in with its teeth.
~~~

"NO!" Maude screamed, standing in the saddle and hacking at the snouts of the two dragons with the white blade, Rheona. "Jierda!" She shouted, sending the breaking spell at the tan dragon and rider. There was a flash of red nearby, and Maude felt her eyes widen. She followed the path of new red, and despite the situation, smiled when an immense, challenging roar struck her ears. "Viel!" Maude exclaimed, watching as her dragon-mother swooped into the fray.

Viel came into the fight suddenly, moving swiftly. She hurled herself into the brown dragon, beating him with her fangs, talons, and wings. The brown dragon was no match for her. He was no hunter. Maude watched as Viel ended the brown dragon's life, snapping her head forward and closing her jaws around his neck in the quickest, most fluid of motions. The rider atop the brown dragon screamed, a scream worse than any Maude had ever heard. Maude could see his pupils, dilated and unseeing. It was a sight she would never forget. She was thankful, then, when Viel ended his life as well, with a spit of fire.


Viel detached herself from the corpse of the brown dragon and pushed upwards, a thirstiness in her eyes that Maude had never seen before. She'd heard of it, though. Her mother had told her about the bloodlust that comes over some fighters. Viel had a bloodlust that was hard to match. She watched as her mother's bond snaked upwards, closing in on the tan dragon now.

[Max452]

Sebastian was distracted from his gaze at the approaching beast when the tan dragon had gripped itself onto Magda, causing him to jerk in his seat. Out of instinct, Sebastian began to slam his blade into the snout of the tan dragon, hoping to make it wounded enough to leave Magda alone for their escape. "Let go!" He yelled when a terrifying roar was heard. Whipping his head, Sebastian stared in awe as a larger red dragon plummented straight at the brown dragon, ripping it into shred. Pale and fearful, for he knew not if this was friend or foe - Maude's exclamation unheard - Sebastian just stared in shock.

The tan dragon released its jaws from Magda as both dragon and rider witnessed the fall of their comrade. Angered, they charged at Viel, believing that they were invincible with their ward and against this new threat. The tan dragon unleashed a wild and thunderous roar as it charged straight at Viel in anger.

"Let's escape, Maude! Now's our chance before that wild dragon eats us!" Sebastian exclaimed after recovering from his stupor. He had seen no rider on the large red dragon and could only assume that it was wild. Now, he just wanted to get to safety and away from an impending death. He was too young to die! He hadn't even kissed Maude yet, let alone rule his estate! He had so much to do! So what if he was a coward?! He was a live coward!!

[Trinn]

"Don't be foolish!" Maude snapped at Sebastian, looking over her shoulder at him so her words wouldn't be carried away by the wind. "That dragon is none other than Viel, oft proved master of the hunt. At least, she was in the times of Galbatorix... She is Magda's mother, and my mother's bond." Maude returned to stare at the fight unfolding before her. The tan dragon was making a huge mistake, in his anger. Viel charged straight at the smaller dragon. Right before they collided, Viel flared her wings and leaned back, exposing her stomach, but coming straight at the tan dragon with all four feet, talons outstretched. Opening her maw, she let out a stream of molten fire, to obscure the small dragon's sight.

Maude looked at Magda curiously. The young dragon was making an odd, quivering sound. She recognized Viel as her mother, and Maude couldn't tell if she was happy, scared, or feeling the need to prove her worth.