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Post by Max452 on Dec 23, 2012 23:51:02 GMT -5
Ian was crouched against the foliage, staring out at the camp that he and some of the villagers of Melian had finally found. They had been searching for weeks for the location of the kidnapped families of Melian, and now, they had found it! Ian, counted no more than twenty opponents, and eight hostages in the area (not counting the tents that were placed up). He turned to his comrades and gave them a stout nod, indicating that they were to go and surround the camp until the signal was given. The men obeyed and quiety disappeared to do their duty to rescue their families.
Ian glanced upward, spotting a speck in the sky; a glimmer of white shimmered. The Rider smiled. Castiel was ever ready to come. He silently unshealthed his swords, preparing to attack the men that were his designated target. He silently wished Maude was here, for both comfort and aid; she was the best warrior he knew. It had been weeks since she left, he wondered if she thought about him as much as he did her.
Ian... Castiel called down, reminding his rider their duty.
Sorry. Ian apologized for getting distracted. He closed his eyes, breathed in and out, before snapping them open again. He could daydream about Maude later, right now, Melian and these people needed his help. Ian pressed his lips together, his tongue on the tip of his teeth and made a bird call, signalling the time to strike was now! He heard a confirmation and the young warrior leapt from his hiding spot and attacked with all his might.
***
The battle was quick, but deadly. Ian, covered in blood that was not his own, had sheathed on of his swords and was now helping a Mother and child loose themselves from their bounds.
"Thank you! Thank you!" The woman cried out as she hugged her daughter. Ian gave them a small smile and nod and directed them to a villager that was assemblying a unit to return to Melian.
"Argetlam Ian," a rather large, tall, man bounded over to the Rider, a parchment in his hand. His name was Fergus. He was once a mill worker, but since Melian's attack, he had sought to be Ian's right hand man for the sole purpose of gaining his family back from the Shade. Ian turned to look at Fergus, sympathy in his eyes. He had not seen Fergus' family. "I found this in one of the tents."
Ian took the parchment and read the script quickly. The youth clenched the sheep paper with anger. "They took the others to another campsite north of here, toward the Spine." Ian growled out, disgusted with the Shade's troops. He had a feeling that the Shade was leading them away from Melian, but he couldn't abandon these people. "Gather who you can that will come with us; let's go get your family back, Fergus."
Fergus grunted and nodded with affirmation. "Thank you, Ian." The burly man said and went to do as he was told quickly.
You think this is the best thing for us to do, Ian? Melian will be exposed if we leave them. Castiel's voice rang into Ian's head as he floated down and landed in a large space near the camp.
We've done all we can for Melian; their buildings have been fortified - the main wall as been erected - and their main supplies have been hoarded enough for them to begin reconstruction properly. They have enough men to fight back too. Ian told his dragon, They'll be fine until we return; I won't leave those other people to suffer.
If you think its best, then let's go; personally I think we should do this ourselves. The dragon stated, The others will slow us down.
We need their help if we rescue their families, Cas. I won't leave them and I don't think they will leave willingly. Their loved ones are in trouble. Ian replied with ease as he placed his sword in its sheath.
I guess I can understand that, but it would be faster if you and I went... The dragon huffed out before flying back into the air as a scout for the ground troops.
I know, but this is the best scenario for success - so stop whinning. Ian smirked and felt Castiel snort through their bond as he went to gather himself up on a horse. You're just annoyed that I'm riding a horse.
They're finiky things, they are...dragons are so much cooler! Castiel replied, annoyed.
Aye, Castiel, I agree, but, we have to compromise... Castiel merely sent an annoyed feeling again before the other men began their trek to the other camp, whilst the remainder escorted the rescued citizens back to camp.
***
Days later:
Ian stared at the old stronghold. This was where the other kidnapped families were taken to. A frown marred his features. It was an old abandoned castle that was too quiet for its own good.
"We spotted some tracks going into the castle; they're in there." Fergus informed Ian as they analyzed the area from afar.
"Something doesn't feel right, Fergus."
"What you mean?"
"I don't know - we need to be careful, this may be a trap."
"Let them try and capture us! They've taken my family; I'm going to get 'em back, plus we got you and Castiel." Fergus nudged Ian on the shoulder, making the boy rock a bit from the impact. Ian gave Fergus a sheephish nod. "Thanks for trusting me and Castiel."
"You haven't made us think otherwise. Come, young Ian, let us show them not to mess with Melian." Fergus chuckled with some of the other men and they hurried to their stations, planning their attack.
Ian stared back to the stronghold. Castiel, I think its time to create your distraction. He felt the dragon give an affirmative and soon a loud roar was heard on the far side of the castle, where they were sure the kidnapped were not located. Castiel was to be the diversion while the rest snuck in from the backside to find and rescue the stolen.
Ian hunched his shoulders back and sprinted to the backside of the castle to find the lost, a streak of determination on his face. He would not back down.
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Post by Tismri on Dec 24, 2012 11:58:43 GMT -5
Seiko sat with a very annoyed expression on her face, tied and gagged with the kidnapped families from Melian. She'd just decided to spend a couple of days in the town to get her bearings and find out how to get home, when the town got attacked and she got dragged off the the others. And there she was without armor or weapons. She could perform magic, but her concentration was gone and there was no telling what might happen if she tried something until she regained control over herself.
If it's not one thing, it's another, she thought. She looked around; she hadn't noticed her captors leave, but there was no sign of them. They were probably hiding, waiting to spring a trap for rescuers.
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Post by Max452 on Dec 24, 2012 15:18:33 GMT -5
Castiel's hot flames surrounded the far east side of the deserted castle, causing the old bricks and stone to heat and become inflamed. He roared several more times begfore seeing some movement below him. He chortled as he spotted some soldiers of the Shade's army scramble to put out the flames. He spewed out some more molten flames, enjoying the action while he sensed Ian and the group enter the castle through hidden means.
***
Ian hurried as he carefully assigned his men to go down one corridor, while he and a few others went down another. "Be alert; the Shade is not known to be merciful." Ian told them all before they departed from one another. As they continued down the corridor, Ian was met with opposition. It appeared that the men were just stupid and didn't think they needed to lure or trap Ian and his men.
"Haha! It worked! Now you will die, Rider! Our Lady will be pleased to learn of your demise!" The large, bulky man boasted as he and the rest of the men charged at one another. Ian growled out and met the threat head on.
***
Moments after their initial battle, Ian and his men managed to find the corridor that led to a small room, where, to their relief, they had found they remaining townsfolk. With one man keeping guard, Ian and the rest went to free them.
"Its all right, we're here to take you home." Ian assured them all as he bent down to loose a woman's bonds and gag. "Are you wounded?" He asked her.
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Post by Tismri on Dec 28, 2012 0:49:33 GMT -5
Seiko watched as the attackers came in, cutting through their captors with relative ease. She recognized a few men from the town; however, the young man who untied her now was unfamiliar to her.
"Thanks for the help, cutie pie," she told him as he untied her. Now that she was free, she had some measure of control over herself again. She turned to help free a couple of children nearby her, her motherly instincts taking over. "Shh, it's okay, sweeties, you'll be safe. We'll be home soon." They clung to her as they searched for their parents among both rescuers and prisoners. There was a bit of a sting at her own words for Seiko, though. As much as she wished it, she sometimes wondered if she would ever make it home, to see her younger siblings again. How were they managing without her? They relied upon her for everything, and now...well, they probably were trying to adjust the same way they did after their mother died.
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Post by Max452 on Dec 28, 2012 21:35:50 GMT -5
Ian blushed lightly from the girl's comment, merely out of embarrassment. He continued to help the others loose before turning to them, instructing the way to escape. "Hurry now, we haven't much time before reinforcements come. Quickly, follow us." He told the rescued as he led the way out of the fortress, while high above them, Castiel's roars were heard as he continued to distract and maim those that dared attack him.
As they continued down the corridors, something, in one of the rooms caught his eye. The young rider hesitated for a moment, but felt compelled to venture into the room. "Continue onward; I'll meet you all outside."
"But, Ian, are you sure?" Fergus asked him, and the young man nodded before entering the dark room.
Ian heard Fergus lead everyone away as he entered the dank room. He squinted in the dark; his eyes were still acclimating to Castiel's bond. He had seen a white sparkle when he ran pass the room...in the corner. Ian approached the room, before feeling a prickle of danger. A guard lunged at Ian, knocking him down from the man's weight. Ian grunted as his face felt itself getting punched in the face. The white Rider snarled from the attack before punching back. The two warriors continued to wrestle on the floor before Ian shouted out a spell. "Brisingr!" His gedwey ignasia burned bright white as a fireball formed and latched itself onto the guard, burning him. The guard screamed out in pain as Ian kicked him off before being harmed by the fire too. Scrambling backwards, Ian felt his back hit the wall as he watched, in his horror, the man burn to death. Not wanting to hear the screams any longer, Ian quickly grabbed his sword out of its sheath and ended the man's life. "I'm sorry." Ian whispered to the dead corspe; he still hadn't gotten over the fact that he had to kill people, but Maude and Castiel's words came to his mind and all he could do was accept the fact that this needed to be done.
His previous reason to enter the room was momentarily forgotten until he noticed a white sword in the corner of the room. Seemingly entranced, he approached the sword, only to realize, the moment he picked it up, that it was a rider's schimtar sword; the same size as his own sword, but a thinner and sharper blade that curved slightly at the end. Ian weighed it; it was a nice balance to his hand and matched the sword style he used. Ian glanced at the glyph's while the dying fire behind him began to bring the darkness back. "Arucane." He whispered as he read the glyphs. The sword seemed to glow brightly from hearing its name, surprising Ian for a split second. The boy considered for a moment, before strapping the sword and its sheath to his back. Fate had brought this sword to him and Ian wasn't going to waste it.
Quickly, Ian hopped over the burned corpse before running out to meet the rest of the group, a curious, but knowing Castiel peeking above the rubble to stare at his rider.
"Come on, let's get you all home." Ian proclaimed to them all as they began their journey back to Melian. He walked in the front of the group, always alert and ready for an attack as he led them; Castiel had taken to the skies to scout ahead of them. As he walked, he took out the sword to study it a bit more when he felt a presence come up to him.
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Post by Tismri on Dec 28, 2012 22:57:33 GMT -5
Zee and a few other Ayati made their way into the abandoned fortress. This was more or less a side trip for Zee on his way to Bromsland, as he was hesitant to leave his tribe still. On his shoulder, Myst sat still and perfectly balanced, not even squeeking to give them away.
The tribe had been making their way through Melian when they learned of the attack that had occurred recently. Zee had intended there to separate with a few other young members to continue on east while the rest of the Ayati moved on northward, but they quickly decided to assist the Rider and townspeople in rescuing their women and children. Zee had been adamant about going when he learned the identity of the Rider.
The Ayati skillfully hid themselves along corridors and kept a watch out for the reinforcements that were certain to come. And came they did. They Ayati sprang out of the shadows and cut them down, or shot them with arrows in the darkness. When that wave was taken down, Zee went to look for the survivors, who had been evacuated.
He spotted the man he was looking for, seemingly quite distracted by the blade in his hands, which was a brilliant white. The young Ayati stalked as quietly as he could until he was nearly upon his friend.
"Have I gotten better at stealth, or were you just so absorbed by your sword that you can take no notice of your surroundings?" he asked, clapping Ian on the shoulder and chuckling. Zee kept his face turned toward his friend, so Ian would see the new tattoo that stretched from his face next to his year all the way down his neck--his own design for Ayati Rider markings that he had just received a couple of days ago.
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Post by Max452 on Dec 29, 2012 15:45:08 GMT -5
Ian let out a grunt when he felt Zee clap him on the back. He turned to see his friend, a broad smile on his face. "Neither, Zee - you still smell so bad that I can smell you from a mile away!" He teased his friend and nudged him back playfully. "Actually, it was the sword, but I sensed you." He answered truthfully as he went wide eyed at Zee's new markings, and the dragon on his shoulder. "ZEE!" Ian grinned widely. "You got facial tattoos!!! That's amazing!" Ian was proud of Zee. Facial markings meant that Zee was moving up in the tribe and that he was getting more skilled. "And you got a dragon!!! That's amazing!" He laughed and waved at the dragon. "What's its name? When did you get it? How'd it happen! You must tell me everything!" Ian fired out his questions as he sheathed his new sword behind his back. With the arrival of his friend, Ian felt like his acutal age now, not the Rider that had killed many. His men continued to lead the group along as Ian staggered a bit to speak to his friend. Ian had noticed Fergus give him a kind smile as he passed along with his wife and children. It was great to see Zee; it had been a long time since he saw his best friend. However, seeing Zee made Ian think of Maude more; she too, was his best friend. He wondered, as he spoke to Zee, what Maude was doing right now.
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Post by Tismri on Dec 30, 2012 21:00:44 GMT -5
Zee laughed at Ian's insult. "Me? You smell like a bear that spent a few hours inside a dragon's mouth." On his shoulder, the hatchling chirped curiously and crawled over to get a good look and sniff at this new person. Zee couldn't help but beam with pride when Ian noticed his new markings.
"Yep. This one," he pointed to a mark on his left temple, "was from when I was appointed as a tattoo artist and designer, and this one," he pointed to the dragon that reached from the side of his face down his neck, "was my first design. Never thought I'd be the first one to get it, though." He stroked his hatchling's shoulder for a few seconds. "Funny thing, the tribe was visiting in Celesti, and while I was out walking with Tally, we found her egg along with a number of others left in the middle of the path. We decided that the mother left them to be found and taken to the Riders, so we brought them back to town." He caught Ian's eye and gave a wide grin. "Another one hatched for that cousin of yours, you know. The two hatched within days of each other. Stigandr told me this one is a girl, so I took to calling her Myst."
Zee quickly grew tired of craning his neck to look beside him at Ian, so he moved around to walk backwards in front of him. "A few of us were on our way to Bromsland when we heard about the situation here. Looks like you've been having too much fun without me." He crossed his arms and gave Ian a stern glare, but his eyes still sparkled with mischief. "We can't have that going on much longer."
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Post by Max452 on Dec 30, 2012 22:41:29 GMT -5
"Zee, that's amazing!" Ian exclaimed after hearing everything. "I'm happy for you! You got a dragon and you have your own tattoos, now!" He smiled at Zee. "It just means your stronger to protect the tribe." He told his friend before thinking about his cousin. "Tally got a dragon too? Wow...that makes two cousins now..." His eyes went glossy for a moment as he thought of Glory. He hoped he could help get her back. He was struck out of his reverie at Zee's final comment. "Yeah...fun..." Ian replied somberly as he was dragged to the memory of killing people. He idly touched the thin scar that now sat vertically across on his left eye; a reminder to do his duty and to not be consumed by his kills. "I wish it was fun, Zee." He finally said as they reached a clearing. There, a white shimmering dragon awaited the group. He noticed the rescused seemed to immediately tense and desire to scream.
"It's all right, everyone," Ian called out quickly, "that is my bond, Castiel. He's here to help guard us tonight; we'll rest here and continue our journey back to Melian in the morning. Fergus...your on leave tonight." Ian smiled at his right hand man as he winked back to go set up camp for his wife and children, "Rune, Stiles, and Fredrick, and I will keep watch, with the help of our friends from the Ayati tribe. Chester will provide food for you all, so rest, my friends." Ian told them all before nudging Zee. "Come on, I want you to meet Castiel." Ian led his friend to the other side of their camp, where Castiel sat on his haunches, watching Zee and Myst approach.
I have heard much about you Zee; I am excited that I have finally met Ian's best friend. Castiel replied, lowering his snout to sniff Zee and Myst, his tail twitching back and forth. I wish you could have met Maude and Magda; they are ignore to meet you too. Castiel continued his conversation as Ian patted Castiel's cheek, his mind elsewhere for the moment. His mind was still dwelling on the deaths he had caused over the pass few months. He knew that it was his duty, but it still didn't make it any easier. He really wish Maude was here, her kindness and presence always chased these bad thoughts away. His focus went back to Zee, wondering how his friend or tribe dealt with killing.
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Post by Tismri on Jan 2, 2013 21:08:28 GMT -5
Zee noticed Ian's shift in mood quickly. Sadly, he recognized the expression immediately. He'd seen several of his kin in his tribe look the same way recently. They'd had to head off against an unexpected armed caravan on their way to the Shade's army. The elders had chosen to stop it before they reached the desert, to lend a hand to their Rider allies. Zee, along with a few others, had taken their first lives that night. Zee was shaken up for a while, but after a long talk with his father, he found himself feeling a bit better. Although it was an offensive strike, in the long run, it was defensive. They had done it to protect their friends and family.
He turned his attention to the dragon coming from the sky. Zee was always amazed to see any dragon, even the hatchlings he had watched over years ago. Myst flared her wings when Castiel landed before them and gave a squeek of a roar at him, greeting and excited to see another of her kin.
Zee tapped his fingers to his forehead in greeting to the white dragon and smiled. "And I you, mighty Castiel. You remind me of my father's bond." A twinge of homesickness crossed Zee's mind as he thought of Lux. He was going to miss his family while he was in Bromsland. He turned and gave Ian a sly grin.
"And where is this lovely lady friend of yours?" he asked. "The way I heard it, you and Maude could hardly be separated."
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Post by Max452 on Jan 3, 2013 0:07:23 GMT -5
Zee's question struck Ian out of his thoughts and an immediate blush tinted his cheeks. "What? Who told you that?! We're not around eachother that much!" Ian declared, embarrassed.
Yes you are. Castiel interrupted and turned his attention to Zee as Ian sputtered and tried to deny that fact. Maude and Magda were called back to Bromsland a few weeks ago; Ian and I have been assigned to help Melian. The white dragon explained as he settled himself on his haunches, watching the group settle for the night. You two should rest tonight; we have a long day ahead of tomorrow. Castiel told them before turning his head toward the oncoming night, ever watchful.
"Come on, Zee." Ian tilted his head to the now formed fire. "Chester is a really good cook; let's get you and the others something to eat." Ian replied, heeding Castiel's advice as well as avoiding any teases from Zee about Maude. He was red enough as it was.
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Post by Tismri on Jan 3, 2013 0:51:09 GMT -5
Zee smirked at his best friend's blushing face, emitting a low chuckle. He never thought he'd see the day when Ian was so flustered by the mere mention of a girl.
"Word travels fast, my friend," he said, putting his arm around Ian as they wandered off toward the cook fire. Myst glided off his shoulder and returned next to Castiel, giving a playful little growl and nipping at the older dragon's tail. Zee hoped she would be careful--he noticed that at times the hatchling could be too playful for her own good.
"So, tell me...how far have you gotten with her?" he asked, teasing his too-sensitive friend. "You grabbed her butt yet, or are you still working up the nerve to even hold her hand?"
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Post by Max452 on Jan 3, 2013 1:12:09 GMT -5
Castiel lazily glanced over at the hatchling as she nipped him. He sighed. So he was to be the dragon sitter, was he? He continued to twitch his tail back and forth, wanting to see how the hatchling would act.
***
Ian choked on his own spit. "Whhaaat?! How far have we gone?!" He coughed and choked, but managed to assemble himself, but his face was red hot as he thought about Zee's implications. He struggled with his words for a moment longer before sputtering out, "I-I-I-I respect Maude enough to keep my hands to myself, Zee" Ian declared, having rehearsed the same lines just incase Master Kyler wanted to kill him for courting Maude. The statement was completely true, but the topic still was uncomfortable for Ian as he didn't want to discuss his intimate moments with Maude to anyone; he was a bit selfish in wanting to keep her to himself, "...and...quite frankly it's none of your business!" He stammered out, feeling embarrassed. "I love Maude, Zee. I would never do anything that was considered inappropriate." He added with seriousness. Unless she wanted me to. His mind added to himself to his own embarrassment.
Ian poked his friend in the ribs as they reached Chester, trying to hide his embarressing thoughts. He received a plate of food, which he shoved over to Zee. "But, I have you know, that Maude is a great kisser!" He declared proudly, not wanting his best friend to think he was always a nervous wreck around Maude. He grabbed his own food, and plucked himself out of his best friend's arm and practically ran over to a stump nearby. Oh Gods, if Maude ever finds out about this conversation, we're both gonna die. Ian thought as he stuffed his mouth with food.
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Post by Tismri on Jan 3, 2013 1:51:43 GMT -5
Zee burst into laughter at Ian's reaction to his question. His friend was all too easily embarrassed.
"You sound like you're trying to convince her father or something," he said. "I'm you're best friend, man; of course it's my business to know the details of your intimacies with your girlfriend." He raised a curious eyebrow at Ian's declaration. "Love? Now that's quite a statment. When's the wedding?" He smirked, and gave Ian a shove in response to his poke. His grin grew wider at his friend's sudden declaration before running off to sit on a stump with his food.
"Oh-ho, is that so?" he asked. "I bet you haven't really kissed her. Just a little peck on the lips. That doesn't count, though."
Myst gave another squeeky roar of a mighty huntress as she chased after the enormous white tail, jumping as high as she could and opening her wings so she could sail on top of it. She closed her teeth gently on Castiel's tail, a little nibble really, before looking back up at him curiously. She crawled up to the larger dragon's shoulder and settled there, staring up at the stars.
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Post by Max452 on Jan 3, 2013 2:07:04 GMT -5
Ian gawked at Zee. He was hellbent on pursuing this topic. He was silent for a bit, debating with his selfish side on relinquishing some details about his relationship with Maude. Fine. If Zee wanted to tease him, then Ian could fight right back.
"It was definitely more than a peck, Zee, but I bet you wouldn't even know the difference, seeing how you've never kissed a girl in your life, except your Mother and sister!" Ian retaliated with a smirk. "And yes, I love her." Ian's eyes softened a bit on that statement as he reflected on Maude. "Since the first time I saw her, I've loved her..." He glanced away from Zebulin and toward the direction of Bromsland, wondering, how she was and if she was thinking of him. "I'll marry her in a heartbeat if she'll have me." He whispered to Zee, all playfulness aside now as he reflected on Maude.
***
Castiel chirped as his tail was caught by the young hatchling. It looked like this one was going to be a great hunter. He hummed as she settled on his shoulder, gazing up into the stars. One day, Myst, you'll get to know the feeling of soaring under them. The dragon declared, missing the wind under his wings, but knowing that his duty was to guard the group.
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