Perfect Memory

[Max452]

OOC: Time for a plot thread! lol

Tristan coughed harshly as dust dispersed in front of him. "Trinity! Watch where you flick your tail!" Tristan coughed again as his eyes burned from the flecks of dirt that had been produced by Trinity's tail flicking a large bush.
Why don't you watch where you place your head? She retorted hotly. If I could fly like Caedus, this mission would be over and I wouldn't have to be trudging this blasted mountain like a dwarf! She was none to happy to learn that they would be climbing and hiking up the Beor Mountains, while Caedus could just simply fly with his own leisure. To say that she was jealous would be an understatement.

"Stop your complaining; a dwarf said he had spotted a strange gem here months ago, so we had to come. You could have said behind." He told her.

And leave you all to fend for yourselves?! I think not! She flicked her tail again, just to annoy her Rider.

Tristan hacked. "TRINITY!" He glared up at her, and then passed her, as his other comrades were further ahead than his liking.

Since being comfronted by Tenel Ka about the Emeralds, Tristan had thought long and hard about their use and finally decided to search for them again in order to help Tenel Ka gain her memories. Now, as he was talking some business with a dward earlier on the week, he learned that the dwarf's distant cousin had seen a rather curious gem in the Beor Mountains. The dwarf had tried to claim it, but had received a rather eerie sensation from it and left it where he found it. Now, after searching out more information from that said dwarf, Tristan and his company were now drawing closer to one of the Emeralds of Ismalia, and that much closer to helping the Queen Mother regain what was lost to her.

[Tismri]

She rode on Caedus' back, staring with wonder at the world around them. The flight was as instinctual as breathing to her. which she was glad for. She wasn't sure she would have been able to handle it otherwise. Caedus seemed happy to have her riding him again, as if he felt that they might be closer to the way things had been. But she couldn't see it. She was no closer to remembering her life than she had been when she first opened her eyes in the woods.
Why do you call me Princess? she asked him has they flew.
Because, when I first hatched for you, you were not the Queen Mother yet. And a princess is what you will always be to me; someone precious and royal, who I must protect. She sensed some regret in his voice and knew that he felt he had neglected his duty when she lost her memories.
I'm sure you never failed me, she told him. Whatever happened was not due to your lack of vigilance.

[Max452]

After what seemed like an eternity of climbing and hiking uphill, Trinity spotted a nice flat plateau for them to all rest; it was even big enough for Caedus to rest his wings. The golden dragon signaled her Rider and Caedus, and in return, Tristan told the others that were with them on foot.

Resting, Tristan lounged against Trinity's belly and under her wing,shielding him from the relentless heat. The young prince yawned and stretched his arms before drinking out of his flask of water. "How was your flight?" He asked Tenel Ka and Caedus, wondering how his cousin was faring with flying still.

[Tismri]

Caedus noticed Trinity's signal and descended to the plateau, making wide circles as he came down. As he landed and folded his wings, she dismounted and scanned the area. It seemed to be a sort of shelf cut into the mountainside, and although it was big enough to hold them all, it was still hardly a chink in the side of the beheamoths that were the Beors. Her neck hurt from being craned back for so long, attempting to see the tops.
She turned her eyes back to Tristan as he asked her a question. She contemplated the answer for several moments. This was the longest flight she could remember having with Caedus.
"It was...serene," she told him. "With it just being myself and Caedus...I do not know. I suppose I just appreciated being away from people for a while." She hoped he didn't misunderstand; she did enjoy the company of people. However, she was rarely truly alone, and the privacy was something she found she liked.
"And you? How was your walk with...Trinity?" she asked, still getting used to the golden dragon's name. To her it seemed a rather odd choice, although when explained to her, she understood the meaning behind it.

[Max452]

Tristan scoffed. "If you called being wacked constantly by her large and obnoxious tail a walk, then sure, I suppose I enjoyed it." He smirked when he heard Trinity hiss and snap the air above his head.
If you would allow me to fly maybe than I could have a better aim for your head. She retorted before turning to Caedus. The sight of another dragon made her appreciate her kin more after being with a whiny Tristan.
I heard that... Tristan glared up at her snout.
It's true; you were whiny. She flicked her tongue out and then resorted to conversing with her fellow dragon.

We are getting closer to the shiny stone, Caedus. You must be pleased to hear of that. The golden dragon commented, wondering how he was faring with Tenel Ka.

After his brief, playful spat with Trinity, Tristan turned to gaze at his cousin once more. He felt a surge of guilt come across him. She did enjoy her privacy, he could tell, but he wondered if she actually was just searching for that one companion that had left. He didn't have the heart to tell Tenel Ka that he was partially responsible for Romulus leaving. He may have had an arguement with the Ranger before the day of his departure. Yup, she would kill him if she found out their topic and reason for his leaving. Forgive me, cousin. I only thought I was doing the right thing...as did he. He snapped himself at his thoughts when Trinity shuffled a bit. "You know, you always liked wandering off on your own; gave you time to think and a break from everything. Why, even in the palace you would climb up to the rooftops and hang around there; I remember you gave your handmaiden a heart attack when she spotted you on the highest tower one time." He chuckled at that memory. "Anyways, I can't wait to fly with Trinity when she's big enough; I used to hate flying on Caedus, but I have to admit, I am a bit envious now to experience the solitude with your own dragon." He commented, trying to figure out what his cousin was thinking.

[Tismri]

Caedus snorted at the young dragon's bantering with her Rider. He and Tenel Ka rarely argued; although she was independant and strong-willed, they always got along well with each other. They rarely disagreed about anything. Often when something puzzled one of them, they would talk it out to each other until they reached a conclusion that both of them agreed with. Perhaps it was a habit they had inherited from Princess' teacher, Tismri, who would write out her thoughts until they led her to a logical conclusion.
He turned his attention to Trinity when she mentioned the emerald. Yes, I am anxious to find the magic gem as well, he told her. I only hope that it may be enough to restore Princess' memory. Aside from that, gathering them seemed to be her main goal before this happened. I will be pleased to see it fulfilled either way.

She stared at Tristan, briefly catching a look of guilt in his expression. She wondered what he was thinking that could possibly bring that look to his face. But soon he was back to himself, and she smiled as he mentioned that she used to climb to the roof of the palace. She tried to picture it, but without remembering the building, she couldn't be sure the image in her head was accurate.
"I wish I could do that at the camp," she mentioned to him. "It is sad that tents do not exactly have roofs one can walk safely on." She looked over at where Trinity and Caedus seemed to be conversing. "How much bigger does she have to be?" she asked curiously. True, she looked rather small compared to the larger turquoise dragon, but surely it wouldn't be too much longer now before she could carry one person over a sizeable distance.

[Max452]

Trinity hummed pleasantly as she conversed with her kin. Yes, so will I. Tristan has been fretting night and day about it. It drives me mad sometimes; he's way of thinking is different than my own even though we understand each other quite well already. She glanced upward into the sky. What is it like to fly with her? She asked, eager to learn about flying with one's bond. She was excited to experience that soon.

***
A thin sympathetic smile formed on Tristan's lips. "I understand, cousin. You were never one to be bound to one place for so long and you loved it when you were able to enjoy a moment of peace. You use to take regular walks when you did not have much to do; that seemed to calm you and grant you time to think. Perhaps...maybe you can do it once more? Provided that you have Caedus or someone else with you; I don't want you to be truly alone...we still have not caught the one who may have done this to you...who knows if they are still around." He glanced out into the visage of the mountains overlooking the Hadarac Desert. He glanced at Trinity when Tenel Ka mentioned her. "Um, I'm not quite sure....it looks very soon though. I think I could ride her now, but Einar says wait another month until her wings are more stable and strong."

"Aye, a dragon must be fit for her Rider, but her Rider must be fit for her as well." Erik emerged from the other group, his cane clicking against the gravel beneath his feet.

Tristan turned and gave the tanner a quizzical look. He had wondered why the cripple wanted to come along, or how he even heard about their little quest in the first place. He had argued that they were going to do tremendous walking, but the saddle maker insisted to calm along and experience some adventure out of the campsite. Plus, he also stated that he had traversed the Beor Mountains when the Varden was stationed there and could act as a guide. That little part swayed Tristan to allow him to come, after all, they had lost their best tracker already...

Tristan glanced at Tenel Ka again with a guilty look before wiping it away to address the tanner. "What are you talking about? Stop speaking in riddles!"

"Oh, come on boy, you know what I mean, from what I've seen from dear Elaine's training, that she had to work herself to be able to handle flying with Eridor. You think that you would just hop on and just stay there when Trinity would flip and angle herself about? No, no! You've got to train boy! Train!" Erik said enthusiastically as he pointed his cane at Tristan.

Tristan remained silent. The blasted tanner had a point. He hadn't been training as he should with the Riders, only because he had been taking on Tenel Ka's duties. He wondered how his cousin ever did it.

As Tristan contemplated the aspect of more training, or even training at all, Erik hobbled over to the Queen Mother, his good eye facing her as he stood beside her to see the view. "I am grateful that you allowed me to come along, Queen Mother. It is a beauty to behold, isn't it?" He referred to the view in front of them.

[Trinn]

Rather ungracefully, Teodora tripped over a chunk of rock. She managed to regain her balance before the stumble became a rather bad accident. Grumbling under her breath, she trudged along after the rest of the company. Tristan and Trinity were behind her, bringing up the rear. She could hear Tristan complaining, and for some reason, that made her smile. The mountains surrounding them made her feel small and claustrophobic. She kept imagining walls of stone crumbling down on her, trapping her forever. She also kept thinking of the dwarfs who lived here in the stone. Those little half men still gave her shivers, even more than elves and dragons. They were like the trolls of scary fireside stories. Although, pondering that thought, she figured the trolls were more likely to be urgals. At last they reached a suitable place for a break, and Teodora climbed gratefully up onto the plateau. Taking a deep breath, she inhaled the fresh mountain air, the one good thing about this forsaken place. From this vantage point, she could look down at the foothills and the other mountains beyond. Her heart beat desolately, knowing that they were miles and miles from civilization.

[Max452]

As Erik distracted Tenel Ka with some conversation, Tristan's thoughts drew away from flying when Trinity shuffled her wings. He blinked for a moment and glanced over to his right. A smirk streaked his features as he spotted Teodora. Grabbing a waterskin, he shot up from his spot and hurried over to her. "Um, are you thirsty?" He asked her, offering the waterskin to her with a smile.

It had felt like an eternity since he had spoken to Teodora; his duties as Tenel Ka's replacement and his own were constantly keeping him occupied. He sometimes felt like he barely had time to sleep. All in all, the young prince had neglected his betrothed and felt incredibly guilty about it; he would have to change that - immediately.

"How was the climb?" He asked her, "Trinity says that it shouldn't be any longer until we reach the place that the dwarf described to us." He informed her.

***
Dastan crouched himself on the high cliff overlooking the majesty of the Beor Mountains. He was inspecting the rugged path, trying to figure out the best path toward his target. Again, another rumor of a mysterious gem had reached his ears and once again, he was sent to investigate. Little did he know, that on the other side of the mountain, the Ismalian party was resting on a small plateau. After deciding on his path, Dastan began his hike and climb toward his target; he briefly glanced behind him to his companion; the King had requested that another accompany him. The King commanded, and Dastan obeyed.

[Tismri]

She smiled at Tristan's suggestion. Being able to go out for a walk, to clear her head from time to time, seemed like something that would be enjoyable to her. She wouldn't mind company so long as they would allow her to be alone with her thoughts.
She glanced up as Erik appeared to speak to Tristan for a moment. She had not expected anyone else in their party. She felt a bit awkward from time to time, trying to act like she understood more than she actually did. The sooner she got her blasted memories back, the better. She focused on the man as he started up a conversation with her.
"Oh, yes it is," she replied to him. She hadn't really been expecting conversation, so she fumbled for a moment or two. "It is hard to imagine something so majestic could exist." She tried to recall what she had read about mountains in Ismalia. Something about the only range in the country being formed almost entirely of ice. She wondered if she had ever seen them with her own eyes before.

Caedus considered Trinity's question for a moment or two. He tried to decide how best to describe it.
It is difficult to describe, he told her. Flying is what we as dragons are meant to do, and our bonds are meant to ride upon us. When your Rider is with you in the air, especially when it is just the two of you, that is when you feel closest. It allows you time to connect in order to understand with one another. The first time or two may be awkward, but it soon becomes the most natural thing.
~~~~~
Arquen crossed her arms as Dastan inspected the path. She rather wished she wasn't here are the moment. Normally the only time she came to these mountains was when she was assassinating someone. She gazed through the woods, searching for threats while Dastan was otherwise occupied. She didn't fear the gigantic wild creatures of the Beors, but they were still formidable foes and needed constant awareness.
As she followed Dastan again, she couldn't help but wonder why they bothered searching for these magical gems. Power was not the only virtue. There was also cunning and plotting. Power was only a tool to be used to further one's own ambitions.

[Max452]

Trinity placed her snout on her paws as she listened to Caedus describe flying with his Rider. It sounds peaceful. She commented after he spoke. I hope we can become as one as you are with Tenel Ka. She added before shuffling herself once more after Tristan left her side to speak with Teodora. I cannot wait to fly with Tristan and Teodora. She added.

***
Roland's enhanced sight and hearing did not miss the Queen Mother's slight tension. He smiled at her, trying to place her at ease. He had an odd feeling that the woman was struggling with something. "Yes, I myself enjoy the mountains; it grants me immense peace and pleasure. It also reminds me how big the world is, and grants me a bigger perspective." Roland added as he gazed at her. "What brings you peace, Queen Mother, if it is not out of my place to ask?" His hidden elven eyes asked her as he tried to figure out what ailed the Queen Mother. Something...just seemed....off.

***
Dastan glanced back at Arquen. She was quiet most of the trip, but he didn't mind, rather, he was grateful for it. He wasn't usually one that enjoyed idle chatter. He was somewhat grateful for her presence - as she was known to have considerable knowledge of the Beor Mountains, almost as much as he did. He sighed, recalling his days with the Varden and the time he spent here in the Mountains. It seemed so long ago... He shook himself from those thoughts. They didn't matter anymore.
"We should arrive at the supposed location by nightfall." Dastan informed Arquen. "We will take shelter in the trees when we make camp tonight." He told her, knowing that there were many dangerous creatures at night.

[Tismri]

Caedus rumbled, pleased that he was able to mentor a younger dragon. Trinity seemed eager to learn, especially where her Rider was involved. He snorted a bit when she mentioned both Tristan and Teodora.
I've noticed that you are quite taken with your bond's mate, he said, curling his tail around himself as he glanced at the two-leggers for a moment before turning his attention back to Trinity. It is good that you feel no jealousy with his attachment. However, I hope that you will keep a sensitive mind about these relationships. The two-leggers have a saying: Three is a crowd. There will be times when Tristan will need to be with you and only you; there will also be times when Teodora's company is the one best suited to him. There may even be times when it is best that you and Teodora are alone together. Be wise about these occasions, Trinity, and keep an open mind if your Rider ever happens to tell you he wishes to be alone with either her or you.

She was surprised by Erik's sudden question. Did he know that she was not herself? It wouldn't shock her if he did; she had no idea how she normally acted. Tristan told her to follow her instincts, but at times--especially when it came to conversations--her instincts seemed to abandon her, leaving her floundering for words to say.
What brought her peace? The first thing that came to mind was her time with Romulus. The Ranger had been her greatest comfort when he was around, encouraging her and guiding her with a more gentle touch than anyone else seemed to. But she could hardly admit that to this man she hardly knew. It was none of his business to know her person feelings.
"Understanding," she said quietly, staring upward at the invisible peaks of the massive mountains. "I feel the most safe and at peace when I understand what is happening and why."
~~~~~
Arquen dipped her head slightly, acknowledging Dastan's words. She didn't much care for taking orders from a young one like him, but she allowed him this one mission, if only to prove to himself his leadership skills.
"I will keep watch over the night," she informed him, brushing her fingers through her long silver hair. "You need your rest, and I can see better during the night than you." As the continued in silence, she thought for a while. This man she was travelling with betrayed the Varden, leaving them to join Galbatorix's forces. However, she very much doubted he had much of a violent past; certainly not to the same degree as she had. It was unlikely that he could be taken in by violent fits of rage that left him without control of his own thoughts and actions. Though few would ever expect such things from her, either.
"Do you have any regrets?" she asked him as they hiked.

[Max452]

Trinity rose her head with unease at Caedus' advice. Three's a crowd? She repeated. She hadn't heard that saying before, but based on Caedus' explanation, she understood what it meant. She swivled her head toward Tristan and Teodora, her gold eyes filled with some questions. I never thought about that. I know sometimes that Tristan and Teodora like to be alone, but I never understood exactly why. She twisted her head back to Caedus. I've been so use to having them both around me that it feels unnatural when they are not. She admitted. Thank you, Master Caedus. I will heed your advice and pay attention to what you have mentioned to me. She placed her head back onto her paws. It seemed odd to her that Tristan would have issues with her if she was around him and Teodora or in any matter of combination, but Caedus words made sense; and some of Tristan's annoyance with Trinity's eagerness to be around Teodora now made sense as well. Sometimes it was nice to have other company and Trinity knew that she couldn't keep Tristan to herself all the time, despite the pain the thought caused. There is so much to learn in this strange world. Trinity commented to Caedus as she settled herself into a more comfortable position.

***
Roland was amazed at the Queen Mother's reply. It held wisdom that was beyond her years. She reminded him very much of Tismri, which was to be expected since his old friend was her mentor. "Hmm, a profound answer." He replied as he too, gazed outward into the valley. "You never cease to amaze me, Queen Mother. You speak as if you are an elf that has lived through much, and experienced much." He gave her a comforting smile. "And if I may ask, do you feel such peace?" He asked, adopting his old teaching style of asking questions to help people understand themselves. It was an odd feeling, but Roland sensed that the Queen Mother was indeed struggling with something, but what? He usually didn't meddle in personal affairs and nor did he expect any personal answers, just personal ponderings from those he spoke with.

***
Dastan nodded and accepted Arquen's advice. "Aye. That is true - your eyes are better than mine. But, I will be at the ready if you should need I disagreeistance with anything." He informed her, not wanting to feel like a burden. He really wondered why Galbatorix sent an elf with him. They were much more superiour creatures. He continued his climb when he heard Arquen's question. He momentarily glanced back at her, trying to figure out the reason behind such question, but her eyes gave nothing to him. He was silent for a moment trying to figure out whether or not to answer; he knew that she would ask more questions. Finally, finding that he would not like his comrade to distrust him; as his past seemed to prove otherwise, he obliged her. "Yes; I have many regrets." Dastan's softly replied as they hiked.

[Tismri]

Caedus released a satisfied snort as Trinity expressed her understanding. That is good. Before too long, you will always be able to sense when Tristan needs you with him or when he needs to be left alone. And there will be times when you wish to be on your own as well. Time apart, though undesireable, is necessary sometimes, and it will make your bond even stronger. He turned to gaze at Tenel Ka where she stood speaking with the older human. He missed his Princess desperately, knowing that the sooner her mind was restored, the better. That is how I am still able to tell when Princess needs my company and when she needs her space. Despite what happened to her, many of her habits are the same. His voice was sad; though she was still here, he couldn't help but feel as though she was missing. Along with her memories, the bond between them had been severed in such a way that he couldn't feel her all the time anymore. Their link was broken, and he wasn't sure even her restoration would repair that.

She smiled at the compliment, appreciating the level of irony that Erik may or may not have realized. Even if she was speaking as one with centuries of experience, the truth was most of her life was gone. Her experience currently only reached as far back as a few weeks.
She considered his next question thoughtfully. "No...I do not feel such peace," she told him. "I understand little of what is going on around me. And I very much doubt I ever will. But...during those short moments, those times when something just falls into place within my mind, when something actually makes sense, I feel...contentment. Peace. I feel as if there is hope for the future." She wondered if perhaps she was talking too much. If Tristan overheard what she was telling Erik, he would likely interrupt her and later scold her. But to her, Erik seemed a trustworthy man.
~~~~~
Arquen was unsurprised by Dastan's answer, although his honesty did. Every living thing had some sort of regret that it had to live with somehow. But his acknowledgement of his past failures made him seem a worthwhile fellow to speak with.
"We are all shaped by our actions. Our regrets help form us, mold us to the right path. You can either dwell of them, or you can simply react in an instant and move on. Why do you regret?"

[Max452]

Trinity gave a mental nod to Caedus. His words were stored and processed in the young dragon's mind as she hoped to gain as much knowledge to create a perfect bond with her Rider. She listened attentively as Caedus continued to express his bond with Tenel Ka. The gold dragon withheld a whine, feeling her kin's pain for his Rider. You will have your Rider back, Master Caedus. I am certain of it! I can tell that your bond with her was strong before, and it will be again! We just have to try! She proclaimed to the older dragon.

***
Roland nodded in approval to her answer. "Your answer is honest and true, Silver Hand. Many elves, dwarves, humans, and even dragons have sought to understand the meaning of peace. They study and ponder for centuries to come to the same conclusion as you have. Peace comes in waves - long or short, no one knows, but when it does, it grants us understanding of self and the world, and most importantly, as you say, it gives us hope for the future. It guides us to know and feel what is right." He explained to her his own philosophy. "Life brings us many challenges, but it is the peace that we feel in certain moments of our lives that help us endure and carry on." Roland revealed a peaceful, if a bit forlorn smile to the Queen Mother. "Remember those moments of peace, Silver Hand, and never let them go. For they will ever guide you to that which you seek." He advised her as he returned his gaze to the view before them. For him, his peace was that of Faith and the moments they had together before her passing. It was those memories that helped him move forward and endure all things. He only hoped, that the Queen Mother held someone just as dear. "I can tell already, Silver Hand, that you are an exceptional Queen Mother."

***
Dastan turned slightly as he hiked to Arquen as she spoke. When she finished, he again, pondered on her words as he gazed back to the path. "My regrets originate from the what if's in my life, kind elf. And those what if's pretain not to superficial things such as wealth or power, but to subjects of friend and family; I regret that I was not strong enough to protect those close to me. I regret that I am the cause of pain. I regret that my understanding was too late." He replied honestly to her, recalling his betrayal and wishing that he could have realized his quest for peace sooner than later; much heartache and doubt would have been avoided. And most of all, he regreted not understanding Allecia sooner. The woman had left him and perhaps even manipulated him when he had asked her not to. For that, he especially regretted, for his heart ached for unrequited love. "Do you regret?" Dastan asked Arquen after a moment of his own thoughts.