Tracks in the Snow

[Trinn]

The woods were calm as fat, lazy snowflakes drifted down from the afternoon sky. Some miles away to the north lay Dras Leona, and closer, to the south, rested Melian. Tally's destination was the Spine. That was where Ian and his new group of freedom fighters had last been. Walking beside her was her bond, a dark brown amber dragon whose shoulder almost came up to her elbow in height. His head came above her shoulder, almost to her chin. Erath was only a couple months old, but he had grown surprisingly quickly. A week ago he had first begun to speak to her. Tally loved the sound of his voice. It was a rich, warm baritone. Some mornings when she woke, it was hard to believe that she was actually a dragon rider. It was a blessing, but more than that, a responsibility. She and Erath had to work together now to keep the peace in Allagaesia.

Her mother and father had wished to see her depart for Bromsland last week, to train with the elder riders. Tally had been obliged to go along with the plan, but a sudden idea had found her running away in the middle of the night with Erath by her side. She didn't want to go to Bromsland and be stuck there for months, doing nothing useful. In her opinion, the best learning came from experience and trial. She had decided to find Ian, and to travel with him and his band of men to get that training.

What if he turns us away? Erath asked, swiveling his head to blink at her with his clear amber eyes. Tally didn't answer for a while.

"He won't." She said aloud, her voice softly echoing through the quiet woods. "He can't." And that was all that passed between them for a while. The only sounds were the occasional bird call, and the constant crunching of snow under their feet. Tally glanced around, feeling slightly unnerved by the quiet of the woods. What if they ran into enemies? She comforted herself with the fact that Erath would be able to maul anyone who tried them, and she was competent enough with a sword to hold her own for a little while. But it wasn't really human enemies that had her on edge. It was the chance of running into shades or enemy urgals. Perhaps, even, a foe dragon rider. To distract herself from those unnerving thoughts, Tally focused on the trees around them.

Though she hated the wintry cold, she could not deny that it held a certain beauty. The trees were etched out in soft white, and the smaller ferns and pines were dusted on the top by snow. Hanging on the branches were glistening icicles, which caught the light and made them sparkle like crystals. She enjoyed looking underfoot also. The ground was a smooth unbroken white. Looking over her shoulder, she found amusement in the way her and Erath's tracks looked side by side. Eventually she began to think of her parents. They were worried about her, and perhaps it was unfair of her to hurt them in such a way, especially with what had happened to Glory and Daeron. But she had a destiny too. That werecat had said so.
***

They had walked for another hour when a sooty smell met them. Erath lifted his head up sharply, nostrils flared. Tally came to a stop, feeling unnerved. Having lived her whole life with dragons, she new what dragon fire smelled like. It was more sulfur than smoke. What they smelled now was dragon fire. We have to go and see what's happening. Tally said, though a primal instinct was telling her to run away.

Erath apparently had more courage at the moment than she, for he started towards the smell first. Trailing after him, Tally followed in his footprints.

They had to travel about a mile further. When they saw smoke drifting through the trees, they slowed their pace and crept forward. What they discovered made Tally turn around and retch. Erath's head drooped. The dragon fire still burned lightly on tree branches and bodies, flickering stubbornly. But the culprits of the devastation had fled long ago. All that remained was radius of scorched ground and blasted trees. Giant dragon prints muddied the ground, further solidifying Tally's assumption that a dragon and a rider had been here. Most horrible of all were the mangled, burnt, and bloody bodies scattered everywhere. With Erath's help, Tally was able to turn back around and study the damage more. This had to have been the work of an enemy rider. The victims were many, and Tally could only assume that they had been one of the wandering tribes. Not the Ayati, that much she could be thankful for, even though being thankful that these people had died instead of her friends made her feel wretched.

"I don't understand how anyone could do this." She whispered to herself, horror struck. As much as she wanted to run away, Tally felt that these people needed to be laid to rest. At least, they needed to be honored. But how? She and Erath stood at the edge of the wreckage, where the beautiful snowy afternoon had come to a painful end for these unfortunate souls.

[doitean]

Tashnak and Losin were flying around near the Spine. Tash, look how beautiful the Spine is. Losin said to him as she flew under a cloud. It is a grand sight he told her as he hugged her. While the Kull and his dragon were flying Losin noticed something. Tash, look. Smoke. Losin pointed towards where the smoke was rising.

There's too much smoke for a campfire. Do you think it was a dragon attack? Tashnak asked her. I can't tell. she exclaimed. As they got nearer, they could smell the burnt bodies. They landed on the southern side of the village. Tashnak had his axe out just in case. This was definitely a dragon rider attack Losin stated.

I agree. Why would a rider do something like this? he asked her. The only answer I can give is that it had to have been a rider in service of the Shade Losin told him. Tashnak was saddened by the death. The kull was gentle and just stood next to his onyx colored dragon. She dipped her head and rubbed it against him.

[Max452]

OOC: Decided to go with the obvious character...lol

Ian rubbed his hands together in vain; an attempt to keep them warm. The chilly air did not help the barren mood that his freedom fighters were in; they were too late to save another settlement from attack. Ian rubbed his hands together harder, but hissed out in anger and frustration when it wasn't enough to heat them up.

A crackling sound was heard, followed by searing heat above his head. A whooshing sound was made as the dwindling fire within the campsite burst brighter and stronger. Ian craned his neck behind him, barely spotting the white dragon if not for the smoke trailing from its nostrils.

You could have just used magic to warm yourself up. Castiel's smooth voice rang inside Ian's head.
Ian huffed, creating some fog to appear in front of his own nostrils. I wanted to conserve my energy. The young Rider replied to his dragon as he turned his head to survey the other members of his group. Arucane.
Well, that's why you have me, silly. Castiel yawned and nestled his head next to his rider's body. We should probably meet up with the other's soon. Castiel referred to the other half of Arucane. Ian had left that group in the Spine, to take refuge, while he and the other half went to investigate reports of wandering tribes being attacked.
I know, but they need the rest. Ian's green eyes wandered more over to his tired men. Seeing those burnt bodies...well...it took a lot out of them. The white dragon gave a mental nod of understanding. Having seen what they had all seen had taken a lot out of them. Thinking more about those bodies, Ian felt bad for not avenging them, for being too slow to reach them before they were attacked.
It's not your fault, Ian. Castiel replied somberly. We did the best we could.
Our best is not good enough. Ian replied in anger. It never was enough! All his training and all his experiences were still not good enough! How was he suppose to help people if he was too weak!?
You're not weak. Castiel huffed and snapped his head up, so one of his eyes bore into his rider. Never say that! I know you're heart, Ian! I didn't choose a weak Rider; I chose a strong one. The dragon growled out.
Ian glanced away, feeling ashamed of himself. Ever since his capture and torture by that Rider Selene, Ian had felt more and more inadequate of being a Rider. He had felt like he had failed his men, despite their own protests.
You're doing great things, Ian. Do you not know how much you inspire these men? A weak man does not do that. We cannot win all the battles, but we will this war; you must not harrow yourself up with each one.
I can't forget those that we didn't save! Ian retorted, feeling useless.
No, we won't forget them, but we won't spit on their deaths either. We need to remember them, and push ourselves to continue fighting - to honor them. The white dragon replied and then rose from his nestled position, startling some of the men. Let's go pay our respects to the dead, and then return to the Spine. Cas suggested.

Ian glanced up at his dragon, thankful for him. If not for Castiel, Ian knew that he would have gone mad from all the pain and sorrows he had to endure. He glanced over to his men. "Fergus." Ian called out to his right hand man. "Castiel and I need to do something; we'll be back soon. Stay alert, but continue to rest. We leave in the morning."
"Aye, Ian." The brawny man replied, then gestured to the man next to him to help him stand watch. "Be safe." The man added, knowing eyes watching as Ian hopped onto Castiel's saddle and took off into the sky.
~~~
It took Ian and Castiel half an hour to reach the burning settlement. They were about to land and pay their respects, when they noticed the area to be populated by two other riders; one seemed like a younger bond based by the size of the dragon, while the other a much longer one, as the dragon was larger than Castiel.
Enemies? Castiel asked.
I don't know. Doesn't appear so. Land on the outskirts...maybe they're Riders from Bromsland coming to aid.
I don't know...I don't recognize the dragons... Castiel sniffed the air, trying to catch the scent of the dragons as he landed nearby.

Ian climbed off of Castiel and the two cautiously approached the Riders, the smell of burnt flesh entering their nostrils once more. We will make this right somehow... Ian thought to himself as he passed through the morbid site and toward the closest Rider and Dragon; the other seemed to be further off, but Ian could make out the Rider to be a Kull. He froze when he grew near enough to the other, female, Rider. "Tally?" He blinked at his cousin, eyes wide in shock. "What are you doing here?"

[Trinn]

Erath was the first to notice the arrival of another dragon rider. He lifted his head and anxiously sniffed the air, trying to get the scent of the rider and dragon. Tally crouched down behind the smoldering remains of a pine tree. Erath stuck to her side, hunkering down as well. The black dragon landed, and Tally's eyes widened when she watched the form of a kull hop off it's large back. This was the first time she had ever seen an urgal rider. For a time, she had thought that an egg would never hatch for the urgal race.

Trying to stay as small as possible, she continued to watch the kull. He looked upon the ruins, and Tally thought she saw sadness in his brutish face. These are not enemies. she decided, and stood. So distracted with the business of a kull rider, Tally and Erath did not perceive the arrival of their friends. At the sound of Ian's voice, Tally turned sharply, startled. Erath twisted around, raising his wings a bit and lifting his lips in a silent snarl.

"Ian!" Tally exclaimed when the pace of her heart had slowed. A smile spread across her lips and she skipped over to her cousin for a quick hug. "I came to find you and your men!" she explained, acting as if there was nothing strange about it. "Looks like you've found me instead!" She glanced back at the kull and rider, who were still a good distance off. "Before we share anymore news, perhaps we should make ourselves known to that fellow?" and she gestured off towards the kull and his dragon. She wanted to avoid Ian's anger for as long as possible, and the kull proved the perfect distraction.

[doitean]

Losin could smell another dragon. She also smelled the arrival of a second dragon. Tash, there's two other dragon riders here. she said in her sing song like voice. Tashnak looked and saw the two dragon riders. Losin appeared bigger than the two.

Let's wait and see what they doTashnak told Losin. He sat down with his axe in his lap and bowed his head. He closed his eyes and hoped they found peace. Tashnak was still aware of the two riders. Losin was keeping an eye out on the two riders for him.

[Max452]

Ian couldn't help a small smile that appeared on his face as Tally greeted him. He was still shocked on seeing her here, but her quick hug deterred him from addressing his, now, many questions. Ian blinked at Tally's responses; it took him a moment to process that she was looking for him. Two things entered his mind then: 1) Was something wrong at home; was that why she was searching for him? 2) Or was she seeking to join him? That might not be...

Tally is right, Ian. It is rude not to introduce ourselves. Castiel commented, breaking Ian's thoughts as the white dragon glanced over at the Kull Rider and Dragon. He angled his head toward Erath and Tally, for a moment, debating whether or not to introduce himself to them first (the young two-legged was related to Ian after all...) or to introduce himself to the Kull and larger dragon.

Ian blinked again (Tally's tactic on pointing out the other rider and dragon an effective distraction). "Yes, it would be rude if we don't." Ian echoed Castiel's sentiments and he carefully approached the sitting Kull. "Come on, Tally." Ian told his cousin as he walked over to the Kull, Castiel following behind the small group.

"Hail, Rider. I am Ian, Rider of Castie and this is my cousin, Tally, and her dragonl." (Ian made a mental note to ask about the dragon's name) Ian introduced himself in a somber voice; the scorched enviroment was still affecting his mood, as well as the appearance of the Kull's passive state. Ian felt like he was interrupting the Rider's meditation of some sort. "Forgive us, we did not mean to intrude. Are you a rider of Bromsland?" Ian asked, hoping to broach a conversation, but also hoping to learn their origins.

[doitean]

Tashnak looked up at the two riders and their dragons. He stood up and placed the axe head down on the ground.

"Well meet Ian, rider of Castiel, and Tally. Well met to you young dragon. I am Tashnak, rider of Losin. We are from Fläm Lake. We trained in the elven forest. We have never been to Bromsland. I see that a kull rider surprises you Tally. Losin chose me as her rider because I am an oddity among my people, I'm caring and gentle." He told them.

Their dragons seemed younger than Losin. He was glad they didn't attack him, he had enough of that in the cities he's gone to.

[Trinn]

The first thing Tally noticed about the Kull was his eloquence. He was so well spoken and humble that he almost sounded like an elf. She looked down at the torn ground, embarrassed that the Kull, Tashnak, was able to call her out on her surprise so easily. "I can see that." She said, looking up at him again. "You seem indeed a kind spirit. Tashnak, I must say, I honored to meet you." And she gave the Kull a formal curtsy. Beside her, Erath bent his head to the kull and the elder dragon. "And allow me to introduce my young bond better. His name is Erath." Erath ducked his head again in a show of embarrassment, though Tally could sense that he was fond of the attention.

A sudden sorrowful expression took hold of Tally. "As much as I am pleased at the presence of friends, I am greatly more sorrowed at the place of our meeting. These people.... We need to honor them in some way. This is how I feel. Will you help me?" and she looked from the Kull to her cousin, where her eyes lingered.

[doitean]

The Kull watched the young dragon bow his head. The younglings are right Tash Losin said to him. I know. Tashnak told her. We will help you. Losin said out loud.

Tashnak nodded his head, putting his axe on the sheath on his back. The black axe matched Losin's scales perfectly. Losin laid down but still watched the two young dragons and their riders.

[Max452]

Ian watched the kull with silent fascination, though his face held no such expression. He had always heard that the Urgal race was filled with a warrior lust for battle and blood, but this one, seemed incredibly benign compared to his kin.
He himself said he was an oddity, Ian. Besides, is it so suprising to be different? Castiel communicated with his rider.
No. It's refreshing to see such a sight. And it amazes me further that he was able to develop into such a Rider without the Elders. Ian commented to Castiel as they silently watched the Kull interact with his cousin.
Aye. It gives me hope that the world isn't as cruel as that Shade Rider is making it. Ian merely sent a silent agreement.

Tally's declaration of the area brought Ian's sadden thoughts to the forefront of his mind. He locked eyes with Tally, where a flash of regret and guilt flickered in his emerald eyes. He glanced away. "Yes, Castiel and I had come to pay our respects to these people...we...we weren't able to get here in time." He simply stated, glancing away in shame.
We can't help what has occurred, only that which we can control; we will stop the Shade, Ian. Don't give in to the guilt. Castiel reminded his rider as they both gazed over to the smoldering remains.
Ian then turned his gaze to Tashnak and Losin. "Thank you." Simple words that conveyed much. He finally gathered some courage to face his cousin, or atleast, the spirits that he was too slow to aid. "What do you have in mind, Tally?" Ian asked, quietly as flecks of snow began to fall again. "I would like to lay them to rest...give them a proper buriel." Ian added.
Ian turned his head to face Tashnak. "Can you help me carry them?" Ian asked, referring to the dead bodies.

[doitean]

"Of Course." Tashnak said.
I can dig up graves. Losin said out loud.

The Kull was impressed at the two. Most humans tried attacking him. He was unwelcomed in most cities, though Illeria was one he could go to thanks to Queen Nasuada. These young riders have a warrior's spirit., Tashnak told Losin. The black dragon agreed. She had a feeling these young dragons were tougher than they appeared.

[Trinn]

A burial... the thought had crossed Tally's mind before, but with so many bodies, the task would take too long and be too difficult. She perked up at Losin's offer. Of course! A large dragon such as she would be able to dig up the ground in larger portions, and quickly. "Losin, that would be a big help. Perhaps Castial can help too?" She would have added Erath, but her bond was yet too small to be of much help with the digging. "Erath and I can help lay the bodies to rest." She looked again at the carnage around them, noticing that many of the bodies weren't whole. Some were shred in meaty strips and bits. She felt her gorge rise a little at the thought of handling those "bodies". But it would be done. She would have to consider it her duty as a rider.

Shivering from the cold and the task at hand, Tally hugged herself and rubbed her arms. She wore a heavy cloak, but it did little to ease her spirits. Icy snowflakes fell softly on her face, the soft brush of winters kiss. Blinking, she cleared a snowflake from her eyelash, and waited for Losin to begin the grim task.

[doitean]

Losin flew up into the air, then descended over a good spot. She dug her claws in and scooped some dirt out, depositing it on the side. She was making a large hole while Tashnak waited. The kull rider was patient and knew answers to his unasked questions would be revealed in due time.

[Max452]

"Thank you Tashnak." Ian expressed again as he surveyed the remains that were scattered everywhere.

I would be honored to help, Tally. Castiel replied as he followed after the black dragon. He circled in the air, watching what Losin was doing before following after her in the same manner. His mighty talons scrapped against the snow covered dirt as he helped Losin make a mass grave site.

Ian watched the dragon for a moment before addressing Tashnak and Tally. "How good are you both with magic?" Ian asked. He knew Tally was learning some before she was bonded to Erath, but wasn't quite sure if she had learned some while with Aunt Marola or his Mother once she became a Rider. Tashnak was sure to know magic, as he appeared to be bonded to Losin far longer than he and Tally was bonded to their own dragons, combined. "I was thinking we can use magic to move and gather the bodies." Ian had wanted to do this manually, but having looked over the site, he knew it would take too far long to gather the remains, plus, he didn't want to damage the already mangled ones.

[doitean]

"Magic is good. We can move the bodies with magic" Tashnak stated.

The kull rider was glad to help. This carnage was uncalled for and he hoped that the villagers could be honored. He was not looking for revenge, that nevered help. Though the rider knew magic, his pronounciation of the ancient language was poor.