Twilight and Shadow

[Trinn]

Veryan's sudden presence gave Eos no time to dodge him. She was forced to flare her wings and pull back sharply, and even still she almost ran straight into him. Eva clung to her dragon's neck until Eos was able to level out again. Angered at the impromptu halt, she glared across at Aradan. "There is no time for proper approval!" she shouted back at him, "Lives are in the balance, and the more I waste talking to you, the closer those lives lean towards death!" Eos, get us away from these two! Eos complied, and began to circle around the two dragons.

But, perhaps you should change first? Eos suggested as she was trying to get around Veryan. Perplexed, Eva looked down at herself. She was still in her nightgown. Embarrassment flooded her cheeks.

I'll just borrow clothes from someone later! she thought, trying to quickly solve her problem without having to go back to her quarters in New Doru Arabea.

[Max452]

Aradan and Veryan remained hovering in the sky as Eos circled about them; Veryan began to slowly move to block her once he noticed what Eos was trying to do. The young half-elf's eyes were quite skeptic at Eva's proclamation as he spotted her nightgown. She probably was having a bad dream of some sort. Now, how to get her to see that.
"Um, Eva," Aradan began, eyes following the yellow dragon in the dark night. "perhaps it is best if you take a deep breath to regain your senses?" He hesitantly suggested. "I understand that we are in the midst of war and that we are all...stressed..." Yes, that was a good way to put it without getting on her bad side..."But reason still stands. We must have proper approval for our missions; as to authenticate our...desires to go forth and aid in the war." Aradan slowly, calmly told the Yellow rider and dragon.

***
Antien could feel the callous rocks that pierced at him through the sand that he was thrust upon. Grunting, the elf staggered to his knees, glaring at the enemy soldier that had pushed him and his fellow prisoners onto the ground. He then glared at the elf that came by.
"Prepare the ritual. The magicians' strengths have returned. We can turn at least two more." Adonis told the men that were guarding the elves. Adonis then pointed at Quintus and another elf next to Antien. "We will start with them." Adonis said with little emotion as he turned to leave.

[Trinn]

I agree with Aradan. Eos said firmly, which agitated Eva. You must control yourself and listen! If Antien has been taken captive, then he is surrounded by hundreds of shades. We would stand no chance against them. We would all be lost. We must return to New Doru Arabea, and seek our masters help. Together, we are strong. Eva felt tears filling in her eyes. Quickly, she swiped them away. Eos, and Aradan, were right. She was being foolish and letting her heart lead her where it may. She needed to use her mind.

"I'm sorry, Aradan. Please, let me explain." And, with a bit hurried speech, she explained to him the memories and images she had just witnessed, leaving out the last bit to spare Aradan the emotional last words of Antien. "Antien and I... love each other. That's why he sent the ribbon back to me. You must help me!"

[Max452]

Aradan could not hide his shocked expression fast enough. Eva and...Antien! Blacksmith Antien!? They...they were mates?!
Aradan, I think we have more pressing matters to think about... The black dragon reminded Aradan.
"AH, I see...um, that explains a lot. Yes, we, we need to alert the council of this...but, time is of the essence." Aradan proclaimed, slapping sense back into place. "Eva, I think its wise if we seek out Master Trinn or Master Tismri; they will know what to do and get to the elves in time!" Veryan than darted toward the main complexes that held their Masters. "We must save my kin, Eva...these...abominations is a horrible and unworthy fate for them." Aradan called out as Veryan and he zoomed away. "Come Eva and Eos!" Aradan called for them once more as they headed off, hoping to find the aid they needed.

[Tismri]

Weiss stood impatiently while the others gathered supplies. She couldn't stand the thought of some of her people being taken prisoner by the Shade Army. She knew some of them; they were excellent fighters. It would have taken a lot to capture them, even more effort than it would to simply kill them.
As she waited, she pulled out her rapier spinning the dial as she filled each gem with a bit more energy. She had a feeling she was going to need as much of it as she could muster in the fight ahead. Even so, she planned to use as little of the magic in it as necessary, wanting to conserve the energy. It was dangerous to have them depleted during a battle.
"We're ready," Lifaen called out. Weiss sheathed her blade and made ready to set out with the others. They would be running; it would take them at least a couple of days to catch up, but with luck they wouldn't have made it back to their camp by that time. They were carrying an unknown number of prisoners with them that were likely slowing them down. Weiss just hoped they would make it on time.

[Trinn]

That Aradan was so quick and eager to help stunned Eva a bit. She was expecting him to question her more thoroughly. A light rain began to fall, and the cool water droplets urged her back into the present haste of the situation.

Eos took after Veryan, swiftly flying behind him on taught wings. Her lithe body sluiced through the rain as if it weren't even there. She was too proud to complain about it. For Eva it was a different matter. The rain splashed off of her bond's scales to strike her on bare skin, which there was rather a lot of. Her night shift was doing little to guard against the wet sky and the sudden chill. Hunching low, she bent her face in her shoulder and prayed they would find someone soon.
~~~

A light burned in the cliff side just outside of New Doru Arabea. That was Master Trinn's home. There! she shouted to her companions. Eos immediately veered off towards the hopeful light, rain sliding off the thin, pale membrane of her wing. A sudden strike of lighting put spots in Eva's vision, and by the time she could see clearly again, they had reached Trinn and Thora's abode.

Eos alighted with a clacking of talons on a stone landing just outside the immense home. Of course it was immense. Thora was an ancient dragon, after all. Eva slid off the saddle and landed with a splash on the hard stone, slipping slightly. She blinked in the rain, which had grown heavier, and noticed a figure standing just inside the doorway.

"Come inside quickly, all of you, before you catch a cold." Trinn said, and stood back to allow them entrance. Eva quickly did as she was told, and was soon in the warmth of Trinn's home. It consisted of one large room. In the center was a circular fire pit, in which hearty flames danced about. Eva was drawn to this, and stood waiting for Aradan. She looked about the room curiously. There was what looked like a large bed on one side, a kitchen in one of the corners, and a study with bookshelves in another corner. Despite the tall and open space, the home was warm and cozy. Thora lay on the bed, one emerald eye open and watching.

Another door swung in, this one much taller than the one Eva had gone through. Eos came in, dripping wet. Thora huffed, apparently upset that her home was now a mess of puddles. Eos looked away sheepishly.

"What is it you need, rider Eva, to have come in the middle of the night, in a rainstorm, in your nightgown?"

Eva blushed and looked into the fire. It's heat reminded her of Antien's forge, and she took heart in it.


"I came because of a vision I just received." And she recounted what she had told Aradan. By the end, Trinn was standing on the other side of the fire, looking at her through the twisting flames.

"I know Antien, though I cannot claim he is a close friend. I know that he is a worthy elf, noble, skilled, and incredibly talented in many ways. That he should be captured, threatened to be turned into an abomination, is more than I can stand. Yet, we must think logically." Trinn turned and placed her hands behind her back, and in the dancing shadows that the fire cast, she truly did look centuries old. "The sad truth of war is that there must always be sacrifice. Hard, agonizing, unbearable sacrifice. To save many, we must lose others." The ancient began to pace, heading towards a wardrobe. She continued to speak. "The greatest love stories often end in tragedy, young Eva. That yours should be any different seems unfair to all the other broken hearts. I myself have never known a great love, so I can't emphasize too much with you. That's not to say I don't know heartbreak. When I returned to Vroengard to find it decimated and violated... well, I knew heartbreak then. I hadn't lost just one person. I had lost all of them. Of course later I found a few others of my generation, but they are so scarce..." Trinn opened up the wardrobe and began to draw out clothes. She was silent until she returned to Eva and handed her the garments.

"Fortunately for you, Thora and I have always loved a good fight. Furthermore, the sooner we stop these shades, the better." A singing ring filled the air as Trinn drew her sword, Vanta, and held it aloft. It's emerald shades rippled in the light. "Thora and I will help you rescue your love, Eva, so that we can rescue Alagesia."

[Max452]

Aradan was soaked to the bone as he quickly hopped off of Veryan to quickly follow after Eva; Veryan following after Eos in a similar manner. He was surprised that Master Trinn was awaiting them, but said nothing as he desired to escape the wet weather. Dripping wet, Aradan thought it best to remain on the outskirts of Master Trinn's home so that he would not disrupt its order. However, that thought was negated the moment Veryan trotted in after Eos, bringing in what seemed a lake beneath him. The young Rider sighed and looked at Master Trinn apologetically. He entered the home more, as to stand next to Eva and enjoy the warmth of the fire. He listened, once more, as Eva recited her tale to their respected Master.

Aradan expected Master Trinn to hop onto Thora immediately after she registered what was being said, however, her words surprised him. What was she saying? It sounded as if she was not willing to save Antien or the other elves with him! She was willing to sacrifice them? What fate was this? He clenched his fists together, ready to argue; he would not stand for it! His parents did not sacrifice their lives so others would share the same fate! He opened his mouth to speak once Master Trinn disappeared into a wardrobe, but his voice did not sound once he heard her final words. Relief flooded into the young half-elf and he relaxed his muscles as he studied his master. Why would she say such things if she was going to help? That thought confused him. He glanced over at Eva and wondered, idly, if Master Trinn was trying to prepare Eva for the worse outcome. That would be tragic. "We, we would like to help as well, Master Trinn. I know not Antien well, but, we have loss enough of my kin than I would like." His voice was somber as he reflected on the father he never knew.

OOC: Aww, poor Trinn...Rider Trinn, I mean. She doesn't know love. *sniffle*

[Trinn]

Trinn's short speech had sent Eva through a torrent of different emotions. Sadness, despair, and then, at the last, hope. She accepted the clothes that Trinn handed her, noting they were sturdy leather. "Think you, Elda." She said in a humble voice. Aradan's offer came next, surprising her. "Aradan... are you sure?"

Trinn placed the tip of her emerald blade on the ground and rested both hands on the pommel. "It is ok, Eva. I can see that Aradan speaks with all his heart. We will welcome his blade to our cause, and the teeth and claws of his bond, Veryan. We shall need all the help we can get. Now... go and change, Eva, before you catch sickness. I need to see if I can enlist some others..." A distant look came to Trinn's eyes, and Eva knew that was dismissal enough.

Eva strode over to Eos, and the dragon lifted her wing for the rider to step underneath. In that shelter Eva changed her clothes. She tossed her wet nightgown aside and stepped into the leather pants. They fit surprisingly well, and she wondered if Trinn had not spelled them to do so. She then put on the leather bodice, which required a bit of lacing to keep snug. After that there came bracers and boots. You are fit for a fight, now. Eos said.

Good. There will be a lot of it, I am sure.
~~~


Tismri? Trinn called out with her mind, trying to contact her old friend. If she could get Tismri to fly with them to the elves, then perhaps, they might actually have a chance of success.

[Max452]

Aradan gave Eva a firm affirmative nod to her question. He would not allow Antien and Eva to suffer his parents' fates. Drenched to the bone, Aradan huddled closer to the fire to get warm whilst Master Trinn went to find more help and Eva to change. As his hands hovered over the fire, he hoped that they would reach Antien and the other elves in time.

***
"Get up!" A swift kick to Antien's side roused the elf from his unconscious state. "Get movin' The lot of ya!" A grumbling dwarf waddled away as he went to kick the other elves awake.

Antien groaned as he attempted to rise to his feet. Pebbles and dirt clung to his clothes and face and all the elf could so was shake it off; his hands still tied behind his back. Sleep was hard to come by last night, but thankfully he managed a bit. He closed his eyes briefly, trying to erase the memory of the screams that were heard when his kin were placed in the Shade Ritual. They had not survived. A part of Antien was glad that they did not suffer that fate...but to die so cruelly...well, that did not sit well with Antien either. He glanced at the remainder of his party. There were only four of them left - his father included - and thus time was growing short. It seemed the ritual took time to prepare, taking at least two days until the abominations tried to form more of their own kin. Two days was the least amount of time Antien had until he figured out some form of escape. Contemplating, the elf was dragged along toward the other side of the desert.

[Tismri]

Tismri had been sitting at her writing desk, listening to the storm when she felt Trinn contact her. She was a little surprised by it, and was immediately concerned. After everything that had been happening to their students lately, she had come to expect the worst of news at all times.
What is it, fricai? she asked, already standing to make ready in assisting her friend however necessary.

[Trinn]

OOC: Poor Antien, and poor Eva!

Rather than recite the story of Eva, Trinn instead replayed the memory of Eva telling of the plight herself. Will you and Ismrolde ride with us? she asked when the memory had played out. As for myself, I am more than ready to take up my sword against our enemies, as is Thora. She longs for the taste of the enemies blood and flesh. I can deny her no longer, nor would I.

Thora herself lounged nearby, the tip of her emerald tail barely twitching in anticipation. It was about time that she and her rider were let loose on the enemy!

[Tismri]

Tismri furrowed her brow in concern as Trinn recounted the evening's events to her. Already, she was taking up her cloak and going to join Ismrolde.
I will ride with you. This is a rather disturbing turn of events, and I am afraid of what may happen to the elves if we don't make it in time. She quickly mounted her bond, who took to the dark, wet skies.
Are you sure? Ismrolde asked in concern, looking back at her.
We'll be fine, she promised, patting the great dragon's neck gently as they made their way to Trinn and Thora's home.

[Max452]

Aradan finally felt warm enough that he stepped away from the fire. He noticed that Master Trinn was still conversing via her mind link (the glazed look on her face was the same as his whenever he spoke with Veryan). Aradan's eyes darted over to where Eva and Eos were and then back and Veryan.

You okay if we do this, Veryan? The half-elf asked his black bond.
Yes. I feel the same as you do, Aradan and with Master Trinn and Master Thora at our side, I know we shall succeed. Veryan replied confidently.
I hope so. Aradan replied before going over to the saddlebag. He began inspecting his wares and weapons, knowing that they had a journey ahead of him. It was a good thing that he was camping already. He usually would have gone with Teza Mae...but...lately, their relationship seemed to be strained. He was beginning to think she no longer desired him, as she had been inclined to be left alone more, despite his attempts, and he noticed, that she was hanging around another male rider. Perhaps she realized that he was too weak to protect her...he had failed once already...
Aradan...think not on this. Veryan whined lightly, not wanting his rider to be remorseful.
Aradan shook those negative thoughts away and waited patiently for the party to get ready so that they may be oft.

OCC: I'm thinking of fast forwarding to the companies all meeting up soon. What do you guys think?

[Trinn]

Thank you, Tismri. Trinn said, earnestness in her voice. She cut the connection off and blinked a few times, focusing on Aradan's face. Looking past him, she gazed out a window, noticing that the storm was beginning to fade. "Good news. Elder Tismri and Elder Ismrolde have agreed to accompany us in our fight. Also, the storm has passed."

"Excellent." Eva said, stepping up beside Aradan. She rolled her shoulders, getting accustomed to the tight battle leather. "We should head out as soon as possible, right, Ebrithril?"

Trinn looked upon the two young riders, and felt a moment of doubt. They had passed the tests that she and her peers had put in their way. But would that be enough? Was it right to send them to fight a horde of shades, even if she and Tismri were beside them the whole while? Their faces were open and honest, but determined. It would have to be enough. "Yes, let us be off. Tismri will meet us on the way." If these children fell in battle... Hardening herself, Trinn turned on her heel and strode to Thora's side. The grand emerald dragon began to stand to her full height just as Trinn climbed up to the saddle.

From her vantage point atop Thora's back, Trinn looked down on Eva and Veryan. Eva was already mounting Eos, the dainty yellow dragon fanning her buttery wings. They looked so tiny from up high. Let us be off, Thora. The dragon obliged and stepped forward, out of the stately home and onto the cliff ledge. With a giant bound Thora leaped off the ledge, plummeting some feet before the wind pillowed up under her wings to carry her back up. With her distinct hearing, Trinn caught the sound of smaller talons running forward and launching into the sky. As the rain fell to a soft drizzle, a slow sprinkle, and then a gentle mist, Thora led the entourage out of New Bromsland. They met Tismri on the way out, and did not look back.

OOC: Feel free to fast forward Max!

[Max452]

OOC: YAY!!!

"Blasted weather!" Aradan found himself cursing at the scattering sand about him. He tossed his cloak about his neck and face, hoping that would drive the dirt away. It was no use though, as his continued discomfort became more evident from his bundled appearance; the heat was unbearable here. He heard a deep rumble beneath him and Aradan could not help the mental glare he sent to his black bond. They had been traveling continuously since their departure from Bromsland; stopping only for quick breaks. The lack of proper sleep and the heat was driving Aradan restless and irritable. He glanced over to Eva and Eos, trying to remember his cause to come and aid him. Think of Mother and Father. Think of Mother and Father. He repeated in his mind, ignoring Veryan's teases about his discomfort.
You did insist that we help. Veryan would constantly say; Aradan easily imagining the dragon's toothy smirk.

Despite his discomfort, Aradan still knew the gravity of their situation. Of Eva's situation. They would have to hurry. It seemed they were drawing closer to their destination; a unsettling aura was drawing itself closer. He only hoped that he and Aradan were ready. After all, who knew how many Shades awaited them. It gave the dragon Rider an ill feeling, but at least they had their Masters here. Powerful and fierce in their own right. They surely had a chance. Surely?

The day continued to grow long and soon dusk had settled and the company was able to see a concentrated flicker of light a good few miles before them. It seemed to be circular, Aradan had thought, wondering what they were about to face. Feeling his bond tense, Aradan unsheathed his weapon and clutched one of Veryan's black protruding spikes to steady himself - for the dragon quickly did a side barrel roll to avoid a barrage of fire balls.

***
"Insolent fools!" Tyrant growled out as his red eyes narrowed at the four dragons that were coming their way.
"Continue the ritual!" Adonis yelled at the group of magicians that were behind them. He sparred a quick glanced at the encircling group, hoping that they would hurry up and finish it! He had a good feeling about this batch; their wills were strong, but that only meant a more powerful Shade could be created.
~~~

Antien let out a scream of pure agony. His wrists were still bound before him and he was covered in sweat and sand, but that was not the cause of his discomfort. No, it was the magicians that circled about him and his father. It was the spirits that were clawing at him, heart and soul, as they strived to possess his body.
NO! His mind reeled in defiance. He would fight and die as an elf. He would not become a creature of darkness. Swarms of polluted and corrupted power and memories tried to invade his mind, but Antien refused to give him. He would keep his mind resolute. He shut his eyes, not noticing the oncoming rescue attempt as he strived to picture those that he loved and cared for; it gave him some strength as he felt dark energy grip his heart. He would not give in.