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Post by Max452 on Apr 1, 2013 20:01:20 GMT -5
Slade's left side had caused a major indent into the beachfront, uprooting the deep sand from its natural placement. The black dragon let out a pained whine as he felt his left front and hind legs crack and throb from its now broken bones. Slade's wings were awkwardly bent now, with no hope in flight now. He could feel Selene's anger and pain, but he could make no movement now. He tried to stagger up, seeing the blood dragon crawling toward him.
Red liquid flowed freely from Slade's body, smudging it against the white sand, as he tried to move, but with little success. He let out another whimper, feeling his own pain and Selene's. The black dragon no longer could move as his body was refusing to cooperate. He whined once more, lowering his head onto the ground in pathetic defeat. How could it end this way? They had trained so hard to surpass Vana and Viel; to enact revenge. Why were they not good enough?
***
"MAUDE!" Ian yelled out as the ends of the lightening whoosed passed her and continued to hammer into Master Vana. Ian's only instinct was to follow her as he realized that she was charging straight into Selene. Calling upon the little energy he needed, Ian lifted his gedwey ignasia and commanded the chains against the wall to latch onto Selene.
***
Selene barely had enough time to register a little blur come running toward her; her enraged mind was too focused on Vana and Slade. She grunted when she felt something slam into her, staggering quickly backwards. The next thing she realized, was that her wrists and ankles were chained to the wall. She hissed and glared at the object that had ran into her. "Brat!" She seethed at Maude and tried to swipe her claymore at the girl, but her wrist could not command the blade all the way. She tried muttering a spell for her release, but could not. She glanced off to the side, noticing Ian; his face furrowed up in concentration as he was muttering a spell to keep her in place. "Filthly Varden Brats!" She screamed out, trying to swipe Maude as she was the closest to her.
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Post by Trinn on Apr 3, 2013 18:20:43 GMT -5
Sneering, Maude watched Selene's attempts to maim her with the claymore. Selene was beaten, but at what cost? Feeling a deep anger, she hefted Rheona in her hand, then lifted her arm to deliver a killing blow. A warm hand on her wrist stopped her, and she turned to see her mother staring down at her, shaking her head. Vana's face and arms were burnt, revealing raw and blackened flesh. One eyebrow had been singed away completely, and her long blond hair was burnt half away. Maude's throat contracted painfully at the sight, choking back a sob.
"We are not killers, Maude." Vana said in a raw voice that broke halfway through the sentence. Maude stared back, confused.
"We are warriors! Warriors kill their enemies when they are defeated! Especially enemies like her!" She retorted, her voice rising. Her mother just shook her head again.
"You have much to learn, my beautiful child. But now is not the time. Please, go to Ian, help him." Maude struggled, wanting so much to slice Selene's head off, to make her mother understand that that was the only way. Her mother had slain all her enemies during the empire war! What was so different now!? Confused, angry, and shaken from the fight, she tore her hand out of Vana's grasp and strode towards Ian.
***
Viel, no. Viel paused, her jaws halfway towards Slade's neck, dripping saliva.
No? We are leaders of the hunt! Master of the skies and the sword! We have won, and our enemies will learn their fate now! A growl rose up in her throat when she spotted Magda creeping towards her. She twisted her head sharply and snapped at her youngling, warning the young one to stay back. Slade was her kill! Her prey! She felt towards Maude's mind. Even the human-child knew the right of it! Vana, it is only right!
Is it? I no longer think so. To kill them now... it would not feel right. I cannot kill an enemy shackled to a wall. That is no fair fight.
Leave her, then. But Slade will meet his death today! He is not shackled! And she began to bring her fangs down. Magda suddenly intervened, jumping on Viel's neck and dragging it down. Viel screamed out in fury, but Magda was able to hold her great mother down. Viel was too broken to put up much of a fight. Magda held onto Viel, struggling against her strength, until, at last, the large red dragon calmed.
~~~
Exhausted emotionally and physically, Vana at last focused her attention on Selene. "Selene, you are beaten. Surrender. You have no choice." Unless, Vana thought, she chose death. There had been a point in her own life where death would have been preferable to capture. Wincing, she placed a hand on her side, where it felt like all her ribs were broken. She waited like this for Selene's decision, hoping her old comrade would come to some sense.
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Post by Max452 on Apr 4, 2013 19:56:59 GMT -5
Ian's face was stressed with concentration and weariness as he continued to hold his spell. His mind was half divided as he watched Master Vana stop Maude from killing Selene and keeping his energy flowing for his spell. Sweat poured down his brow as he continued to concentrate; his left leg shaking from pure exhaustion. The more he held onto the spell, the more Ian felt his power wavering and the young Rider hoped that they could just knock out Rider Selene now. He gave Maude a weary smile as she stomped over to him; her anger was easily rolling off of her.
***
Selene wanted Vana to die. She wanted her to die so badly that she was willing to give up her loyalty to Katriana. Vana had disillusioned all that she had once believed in. Was not loyalty everything? What had changed?! She felt a ripple of pain connect to her from Slade. Red flashed before her vision as Vana spoke to her. She glared hatefully at her former commander. "You best kill me, Vana." She sneered Vana's name out, "For the next time we meet, I will rectify the mistake of your existence. You dishonor the title that was given to you by King Galbatorix!" Her voice began to rise, "You are nothing but a servant! A worthless peasant that was pitied on! And how do you repay the generosity of our King! You betray him! For what!? Love of a man?! Did you not learn anything from that elf Equinox?" She spat out, finding any memory to use against Vana. "You are worthless, do you hear me? Worthless! And I will not die by an unworthy hand!" She shouted again, trying to lunge at Vana, but was pushed back by a strong force of air. She gasped out as her back and head slapped against the wall. Her eyes rolled back as unconsciousness overcame her.
~~~
Ian had enough of the Black Rider's rant! In fact, he had enough of her all together! He had quickly released his spell against the chains and instead, launched a strong burst of wind at Selene. His chest was heaving from exhaustion, but also from his own struggle of holding back his desire to kill her outright; revenge against Selene for torturing himself and Castiel had almost overpowered him. His gedwey ignasia was outstretched for a moment, pointed at Selene, before he collapsed onto the ground from all that he had endured these passed few days. His mind quickly followed his body's impulse to shut down; unconsciousness found him soon after.
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Post by Trinn on Apr 4, 2013 20:14:51 GMT -5
Vana's hand clenched the hilt of Domia ever tighter as Selene spoke. At the end of the enemy rider's rant, Vana felt a great swell of rage in her chest. How dare Selene speak of King Galbatorix as if he still lived! How dare she mention Equinox, the man that had fooled her into loving him, who had betrayed her... Old feelings came rushing back to her, causing her to forget the calmness that she had felt. Right now, it was eighteen years ago, it was when she was Galbatorix's red rider, when love was just an empty promise and loyalty the only thing that mattered.
It was too much to take. Practically growling, Vana slashed Domia at Selene's face. It was lucky timing. Her blow missed when Selene was pushed back by a gust of wind. Vana stumbled from the miss, blinked, and realized who she was again.
Breathing heavily, Vana looked down on Selene's unconscious form. Would it be right to end it now? To kill Selene and be done with it? An inner voice told her no. Even unconscious, Selene looked angry. One of them would die. But not today. Turning her back on her old inferior, Vana retreated back to Ian and Maude, slamming Domia back into it's sheath. "Tend to him." she said, her voice more commanding then usual. "Viel..."
***
Magda sat near Viel, licking her mother's bloody wounds. She backed away when Maude's flesh-mother approached, appearing as if from nowhere. "Viel... my beautiful queen of the skies." Magda tilted her head, feeling like an intruder. Viel was her mother, yet she did not feel the closeness that children should feel for their mothers. She simply revered Viel and hoped to be like her. Feeling somewhat saddened, Magda took to the skies, beating her wings to gain the fortress wall, where Maude was waiting.
***
"Ian..." Maude whispered softly, cradling Ian in her arms. Placing her gedwey ignasia on his brow, she whispered, "Waise heil" and eagerly put her energy into the healing spell to mend her love's wounded body. Sometime in the middle, she felt Magda's warm snout touch her shoulder, lending her a burst of new energy. At the end, Maude leaned forward and kissed Ian's brow. "Please wake up." she said, fighting back tears. All the stress of the battle was wearing down on her. She had almost lost many of the people she loved.
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Post by Max452 on Apr 4, 2013 20:32:21 GMT -5
It was cold. Very cold. Ian's mind and body just felt utterly cold. His mind was jumbled and exhausted, but despite it all, Ian's mind was able to wonder if he had died; it was unnaturally cold and dark. Suddenly, though, it was becoming warm. He could feel this warmth travel throughout his mind and body - almost like lightening - caressing him in a calming feeling. He thought he felt a concentrated hot spot on his forehead and desired to know what had caused it. His ears or mind, one of them, registered a voice. It sounded...sad...It called out to him just as the warmth traveled within him. He desperately wanted to ease away that sadness. The warmth continued...to a point that he felt like he was being roasted...
Ian groggily awoke, feeling very disoriented. He felt a pair of hands cradling him and tentatively lifted his head up to see its owner. "Maude?" He blinked and a small smile formed. "What happened?" He asked as his mind began to recall the events that had occurred. "You okay?" He noticed that her eyes seemed teary. "Is your Mother okay?"
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Post by Trinn on Apr 4, 2013 20:57:31 GMT -5
The sight of Ian's opening eyes brought a shaky sigh of relief to Maude. "Yes." she reassured him, "Yes, we're all ok. Viel..." and her eyes went slightly hazy, remembering the sight of Viel through Magda's eyes, "Viel was horribly, horribly injured, but she lives. My mother, I will have to heal her, too. She's better off than Viel, but still terribly hurt. That woman..." Maude glanced over at Selene's limp, unconscious form. "We'd better get out of here before I kill her, or she wakes up."
Helping Ian up, she mounted Magda and waited for Ian to follow suit. They then flew down to the beach, where Vana was still attempting to heal all of Viel's broken bones and torn flesh. The sight was quite gruesome. Hastily dismounting, Maude rushed to her mother's side. Wordlessly she placed an arm around Vana's waist, lending her energy. Magda came forward and rested her snout on Vana's scorched shoulder. Viel's healing quickened after that, though it was difficult and energy consuming. Vana had to tap into the stored energy in the gem in Domia's hilt, and Maude did likewise with Rheona. They gave as much energy as they could, until Viel was relatively whole again.
When Vana released the healing spell, Viel was standing straight, her wings folded properly on her back, and her eyes clear. The talon that was missing would have to grow back naturally, as well as the many scales that had been scrapped off her body from the fall.
Vana swayed on her feet, and Maude held her mother closer. "We have to leave here, quickly. Can Viel fly?" Maude couldn't heal her mother here, not when Selene could awake at any moment, and also because Maude had no energy left for the task.
"She can make it." Vana said in a raspy, dry voice. Maude felt her throat tighten and her eyes water.
"Let's hurry, then."
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Post by Max452 on Apr 4, 2013 21:32:09 GMT -5
Relief welled within Ian as Maude assured him that they were fine, well, as fine as the situation permitted. He knew that Master Vana was nearly burnt to death by Selene. At the mention and thought of Selene, Ian's eyes darted over. That vengeful feeling appeared again, but Ian managed to control it. It was not the Rider way. "I know the feeling." He shared in Maude's sentiments.
With Maude's help, Ian staggered to his feet, and then to Magda's saddle. His energy was spent and all he really wanted to do was sleep, but the urgency and concern in Maude's voice for Viel and her Mother gave him strength to endure. He mostly remained quiet during Magda's landing and Viel's healing. Once it was done, Ian began his approach toward Mother and daughter. "Thank you all, for coming for me and Castiel; I will forever be in your debt." Ian thanked all present before gazing eastward. "Castiel would have likely led Eva and Eos to a rendezvous spot for Arucane; it is located between Kuasta and the Woadark Lake." Ian explained. "It is hidden and warded well; it is a sanctuary for those that seek it. I suggest we head there." Ian explained, hoping that Eva, Eos and Castiel arrived there safely.
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Post by Trinn on Apr 4, 2013 22:01:33 GMT -5
OOC: Methinks now is a good time for a fast forward! lol
Vana nodded, and carefully mounted Viel. Maude mounted Magda, and soon they were ready to depart. Vana glanced over at Slade's limp form. It almost looked like the dragon was dead, but it was rather hard to tell. She pitied the dragon, nonetheless. If he was alive, Selene would heal him when she awoke.
~~~
The rest of the day passed, and then half the night, when the group made it to the Surdan shores. Here they took a quick break, where Maude felt energized enough to heal her mother. They found food and ate, then quickly moved on. They could not rest on the beach, for fear that Selene would find them.
~~~
A day later, they came to the area Ian had indicated. The two red dragons landed, and soon after, Eva came bounding forward. She waited just long enough for Ian to dismount before wrapping her arms tightly around him in a hug. "I was so worried!" She said, her voice strained as if from crying.
Maude left the siblings alone, taking the time to unsaddle Magda. She watched as her mother did the same. They had been able to talk during their flight, and Maude had come to understand a little of what Vana had said back on the island, about the warriors way. In turn, Vana had apologized to Maude for losing her senses during the battle. To Maude, there was no reason for apology. In fact, she had enjoyed catching a glimpse of the woman her mother had been. It had terrified her, but it had satisfied her curiosity too.
Magda had enjoyed flying with Viel, and it seemed the two were able to bond somewhat during their trip to the safehold here in the woods. As for Maude, all she wanted now was some time alone with Ian, but it seemed as if her time with him would be on hold for a little longer.
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Post by Max452 on Apr 4, 2013 22:15:33 GMT -5
OOC: Methinketh you are right!
During their travels, Ian was unaware of the passing time, as his mind was wrapped up in worry for those that he cared for, and especially for his men. He wanted to ask Maude and Vana about them, as it was unclear for him if they had helped his men per his request, however, given the urgency to escape Selene's proximity, he refrained for the time being.
Soon though, they arrived to their destination, where, upon dismounting Magda, Ian was attacked by his sister. "Ack! Eva!" Ian half stumbled from the impact. "I know...I'm sorry to cause worry..." He muttered through the crook of Eva's embrace. "We're okay now..."
That is a relief. Castiel's voice tickled Ian's mind and the two bonded individuals shared a moment of contentment as their minds connected. The men were getting worried. The white dragon turned his head toward the men within the safe haven.
At the notion of the men, Ian pulled himself out of Eva's embrace. Half of them were here. "Did...did you manage to save them?" Ian asked his sister, a streak of worried and guilt-ridden lines crossing his features. "Please tell me you sought them before coming to aide me..." He clenched his jaws. He would not be able to forgive himself if he had failed his men. His eyes darted over to Maude, an unconscious attempt to seek refuge from the plight he was feeling. "Please...tell me..."
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Post by Trinn on Apr 4, 2013 22:28:48 GMT -5
Eva released Ian and stepped back. She avoided his gaze as he asked about his men. "We didn't look for them." She admitted.
"I found them, Ian." another voice said, and Gianna stepped up behind Eva, resting a hand on her daughter's shoulders. "Your men are safe." She held her large, pregnant stomach with her free hand, her brow somewhat creased. "I am so happy to see you, son." And sudden tears came flowing freely from her eyes. She embraced Ian with all the love of a mother, kissing his forehead. She could not be angry at him. His spirit was as free as hers, and she could not be mad that her child was following in her own footsteps. Eventually, she let him go, and turned to Vana. The Red Rider's hair was chin length now, and the red cape was gone. "Vana... we must talk." Vana nodded, and they walked off together for a bit of privacy. Gianna wanted to know exactly what had happened. She wanted to know what exactly she owed the Red Rider.
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Post by Max452 on Apr 4, 2013 23:09:06 GMT -5
Ian's face paled at Eva's confession. She...didn't look for them? He had failed them and left them to their slaughter. He bit back the bile that had formed in his throat. How many more people would have to suffer? His thoughts were becoming secluded when he heard a familiar voice. A sharp intake of breath sounded from Ian as the young Rider processed the voice and her words. Relief flooded him at the news. However, if it was possible, Ian became paler at the sight of his mother. His eyes darted accusingly at his twin. You brought Mother into this!? His eyes screamed out to Eva. If Eva responded, he didn't know, for again, he was bombarded into a hug. "I'm okay Mom." He told her as she cried out of relief. Part of him felt embarrassed that his mother was bailing on him, but the other part was happy that he had the chance to see his Mother again. "Thanks, Mom." Ian's grip around her tightened. "Thanks, for everything." His eyes threatened tears, but out of pride, Ian refused to let them fall. Once he was free from his mother's grasp, Ian turned his gaze to his men.
The other half are with Fergus. They're tending to the wounded and gathering supplies. Castiel explained after feeling Ian's questioning mind.
Thank you Castiel. I'm glad you're okay. Ian replied as he went to hug his dragon's front paw. It seemed that he was healed completely now, probably due to his Mother's powers. His eyes then turned to watch his Mother and Master Vana walk off. No doubt his Mother was being told about his rescue. He hoped Master Vana wouldn't share the details too much...
Ian watched the Red Rider walk off with his mother. It was a privilege to see such a warrior in battle. It was no wonder that Maude desired to obtain the same recognition. Master Vana was a true warrior. Glancing away, his eyes sought to locate Maude. Maude was on her way of becoming a true warrior and Rider too, one destined to be a legend in her own right, but to Ian, all he saw was the woman he loved, and right now, he wanted to be with her.
Sensing his Rider's desire to be alone with Maude, Castiel took it upon himself to distract Eva, Eos, and Magda. Magda! Eos! I have not eaten since my capture! Let's go hunting! Eva, there is a one legged man named Holten over near the fire pit. He is a grand cook! Perhaps you can help him prepare dinner? The White dragon asked politely as he hinted to leaving Ian and Maude alone.
Ian was quite unaware of Castiel's helpful attempts as he located the woman he loved. Ian approached her, his eyes locking onto her own. "Are you busy?" He quietly asked her as she moved Magda's saddle, "there's a small glen just beyond those trees." He tilted his head lightly to his right, while his eyes conveyed their desire to be alone with her.
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Post by Trinn on Apr 11, 2013 17:34:47 GMT -5
Castiel's voice rather surprised Eva. It wasn't often that another dragon chose to speak to anyone besides it's rider. Thank you, Castiel. I suppose I am rather hungry. She glanced back at Ian, but he was already walking off towards Maude. Understanding came to her then, and she walked off towards the one legged man smirking. Eos flew off with Magda, the two of them ready to find good hunting grounds.
~~~
Maude glanced over at Ian when she heard him nearby. "No, I'm just finishing up here." She said, setting Magda's saddle on the ground near a tree. Dusting off her hands, she then set off towards the direction Ian had indicated, and it wasn't long before they entered the peaceful little glen. She turned towards him then, lifting a curious eyebrow at him and wondering what he had to say.
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Post by Max452 on Apr 11, 2013 19:53:11 GMT -5
OOC: Hmm, I'm thinking this thread is almost complete? What you think? I just don't want to drag it out lol.
Leading Maude to the small meadow, Ian felt a sense of approval for the isolation that was now placed around them. He turned to face Maude, giving her a small smirk for her curious expression. "Thank you for saving me." Ian began, take one step closer to Maude, and then glancing toward the early night sky. "I did not believe Castiel and I would have survived any longer." He spoke quietly, thinking about the torture he had just undergone a few days ago. His right hand unconsciously crossed his chest to rub his left shoulder; he could remember the hook and rod that had been placed there. There was a moment of silence as he reflected upon those horrid days. Suddenly, he cleared his throat, forcing himself to lock those thoughts away. His gaze returned to Maude.
For the first time in months, Ian finally had the chance to see Maude again. She had changed, but was still the same as well; beautiful and strong all the same. He idly wondered what adventures she had underwent since their separation in Melian. He took another step toward her, feeling quite comfortable and...hot, in her presence. One hand went up to stroke her cheek. "I've missed you." He finally stated, before locking eyes with her. "How are you?" He asked, wanting to know how she was feeling since Sharktooth, but also wanting to know everything that had occurred for her.
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Post by Trinn on Apr 11, 2013 20:02:40 GMT -5
OOC: I think you're right!
Ian's hand over his chest did not go unnoticed by Maude. She wondered what sorts of torture and agony that wretched Selene had put on him. The hook in the shoulder was perhaps a small portion of what she had done. Ian stepped forward, gently touched her cheek. Without meaning too, she closed her eyes at his caress, letting the touch sink into her skin. How much could a person love another before their heart burst? Opening her eyes, Maude took his hand and held it in both of hers. "And I you." She said, allowing herself to truly smile since she embarked on the hazardous journey to save him.
"I'm better now that you're here, safe. I was so afraid... Once we got to Sharktooth, everything happened so quickly. It's amazing we all escaped." A strange lump suddenly welled up in her throat, and her eyes stung. Was she crying? Mortified, Maude stepped closer to Ian and hugged him so that he wouldn't see. It was better this way, anyway. She nuzzled her face into his shoulder, not caring if he smelled like blood and sweat.
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Post by Max452 on Apr 11, 2013 20:28:10 GMT -5
"Hey, I'm okay." Ian tried to reassure Maude as she embraced him. He had spotted her tears and instantly knew that she was worried; Maude did not like being exposed that way, he had noticed. "It's okay." He kissed the top of her head and vaguely noticed that he had gotten taller. "I'm just glad we're all safe." He whispered to her. "Come on, our Mothers will probably hunt us down if we dawdle any longer; I just wanted some time alone with you." He told her as he reluctantly pulled himself away, but still had his arms wrapped around Maude. Despite his tired state, Ian still managed to hold a playful grin. He recalled on of their last times together in Bromsland. He drew his lips close to her cheek, kissing it tenderly before hovering his lips over her ear. "I think it's time for bed; you're welcome to join me." He playfully and slowly, insinuated. "Race you." He quickly pulled away before hurrying off back to camp to rest; as fast as his exhausted body could.
OOC: I dub your next post as the last one lol. All in favor, say AYE! lol
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