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Post by Max452 on May 22, 2013 14:24:56 GMT -5
The shrilling sound of steel against steel reverberated throughout the premises. Evander, or currently, the Warden, was engaged in heavy combat against one of the Shade Rider's scouting team. He had discovered these ruffians on his way to Illeria and had quickly engaged them in combat when they had attacked him.
Sweat poured down his face, but unfortunately for Evander, he could do nothing to ventilate his discomfort; he would not risk exposing his face. His eyes narrowed through the slits of his helmet as his opponent drew back his sword, only to strike again.
The Warden parried the blow with his sword, but the blade was quickly pulled back as he struck out with his free hand. A cracking noise was heard as Evander's mailed fist jabbed itself against his adversary's skull. The man was down in an instant, but that did not deter The Warden from progressing further against the remaining three warriors before him. He had already dispatched four other men, before the fifth fell from his fist, and was now feeling the exhaustion in his limps; no doubt added by the searing heat of the Surdan sun. He would need end this soon, else his strength would fail him. Gritting his teeth together, Evander charged - his noble armor sparkling from the rays of the yellow sun - and unleashed a bellowing roar as he ran to meet his foes.
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Post by Trinn on May 23, 2013 17:48:44 GMT -5
Nethia watched her men from a hillock a mile away. Nefrox crouched calmly next to her, silver eyes trained on the death match. This wasn't supposed to happen! Who was that man that could take down an entire convoy by himself! Just another wretch she would have to dispose of herself! "Come, Nefrox, let's be rid of him and return to Katriana. We wouldn't want to risk her wrath." Although it didn't need to be said that if she returned alone, they would still be caught under her anger.
She swung herself up into the saddle, and Nefrox quickly spread his large indigo wings and launched from the hillock into the sky. The small distance took only seconds to traverse. Nefrox landed heavily, wings still spread, and snaked his head towards the lone warrior, fangs bared. "You're a strange man to have defeated so many of my soldiers. Your reward is a fight with me." She glanced at her remaining men. "Return to Katriana, I"ll deal with him." The men needed no further instruction, quickly fleeing. Turning back to the lone warrior, Nethia drew a long, curved blade from a scabbard behind her back. She tried not to feel any shame in the sword, but still, it obviously was no rider's blade. In fact, Nethia though she might be the only rider without a rider's sword. But what did it matter? She had always been getting the short end of the stick since her birth.
Fueled by a sense of injustice, Nethia dismounted and faced the lone warrior. With a sudden shout, she charged him, swinging the curved sword at his arm pit, one of the weaker spots on armor.
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Post by Max452 on May 23, 2013 21:46:13 GMT -5
A gurgled groan escaped Evander's opponent as his duel swords lodged themselves within the man's chest. Grunting from exhaustion, Evander pulled the blades out and continued toward the remaining warriors. Stepping over the dead fighter, Evander prepared to launch another attack, hoping that his strength would still be enough, when he heard the sound of flapping above him. Ever alert, the Warden glanced up and became tensed when he saw the approaching dragon.
Evander halted in his tracks, but his swords were at the ready when the massive dragon snarled at him, eliminating any thought of it being an ally. Taking a deep breath, Evander gathered his wit and senses to face this dragon...and the Rider that had appeared before him. He was silent (not risking the sound of his voice to be heard) as the Rider dismissed the scouts and gripped his swords tighter when she unsheathed her blade. He had never faced a rider before and he hoped, that the dragon would not intervene - else he was doomed. He continued to gather his focus as she launched the first attack, not moving until the opportune moment. He was tired, but he knew, that he had to fight, if only to ensure a small win for Queen Nasuada.
Evander's eyes watched the curved blade through the narrowed slits of his helmet, until it was at the precise angle. He twisted his wrist with mastered ease and his sword deflected the oncoming blade with a screeching halt; his blade sliding it upward and away from his body. As his main blade deflected, Evander lifted the other to attack Nethia's exposed side.
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Post by Trinn on May 24, 2013 17:13:26 GMT -5
Though she was somewhat surprised by the warrior's stoutness, Nethia moved fluently with his parry. Letting her blade slide harmlessly away from him, she twisted too to avoid the second sword. Deciding to end the battle quickly, she slipped towards him as if to embrace the man, dropping her sword in the process. Truthfully she hated the weapon. Knives and daggers had always suited her better. She drew a slim knife now and attempted to drive it deep into the man's jugular, just under his helm. She moved like a swift breeze, so close to him she could have kissed him.
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Post by Max452 on May 25, 2013 11:06:03 GMT -5
Evander's eyes did not stray from his opponent as she deftly recovered from his parry. However, his eyes and the sudden tenseness in his shoulders had broadcasted his surprise when she threw down her weapon. He wondered at this rider's motivation to do so and was awarded for his private assumption that she was taking a different attack route. Her speed was hard to follow, but only just, as he threw down his swords with a reverberating clang. With his hands freed, Evander was able to grip Nethia's wrists before her blade reached his jugular. His muscles tense and weary from this tasking heat and battle, shook slightly, but he kept a firm grip.
In such a close proximity with this woman, Evander could not help but admire her - briefly of course as his code did not approve with distractions during battle. The Warden shook away Evander's thoughts and quickly acted to ensure his life. Evander did the only sensible move he could think of: he pivoted his hips to the side, intending to throw her and himself to the ground to grant himself leverage and strength so that he could maneuver the blade toward her. He idly hoped the dragon would then let him live if his rider was captured.
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Post by Trinn on May 25, 2013 11:53:35 GMT -5
Nethia strained against the warrior's grasp, pushing her strength against his. But it was no use. She had been a rider for only a little more than year. The legendary rider's strength had yet to settle into her bones. Putting her whole body behind the push of the knife, Nethia tried to overcome the man. Using her body was a mistake, as it turned out, for he suddenly turned and threw her towards the ground. Unbalanced, Nethia was unable to stop her fall. The man fell with her, nearly trapping her. Managing to get on her back, she aimed her knee at his groin, while trying to life her arm to swipe the knife at her opponent's throat. The whole time she wondered why Nefrox didn't intervene. She could sense him standing nearby, watching. Nefrox! she called out. This man was much stronger and stalwart than she had expected. He was more of a warrior than she, much to her chagrin. Nefrox! She called out again.
Maybe... this is best? he said, sounding torn. Nethia felt her face fall, and a sense of betrayal overcame her. She knew he didn't mean let her die, but he was willing to let this man capture her.... Screaming out loud, she struggled harder against the warrior.
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Post by Max452 on May 25, 2013 23:42:57 GMT -5
Evander felt gravity pull him down atop Nethia with a metal clang; his armor screeching from the fall. As he fought with the rider, The Warden did his best to negate the blade that desired to lodge itself into his throat. In the midst of their struggle, Evander let out a groan of pain when she kneed him in the groin, allowing her to gain some purchase with the knife. He felt it scrap against his helm before he recovered. Still struggling, Evander kept one hand on the blade while he slipped the other onto her neck, his thumb applying pressure onto her throat. He sense some panic within her and within her scream. Some part of him felt compelled to ease it - he would never admit though. Reasoning with his code and honor, he convinced himself to spare the rider, as they were a precious and rare commodity. Perhaps Queen Nasuada could sway this rider to aide them instead. With that motivation, Evander's soft, yet commanding voice filled the combative air.
"Cease your struggles, Rider and I will spare you. Upon my honor, I will not kill you or your dragon. Promise me in the ancient language that you will cooperate or I will be forced to slay you." He stopped applying pressure to her throat, but did not remove it in case she did not surrender.
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Post by Trinn on Jun 8, 2013 10:59:41 GMT -5
Nethia tried to twist her head away to escape the warrior's grasp on her throat. His strength made it difficult, and she soon began to choke as her windpipe was closed off. Her survivalist instinct took hold, and Nethia stopped struggling and lay still. She was rewarded with the return of sweet air to her lungs. Glaring up at the man, she thought about spitting in his face. Instead she said, "Kill me, then. My dragon has betrayed me. I am better off dead."
That is not true! I act only for your betterment! For us! Nefrox retorted, and he stepped closer to his rider with a whine in his throat. Nethia tried to ignore the emotions of her dragon, but it was no use.
You would leave me at this man's mercy! She replied heatedly.
No, little Fox. I give you into his hands so that he can save you. If dragon's could cry, she thought that Nefrox would be doing so. The anger she felt eased, and she felt compelled to promise the man what he wished.
"I promise that I will cooperate." She said, speaking somewhat fluently in the ancient language. Her training in magic and weaponry was as yet unfinished.
Because Kat does not really care about you. In her eyes, we are a dragon and rider who are expendable. Nethia ignored that comment, choosing not to believe it. Yet, she had a feeling that Nefrox was undeniably correct.
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Post by Max452 on Jun 8, 2013 13:45:05 GMT -5
Evander's eyes surveyed the Rider beneath him, wondering about her words as she declared for death. His eyes then flickered at the immovable dragon. Did the creature leave its bond? From the tone of the Rider's voice (one of distraught) it was highly possible. He discreetly glanced at the dragon again. If so, why did he still stay? Thoughts and possibilities sped within his mind. Was it possible they were trying to lower his guard? And thus, kill him? Probable. He did not dare remove his hand until he was sure; his understanding of dragon bonds was limited, but he knew for certain that they shared an intense and intimate connection.
The Rider's bounding promise placed the Warden at some marginal ease, and true to his word, Evander removed his grip and slowly stood. "I accept your words, Rider." Evander declared and then glanced at her dragon. He knew he could not really ask anything of a dragon, but he hoped that it would behave while he brought this woman into custody. "And you, great dragon? Will you cooperate as well, especially now that your Rider is my captive?" He then drew out rope. "Hands, please." He instructed Nefrox so that he could bind her wrists, but his concealed eyes never leaving the dragon's.
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Post by Trinn on Jun 8, 2013 13:59:44 GMT -5
As soon as the man was off of her, Nethia scrambled to her feet also. She did not try to run away, but she was careful to put some distance between him and her. As he addressed Nefrox, Nethia could feel her bonds distaste at the word captive. Perhaps he did feel bad for doing this to her. When the warrior stepped towards her with rope, Nethia felt herself stiffen and her heart skip a beat. She hated the sight of it; rope that would burn her wrists and tie her to the mans whim. She had promised him she would cooperate...
A quick and sudden snarl filled the area. Nefrox placed a thick leg protectively in front of Nethia, baring his ivory fangs at the warrior. Normally the indigo dragon did not speak to anyone but Nethia, but this time he made an exception.
Nethia is not to be tied with rope or any other bondage! She has made a promise to you in the ancient language! That promise binds me, too. But this I will not abide. Put the rope away... His thick baritone voice grumbled, as the scales along his spine began to raise on edge.
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Post by Max452 on Jun 8, 2013 14:14:27 GMT -5
It was a good thing Evander was looking at the dragon, for otherwise, he knew he would have been inches away from its teeth. However, he was able to jump backwards and skid to a stop a good distance away when the dragon pounced. Half in crouching position, Evander braced himself as the dragon's grand voice echoed in his head. He grunted and idly wondered if the beast would attack. The dragon's words proved the Warden's doubt wrong.
"You speak true, great dragon. Not many hold true to their words, but fear not, I am one that keeps mine." He made a slow and deliberate motion of placing the rope away, his hands aching to have his weapons within them. It was a shame that they were tossed quite conveniently near the Rider's feet. "Will you both come peacefully with me? I am a man that abides to the law and thus, the law dictates that you be brought before the Queen; she will decide your fate, not I, but I will vouch for your cooperation and thus she may be lenient in her judgment." He stated to them. He really hoped they would come quietly, as he hoped that Queen Nasuada would persuade them to join their cause. Or perhaps, he could find out why the Shade Rider was causing havoc.
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Post by Trinn on Jun 8, 2013 14:28:19 GMT -5
Once the rope was put away, Nefrox shuffled his wings as if nothing had happened and stepped out of his aggressive position. He did not bother to speak to the man again, leaving Nethia as his mouthpiece.
"We have promised our cooperation, there is no further need for reassurance." Nethia said for her bond. "Do not take us to her!" Nethia said quickly after. "There is no mercy for the likes of us. Nefrox and I are traitors to the throne. She will at the least cast us in irons for all eternity. The law, as you put it, has never been my friend. It has never been kind to me." There was a note of panic in her voice now. She was still confused as to why Nefrox would let this happen to them. Had she been so oblivious to his thoughts?
No... I hid them to you because I was afraid... but trust me, Nethia, this is for our own good. We have done nothing too bold yet against the crown. Our only offense is siding with Kat. Nethia felt a tremble in her hands, but she was soothed by a wave of calmness sent over from Nefrox.
"But I speak in vain, don't I?" she said in final defeat. "Take us to your queen, then. I shall say no more."
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Post by Max452 on Jun 8, 2013 14:46:39 GMT -5
Evander watched with intense curiosity at Nethia's outburst. He walked toward her, his armor clanking briefly as he bent down to pick up his weapons and her fallen dagger. He sheathed his swords with ease and presented her dagger to her as he contemplated her words. What had happened to her that could cause such distress? He wondered if this was how the Shade Rider enthralled the rider toward her cause. "The law, true law, is one of mercy, Rider. As I said before, I will ensure that the Queen will know of your cooperation; perhaps you can aide us in the battle then side against us? Surely your position as Rider and Dragon will warrant something in this life; not many have the privilege to be touched by destiny." He uttered to them before turning north, where a lake was located; they needed to rest and resupply soon. He desperately hoped to get moving soon; he wanted a place to rest or at least to remove his helmet to rid himself of the heat. He paused, having realized he forgotten something. "Apologies, I had forgotten to introduce myself. I am called the Warden. Warrior and protector of those unable to do so themselves." He politely bowed to Nethia and Nefrox and then straightened, expecting to know their names.
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Post by Trinn on Jun 8, 2013 14:55:20 GMT -5
Touched by destiny... Perhaps the warrior was earnest in his beliefs, but everything he said Nethia had lived the opposite. She edge away from him when he drew closer to retrieve the fallen weapons. She watched him pick them up, and was surprised when he returned the dagger to her. After a moment of deliberation, she carefully accepted her returned weapon. There was silence then, and Nethia waited for him to begin the march back to the capital. Instead, he surprised her again by making introductions.
"Is that so, Warden?" she said, a hint of bitterness in her voice. "But you are only one man. Does it pain you to know that you can't save everybody? There was never a Warden for me."
Nethia... Nefrox warned. Clearing her throat, Nethia added, "My name is Nethia... and my bond is Nefrox."
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Post by Max452 on Jun 8, 2013 15:13:36 GMT -5
Evander's poise faltered slightly at Nethia's proclamation. "Yes," He spoke, almost in a whisper, "it pains me more than you know, for even I know that I cannot save everyone." His thoughts were pulled to his father. "But that does not mean I cannot try and save those that I am able to." He continued to say in a quiet whisper. His thoughts were then jarred away when Nethia introduced herself and her bond. He cleared his throat and stood straight once more. "It is a pleasure, Rider Nethia and Dragon Nefrox." He inclined his head to them once more before during around. "Sunset is approaching soon; we should camp as soon as possible. There is a lake not far from here." He spotted the pack that he had tossed before engaging in battle with Nethia's men and stowed it properly onto his back.
OOC: Me thinking to fast forward? What thinkest thou?
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