Strength and Honor

[Trinn]

Nethia bit the inside of her cheek to keep from laughing. The warden was positively loopy from exhaustion. He was not acting his stern self at all, and it was rather amusing. "Ok Warden. Then I will ask you about the horse another time." And she helped pull him up behind her. "Now, as this is not a double saddle, there will be no safe place to strap you in. Nefrox is going to fly straight and steady, but just in case he should need to maneuver otherwise, we have this as a back up!" From a saddlebag at her right, Nethia produced a thick rope. Without explaining, she looped it around the warden and then herself, tying them together. "Whenever I brought captives back to Katriana, I made sure they could not get away. Often they would attempt suicide...." she said, her good mood slipping with remembrance. "I never enjoyed it, but I didn't think to do anything otherwise. Not until you came along, Warden." She finished cinching the rope tight around them. "You can put your arms around me if the rope makes you feel unsafe still. Now, we are going to fly. I hope my Warden has a strong stomach."

Taking the cue, Nefrox stood and unfurled his indigo wings, translucent in the sunlight. Breaking into a trot, Nefrox loped forward, gathering wind under his wings. The easiest way for dragons to take off was usually by taking one giant leap. However with their new passenger, this way would be calmest for him. When enough momentum had been built, Nefrox pushed off the ground and pumped his wings heavily to gain enough altitude. It was a bit turbulent, but soon enough the indigo dragon was high in the sky, hardly needing to pump his wings at all. Nethia turned to look at the warden. "That wasn't so bad, was it?"

[Max452]

Evander's exhausted confusion spread further on his face. What was amusing Nethia so? He blinked as he tried to comprehend her words about the straps. He felt his face flush when she drew them together by the rope; he had never been this close to someone before (combat did not count). He was glad that Nethia had turned back before she noticed his pinkish face. He felt his mood somber as her own did. A frown graced his features. He felt the powerful urge to comfort Nethia, but knew not why entirely.

At the mention of his stomach, Evander felt his nerves come upon him; he had never flown before. He glanced down from Nefrox and noted the mere height he was from the ground. And they had not even flown yet. With apprehension of his whole situation, he gently placed two hands on Nethia's hips. The ropes were secure enough, but for some reason, the mere human contact granted Evander some relief. Until they were in the air...

A surprised grunt left the Warden's lips as they trotted into the air. He made a face as his wound was aggravated from the take off, but it easily smoothed out once they were in the air. Unknowingly, he tightened his grip on Nethia, completely filled with nerves as his stomach plummeted from the sheer massive height they were gathering. He groaned, not likely the roughness of the take off. Feeling his stomach become more queasy, he bent his head forward onto Nethia's shoulder. "By the Gods my stomach is not liking this." He mumbled into her shoulder, completely unaware of their closeness as he was too caught up on nerves and exhaustion. Their flight steadied and Evander registered his Rider was speaking. He caught clips of it through his state and merely let out a groan. "Ask me again when we land." He grumbled out as he hid further behind her, trying to not gag forth his breakfast; he was feeling lightheaded as it was.

[Trinn]

Nethia quickly accessed the state her Warden was in. "Ah... well, it won't be too long before Nefrox finds us a good place to settle. Just, hang on a little longer." In an effort to give comfort to him, she placed her hands on his and brought his arms tighter around her. Hugs were supposed to be nice, right? She really had no previous experience to judge from. If her parents had ever hugged her it was when she was an infant, before they died. After that she had been submitted to a life of tortures and unfairness. The only creature that had shown her love was Nefrox, and he was perhaps the only creature she loved in return. The Warden... well he was her warden, bound to bring her to judgement before Nasuada. Nethia respected him, perhaps admired him, but anything else would be beyond her. Still, when he rested his head on her shoulder, she could feel an odd warmth spreading in her heart. I hope I'm not having a heart attack. She told Nefrox, feeling uneasy.

Dear rider, your heart is thawing. he replied, sounding annoyingly smug.

Just find us a place to rest. she quipped back. And he did. They had been in the air no more than in hour when Nefrox began an easy decent. Nethia hung onto the warden's arms around her waist tightly, to help him feel more secure (she hoped). The indigo dragon touched down in the shadow of a grassy, wooded knoll. The trees were thick and tall. They would be able to keep them from most prying eyes for the night. "Ok, Warden, let's get you down and see to your would more thoroughly." Carefully, she untied the rope that had bound them and slid off Nefrox's back. "Come on now, Sir Warden." And she beckoned with her hand, ready to catch him if he should lack the grace of dismounting dragon back.

[Max452]

Evander hesitantly removed his hands from Nethia, not trusting himself to not fall off should he be removed from his security. A torrent of emotions whirled within him as he clumsily complied to Nethia's command to dismount from Nefrox. He stumbled a bit, but thankfully, did not fall as his unsteady feet hit the ground. He stared at his hands for a moment as he leaned against Nefrox' hind leg to regain his bearings. The memory of Nethia grasping them around her came rushing back, along with the breathtaking nerves that had accompanied it. By the Gods he had not idea what that meant.

Gingerly, he grabbed his pack and headed toward a close spot to clean his wound. "Thank you." His voice was unnaturally low as he took in the knoll. "I am sorry I am a burden." He was so unaccustomed to relying on others and felt awkward as he slowly sat down and began to remove his leather armor. He paused in his work, suddenly feeling self conscious; showing his face to Nethia had been hard and now he was about to expose her to his torso, more than anyone had ever seen of the Warden. "Uh, um..." He sounded before deciding to just continue his work. She had sworn...yeah...so he should be fine...no need to feel like someone had burned him...nooo...

Deciding to just get on with it, Evander stripped his upper armor off to get a better look at the wound at his side. It was a thin slice, not as bad as some other wounds he had gotten before. Shuffling through his pack, he found his waterskin and some bandages with ease, however, the moment he turned to attend his wound, a sharp pain reverberated through his side, causing him to yelp and hiss. It seemed that he would be unable to truly tend to it himself. He glanced over to Nethia with a sheepish air about him. "Um...do...do you mind?" Gods, he had hoped to be more articulate! Wasn't he the Warden?! What was possessing him so? Surely not even in his most exhausted state had he ever acted like a blubbering fool.

[Trinn]

Nethia stood next to Nefrox with her arms crossed. She said nothing as the Warden shambled about, preparing to take care of his own wound. He did a good job in acquiring his pack and retrieving the needed items. Only when he began to undress himself did she blink and look quickly away. What she feared, she did not know. He was just a man. She had seen plenty of the male torso during her years on this plane of existence. However, at the warden's plea for help, she smiled. She had been waiting for him to ask. Finally she moved from her statue like position. Unwrapping a thin leather strap from his wrist, Nethia used it to wrap her hair into a ponytail. It wouldn't do to let any of her long black strands get in the way. "Here," she said, grabbing a waterskin of her own from her pack. She carried it over to her Warden and sat down next to him. "This is strong stuff here, but you'll be fine." she warned him. The liquid in the waterskin sloshed as she brought it up towards the wound, then upended a small amount of it on the slash. A dark brown substance rolled out, only a few drops. "A hardy rum." she informed, took a long drink for herself, and then shoved the bottle into the Warden's free hand. "It will burn away any remaining dirt or germ, to prevent infection. Feel free to have a swallow yourself. You've earned it"

Applying the bandage was easy. Nethia wrapped it around him sturdily, and tried her best to ignore the magnificent physique her warden was in. The muscle under his skin felt like a rock; a soft, tantalizing rock. To distract herself from such thoughts, she reminded herself of the reason she was with the Warden in the first place. All through the process Nefrox remained quiet. He would probably let her hear his thoughts well and abundantly when she was trying to sleep tonight.

"Well, I think that will do it, Warden." Nethia patted the bandage to make sure they would hold, then patted him awkwardly on the shoulder to let him know she was done.

[Max452]

Her hands felt cold to the touch, but it seemed to sear against his already burning flesh. Evander did his best not to squirm as Nethia tended to his wound, but the woman was suddenly - incredibly - making him feel restless. He made a pained grunt or hiss now and again, but ultimately kept silent as he watched Nethia work. His eyes darted down and over to her as she worked the bandage around him, lingering a bit too long at her exposed neck; he had the urge to reach out and touch it. He was very thankful that his hands were preoccupied with the waterskin she had planted in his hands else he did not know how he could resist these rising, rampant emotions. He was beginning to see a pattern - as he was trained to do - in how his emotions seemed to react violently whenever Nethia drew closer. What did this mean and why did it start now? His eyes glanced over to his pack, where the dark orb she had gifted him sat within. There. That odd swirling and plummeting emotion came about again!

As the Warden, Evander was trained in all manners of combat, politics, and socialite maneuverings, and yet these emotions were completely foreign to him. Nothing in his training covered remotely close to what he was feeling. His father did mention that when he was older and ready to take upon a wife, that he would react a certain way, but it was all methodical; meant only to gain an heir for the Warden line. No emotions were to be involved as that could compromise his duty. So what did this all mean? He did not understand it.

Evander grunted once more as Nethia tightened the last of the bandages, fiddling with the waterskin as she stood and patted him. It was an awkward pat, but as Evander's eyes locked onto Nethia's he suddenly realized one thing: whatever he was feeling was not coming from the Warden, but was coming from Evander. Warning bells sounded in his head, as the Warden part of him began spouting out his oath; his duty to him. He could not become attached! He was a warrior for the people; he belonged to them. And yet, the Evander part of him, desperately desired to explore these feelings just a bit more, if only to feel a bit more human.

"Uhh, thank you." He heard himself say. He was silent for a moment, unsure what else to say as the awkwardness grew. "Oh...here...I...do not drink; dulls the senses." He haphazardly handed back the wineskin. He cleared his throat and decidedly found a curious log by her foot to be more interesting than her eyes; for he felt compelled and drawn by them. This was not acceptable! He felt the Warden part of him say. She was a prisoner of war and was to be tried and judged by the Queen! No attachments! The Warden belonged to the people! Not to one person! And yet...she had saved him...helped him...and even kept his secret. She was a friend, wasn't she? He never had a real friend before...ALL THE MORE REASON TO END THIS! His warden side shouted! The Warden belongs to the people! But Evander had never had a friend before. Surely his code would not forbid him of having a friend. The Warden is all about sacrifices, my son. We must sacrifice in order to obtain the peace and balance of this world. We are to uphold Justice at all costs. Evander's father's words echoed in his mind, silencing the chaotic thoughts within. Never forget your purpose.

Evander heaved a sigh as he felt his emotions subside, only to be replaced by his oaths and duties. The Warden had taken over now. "Judging by the stars, we should reach Illeria tomorrow evening." His voice had taken a stoic quality to it, much to Evander's chagrin and the Warden's celebration. "We should rest for the night. I thank you again, Nethia for your help." He added, but was unaware how his tone softened at her name.

[Trinn]

For a moment, Nethia felt she was seeing a glimpse into a different side of her Warden, a side that was no warden at all. It was intriguing how he had looked into her eyes, and then quickly away, to stare at a lifeless log instead. Was he about to reveal a secret? Perhaps something she wanted to hear but at the same time, was afraid to hear? Would he... No, that would never happen! All in a second the Warden seemed to harden himself, and Nethia knew that whatever window she had just glimpsed through had been shut tight. His voice was strictly business. That was the moment she knew that she was being foolish. He was the Warden. She was a prisoner. "Right." she said, swallowing down a dry throat. "And you're welcome, Warden."

Her knees protested as she stood and retreated back to Nefrox's side. Her dragon extended a wing and Nethia stepped under it gratefully, feeling sheltered and loved there by his side. She regarded the warden from a distance, all hard muscle, and apparently a hard mentality too. Realizing she had her rum skin in her hand still, Nethia uncorked it and took another swallow.

"I feel sorry for you, Warden." She said, her voice sounding distant and hollow. She was disappointed and she didn't even know why. "There's nothing better than a strong drink after a long wearisome day, and the night is nothing but cold and lonely." Wearily Nethia sat down and huddled against Nefrox's belly. "I promise not to leave this campsight tonight, or your sight, until we have reached Ileria." she promised in the ancient language. There was no reason to do it, really. These promises had been forgotten long ago during their journey to the city. Something about this night and the proximity of the journeys end prompted Nethia's renewed promise. "Goodnight, Warden." she murmured, and Nefrox closed his wing over her, like a beautiful indigo tent. Nethia sat awake for sometime before finally falling asleep.
***

Sleep was short. Nethia could only manage a few hours of slumber, restless as she was with thoughts of the Warden and the looming judgement that waited in Ileria. Nefrox seemed to be sleeping better than she. His deep breathing sounded like a bellows. Crawling out from under his wing, Nethia found that the dawn had not even risen yet. Perhaps an hour off. She didn't even bother looking at the Warden, assuming he had found sleep sometime durin the night. Instead she withdrew her sword and began sluicing through the air with it, practicing the sword strokes the warden had taught her. Sword play had never been her strong suit, but it was much easier now than she had ever expected it to be.

Making sure to move quietly, Nethia danced around the campsite; lunging here, slicing there, and avoiding the invisible counter attack ever so often. Tiring of the sword, Nethia tossed it to the ground and drew a throwing knife from the leather strap tied across her body. Here her true skill lay. The trees became invisible targets. She became a shadow.

Thunk. A throwing star was embedded in a tree. Thunk. Thunk. Two more. Nethia rolled and cartwheeled to get around. She had never considered herself an acrobat, but agile and swift. A Fox. A small knife sighed through the air and suddenly shined bright silver before sewing itself into a tree. The sun was finally coming up.

[Max452]

"I feel sorry for you, Warden." Nethia's words rang within the Warden's mind all night, allowing sleep to elude him. Somehow, he knew that she was not referring to the wineskin. He gritted his teeth as he rolled onto his side, staring at the dark forest before him. He felt that he missed something drastically important last night! And that oath! She had promised not to leave! What was that?! Evander's mind whirled. She had not spoken such an oath for several days now! What did that mean? Did she no longer trust him? He should tell her that she need not do that anymore; he trusted her.

He huddled into his bedroll, feeling absolutely frustrated for no apparent reason, and feeling colder than he ever did. The hollowness in Nethia's voice seemed to clench his chest in a very uncomfortable manner. He found himself missing that warmth that radiated off of her. True, they had only been together for almost a week, but that did not diminish whatever was between them. Evander's thoughts halted. What was between them? The young warrior wondered. He buried his head further into his bedroll, forcing his mind to still so that he may rest. They were going to Illeria tomorrow and so he needed to have his wits about him...he paused. Illeria. Nethia's judgment...

Evander blinked away his tired eyes. Nethia would be judged by Queen Nasuada. He suddenly felt very ill for some reason. The idea was not appealing in the least, but he had a duty and justice to uphold. They must go to Illeria. The Warden nodded silently in the dark, but Evander felt it was as hollow as the tone in Nethia's voice. What did this mean? He wondered again throughout the night, frustrated to no end.

---
It was moments before dawn had approached that Evander felt himself stir. He had managed to sleep perhaps an hour or two during the night, much to his chagrin. He popped out of his bed roll, tugging a weary hand over his face before registering movement. The Warden tensed as he scanned the terrain, only to find Nethia awake and moving about gracefully. He had barely been able to see her, so easily she blended within the shadows. Watching her move about with such ease, Evander felt his heart beat increase. He found himself enjoying watching her move as such. The moment that thought crossed his head, the Warden immediately came and squashed it. He had a duty to do and they needed to get to Illeria before any more unwanted distractions occurred.

And so, Evander got up, checked his healing wound, and began packing his things, taking out his Warden armor as he did so; it was time to don it and for some reason Evander was annoyed that he had to do so. Evander went about his morning routine, glancing over to Nethia ever so often. He had managed an awkward "Good Morning" before finishing his packing and donning his Warden armor. "Um," He had started to say at some point during his packing. He wanted to assure her that she need not swear not to leave him, that he trusted her, but nothing came out. "Nevermind." He grumbled out awkwardly as he had retreated within his helmet, finally finished placing on his armor.

---
The day dragged mercilessly on. Evander barely spoke during that time, feeling conflicted throughout their journey. He wished he understood what was going on within himself. Evander had always been so sure of himself - of his purpose, but ever since Nethia saw his face, something within him wanted to get out. And it completely irked him that he did not know what. He glanced upward at the sun and then over to the approaching Illeria. He was unaware of the grown that marred his features as they drew closer toward the capital.

[Trinn]

Nethia was in the process of a pulling one of her daggers from a tree when the Warden bid her good morning. She could tell by his voice that it was the Warden that spoke, and not the man beneath the armor. Casting an eye his way, she simply nodded her own good morning to him. Silently she gathered the rest of her blades. How long had the Warden been awake? It didn't matter, she supposed.

Nefrox stood and stretched, a process that took up quite a bit of space. His wings flared out, bumping into trees, and his talons kneaded the earth. His mace like tail curled and shook, scraping even more bark off of the nearby trees. Forests are so cramped. he muttered. Nethia strode over to her bond and rested a hand on his snout. His scales shimmered purple then blue in the rising sun.

They are only cramiped because you are so big. Perhaps, if Nasuada decides to spare us, we should go to the forest of the elves. I hear their trees are bigger than dragons, and leave room to stretch. Nefrox seemed to smile at the idea. Nethia glanced once more at the Warden when she heard the clamor of armor. Whoever he truly was would be hidden forever, she felt. The thought made her feel unreasonably sad, and for him more than for whatever feelings she felt towards him.

It is not too late. Nefrox said, making Nethia frown at his odd statement. Too late for what? Men are meant to be free. That means even from themselves. And with that, Nefrox crouched and then vaulted into the sky, disappearing quickly into the blue.

Nefrox! Nethia shouted at him, staring up. She had planned on riding him the rest of the way, to avoid any awkward conversation or silence with the Warden. Stupid dragon! she lashed out, but received no response. Fuming, Nethia sat down on a root until the Warden was ready to leave.
~~~

The day was as awkward as Nethia thought it would be. She trudged along behind the Warden, trying not to pout. The uneven ground made her legs suffer, and she cursed Nefrox again for flying off without her. She could see him flying around above, a faint glimmer in the sky. He seemed to be having a grand time too, which didn't help her mood. It was not until she could see the capital city ahead that her resentfulness turned to dread. There seemed to be a hand clenching at her heart, trying to drag her backwards away from the city. She had nowhere to turn to though. Katriana would slay her for her long absence, and the Dragon Riders would no doubt hold her captive for however long they desired. In fact, Nethia expected that was where she would end up. Dead or a captive of the riders. And Nefrox... If that should be the case, then I want you to fly fast and far away and forget me. she told her bond.

Never. Your judgement, is my judgement. The sentiment made Nethia only feel worse for her own selfishness over the years. Trying to distract herself, she spoke up. "Warden. Is there another name I may call you? If I should end up in a windowless dungeon the rest of my life, then I think it only fair that I know the name of the man who put me there."

[Max452]

Evander whirled around to face Nethia the moment he heard her speak. A quizzical frown marking his covered features as he registered her words. And then, an odd, jovial sound erupted from him. He laughed. He laughed so hard that he doubled over slightly, holding himself up by his knee. She couldn't possibly be serious could she? She had delivered the line with such seriousness that it was absurd. He wondered in his merry state. She could be so ridiculous sometimes. "Don't be dramatic, Nethia." He told her after he regained his breath, completely ignoring her inquiry. "I would not have any harm come to you or Nefrox." He chuckled once more, feeling buoyant and unconcerned about her sentiment, serious or not. "Come on, I think it best if we reach Illeria before sunset." He then cocked his head to the side. "Would Nefrox mind waiting outside the castle before flying into the courtyards? I don't want him to be mistaken as an enemy before I announce you before Queen Nasuada." Evander proposed, wondering the best approach to entering the city; one could not just simply fly into Illeria without being declared an ally or foe.

[Trinn]

OOC: LOL.

A seething anger was building within Nethia as the Warden laughed at her. He was hysterical! She failed to see what was so amusing about her impending doom, until the man decided to clarify for her once his mirth had run its course. "No." She said sharply, "Nefrox was already planning on waiting outside the city. He has no interest in becoming a pincushion for arrows." Suddenly Nethia realized her hand was shaking. Whether from nerves, rage, a sense of betrayal, or a potent mix of all three, she couldn't quite say. She stepped past the warden and continued on down the dusty road, quite content with making her own way alone to the city. Of course there was that pesky oath she had sworn about not leaving his sight.

Containing a curse, Nethia halted and waited for the warden to catch up. She examined the crude road while she waited. In fact it was more of a deer trail, really. A thin path through trees and hills, full of ticks and mosquitoes and other unpleasantness. This summer had unfortunately favored the bugs. A horsefly buzzed at her face, and she swatted it away a little to eagerly. She hit the fly with her palm and sent it careening into the ground. It was than she realized her hand was still shaking.

All she wanted to do was make the Warden regret laughing at her, to make him feel the same sort of embarrassment that she felt. "I don't know how you expect to have any say in my judgement." she snapped at him, but avoided looking at him altogether. "I'm a killer and a former dragon rider of the shade army. A life in a dungeon is the least of what I should expect. A noose would be a more fitting punishment for a criminal like me. Or better yet the guillotine, to make sure I'm good and dead." There, let's see if he would laugh at that! And if he did... She would make him pay!

[Max452]

The smile that had formed on Evander's face instantly evaporated once he heard not only Nethia's words, but the callousness they were spat from. He stopped short behind her, watching her with a curious concern. Had she really thought he would allow her to be punished so? Did she really think little of her self? Did she not trust him? Something inside him twisted as he spotted the light shaking of her hands; the sharpness of her tone. She was afraid. He suddenly felt very stupid for laughing at her. He had thought she was joking. What a fool he was!

"Nethia," Evander heard himself say as he approached her. His voice was surprisingly gentle. "I'm sorry...I thought you were joking..." He faced her and unbeknownst to him, carefully took her shaking hand in his. "I..." He suddenly felt very stuffy and impersonal under his helm. With his free hand, he carefully lifted it off his head, but allowed it to balance on his crown should he have to slam it back down to safeguard his identity. He tried to speak...something...some words of reassurance; that her punishment would be lenient, but nothing seemed to come. That twisting feeling came back as he imagined her sentenced to death. The Warden knew Nethia was right: he did not have a powerful say in her judgement....but, that would not mean he would not try; he did not want to see her dead. In their short time together, Evander had come to see Nethia as an ally rather than foe; a person that desired something for herself - a freedom that could not be taken or shackled from her.

"Do not say such things, Nethia. I meant what I said: I won't let harm come upon you. Yes, I know you've killed and allied yourself with the Shade Rider." He paused, seemingly gathering his thoughts, "but, I see that you desire to change and I have seen your kindness and bravery. And I think...I think you seek atonement. I once told you that the true law was one of mercy. I stand by it. I will vouch for you so that you will be judged fairly and equally. So please, do not worry so; I will protect you and Nefrox. Trust me, Nethia." He conveyed to her in an earnest speech. He wanted her to trust him, to prove to her that he was her Warden, but also, most importantly, that he was her friend.

[Trinn]

Nethia's first instinct was to pull her hand away from the Warden's. Her insides seemed to harden and a sort of hatred burned brightly for a second, the type she felt when met by an adversary. However she let her hand remain in the Warden's, and when he lifted his helm so that she could see his face, those feelings of distrust and loathing vanished. She searched his eyes to seek the truth, and when it was evident that he meant what he said, Nethia could feel her anxiety seep away. There was only a slight twitch in her little finger now.

She wondered what exactly the Warden considered her. Was she simply a prisoner that he hoped to redeem? Maybe she seemed like a lost puppy that he wanted to lead to the right path. Perhaps just a girl that he found pretty. Men were like that, she knew. They lost their senses around pretty women, although she hardly considered herself an attractive woman. But what she hoped most of all, was that maybe, he thought of her as a friend.

"I trust you, Warden." She finally replied. "Will you stay with me until my judgement?" She said, nearly pleading. His presence would be comforting and reassuring. Not only that, but around him she felt less like the assassin she had been for Katriana. "I think your presence will keep me civil..." she admitted and looked at the ground sheepishly. It was as her eyes traveled downward that she realized her hand was still clasped in his. Carefully she extracted it, so that she wouldn't have to think about what else she would like the Warden to be.

[Max452]

A gracious smile crossed Evander's lips when Nethia revealed that she trusted him, and even more so that she wanted him with her. "I will stay with you as long as you desire me too." He assured her as she gently released her hand from him; he could still feel her warmth. Idly, he glanced toward Illeria. "If I can grant you some ease, I would do whatever you wish of me." He added before gazing back at her; the uncertainty of his emotions carving around him once more as he did so. He gently placed his helm back onto his head, adjusting it properly, if only to mask the sensations that he developed whenever Nethia was before him. "Let us go, Nethia."

***
As he estimated, they did indeed arrive before sunset; the setting sun's rays gently illuminated the capital city, creating a heavenly glow around the once black city. It seemed in the last 16 years, much change in architecture had occurred, allowing the city to be brighter and more lively than it once was. The occupants inside were no different; vendors, merchants, and soldiers bustled about in cheery moods as they prepared for the night's festivities, although, as the Warden walked into the outward gates of Illeria, a sense of foreboding tinkled the air; whispers of the war echoed within the city. Evander glanced toward his companion (glad that Nefrox agreed to wait in the forest until it was proper and safe for him to appear), making sure that she was not lost in the spectacle of the crowds and activities. "The main entrance is this way. We will enter there and I shall request an audience with Queen Nasuada." He informed Nethia as he cautiously scanned the area ever so often; he never did like being in large populated areas. He felt exposed here, even in his heavy armor.

[Tismri]

Aqua flew above the clouds with haste in the direction of the capital, while from his perch on her back, Egil scanned the ground below. He'd received a message that one of his fellow Riders had been captured, and it didn't take him long to discover there they were headed. He had not spent much time with Nethia and Nefrox, as he'd been busy following Katriana's bidding and training during his spare time. But he considered them allies and friends. The thought that Nasuada's dogs had captured them filled him with unpleasant feelings. Whatever fate had in store for her among them was not going to be pleasant. He didn't doubt that she would be executed without a second thought; only the method was in question. Would it be quick and merciful? A swift decapitation? Or would it be something slow and painful, like burning at the stake?

He knew they would be anything but kind to her. When he considered how they had murdered his sister, only a child, upon their siege of Uru'baen, along with his father's death in battle against them in Belatona, his veins at once boiled with anger and froze with fear. He knew the rumors that were spread about Katriana's cruelty; even Aqua had her reservations about serving the Shade Rider. But in his mind, anything was better than what the former "Varden" had in store for their enemies.

There, Aqua told him after the city was in sight. There was an outcropping of forest nearby, and they both sensed a familiar dragon's mind from within. She circled a few times and then landed near where the indigo dragon waited.

Nefrox! she cried out. Are you hurt? We heard you were captured!

Where is Nethia? Egil asked. She was nowhere to be seen. If she was already in the city, he feared it might be too late for her.