Fire and Ice

[Max452]

A myriad of movement and sound cascaded around Ian as the white Rider fought against a small band of magicians; two of which had been capacitated. Ian, Castiel and a small group of his freedom fighters had been attacked by said magicians after they had rescued a refugee caravan from them.

A bellowing roar reverberated itself out of Ian and Castiels' throats as both Rider and dragon swung their blazing swords and talons at the opposing magicians. Determined to not allow them to gain the upper hand, the rider and dragon claimed three of the five magicians, whilst his other men took on the remainder.

A stream of icicles met them as Ian and Castial charged. Ian's eyes narrowed briefly; his gedwey ignasia glowed in response. Not needing to communicate his thoughts to his counterpart, Ian and Castiel both unleashed powerful flames; one from his palm, the other from his maw, respectively.

A rain of steam surrounded the makeshift battlefield, clouding their visions for a moment. Ian could feel one of his opponents' were near and quickly barreled rolled to his left and forward, then upward, only to pop in front of a magician. Arucane and Ian's other blade soon found themselves coated in warm blood; Ian's opponent crumpled to the ground with two large gapes in his chest.

Gritting his teeth, Ian quickly surveyed his team. Two were down and wounded; two groups of three were fighting two magicians; three laid dead. Pain welled in Ian's chest and in response, Castiel roared out and attacked with his maw, snapping a magician in half out of pain and anger. They would need to take out this magician quickly in order to help his men; they were not trained well in defending against magic and were being overwhelmed. Gripping his swords tighter, and with Castiel by his side, Ian charged the opponent before him, hoping that some miracle would allow the remainder of his men to win and live.

[Tismri]

Ruby had been walking along the road when she came across the caravan. There were a few wounded, but most seemed fine. Nearby was the sound of fighting. When she asked what happened, the travellers had explained to her how the white dragon, his Rider, and their followers had rescued them. Needing no more information, she quickly assessed the situation. The magicians were rather easily picked out. Ruby had found that, the more she travelled and observed, the more she could sense a sort of dark aura from certain people. It was as if the evil that consumed their mistress, the Shade Rider, leaked out and influenced them. Or perhaps she had simply grown more attentive. Either way, she also recognized the dragon and Rider from a brief encounter some months before. His men seemed to be winning the fight, but just barely. She saw that there was just one magician left. The Rider, whether out of anger or exhaustion, was simply rushing him, and appeared to not be paying much attention to his opponent's actions. Ruby could easily read his lips and saw that he was preparing to launch a deadly, complex spell that would likely kill the Rider before he landed his strike. Without hesitating another instant, Ruby whipped out her weapon and fired a single bolt straight for the magician's head, dropping him to the ground.
"That was reckless," she berated him as she hopped down from the carriage where she had been standing and approached his group of wounded fighters. "If you were killed, then no one here would be left alive." She knew well enough how dragons and Riders would go mad if their bondmate was killed. The dragon would likely have destroyed everything around him in a few moments before dying himself somehow.

[Max452]

OOC: There are two more magicians left; the ones that his men are finding...lol.

In the midst of his attack, Ian spotted a fire bolt whizz passed him, striking the magician dead. He skidded to a stop, chest heaving from exhaustion. He glanced at the new attacker, surprise in his eyes. He registered her words and berated himself for her accurate statement. "Then I will not die." He told her, wondering why he had the feeling that they had met before.

Ian! Castial's voice rang through as he alerted his rider of the still imposing threat. Ian gave a mental nod to his bond and quickly rushed over to help his men dispatch the remaining two magicians.

"We'll converse later. Help my men!" Ian replied hurriedly to Ruby before sending a shockwave of wind at one of the magicians, while his men did their best to avoid the protruding spikes that they other opponent was throwing at them.

[Tismri]

OOC: Ah, my apologies. Your post left me confused as to how many were left.

Ruby glanced over to see the two other magicians left. They were concentrating mostly on the rest of Ian's men. His shockwave proved effective, buying some precious time. She considered picking both of them off from this distance, but there was the chance she would misfire. She knew Ian would never forgive her if she accidentally killed on of his men. Instead, she propelled herself forward at top speed, fulling extending her weapon into its scythe form as she went. She stopped just inches from one magician who had just recovered from the shockwave and lined up with the other who was struggling to his feet. The closer magician started forming words to make a spell, but Ruby had already hooked her scythe past his torso. The instant the other was on his feet, Ruby fired a bolt at him while at the same time swung her blade, tearing the first in half. She eyed the remaining men for more enemies before relaxing slightly, letting the blade of her scythe rest on the ground.
"Next time, bring a few more magic users with you," she said, somewhat ironically. It took an excessive amount of talent to fight magic without using it yourself, but that was something she specialized in.

[Max452]

OOC: No worries. If you got confused, that I didn't write it well.

Ian had charged after his shockwave, intending to attack the other magician, but noticed that Ruby had moved and was in a prime position to disable both of their attackers. It was over within seconds. Ian instantly went to help his men, supplying them the necessary spell to heal any wound that they encountered during the fight. Castiel stood to the side as Ian knelt beside one of his injured men.

"I thank you for aiding us." The young man's voice was calm and stoic, but when he glanced over to Ruby, they were filled with sincere gratitude. "As for my men, the majority of them are merely farmers, villagers, and a few soldiers; they have no proper training in magic." Ian explained as he finished healing the man and immediately went to the next grave wounded. "I have done my best to train them in my own knowledge of fighting and magic, and they have not disappointed me." He told her flatly as he praised his men. "But," He stood up to move to the next man, "I understand and concede to your point. It would be better if we had more experienced magicians within our groups." He sighed and brushed and bruised and callous hand through his raven locks. "We are all doing the best we can."

The Caravan is safe, Ian. Castiel replied to his rider, as he had just finished gazing toward the trees, where the caravan was located.

That is good to hear. Ian replied with relief as he finished tending to his men. "You did well." He told the one he had worked on as he stood to properly address Ruby. "Forgive me, I believe we have met before, but I do not recall your name. I am Ian, Rider of Castiel and spokesman for Aurcane." He inclined his head respectfully as his men gathered themselves up together and went to help the caravan and the refugees.

[Tismri]

Ruby stood silently as Ian explained the situation to her. She understood well enough his ideas for leading these men, but without more experience, or otherwise more magic users, it was insanity to fight a gathering of well trained magicians. She retracted her scythe and returned it to her side, gazing about.
"Your best is all you can do, I suppose," she stated. She faced Ian as he introduced himself. "I do believe we have met before, though the time together was brief. I am Ruby Anabelle, known as Shadeslayer. It is a pleasure to meet you again." She looked about at the men gathered. As he had pointed out, they were not fighters by nature.
"I should be on my way again, but I wish to ask. What is your purpose, this Aurcane of yours?" From what she had seen, it seemed an odd assortment of every day men, united under the leadership of this young man, Rider or no.

[Max452]

Ian's memory began to form better as Ruby introduced herself. Ah, yes, the day they had buried those souls he had failed to save in time. He mentally sighed. Their deaths would not be in vain. His eyebrow twitched at her rare title. She looked really small, but looks were indeed deceptive in her case. He gave her a polite acknowledgement before she asked her question. Ian did not hesitate in his response.
"Our purpose is to protect the people of Aeglaesia. As the title of our group, we are a living fire that will spread to aide the people, whether that is to hinder the Shade Rider's caravans, to protect refugees or towns from attacks, or rescuing those that were lost and taken by the Shade Rider. Our purpose to is protect, and like any fire, we protect fiercely. Any and all are welcomed to join our cause, for we reject no one and accept everyone; no matter race, occupation, or skill. We will do our best to protect and fight against the forces that do this world ill." Ian spoke passionately as he thought about all those people he had failed to save, but mostly about those that he did save. Arucane had first started out as a rescuing organization, but had grown into something more when villagers desired to do something against the Shade Rider. Ian, not within good conscience, could allow these men to start a militia out of anger and revenge, and even with little skill. So, he and Castiel had agreed to lead them and teach them...and it simply grew into Arucane. No doubt he took after his mother.

[Tismri]

A hint of a smile passed Ruby's face as Ian spoke so passionately about Aurcane. His words were like an echo of her own feelings toward the evils in the world.
"The name sounds suitable. It rather reminds me of my eldest sister." She smirked as she thought of Yang. Living Fire was quite an appropriate image, as she imagined the elf using her summoned spirits to almost spontaneously burst into flames.
"As to your mission...It sounds similar to my own. I seek to destory the evil that threatens the land, wherever I may find it. And more and more often, it comes in the form of the Shade Rider's servants. I recently found a village burnt to the ground by them, though thankfully most of the residents escaped." She glanced again at the untrained men assisting the rescued caravan, a very brief flash of concern crossing her face. She preferred to fight alone--her fast, long swings and continual shots almost demanded it--but something in her didn't feel right about leaving these men to fend for themselves, at least until they had learned more.
"Since our interests are aligned, we should be allies. From now on, should Aurcane require anything of Ruby Shadeslayer, I will not hesitate to give it."

[Max452]

Ian gave a thankful nod to Ruby, pleased that they were able to find similarities with one another. "Thank you. Arucane would be honored to have you as an ally and as such, we extend the same courtesy to you, Ruby Shadeslayer: our hearth and blade will ever be available to you." He let out a kind and generous grin.

"Ian, the refugees have been attended to and are ready to depart to Carvahall." A simple warrior had approached and informed Ian of the welfare of those they had just helped.

"Thank you, Mason." Ian inclined his head to the man. "We'll escort the refugees to a Carvahall, resupply there, and return home." He informed Mason briefly, before returning his attention to Ruby. "You are welcomed to join us, Shadeslayer. The people of Carvahall have always been kind and helpful to Arucane."

"Aye, Sir Ian," Mason acknowledged his orders before adding another report, "but I've just been informed by one of our scouts that there is a large enemy cluster near the border of Carvahall; they seem to be preparing to attack the city. Our numbers are too few in comparison, sire. We need to regroup with the rest of Arucane." Mason advised.

Ian contemplated on this new information quickly, trying to deduce the best solution. "Our main band is at least a three days journey from here, Mason, and the refugees don't have that much more supplies to even last two days." Ian paused, still pondering on a solution. "The enemy is going to attack Carvahall soon, I am sure. We will need to eliminate them quickly, either way."

Ian, are you sure about this? Most of the men here are injured and if there are magicians in that group, we may not be able to fend them all off. The white dragon communicated to his rider.

We have no choice, Cas. I will not leave the refugees out here to fend for themselves, nor allow Carvahall to be attacked, even though Lord Roran has a decent amount of warriors at his disposal; I won't risk it.

The dragon remained silent for a moment, knowing that a difficult decision was before them. Do they attack the group near Carvahall now or wait for reinforcements, thus risking Carvahall. We must call for aid.

And who would be able to arrive on time, Castiel? The majority of the Riders are protecting the Hadarac borders, Arucane is too far, and the Queen's army is too spread out to even come fast enough. Mother is too great with child and Father won't leave her side until she gives birth. Eva is too far off...and...well...Maude, I don't know where she's at. Who would you suggest we call?

It would not hurt to call any of them; they will surely help somehow. Cas persisted, but Ian didn't seem convinced, despite his own desires to call upon help. He turned toward Ruby, once more. They would not abandon us nor the people of Carvahall; they are owed much because of Master Eragon and Master Saphira.

"What do you think, Ruby? Should we call and wait for aid or attack now?" Ian asked for the Shadeslayer's opinion, unsure of what to do.

[Tismri]

Ruby smiled in response to Ian's grin, and listened as his men made plans to escort the refugees to Carvahall.
"I would be happy to join you there. It would be nice to have some company for a change." She was about to turn to see to the refugees when the report came that the city was going to shortly be under attack. As she listened to Ian's delimna, she rapidly thought of a solution to accomadate him.
"I would suggest you leave your men here to tend to the refugees, Shur'tugal. Allow them to arrive at Carvahall on schedule. I am certain the warriors of the city are already arming themselves for the attack. You and I can ride ahead and face them." She smirked slightly. "I have no problem facing large numbers, and with a dragon and his Rider at my side, I am sure the threat will be eliminated quickly." She turned to the white dragon and gave a slight bow. "What say you, Skulblaka? Shur'tugal?"

[Max452]

Ian considered Ruby's reply with hesitation. It was not that he doubted their power, it was simply the fact that he would be leaving his men alone.
I am unused to having anyone but you and Eva upon me. Castiel expressed his concerns to Ian, not really liking the idea of anyone else, except perhaps Maude, since she was with Ian.
I know, Cas, but how else are we going to get there quickly? Just do this once, for me? Ian asked, a wave of worry floating between them. Time was not a resource they had in abundance.
Very well. Just this once, Ian. Castiel's throat rumbled with a sound that was akin to a grunt and a sigh.

Finally deciding, Ian gave a short nod to Ruby. "I'll contact Arucane to have them help the refugees here. Castiel and I are still weary about this attack on Carvahall; the lack of knowing how many soldiers does not sit well with me." Ian replied. "Give me a few minutes to scry my men and then we'll be off and quickly." Once Ian had announced his choice, he quickly went to scry his men, informing them of their situation and relaying their coordinates so that they could come to the refugees' aid. Following that, Ian went to inform his present men that he and Castiel were going to help Carvahall whilst they awaited the rest of Arucane. Finished with his task he returned to Ruby and Castiel. "Let us be off." He informed the Shadeslayer as he readied Castiel's saddle.

[Tismri]

Ruby stood calmly, but a little impatiently, as she waited for Ian to speak to the others. She felt a sense of urgency, that there was little time to lose. During the time that Ian was away, she turned to Castiel.
"Elrun ono, Skulblaka Castiel," she said. "I understand if it seems presumptuous of me to ask to ride upon you, but time is of the essence here. Had we earlier warning, I would simply run there myself." Her gray eyes shifted over the gathered men, and she was briefly concerned. They were still weak and tired from their fight, and until the others arrived, they would be exposed and in danger. Her worry was evident on her face.
"I sometimes wish I were even half as proficient in magic as my sister," she commented. "I would feel better if wards were placed over these people until the rest of Arucane arrives." She tucked her concern away as Ian returned and announced their departure. "Yes, let's go, with all haste," she said as she mounted the white dragon behind him, lightly but securely putting her arms around him, and controlling her embarrassment at having to do so.

[Max452]

Castiel turned an eye to Ruby as she spoke. The white dragon was still uncomfortable to have her ride upon him, but he was a sensible dragon. He lifted his head and brought it down for an accepting nod. He lowered himself so that she and his rider could mount easier. Ian soon returned but not before answering Ruby's final concern - Castiel having communicated it to him. "My men will be fine. They have learned well to defend and evade the enemy. I would typically place wards about them, but they need to move quickly and thus the wards would drain them faster unless I am there; they will be fine. Let us go." Ian hopped onto Cas and waited for Ruby. Once all were ready, the white dragon took flight.

***
"Steady men! Steady!" A commanding officer barked off to his archers that were stationed on the outer walls of Carvahall. It was upon dusk that they had spotted the approaching army and they had scrambled into a defensive position. Lit arrows dotted across the stone walls as the first line of defense protected the city. The commander gazed behind him - the footman were moving into position. He only hoped that it was enough to slow down the enemy whilst Lord Roran and the others hurried the woman and children to the caves. The soldiers were determined to fend off this threat to protect their most dear. The commander's gaze turned toward the emissary and the other representatives that had arrived a few days ago. Thankfully so, for it was these representatives of the Riders and Queen Nasuada that initiated such a quick defense with Lord Roran. The archers awaited for the order to attack as they heard a massive war cry charge toward their guarded walls.

OOC: hopefully that helps bring in more characters!

[Trinn]

Eragon had heard news of the imminent attack first. With no hesitation he had assembled dragon riders to fly to the aid of his home village, to protect Roran, Katrina, and their now sixteen year old daughter, Ismira. If he had still been a young, emotional boy, he would have sent all of the dragon riders. But he new better, and had sent only five. It was what they could spare at the moment, and so he had made the decision. Besides, his cousin was a clever and stalwart man. He would protect Carvahall.

Maude sat atop Magda, who waited crouched behind the foot soldiers. The rest of the Riders were aligned on either side of her. Magda was eager to draw the blood of her enemies, and admittedly, Maude was just as much. Battles excited her. Somehow it made her feel closer to her mother. As they waited for the fight to begin, Maude reflected on her arrival to Carvahall. She had met Roran and his wife, Katrina. Their daughter was a bold girl named Ismira, Maude's own age. Ismira had wanted to join the fight, and had begged Maude to allow her to ride Magda into battle as well. She had been half compelled to allow it, had it not been for Magda's disapproval, as well as Ismira's parents. She had spoken to Ismira afterwards alone, at the girls request. It seemed she wanted to go to Bromsland and meet her legendary relative Eragon. Maude had agreed, and rather looked forward to traveling with Ismira. She sensed a kindred spirit with her.

A sudden long urgal howl broke Maude's reflection, and she watched as the enemy suddenly surged into a charge. Along the line the dragons roared their challenges and dashed into the sky. Magda roared long and hard, as if challenging the world, before leaping into the air with great sweeping wing beats. The battle had begun.

[Tismri]

Ruby was tense the entire flight, constantly scanning the ground for activity, although they were still miles away from Carvahall. Her concern over the city had grown; it was an important place in the Empire now, a beacon and symbol to all people for how they had survived the last war. She had no doubt that its citizens were stalwart enough to survive this as well, but even the greatest city would take devestating losses against the evil that now roamed the land.
It had been early evening when she had left with Ian and Castiel, and by the time Carvahall was in sight, the sun had long set. Their destination was light by torches and flaming arrow, beneath the light of the full moon. The city was already under seige, and there were far more attackers than Ruby had first hoped.
She glanced at the ground; it was quite a drop from this distance, and any full-blooded human would break innumerable bones from the landing. But she was not fully human, and she knew already that she could do many things almost as well as any elf could. Taking a moment to steady herself, she lifted her feet to the seat of the saddle and pushed herself off Castiel's back, drawing her weapon as she went. For a second, she felt as if she was suspended in the air before she saw the ground rushing to meet her, along with a number of enemies who had noticed the white dragon's arrival. She fired a couple of bolts at the troops, using the brief recoil to soften her landing, firing once more as she landed on her feet and rolled backwards before fully extending her scythe. Her hood had returned to the top of her head during her roll, and with her weapon, her silhouette gave her the appearance of a reaper come to claim the corrupted souls.
"Come at me, you soulless spawns," she said in a quite voice, readying her scythe for a swing.