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Post by Max452 on Aug 30, 2012 0:00:57 GMT -5
Sixteen years had come and gone; little time compared to an elf that had lived over two and half centuries, nearing three hundred in a decade or so. Sidhion surveyed the landscape before him. The mountains provided a small sanctuary for the elf and his dragon; the large rocks and natural design of the conclaves provided the needed isolation.
It had been awhile since Sidhion and Locien stepped out of the Beor Mountains, watching the world continue on as bystanders rather than participants. True to his promise, Sidhion remained passive and dormant as the Varden overcame Galbatorix and were now living peacefully under Queen Nasuada's rule in the mainland, King Orrin to the South, and Queen Arya among the elves. His ever stone gaze flickered over to Locien, curled up in a lucky, spacious field, next to a cabin that Sidhion had built to live and store his things in.
Are you hunting tonight, fricai? Sidhion asked. The large icy blue dragon stirred from his sleep, his large eye opening lazily.
Yes, Sidhion. Locien replied, knowing that Sidhion had already known the answer. He was merely trying to get him to leave by asking his question. Are you heading into the Surdan town tonight? Locien asked.
Aye. Something stirs the winds. I must gather some information in the local tavern. Sidhion explained.
Very well, be careful, my Rider. I will see you upon your return. Locien yawned and unraveled himself from his spot. Flexing his wings the large dragon bounded into the sky and headed toward the depths of the Beor Mountains, eager for his hunt.
Alone now, Sidhion gathered up his cloak and sprinted with ease toward the nearest Surdan town. It took Sidhion nearly three hours of running to reach the border of Surda, where he entered the small, but busy town. Going to his usual tavern, Sidhion covered his head with his cowl and entered, taking his usual corner; a spot where he was angled across from the door where he could watch patrons enter and near the bar, where he could hear the lastes gossip. He ordered a drink, knowing that he wouldn't taste it, but merely appear as a common patron. Leaning into the shadows that his spot created, Sidhion closed his eyes, relaying on his ears to focus on the conversations around him. It was in this pose, he thought he sensed a presence he had not felt in over sixteen years...
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Post by Tismri on Aug 30, 2012 2:03:50 GMT -5
Tismri glanced cautiously around the ground before making her way off Ismrolde. They had come hoping for just a few moments' peace. Since the destruction of Galbatorix, she had only become more swarmed by people attempting to learn "wisdom" from her. Every day she was mobbed by fanatics.
She had tried, early on, to set up teaching sessions in what she felt was an inadequate attempt to translate her writings so that they could all understand. But the more she tried, the more she realized that they were not looking for truth. They were looking for someone to worship. And it only ever became worse. Yesterday they had all appeared nearby, singing hymns in her honor and holding up figurines of her. She had lost her temper at them all, destroying the idols and ordering them to silence their singing.
She just couldn't take it anymore. She hoped that this small Surdan town at the edge of the Beors would be free of these people. She needed to get away.
Pulling the hood of her copper cloak over her head, hiding her face so that perhaps she would not be so easily recognized, she silently entered the local tavern. She moved to sit at an isolated table when she felt something familiar. A mind she had not felt in a long, long time. She moved to join him at his table, sitting quietly.
"Were you surprised?" she asked, a slight smile on her face as her eyes connected with Sidhion's. "Are you satisfied with the peace the Varden achieved?" She suspected what his answer might be. She was sure she was not the only one who sensed the growing darkness in the world.
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Post by Max452 on Aug 30, 2012 14:34:07 GMT -5
The familiar presence drew closer, but Sidhion did not act; did not move a single muscle as he heard the scrapping of wood as the chair in front of him moved slightly so the occupant could sit. Finally, he opened his eyes, taking in the woman before him. Her appearance had changed somewhat since their last meeting. His expressionless gaze was held by hers as their eyes connected. He wondered idly if she had forgiven him for escaping with Locien.
Sidhion refrained a smile as she finally spoke. He knew exactly what she was referring to. "No. I dare say, I am not; they had you and Trinn as their guides. Although, the peace they have earned is short-lived." He tore his eyes away from Tismri, glancing briefly at the bar, then the door, contemplating an escape route should this visit go awry. His eyes returned to Tismri. "Can you sense it, Tismri? It is as if the very ground is crying out the danger." He informed her. "It is as I predicted - they cannot truly establish Peace." He added his comment to her, his features appearing relaxed, but ready to pounce at any moment like a lion on the hunt.
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Post by Tismri on Aug 31, 2012 0:05:32 GMT -5
Despite his lacking expression, Tismri was able to read much in Sidhion's eyes. Window to the soul, indeed; they were questioning her reaction to their last parting. At the time, when she had realized what he had done, she was first hurt at being used in such a way. He had manipulated her to get what he wanted. However, she also knew his affections were real. He had not been pretending; that level of passion could not be faked, no matter his other intentions. Even if he was in denial.
She also understood his reasons. Any caged creature would put all its efforts into escaping. She decided that so long as he kept his promise to her, to give the Varden time to achieve their goals, she would forgive his actions.
Tismri sighed with Sidhion brought up the issue that was a concern to them both. "If you are looking for the end of all conflict, fricai iet, you will never be satisfied. Even your solution would not have made it cease forever. Evil always roams the land, attempting to sieze what control it will, and there will be rebels against it. This world is not perfect, and it never will be." Her eyes became unfocused again. Even now, if she concentrated, she could sense the evil stirring, preparing to burst forth in a new and even bloodier chapter in history.
"I must admit, though, that you are right about one thing: the land is crying out its warning. Evil broods over the edge of the horizon like a storm. Soon it may very well drown out all else like a thunder of dragons drowns out all other sound." Her emerald eyes settled on his once again, reflecting her words. "I must admit, fricai...I am afraid."
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Post by Max452 on Aug 31, 2012 0:22:32 GMT -5
Sidhion sighed in tiredness, exposing his feelings for a brief moment. He was tired of all the fighting and evil in the world. Much of his opinions had changed in these past 16 years; reflection of Tismri's words and the actions of the Varden the cause. "Aye, I have come to realize that truth." He glanced away, not wanting to expose himself to Tismri more than necessary. She had a uncanny knack of reading his thoughts since they were first reunited. "Peace and Harmony cannot exist without its opposite. How else can we appreciate the things we have?" He recalled Roland's old philosophy. It appeared his kin had understood that concept at an early age - due to Faith's death no doubt. "As long as there are those fighting for happiness...there is Peace. Since my wanderings here, I have noticed that even the poorest people are happy despite their circumstances...they have hope for something brighter and appreciate the things they have." He explained his reasoning to her, as if they were both in Du Weldenvarden again. "Which should comfort you, Tismri - there is no reason to be afraid of this new danger; there are those who are willing to fight for it." He returned his eyes to her, hiding the feelings he had always felt in her presence.
He heard the barman speak of little news during his whole conversation with Tismri. It appeared that the humans could not sense the danger or ignored it. He would not find any new information from them. He focused his efforts on Tismri then. "Have your Varden discovered the source of the ill feeling?" He asked her. "I have heard of nothing; I have not ventured from the Mountains since I last saw you." He explained.
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Post by Tismri on Aug 31, 2012 14:00:28 GMT -5
Tismri's smile returned, wider than before, as Sidhion explained his thoughts to her. So he understood now, and had accepted it as truth. The fact brought her more joy and hope for him.
"True," she said when he mentioned she should not be afraid. "When it is revealed, I have faith that there will be those who will stand fast against it. I am only afraid of the unknown." She shook her head when he asked if the threat had yet been discovered. "Not that I have seen. Rumors flit about; Shades, Ra'zaac, the usual fears. But...I feel it is something else. Or at least something more. Shades and Ra'zaac can be defeated with relative ease compared to their numbers. This feels different to me." She lowered her head, her own tired, exasperated expression showing. "I will admit, I have been more than a little distracted of late. These...followers...of mine are getting more and more out of hand. They have even taken to worshipping me! They are driving me to the very edge, and I can't take much more."
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Post by Max452 on Sept 1, 2012 23:05:22 GMT -5
Sidhion listened calmly and respectfully to Tismri as she shared her fears. His lips twitched into a small smile at the sight of her own; it disappeared quickly once he realized he was being emotional. "Aye, the air is stifled with something quite different than I have ever felt before, but like you, I will trust that the rising generation will come to arms; they did well in the last war." He replied as he watched her carefully. She appeared tired than the last he remembered her. He nearly let out a groan at the mention of her fanatics. "You should have taken Locien's offer - he would have gladly eaten them." He attempted to tease and joke with her. After a moment, he opened his mouth to speak again, a more gentle tone filled his lips. "Perhaps you need some time for yourself, Tismri. When was the last time you found yourself meditating? Or writing?" He asked her, knowing that those two activities calmed her. "I have come to see the worth of solitude. It has given me clarity. I doubt I will return to participate fully in this world anymore." He glanced around the tavern. "I only come out to hear of any important news." His eyes settled back onto Tismri.
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Post by Tismri on Sept 2, 2012 22:54:16 GMT -5
Tismri nodded as Sidhion expressed his faith in the current generation. He had grown much since they last spoke. He'd been willing to sit back passively and allow the Varden to accomplish their goals. She knew they both needed to have faith that they would be able to do so again.
She closed her eyes as Sidhion addressed her main concern. Everything had gotten so out of hand that she daily felt like tearing her hair out in frustration. She was surprised by his mention of meditating and writing.
"Now that you mention it, I have done neither in several years. I've been unable to clear my mind well enough to write out my thoughts. There have been days when I stare at a blank page with a quill in hand, but no words come. Every time I try to meditate, I'm distracted or disturbed from it." She contemplated his mention of solitude. That sounded like what she needed. Time for herself and Ismrolde.
"But I also have a duty to the younger generations," she said. "It is the elders' job to teach and guide the younger. I cannot abandon them forever." She thought quietly for several moments longer. "Perhaps I can spend a year or so away. That will give the people time to calm themselves, and help me retain my sanity."
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Post by Max452 on Sept 3, 2012 11:22:36 GMT -5
"I think that is the best solution for you, Tismri." Sidhion nodded his head in argument with her decision. "You must take care of yourself, my friend. If you're too distracted by these fanatics, you'll be no help to those that truly need you." His sensitive ears began to hear the growing silence of the tavern. His eyes darted briefly around for a quick survey; patrons were heading home. Had they been talking for that long? "It appears the night has sneaked itself upon us; it is late." He scooted his chair back and stood. "It was good to see you again, Tismri. You should get some rest. If this danger is approaching, you will need all your energy and focus on it." He motioned to leave, despite his own reservations to.
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Post by Tismri on Oct 3, 2012 0:18:14 GMT -5
Tismri nodded tiredly in response to Sidhion. She planned to travel to Bromsland to join Trinn in teaching the new generation of Riders, but she felt that, for the moment, she and Ismrolde should disappear from the world and allow her readers time to calm themselves.
"Eka elrun ono, fricai iet," she thanked him. As he moved to take his leave, she stopped him with a gentle hand on his wrist.
"Sidhion," she said to him in a quiet voice, "Would you mind if Ismrolde and I remained in your and Locien's company for a few days?" Her eyes searched his as she awaited an answer; she had not seen him for a long time, although in comparison to their lifespans with was a very brief period. Still, there were times when it felt like an eternity to her, waiting and wondering. Had the years, the time apart, the circumstances of their separation, changed his feelings at all?
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Post by Max452 on Oct 3, 2012 1:18:56 GMT -5
At her touch, Sidhion stopped his movements and turned halfway to face her. His lips twitched, a small rare smile formed on his lips. "You are always welcomed in my company." He told her gently while his eyes flickered with warmth and affection. "It is a half hour flight from here; though a three hour run." He informed her. "I sense Locien is still hunting; the game has been scarce as of late." His smile faded, but his eyes still held its affectionate mirth. "Would you prefer to fly or run, Tismri?" He asked her.
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Post by Tismri on Oct 3, 2012 12:41:47 GMT -5
Tismri smiled at the emotion expressed by Sidhion; his smile was something rarely seen, making it more worth the effort to obtain. She stood with him to leave the tavern. She considered his question as she gazed at the twilight surrounding them.
"I have not had a good run for several years," she admitted to him.
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Post by Max452 on Oct 3, 2012 21:47:19 GMT -5
"We cannot have that, Tismri. An enjoyable run will surely relax you." Sidhion's eyes shone with amusement. "Come. Let's see if you can beat me. My home is here." He sent her an image of the path they would take for the run, so that she could clearly see where they were headed. "Locien will be hunting for a few more hours; the Beor Mountains have little game unless you head deep within." He explained. "Ismorlde is welcomed to join him." He told her as they exited the tavern and walked to the edge of town so none of the inhabitants would get scared from their sudden run. "Are you ready, Tismri?" He asked, feeling excited about the prospect of racing her.
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Post by Tismri on Oct 3, 2012 22:50:14 GMT -5
Tismri nodded at the mental image of the path Sidhion laid out for her. The directions seemed clear enough to her. She unfastened the copper cloak from her throat and stopped for a moment by Ismrolde to deposit it in a saddlebag.
Go see if you can find Locien, she said, a slight smile forming. Ismrolde nodded, understanding, and took off. Then Tismri tied her long hair back and set herself up for a run against her old friend. She felt excitement such as she had not experienced in years begin to course through her veins. If she was honest with herself, the excitement did not only have to do with the run. The prospect of spending more time with Sidhion again filled her with strange emotion.
"Ready," she informed him, and scarcely had the word left her mouth that she took off like a shot down the path Sidhion had shown her, making her way with easy speed to his home.
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Post by Max452 on Oct 3, 2012 23:30:04 GMT -5
Sidhion allowed a smirk to grace his features as Tismri broke out first. Wordlessly, he raced after her, letting his elven legs and bonded talents flow through him. He had taken this path so many times before, that his feet already knew where to go, allowing his eyes to follow Tismri for a brief moment, perhaps, inappropriate moment. His eyes flinted away from her as he moved to run beside her. He gave her another rare smile before increasing his speed. He took off into the rocky path that passed by with a blur, feeling exhilrated to run with Tismri. It had been a long time since he felt unburdened by the world and his deeds, and he was enjoying every carefree moment. He continued to run, undaunted by obstacles that would have halted or deterred humans or dwarves even; his breath was even as this run did not exert him as it would others not gifted from their Ancient bond with dragons. He continued to whiz by, daring a glance behind him to see if Tismri was anywhere close to him.
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