The Next Step Forward (Open: Riders and Elders)

[hagvar]

Occ: hey Mel ima jump in here see what happens o and sorry for leaving I had football season and now it's almost over

Gidions journey from his home in the middle of no where was long and he was very tired. But he and basil where in the city of the riders again and he wished to see his old companions. So he went to one house in particular he knocked on the door to melantha's house in the city and hoped she was home.

[Deleted]

(ooc- melantha's currently in the fortress of New Doru Arabea, about to embark on a stealth mission with a, elven warrior. Just to let you know what's happening ^^)

Lucian sensed Nextith's approach and smiled slightly. With a flick of his thoughts, he sent a mental knock to Melantha, wishing to alert her of the elf's arrival. As he did so, the warrior strode into his office, without knocking and tossed the satchel of scrolls on the desk.
"Lucian," he said, not looking at the elder elf.
Lucian smiled. He knew that Nextith did not like his more peaceful ideals and that his presence made him uncomfortable, however, he still attempted to be as friendly as possible.
"I trust your journey was uneventful?"
Nextith glanced at him.
"Well, I'm not dead, so," he shrugged, "I'm just fine."
Lucian chuckled slightly.
"Good," knowing that Nextith would like it best if he were blunt, he did not dally further, "There is a mission I would like you to go on."
The dark haired elf cocked a questioning brow.
"Oh?"
Lucian took a deep breath.
"Aberon has fallen."
Nextith's eyes widened and he swore under his breath.
"How long ago?"
"A couple of days," he pressed the point, "The Rider who delivered the news, Melantha, has offered to go back and scout out the situation. I am unwilling to let her go alone. She has agreed to take an ally."
Nextith's black brows drew together.
"You want me to fly into the middle of Shade infested territory with some girl and her dragon and report back to you?"
Lucian nodded.
"In short, yes."
Nextith frowned for a moment. Then he slowly smiled.
"Where's the girl?"

[Elessar]

OOC:Gonna go ahead and join in too ^_^

Elessar was sitting in the corner of his room in his house. The room completely dark except for the single candle. Since he was kidnapped by a shade, things just wen't south. He was rescued just to be attacked by his own father who betrayed him,twice.

Since he returned he could barely do anything his battles and tortures had nearly crippled him. He tried every spell he could until he had no choice but to give up. With each passing day not only his pain grew but also his darkness...his Madness...He got up and blew out the candle. He walked for the door,he had to do something or else his fellow riders would think he was dead. He pushed his front door open and took a walk.

Elessar figured Argetgarm was off hunting so he took a walk around the town. He had seen everything in this city already he was tired of just about all of it now he wanted to do something. but what was there to do? He could request training from an elder,or maybe he could get Argetgarm and go flying around looking for interesting things. None of these things suited him. Argetgarm I need you. Fine...I was eating... He chuckled at Argetgarm. Elessar kept walking searching for people he could actually talk to besides himself and Argetgarm. Moments later Argetgarm landed before him and they we're off. They flew around the city looking for other riders. He hadn't been caught up with any news since he returned. He searched for the people who normally had taken in all the gossip or was just in the know,the true answer he would never know...About fifteen minutes later Elessar spotted them. Argetlam began to circle around getting lower and lower once they had landed. Elessar hopped off Argetgarm and allowed the dragon to fly off to wherever he finds in a good enough place to rest. "Greetings" he said as he approached his friends but silence was the only thing that greeted him."Is something wr-" he was cut off by e multiple flashes of light that bounced off around him.

[Melantha]

0cc: just to clarify was that time skip we just did hours or days? i think you mentioned days so ill go and change something in my previous post, nothing major.

"i've got to go." Melantha said as soon as she felt the mental nod from Lucian.

"Alright ill go get Dubhan from the Gardens and meet you back here when you’re done." Neona replied rising from her seat.

Melantha nodded as she left the room rushing out the door and down the corridor to the designated meeting place.

‘Andromeda wake up, its time.’ she called in her mind

As she approached she heard the last bit of the conversation between Lucian and his friend Nexthith. Being referred to as a girl made her feel a bit irritated but she was experienced enough to know by Elf standards thirty-four years was nothing compared to years in the thousands but that did not mean she was any less capable than any other rider.

Andromeda woke form her Nap, she was trying to get as much rest as she could knowing they had a long journey ahead and she would have to fly quite a bit.

Neona followed Melantha out of the room at a more relaxed pace in the other direction. She soon found Dubhan in the Garden helping one of the younger trainee riders tend to the Garden.

Dubhan looked up from digging his hole in the soil to see his grandmother approach. He stood up his clothes covered in soil. “Is does mummy have to go now?” he asked.

Neona smiled at her grandson bending over. “I’m not, sure but she has gone to her meeting and she wants to see you when she finishes.” Looking at the condition of his clothes she frowned “We better get you cleaned up before we go back.” She said biting her lip. If Melantha had to leave today she did not know if she had time to get Dubhan cleaned and changed.

Dubhan looked down at his dirty clothes. “Woops I got all the soil out of the hole but now it’s on me.” He said giggling.

Neona smiled “Don’t worry we can fix It, lets go back to the room and get you cleaned up.” she said positively as she dusted off the soil from Dubhan’s shirt with her hand.

******

She slowed her pace as she entered the room keeping her greeting brief, knowing they had no time to be formal. Turning to the dark haired elf she spoke “I am Melantha Rider of Andromeda, as Lucian may or may not have told you, I was at Aberon during the attack and I wish to return so that we can learn of what happened to the capitol. ” She then addressed Lucian as well “I also think that it would be beneficial for us to locate any others that survived the attack. In particular the four elves I fought along side during the attack, they could have some more information that could aid us.”

Andromeda listened intently leaving the talking to her rider. They both felt they needed to go back and help whoever they could find safety from the shades army but she was not sure if Lucian would allow them to extend the terms of their mission or if the new rider would even agree to accompanying them in the first place.

[Deleted]

(OOC- I have no idea honestly...@_@ gah)

Nextith nodded to the female Rider, glancing her over. She was vaguely familiar, but the memories of his months with the Varden blurred together too much for him to properly place any one person.
He smiled slightly.
"So this very well could turn into a search and rescue mission? Better than delivering scrolls any day."
Lucian nodded in response to Melantha.
"I agree. Seek whatever aid you may need in order to gain the most information about the situation," his sharp eyes flicked to Nextith, "And you will not allow harm to befall her or any of her comrades that may be found."
Nextith's brow furrowed slightly.
"Rider you may be, but I do not fall under your command. I will protect my comrades, with or without your orders."
This had obviously been a point of tension between the elves for quite some time.
Lucian cleared his throat.
"Please, leave as soon as possible."

[Melantha]

0cc: lets make it one day passed after their first meeting.

Melantha felt a little uncomfortable as Nextith looked at her, perhaps he recognised her from the old Varden camp days, there were so many people it was hard to keep track of every name and face especially when it all seemed a life time ago.

Melantha was relived that the two elves agreed with her, it would put her mind at ease to find any survivors and help them to safety while gaining information.

Andromeda too was put at ease she felt bad that she couldn't carry any more passengers to safety, her priorities at the time were her family this time they would be able to help others as is written in the unwritten Dragon Riders code.

Melantha felt slightly embarrassed by Lucian's next statement did he not think she could hold her own, perhaps he was just being sensitive towards the fact that she had a child or that she was as far as he knew human or both.

"Melantha and i will have your back Nextith, Lucian you need not worry" Andromeda added to the conversation smartly.

Melantha struggled to keep a serious face after Andromeda's comment she would have burst out laughing if it weren't for the serious nature of the meeting.

'Andromeda' she exclaimed in her mind to only her heart bond.

'What? Your no pushover.'

'Thank you, but i don't think he meant it like that.'

'You were the one thinking it, i was just making sure.'

Quickly returning to the conversation "We are ready to leave whenever you are, i have organised food and supplies for the two of us, All i have to do is put on my Armour and ready Andromedas saddle." she said maintaining the serious tone she had through the conversation.

"Perhaps you should come back to my room to pick up your bag look over your supplies and add your own possessions to it. We can then meet Andromeda in the front courtyard to depart, away from the young Riders so they do not get suspicious." Melantha said ready to lead them back to her room to pick up the bags.

[Deleted]

Nextith smirked in dark amusement.
"As much as the sentiment is appreciated, skulblaka, I am quite capable of handling myself. I've been doing it for a long time."
Lucian sighed.
"I have seen far too many motherless children in my time, Andromeda. I do not doubt your Rider's abilities, but even the most powerful of us will be hard pressed when battling numerous Shades," he cocked a brow, "I trust all three of you not to attack recklessly."
Nextith listened to Melantha's words. He patted his pack in response, causing the few pieces of armor within to clink.
"I've got everything I need right here. I assume I'll be flying with you since there's no feasible way my horse can keep up with you on the ground?"
Lucian returned to his desk and to the letter he had been writing.

[Elessar]

OOC:I could do with a skip ^.^
This may be a bit short my computer no longer works so I am on my iPad

Elessar sat at the corner a prison cell bleeding Rakr was sitting in the cell next to him painted red with blood. And Argetgarm was nowhere to be found.

When he was approaching his "friends" the sound of blades being unsheathed filled the air. Nearly instantly he shouted though his mind for Argetgarms help he was able to fend off the group of elven assassins until soon enough Argetgarm sunk his teeth into one of the assassins.Soon after the battle began Elessar and Argetgarm barely had the upper hand five out of eleven of the assassins were still living. At that thought he noticed a single one was missing. Before he could react a blade entered his back. He coughed up blood and fell to the floor breathing heavily.

The entire world flashed before him. Time slowed down he felt himself slip away into darkness his closed his eyes ready to brace death until he heard a on arrow fly throw the air. His eyes popped open as he say his Master Kyuzen holding a bow In his hands.Two assassins were left,knowing their were now outmatched they muttered a few words and disappeared into the horizon faster than anything Elessar has seen. But moments later after being healed Kyuzen fell to the ground lifeless when he slammed against the ground and arrow was put into view. With Kyuzens fall as a signal a man and two guards walked into the clearing...Clapping slowly...slowly..clapping.

[Melantha]

occ: Elessar im not sure how your posts works in this thread, perhaps your character can join us later? Let us know the plot line you’re going for.


Andromeda and Melantha fell silent until Lucian finished speaking.
Melantha appreciated Lucians concern, it was the very same conversation she had been having with her mother only a few nights ago, They had discussed the possibility of Dubhan having to grow up parentless because of this war. To agree on this mission she had needed the peace of mind to know that Dubhan would be well cared for if the worse did happen. She new in her heart her mother would do anything for her and her grandson. The decision was a hard one to make but she knew it was the right thing to do.

"As have i Lucian and much worse, this is why i feel the need to go i cannot sit here idle while monsters kill the innocent, Not when we have the power to do something."
"I rather my child grow up mother less than having to live in hiding in a land ruled by monsters, at least he would know that his parents died making it safe."

"Aye, We will approach every step of this journey with caution, if fear we have only seen a glimpse of what these shades are capable of. " Andromeda replied to both Melantha statement and Lucian's

At first Melantha was unsure if she should bring it up but eventually she decided it needed to be said if Nextith was to trust her she need to be open.
"I have already payed the price for being reckless in my younger years.”
Her voice wavered but she pushed on.
“It… it almost cost me my life but i was extremely lucky to get out alive.”
She paused for a few seconds to take deep breath in
“I assure you both, that my judgement has improved greatly since then and now that there is so much at stake, i know i cannot afford to make those same juvenile mistakes again."

Melantha's whole body tensed as she spoke, remembering her torture in Urû'baen during the war against the Empire, a product of her stupid mistake that had gotten her captured while trying to rescue her family. Talking about it as hard as it was even after years made her feel better like a weight lifted even if it was only temporary.

Andromeda knew that in the sixteen years that had passed that memory still plagued her riders mind even her own. “we have all made bad decisions in the past the important thing is that we learn from them.”

With Andromedas words Melantha returned to reality, dropping her hands to her sides. Without realising it she was holding her right wrist in her left hand where one of her many scars still lingered.

"Good" she said relived that Nextith had his own things ready, she had packed him a bag unsure if he would be prepared at short notice.

"Yes, your assumption is correct." Andromeda replied

“If there is nothing else then we should prepare for departure” Melantha said looking from Lucian to Nextith.

[Elessar]

OOC:still trying it figure out myself I will probably twist my posts around a little so that way it would fit in with everything. And and possibly yes join you later.

[Elessar]

OOC:yeah that's what I'm going to do. It's just posting is harder on the iPad

[Deleted]

Lucian felt a flash of sorrow. The old Rider doubted that any Rider had come through the war with Galbatorix unscathed. Though some, such as Melantha and a few others, had suffered more than the rest.
Nextith's blue eyes followed the movement of her hand to her wrist and narrowed slightly. To him, a warrior, it was a heartening thing to know that the Rider had learned from her past experiences and would not endanger the mission. Though, even he, who only felt truly with purpose in the black and white of combat, wished that there had not been a past experience to learn from. He glanced at Lucian.
Lucian nodded.
"Please, depart as soon as possible. The information you discover could assist us in recapturing Aberon, and, hopefully, route the Shade army from Surda altogether," he allowed himself a small smile, "Though that may just be wishful thinking," he nodded to them, "May the stars watch over the both of you."
Nextith nodded in return.
"And you, Ebrithil."
Though the elf disliked his people's customs of polite society in the supreme, he would not show disrespect to someone so old and experienced as Lucian. Though the silver haired elf was unlikely to hold a grudge or show any sign of being slighted, it was his dragon, Alorah, who made up for his lack in temper. Something Nextith had learned during his time in the Varden. He turned his attention to Melantha.
"Ladies first," he bowed, extending one arm toward the door.

***************

Alorah alighted next to the black dragon, Andromeda. She landed fist on her hind legs, flaring her massive wings for balance, before dropping onto all fours with an earthshaking boom. She folded her wings and sat back on her haunches.
I wish you luck, Andromeda. May the wind and sun be at your back as you make this journey, she looked at the black dragon with one large emerald eye, Alas, I am too large and too brightly colored to partake in a stealth mission, else I would go with you. I shall give you some advice about your new companion, though. He is crude for an elf and may come across as rude and uncouth, but he means well and he has a good heart.

[Jay]

OOC: Hey guys I'd like to join in if you'll have me. Could you get me caught up?

[Deleted]

(OOC- Sure! Aberon, the capital of Surda, has fallen to the Shade army. Melantha and Andromeda flew to New Doru Arabea to deliver the news. All the elders had gone out on various missions at the time, but my ancient Rider, Lucian, returned to receive the news. Melantha then requested to return to Aberon in order to assess the damage and rescue a few people who had been captured. My elven soldier, Nextith arrived the next day, bearing a message. Lucian requested that he go along with Melantha and back into the heart of danger.
Elessar, Melantha, add in anything I missed, please, since that was just a short summary)

[Melantha]

Occ: that's about right. They are just getting ready to leave now.
It's my turn to post and I'm going to try and do that some time this weekend if I finish writing my post or not. It's a big post so I could stretch it over two but ill try to get it all done into one post.