The Next Step Forward (Open: Riders and Elders)

[Melantha]

Melantha nodded to Lucian and turned to Nextith "We will do our very best."
Smiled back at Lucian "May peace live in your heart." she replied back following Nexthith who held the door open for her. "Thank you, we shall meet you in the front courtyard shortly, see you soon."
Melantha made her wake back to her room.

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

Andromeda saw the great dragon fly in and land, with out a doubt she knew it was Alorah heart bond of Lucian just by the shear size of the ancient dragon.
"Thank you for your well wishes and advice” she said bowing her head. "I am sure we will all get along just fine at least for the sake of this missions success." Andromeda responded.

"Elda Alorah may i ask a favour of you and Elda Lucian? My rider is too polite to ask this herself." Andromeda paused momentarily then continued

"If you are not too busy could you keep an eye on her mother and her son from time to time, keep them busy while we are gone so they do not find the time to worry about our absence."

"I’m sure Melantha's Mother Neona will be busy enough looking after Dubhan because he can be a handful at times. But i think it would put our minds slightly more at ease knowing their was some one looking out for them while we were gone." Andromeda hoped it wasn't asking for too much. it was not as if she was asking for them to baby sit she just knew that If they were to give this mission their full focus she need to know that the family she loved was in good hands or claws or eyes?

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

Dubhan sat in his new clean clothes at the small desk happily eating the cheese sandwich his grandmother had made. As he ate he kicked his legs that dangling off the end of the chair.

Neona paced the room nervously as she waited for Melantha to return.
She spun around as soon as she heard the door creak open.

Melantha opened the door and nodded signalling to her mother with out words that it was time.

Neona couldn't help her self from rushing forward and hugging her daughter, her little girl. "Right now?" She whispered

Melantha hugged her mother back "yes, please come see us off, i need to..."

Dubhan looked up from his sandwich to see his mother had entered the room "Mommy you should have seen the big hole i dough today! There was dirt everywhere!" he said excitedly.

Melantha turned to Dubhan with a simile "Wow sound pretty big, how big was it?" he always seemed to cheer her up.

"As big as Andromeda." he said exaggerating holding his arms out wide

Melantha laughed, "Are you sure?"

Dubhan thought for a moment "No, it was almost as big as me, but that’s still pretty big!"

Melantha walked over to him and knelt on the floor in front of him "yes it sure is" she said with a smile before taking a slightly more serious tone dreading every word she had to say.

"Dubhan honey, remember when i told you a few days ago that Andromeda had to go away on a very important mission and that i didn't know when we had to go, well i have to leave very soon and i."

"Do you have too? I don't want you to go!" Dubhan pleaded not wanting to lose another parent.

Melantha's heart broke, she looked at him in the eyes trying her very best not to cry "i need you to be a big strong boy like i know you are, i love you so much." She reached up and kissed him on the cheek before wrapping her harms around him and hugging him, as she did she lifted him off the seat and sat down herself putting him on her lap.

"Dubhan if i had a choice i would chose to stay here with you but you are big enough to understand what my job is, why Andromeda and i work together Why the Dragon Riders were created." Melantha knew Dubhan understood that both his parents were Dragon Riders and what Dragon rider’s purpose was especially in the face of war.

Dubhan nodded sadly, he wished it didn’t have to be true.

"We will be back before you know it and it will be like we never left, but until then I need you to be strong and take care of grandma. Can you do that for me?" Melantha spoke trying to keep her true emotions at bay, she didn’t want to upset him further or let him see her cry, as it would only upset him more.

“Yes mommy” Dubhan replied glumly with a frown on his face.

Melantha hugged him for a long moment and then released him “I can’t let everyone wait for us, I better start moving the quicker I leave the quicker I can come back.” She hated every word she said.

Dubhan hugged his mother back burying his head into her shoulder wishing his father would come back and make everything better like things were before.

**********Times skip so I don’t have to rp all the stuff **********

Andromeda flew into the front courtyard and waited for the others to arrive.

Melantha had dressed in her light armour knowing it would be difficult to change on the road with out help. It was light flexible and mostly comfortable but she was still not looking forward to sleeping in it.

Neona held Dubhan’s hand as they watched Melantha secure the bags to Andromeda’s saddle, She wished she could go instead so that Melantha could stay with Dubhan but she knew that would not work.

Melantha took her time attaching the bags to Andromeda’s saddle making sure they were secure and the weight evenly distributed which meant taking a few items out of one bag and transferring it to another. While it usually wasn’t necessary she had to take into account the worst possibility when venturing into unknown dangerous territory and that was being attacked by another dragon while flying. The extra weight could be enough of a problem but being uneven could hinder Andromeda’s balance and ability to turn.

Andromeda followed her riders train of thought ‘The bags are fine Mel, go say your final goodbyes.’
[/color]

[Jay]

Turma landed in the courtyard her enormous white wings spread out to either side of her. Her large pale blue eyes looked around to find the courtyard empty. Her white scales shone in the sunlight as she threw her head back and roared into the sky as if calling out to anyone. Jaygon dismounted Turma, the Ancient's feet hitting the ground soundlessly. He sent his mind out in all directions looking for any Riders and Dragons that might be around. Jaygon saw a few bright lights, the flames of life, the minds of the few Riders still in New Doru Arabea, "So few... So few have returned here after Surda's fall. I had hoped that perhaps what they had said was true, but..."

Turma looked down at her Rider, his entire figure caught in one of her large eyes. She knew that death and loss was nothing new to him. In fact most of his increasingly long life had been war. Jaygon... It was not your fault. We were simply too far away to assist them.

"I know we were. I had just hoped..." Jaygon sighed. In passed times he was always in the thick of things. The feeling of being helpless tormented him to no end, "If I hadn't gone into one of my sickly spells we could have made it." Suddenly he went off again coughing up blood and quickly falling to his knees his right scaled hand cupped over his mouth. Turma became tense ready to carry him to the hall of the Islingr, but he held out his left hand stopping her. "No, no," he said beginning to calm down, "I'm fine. It's passing. Besides it seems like we are going to have a visitor." Jaygon had stopped coughing by now and looked towards one the entrances to the main building.

[Deleted]

Alorah rumbled an affirmative response to Andromeda's query.
We shall keep watch over them as often as is possible, she replied, And, should we be called upon, there are others who would be happy to do so until our return. Your bond-mate's family shall be safe, young one.
She bid farewell to Andromeda and watched as the smaller dragon flew to meet her Rider.
The scent of another dragon caused her large, green head to swing in the direction from which it came. She recognized it as belonging to one of the other Ancient bonds. A roar reached her ears, and she trumpeted in response. While she and Lucian were not well-acquainted with them, they were at least familiar with Turma and Jaygon.
Lucian, you had best go and give Jaygon news of this venture.
The silver haired elf's thoughts flickered in response. In a partnership so old as theirs, words were more often bypassed in favor of simple impressions.

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

Lucian strode quickly through the door that led from the main building of the castle complex that was New Doru Arabea. Before him, he saw the great white dragon, Turma, and her Rider, Jaygon. Judging by the blood on the ground, the Ancient Rider had suffered a fit of illness. Lucian did not comment, but instead came to a stop a few yards away and nodded in greeting.
"Welcome back, friends. I do not wish to cloud your return with ill tidings, but it is an urgent matter. I trust that you have received word of Aberon's fall?"
His grey eyes were grave as he spoke in his lilting voice. His long hair danced gently in a small breeze and the diamond studs in his ear glinted.

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

Nextith exited the castle, checking the straps of his breastplate. Compared to other elves, Nextith's style depended more on heavy fighting. His armor was naturally heavier than that of his kinsmen, even though it, like all elven armor, had been imbued with spells to lessen its weight upon its creation. His sword was strapped to his hip and his bow and quiver rested upon his back.
As Nextith approached the dragon, he eyed the saddle. He had gone flying numerous times before with Andril, the young elf he had adopted much like a sister and had been responsible for his betraying the Empire in favor of the Varden. However, Andril's dragon, Vanador, had been someone whom Nextith personally knew. While he bore no ill will against this younger dragon whom he had just met, he found himself feeling somewhat perturbed.
Well, it could be worse. I could be stuck going into enemy territory on horseback. Much better to have a dragon along, he mentally muttered.
He then noticed a young boy and an older woman standing off to the side.
They must be the Rider's son and mother...
He looked the boy over, wondering if his father too had been a Rider, perhaps even someone Nextith had known.

[Jay]

Jaygon nodded solemnly, "We have not only heard but seen. Aberon is in ruins and any survivors have fled." The ancient elf's long silver hair lifted off his shoulders with a breeze and Turma shifted to see Lucian. The whole place is filled with the Shade's army, Turma said through Jaygon. Jaygon went over a patted an empty satchel on Turma's large saddle, "We just came back for supplies and to gather reinforcements if any returned here. Then we're going to head back and make a plan to possibly retake Surda. Although it may be out of our reach for now."

Jaygon tapped the pommel of his sword, "My only fear is that in leaving here once again would place it in danger of attack..."

[Melantha]

OCC: lol im so sorry about how long this is. i have had the idea for this post in my head for a long time.
hopefully this is the last long one.
After they leave we should start a new thread for the mission but keep this one in play for the other characters not on the mission. what do you guys think?

Melantha turned away from Andromeda’s saddle upon Nextith’s arrival feeling her nerves and dread growing in the pit of her stomach as the time for them to leave inched ever closer.

She moved towards Nextith with her eyes on her family “I will be with you in a minute.” She said absentmindedly as she moved past him to say her final farewells.

Andromeda watched Nextith with one onyx eye noticing he was looking at Dubhan. She wanted the elf to feel comfortable around her and she thought it was a good idea to get to know him since he would be riding on her back so she decided to spark up a conversation. ‘We are in for a long journey, I hope we get to know you a bit better on our travels I am not comfortableto letting strangers ride on my back but in these harsh times I am willing to make an exception and seeing as Lucian vouched for you I must put my personal feelings aside especially on a mission of such importance.’


Melantha approached her mother first “I will try scry when I can but, I cant make any promises” she said as she lent forward an wrapped her mother in a tight embrace

Neona gave her daughter a small smile “I know” she said nodding
“It will be tough but I know you can handle It.” she said hugging her daughter tightly.

“Love you.” Melantha whispered

“I love you too” Neona replied back with a smile as she let go of her daughter.

Melantha forced herself to smile as turned to her son; underneath she was filled with a mix of emotions and nerves.
Melantha got down on her knees so that she was at eye level with her son “I have one more favour to ask of you, do you think you will be up for it?” she asked

Dubhan unconsciously shifted his weight from side to side unable to stand still.
Tilting his head to the side “Of course I am.” He declared.

Dubhan’s reaction brought a true smile to her face “I have something that I need some one to hold on to while I am gone.” She said as she reached behind her neck for the clasp of the necklace she was wearing. Once she undid it she held it by the two ends. “Hold this for me for a second.” She asked giving Dubhan the necklace.

Dubhan watched his mother curiously when he was asked he took the necklace and held it out even more confused.

Melantha pulled a ring off her finger the same ring Seth had given her as a marriage proposal on the morning of the battle of Uru Baen, the same day Varden had defeated the Empire. As much as it meant to her she had decided that she could not wear it while on a mission. Risk of losing it played a big factor in her decision but the thought of it and in result her family being used against her by the enemy if the worst was to happen.

Melantha took one end of the chain and slipped the ring onto the end until it fell to the middle of the chain next to the pendant. She took the necklace and put it around Dubhan’s neck and tucked it under his shirt.
“Keep it safe for me until I get back okay?” she said watching his face.

Dubhan smiled when he saw what his mother did with her ring “I will you can count on me.” He said proudly happy that his mother trusted him with something so valuable.

Melantha leaned forward and kissed him on the forehead, she placed her hands on his forearms. “I want you to know that I love you more than anything in this world.”

“I love you too mommy” Dubhan responded with tears starting to form in his eyes, he was afraid he would never see her again.

Melantha pulled her son in close and hugged him tightly. Tears starting to form in her own eyes when she saw Dubhan cry, she hated leaving him, and she never wanted to let him go but she was quite aware that Nextith was their waiting for her and was probably watching.

‘Be strong little one, you don’t be afraid, I will not let anything happen to your mommy.’ Andromeda said to Dubhan

Dubhan cuddled up against his mother with us arms around her beck, her armour wasn’t very soft but the smell of her hair was soothing enough. “ And I love you too Andy”

Andromeda gave Dubhan a wink “I love you too kiddo, take it easy on grandma okay.”

Melantha finally managed let Dubhan go and stood up
she ran her fingers gently through Dubhan’s thick black hair ruffling it back and lent forward to give him one last kiss on the forehead. “Yeah be good for grandma and no climbing things.” She said with a smile looking from Dubhan to her mother.

Dubhan too let go of his mother still upset to see her go but understanding of why she had to go, he had seen the monsters first hand and he knew that it was her job to fight them. Her soft kiss put him at ease whenever he was scared or hurt she always seemed to make everything feel better. He wondered if it was some sort of magic that all mothers had.

The hardest part was walking away."Farewell" she said softly. Melantha moved slowly, turning away from her family in her mind she went over all the reasons why she absolutely had to go on this mission.
“Time to ride.” she said darkly to Nextith as she walked over to Andromeda.
She climbed onto Andromeda’s back with ease and waited for him to follow suit.

Andromeda waited for the elf to climb onto her back so she could take off.
‘Its going to be fine we are going to be so careful the enemy wont even know we are even there’ she said trying to reassure her rider as well as her self.

[Deleted]

(OOC- I agree. After they take off a continuation thread should be placed in the Surda category. I guess that any council between our two ancients would continue here. If we go through with an attempt to retake Surda, I would love to bring Varda into play or have Eladan as one of the Riders who helped lead the attack, but no one has been on to approve them.)

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

Lucian nodded.
It is as we feared, my friend. Our abilities may soon be needed on the battlefield.
Alorah rumbled in agreement.
"I must make a request, Jaygon. One of our veteran Riders and her dragon are about to make a scouting run and search for anyone who was possibly trapped on the inside. They should only be gone for a short time. I ask that you hold off attacking until we can make good on whatever information they may uncover," he looked toward where he knew Andromeda would take off, "I had some misgivings about sending them, but a trusted friend shall be accompanying them. I have no doubt in their abilities."
He returned his gaze to his fellow.
"As far as I know, only myself and my bond have returned. And few of our students here are battle-ready. We are spread too thinly."

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

Nextith nodded to the black dragon as she spoke to him mentally. As he had interacted with dragons before, he had made sure to leave his mind open to conversation when approaching her.
"That is my hope as well, Brightscales," he smiled wryly, "I've only ever befriended one dragon, and I think that he is much different than you in everything but coloring."
He did his best to ignore the exchange of farewells, as he felt that he was intruding. He waited patiently for them to finish. Then, after the Rider climbed into the saddle, he lithely swung up behind her.
"Well, then ladies, to Surda we go."

[Melantha]

Occ: ill make a new thread after this post unless you want to start it? But before that ill PM you so we can discuss what it will happen and how should it start.

'Brightscales? Andromeda Chuckled. You do realise my scales are Black don't you? Or at least they are to me. I don't see colours that well so in my opinion every dragon is either back, white or somewhere in between.' Andromeda did her best to be friendly knowing every well that most other dragons were not as conversational as she was.

It felt strange to have some one riding behind her that wasn't her mother or husband or her son. It would take a while to get use to and probably something she would forget about once they were on their way.
"You will want to hold on when we take off and land or if the weather gets rough" Melantha advised.

Once Nextith was on her back Andromeda kicked off with her powerful hind legs into the sky spreading her wings and beating them fast to gain altitude.


Melantha held on to the grip straps on the front of Andromeda’s saddle as they took off, once in the air she waved back to Dubhan and her mother until they were just dots in the distance.

Neona placed her hand on Dubhan’s shoulder as she watched Andromeda’s accent into the air. "May the stars watch over you all."She whispered.

Dubhan waved as he watched Andromeda jump into the air and fly away as his mother waved back at him. He waved until he could no longer make out their black dot in the distance.