A Blade in the Sand

[Trinn]

Scorching desert wind pushed against the two travelers. One was a young girl, huddled in a rough traveling cloak with the hood pulled up tightly around her face. Her eyes were squinted against the tiny grits of sand that threatened to blind her. The other traveler was a maturing dragon, the color of glistening amber. He was taller than the girl, but slim which meant he was probably no older than seven months. He kept his wings clasped tightly to his sides for he knew unfurling them would make him victim to the merciless tugging of the wind. After a while they paused their tiresome trek and huddled together.
~

Erath, we need to find shelter, and soon! It's pointless to try and navigate in this sand storm. We'll get nowhere. Tally could hardly open her eyes to see, and she knew Erath wasn't fairing any better. It was a grim predicament, to need to find something but unable to open your eyes enough to search for it.

Search with your mind. Erath suggested. He bent his head down trying to stay out of the gusting wind. Clinging to the idea, Tally through out her mental presence, searching for some sort of sanctuary. She could detect nothing. Whatever life existed in this place was sparse, and probably hiding. Is was dangerous traveling in the Hadarac, but she had to. The werecat had told her she would find something here that would help her to strike down her mothers killer. She and Erath had left without telling anyone. They would have protested. Whatever this item was, if she found it, she would return to Cortel and together, she and he would find the shade rider and kill her.

After a few minutes her mind brushed against a den of energy, tons of little creatures huddled together. It had to be a cave! There! She told Erath. A cave not terribly far away. Come on!
~~~

The storm was still raging when Tally and Erath reached a stretch of rocky outcroppings. Tall spires of rock jutted from the sand for miles, and here and there dotted caves. It didn't take them long to find the first cave, and fortunately it was large enough for Erath to slide into. They encountered desert mice inside, tawny colored with sharp bristly fur. She and Erath skirted around them as not to scare them. They walked until they reached the back of the cave. Finally Tally was able to throw her hood off her face and take a deep breath. The air was stale and dusty, but much better than constantly inhaling the sand outside. Erath sighed and curled up to lay down. Tally squeezed in between his tail and his side. Before long they were both sound asleep, exhausted from their fight against the howling winds outside.

[Tismri]

OOC: New character app I made a little while ago.

Pandora folded her wings close around her body, trying to avoid being blown around by the wind. She wrapped her tail around her leg tightly and kept her head down while she held her box to her chest. She kept her head down as she walked toward a cave system she remembered.

It had been a long time since she'd last been here. During some dark times, when Galbatorix had risen to power, and drawn other Riders to his cause. There was a clash here that few remembered. She felt drawn back to this site for reasons she did not understand. The howling wind reminded her of the dragon cries of that day.

She entered a cave and unfurled her wings safely. She shook the sand off her clothes and out of her hair before she realized that this particular cave was currently occupied. There was a young dragon fast asleep inside. She eyed him for moment, contemplating leaving the cave for another one. However, the howling wind outside convinced her to remain. She leaned against a wall of the cave, stretching her wings against it and closing her eyes. She placed her box securely in her lap with one hand atop it, and drifted off into a light sleep.

[Trinn]

Someone is here. Erath's thick voice reached into Tally's subconsciousness, waking her from her sleep like a gentle shake. She opened her eyes a crack and saw that it was true. She and Erath both feigned sleep as they took the time to size up their guest. Startled, Tally couldn't help but take inhale deeply when she realized there were wings protruding from the woman's back. Dragon wings!

What is the meaning of this? Is she some monstrosity cooked up by Katriana? Tally wondered. The tip of Erath's tail began to twitch, suspecting danger. Just the mere thought of the shade rider was enough to make his scales rise in aggravation.

If that be the case, why has she not murdered us in her sleep? he questioned.

Perhaps to take us back to the shade's nest of evil, and force us to do her will? Tally would have none of that. As quietly as she could, she stepped outside of Erath's protective embrace and drew her old rusty sword. Carefully, moving on the balls of her feet, she made her way over to the stranger. It wasn't until she was standing before her that Tally noticed the ornate box. The woman had one hand atop it, almost protectively. Why would someone carry a box like that around with them? This was getting stranger and stranger. Licking her lips nervously, Tally raised her sword and placed the tip against the woman's throat. Then again, if this were a shade, damaging the throat would do little good. Tally decided to move the tip of her blade to point against the woman's heart instead. "Wake up." She demanded, although to her shame her voice was embarrassingly high pitched. Erath stood and bounced over to stand behind Tally. He raised his tail like a mace, ready to strike in case Tally should fail.

[Tismri]

Pandora heard the sound rustle, followed by footsteps. It seemed the young dragon had a young Rider as well. She made no move but for tightening her grip on the box. She heard the sound of an old blade being drawn, and she felt the tip slide from her neck to her heart. She smiled at the child's attempt to sound threatening, opening her eyes.

The child was indeed young, early teens from the look. Her innocence was charming, her nervous attitude interesting. The dragon also attempted to appear formidable. In all truth, she could likely kill them both without batting an eye.

"Peace, child," she told her. She carefully but forcefully took ahold of the pitiful excuse for a blade directed at her and pushed it aside. "I'm not here to harm you. I was merely seeking shelter from the storm outside." She stretched her wings before folding them in closer. "The wind is murder on the wings. I'm sure you can understand." She smiled at the dragon. "I am curious, though, what brings the two of you so deep into the desert?"

[Trinn]

When the woman's eyes opened and their gaze fell upon Tally, she felt frozen. Those eyes that were some calm and yet keen and deadly. They were ageless and ancient simultaneously. Feeling weak under that gaze, Tally did not put up a fight when the woman removed the sword point from her chest. "I'm sorry." she heard herself saying. Somehow apologizing seemed appropriate. Do not let your guard down! Erath warned.

His voice was like an anchor to reality and Tally found herself again. She stepped away from the woman and held her sword up before her defensively. "Yes... We do not want to begrudge anyone shelter, but... Before I tell you anything about myself or the dragon, I would know what you are and where you came from... I'm sorry, I wish these were better times that we lived in, but you'll understand if I don't divulge in easy conversation right away." Tally's palms had become sweaty, and the sword hilt felt heavy in her hand. The deteriorating blade was a joke anyway. It didn't fit her hand well, it was too short, and if she hit anything hard than a rotting long the blade would probably snap in two. Hopefully, if she could stay alive long enough, the desert would provide for her something more suitable. That was what the werecat had told her anyway. The werecat with the emerald eyes.

[Tismri]

Pandora's expression became amused, though she was glad the child showed some degree of caution. It would serve her well if she ever met with anyone truly dangerous, like Katriana. Or her mother.

"Your hesitance is understandable," she replied. "Very well, I shall answer your questions first. Or rather, I will answer to you who I am. My name is Pandora. If you know anything about history, you likely will have heard of the exploits of a particular woman known as the Fiend." The name came out with a biting edge, knowing full well the title suited the woman perfectly. "That woman is my mother." She eyed both of them carefully, knowing they were not likely to trust her. No one ever did when they saw her, and even less when they knew this particular piece of information. "As far as I know, I am neither human nor elf. To be honest, I cannot tell you anything about my lineage, so I cannot precisely tell you what I am." She fingered the haft of her staff for a moment, considering. "I come from Alagaesia. I have lived here all my life. And now I believe I have answered everything you asked, so it is my turn: what are a young woman and dragon doing braving the sandstorms of the Hadarac, so close to the monstrosity the Fiend created?" She knew fully well it was Allecia who had created the Shade Rider, as well as several of her more powerful servants. Once her mother set her mind to something, Pandora knew there was precious little she could ever do to prevent it.

[Trinn]

The Fiend? Yes, that name did sound familiar. A name parents whispered to their kids to make them behave, or said around campfires to put a chill down someone's spine. The Fiend was a fictional character though, made for the sole purpose of terror and spooky fun. Yet Pandora claimed this creature from all these whispered stories was in fact real, and her mother? That might explain the uneasy feeling Tally felt when looking at her. Her fingers fidgeted on the hilt of her sword as Pandora spoke. Everything she said sound unbelievable, and yet, if someone wanted to lie, why would they lie with these absurd truths?
I believe she is telling us the truth, Tally. Erath whispered. It seems we will be poorly matched against her, either way.

Tally watched Pandora for a second longer before lowering her sword. "Thank you." she said, and finally felt able to smile a nervous smile. "For telling us the truth. You didn't have to, but you did. My name is Talia Celesti, and my bond is Erath Celesti. We hail from the Gladia Celesti tribe in Surda. And since you spoke honestly to me, then I will speak honestly with you." Tally paused, her smile vanishing quickly. "I came to the desert in search of a weapon that will help me strike down the evil that is breeding here, namely, Katriana Shade rider. My mother is... was Marola, Morzan the foresworn's daughter, rider of Rauthr. She was murdered by Katriana and I seek retribution, not only for my mothers death, but for all of the other deaths that have been done by the shade's foul hand. But with this sword... this rusting, useless piece of metal, I can do nothing!" Tally's voice had been rising heatedly as she spoke. Now, in a fit of anger, Tally chucked her sword at the ground, and to her dismay, the blade shattered. Rust flew in all directions, and so it felt too did Tally's heart. Tears stung at her eyes, and she hated that she was acting like a child. Cortel wouldn't have done that. "Forgive me." she said softly.

Erath leaned forward and placed his snout comfortingly on her shoulder. Tally had not cried over her mother since the day she had died. It was as if speaking of her mothers death aloud had broken the wall she had built up, and left her feeling angry and blind. She felt embarrassed to have acted out in front of Pandora, who probably didn't care one way or the other.

[Tismri]

Pandora listened carefully to the child's words, her heart both thrilled and saddened by them. Such courage was rare these days, to face a horrid and powerful creature like a Shade. Yet she was saddened, because she knew the source of Talia's woes was the woman Pandora called "mother." As long as Allecia lived the world would never be at peace, yet Pandora neither could nor would strike her down. She'd loved the woman once, and remnants of that love still remained.

"The desert seems a strange place to search for a weapon," she commented. "Yet I think I may be able to help you find one. We will have to wait for this storm to let up, though." The wind was still blowing, and the visibility beyond the cave was quite limited. She returned to her sitting position against the cave wall, placing her box carefully beside her. "You are quite ambitious to be seeking the Shade Rider by yourselves. Ambitious and foolish. Katriana would destroy you before you even had a chance to strike, and I wouldn't doubt her great beast of a dragon would swallow you both whole." She pulled her wings forward around her, placing her hand atop the cursed box. "You claim to seek retribution, but is that truly what drives you? What are your motivations for your pursuit? For with unworthy cause, ambition can lead to destruction."

[Trinn]

Tally stared at the shattered remnants of her sword, her hope dwindling further and further away. She looked sharply at the winged woman when she said she may be able to help. A bloom of light seemed to appear in Tally's soul, her hope returned. "Erath and I do not plan of facing the shade rider alone. We have a plan, although as of now, we are the only one's who know of it. We will seek the other dragon riders, encourage them to all strike at one together. That, to me, seems the only way. A select group will have to search out Katriana. Erath and I will be among that select group." Feeling awkward speaking to someone who was sitting down, Tally decided to sit as well. This seemed much more comfortable and amiable. "You ask also about my cause. I seek to bring judgment to katriana, for all the wrongs she has done not only to me and my family, but to everyone else she has ever harmed. I would like to think that there is a shred of good in every living soul... but in Katriana? I don't think any light has touched that soul, or rather souls, in a very long time. Only with her death can there be peace." Tally looked fully into Pandora's eyes. "Perhaps you still doubt me. I won't let that stop me. With or without your help, I will find this weapon. A werecat approached me after my mothers death and told me to search the golden shifting sands of the hadarac. He said it was here that I would find a weapon that would aid my quest for peace. So here I am. I don't know about you, but when a werecat tells you something, it is best to listen."

[Tismri]

Pandora considered Tally's words at length, understanding the girl's plan, but not quite agreeing with it. There would be much difficulty along this road, she could foresee. Even with the help she had in mind, Tally's mission had only a limited chance of success, and that was if the arbiters of fate chose not to intervene. Still, she was young, and Pandora had to remind herself that the young had to learn.

"Tell me, Talia," Pandora said after several moments of silence, "You claim that you believe there is no longer any goodness in the Shade's soul. But what do you know of the woman who was named Katriana? The woman who Vanilor hatched for, and chose to be his Rider? Shades do not lose the memory of their former lives upon their transformation. They are tormented by it constantly as the spirits summoned seize all control. Most Shades make prisoners of their hosts; however, Katriana does seem different. She has maintained her sense of self. But do you believe the woman to be as malevolent as the Shade?"

[Trinn]

Tally had to ponder Pandora's question for a few minutes. It was true that she didn't know very much about who Katriana had been. She only really knew that the woman had been a servant of Galbatorix, faithful and loyal to the end. Many had thought she was dead, until she rose up as the Shade rider. Still, the fact that she did retain a sense of self and still committed terrible acts of violence and madness only further convinced Tally that she was evil.

"I think there was a point in this woman's life where her intentions were pure and honest. Perhaps she feels she has been wronged somehow, and that is why she is acting out so maliciously. But if it's true what you say, that she is not being controlled as a shade, that she is still herself, then doesn't that just mean she is worse than a shade? Shades are notorious for their evil. So then, a person who chooses to act like a shade and use the powers of a shade... well doesn't that mean she is worse than evil?" Tally truly wanted to know, for she did not understand it. "And the dragon, Vanilor... Why does he not stop his rider from committing her heinous acts? Perhaps he is not so noble, nor good. There are plenty of examples with the forsworn. Not every dragon has good intentions. Nor every rider."

[Tismri]

Pandora smiled as Tally came to her conclusions. She seemed firm in her beliefs, but not beyond correction. She couldn't help but hope that the rest of her generation were the same.

"Although she has retained her name and her memories, I doubt Katriana herself is fully in control of her own actions. I believe it is because she is a Rider that her soul remained self aware. But the spirits within her have corrupted her, pulling her to commit heinous acts that likely would have reviled her on her own. Beyond that, it has interfered with the connection between her and her dragon." She glanced back and forth between girl and dragon for a moment. "You two are yet young, but can you imagine if the bond between you two was suddenly privy to thousands of other beings, all of whom have ill intentions? It cannot be easy for her; I believe the part of the Shade that is still truly Katriana deeply regrets having become what she is." She looked out the mouth of the cave, seeing that the wind was starting to lessen, though it still would not be wise to brave the storm.

"My point is essentially that no person is wholly good, nor wholly evil. Everyone has their own reasons for making certain choices, and the consequences are often regretful." She gazed down at her box for a long moment. "This is a fact I must remind myself of constantly."

[Trinn]

"There was a time when I thought the same thing." Tally told Pandora. "That there was something good in every creature to begin with. I feel somewhat sad for Katriana, if it is true that she is being tormented. But how else to end her suffering than to end her life?" She looked back at Erath, and he blinked at her in return. No, they could never let so many voices between them, it was unfathomable. The dragon Vanilor, how he truly must be suffering. She knew Erath could not disown her no matter what, as she could never disown him. Feeling saddened, Tally watched as Pandora looked down at the strange box. "What do you keep in that box?" she asked curiously, reaching a hand toward it to touch the enticing looking lid.

[Tismri]

Pandora nodded at Tally's conclusion. There came a time when the only way to relieve suffering and prevent more was to end lives. But it was often easier said than done. She knew Katriana would not take lightly to the thought of being killed, no matter her own personal agony. As for the one who caused the suffering to begin with, Pandora knew she could never bring herself to kill her mother. Somewhere, deep in her heart, in spite of everything she had done, she still loved Allecia.

She pulled herself out of her reverie when she noticed Talia reaching for her box. She quickly pulled it away, firmly grasping it in her hands. Her expression betrayed her fear and anger, her hatred of the box that she had to guard.

"Suffering," she replied to Tally's question. "Ill fortune, and misery. This box holds a curse that I must keep from others, a legacy that I refuse to follow."

[Trinn]

How could a box hole all of that? Was it a cursed weapon, a spell woven to unleash when the lid of the box came undone? Though Tally knew she should leave it at that, somehow she wanted to know more, to see inside the box. "A curse?" she asked, eyeing the box. "Could we use it against the shade rider and her army?" A gift, Tally thought. Perhaps they could send the box into the midst of the army and let whatever curse rested inside unleash among the shades. That seemed to easy, though, and Tally doubted that Pandora would part an inch from the box. A sudden squeaking filled the cavern, and little tufts of brown darted by. She and Erath watched the mice bound away towards the mouth of the cave. "The storm!" Tally explained, forgetting the box as she rose quickly to her feet. "It must be over! Pandora, you said you might be able to help me find that weapon. Are you still willing to lend me your aid?"