|
|
Post by Trinn on Apr 19, 2015 22:57:41 GMT -5
The grand city of New Doru Arabea loomed below them. Dragons of all sizes and colors lofted through the winds above the city, keeping watch. Somewhere in the city were Cherilyn and Cordelia's masters, Tismri and Ismrolde. The summons had come the day before. There was a new mission to be had, and she and Cordelia had been called to action. Lately they had been diplomatic envoys into Alagaesia. There were many peoples who needed to see the presence of a "good" dragon rider to hearten their moral and give them reassurance. Beyond that, there were always riders needed in both the capitals of Alagaesia and Surda. King Orrin in particular had become grouchy and hard to please, not wanting to spare any of his troops to aid in the fight. Cherilyn with all of her tact and knowledge had managed to persuade the king that his help would sway the outcome of the war. He seemed to love compliments and groveling, so she had smothered her pride and delivered those things quite convincingly. Small Surda had joined the fight, and Cherilyn desperately hoped that the number of deaths to that country were not too great. Otherwise, Orrin would probably forever keep out of the politics of Alagesia.
It was from Surda that Cherily and Cordelia were returning now. The sea blue dragon angled down towards the hall of the elders. She wondered which master she would meet inside, and what the purpose of the mission were to be. A clatter of talons and a flurry of wind announced Cordelia's landing. Thankfully an easy flight back. she mentioned to her bond.
Yes. But the wind smells tense. I think we will not have so easy a time in the future. Cherilyn frowned at Cordelia's cryptic response but could not think of what to say in return. Rider and dragon walked into the arching hall. Most of the structures had been built with dragons twice the size of Coredlia in mind. So it was with ease that Cordelia strode into the hall with her rider. Another rider stood at the far end of the grand hall, build out of white marble. Curling pillars lined the hall, and stained windows depicting different dragons set in the walls between the pillars. At the far end of the hall was a dais where a long ornate table had been placed. Ten chairs rested behind it. Currently, only one elder sat there.
"Rider Cherilyn, Cordelia. I'm glad to see you both returned unscathed." Trinn stood and gestured for them to approach. "The others should be arriving soon." Cherilyn lifted an eyebrow. The others?
"Do you perhaps mean Elda Tismri? I had hoped to see her."
"Indeed, I do expect her to arrive shortly." Cherilyn smiled. It would have been a shame not to be able to see her old mentor. before departing again.
|
|
|
|
Post by Tismri on Apr 19, 2015 23:29:10 GMT -5
OOC: I see the name Cordelia and I can't help but think of the Fire Emblem character. She's one of my favorites.
Stefan stood in the saddle on Jueru's back, gazing at the city below him. It was marvelous what Eragon had been able to due in only sixteen years. Bromsland was a thriving location, and filled with more dragons than he had ever believed he would see.
SIT DOWN! Jueru snapped at him as he began his descent. Stefan gave a small smile as he slipping into the seat.
If I didn't know any better, I'd say you no longer wanted me to experience fun, he commented. He'd loosened up considerably over the years since Galbatorix's defeat, but he still had a habit of being stiff and formal when Jueru thought he should relax.
Fun is not falling off my back and plummeting to your death, the peridot dragon huffed as they approached the building. Trinn had called them back from their visit with Orik and the dwarves, though she gave no explanation for the sudden summons. He could only figure than an emergency situation had arisen.
As they entered, Jueru gave an unexpectedly enthusiastic bugle and charged across the room, causing Stefan to yelp and grab ahold of the neck spikes in front of him.
Cordelia! Jueru called out happily. It has been a long time...too long. How have you and your bond been? Stefan steadied himself from the jolt and climbed out of the saddle, rounding about Jueru to see...her.
His heart hammered with a tempo he hadn't realized it was capable of. He hadn't seen her in many long years. Not since she had rescued him from Galbatorix. Her kindness and self-sacrifice had affected him so strongly back then that his true name had changed, and he was able to escape from the mad king. But soon after, their duties had caused this separation.
He still remembered...remembered their weapon practices. He remembered how she taught him how to read, and how together they learned the elven script. He remembered all the training and all the talks.
"Cherilyn..." he said in a quiet voice, trying to keep himself composed.
~~~~~
Tismri entered the room silently behind Trinn, watching the scene before her. It was heartwarming, and she fondly remembered teaching these two so many years ago. She didn't desire to interrupt their reunion quite yet.
|
|
|
|
Post by Trinn on Apr 20, 2015 21:08:43 GMT -5
OOC: I don't remember that character! But I do love me some Fire Emblem
A sudden bugling caused Cherilyn and Cordelia to turn their heads. A familiar looking green dragon raced towards them, seeming quite exuberant. And then Cordelia began acting peculiar. The dragon arched her neck and trumpeted at the other, then dashed a step forward to meet him and bite playfully at his wing bone. Jueru! I am thrilled by your presence. Too long indeed, friend.
Jueru? Cordelia knew the name well, which meant... She sucked in her breath as Stefan came around his dragon. Had it really been sixteen years ago since she had seen him last? Somehow all those years seemed to melt away as she looked at him, and it was as if she were back in Surda newly bonded and teaching Stefan to read, and he teaching her to fight. He had been her best friend. She had done everything in her power to save his life, too. But somehow no matter all of that, they had separated and fate destined them to be apart. Cherilyn remembered how sad she had been, saying goodbye to him. But soon after the excitement of learning under Tismri caught hold of her. Somehow, Stefan had been pushed to the back of her mind. The knowledge of that pained her greatly. She wanted to reach out and hug him and laugh, or maybe cry. Her emotions in regards to him were a tumult.
Instead of acting out in any uncouth way, Cherilyn composed herself and remembered that she was a dragon rider, sixteen years in the saddle. "Rider Stefan. I'm pleased to see you." she said in response, her voice just as quiet. "You look well." She added, and gave him a little smile, though she wanted to grab his hand and drag him off to tell him all about their sixteen years apart. Her mouth opened, wanting to say so much more. However, the presence of the two elders at the fore of the room reminded her again of where she was, and she closed her mouth and turned to look at Trinn and Tismri. Besides, did Stefan feel the same towards her? Would he still care about her after all these years, the way she still felt about him? Best to act on the safe side, lest she place herself in a position for emotional pain.
***
Trinn watched the meeting of the young riders and dragons closely. She crossed her arms and wondered if it were wise to pair them together. It seemed there were many emotions floating back and forth between Cherilyn and Stefan, unspoken. The tenseness between them almost seemed to shimmer in the air. I hope this is wise, sending them out together. I know you had said they worked well together before, but sixteen years can change many things. Trinn spoke confidentially to Tismri through her mind.
|
|
|
|
Post by Tismri on Apr 20, 2015 21:35:19 GMT -5
Jueru gave a playful nip at Cordelia's tail in reply to her. He'd missed her greatly, and not just the same way Stefan had missed Cherilyn--though that was also a significant part of it. The two of them had been playmates, hatchlings together, and they had spent much of their earliest days together.
You must tell me all that's happened during this mission, he told her. I know our responsibilities took us our separate ways, but I still feel it was cruel. Having mentioned the mission, he took a moment to turn his attention back to the elder Riders in the room, knowing he would have time to catch up with his friend later.
Stefan's expression remained softly stoic as Cherilyn greeted him. There was something formal about her air; sixteen years apart had caused their friendship to change. But he remembered how he had felt about her when last they saw one another, and those feelings were rushing back with greater intensity. Absence makes the heart grow fonder, he thought.
"You look well, as does Cordelia," he replied to her. He wanted to reach out for her hand, but the combination of the time apart and the presence of the elders kept him from doing so. Besides that, he was unsure how exactly she felt about him.
Tismri had a faint smile as Trinn expressed her concerns over this mission. She watched the nervous air between the two young Riders. Dear friend, years and even decades apart will change many things. But there are some things that no amount of time apart can change. Sidheon in particular was in the forefront of her mind, and everything he had been through. Yet she knew through all the years, even from the time they had been young Riders themselves, his feelings toward her had never changed. She doubted Trinn would fully understand, though. She probably still only remembered his betrayal.
"Well, now that we are all here, I suppose it is time we tell you of your mission."
|
|
|
|
Post by Trinn on Apr 20, 2015 22:06:04 GMT -5
"Yes, quite right." Trinn agreed. She unfolded her arms and placed her hands on the table before her. "The war the shade is campaigning is picking up speed. Left and right she lays villages and towns to waste. Soon it will be our larger cities, and eventually, all but the capital will have fallen. We need every ounce of Alageasia's strength to win this war. We have gathered the elves, the dwarves, the Surdans, even the Ismalians. However, there is one group that remains ambiguous. The Urgal clans." Trinn caught Cherilyn raising her eyebrows incredulously. The girl would know that trying to unite the urgals together again would be a trying task. "We have chose the two of you for various reasons. Cherilyn, you happen to be one of the few riders who speak Urgralian, thanks to Tismri's tutelage. Stefan, you are a brave and mighty warrior who has proven himself countless times in battle. The two of you together should not have too hard a time rousting the urgals to our cause. The spine is where you'll want to start looking for them."
~~~
Cherilyn was skeptical. The only reason the Ugals gathered together during the empire war was because Galbatorix had been using black magic on them. Urgals were territorial and stubborn at best; murderous and blood thirsty at the worst. To gather them together again would take a great deal of tact, patience, and a hard head. The urgals may even look at the riders as enemies without giving them a chance to explain. After all, it was a dragon rider who enslaved them to begin with. "As you wish, Elders. Though I dare say you have given us quite the daunting task." She glanced askew at Stefan, wondering what he would make of all of this.
OOC: Is this lame? I feel like this is lame. lol
|
|
|
|
Post by Tismri on Apr 20, 2015 22:36:44 GMT -5
OOC: It's not terribly lame. We haven't done much with Urgals, and this does give us something to do.
Stefan crossed his arms as the listened to Trinn's description of the mission at hand. He remembered fighting against the Urgals in Farthen Dur; he also remembered fighting by their sides through the remainder of the war. It was true, they were stubborn. However, they knew they had to be united when their eradication was at hand. And since they now shared in the chance to become Dragon Riders, their part in the world was becoming more important. Though their bonded were few in number, Stefan hoped that would help ease their hearts toward Riders and strangers in general.
He glanced at Cherilyn, knowing that she would be doing most of the negotiating. His immediate concern was that they might try to harm her, and his hand twitched toward his sword involuntarily. He would never allow any harm to come to her, no matter the cost.
"I understand," he replied. "We will do all in our power to bring the Urgals to our cause. It is best we do this now, before the Shade uses some unholy sorcery to rally them to her side."
"Remember," Tismri commented. "The Urgals are people who prize strength. Prove your power and honor to them, but do not intimidate them. We want to prove that their old allies are still worthy of their support."
|
|
|
|
Post by Trinn on May 2, 2015 14:00:15 GMT -5
"We will do all in our power to persuade the Urgralian to our sides, ebrithil's." Cherilyn proclaimed. The task before her was somewhat nerve wracking, but she knew she would have Cordelia by her side. And with the added strength of Stefan and Jueru, the urgals would not prove to be too much of a threat.
"Very good." Trinn stated. "Your task begins now. Prove to the urgals the merit of the Dragon Riders of Bromsland. Their strength will surely help us all." Heeding the dismissal, Cherilyn bowed to her elders and withdrew from the hall, back out into the brilliant sunshine. Summer was fast approaching, and the winds were beginning to turn warm and sultry. She breathed in deeply and paused on the landing square outside the hall. Cordelia twitched her tail and chirped at Jueru excitedly. Cherilyn rubbed her hands together, feeling suddenly timid with Stefan nearby.
"Cordelia and I will need to make preparations. We should be ready in an hour. We will meet you outside the woods of meditation?"
|
|
|
|
Post by Tismri on May 9, 2015 19:02:07 GMT -5
Stefan bowed at Trinn's dismissal, and Tismri gave the four of them a brief blessing in the ancient language. He left with Cherilyn and their dragons, and he took in the warm spring air. He watched for a moment as Jueru gave a playful nip at Cordelia, sensing how much his dragon had missed this friend. He turned to Cherilyn when he heard her quiet voice; he felt a degree of awkwardness between them. The years apart had tried to change their friendship, but he was determined to return to the place they'd left off.
"Of course. Jueru and I must do the same." He studied her eyes for a moment. "We will see you in an hour." He mounted the peridot dragon, but gazed down at her for another moment. "It is good to see you again, Cherilyn," he told her. The briefest of smiles touched his lips as Jueru bounded off to their residence to prepare for the journey.
|
|
|
|
Post by Trinn on Aug 13, 2015 21:09:12 GMT -5
OOC: A little fast forwarding!
The third night of their journey brought across the border and into Alagaesia. Cordelia touched down in a peaceful glade, the trees sparse enough to allow the two large dragons space to land. Cherilyn looked around with a critical eye, looking for anything out of the ordinary. The shade and her minions hadn't wandered this far east yet, if the numerous reports were to be relied upon. The shade army was spreading west, towards the capital city, and north, towards the ancient forest. Her gaze traveled south, towards Surda, where her life as a dragon rider had begun. Felling melancholy, she recalled how young and ignorant she had really been, full of dreams she knew nothing about. Still, she had become more than she had ever hoped. At the same time, she missed her family, especially her brother. Her duties had taken her so far away. They had even taken her away from Stefan, her partner in learning. She could still remember how painful the news had been, that they were forced to separate and begin different paths. She departed with Tismri, and he with Trinn. Cherilyn glanced towards Stefan now, and found herself smiling faintly. It felt good just to be near him again, although not quite normal yet.
Are you going to daydream all night? Cordelia asked of her rider. The sea-blue dragon looked back at Cherilyn coyly.
Sorry... I did get a little trapped in my thoughts. Well, you know why better than anyone! I don't need to explain myself.
True enough. Still, I'd like to get this saddle off for the night. I've had an atrocious itch under the right strap and I really hope you'd oblige me. Smirking at her bond, Cherilyn quickly dismounted and began unsaddling the dragon. The process did not take too long, and soon the saddle was set carefully aside. Moving to Cordelia's right side, she found the exact spot of the itch and, lifting the scale up slightly, rubbed the spot ferociously. Cordelia crooned and stretched her neck out.
Marvelous.. "You're welcome." Cherilyn said aloud. "We'll clean your scales tomorrow. We rode longer today than I thought we would and Stefan and I should eat and then get settled for the night." As she spoke she eyed the darkening sky and wondered if it would be necessary to post a watch tonight.
"Stefan," she asked, walking around Coredlia to stand in the middle of their camp, "Now that we're in Alagaesia again, do you think we should take turns sleeping? We've had no reports of hostiles this far, but there could be a scouting party."
|
|
|
|
Post by Tismri on Aug 13, 2015 21:31:46 GMT -5
The flight from Surda had thus far been a quiet one, and Stefan was still having a difficult time around Cherilyn. He had never been much for talking, and his attempts had conversation had met with failure, words dying on the tip of his tongue. Jueru was faring much better, talking to and playing with Cordelia as they flew.
On the third night, they landed in a still glade; Stefan dismounted and removed Jueru's saddle before setting about making a campfire. He noticed Cherilyn seemed to be taking her time settling in, and he had the fire burning nicely by the time she came toward him. He considered her question for a moment.
"That would be a good idea," he told her. "We can't take the reported peace for granted." The soldier part of him was already on alert, expecting an attack at any moment. Still, he did his best to relax, not wanting her to worry about an attack that likely would not come.
The awkwardness returned to him again as he gazed at her, several different things coming to mind to ask her about, but nothing coming. At last he managed to ask, "What have you done over the years?"
Progress, Jueru said with a snort before he turned to Cordelia. We should look for prey during our flight tomorrow. I don't know about you, but I'm beginning to get hungry.
|
|
|
|
Post by Trinn on Aug 13, 2015 22:03:02 GMT -5
Stefan's awkwardness threatened to engulf Cherilyn. She did her best to ignore it, and tried to act as normally as possible. That he was awkward at all meant he must think her important in some way, otherwise he would not be so careful with his words. She was placing a small pot over the fire and throwing chunks of meat and carrots in when Stefan decided to ask her a question. She glanced up at him, then back to the stew. "Well, many things. Tismri really helped my love of knowledge flourish. She understood me in a way that I don't think many people did." she glanced up at him again and added, "Well, you always did too. But I think you two are the only ones. We would travel to many different place, Tismri and I, and I mastered the art of reading and riding at the same time. More difficult than you might think!" she laughed slightly as she remembered trying to wrestle with the pages. Magic was a key element there. "She also taught me how to better wield a sword. I was already fairly decent from what you had taught me. She had complimented my form and stances." The stew just had to cook now, so Cheriln sat back on her heels to wait. "In the beginning I would always tell Tismri that it was because of you that I was any good at using a sword. Oh!" she exclaimed, and quickly stood and raced over to Cordelia's discarded saddle. She had placed her sword and sword belt nearby. Grabbing the sword and sheath, she returned to the fire and drew the sword from it's scabbard. "We had also gone on a journey to find brightsteel. This is the result."
Her riders sword shimmered like the sea under the sun. The deep blue ran down the middle of the sword, while the edges were a lighter shade of blue, like the water near the surface on a sunny day. The cross guard was fashioned in the form of a wave on either end. The hilt was engraved with a glyph in the ancient language, and set in the pommel was a dark blue sapphire. "This is my riders blade, Draumr." She hoped that showing him her sword would help bring him back out of the shell he had placed himself in. Perhaps this would be enough to help them remember themselves again.
OOC: It took me forever to think of a name for that sword!
|
|
|
|
Post by Tismri on Aug 14, 2015 18:31:23 GMT -5
Stefan listened as Cherilyn avidly described her adventures during their time apart, a slight smile appearing as he thought of her journeys. He was mildly embarrassed at the praise she showered on him for the lessons he'd given her with the sword long ago, though he was glad she had taken his lessons to heart.
He gazed at the sword she presented to him, taking in its iridescent shimmer. The blue blade seemed to almost glow of its own accord; he knew all Riders' swords were made in such a way, but it was still amazing to see for oneself. He smiled at the way she expertly handled the weapon. Gone were her shy and clumsy days, where uncertainty had limited her potential.
"It is beautiful," he told her, gazing at the weapon thoughtfully. "Trinn and I searched for brightsteel as well, but that trip did not meet our expectations." He let the comment hang for a moment before he retrieved and revealed his own new sword. "It exceeded them. We found enough starmetal to make blades for a half-dozen Riders. We left it hidden, though. Trinn had consulted with Eragon, and they decided that a good test for the young Riders to prove that they were worthy of such a blade would be that they search for the steel themselves." He drew the pale green blade from its sheath, where it glittered in the firelight. They symbol that rested in the center of the blade was the elven glyph for Wyrda.
"I've also been practicing my reading and writing," he continued. He was finally beginning to feel more relaxed. "It has gotten much easier over the years. I would never have gotten this far without your help, though. Trinn was surprised at the progress I'd made with your help."
|
|
|
|
Post by Trinn on Aug 14, 2015 22:02:54 GMT -5
"Wonderful!" Cherilyn exclaimed when Stefan revealed his own riders blade. She was thrilled that he was able to create one as well. He deserved a sword of that caliber, as skilled and dedicated as he was. Wyrda was beautiful to boot. It glittered like a precious gem next the fire. She glanced at Jueuro and admired the way his scales and the blade complimented each other. Cordlia was cozied up next to Jueru, laying like a cat with her front feet tucked in under her. She and Jueru had seemed to be growing closer each day. Apparently dragons didn't ever feel awkward, no matter what relationships they developed or became detached to.
"I'm very glad you continued learning to read and write. It is an immensely valuable tool to have. We riders are more than just warriors, as Galbatorix had led everyone to believe. We're scholars too." Rolling Draumr in her hand, Cherilyn was struck with a sudden idea. "However, since we cannot pit our skills in reading against each other, how about a spar? I would find great pleasure in being able to knock you down, Stefan." She gave him a challenging smile and lifted an eyebrow.
~~
Yes, a hunt tomorrow should be in order. I will take down the bigger prey this time Jueru. Cordelia blinked slowly, growing drowsy. She draped her neck over her nest mates and sleepily watched the interaction between the riders. Why they played stupid and avoided the clear issue at hand made no sense to her draconic mind. Humans are strange. she commented to Jueru.
|
|
|
|
Post by Tismri on Aug 15, 2015 14:09:22 GMT -5
Stefan gave Cherilyn a sly smile at her challenge. He wanted to see how her skills had grown over the years. He was sure she was must better with her blade than she'd been when they had last sparred.
"I'm sure you would," he replied to her last statement, standing with Wyrda before him, preparing to block the razor sharp edges with magic. "However, I doubt you will best me so easily. You're not the only one who has been practicing over the years." Once he'd made the edges safe for their spar, he dropped into a ready stance. "En garde."
Jueru settled with Cordelia, keeping his eyes open to watch their Riders and the surrounding area. Though he was tired, he knew someone needed to keep an eye out, in case the Shade's army was watching the border of Bromsland. All two-legs are strange, he agreed with his nest-mate. But at times I feel I chose the strangest of them all. He snorted in amusement; though Stefan vexed and confused him at time, he never once doubted his choice in Rider.
|
|
|
|
Post by Trinn on Aug 15, 2015 14:59:59 GMT -5
Cherilyn spoke the ancient words that would dull the keen edge of Draumr, then sank into an offensive stance. Stefan would probably still have an edge on her. He was the warrior here, though she seen battle herself. She eyed him thoughtfully, noting his perfect posture, the fine way his muscles pushed on certain parts of his clothes. "I'm glad you've been keeping your skills sharp," she said with a smirk, "you'll be more of a challenge that way!" Cherilyn struck from her position and jabbed at his right shoulder, before drawing back and jabbing again faster and faster. She was using these easy attacks to see how well Stefan's reflexes were.
|
|
