Knurla and Älfa

[Tismri]

Iorruna sat upon a wall next to the second-highest gate in Tarnag. She gazed out at the populated streets below. Dwarves of all shapes and sizes hurried about their business. The Quan in their black robes, the Az Swelden rak Anhuin with their purple veils and their shifting eyes. And then the proud Vrenshrrgn with their wolf head helmets. These last sometimes glanced up her way and gave her friendly greetings. She brushed back her messy hair and gazed up at the sun.

She gave a relaxed sigh, relieved to be back. She may have lived among other elves for most of the last decade, but Du Weldenvarden could never be her home. Tarnag was where she had lived for ninety years, it was where she'd grown up. And despite being of an entirely different race, this was where her family was.

From behind her, Finiarel nudged her back with a low whine. He was a young Shrrg she had found abandoned in the mountains as a pup around a year back. Since Evandar and Hrorik were now too old to hunt, she had desired a new companion. She perfectly trained her new wolf, and he now followed her everywhere. Finiarel was already as large as a horse and as black as midnight, with golden eyes that reflected any light that shined upon them.

"You are anxious for adventure, too?" She stood and scratched the Shrrg behind the ear while he leaned down to lick her face. "Then come, Menthiv. Let us see what awaits us in this city." Together, they exited the gate to explore the grand city.

[Trinn]

Hot fragrant juice dribbled down Kili's chin and across his knuckles as he bit into the golden crust of a meat pie he had purchased from a nearby vendor. He savored the bite and chewed slowly. Although he was a rider, Kili had been raised on meat as a crucial part of his diet. As it were, his time with the riders in New Doru Arabea had significantly changed his outlook on meat in general, and he had chosen to cut back on his consumption of animal flesh drastically. However, despite his heightened intelligence on the matter, the dwarf still ate meat as a treat every so often. Even as he swallowed the first bite, he could feel a sense of smugness waft across his mental connection with Joro. The dragon thought it silly to forgo meat, therefore whenever Kili indulged in a savory bit of animal, Joro felt gratified and smug.

I'm choosing to eat this tasty morsel of mine own volition, beasty. Kili scoffed at Joro. he could almost sense the dragon heave his great golden shoulders in an indifferent shrug. Bah. Even if I were the mightiest of elves, with your insatiable hunger for meat, I would be bound to consume an animal every now and then. He could sense Joro's coughing-like laugh, and couldn't help but smirk himself.

He was just swallowing another bite of meat pie when he almost choked on it halfway down. "What in blazes!?" he exclaimed to himself. Flowing through the crowded streets was a young elf maiden, as striking as any of her kind, and following closely on her heels was a great shrrg. The nearby dwarves left a wide radius around her, and he could not blame them. Curious what she was up to and why she was being followed by a shrrg, Kili shoved the last bite of pie into his mouth, checked to see that his axe was loose on his back for easy drawing, and then made his way over to the elf. He felt Joro's elevation decline, and new the dragon was positioning himself into an easier place to attack from, should the need arise.

Kili stepped into the elf maids path and help up his hand to forestall her from moving any farther. Remembering his manners, he hastily wiped the grease from his chin and hands, then belatedly placed two fingers on his lips and said, "Atra esterni ono thelduin". He knew he risked offending the elf if he did not greet her in her kins traditional manner. He calmly waited for her reply, the whole while making sure to keep an eye on the great shaggy shrrg behind her.

[Tismri]

Iorruna made her way through the streets with Finiarel following close behind. The residents of Tarnag gave her and the Shrrg a wide berth. Most of the dwarves who were not of her clan often ignored or avoided her, and even the Vrenshrrgn were wary of her wolf. Because of this, she was surprised to be approached by a rather handsome dwarf. He stood out among the others for his unusual height--though he was still short compared to men and elves; in addition, his beard was kept very short and trimmed. He did not seem hostile, but suspicious of her. Finiarel stopped beside her, lowering his ears and emitting a protective growl. She placed a hand gently on his neck and whispered some soothing words.
"Worry not, friend," she told the wolf. "I believe he means no harm." She then turned to the dwarf and was surprised by the elven greeting he spoke. She considered for half a moment how to respond before she replied.
"Atra du evarinya ono varda," she continued the custom, following in dwarvish,"Derundann. I admit, it is surprising to find a knurla who knows elvish traditions. What is your name, friend, and your clan?"

[Trinn]

The elf responded amiably enough, and Kili was gratified by her use of proper dwarvish language. She might be an odd stone, but who was he to judge? "Mine name is Kili Skybound, Rider of Joro Gemwing". He hesitated as he thought of how to answer her second question. While he still belonged to his clan, many of the knurlan made it clear they did not want him among them, let alone to claim him as theirs. He was unsure if he even wanted to be part of any clan any more. Kili felt a great separation between himself and other knurlan. Still, as he had not been formally banished from his clan, he decided to answer honestly.

"Az Sweldn rak Anhuin is the clan of which I belong." He made a sour face, knowing the irony of it. He was a dragon rider and belonged to the one clan that most vehemently spurned them. However he brightened, thinking that the elf maid probably did not know much of the different clans or what they stood for. Therefore he smiled and relaxed. "Now is my turn to ask questions, elf kin. Why in the name of Guntera is there a Shrrg following you about. In all my years I've naught seen the like." Kili scratched as his short beard wonderingly. Glancing above, he noticed a golden flash as Joro wheeled in short circles above them.

[Tismri]

Iorruna was pleasantly surprised when the dwarf, Kili, told her that he was a Rider. Bonds between knurlan and dragons were still few and far between, but their existence encouraged her. Perhaps with the closer ties between these two races, the dwarves and elves would grow closer too. The gap between the two cultures proved distressing to her. Ever since her clan decided to reveal her to the world, she began to feel torn. The elves wanted her to be a proper member of their proud race, and she could understand their view. To the rest of the races, she represented one of them; her actions and mannerisms, however, were so entirely different that they feared she would bring shame upon them all.

On the other hand, she was not comfortable living and acting as an elf. They were too stiff, too slow. Like porcelain dolls that would break if they moved too quickly. She could not stand it. She enjoyed letting her hair down, drinking boisterously with her clanmates. Her fondest memories were of learning how to hunt with her adoptive father Hrorik before he grew too old for such outings. Although she had learned the sanctity of life during her time in Du Weldenvarden, the thrill of the hunt still called to her. She had since decided to hunt only creatures that posed a danger to people.

Her wandering mind was drawn back to the present when Kili announced that he was of the clan Az Swelden rak Anhuin. She was shocked that they had allowed a Dragon Rider to remain as a member. She recalled when they had plotted the murder of Eragon. They hated all outsiders, and she knew they considered her an outsider as well. She smiled sadly at Kili's ironic fate, and in her heart wished him the best of fortune.

When he asked about her Shrrg, she patted the black beast on the neck again, smiling proudly. "Ah, this is Finiarel, my companion. I found him as an abandoned pup near Buragh some months back. Poor thing was nearly starved to death." The Shrrg gave her a playful lick and finally relaxed, though he kept his eyes fixed firmly on Kili, only occasionally looking up at the golden gleam circling above them.

"Oh, and where are mine manners?" she continued. "I've not introduced myself. I am Iorruna, of Durgrimst Vrenshrrgn." She continued to smile at him, curious to see how he would react to her announcement.

[Trinn]

Kili supposed he couldn't blame Iorunna for taking in the wolf. In the past, before his identity melded with Joro's, Kili would have taken a lone wolf pups life without a second thought. Though it was sad and pitiful, most dwarves knew the dangers a Shrrg possessed, and did not toy with the idea of raising one as a pet. Now, however, with the knowledge of the ancient language and dragon riders, Kili knew he would spare a little pups life just as Iorunna had. it was probably just her nature as an elf anyway, to protect and nurture life. Yet, when she announced her name and then a clan, he couldn't help but stare slack jawed at had for a moment.

A hearty, booming laugh pealed from his throat, and Kili slapped his knee in good humor. "You continue to impress me!" He exclaimed. Outsiders had become clan members before, Eragon was living testament to that, but it was still always a surprise to hear about it. "Now that I am so intrigued, would you care to join me at mine dwelling and tell me further of how you became a knurlan? Joro is getting bored of flying in circles, and the most comfortable place for him to land is at my home." Kili gestured at the bust streets, especially eyeing the purple veiled dwarves. "Joro landing in these busy streets isn't always appreciated." He was sure she would know his meaning, now that he knew she belonged to a clan. And the wolf clan at that! What could be more appropriate for someone who was followed around by a Shrrg?

[Tismri]

Iorruna smiled pleasantly at Kili's thrill, laughing along with him. Most dwarves would not take so kindly to her membership of their race, but Kili seemed quite a different sort. He was accepting and compassionate. Perhaps his time as a Rider had made him that way, but she thought there had to be some natural kindness to him as well.
"I thank you for the invitation," she told him. "I would be interested in learning more of you as well; I have seen so few knurlan bonded with dragons, and having learned the history of the Riders in Du Weldenvarden, I would love to hear more of what such a life is like." She glanced around at the bustling streets and agreed that a dragon landing in their midst would indeed cause and unpleasant stir. "Lead on, friend."

[Trinn]

"Excellent!" Kili exclaimed, clapping his hands together and rubbing them vigorously. "Follow me, then." Sweeping past Iorunna and her pet, the dwarf strode back towards the outer gates of Tarnag. The city had been built with no dragon in mind, therefore, Kili and Joro had not been able to find a suitable home for themselves within the great city. With a little bit of ingenuity from dragon and rider, the two had been able to craft a dwelling a mile outside of the city. Far enough away that his clan would not always feel intimidated by his presence, or seek him out for trouble. "It's just a little but of a walk." He warned Iorunna and turned to look at her with a solemn eye. He knew she would have no trouble with it. Elves could run five miles and not even be winded.

The other dwarves they walked past ignored the pair, or rather trio, for the most part. But every now and then a knurlan would nod and Kili and mutter a respectable greeting. And the wolf helmed dwarves all seemed very congenial with Iorunna, their adopted clan mate. He burned to know just how she had made her way into the clan. He was sure it would be an interesting story, and he loved interesting stories.

~~~~

The remainder of the trip passed in amiable silence. Kili was unwilling to talk any more until had he a mug od delicious ale to wet his throat. It was a pleasant enough day, and the woods outside thrilled with bird song. The path Kili took skirted the lake that filled the valley, the lake wich fed the Az-Ragni river. It gleaned and sparkles in the afternoon sunlight, and every now and then ripples peppered the surface as fish came up to nibble at the insects above. Kili enjoyed the quiet walk, finding the presence of nature more than enough to fill the time.

At last Kili slowed and gestured. "Here be mine home." Set near the edge of the lake was a great stone dwelling. It was tall, two storied, and was evidently a dwelling, but seemed to flow out of the ground like a natural formation. There was a tall door set in the side of the structure facing to the left of the lake. Above, on the second story, a ledge protruded underneath an overhand,and a great oval door was set behind it. This was where Joro would enter. Ivy and wild flowers climbed over the stone building, creating an even wilder and natural appearance. "Come, come." Said Kili, and led the way inside.

The home was circular in shape. On the first floor was a hearth set in the right side, a table and chairs nearby. Cabinets along that wall were filled with kitchen things. The floor was filled with a warm wolly rug. The walls were bare except for a few tall, rectangular windows which allowed the sunlight to spill in. The first floor seemed rather bare, but Kili didn't need much. There was a bookshelf built into one wall, filled with scrolls and leather bound books he had slowly collected. He was rather proud of his little library. A staircase started at the base if he bookshelf and followed the wall up to the second floor. The second floor was almost directly above them, but Kili had constructed the home with a bit of open space above the hearth. That way Joro could look down and take part in any goings on. Moving to a cabinet, Kili fetched two mugs and filled them with golden ale from a keg near the table. He handed one to Iorunna, and gestured for her to sit at the table. He himself saf, took a long swill of the drink, and sighed contentedly. He opened his mouth to speak, but stopped when a sudden clacking and thumping filled the air. Joro had landed on the ledge above and made his way into the home through the entrance on the second floor. Talons continued to clak until Joro's great Golden head appeared above them, looking down over the edge of the second floor. Kili smiled up at him.

"This is Joro Gemwing. He says he is pleased to meet you.".

[Tismri]

Iorruna followed Kili through the city and beyond. She was unsurprised that his home was outside; Tarnag was clearly built for dwarves. Even she had a hard time moving about comfortably in most of the buildings; a dragon would be hard-pressed to even fit in the streets.

Outside, Finiarel ran wildly, bounding up and down the rocky slopes as sure-footed as a feldunost. Iorruna smiled at his freedom. Within the city, she always had to keep him close at hand, else the dwarves would attack him out of fear.

When they reached Kili's dwelling, Iorruna stopped in stunned amazement. It was stone, as dwarves preferred. It had a ver homey feel even from the outside. But it's structure reminded her of the trees in the elven cities. It seemed to flow almost naturally, with no chisel marks or sign of artificial make. Those two factors left her in awe. This home was the perfect expression of her place in the world. Two cultures so different brought together to make something beautiful.

The inside was just as homey as the outside. She took a seat, gratefully accepting the mug of ale her host offered. Finiarel sniffed around the rug curiously before settling down. Moments later, he was on his feet again as the crashing sound of the dragon landing overhead. The wolf's hackles rose and he growled threateningly. Quickly, Iorruna went next to him, murmuring comfortingly.

"Peace, Menthiv," she told him. "This is a friend." She repeated her words in the ancient language, knowing he would better understand and obey her words. He relaxed, looking up curiously at the dragon through the gap in the ceiling. Iorruna also turned her attention upward.

"Well met, Gemwing," she greeted, bowing to him. "Atra esterni ono thelduin." Despite her dwarvish upbringing, it only felt right to greet a dragon in the traditional elven style.

[Trinn]

Joro inclined his head as best he could to the elf, his way of greeting. The tip of his tail twitched slowly across the stone floor, emitting a dry whisper of scale on stone. He then focused one molten eye on the wolf, who was looking at him carefully. He would be no more than a snake. The dragons red tongue flashed out between his teeth, tasting the air. Kili rolled his eyes.

You'll not be making a snack out of our new friends, beasty. Although you are right, the wolf would be no challenge for you. Kili stoked his bonds pride, kneeing the dragon vainly sought recognition as the greater predator. Turning his attention back to his guest, Kili again gestured at his home. "Joro and I built this place up from the ground, but not by any traditional means. It's amazing what a fair bit of magic and creativity can accomplish. This place suits my taste, as it reminds me of my childhood dwellings, and also of my identity as a rider. The second floor is my resting place, and also where I like to sit and meditate. Although there are plenty of places outside that do that job fairly nice as well." He paused, took a gulp of ale, and continued. "Once in a while a pack of shrrgs or a cave bear comes down to root around, but usually once they get the smell of dragon in their nose, they run off fairly quick. The cave bears, on the other hand, are a little harder to frighten off. But fear not, we are perfectly safe! A little convincing in the ancient language usually sends them lumbering away." He paused as Joro said something, and then smiles abashedly. "My tongue gets away from me. We came here to talk about you! Please, stone elf, tell me your induction into your clan."

[hagvar]

It was a beautiful day for a stroll, Hagvar thought to himself as he looked about the city. If not for the trip to Ismallia he would have never seen a more beautiful city, save for tronjheim. He then walked down a small flight of steps, "if only there was something interesting to do" he whispered. Being the leader of a dwarf clan was interesting work, but it often took most of his leisure time. "I really need to learn how to properly relax" he thought. So he decided to go see what the dock had in store.

As he walked down one of the main streets that was bustling with an assortment of people. He spotted a large golden gleam in the distance. Curious as he is, he walked until it was obvious that the blob was a dragon! "and a large on at that" he said to himself. He kept walking noticing more and more details about the odd scene. Like how there was also a black shurrg next to what appeared to be an elf, and that the dragon's rider was apparently a Knurlan. Very interesting this is the first he had seen in person. He had heard of a few Knurlan and dragon pairs, but never had he seen one. "I must meet him" he thought smiling to himself. He wasn't going to let this opportunity go to waste. He quickened his pace. But as he reached the place where he had spotted them they had disappeared. He quickly climbed a few steps to look where they went. Hagvar spotted them walking out of the city, so he quickly ran from the steps back into the throng of kurlan. By the time he reach the gate that they exited from, they had disappeared. "it shouldn't be too difficult to track a dragon, as long as they stayed on the ground that is" Hagvar murmured to himself.

By the time he found where the tracks had stopped it was nearly nightfall. The place the elf and dwarf were staying, was a large home outside of the city limits of Tarnag. "well i guess i'll just knock and see who answers" he thought. Looking extremely eager and possibly a bit insane, he walked upto the door and pounded on it with his large fist.

OCC hope you don't mind me butting in needed to release some creative juices. o wow that actually came out pretty awkwardly sorry about that . FIXED IT.

[Trinn]

OOC: Juro actually flew to the home, he did not walk with them! So Hagvar wouldn't have been able to track them by dragon paws!!

Before Iorunna could respond, a heavy knock sounded at the door. Juro had been expecting it. He had sensed the approach of the elf a few minutes ago, as had Juro. "It seems our second guest has arrived. Let's see who it is!" Kili stood and strode to the front door. As he did, he made sure that all of his wards were in tact and that the dagger tucked into his belt was loose in it's sheath. He didn't like to pry into others minds, but as this was war time, he made an exception and opened his mind a little more to see if the guest was friend or foe. He could not tell much, as the mind seemed relatively well shielded, and to try and push into the others mind would cause great alarm. Shrugging inwardly, Kili grasped the door handle and flung the wood door open.

He recognized the dwarf vaguely, and realized he was indeed a clan leader. "Hagavar Grimstborith!" He exclaimed and immediately relaxed. "What brings you to mine humble abode?"

[hagvar]

Hagvar waited a few moments for someone to answer the door. just before the door was opened someone lightly probed his mind, he closed it up like a cave deep in the side of a mountain. As the door swung open, light splashed on to the floor in front of him. A young dwarf to his standards opened the door and seemed to relax as he noticed he was a friend. "Ahh hello my young friend it is a pleasure to meet you" said Hagvar. "I have walked much of day to meet you and your grand beast, argetlam" Hagvar said with a broad smile. "may I ask to possibly be invited into your "humble abode"?" asked hagvar. "so that I might rest and get to know you and your friends a bit more?, and possibly drink and eat" he added. "Oh and how rude of me for I still do not know your name mine kin." stated Hagvar. as he said this all he thought that it might have been a bit much at once. "Maybe I should have just said hello and left" he thought to himself, as he stood in the doorway of the grand home.

[Trinn]

It seemed to Kili that Hagvar was nervous in his presence. This was strange to Kili, as clan leaders were usually the ones to be nervous around. Trying to put his kin at ease, Kili put on his most relaxed smile. "You may call me Kili Skybound. And the golden beasty is my partner Joro. Joro, say hello." The dragon did so by growling between his teeth. The scaly golden head had appeared above the overhang on the second floor. Thick sooty smoke trailed from his large nostrils. "Please, do come in Grimstborith." Gesturing him inside, Kili led the way back to the cozy little table where he had left Iorunna.

Making a grand gesture, he introduced his knew elf friend. "This fine lass is Iorunna. Though she seem elfy,she be a dwarf at heart. And her pet there is Finiarel. Be not afraid of him unless you mean harm. But, we are all friends here! So, sit!" Kili then hastily produced another mug and filled it with the same mead he and Iorunna drank. He set it before Hagvar and then finally sat back down himself. "I was just asking Iorunna how she had come to be among us."

[Tismri]

Iorruna had settled in her seat when there was a sudden knock on the door. She remained where she was and allowed her host to answer the door, only half-listening to the conversation. She savored the taste of her mead, which although incomparable to the elven faelnirv, was still an excellent drink that she'd had nearly all of her life. She looked up when Kili showed his new guest inside. She rose and bowed as she heard he was a Grimstborith, worthy of respect. She placed a comforting hand on Finiarel's neck as the Shrrg prepared to defend her. When he was satisfied that the newcomer meant them no harm, he laid down on the floor, and Iorruna handed him a Feldunost horn to occupy himself with while they talked.

"Aye, well-met Grimstborith," she said as she took her seat again. She settled with a smile. "I have to say my tale may not be as grand as my host may expect, although it is rather strange." She closed her eyes and recalled the details her father had told her when she was old enough to be aware that she was different from the other children. "Mine birth father and adoptive were very close friends. They had met and bonded during the latter years of Galbatorix's uprising, Together they slew two of the Forsworn; a feat which brought them much praise. However, it was not enough to stop Galbatorix's madness, and so each retreated back to his homeland.

"Their lives continued and over time each found a spouse or a mate. In time, I was born. Shortly thereafter, Evandar, mine elven father, traveled with me to Tarnag and met his old friend Hrorik, whom the gods had not seen fit to bless with children. Much to the shock of Hrorik and his wife, Evandar begged his friend to take as raise his daughter. After some protest, the couple agreed and the elf soon departed, presumably to return to Du Weldenvarden. He never made it back home, his corpse found floating in the Az Ragni with black-fletched arrows covering his back." Iorruna shook her head sadly, wishing she could have met her father at least once.

"Thus, I was raised by Hrorik of Durgrimst Vrenshrrgn; Evandar had mentioned no name, so he called me Iorruna, after our Grimstborith Ioruun. And now you know how I came to be an elven-born dwarf."