All my troubles on a burning pile

[Deleted]

Blizzard snorted a sigh, smoke drifting from his nostrils. His mind held firm against their mental push, guarded save for the small chink he allowed for communication. He gave a flap of his large wings to maintain altitude. It annoyed him that his display of trust had been met so with hostility. Still, they were at war. He maintained civility

Peace. If we were your enemies, I would not have made contact in this manner, his mental voice, a masculine baritone, rumbled in the Ancient Language, I am called Blizzard and my Rider, Varda. We are of New Doru Araeba, and have been sent by the Elders to gauge the enemy’s position and strength. We were returning to make a report when we found this…girl.

He kept his explanation short and to the point as was his way. Despite being a dragon, he was considered to be rather gruff by his fellows at New Doru Araeba, as he was personable only with his Rider.

We ask that you maintain at least a small distance until this girl’s abilities are gauged. My Rider has said that you will not harm her and we have not yet determined if she is friend or foe or if she has any particular abilities that may cause threat.

Meanwhile, Varda kept her eyes trained on the girl, keeping track of the conversation just enough to catch what was being said. She kept her voice at an even keel, continuing to speak.

“I would like to ask you a few questions. My bond and I are sworn to protect the people and I must know your intentions…I apologize for any grief we may cause you…” she paused, “What are your intentions towards the peoples of this land?”

Questioning in the Ancient Language was sometimes difficult. While it was impossible to lie when using it, the one answering may twist their words in order to be misleading. She hoped that this girl would be honest.

[FaithLighty]

((I edited my reply on the other page, I posted that by mistake))

[✧♏arie✧]

(I'm not sure you can pick up as many thoughts as she did without going unnoticed, then everyone would be reading everyone's mind if that were the case, or so called surface thoughts)

Midnight's demeanor seemed to change to a much calmer state. He sensed the dragons annoyance at his reaction to the mental contact. He hadn't meant any offense, but he understood not all dragons understood his little "warning bites" as a way of saying, "No offense, but if you attack me I'll attack you, backing off now. If you're trustworthy I'll be nice later." He made a mental note to tone it down a little. He kept these thoughts to himself. Ah yes I see, All four of us were of the Varden once. We would have joined the rest of you had it not been for.... personal reasons. We felt this situation needed to be checked out. Also my name is Midnight, my rider is Jason, the orange dragon is Amber. Her rider is Marie. I'm sorry, but perhaps you know us? I think I have heard of you and your rider. I apologize for my err... tenseness. Midnight's mental voice was low, and it didn't seem meant for formality because of the rumbling tone. Yet he still seemed intelligent. Either he wasn't accustomed to it, or it was merely his personality.

Amber spoke next. If that is what you wish, then we will do so. That is me and my rider at least... Since you found the girl- Amber did not hesitate to call her a girl. -first I believe it is fair to allow that up to you. However we want to say somewhat near in case danger arises. Also what you rider said is true. We have come with no intent of harming her, unless of course she means harm, and unfair harm at that. Her mental voice was more gentle, friendly, yet in a way it sounded like someone in authority or with a good deal of common sense.

Marie was the most curious of the bunch, and felt the dragon-girl wasn't getting the message from both herself and Jason. Marie decided to add to what Varda said. She had to amplify her voice as she did not think it wise to enter her mind. "Our intention was merely to make sure this situation was safe. We will not harm you if you wish no ill to innocents and the good riders. We are currently at war, protecting innocents from the shade-rider and her shades." Marie said this and waited to see how the dragon-girl would react.

[FaithLighty]

(It was only Marie and Jason's mind. Typically she could only pick up emotions but because she was weakened she could get the surface thoughts. For Jason she used the open link between the riders to slip in.)

Faith sighed looking much more tired than she had before. It was all catching up to her and she was tired. "I honestly don't know." she said quietly. It was true, she had no idea about what she wanted to do know. Her first time meeting a person had only been the day before and know here she was surrounded by three riders who didn't trust her. It was overwhelming but Faith decided to do the best she could. Her emotions had been all over the place but she wanted to be calm. It was a fact that these people meant no harm so she had to make it obvious that she didn't either. Turning she faced Marie and listened to what she said. "I don't know what a Shade is, nor did I know this land was at war. I will not harm these people." Faith said this, her voice loud enough to be heard. "I," she paused thinking of the right words to say "I want to help." she ended. Looking between the three she wondered how they in turn would respond to this.

[✧♏arie✧]

(oh Jason's thoughts about how she did not seem a threat were more to himself)

Marie's eyes widened just a little. She worried it would offend the dragon-girl, making her assume Marie thought she was stupid. Yet.... The girl didn't know what a shade was or that there was war? Marie wondered how she never picked this information up. Maybe she didn't speak to people often, or was stuck traveling this world as a lonely wanderer as Marie had once been. It was hard to pick up news and general facts about the world if one lived that way. Something about this made Marie smile slightly, especially after she realized her confusion and uncertainty.

"Can I ask you something, have you been alone for a time?" She kept speaking in the ancient language. Marie didn't yet respond to her statement that she wanted to help. She wasn't exactly sure what to say yet. How exactly did she want to help? It seemed a little random to Marie. She decided she should let the girl know about the war, that way she knew about what she was getting into. She started explaining the war, all in the ancient language for honesty. This led her to also explain the shades and what they were. Marie didn't notice but, while she explained shades in general and the shade-rider's doing, she was frowning. She finished talking and once she was done, she realized all she'd just said could be her response. She wanted the girl to consider the situation and left it to her to be sure of what she said.
"It is a very dangerous situation..."

Jason caught Marie's slight smile and understood the meaning behind it. I don't mean to be unkind, but sometimes you base whether you trust someone on the appearance or feel they give off. Only for future reference, that can come back and hurt you later. He tried to keep this conversation to himself and Marie.
But being overly cautious, you might miss things. Marie said.
What do you mean?
I'm not really sure I guess... It is hard to explain.
Alright, then I will think about what you said, as I hope you'll do for me.
Marie didn't mentally speak, but Jason felt her agreement, she liked that he would listen to her.

[Deleted]

Blizzard gave another flap of his large wings, keeping himself and his Rider aloft. His tail waved gently, combating the air currents in order to allow them to remain stationary. Varda’s mind flickered in vague recollection at the mention of their names.

You are familiar to us, he responded, Though I do not think we knew each other well during our mutual time in the Varden. Well met, all four of you.

Any further conversation was cut off when the girl, who had moved closer, began to speak. He turned his head to look at her, crystalline eyes gleaming. He sensed his Rider’s surprise at the girl’s statements. For her to not have known about a war that was consuming the world as they knew it…Still, she could not be lying in the ancient language. The pair remained silent as they let Marie handle the explanation, merely watching the girl with a guardedness.

[✧♏arie✧]

Amber wasn't enjoying the near stationary hovering, so when a stronger gust of air rolled over her wig ridges she allowed herself to be pushed back and flapped her wings to push herself back once just so she could fly forward. She hated staying in the same place, and her "in-air fidgeting" was satisfying.

Amber felt the rest of the group mentally agree with blizzard and added her own comment. It puts me at ease to meet someone familiar, even from a long time ago, because of this war. To finally meet a friendly, not hostile, party.

Marie realized Varda had let her talk to the girl, and felt like she was intruding on what she was trying to do. She wondered if Varda was bothered by her and Jason stepping in. Marie also noticed how guarded Varda seemed and wondered about her own openness toward the dragon-girl. She automatically raised her mental barriers, then almost seemed confused as to why she did that. Yet, at the same time she was nervous that someone would think her dumb for not being smart, cautious and guarded. The others probably would notice the random act. She wondered why she should be so guarded when the girl meant no harm and she even said she wanted to help, but then again maybe it was best to be safe. Marie frowned slightly, but she eventually made up her mind and decided she would be more friendly and open to the girl. She couldn't help it, she would rather take a risk and give her the benefit of the doubt and more trust than anyone else was giving her. After all if this girl was anything like Marie was once, all she wanted was a little trust.

[FaithLighty]

    Faith could tell that Marie related to her and she smiled back. Staying true to her decision to not hide anything Faith spoke honestly. "I have been alone for a long time. This town and its people are the first I've meet in a wile." she admitted. Listening to Marie her eyes got wider and wider. Her mind was made up by the end of the story. Hearing about the Shades made her so angry. Innocent people were caught in between two warring powers. "I definitely wan't to help." she said determined. "Even if it's a dangerous situation, I want to do my best to help." Knowing her own powers Faith knew she could be useful, especially for or against mental attacks. Again she could sense a conversation going on but she stayed out mostly due to respect. Jason's mind was closed off to her like Varda's and the dragons so that was the main deterrent. Though Varda had seemed the most reasonable at first Faith still felt unnaturally uneasy around her. Something about Varda's appearance threw her off. Faith ignored all the conversations going on mentally an instead waited for someone to speak aloud. She was surprised to find Marie's mind cut off, Faith could only gauge her emotions now.

(Her personality has been all over the place sorry guys! I'm used to using her later on in her life where she's more sure about herself.)

[✧♏arie✧]

    (nah its cool)

Marie heard Faith speak and her eyes focused on her instead of Varda. "So it must have been a long time if you didn't know of the war." She then later heard her confident tone when she said she wanted to help. Marie nodded slowly and thought about it. Faith had proven her devotion to Marie, but what now?

"I'm glad to hear it." She smiled. "The riders could use um... help..." Marie looked at Varda. Being with the dragon riders would be the best place for her to go if she wanted to join the war effort, but it wasn't Marie's place to say anything since she wasn't currently active with the dragon riders. Although she would always remain loyal to them and would fight if she was ever asked. Marie reached out her mental consciousness to Varda to a point where she would notice, and waited to see if Varda would allow herself to hear her.

I'm sorry. She wanted to ask her more; what she thought of the situation and of the girl. Marie wanted to wait first and see if she was willing to speak and not too bothered by her. Marie knew the girl wanted to help, but what could she do next? It wasn't her right to make decisions at the moment. Maybe Varda would propose that the girl come with her to see the riders. 

Jason frowned a little bit. He tried to figure out what to do about this situation next. He also wondered how this girl had could look like a dragon, and what on earth she could do. If she was half dragon she could probably fight and would doubtless have something over any one humanoid being. She might be able to fight decently even if she never had training. It would be a little scary to see what a "person" with wings could do with a sword or other weapons. Jason's thoughts were guarded, but his curiosity.

(besides my writing is ugh, or so I think and I always forget to proofread before I click send, so that's why it always says I've edited these. I swear I'm ADD about some things. either of you got tips/ opinions on my writing?)

[Deleted]

(OOC- Sorry for the wait)

Varda’s face remained carefully impassive as she let Marie handle this. Her own social skills were…lacking, to say the least. Despite her past sixteen years with the Riders, she had always been a loner. She was polite and could handle herself on diplomatic missions, however, she often came across as distant and somewhat cold. That would not do in this situation. The girl obviously felt more comfortable with Marie, who was the most maternal of the group.

Throughout the conversation, she and Blizzard mentally discussed the possible outcomes of this situation. By the time Marie brought up the Riders, they had agreed on a course of action. Varda met Marie’s eyes and nodded before returning her gaze to Faith.

“We do need the assistance. However, it is not my choice to make. I could guide you to our home, New Doru Arabea. There, you would be able to speak to the elders of our order. They are the oldest and wisest among us, and all very kind. No harm would befall you. You would be safe there.”

Upon feeling Marie’s mental knock, Varda allowed her barriers to fall enough to communicate with her. If the other elves’ minds resembled a wandering wood, Varda’s resembled a dark forest in the night. Patches of darkness lurked behind her barriers, depression and sorrow more present than happiness or peace. Large, disjointed areas marked her supplemented memories, which had been placed in her mind by Galbatorix. While her own personality had developed and flourished with the aid of the elders, and her mind had been saved from madness, it was still in an unpleasant state.

[✧♏arie✧]

When Varda allowed her in her mind, Marie noticed quickly that she seemed to be a bit different than other elves. Although, she thought that somewhat hypocritical of herself. Marie was also a bit different. She was young for an elf, not even fifty years old, yet she had a very "full" mind. She had many memories, as if she remembered almost every event in her life. She remembered a lot because memories were very important to her. She felt that they shaped a person and their values. People learned from the good and the bad, and if those memories were not there, what did a person have?

As much as Marie valued her memories and despite being the kind of person who wouldn't soon forget important things, it seemed like some were buried under the layers. Especially the bad memories. It was not that she was an optimistic type that some of her memories seemed to flow under the radar. She either did not dwell on the memories and learned from them instead, or was strong enough to not to drown from them.

Marie was a bit wise for her age, yet naïve in a way. Maybe she had a young person's version of wisdom. She still needed to learn, and would like to. When Varda mentioned the elders, an idea formed.

She asked Jason about it, then asked Varda. Varda, may me and Jason come with you? We haven't been very active with the dragon riders, and we figured it might be a good time to catch up with them and learn. Coming with them for a time would also allow Marie to know of how Faith's situation ended, and get some news about the war. She did not have any intention of staying forever, as she was a traveler by heart, but she though whatever happened, happened. If she ended up finding a reason to stay with them, then she might after all. Otherwise perhaps she could meet the riders and give them a way to contact her if they needed her help.

(Sorry for the confusing and contradictory description of Marie. Shes a weird one )

[FaithLighty]

 Faith watched Varda and Marie having their conversation and she waited for it to be over. It took self restraint for her not to listen in. She didn't want to be rude or scare them off. As she waited Faith also noticed Jason's curiosity. She frowned wanting to be open with everyone but at the same time she did not want to be seen as an oddity. Faith heard Varda' answer and she smiled for once, excited. "That sound great!" She told Varda pleased. Would I be traveling with you guys or..?" she left the question open looking between the three riders. Again Faith left the mental conversation untouched, she hovered impatiently.

(Back! I'll be able to post more when I get back into the swing of things)

[✧♏arie✧]

(sorry for the wait, been a little caught up with college homework)

Marie looked over and faith and nodded, thinking of what to say. She noticed Faith was impatient, but she still wanted to know what Varda would have them do. "I think that would be likely, but I'm not sure if me and Jason here will be coming along." She glanced at Varda, thinking to herself, I wonder what she'll say.

Jason wondered how long they had been talking and had to glance around to find out. Some normal people had finnally stopped watching all of them and had gotten back to their daily routine somewhat. It was very common to still see people glance up from what work they were doing and stare nervously into the sky. Jason couldn't tell if they were looking at one or all of them.

Midnight snorted. Jason?
Lovely... This is how odd rumors get started. Jason responded with an annoyed look on his face. Three dragon riders whom are also elves in one place talking with someone... I wonder what people will make out of that!
They weren't making a huge effort to hide the mental conversation from the other five. It wasn't important enough to Jason to hide anything about it; to him it was just a side comment that he didn't want interuppting anyone. Otherwise he may have commented out loud to Varda and Marie.
What sort of rumors?
People make up anything and pass it around.

[Deleted]

OOC- I'm sorry for the wait and poor quality of the reply. It seems like I just get piled with more and more to do...

Varda nodded. It was not truly her place to make any long lasting decisions, but she was the only voice New Doru Araeba had here.
All Riders of good intent are welcome, she told Marie.
She kept her mind retracted from the other Rider’s as much as possible, wary of too much contact. Blizzard nodded his large head once in agreement with his Rider. Then, Varda turned her attention back to Faith.
“Yes. We will take you to New Doru Araeba as quickly and safely as possible.”
Though she and Blizzard were a lonely pair, she was glad to have two friendly Riders along. There was still too much not known about this situation.

[✧♏arie✧]

OOC: Hey it's a reply and as long as the thread doesn't die like my other one long since has  I hope his response is okay, could I ask if you think my writing is bad?

Marie gave her one nod and replied, Thank you. I will enjoy meeting more fellow riders. Marie thought it a good idea to tell Faith.
"Yes, I think we will be traveling together actually," She said, looking over Faith's direction. She had almost forgotten to speak in the ancient language for a moment. It wasn't as if the language wasn't natural for her to speak. In fact, she had grown up learning it from her mentor even though she'd lost her parents early on. She new it just as good as the only other language she knew, if not better.

Marie had been getting what she took to be bad vibes from Varda because of how distant she'd seemed. She got the wrong idea and wondered if there was a reason for Varda to dislike her or want her to leave her alone. Marie began to worry if perhaps she'd done something wrong. Her thoughts were private to anyone but Amber.

You used to be shy, you know, Amber chimed in.

And I suppose I was distant. Marie thought about it, and remembered. After she had been on her own for a while with just her dragon it was hard to meet new people. But she had met people, and even had been in love for a short time. It did seem so short. The time spent with loved ones had helped her open up. She figured she also must have changed a lot in the near 16 years she and Jason had traveled together. Maybe having had that interaction with a few people made her more lonely sometimes than not interacting at all, because she found out she enjoyed being with people. As a result she worried when there was a chance she might have done something wrong to make someone else dislike her.

Or perhaps I'm just sick of Jason, she joked with Amber privately. She had the urge to joke with him about this and hear his annoyed "shut up" response but this was "serious time."