Dark Wings, Dark Tidings

[Trinn]

Leaving Erath with the ominous lookng grey dragon, Tally dashed off to where she had last felt Cortell's and Lyta's minds. She refrained from contacting Cortell mentally at all these days. He was in terrible moods ever since their mother's regretful death. Touching his mind was like touching a mad man's almost. She wished there were a way to draw him out, to make him feel better. Unfortunately, she herself felt depressed and moody more often than not. And father... He was not himself either. Lyta was too little to have much of a personality change. However, there were vague differences about her now. The sheer wild innocence she had once possessed did not twinkle in her eyes the way it had, and she did not smile quite as readily. Talia frowned, her heart seeming to drop. Her family was fractured, now more than ever. If only she could find her Glory and Daeron, but she did not know how to even contact them anymore. They were deep in the shade's grasp last she had known. Despair welled up greater in her chest. Her family was indeed a broken and fractured thing.

She had only run a little ways before she spotted Cortell and Lyta nearing the village entrance. There was a dark storm brewing in Cortell's eyes, and Talia was somewhat alarmed to spot a blow dart in Lyta's little hand. "Cortell, Lyta." Talia began. "A dragon rider has come to pay a visit with father. I take it you already know..." It would have been rather hard to miss the arrival of the dragon Eridor. "Well, the rider, Elaine, she has asked me to gather you both and meet with her. Apparently she has something for us." Tally shrugged, feeling rather confused by it all. "She said she knew mother. Was an old friend of hers." She walked up to Lyta and gently extracted the blow dart from her hand. She then knelt and picked up her youngest sibling, settling Lyta on a hip. "No need for weapons today, little one." she told the girl. She turned and walked at an easier pace back towards the fountain in the center of town. Cortell would follow, she knew. Anyone who knew mother would be too much for him to resist.
~~~

Elaine and Marcus sat at a hand crafted wooden table. Knots and bolls swirled in the glazed surface. Elaine didn't need to ask to know that Marcus had crafted this table, as well as each other piece of furniture in the spacious home. She could see where the home had grown from a simple dwelling into a real house. There were rooms that were newer than others, but it all added together to make a cozy home. At least until recently. She let her gaze travel to Marcus once more. He stared at the table with vacant eyes. His once golden mane of hair seemed diluted and was now streaked with grey. He had even allowed his beard to go unkempt, and it grew in patches out of his cheeks and chin. He was a sorry state of a man. She resisted the urge to look into his mind. He had just told her the details of Marola's death, so she knew he was probably haunted by that as oft as not. They were sitting in silence now as Elaine tried to think of something to say that could cheer him. But really what was there? After a few minutes had passed, she cleared her throat and said the only thing she could.

"I understand your sorrow, Marcus, truly. Marola was a dear friend of mine. Enemies we once were, but fast friends we became. She and I have more history together then you might know." She reached across the table and grasped one of his hands. The touch seemed to wake him up a little, and he was able to meet her eyes. "Your children need you, Marcus. Though it seems most are grown and ready to leave on their own lives, you still have Lyta. She is but a babe, really. Think of her. She must be your purpose in life now. And when she is grown, you will have come to know other joys again." A flurry of emotions swirled in Marcus' tormented eyes.


"I care for my children more than anything." He croaked, his voice dry and cracked from emotion he tried to keep at bay. "But Marola... she was my life. She was there every day. Every morning I got to say good morning to her, and every night I got to say good night. She was the stronger of the two of us, she was the real protector of this family. I am nothing without her. Without her my family is lost. My children... do you not see how they despair without her? We all loved her, depended on her. How am I to take that mantle? They love me, of course, but Marola was different. She was the sun and the moon." Elaine couldn't help but empathize with Marcus.

"You must realize your own worth." she told him, making her voice sharp. Being nice to him would not get him out of his funk, she knew now. "Marcus it does you little good to sit here and dwell on the things that have transpired. Your children love you just as much as they do Marola. You are all grieving, and it will take time. But do not let it overcome you. Do you really think Marola would want this for her family, for you? No, I know she wouldn't. She would want you to sit up straight, put on a smile, and take care of your village and your children." She stared hard into his eyes, and sure enough she saw a change in his look.

Marcus ran a hand over his face and seemed to shudder. "As I said, Marola was the stronger between the two of us." He split his fingers and looked at her between them. "But I suppose I've got my own brand of strength." With a sudden jerk he clenched his hand and brought it down hard on the table. "Thank you, Elaine. I've been lost in my own head ever since that pitiful day. You've snapped me out of a reverie I would have let myself be lost in." Although he did not smile, Marcus seemed a little more positive. "Marola would have berated me something fierce had she seen me the way you have. In fact, I think Tally tried to but I was to distraught to hear right. That poor girl... And Lyta." Marcus's face darkened. "You know I have two other children?" Elaine shook her head.

"It's true. But they both ran away. I know not why. All I know now is that the dwell with the shade and her army." The despair that had corrupted Marcus suddenly came back. Elaine frowned.

"Why on earth would they be there?" She asked. However, Elaine did not tell Marcus the secret she new Daeron kept. In fact, it was her adamant hope that Marola's son would not be among the brotherhood men and women when she invaded the base. And if he were present, she hoped that he would join her and help eradicate the dark blight.

"I know not." Marcus replied. With visible effort, Marcus sat up straight and regained his focus. "But I do know I will find a way to save them. Now, please, Elaine, tell me your reason for coming." Elaine wanted to ask further about his other two children, but if they were with the shade, then there was little she could to do at the moment to get them out. In fact, they might just be safe from the brotherhood among the shade army. It was doubtful but possible. Was the brotherhood brave enough to insert themselves among the dread rider's ranks? Focusing on the task at hand, Elaine carefully recounted to Marcus the tale of the brotherhood and how she had come to be involved.

"You see, Marola was also a member of this brotherhood. She tried to ignore it just as I did, but it was an inescapable part of our lives. And it's reared it's ugly head again. The brotherhood has tasked me with collecting your children to bring them into the fold." Marcus stood bolt upright from his chair, sending the thing flying backwards.

"Over my dead body!" He roared. Elaine stood to, although somewhat more calmly.

"Perfectly understandable. Marcus, I am not here to take your children away from you. I am hear to warn you. I have set upon myself the task of eradicating the brotherhood. However if I should fail, you and your children will be in danger. It is my suggestion that you and they find someplace to hide. You will know if I succeed. I will find you. I've already arranged with Gianna that if you do decide to hide, that you tell her. The rest we will take care of." While they had been speaking in person, Elaine had reached out to her old acquaintance mentally. It was a faster communication and in short order Gianna had agreed to help. Though the red haired rider had seemed hesitant to allow any form of danger to touch the village. Elaine assured her that the brotherhood would not destroy an entire village.

Marcus reached up and rubbed his brow. "Where am I to hide, Elaine? Celesti is actually well fortified and heavily guarded by magic. There honestly may be no better place."

"I can think of one." Elaine said, "New Doru Arabea. That is where I sent my family." Marcus stared at her, dumbfounded.

"And how am I to get there!?" He exclaimed.

"Ask Gianna or Einar. They would help you with that. However, tell me not whether you decide to go or stay. I should not have that information lest the brotherhood overcome my mind." Marcus nodded, though his eyes remained wild with the new revelations.
~~~

After a little more talking, Marcus and Elaine left the house and returned to the fountain where Eridor crouched near. Her bond eyed her knowingly, and she him. The small amber dragon was watching them both cautiously. "Erath was it?" Elaine asked, and the dragon nodded. "Well met. You are yet a hatchling, but limbs are strong and your wings level. You will make a fine dragon. You and your rider should consider training at New Doru Arabea. You will meet your true potential there."

"We have considered it." A young voice said behind her. Elaine turned and saw Talia approaching. She had a child on her hip who looked a little glum. That must be Lyta. "Erath and I have other responsibilities. We do not have the luxury to sit around a dragon hold and talk about books and magic and swords." Elaine lifted an eyebrow. If not for the circumstances, she would have scolded Talia right then and there.

"As you wish. But you may want to reconsider when you hear what I have to say. Have you gathered your siblings then?" Talia gestured to Lyta and a tall man behind her. Elaine eyed them and again wished the other two siblings were present.

[Tismri]

Cortell followed behind Tally when she met them on the way into town. Though she assured them that the Rider who had arrived was a friend of their mother, he remained cautious. With her gone, nothing could be certain for him anymore. He was unable to even trust his own thoughts. Keeping his sword loose in its sheath, he walked with his sisters to the center of Celesti.

He eyed the large stormy dragon, his fear and rage over his mother's death threatening to overcome him. He kept his expression stoic and kept his mind as clear as he could. He listened as Tally conversed with the woman who claimed to have known his mother. He saw his father was familiar with her as well; as a matter of fact, he was looking more focused and lively than he had since Mother's passing.

"Greetings, Rider," he said flatly. It was the closest he could make himself sound couteous, or anything other than the shattered, lost person he had become. "My sister tells me you knew my mother. To what do we owe this visit?"

[Trinn]

Elaine clasped her hands behind her back as she studied Marola's three offspring. They shared vague similarities, Cortell least of all. That was to be expected though. He was, after all, not Marcus's son. Elaine remembered Cortell as a young and cheerful youth, if a little serious at times. She realized then that she hadn't seem him since he was just a child, maybe even Lyta's age. It saddened her to realize how distant she had let herself become from old friends and allies.

"Hello, Cortell. I'm sure you don't remember me, but I met you once when you were much younger. My name is Elaine, and my bond is Eridor, as I'm sure you've already heard. I was just discussing with your father all that has transpired. You all have my sincerest condolences, though I know that seems meager to you. Truthfully, though, I also mourn your mother's death. She was a brave woman, determined, bold, strong, and definitely one of the fiercest warriors I knew. And her bond, Rathur, we mourn for him also. He was a loving and patient dragon, and he followed Marola to the end of the world as his destiny was always meant to be." Elaine and Eridor's saddness mingled together potently, enough to form tears in Elaine's eyes. She blinked them away quickly so that Marola's children would not see.They needed strength more than anything now.

"Your mother was also part of a nefarious network, which she regretted, and which I am also apart of. My regret is equal to hers. This network is a brotherhood of sorts, and their bond is bloodshed. I joined only because I needed help in a most dire circumstance. It is deplorable, but I seek now to make amends." Elaine leveled her gaze on each child. "Without the protection of your mother, the brotherhood, as they call themselves, seeks to take you and bring you into their fold. Their, they will teach you all the deadliest arts, sap you of your humanity, and turn you into little more than a mindless murdering monster." She knew that for Cortell that may not phase him, maybe perhaps not even Tally. They probably figured they could protect themselves. But Lyta, she didn't stand a chance. "I told the same thing to your father, and I'll tell you now. You must consider finding a place to hide. Someplace out of the reach of the brotherhood. I can think of only a couple places. Gianna and Einar will be able to help you with that. In the meantime, I am seeking out the brotherhood to make sure they can cause no more harm to anyone." Hopeing she had made some sense, Elaine relaxed her clasped handds and lifted them in an open gesture. "Please, if you have questions, ask."

[Tismri]

Cortell gazed at Elaine for several long seconds after she mentioned she had seen him long ago. He tried to sift through his memories while keeping his rampant emotions at bay. He finally managed to uncover a vauge recollection of the Rider and dragon, back when Celesti was finally raising the village and putting down roots. It was a time he could barely remember; years caused the past to fade away and remembering a time when Mother was alive caused fresh waves of pain and sorrow to tear through his mind, breaking his focus.

The rest of Rlaine's speech both did and did not surprise him. Mother had many secrets, a fact he had come to terms with long ago. But his connection to her always told him when she was feeling that strange mixture of regret and fierce joy, a nostalgic sort of sensation that he had never been able to piece together until now. She had always been as open as possible about her history, how she has been one of Galbatorix's best assassins and Riders until he was born. He had brought a change to her that no one else could. But it seemed some of her old feelings never truly left.

"Thank you for bringing this to our attention, Elaine," he said with a tight voice. With everything rushing through his mind, he was hardly able to restrain his own emotions, desparately wishing for his mother's soothing presence to calm him. "I am sure you understand if I do not wish to leave. If these people are as ruthless as you claim, they would not think twice about harming the villagers to glean our location. I have a responsibility to protect these people, and I will not run away and leave them to fend for themselves." He paused for a moment and gazed at Lyta where she leaned listlessly in her sister's arms, eyes focused on two cats sitting by the fountain, "Lyta needs to be kept safe, though." He glanced at Talky as well. He would rather she hid as well, but to say that now would only upset her, he was sure. If he could keep his emotions at bay well enough, he would try to convince her later.

[Trinn]

Elaine resisted the urge to frown. She had suspected there to be some resistance from the older children. Her desire to frown increased when Talia also spoke up. "I agree with Cortell," she fledgling rider said. "Erath and I are not afraid to fight, and we see it as our duty to protect the village." Elaine turned and looked at the girl.

"I admire your and your brothers courage. But, Talia, You and your dragon are yet so young and I doubt have any battle experience. The brotherhood could extinguish you before you knew it. And Cortell, do not think you could withstand them any better than your sister." She looked from Talia to Cortell, hoping they were taking her seriously. Talia seemed grim around the mouth, and the dragon Erath flicked his tail back and forth in an agitated manner. Marcus came to her side then, a stern look in his eyes.

"It is my desire that you both take Lyta away while this danger is present. You must stay with her and protect her. Don't worry about Gladia Celesti.Remember, we have Einar, Gianna, Stigandr, and Gladia herself to protect us. Those are two full fledge riders and battled hardened dragons. They will make sure nothing happens to our houme. But still I would have you somewhere far away." Elaine held up a hand, stopping him from saying the place of his choice for the children to hide. Marcus understood and nodded. "Though you are not my son in blood, Cortell, you are my son in every other way. I hope you will respect my wishes in this."

Elaine carefully looked at Cortell. He seemed in the type of mood to argue. Talia just seemed annoyed, but still young enough to be afraid to talk back to her father. I see them too. She told Eridor,who had turned his steely eyes towards two werecats.

Is not that the werecat companion of Same? Eridor said, his voice distant thunder. How strange. Elaine frowned, not looking at the werecats but seeing them through Eridor's mind. Purfell? He would have to wait. She needed to finish her business with Marola's family first.

[Tismri]

Cortell returned Marcus' gaze with determination, on the verge of arguing. He wanted to stay, to protect Celesti with everything. He was about to say that Mother would never had done that, but stopped when a realization hit him. Somewhere deep in his memory, fuzzy and unclear from childhood, he remembered that she did hide, and she did leave him somewhere safe. She would take him from danger when it threatened those she loved. Before she found sanctuary with Gladia Celesti, their lives were constantly on the run. He turned his eyes to Lyta, knowing Mother would have put her safety, and those of the rest of her children, as her highest priority, running away and hiding them as necessary. It was what he had to do.

He then looked over at a house near the square. In the back, he could see Ringabelle practicing with her spear, moving through the forms fluidly as if she had been born with the weapon in her hands. Would she be safe here? All she knew was this village--including his family--the rest of her memory completely gone. This Family might harm her to get to him if they were desperate enough. He remembered how Daeron had run away, and the friends he had run with had turned up dead. His brother was still missing, but they suspected that he, along with Glory, were with the Shade Rider.

How many times had he failed to protect those that mattered to him? Brother, sister, mother; they were all lost. Was running truly the only option? And what of those who remained here? He was the only true friend Ringabelle had. What would happen to her if he vanished?

As the thoughts crowded in his mind, Cortell realized his emotions were overcoming him. If Mother were still alive, she would have soothed him until he calmed down. But she was gone, and his mind was beginning to panic. Fear, sorrow, and rage were all boiling within him to the point he could hardly contain it. Without saying a word, he turned and ran out of town and into the forest, far enough from earshot, where he screamed until his voice gave out while tears cascaded down his face. He fell to his knees and curled around, putting his hands behind his head.

Mother, why did you leave? he thought as he rocked back and forth.
~~~~~
From Tally's arms, Lyta continued to gaze blearily at the werecats. She was too exhausted to even try to look at their minds at this point, even if they would let her. She just blinked slowly while everyone else continued to talk.

Behind Tally, Itward patted Lyta on the head, trying to comfort her. She hadn't spoken to him much since Mommy left. She'd asked him why he hadn't protected her. Though he explained that he could only protect one person at a time, she still partially blamed him. She was sure he could have stopped the scary lady from hurting Mommy and Rauthr.

Listen to me, Lyta, he said. She moved her head slightly on her sister's shoulder so she could look at him. She was surprised to see his eyes shimmering as if with tears; Itward had never cried before. I loved your mother very much. I watched over her when she was even younger than you. I would have done everything in my power to keep her safe, but that was not what she wanted. She told me to protect you, so that is what I must do, until you are old enough to take care of yourself. One day you will find yourself faced with the same choice. I cannot choose who I guard. It is up to you. With that, her imaginary friend faded from her vision. His words comforted her, but also made her heart ache more as she turned back to stare at the werecats again.

[Trinn]

Marcus started after Cortell, but Elaine stopped him with a gentle hand. Of all of Marola's children, he seemed to be having the hardest time coping. Stepping close to Marcus so only he could hear her, she asked, "Why does he grieve harder than the others?" Marcus frowned and looked at the dusty ground.

"He and Marola shared an interesting bond, one akin to you and Eridor's. I know not how it worked, but I know enough how dragons and riders work to have realized long ago that Cortell and Marola shared some similar connection. He grieves for his mother and his own sanity." Marcus seemed not to want to discuss it further. He turned away from Elaine and went to his two daughters. Elaine watched as he carefully took Lyta from Talia's arms into his own burly ones. He bounced his younger daughter, doing his best to smile at her encouragingly. Talia leaned her hip against Erath's side, her young eyes fixed unnvervingly on Elaine. Elaine nodded to her and then turned back towards where Cortell had run off. It now made sense to her how he acted. If he and Marola truly shared such an incredible bond, than the loss of his mother might be the next closest thing to losing a bonded partner. She shivered, the thought of being cut off from Eridor so completely making her feel cold inside. He felt it too, she knew. I'll go after him. He needs help, that is for true. She told her partner.

She started off after Cortell, passing the two werecats as she went. She paused briefly and nodded at Purfell, then broke into a jog to find Cortell.
~~~

Talia watched Elaine run off. She wondered if Cortell would be very welcoming to the rider, or just hostile. Often she had tried herself to get her brother to come back to himself, but none of her words had done much good. It pained her to see any of her family so distraught. Her only comfort right now was that her father seemed in better spirits than he had been since mother's death. What do you think they want? she asked Erath.

The amber hued dragon blinked towards the two werecats. That is what I've been wondering. Perhaps they have come to see you? When Tally was younger, she used to be visited by werecats every so often. They usually never spoke to her, just hung around as if they enjoyed her company. Talia wondered now if these two were drawn to her or the recent events of Gladia Celesti. She drapped an arm over Erath's shoulders. He was bigger than a horse now, but still not large enough for two people to rider comfortably. Every so often he eyed Eridor, and Tally felt a spike of envy from him. She rubbed her dragons scaled shoulder in a claming manner.
~~~

Elaine found Cortell in a sorry state. The poor child was curled up in the grass, as if under assault from a physical force. Elaine knew it was his own mind assailing him. She imagined he must have had the reassurance and advice of his mother at every turn, just as she had Eridor's. Sympathy welled in Elaine's chest. The iron she had placed around her heart at the beginning of this venture began to rust away.

"Cortell," She said in a soft voice, "Let me help you." She knelt down next to him and placed a firm hand on his shoulder. She then very carefully extended her mind towards his. She did not seek to read any of his thoughts or share any of hers. The only action she made was to send waves of calm and serenity into his conscious, to surround it so he could be shielded for even a moment from the torments of his unchecked thoughts.

[Tismri]

Purfell settled down on the fountain, tucking his paws under his breast. As Elaine acknowledged him while passing by, he gave her a lazy blink; he would wait as long as necessary. Though he wanted to help Same, he had learned the value of patience long ago. Beside him, Luna swished her tail and was briefly distracted by a passing butterfly.

You can probably go to them now, Wild Heart told her, closing his eyes as if to take a nap. Their part in the ongoing discussion is over at the moment. Luna responded by bounding off the fountain and prancing over to Tally, purring softly as her tail moved through the air. She crouched and pawed toyingly at the girl's legs, playfully trying to cheer her.

Lyta stared up at her father as he held her, seeing a different look in his face. He was still sad, but he seemed less lost that before. She felt like if she talked to him, he would finally be able to hear her. She was happy for that; with Cortell so quiet and Daddy so unreachable, Tally had been the only one she could talk to. Still, she was afraid to bring up Mommy, afraid he would stop talking again. Without anyone to talk to, her sleep was always haunted by the scary lady, and no matter how much Itward tried to make her dreams good again, she would always remember the scary lady hurting Mommy.
~~~~~

Cortell did not even notice Elaine's approach. He was still lost in his own burning emotions; guilt, sorrow, and rage continued to tear at his mind, blinding him to all else. It wasn't until a gentle touch came to his mind, soothing his tortured spirit, that he realized he was not alone. He sat up and looked around wildly, calling out "Mom?!" in a voice hoarse from his screams. When he saw Elaine, he sat back against a tree. He should have realized it wasn't her. Elaine's mind was as different from his mother's as their voices were. But for a single moment, hope had been ignited in him. Still, he steadied his breathing and allowed the Rider's soothing presence in his mind to calm his rampant thoughts. It wasn't the same as the intimate connection he had with his mother, but it was enough to let him construct some semblance of sanity.

He looked up at Elaine after a few moments and gave her a tight smile. "She would always do that," he told her. "Every time I would get upset, she'd calm me down just like that. And I always did the same for her when I could. It was sort of a reflex. She told me it was like that since before I was even born; she would have lost hope long ago if it wasn't for me." He lowered his eyes to the dirt; he scooped up a handful and squeezed it tightly. "It feels like I've suddenly gone blind and deaf," he admitted, although that did not adequately describe it.

[Trinn]

Despite herself, Tally couldn't help but smile at the werecat's playfulness. The creature seemed on the younger side, and it occurred to Tally that she had never actually seen a werecat kitten. Or perhaps it was werekitten. "Greetings, shifter." She said in acknowledgement of the werecat. Though this one seemed young, Tally did not try and press into the cats mind. In her experience, most werecats would only speak when they wanted to, and found it rude to press into their minds beforehand. In fact, Tally usually never spoke mentally to any of the werecats that had crossed her path, with the exception of one, the werecat with the emerald eyes. It was he who had given her the clue to finding her rider's blade, Esterni. Tally wondered if this werecat might have another clue as to how to take down the shade rider Katriana.

She glanced over at her father, who was still bouncing Lyta in his arms and whispering to her that everything would be alright. Tally smiled again, remembering how he used to bounce her in the same fashion when she was smaller.
~~~

Elaine watched Cortell carefully. A certain amount of calm now reflected in his eyes, but she did not draw back her mind quite yet. She let the smoothing current remain between them for the moment. Settling back on her heels, she listened quietly and sympathetically. "Your bond with your mother sounds much like that between dragon and rider." She started after he fell quiet. "And if you ask me, you're handling it better than most who lose their bond, for I believe your mother was yours, to a degree." Elaine smiled ruefully. "Most bonds will go utterly mad after losing their dragon or rider, go on a rampage maybe, and only a few have the strength to retain their sanity and move on with their lives." Elaine reached out and grasped Cortell's hand. "I believe you have the strength to move on, Cortell. I cannot tell you how, only that I see the strength inside you to do so. Your mother would have wanted you to be able to continue on with your life." She sighed and looked at the tree behind Cortell's back.

"I wish there was something I could do for you. You must learn to block out the thoughts and emotions raging through your mind.Those are what will drive you mad. My only suggestion is to focus on one thing when you feel overcome. Even if it is something as simple as your breathing, focus on that until there is nothing left." As she had been speaking, Elaine had withdrawn her mind slowly from Cortell's. He would have to learn to be alone. Briefly she thought Marola's death might have been easier on him if he had a dragon bonded to him, but she quickly cast the thought away. "Focus," Elaine started again, looking him intently in the eyes, "on getting your family somewhere safe."

[Tismri]

Luna purred as she brushed against Tally's legs and gazed up at her. The smile warmed her heart, and she was impressed that the girl was able to muster the strength to do so. She sat down and felt an involuntary shiver run through her, turning a pale purple shade. Her tail changed from fluffy to slick, and the tip split in two. Her eyes gazed up sagely at the girl.

Greetings to you, young Rider, and you dragon, she said. Your sorrow is great, but your strength is greater. You have shown much wisdom and grace in the face of hardship. Do not lose hope; wyrda has a way of bringing things about to a peaceful conclusion.
~~~~~

Cortell listened to Elaine's advice; he breathed slowly in and out and willed his mind to still. He emotions were still raging within him, but he forced them to be still, and come to a single point. It wasn't easy, but he stayed determined. He thought he finally understood, at least partly, why Mother never wanted her children to become Riders. To have such a close connection to someone had been a great gift, but to lose it was a nearly unbearable price. He sincerely hoped Talia and Gloriann would never experience this suffering.

He thought of his family, particularly of his father and two sisters who were still home. As Elaine said, they were all now in danger from this dark organization his mother had been a part of. "You're right," he finally said. "Their safety needs to come first. We need to hide until we can return." He thought again of Ringabelle, fearing for her safety as well. He looked at Elaine.

"Can you do me a favor? There is a girl in Celesti; she has no memories of her past, only that she appeared in town one day and I found her. I'm the only one she's really close to. While we're gone, can you find something to distract her, so she won't worry for my safety and I won't worry for hers?"

[Trinn]

Talia felt a sudden urge to cry after the werecat had said her piece. She sounded so certain, so sure that there would ever again be a peaceful conclusion to anything in this life. Where was her mother's peaceful conclusion, she wondered bitterly. Her emotions did not distract her enough from noticing the werecats new form. Was this a werecat at all? Thank you for your wisdom. She told the cat privately. Hope is hard to come by these days, but your words help restore it. Tally eyed the werecats smooth, almost slick fur, and resisted the urge to reach out and pet the werecat. Though they looked like domestic beasts, they were not to be confused with house cats. May I have your name, shifter? Beside her, Erath suddenly lay down on the ground and placed his head between his paws. He blinked solemnly at the werecat, and Tally tried not to feel embarrassed. He seemed more like a puppy wanting to play rather than a dragon.
~~~

Elaine withheld the breath of relief she wished to exhale. Knowing Marola's family would be out of harms way made her task seem just a little easier. It was just another step closer to thwarting the dark family. "Of course, Cortell." she said. This favor was the least she could do. "Perhaps you can introduce me to her?" She stood to her feet then and offered her hand to the child, for to her he seemed just a child. Strangely though, she knew she looked as young as him. The gift of being a rider was an incredibly slowed aging. It was something that constantly reminded her of Dublin's aging compared to hers. Thankfully, Eridor was there to blanket those thoughts with his own and she quickly refocused on the task at hand.

[Tismri]

Luna curled her tail around her feet and closed her eyes, glad her words had comforted the girl. She somehow reminded the werecat of both her previous companions: the little girl and the Varden soldier. Remembering them both filled her heart with a brief sadness before she focused on the present. Although it was a while until evening, she never liked staying in this form too long; once the sun set, she would be forces into her more dark, mischievous side, which was not a trait this Rider needed right now. Instead, she stood and shifted, choosing her camouflage appearance. Grass-like protrusions stuck out from her yellow fur, and her ears and tail gained the appearance of leaves. She remembered that the soldier enjoyed this appearance; it would make him laugh to see her look so odd.

I am glad to help, she said, stretching. She walked next to Erath's lowered head and purred. Most of my kind know me as the Many Faced. But you may call me Luna.
~~~~~

Cortell took Elaine's hand to stand, relief flooding his face as she agreed. Knowing Ringabelle would be all right while he was away took a great weight off his mind. He was able to focus better at the task at hand.

"Of course," he replied, agreeing to introduce her to his friend. "Thank you for helping us. We've all been...lost since Mother died." He walked carefully back into town, still concentrating on his breathing. Soon he arrived at Ringabelle's back yard. She paused in her drills when she noticed him, and concern crossed her face. She hadn't seen him much since Marola had died. He had been heartbroken, and maybe even mindbroken.

The two gazed at each other for a moment before Cortell cleared his throat. "Hey, Ringabelle," he said, opening the small gate to her yard. It was full of neatly manicured grass, small flowers; evidence that she was just ask skilled at gardening as with weapons. As with most everything she tried. "I wanted to let you know that my family is going to be gone for a while."

"Really? Does this have to do with...?" she didn't finish the question, afraid to bring it up. He closed his eyes and took a deep breath.

"Yeah, something like that," he said. "This is Elaine. She's a Rider who was close friends with my mother."

[Trinn]

Tally felt a shock run through her as Luna shifted once more. Her new appearance was unusual indeed, looking more like a leaf come to life rather than a cat. Many faced indeed! Tally exclaimed, and wondered just how many other faces Luna possessed. Erath was delighted by the change. He snorted at the werecat and flicked his tongue out, tasting her new scent.

She even smells like the forest. He told Tally in his rich voice. I wonder... Tally listened to her bonds question, then put it forth to Luna.

Erath would like to know if you have a form with wings? He thinks flying with such a unique creature as you would be fun. As she conversed with the werecat, Tally kept looking in the direction Cortell and Elaine had gone off. She hoped her brother was ok, that Elaine had somehow managed to help him. The elder rider seemed rather grim, and Tally didn't know if that was the type of person who could help Cortell. "Tally." Hearing her name, she looked over to her father. "I'm going to go get Lyta something to eat. Are you hungry?" Though she was actually feeling quite famished, Tally shook her head no. Her father looked at her carefully before heading into the house with Lyta. Tally watched them disappear, before looking back to Luna.
~~

The well groomed yard seemed at odds with the girl practicing her weaponry. War and peace all at once. It made her feel almost as if she were in a dream. Elaine dipped her head in greeting. "Cortell speaks truly. I knew Marola quite well. Worry not about Cortell and his family, however. They are going on something of a quest for me. They will be quite safe. However, Gladia Celesti may need some more protection in their absence. I know that Gianna and Einar, along with Gladia and Stigandr are capable warriors, but Gianna is quite pregnant. It seems you are skilled with that blade?" She asked, nodding towards the interesting weapon the girl held.

[Tismri]

Luna flicked her leafy tail as the dragon sniffed at her, but other than that sat still. She considered the question the pair posed at her for a moment. I have no wings that I have discovered so far, she admitted, although it is possible that there are forms I've not yet found. It has been many years since I found a new one, however. Most I can change into at will. Two forms depend upon whether it is night or day. She took a leap onto Erath's shoulder and settled there.

You have already seen my day form, when words of wisdom and comfort come to me more easily. My night form, however, is quite different. I tend to be much more mischievous and tricky then. She licked her paw and glanced back at the house where the girl's father and sister had disappeared.

Are you certain you have no wish to eat? Food can be as good for the soul as the body. Her eyes drifted nearly closed as the memory of chasing after a fish underwater crossed her mind, purring with satisfaction at the thought of the well-earned meal.
~~~~~

"It is a pleasure to meet you, madam," Ringabelle said, bowing slightly as she planted the end of her spear into the ground. She glanced back at Cortell when Elaine mentioned their quest; she was curious just what would be happening with them. Perhaps he would tell her all about it when they returned. She returned her attention back to the Rider.

"I can use it well enough, I suppose," she said, fingering the haft of the weapon than had been one of the few possessions she'd appeared with where her memories began. Cortell gave a short chuckle that was almost a snort.

"She's too modest, Elaine. If you want her practice, or use it for real, you would swear she was born with the spear in her hand. 'Skilled' doesn't begin to define it."

"You're too kind, Cortell, but I really do have much still to learn. However, I feel I am adequate to assist in the defense of Gladia Celesti."

[Trinn]

Erath playfully snapped at Luna as she hopped onto his back. A deep rumble thrummed to life in his chest, almost like a cat purr but somewhat less melodic. Tally watched the two majestic creatures, marveling again at Luna's different form, and then at how at easy Erath seemed to be with her. I can eat later. She told the werecat, and crossed her arms resolutely. I wish to wait for Cortell and Elaine's return. Perhaps she would like to eat as well...

There was another part of Tally that felt restless and anxious. She wanted at the same time to hop onto Erath's back and find Ian and his band of soldiers. Surely together they could formulate a plan to rid Alagaesia of Katrina. And the anxious part of her wanted to start running away right now, to fell to whatever corner of the map that would hide her and her family best. Those particular emotions made her feel ashamed. She was a dragon rider, and running away seemed wrong. Perhaps she would see Cortell, Lyta, and her father safely away, and then return and fight the war as her duty entailed. The dark brotherhood wouldn't be able to track her if she were constantly on the war and fighting, could they? How would a person track a dragon's flight path? It seemed impossible. Biting her lower lip nervously, she waited patiently for Cortell.
~~~~

Cortell's praise of the girl was hard to judge. From what Elaine saw, she seemed proficient, but Cortell also spoke with a hint of too much admiration. She wouldn't have been surprised if he was fond of the girl in other ways. "Excellent. It is my request then that you search among Gladia Celesti for the most capable warriors and begin organizing them into a battalion of sorts, ready for a hint of danger. In these next few weeks, maybe longer, the village may be in a some danger from an outside attack. It would be wise to begin a defense. Ask Gianna and Einar for help in training as well. I've seen the courage and fortitude the members of this village possess. I have no doubt many will rise to the challenge." She thought for a second longer,then asked, "What of magic? Have you any ability there?"