Dark Wings, Dark Tidings

[Tismri]

Luna continued licking her paw as the girl insisted she would wait for her food. When Tally mentioned Elaine, the werecat gave a brief glance to her maroon kin still waiting patiently by the fountain.

I'm not sure she will be able to stay for dinner, she stated, stretching before lying down on the dragon's shoulder. With this dark Family she needs to take down, I'm sure she has little time to spare; she has other responsibilities besides. The werecat settled down and flicked her leafy ear toward the girl. Right now you, Talia Celesti, and you, Erath Brightscales, have a choice to make. Do you flee with your family and hide like mice in a hole? Or do you face your dangers without fear, find a way to save your lost brother and sister, and repair your family which the Shade Rider has mercilessly broken? She paused for a moment to let the pair consider. I do not mean to persuade or dissuade you from either path. There are things you must consider. Are you ready for such a task? You two have had no real training as dragon and Rider. Right now you are not even a match for your sister Gloriann and her bond Sundavar, and there are others more dangerous than they within the Shade's forces. But you two cannot hide forever. Think carefully, and do what your hearts tell you are right.
~~~~~

Ringabelle considered the assignment Elaine had given to her. She already knew who were a part of the Celesti defense, having joined them shortly after her arrival. They were all very capable fighters, though they might need more training to be considered adequate. She'd also spend some spare time toying with schematics to increase the defenses of the village. It was good, but not yet perfect. She considered it until she heard Elaine's latest question.

"I am proficient in magic," she confirmed, "and I can speak the ancient language with competence. Also I keep stores of extra energy here." She touched the emerald in the head of her spear.
~~~~~

Inside the house, Lyta sat at the table while she waited for her father to bring her food. Though she was hungry, she rarely felt like eating. It had taken a lot of coaxing from Daddy, Cortell, Tally, and even Itward for her to take a few bites, and now it was more of an automatic thing for her. She traced patterns on the table with her finger as she waited, lost in thoughts.

"Itward?" she asked softly. Explaining her imaginary friend to Daddy was something she didn't quite feel like doing right now, but she had to distract her thought somehow, and talking to him was always the best way to do that. The tall skeleton appeared in the chair next to her and looked at her expectantly.

"Why did Mommy want you to protect me?" she wondered to him. It was something that always bugged her. "Why me and not Daeron or Glory?"

I can't speak for her motives precisely, Itward told her. I believe it started with your birth, when your twin sister died. You also struggled to survive during those first few months, and she was very worried about losing you as well. Even as you grew stronger and older, she never regretted telling me to watch over you. She loved you with everything within her, and her will was always for you to survive.

Lyta thought over the information for a moment, thinking back to happier times when the entire family was together.

[Trinn]

"Very good." Said Elaine, gratified by the girls' thoughtfulness in storing energy. That alone meant she was skilled and proficient in the art of magic. "Then I suppose the only other question is, do you think you are capable of rallying the defenses and making sure everyone is well prepared for an attack? The attack may be magical, physical, or both, but one thing is certain, it will surely be made stealthily and quietly. Vigilance will be key." Elaine stared into the girl's eyes intently as she waited for a response. It only occurred to her then that she did not know the girl's name.
~~~

Luna's words sat heavily in Tally's mind. Erath seemed to think they should make a stand and fight, not run. But Tally was not so certain. Luna was right, she and Erath were yet so young and untrained. What would they really hope to accomplish in an actual battle? Though it was true she new some magic and basic swordplay from her mother, it wouldn't be nearly enough for a real duel, a duel for life and death. Underneath the cloak she wore, she touched the hilt of the rider's blade, Esterni. Was she even worth of wielding such a weapon? Doubt and uncertainty filled her mind, and she wished her mother were still alive to help her answer the questions that now hung over her. She longed for that warm, secure embrace and a whisper of "everything will be alright", and to feel the instant relief and comfort. Tally had to bite the inside of her lip to force the tears from her eyes. It was no good when her mind strayed, for now it strayed to yearnings that could never more be fulfilled.

[Tismri]

Ringabelle nodded with confidence at Elaine's final question, certain that she could keep the town's defenses always ready and alert.

"I have a proposal in mind on a way to keep the town watch always active while making sure the guardians are always rested," she said. "Combined with the physical defense schematics I've been working on and the wards kept in place by Einar, Gianna, and Mar--" She stopped herself, remembering with a pang that their third Rider was no longer with them. She glanced for a moment at Cortell, who had a distant look in his eyes, though his right fist was so tight that his fingernails were digging into his palm.

"It's okay, Ringabelle," he said, and after a brief, painful moment he managed to relax, sinking his gaze to the ground and taking a few deep breaths. This was still a better state than she had seen him in since his mother died. Whoever this woman was, she seemed to have done wonders for him.

"I'm sure the wards are still plenty strong," she said, hoping it was the truth. Surely the magical protection of two Riders would be enough to keep the village safe. The thought still concerned her, though. Despite that, she continued her earlier thought. "With all these measures in place, it should be nearly impossible for someone to sneak in unnoticed."
~~~~~

Luna could smell the sorrow and uncertainty rolling off the girl, as unmistakable as the salty tang of tears. She jumped down from her perch on Erath's shoulder and brushed her body against Tally's legs, understanding her feelings well.

Your hesitance is understandable. Choosing to take the next step in your life's direction is full of doubt and plagued by memories. The werecat spoke from experience, the years of her life's struggles and failings often weighing on her. But you cannot remain indecisive forever. You cannot wait for "what if." She stood between the Rider and the dragon, looking between them both. If you would heed a werecat's advice, I would recommend you travel to Bromsland. There, you can train with Riders who have had much experience and know a great many things. They can prepare you for whatever comes next in your life, better than you two could ever learn on your own. She stretched and yawned, returning to her perch on the dragon where she curled around and closed her eyes, hiding behind her leafy tail. But that is merely my advice. As I said, the choice is yours.

[Trinn]

Elaine watched Cortell carefully when his mother was nearly mentioned. She was prepared to assert herself into his mind again to keep him from hurting himself or possibly someone else. The kind of loss he was experiencing would make the most sane person act mad, and she wanted to prevent that as long as she was around. It seemed her worry was unnecessary. Cortell seemed to grapple with himself for a moment before regaining his calm. Well done. Elaine whispered to his mind, brushing her conscious lightly across his so as not to startle him.

"It sounds like you have things well in hand already." Elaine told the girl. "I am relieved the village has one as astute as you. However, it wouldn't hurt to speak with Einar and Gianna and make double sure the wards are fortified and strong. These people... they know many magics, dark and powerful. Being extra cautious will serve you well." Still, Elaine couldn't help but feel a twang of doubt. The family housed some of the most stealthy, crafty, mean, and powerful dark magicians. Wards were powerful, but some dark magic could push wards aside like butter. "I shall leave you to your duties then. Cortell, I will leave you to say your goodbyes. It is well past time that I am off and on to my own duties." Elaine reached up and grasped his shoulder firmly. "I believe you will overcome this hardship, and you will be stronger for it. Remember those that are still present, and think only fondly of those that have gone from us. Live in the present, remember the past, and fear not the future." She gave him a final squeeze, then turned sharply and retreated back to Eridor.
~~~

Luna's advice was a blessing to Tally. It gave her direction and purpose. Blinking back the remaining mistiness in her eyes, she gave the werecat a grateful smile. Thank you, Luna. I think that is what we shall do. It really seems the only logical choice if we hope to defeat as powerful an enemy as katriana. Erath sighed. He had been hoping for something more adventurous, but he knew this choice was best. He craned his head around to look at Luna perched on his back. Carefully, he brushed his snout against the cat's odd leafy forehead.

Would you come with us, shifter? He asked of her.
~~~

Elaine found Eridor, Tally, Erath, and the two werecats almost where she had left them. Eridor had shuffled off a ways to give Tally and her bond some privacy, as it seemed the odd werecat was conversing with them. Purfell still sat near the fountain. She had a feeling the werecat was there for her. Feeling antsy to be on her way, Elaine took a soothing breath and strode over to the cat. She looked down at him for a moment before saying, "Well met, Purfell. I admit I didn't expect to see you ever again. I hope you are well?"

[Tismri]

Cortell forced a small smile in response to Elaine's silent praise, grateful that she had managed to help him. He was unsure if he would be able to keep up this calm demeanor very long, but every moment of calm, rational sanity was precious. He kept his attention on Ringabelle as Elaine went along her way, concerned for her.

"You'll be all right?" he asked. She gave him a bright, reassuring smile.

"I'll be fine, Cortell. I'm a big girl, I can take care of myself."

"I never doubted that." He looked at her carefully. "Promise you won't worry too much about, you know, yourself." She understood what he meant. Sometimes, she would come across something that felt vaguely familiar, a deja vue sensation, but whenever she tried to pursue it, she would only end up with blank frustration.

"As long as you promise not to lose yourself again," she replied. "I couldn't bear to watch as you lost your mind." They stood there for another moment or so, before Cortell cleared his throat.

"Well, I should probably get ready to leave. I have to take care of my father and sisters." He gave another forced smile, knowing that it had mostly been Tally taking care of all of them lately. He hoped to take some of that burden from her shoulders. Ringabelle gave him a quick hug.

"I'll make sure the town is still standing so you have a home to come back to," she promised him. With that, they parted ways; Ringabelle returned to the house to work harder on her defense schematics before presenting them to Einar and Gianna. Cortell headed back to his own home.
~~~~~

Luna twitched her ears as Tally thanked her, glad that she agreed to the suggestion. The werecat was certain that if they tried to pursue the Shade Rider without any proper training, they would be met with a swift and premature end, or enslavement like her sister. Even so, their chances were going to be slim unless they found a number of allies.

At the dragon's question, Luna raised her head and stared at him solemnly. The question weighed heavily on her; she'd not chosen a companion in a number of years, not since the soldier was killed. She feared having to watch another close friend die, but her own words came back to her. Life cannot be lived on "what if."

I would be delighted, Brightscales, she replied before resuming her napping position.

Cortell approached the house slowly, trying to keep memories from overwhelming him. He stopped when he saw Tally standing next to Erath. He'd always thought she had taken more after their father in her looks and demeanor. But seeing her standing tall there, with a resolute look in her eyes, he could see every bit of their mother in her. The sight was at once healing and heartbreaking. He walked to her and pulled her into a firm hug without saying a word.
~~~~~

Purfell opened his green eyes as the Rider approached him, a deep purr resonating in his chest. It had been a long time since he had seen her this close. Some would say she hadn't changed at all, but he could see the weight of years in her expression.

As well as can be, though that cannot be said for my former companion. He raised himself into a sitting position, curling his tail around his paws. I overheard your conversation. I am correct in assuming you are now on a mission to eradicate that brotherhood of murderers you foolishly joined all those years ago? One of his tufted ears twitched slightly as he asked.