Unpleasant news.

[Trinn]

Uru'baen Palace

Vana marched down the marble corridor, her back straight and head held high. No one must suspect what had happened earlier that day. The servants bowed and muttered to her, nobles who were staying within the castle inclined thier heads and said "Argetlam." Vana payed no attention to them. As she rounded the corner, Vana nearly ran straight into Murtagh. At the sight of him, her heart clenched in fear.

Being equals, Vana merely nodded to him. "Rider Murtagh. How fare you this night?" He stared at her distantly, as he always did. The poor man was under so many spells, it was the only way to keep him here. And if she had succeeded in bringing Equinox here... He would be exactly like that. Witholding a shudder, Vana went to excuse herself. However, Murtagh was speaking.

"Where did you get that necklace?" Vana froze. She had forgotten to slip it under her shirt, and now Murtagh noticed it, when he was usually so vacant. Vana picked up the delicate stone between her fingers.

"Oh, its a necklace I picked up in Tierm. I couldn't resist, it was so beautiful." She gazed down at the necklace, afraid to look at Murtagh lest he should see past her lie. After a moment of silence, she heard the sound of retreating footsteps. Looking up, she saw Murtagh's retreating back. Closing her eyes, she sighed in releif. That was close. Vana waited a moment before heading back down the corridor. She arrived at her room without further incident, where she collapsed on her bed. She fell asleep with the necklace clutched in her hand.

Haddarac Dessert

Do you see anything, Eridor? The gray dragon surveyed the dunes below, his head sweeping back and forth. Perched between his spikes sat Elaine. Her eyes were narrowed against the wind as she too looked down upon the dessert. She had been sent out to look for the rider Equinox and his dragon Góùréd. She had never met them before, but had been briefed on their appearance. Eridor's voice suddenly boomed in her head.

There, I think I see them. Elaine leaned further over Eridor's neck. Sure enough, she spotted a large golden mass on the sand. Elaine patted Eridor's neck, and he began a steep dive towards the other rider and dragon. Unfurling his wings when he drew close to earth, Eridor landed with a thud on top of the dune. Elaine looked at Equinox, taking in the silver hair and eyes. This had to be him, and the golden dragon was without a doubt Góùréd. "Greetings rider Equinox, Góùréd. When you two didn't come back by nightfall, the castle sent out me and Eridor to see what happened." She stared at Góùréd's wings. "So, what happened?"

Eridor inclined his head to Góùréd, then eyed the dragons limp wings. Who did this to you?He inquired.

[thefirsteragon]

'A Rider of the Empire. We just had battle here, but she is forgiven.' The golden dragon looked the gray one over, noticing his large size, and wingspan. 'I can not fly on it, so we were going to rest here for the night.' He took note of the Rider also.

He jumped startled, when the Rider and dragon approached, but relaxed after they had told him of their reason. He looked awat quickly, to wipe his cheeks of the tears that were falling from his eyes, and told his tale. "We were scouting out for any trouble when Góùréd felt the Rider's presence. Her dragon sent flame at us, and I stopped it, then she crippled Góùréd's wings. I stopped him in the air, but I lost a severe amount of energy." He gazed off in the distance, watching the sun set slowly. "We then battled on the ground, and she bested me. She let us go, and then-" He stopped, unsure of whether to reveal what had transpired between them. 'I see no reason why not to, little one.' Góùréd's voice was comforting in his mind, as he told her everything that had happened between them, only leaving the emotions that he had felt during the time. He then added about the dragon slayers, and how they were going to keep watch through the night.

[Trinn]

Elaine's eyebrows rose in amazement. Who would have thought an empire rider would be so merciful. Looking into the sky, which was no completely dark, Elaine wondered how far the woman might have gone. Too far. We would not catch her, Eridor commented. Elaine nodded. "Wow, thats quite the tale. As for the dragon Slayers, Eridor and I have encountered them once before, in this very dessert. Its the reason we came out here. If they were to catch the two of you alone, well, it would not be well." Eridor growled, remembering the attack.

Elaine loosened the leg straps and dismounted. She walked around the dragons, looking across the dessert. There was no sign of movement, no wind stirred. Everything looked clear. Coming back around to Equinox, Elaine leaned against Eridor's foreleg. "Well, I don't see anything out there. However, these dragon slayers are very good at stealth. Eridor and I will stay with you until you get back to Surda." Elaine jumped back into Eridor's saddle. "You two get some rest, Eridor and I will stay up and take watch." She smiled before turning to watch the distant dunes. Aren't you forgetting something? Eridor intoned.

Oh, right. Thanks Eridor. Turning back around, Elaine said, "I'm Elaine, by the way. And this here is Eridor." She bowed her head to Equinox and Góùréd, then once more faced the empty dunes.

[thefirsteragon]

"Yes, Góùréd and I would both perish, for our energy is spent." He glanced at the fading sun, and dug a small firepit in the sand. 'Góùréd, if you may?' The golden dragon leaned his head forward, and breathed fire all along side of the pit to start it. "Thank you very much, for keeping watch. I promise to make it up to you, one day." He smiled at Elaine, the walked up to Eridor. 'Well met Skulbaka. He took a short look at Eridor, then walked back to Góùréd, unbuckling his sword from his belt, but leaving it closeby in case of an emergency.

"If you two don't mind, I guess that Góùréd and I will rest now. I feel as though I could slumber for months after that battle." Góùréd scooped Equinox in a claw, then brought him close to his warm underbelly, laying a wing over him, to protect him from the elements. 'Thank you for watching over us, Elaine and Eridor. Góùréd shuffled a bit, then curled into a ball his Rider pinned to his underbelly with his tail.

[Trinn]

"It is no problem at all. I'm glad to help out any way I can." Elaine shifted a bit in Eridor's saddle, trying to get more comfortable. The gray dragon crouched down on his haunches, shuffling his wings and folding them onto his back. He winked an eye at Equinox and Góùréd. Yes, we are glad to help. Sleep well. He turned his large head towards the fire, warming the scales on his neck and cheek. Elaine could feel the heat from her position upon Eridor, and so stayed where she was. She and Eridor gazed in different directions, awake and alert to any sign of danger.

The first ray of sun broke out across the dune in a splash of heat. It fell across Góùréd's scales, throwing out more rays of golden light. Eridor's scales shone like a shadow in the sunlight, as his gray scales cast out dark chips of light. Shall we wake them now? He inquired. Elaine stretched her arms and yawned. It had been a long, uneventful night. Sliding off Eridor's back, she then stretched her legs too.

Aye, I'll wake them. Eridor nodded as he rose to his full height and unfurled his wings. Slipping a bit in the sand, Elaine made her way over to Góùréd. "Góùréd!" she called out loudly. "Equinox!"

[thefirsteragon]

The elf jerked awake, spitting sand out of his mouth, half off his face covered in the hard crystalike stuff. "Ugherhfg.." The elf muttered an unrecognizable phrase as he rubbed the sleep from his eyes slowly. He then remembered where he was and quickly rose to his feet, using Góùréd's massive bulk as an aid, to help himelf up. After he was done, he strapped Du'turr's hilt onto his belt, and muttered, "Brisingr." to start the smoldering fire in the pit. He glanced up at Elaine and Eridor, and smiled lightly. "We both cannot express our gratitude to you both for keeping watch over us. How are you both doing this fine morning?" 'Also Equinox and I are in your debt, fellow Skulbaka and Shur'tugal.' Góùréd replied, lifting his head lazily to snap at a dove as it fluttered by.

Equinox warmed his hands by the fire, as the sun was not that high in the sky yet, and reached into Góùréd's saddlebag to remove an assortment of cheese, fruits, vegetables, and bread. He also removed a container of honey, to dip the bread into. "Do either of you want anything here? I have more than enough for us." He smiled gesturing to the food he took out. 'I'm sorry for no meat Eridor. I do not hunt, as I am an elf.' But if there is anything you need, just ask of it, for I am in your debt as Góùréd stated earlier.' He gave a slight bow to the enourmous dragon, then started to eat with a wide smile on his face.

[Trinn]

Elaine chuckled at the sight of Equinox, half covered in sand. As he became more coherent, Elaine smothered her mirth. She waved a hand as he thanked her and Eridor. "Oh, really, it's not a big deal. Like I said, Eridor and I are glad to help in any way. Right Eridor?" The dragon lifted his head and blinked at the bright sunlight. Of course. No trouble at all. Elaine smiled and went to stand by the small fire, warming her hands over the snapping flames. She watched Equinox pull out his breakfast, slightly intrigued as to what it might be. She had only met one other elf before, but they hadn't dined together. What Equinox pulled out was really no surprise. At the castle, she had been taught of elf customes and culture. Of course, there was no meat.

"Oh, no thanks. I ate right before dawn." She smiled and shrugged. "I was bored. Anyways, I don't blame you on the whole meat thing. A little while ago my appetite suddenly changed. I couldn't stomach eating meat anymore." She frowned at the memory. "My trainers at the castle told me it was normal. Because being a rider, I can sense all of the life around me." Elaine crossed her arms and gave a soft laugh. "Of course, I'm sure you already know about that."

Eridor got up and walked a bit down the dune. His legs had been starting to cramp, and he needed to stretch. As he ambled down the dune, his tail swished back and forth, swiping sand up into the air. Don't go too far, Elaine warned. He snorted out a trail of smoke, but obeyed his rider and came back up the dune. Coming to stand beside Góùréd, he folded his legs and lay down on the sand. With eyes half-lidded, he asked the gold dragon, How do your wings fare this morning? He noted the gold was a bit smaller than himself, and so was probably younger. Eridor himself was just less than two years of age.

[thefirsteragon]

Góùréd gave a growl of respect for the dragon as he flapped his wings, sending up huge plumes of sand. 'Sorry about that. I didn't know that they were that strong yet. They've gotten better from last night's rest. I can fly on them now.' He flapped them again, then folded them down on his sides. 'How old are you Eridor? For you are such a greater size than I.' He stared at him as he had to be atleast 1 1/2 times bigger than Góùréd. The giant dragon the stared into the flames, as though hynotized by their exotic movements.

"Yes, it was taught to be, the first lesson of all." He finished what he wanted with the food, then stored it away again, tossing the remains into the fire. "Well..We should be returning to the castle then. They might be worried. " He kicked some sand onto the fire to smother it, and then mounted Góùréd's back. "When we get there, would you like to spar? I mean you don't have to, but I think it would be great for me to get some practice, after yestarday." He gave a slow smile unsure of what she would say to that.

[Trinn]

Eridor nodded his head to Góùréd. I am nearly two years of age. I hatched for Elaine around the time Saphira and Eragon left to Ellesmera. We didn'f fight at the battle of the burning plains because the Varden didn't want to risk losing two riders. In fact, the varden tried to keep us secret. They eventually realised this was a terrible idea, and began sending us on scouting trips and what not. And here we are. Two slim tendrils of smoke drifted from his scaly nostrils at the end of his short telling.

Elaine followed Equinox up the dune and walked to Eridor's side. Are you good to fly? she asked him, although she already knew he was. Eridor bumped her with the side of his head, his way of saying you already know. Smiling, Elaine vaulted onto his back, landing upon the leather saddle. She strapped her legs onto the sides of the saddle, then looked across at Equionx. "I would love to spar, good sir," Elaine said with a smile. "But first, to the skies!" At her last word, Eridor launched himself into the air, spraying up a cloud of sand. His immense wings carried him upwards quickly, gaining higher alltitude. Releasing a happy bugle, Eridor leveled out and flew towards Aberon. Elaine twisted around on the saddle to see if Góùréd was behind them.

[thefirsteragon]

'Ahh, I see. I'm glad you make the scouting trips, else you would have never found us.' The giant dragon nodded, then spread his wings wide, as Eridor and Elaine took off. He climbed into the sky, his wings beating powerfully, as if they were never injured. There was a 'thumf' sounds and the air vibrated according to Góùréd's wing strokes as he cruised in behind Eridor. As Elaine turned around, the golden dragon carefully leaned his head in his golden eyes level with hers. 'Boo.' He then flapped, so he was side to side with Eridor. My wings feel perfect. Good as new.' He voiced his comments through everyone's mind, so they could all hear.

"Hey Elaine! Watch this!" The elf yelled it above the wind. He then undid his straps, careful to not fall off of the dragon. He then carefully stood up, the wind buffeting his clothes, his hair flying wildly. He proceeded to slowly, but surely, walk up his dragon's neck. He did this very carefully, not afraid of the fall, but afraid of slipping and injuring his manhood on one of his spines. He finally got to his head, then sat upon his neck in an area where there were no spines. "Impressive huh?" The dragon snorted sending a cloud of smoke into the elf's face. 'Show off.'

[Trinn]

Elaine smiled wryly at Góùréd. I'm glad he's feeling better, she told Eridor with a laugh. The gray dragon purred his agreement. He was just happy to be in the air. At the sound of Equinox's voice, she watched in surprise as he stood upon Góùréd's golden back. What was he doing! Her hands clutched nervously into fists. If he fell... Equinox finally made it to Góùréd's neck, where the spikes ended. Elaine breathed a loud sigh of relief. "That was pretty intense," she yelled to Equinox, "and impressive." she added with a laugh. Elaine looked up at Eridor's neck. I've gotta try it, she told the dragon. Eridor snapped his head around and stared at her with an angry eye.

No, you aren't. It is far too dangerous. I'll not have my rider risking her life for some silly stunt. Elaine rolled her eyes.
You're just one big overprotective lizard. If I fall, I'll be sure to avoid a spike. Plus, you can just catch me anyways. Her argument was reasonable, and she could feel Eridor waver in his own argument. He looked away from her, then agreed. "Yes," she said, excited. "Allright Equinox, here I come!" Slipping off the leg straps, she rose slowly to her feet.

The wind threatened to tear her off Eridor's back. She was at odds with his aerodynamic figure. Her hair streamed out behind her as she made the first step towards Eridors neck. With her heart pounding out adrenaline, Elaine felt no fear, only a rush of excitment. She took another careful step, and was no stradling one of Eridor's lethal spikes. She raised an eyebrow at the sight of it. As she moved forward again, Elaine could tell Eridor was keeping his neck perfectly straight, but that was allright with her. The next step she made landed odly on Eridor's glossy scale, and her foot slipped down the side. "Ah!" Elaine shouted, wobbling dangerously on one foot. Eridor growled, afraid he would have to try saving his falling rider. However, Elaine lunged forward, and landed on her stomach on the length of Eridor's neck that was spike free. Fortunately, the scales here were smaller, and so their cutting motions were diminished. Sitting up, she looked across at Equinox with a wide smile. Eridor was releasing a string of loud growls.

Why, why, why did I let you do this? You almost killed yourself! Elaine patted his thick neck.
I'm sorry. But I told you I wouldn't fall. The dragon continued to growl, and Elaine sat upon his neck smiling widely.

[thefirsteragon]

He grinned at her comment, then his eyes widened as she attempted to do her own. His body tensed, ready to use magic when she slipped, but the words died in his mouth as she jumped, and landed safely. He gave a sudden laugh at the craziness of the situation. "You gave me a scare, but you managed to pull it off. Well done." He gave a little clap.

He turned foward, and opened his mind up to the plants and animals they passed. It relaxed him, and helped take his mind off of things. "Have you trained in Ellesmera yet?" He turned his head sideways, and looked at her. As he did so he absentmindedly placed a hand in Góùréd's mouth.

Góùréd bit down softly on Equinox's hand in a calm reassuring way. He strained his eyes, as he saw the edge of Surda on the horizon. 'Eridor, I have not hunted in a while. While our Riders spar, would you like to join me?' He turned his head, carefully not moving Equinox, and looked at the gray dragon.

[Trinn]

Elaine laughed and bowed her head in apology. "Sorry for scaring you. I couldn't resist trying your stunt myself. As for Ellesmera. I havnen't officially gone to train there. The varden have kept me at Abernon castle, training me there. There aren't many elves, though, so learning some of the ancient language can be difficult." She shrugged. It was no big deal. At least she knew how to perform magic, new the properties of it and limits. It would be nice though, she thought, to one day travel to the elven capital and be surrounded by all the marvels. Sung tree houses, wild animals coming so close you could touch them, as they weren't afraid, and merry elfs. At least, thats what everyone said elfs were like, merry. I'd have to see it myself to believe it. she told Eridor.

The large dragon glanced at Equinox. Well, he seems to be of the merry type. Maybe its true what they say about elves. He felt Elaine give a mental shrug, and so let the topic drop. He made sure to keep his flight level and steady, gliding as often as possible. Eridor didn't like the fact that Elaine was riding without a saddle, and riding in the wrong spot, for that matter. However, the outskirts of Abernon sprung up, and he felt a bit relieved. Elaine wouldn't be riding in her absurd position much longer. The dunes began to fade out, replaced with dry shrubery and flat grasslands. Aye, that would be welcome. he replied to Góùréd. I haven't hunted in a while myself. He gave a draconic smile at the thought of a meal.

Not long after, Abernon castle spread below them. Eridor flew past the gates and a few tall spires, coming to a large courtyard. Looking down, Elaine watched as the people below scattered out of the way of the landing dragons, holding their hats against the wind from their wings. Eridor came to a soft landing, then moved quickly aside to make room for Góùréd. She spotted her friend General Kell standing in a recess of the castle. He nodded to her, then turned and walked into the palace. Probably on his way to report that Equinox and Góùréd were safe." Glad that she wouldn't have to make a side trip, Elaine jumped off Eridor's neck and landed on the packed grass of the courtyard. "Welcome back argetlam." Called a passing soldier, who saluted sharply. Elaine nodded to him in thanks, then turned to watch Góùréd land.

[thefirsteragon]

He smiled, and watched as Abernon came into full view. " 'Tis ok. When I first saw it done myself, I did the same as you." He peered down into the crowds they passed, as the people looked up in awe from the sight of two dragons, and two Riders. Equinox gave a hearty wave to those on the ground, and grinned. As Góùréd landed, a man walked up to him amd bowed. Equinox looked at him, then grabbed his shoulder softly and pulled him to his feet. "Rise. You've no need to bow to me. Everybody is an equal here." He gave a calm smile to the man, brushing dirt off of his tunic. "But argetlam, I am but a worthless peasant. I'm just another expendable farmer." The man looked sad, but brightened when Equinox spoke again. "Nobody is expendable. Everybody is priceless to their family's. Remember that." With that said, Equinox hopped off of Góùréd, then walked up to Elaine. "Who was that man there? The one that nodded to you? I seem to remember him from somewhere, but it is a lost memory." He glanced at the spot where the man had been, confused.

Góùréd gave a happy growl at Eridor's answer. 'Good, I shall leave after I'm sure that my Rider has been taken care of, and is cared for. He gets into a lot of trouble with my presense around.' Equinox heard this comment, and gave Góùréd an look so funny that the dragon sent tiny flames out of his nostrils. 'You're going hunting?' Equinox looked at the dragon and asked him the question. 'Aye. I have not eaten in a while. I need food.' Equinox smiled, and patted the scales on his back. 'Alright be careful. We don't know how many eggs Galbatorix had to hatch. And they might not all be as nice as Vana and Viel.' The dragon snorted. 'They weren't nice at first.'

[Trinn]

"That was general William Kell." Elaine glanced back at the spot he had been a minute ago. "He deals a lot with us riders. Assigns us rooms in the castle and what not. I'm sure you've probably met him before." She smiled, picturing the older man. "If not, he'll pop up some time and introduce himself. He just went to report that you were safe. So, we can go straight to the sparring grounds." Eridor, don't go out of Surda without me. You understand. Eridor rubbed his smoky nose against her shoulder.

Of course. I won't go too far. Elaine patted his neck in farewell, then started off towards the castle. "Allright Equinox, this way." As Elaine walked, her mind wandered to thoughts of the hearty general. He was the one who insisted she keep Eridor's egg for a night, and stay at the castle. If not for him, she wouldn't be a rider now. A small smile came to her lips as she remembered. The general was like a father to her now, although he tried to put on a tough exterior. He would never fool her though. A small gust of wind announced Eridor's exit, and she glanced quickly over her shoulder to catch a last glimpse of him. She watched him gain alltitude, then speed away from the castle. A feeling of hapiness washed across the bond, and Elaine new he was enjoying the company of Góùréd.

After a quick walk through the castle corridors, Elaine came to another courtyard, this one smaller than the one the dragons landed in. Pairs of sparring soldiers sprawled across the yawn. The sounds of swords clinking together and shouts drifted forth. "Here we are," Elaine announced with a smile. She turned to face Equinox. "Ready?" She glanced above Equinox, to the balcony that ringed the courtyard. Leaning against the railing, looking down at her, was General Kell. Come to see me in action, she thought wryly. Hope he gets a good show.