Unpleasant news.

[Max452]

"Dammit!" Einar swore as the female Rider twisted to avoid his swords. He felt his sword pierce her, but knew it wasn't that deep. Bringing them up again and switching the position; his left now aimed for her ribs, while his right aimed for her shoulder.

He heard Stigandr roar out in pain as the gray dragon clawed at his stomach.
"Stigandr!" Einar cried out, worried and experiencing his pain too. This dragon was far too large for Stigandr to get a good grip on its scales, so Einar decided to use the technique that was taught to him.

The Rider blocked both of his attacks so he decided to go one handed as he swiftly sheathed his left sword. He nearly got scathed by one of the talons, but Stigandr managed to kick himself away before colliding again.

Einar grounded his teeth as he strecthed forth his gedwey ignasia at the gray dragon.
"Brisinger!" He cried out and a fireball begin to form in his hand. Thankful that Galbatorix taught him how to name a word and the idea of what he wanted would come forth, he yelled a enraged cry at the dragon as he released the fireball.

[Trinn]

Eridor released a roar as his talons' struck the soft underbelly of the silver dragon. Blood stained his ivory talons. Elaine dodged Einar's next dual attack, this time completely as Eridor tipped slightly, bringing her out of range of Einar's blades. Instead, the swords screeched against his scales. He lost sight of the enemy for a moment as he flipped through the sky. When he righted himself again, A large fireball was headed towards himself and Elaine. The blunt of it's force was headed for his rider. Releasing a roar of anger, Eridor tried twisting out of the way, but it was no use. The mass of fire had come too quickly, but at least it wouldn't strike Elaine. Instead, the fireball struck the middle of Eridor's left wing, burning a whole through it. Eridor's roar came out shrilly, almost a scream, the pain was so intense. Not only that, but he could no longer fly, and was now tumbling heedlessly towards earth.

Elaine, feeling the pain through Eridor, clutched her left arm. She felt the fire burning through his wing, and she screamed too, but in anger. Eridor! He could not hear her, as both her mind and his were blocked. The wind from his wild fall tore at her body and whipped her long hair into a tangled mass. The ground was swiftly coming closer. She could not stop his fall with magic, as it would take too much energy. She had only one option. Struggling against the wind, Elaine reached out her hand and grasped the joint of Eridor's left wing. "Waise Heil!" she shouted, focusing all her energy upon the wound. Gray magic swept from her gedwey ignasia, flowing across Eridor's ring until it reached the ragged hole. She closed her eyes as she tried to huriedly mend the massive wound. The fibers and membranes of the wing slowly threaded back together, until all that was left was a round scar. Elaine released the magic. Weakened, and fearful that she and Eridor were both about to meet their doom, she drew herself closer to Eridor's neck and hugged it fiercly.

Eridor pumped his good wing frantically, trying to gain some purchase in the air. A soft tingle suddenly spread across the hole in his left wing, and he realized Elaine was trying to heal it before they crashed into the earth. Hurry Elaine! he thought, watching as the ground came closer and closer. When there was only about thirty feet between himself and earth, he felt the power return to his wing, felt no more pain. He felt the wind underneath it, like a soft blanket catching his fall. With an elated roar, he pumped both wings downward, flinging himself back up into the sky. He heard Elaine woop from her position on his back.

Eridor flew upwards like an arrow from a bow. He directed himself at Stigandr, his face a mask of rage. He wouldn't stop until he had the silver dragon between his jaws and in his talons.

[Max452]

Einar roared with Stigandr as the gray beast flew down wounded. Thinking it was over, Einar checked to see if his dragon was all right.

We need to land, I can only hold on for a little way. Stigandr winced as he soared down.
No. There is too much chaos below us. Hold still, let me see if I can heal it by flipping underneath.
Be careful. His voice was strained.

Grabbing hold of one of the saddle straps, Einar effortlessly twisted his body and hung on the side of Stigandr. He grimaced at the immense wound that bleed profusely. With his energy, Einar stretched his hand and yelled "Waise heil." Einar was able to heal half of the wound when he heard Stigandr roar again.

Einar! They're back! Get back onto the saddle! Stigandr panicked for his rider.

Einar glanced down as the grayback flew through the clouds at them. His eyes grew wide with horror as he realized that he wouldn't have enough time to flip back onto the saddle; he used an immense amount of energy just to heal Stigandr.

Brace yourself! Stigandr roared as the two dragons collided again, knocking Einar back and forth. With all his effort, Einar held onto the saddle strap with his right hand, while grabbing his left sword out of its sheath. Hanging there, he tried to strike the hard scales of the gray dragon.

[thefirsteragon]

Equinox turned his face away slowly, his eyes clouding with tears. He then turned around again suddenly, raising his blade to stop Vana's blow. Her movements seemed slower with most of his energy stored inside of him. He shook his head slowly, his tears falling onto the bloodshed ground where the disappeared instantly. "No Vana! I won't. I don't care what Galbatorix does." With that said, he grasped her shoulders and pulled her in to his face, his lips crashing upon hers. He leaned away a few inches, his eyes locked onto hers, waiting for her reaction.

Góùréd rolled over her back, just narrowly avoiding her talons. He then dropped several hundred feet to fly under her. 'Equinox, what are you doing?! Concentrate Rider.' He twisted sharply, avoiding a volley of arrows shot from Imperial soldiers. He roasted them to a crisp with his fire, then flew back up to Viel, his maw open, his sharp teeth aiming to bite her scaly neck.

[Trinn]

The scales on Viel's neck screeched against Góùréd's teeth. A long scratch now ranged down them. The red dragon snarled viciously as she retaliated with a swipe of her talons. She aimed to gouge out Góùréd's golden eyes. A strange emotion suddenly took hold, and she new it came from Vana. Through her rider's mind, Viel saw what happened below. What a medlsome elf! she thought with rage. Without further hesitation, Viel continued her attack upon Góùréd.

Vana closed her eyes, unable to resist. This was what she really wanted, but it was impossible to have. A thought floated in the back of her mind. I could kill him easily now. A quick thrust of my blade and he would be done. The idea seemed to send another crack down her heart. Equinox finally pulled back, leaving Vana in a daze. Something hot trailed down her cheek, and she realized with a flash of anger that it was a tear. She was not accustomed to such hesitation, such weakness on the field of battle. How impractical this situation was. Swiping the tear from her face, Vana pulled herself away from Equinox. "This cannot be. It is impossible." Turning quickly, she rushed into the mass of soldiers, disapearing from sight. I can't do it. she thought. I cannot fight him. Vana thrust her blade through the heart of a varden. Her anger, her fury, her sadness, was taken out on the poor soldiers in her path. Vana tried contacting Viel, but the dragon's mind was barred.

~~~

With a crash, Eridor met once more with Stigandr. He renewed his attacks with vigor, clawing and biting. His tail came perilously close to Einar, but swept above him. Eridor was in such a rage he was unaware of the ridir haning by one strap. If he had known, he would have focused his attacks upon him. However, Elaine was aware.

Her plan had been to maim the rider, or dragon, so they could no longer fight. Killing had been only the last option in her plans. She couldn't imagine that the rider could hang on much longer, not when the two dragons kept beating at each other. Einar's sword clanged uselessly against Eridor's amor-like scales. A normal blade would do no damage. Elaine decided to wait and watch. If he fell... she would decide what to do when, or if, the moment came.

[Max452]

Einar's stomach went to his throat as he swung like bait on a fishing pole.
Stigandr, I can't hold on much longer!
Hearing the pleads of his Rider, Stigandr thought of an idea. When i tell you, let go.
Einar sent him a complacent, yet nauseous mind nod.

Stigandr roared again as he clawed and snapped wildly at the dragon. For a moment, he was able to grasp onto his neck, but taking this advantage to save his Rider, Stigandr used his hind legs and pushed back on the belly of the other dragon.
Free from his enemy's grasp, Stigandr flipped to his left and shouted "NOW!" at Einar, who could no longer hang on. The flip caused Einar's hand to get caught for a brief moment, causing it to snap his shoulder out of place.

Crying out in pain, Einar managed to let go of the saddle strap and was now soaring through the air. Quick to his Rider's needs, Stigandr continued his loop and timing it perfectly was able to get Einar back on the saddle with a loud thud.

Einar grimaced at the impact and at the striking pain that was now reverberating up and down his right arm.
Are you all right? Stigandr turned his head slightly to look at him, but kept his other eye on the adversary.
No, but I will tend to my arm later, we need to end this battle now!

With his remaining strength, Einar lifted his left blade (which he noticed was slightly dented in) and told Stigandr to charge again.

[Trinn]

Eridor roared out in pain as Stigandr's talons connected with his soft stomach. Thankfully, the claws did not go in deep, but now the silver dragon was escaping him. From upon his back, Elaine watched in fascination as the rider released his hold upon the strap and plummeted through the sky. Eridor was following the path of the silver dragon, who, Elaine was relieved to see, was able to rescue the falling man.

Once more, Eridor continued his attack upon the silver dragon. At intervals, the two dragons would plummet through the sky, locked in each others grasp. But always one of them would flare their wings and recover alltitude. At one time Elaine noticed that Góùréd was having his own battle with the red dragon. It seemd like niether had the upper hand. Just like us she thought, regarding the two dueling dragons. Her body slowly regained energy, and her mind began thinking up spells she could cast out at the other rider, or dragon.

[thefirsteragon]

A single tear fell from Equinox's eye, landing on the bloodshed ground beneath him. His breath caught in his throat as she rejected him, all movements of the ongoing battle seeming to stop. He watched as Vana hurried away, his heart seemingly breaking into two pieces. He was brought back to reality as a soldiers arrow pierced the ground two feet infront of him. He dropped to the ground to avoid another arrow, then rolled to his left and grabbed his sword. A third arrow came at him, but he stopped it with magic, then sent it whizzing back at its owner, twice the force that it was shot with. It struck the Imperial soldier through the head, killing him instantly. He now glanced back at where Vana had disappeared, and saw that it was now overflowing with enemy soldiers. He charged at them, his sword raised and struck with both magic, and physically force, killing several, and injuring more. He made his way through them, to see Vana slaughtering Varden soldiers and rushed to her, his sword raised, ready for a fight. "Vana! I'll do anything for your love. Fight me, and if I win, we are together. If I don't, you kill me, or take me back to Galbatorix. I swear I would not resist." He muttered that in the Ancient Language as well, watching her, looking for any action.

Góùréd saw Viel's attack on his eyes, and rolled under her to avoid, flipping his body upside down as he did. He realized too late that the manuever he did exposed his weaker underbelly scales, and gave a roar of pain as Viel attacked those, sending his steaming blood through the air, and onto the ground below. He snarled, for the wound was deep, and he couldn't remain in the air much longer. 'Equinox, I need your help. Viel is a formidable opponent.' He thought to his Rider as he circled Viel, looking for any weak spots to attack, while keeping his own defense up. He thought he saw one, and moved in for the attack, his talons outstreched for Viel's scaly hide.

[Max452]

OCC: Oooo...rejected! lol. sorry, couldn't help myself.

Einar's energy was now beginning to fail him. The battle with this rider raged on, and he was becoming more and more frustrated that they were of equal strength and skill in the sky, although he knew that she would best him in the end; his skills faired better on the ground.

I need to get her on the ground. Or we will surely lose. I know you are great, but their size and power are far more better than ours. Can you lure them to that secluded spot?
I'll try. Stigandr's breathing was irregular, indicating his failing strength and energy.

Flapping his wings, he made way to the spot that Einar indicated. It was a little ways away from the battle, but at any moment, it could be overrun by the two armies. The grassy and rocky terrain seemed perfect for a defensive position.

[Trinn]

Eridor's mouth was as dry as cotton, her chest heaved up and down. He could feel Elaine stroking his neck, but he was too tired to take heart from it. Stigandr changed his route suddenly, and Eridor trailed closley behind him. Elaine was aware of what the other rider intended. A duel on the ground. Although Elaine was skilled in the art of swordsmanship, she was still weakened by her earlier use of magic. Also, the other rider wielded dual swords. She reached for Eridor's mind, and was happy to find it open. You need to rest, Eridor. I will take the rider on the ground. Eridor snarled, not happy with the idea. It must be done. Elaine told him firmly. Snarling, the gray dragon landed on the vacant land with a heavy thud. His wings fell to his side. Elaine noticed the ragged round scar on his left wing and winced. She had wanted Eridor to come out of this battle unscathed. In a way, she felt like she had failed him. Never, my rider. Eridor said soothingly. Strengthening her resolve, Elaine unfastened her leg straps and slid down to the next battle ground.

~~~

Viel snickered as her talons sank into Góùréd's exposed stomach. Her lips curled to reveal a wicked grin. She was having fun with this fight. The gold dragon suddenly lashed out, and Viel had to act quickly to avoid his attack. She attempted to twist out of the way, but one of Góùréd's talons caught the edge of a scale on her side. She was carrying too much momemtum to stop what was coming. As her body continued to twist away from Góùréd, the scale his talon was hooked on ripped away from her skin. Viel released an agonizing roar. Blood flowed freely from the raw wound. Beneath the scale their was only muscle. The wind that swept across the open flesh stung bitterly. Viel rushed away from Góùréd, trying to protect her now vulnerable side. Her scale fell swiftly to the ground. Vicious snarls ripped from her throat as she turned back on Góùréd. Her teeth nashed at him as her talons beat at him.

Vana heard Equinox, and she twisted her head around to look behind her shoulder. She was pained to see how hurt he was, but she had no choice. Her first loyalty was to her country and Galbatorix. Although his offer was more than tempting, she was also positive he would win if they dueled. He was an elf full of energy, and she was merely a human. True, the magic of the bond had altered her genetics, yet her strength and speed of an elf was not complete. She would be able to keep up a fight, but in the end she would lose. If she had another year with Viel, then the magic of the bond would be complete.
She turned her eyes away from Equinox. While there was still a war, there was still no hope for them to be together. Thrusting Andlat through the heart of a soldier, she turned around and walked swiftly up to Equinox. Still, if the empire soldiers saw her refuse a challenge, what would they think of her? Reaching the elf, she entered her fighting stance. "Fine." she said, "but the only way for you to win, is for you to kill me. I cannot betray my country or my king. My happiness is a factor that must be extinguished." Her voice broke at the end. Life could be so bitter. A sudden pain twisted in her side, causing her to gasp. Her eyes traveled up, where she saw Viel and Góùréd fighting. Something red fell through the sky, and blood trailed out of Viel's side. She grimaced, knowing that her pain was only an echo of what her dragon must be suffering. She returned her focus to Einar.

[Max452]

Stigandr landed with a crash as they finally found their mark. Einar coughed as the dust cleared around them, causing his already itchy and dry throat to become more irritated. He made a quick glance of his environment and committed what he could to his memory.

Stand firm, here they come. Stigandr never took his eyes off the sky.
Einar nodded as he struggled with his injured right arm. He stood straight but the pain in his shoulder was too great (OCC: haha...i rhymed without knowing it!). He knew he would have to pop it back in if he was to have it functioning again, but the battle between him and the Rider still raged. His eyes were full of fury as he watched them head their way.
"Let them come." Einar snarled and twirled his sword in his good hand. "I will unleash hell!"

[thefirsteragon]

Equinox listened to Vana's words, the worlds themselves swirling up multiple emotions inside of him. He took a deep, shaky breath, then proceded to tell her something that he had only told one other person, Góùréd. "Do you know what Galbatorix did to me Vana? Do you know why I fight for the Varden?" He glanced at her, his body shaking silently, tears spilling down his face. "He murdered my parents! He tortured and killed them. Right..Right in front of my eyes. He kept them alive for as long as possible, using magic. He made my father beg for mercy. He tried to violate my mother, but she defended herself, so he killed her! Just like that." He glared at her, and lifted his head up and growled. His elven features hardened into a scowl. "If you would fight for a man like that, knowing the cruelties he commits, you deserve to taste the steel of my blade. Haven't you heard stories of the crimes he has commited? I beg of you love, turn to the true side." His eyes and face showed sincerity as he gave one last plea to her, saying all in the Ancient Language.

Góùréd gave a loud, menacing growl as his talons raked across Viel's body, drawing the blood underneath. He snarled, exposing his teeth, and twisted quickly, folding his wings to his body to avoid Viel's attack. He moved under her, then flipped upside down, to get in position to attack her flank. He saw a opening and was about to attack, when the wind ripped open his wound even further, causing him to falter, leaving a huge opening for attack. 'Equinox, come quickly. We are at match, but she may have the best of me now.'

[Trinn]

Viel, seeing her chance, plunged down, attacking Góùréd's exposed stomach. He had unknowingly given her an excellent opening for attack.

Vana's eyes began to brim with tears. How could this be true? Galbatorix hardly left the castle. He hardly left his throne room! But Equinox was an elf, and Galbatorix was ancient. This incident with his parents must have happened many, many years ago. And since the rider spoke each sentence in the true language, the ancient language, it was impossible for a lie to leave his lips. A torrent of confusion raked Vana's mind. Galbatorix's plans for the future were a wonderful dream, a dream he wished to share with the whole world. How could a man who commited such evil deeds as Equinox claimed, could also have such a beautiful vision? At times, the king did seem rather crude, but he was a king, and one who had been through much. Vana released a sudden cry of rage. She didn't want to believe Equinox. If she did, her whole world, the reality she lived in, would be shattered. "If what you say is the actual truth, then you are right, I deserve to die for serving such a man. But you haven't heard the way he speaks of the futures. You haven't heard his plans! If not for Galbatorix, I fight to see the beautiful future he wants become reality." A tear slid down her cheek. "I am very, very sorry for your parents, and for you." Vana was having difficulty continuing. Her mind was in chaos. "But I cannot turn traitor just for one man's tragic story. I am sorry, Equinox." Vana held her blade aloft, ready for the fight.
~~~

Elaine slowly approached Einar, her rapier poised for action. What an impractical weapon! she thought repeatedly. Sure, it was ok for sparring, or fights against theives and ordinary criminals. But against another rider! I really need a new weapon! Eridor snarled behind her. Elaine took heart in the sound. Well, the weapon wasn't really what mattered. What mattered was the person holding it, and Elaine was an excellent swordswoman. She stopped her approach to Einar six feet from him. Her eyes slid over him, caluculating. His shoulder was clearly injured, yet he held himself with poise and confidence. He would be difficult to beat. "Well met, shur'tugal." She said formally. "Shall we begin?"

[thefirsteragon]

Equinox snarled at her words, shaking his head in anger. "You want to live your crazy dreams about Galbatorix, so be it!" He wiped a lone tear from his cheek, then snarled at her, obviously angered. He then growled at her, the sound from his throat coming out like a roar from Góùréd. He held up his own blade, and without another word he rushed at her, his blade aiming for her hand, aiming to disarm her. He did not try to go for the killing blow at all, only to subdue her. Góùréd, I hear you. Once through here, I will come to you. I plan to disarm Vana, then knock her unconcious.' He sent the message to his dragon with a flick of his mind, a fraction of a second before he attacked Vana.

Góùréd gave a roar of pain that sent soldiers heads rattling in the helmets, from both armies. His crimson blood fell steaming from the sky, splashing down on soldiers below. They looked up in great surprise, the battle below seeming to come to a halt to watch the dragon's fight in the air. It was not a great amount, not life threatening, but it would hinder him greatly in battle, and decreased his time remaining in the air. He growled, the sound louder than any noise on the battlefield and left loose multiple tongues of flame at Viel, trying to roast her hide as he dropped lower and lower, finally landing on the ground, clearly distressed, but still growling and snapping. OOC: Wow, long sentence. IC: He snarled at Viel, wounded, but clearly enjoying the fight. He positioned himself on the ground, to avoid a blow from the air and waited to see Viel's next move, his golden eyes locked onto hers, watching her every movement, trying to anticipate her moves.

[Max452]

Einar grimaced slightly, as he placed his sword vertically in his face, as a gestured of respect.
"Aye, we are well meet, Argetlam." He smiled, but the lines around his face clearly showed he was tired. "Ladies first." He lowered his sword and held a defensive stance. His shoulder throbbed painfully as he eyed what the Rider would do.

It looks like it will be the Riders' fighting, Stigandr. Rest now, my good friend, you earned every bit of it.
I may rest, but I will be ready when called. Stigandr rested on his hind legs, ready to pounce if he needed to.