'cause in the daylight we'll be on our own.

[Emiryal ♕]

Rerukusu sat in the dim light of a single spell in a cave like room. He was hunched over his head in his hands. No tears fell from his face, though if they could many tears would be shed. The young dragon-less rider had lost his ability to even cry due to experimental magic to purge himself of his half blood.

He had come to Helgrind in desperation. He knew the Raz'ac had once been involved with a dragon egg. Surely they hadn't kept it, but he had come here to make sure. Dragons were scarce and hard to find, but he needed one. And not just anyone, a dragon that was similar to the one he lost so he could restore her.

His dragon Avendel had been killed, her eldunari damaged. He had managed to transfer her soul to the gem on the hilt of his sword, but she was dying and he could not speak with her. If he found a dragon that was close enough he could save her.

All he had found here was rotting corpses and broken Raz'ac egg shells. Galbatorix, his father, didn't know he was here, no one did. He'd come alone. He missed Avendel more than ever at this moment and had been consumed by grief, the same grief and madness most Riders who loose their dragons perish from. Only his hope of restoring Avendel kept him holding on.

[ᗩпїra]

Anira found herself wandering carefully through the beautiful halls of Helgrind. The amazing architecture had drawn her to examine it's beauty that possibly could have been constructed by the dwarves. She still considered the elven architecture to be one of must efficiency and beauty, though she'd never be able to say that if she was standing directly under the Star Sapphire. Even the elves admired it as a work that'll go down in great history, but she didn't quite understand how it could be broken quite so easily.

She caught herself wandering through her thoughts, tracing the thorough lines along the multiple gems engraved to story the tales of the beasts the religion honored. Ra'zac. It's said that most of them are dead, few might actually remain however. Anira carefully admired the intricate works of art for a short time before turning and casually strutting down through the soundless hallways.

Of course, she was just hiding out from the Empire to conceal her identity as a Rider. Vlaer and Herion weren't exactly excited when she insisted on checking out the city. The poor part of the city reminded her of the Spine, though the richer parts of the town were usually beautifully adorned with many trees, colorful flowers, and well constructed buildings. Herion was off to the East, probably tensed and waiting for a the right chance to attack if anyone dared to attack his Rider.

Anira halted quietly, the rhythmic clutter of her footfalls ceasing when a sudden presence entered her mind. It didn't seem to notice her wandering mind while she carefully recessed it back into the safety of a protective barrier. Great grief overcame her, hung on the air along with the stench of carrion. She almost felt the urge to gag, turning away and closing her delicate colorless eyes for a moment.

Her Silver Palm faintly sparkled for a split second, quickly fading in frequency and for the time being, she was glad that she had thick gloves to conceal the insignia. Though it could be quite obvious she was an elf, considering her flattering beauty, lifeless optics void of all color, and her beautiful locks of violet and ebony. Was that a warning she had just received?

Anira quietly pulled herself forward, her steps turning delicately soft as she neared a cave illuminated by a single glowing light produced by magic. She wasn't sure whether she should announce her presence or not, quite off guard to see an unknown figure hunched down in the light. Anira could almost hear the wails of agony rippling on the air, a silent scream of terror and frustration and almost made her want to cry for justice. A sudden sympathy came over her as she watched from a dark shadow near the entrance of the cave, tracing her eyes along the broken Ra'zac eggs curiously and wondering if they were the problem.

It'd be rude to just stare. Her magic could always keep her out of trouble, besides the man wouldn't even figure out she was a Rider unless he suspected it from her elven appearance or happened to take off her gloves. "Are you alright?" It was a simple question, though her musical voice split the air and felt like shattered glass against the silence. Anira hesitantly approached, making sure to look down slightly to have the dark shadow bearing down on her optics.

[Aelodil]

(Don't know if this is an open thread, if not ignore my post and accept my humblest apologies)

Vlaer had, without anyone knowing other than the Eldunari of Belgabad's grandsire hid Belgabad I's Eldunari in an invisible socket behind him before running to Helgrind. The name did not bear well for him. He had spent years around it making sure he disposed of every last Raz'ac. The fact that Anira wished to go there-- and alone! was outrageous to him and so he finally got into Helgrind and wandered till he found Anira, before he could say a word he heard her say to a man slumped infront of her "Are you alright?" maddened Vlaer quickly grasped her and put her behind him before looking at the slumped man and asked "What is the matter Rider of None?" for he had seen the gewdey insignia on the man's hand, faint as it was implementing he had lost his dragon and was on the verge of madness. "I shall help with as much energy or work I must, however tell me what is the matter?"

[Nandon]

((Just gonna squeze in here to lecture vlaer....))

Aysten was in slithrim still sitting in his rather peaceful home and the day was bland. He had decided against going with anira to helgrind and at the time he had assumed vlaer had. Anira needed some as aysten had told himself girl time....thats why he had chose not to go. Of course he was still connected to her mind by the small pendant that she had given him and he was more than willing to give her any energy she should require if she but ask.

Thats when aysten sensed a change presance from his minds tiny home in anira's pendant but he shrugged it off he had no idea where she was but he trusted she could handle herself. But then he sighed as he sensed a quite familiar presance. Vlaer. Reaching out his mind from its home he barely managed to touch vlaers mind. And this proved extremely dificult. Then he spoke "vlaer....why are you following anira again? She is older than me and you never treat me like this. And she is probably. No i take that back she IS stronger than me. So why must you be so protective?"aysten asked he felt like he had just told vlaer off but he realized it was a problem that needed adressing.

[Emiryal ♕]

The magic light flashed brighter for a mere second before returning to it's normal dim glow as if reacting to Rerukusu's emotions. He appeared startled by Anira, he hadn't noticed her come in until she had spoken. He leaned away from her and looked up, his hair fell back slightly revealing slightly pointed ears, similar but not as refined as the elf's. He was a half elf.

Before Rerukusu had a chance to answer the elf, Vlaer had interrupted and now stood between him and Anira. He looked at Vlaer as though hurt, he didn't like being reminded he was a Rider without a dragon. He made no point to hide that fact though, why should he. He pushed against the floor with his hands as he stood up, the slight crackle of old egg shells followed as he broke them.

A beautiful blade hung at his side, the gem in the hilt was a deep purple and seem to have a life of it's own. Anyone who knew the style of it would recognize it as a rider's blade. However, the boy made no move to draw it, instead he stood looking at Anira and Vlaer with a sad almost hopeless expression.

He wasn't sure he wanted to answer, but what did he have to loose? He pushed some hair out of his face before he spoke. "I have not the power to save my dragon's soul. Her Eldunari was damaged long ago and she is barely alive now. I have not the power to sustain her life. I need a dragon's egg to save her....I hoped to find one here but all there is are broken Raz'ac egg shells," he said sorrowfully.

[Aelodil]

Looking at the Rider he looked into his mind til he found the dragon's soul in a gem and he an the Eldunqri with him began pouring as much energy as they dared til he slumped on a wall exhausted and answered Aysten "I don't wan another incident."

[ᗩпїra]

Anira narrowed her eyes slightly at Vlaer, giving up the mock slint of her eyes till she sighed with exasperation. She murmured into his ear,"Must you follow me everywhere?" The elven still had the thick velvet-like green cloak disguising the unusual fishtail braid that would've been a deep purple mixed with a dark ebony in the dimmer light. Her eyes still betrayed an uncommon look, while her ears were changed to not appear much like an elves during her travels through the city.

She gently touched the man's shoulder, touching her mind with the dragon's soul that appeared to be hidden in the gem. Anira loaned as much energy as she could muster, which was seemingly small considering she was still recovering from the last attack against her from the Empire -- the ebony Rider. After the loan of energy, she felt just as shaky as Vlaer, but she managed to keep herself upright even though she lent a hand to the wall of the cave beside her.

"I'm sorry I can't lend any more." She slightly felt ashamed to not be able to give as much Vlaer had given, and even thought about taking a bit of energy out of Orchid. Orchid was hidden in cloth, only a small amount of the pommel showing. She didn't dare say it's true name, knowing that beautiful poisonous flowers would spring up from the blade and sicken anyone that dared to touch the sword.

She felt the pendant around her neck and the presence of Aysten close by, though he was at his home at the moment. She glanced at Vlaer and wondered if there was a conversation going on between the two.

[Nandon]

Aysten continued none the less "but still....you have trained her since then. You must trust in your training vlaer. You cant hold her hand and guide her forever."He said finishing his aurguement previous aurguements had done little good against vlaer on this subject and he was begining to give up. Thats when he felt Anira give energy and then vlaer. This worried him as he felt there weakened states and it mostly worried him for anira since she was still recovering from her past battle.

He touched the ring he had been given for his birthday and included anira in his mental contact. Though all this concentration was giving him a head ache. He then transfered a sizeable amount of energy to anira and vlaer "now dont spend it all in one place" he said speaking to both anira and vlaer

[Aelodil]

"The Rider just lost his dragon and needs energy to sustain it...we spent it there." Replied Vlaer impatiently before replying "I know I have trained her well however...I still prefer to keep her safe from the Empire, though I do not wish to force her to join the Varden." He also said sheepily "Please don't tell Belgabad...he'll be so angry I'll have dead sheep in my shirt for weeks."

[Emiryal ♕]

Rerukusu flinched as Vlaer touched his mind and found where his dragon's soul was. How had he been so foolish as to leave his mind open! He knew better than that! Lost in his grief and alone here he'd lowered his defenses, he made a mental note to never let his guard down again and created iron barriers to his mind now.

What happened next was surprising to him as both the elf and Vlaer poured energy into the crystal on his sword, or more correctly his dragon's soul. He knew no matter how much energy she was given he wouldn't be able to speak with her until he found a compatible dragon to put her soul into.

"Thank you," he said sounding surprised but grateful. A note of hope had entered his expression. "But why did you do that?" he said. He hadn't expected them to help him at all. "Do you know who I am?" If they didn't know that might explain their aid.

[Aelodil]

"Yes, we do Son of Galbatorix," Replied Vlaer, "however you are not your father. I believe you are capable of doing good even though your father is evil." He then hissed angrily to Anira "Must you always go to dangerous places alones?!"

[ᗩпїra]

Anira shook her head quietly, the cloak brushing against her cheeks slightly with the movement. "No, it's out of the kindness of our hearts. No one deserves to lose their dragon, and I would be devastated if I lost -" she abruptly cut herself off, about to say Herion and quietly scolding herself to continue. "A family member or someone close to me." Anira added in quietly, hoping he didn't notice any pause or drew suspicion to the words. That reminded her, who was he in the first place? He never seemed to have mentioned it.

"That reminds me, my name's Anira, and this is Vlaer." She glanced at her teacher, slumped across the wall who now seemed to be filled with energy. Anira also felt sustained with the recent supply that was given to her through Aysten. She smiled slightly, clasping her hands together politely as she connected minds with Aysten through the pendant. Thank you for the supply of energy Aysten, I owe you.

Anira actually just wanted to hear of his dragon, concerned about the well-fare of the amazing creature that was now stored in the pommel of his blade. It must have taken quite a bit of energy to fit the entire soul into the gem, and she could't help but wonder if something similar would ever happen to her and Herion.

[Emiryal ♕]

Rerukusu was surprised by Vlaer's answer, not because he knew who he was but because Vlaer did not judge him by his father, Galbatorix. Most others did and wanted his head though he'd done nothing to deserve it.

"Thank you, then I am in your debt," he said relaxing some but now not letting his mental barriers down. He glanced at Anira an expression of realization crossed his face when she introduced herself and Vlaer by name. "Oh! I should've known," he said. "You were about to refer to Herion weren't you. Where are your dragons then? Herion and Belgabad II?"

Before he let them answer he held up a hand to forestall any questions. "Galbatorix's spies keep us well informed...I know the names of almost all the dragons and their riders," he said.

Unless prompted he generally didn't offer any details on his dragon or how this had happened for her to loose her eldunari.

[Nandon]

Aysten had been listening to the conversation and frowned as he asked about the dragons "domt tell him he is looking for a dragon and may just fine yours subtable..."He the said frowning. There was a knock at his door.

[Aelodil]

Stiffening Vlaer said, "Belgabad is fine. How did this happen to your drqgon?"

[ᗩпїra]

Anira nodded quietly, a stricken appearance hidden beneath the cloak forming with uncertainty at Aysten's words. Perhaps it would be best to leave, just with the risk. Galbatorix was, after all, after her especially since he wanted her to swear fealty. The ebony Rider was bound to be on her trail like a hunting dog and it's unsuspecting prey. A quick glance at Vlaer and she knew he didn't seem worried. Belgabad was large enough to fend for himself, Herion was too, but not as capable.

Galbatorix's son. Strange, carrying the familiar face she saw in the memory she shared with the ebony Rider. Why didn't he just ask his father for a new dragon? He'd surely supply him of one if asked, wouldn't he? Or was he that cruel to his own family as well? These questions buzzed in her mind, ignoring them whilst she took a hesitant step back.

She was willing to stay and listen to the story of his dragon's death, to be polite and all, but afterwards she would come up with an excuse to meet up with Vlaer later. From there she'd probably locate Herion and make some distance between there and Helgrind for a few days till things settled down. Maybe they'd even go to the edge of the Hadarac desert and enjoy the warm, calming place where the sand turns into forest. A gentle stream trickled in between for about a mile, a serene and secret gathering place for Herion and Anira. Perfect, a little vacation from the Empire; just what she needed.

[Emiryal ♕]

Rerukusu pursed his lips when Vlaer asked of his dragon. It wasn't a topic he ever enjoyed recounting. He touched the hilt of his sword where the gem rested and looked at the purple hues in it before speaking. "Her name was Avendel Myshera," he said the tone in his voice was of affection for his lost dragon.

"Morzan, was the last of the forsworn to die. As you probably know he was killed by Brom. Avendel and I were the only rider and dragon left besides Galbatorix. My father sent me to kill Brom," he said. He paused a moment seeming to have a hard time continuing until he composed himself once more. "Brom killed Avendel with Morzan's sword, Zar'oc. Brom could've finished me off as well but he didn't, I don't know why."

"Avendel poured her soul into her eldunari not wanting to leave me alone, but her eldunari was cracked it couldn't hold her. I had been experimenting with magic before this and used my knowledge to bind her soul to the only item I had that could contain her, the gem in my rider's blade. The gem is not like and Eldunari, it takes energy rather than allows the dragon to give you energy and it consumes the soul unless adequate energy is provided," he said. then went quiet.

He hadn't told them everything, no there was no need for that. He had his own secrets to keep. One of which was that he himself had a cruxis crystal embedded on him. It had transformed him and purged him of his half blood status as a half elf, and it made him feel no pain. Were he to die, his soul would survive as Avendel did.

[ᗩпїra]

Anira nodded softly, the meaningful tone of his voice actually seeming trustworthy. She would never judge a book by the cover, though she did expect more of a horrid type to match his father. Though his father actually carried a regal manner about him, keeping himself oblivious to the pain and suffering he afflicts upon others. Who had been his mother, and was she still alive now? A slave of Galbatorix, perhaps?

She took another step backwards, fretfully glancing at Vlaer for a moment before politely mentioning,"I should be off, it was a delight to meet you, but I have matters to attend to." Anira held Vlaer's gaze for a short period, wondering if he'd be able to handle himself during her absence. It could be a large trap after all, could never be too cautious. "Vlaer, would you mind coming along? I have some questions to ask." If he hadn't of followed her, the two probably wouldn't be stuck in this situation.

I should of made up a name, telling him I was Anira wasn't wise. Apparently my name is becoming well-known throughout the Empire, exactly the opposite of what I wanted in the first place. Anira turned to leave, waiting patiently for Vlaer to follow, or excuse himself to speak with the son of Galbatorix further.

[Aelodil]

Vlaer wished to speak with the son of Galbatorix, for he seemed devestated however said his excuses and followed his apprentice before asking "What now?"

[Emiryal ♕]

Rerukusu raised one eye brow in question when both of them decided to leave. He could understand what he thought was their fear of him. Everyone treated him this way, it wasn't unusual. This was why he had to find a way to restore his dragon then use his power to rid the world of discrimination.

Though he didn't act like it, he was just as horrid if not more than his father. He just rarely showed his true intentions to anyone. His devastation of loosing his dragon and his near madness was worse than he let on. It practically consumed him, only his hope to revive his dragon kept him somewhat sane.

"Atra du evarínya ono varda, Shur'tugals, (May the stars watch over you)" he said. "And thank you for your help." He watched them leave but he himself did not leave yet. He wandered further into Helgrind...maybe just maybe he could find a way to revive the Razac as well they would greatly aid him in restoring his dragon.