I never asked for this, why me?

[Emiryal ♕]

Caspian was sitting at the edge of his cot. He sighed and rested his head in his hands. The tent only had his few sparse possessions. Only yesterday he had been sharing a tent with four other Varden soldiers. Space and supplies were short so unless you were married or of a high status you had to share a tent with others. Honestly Caspian hadn't minding that.

However, yesterday evening he had been moved to a single man tent. It was because of his newly attained rank and one he wasn't sure he wanted. He had been summoned to meet with Nasuada yesterday afternoon. Two Varden Riders had been there too. And much to his surprise and discomfort when he arrived a small golden dragon awaited him with the leader of the Varden. He had seen the dragon follow him after she had hatched but thought nothing of it.

Despite his protesting he had been forced to show the palm of his hands and reveal what he thought was just a scar. Both of the Riders had seemed somewhat pleased but Caspian had not been. They had called it....a...gwe...something insignia.

Their interested gaze had soon turned to criticism as they questioned why he hadn't told anyone of the mark or his dragon. He had been completely confused by this. It took a little while for the Varden members there to realize he knew nothing of the Riders. A few had sympathized with him, but Caspian didn't want their sympathy. His life was being dumped upside down again just as he thought he could be happy with the Varden.

He had only received a very brief explanation of what Riders were and that he was one because the gold dragon had hatched for him. He didn't understand it completely and didn't want it. He had never asked to be a rider.

Without much more explanation one of the Riders picked up the gold dragon and handed her to Caspian. He didn't accept her and refused to hold her or even touch her. This had perplexed those present and they insisted. The one time Caspian had touched her he had been burned with the insignia. He didn't want that to happen again.

He explained the situation to them and it had been meet with chuckles and amusement. Not something that instilled confidence in him. That was followed by the rider shoving the golden dragon into his arms. He flinched expecting to be burned and dropped the dragon immediately. No such thing happened. One of the riders quickly explained that only happened the first time you touched the dragon, it was the bond.

The next events moved to quickly for Caspian to remember them clearly. Something had been said about getting him his own tent and that he would be expected to begin Rider training the next day. Caspian was poor at fighting to begin with and Rider training wasn't something he wanted or looked forward to. He had sworn an oath of some kind or another to the Varden during the meeting too. Then he had been gifted with a blade of such master work quality he couldn't begin to guess at who had made it. Shortly there after he had been dismissed with the dragon trailing behind him.

He stooped over and pulled out the blade he had been given from under his bed. They said it's name was Naegling. He pulled the sword from it's sheath admiring the golden blade. Across the room the baby golden dragon had woken and was watching him. Most riders had names for their dragons didn't they? He sheathed the sword and set it on the bed next to him.

"What am I supposed to call you and why on earth did you choose me. I'm no warrior, I'm not even anyone special. I didn't ask for you," he said.

The baby dragon just blinked at him without seeming to comprehend his words. Caspian sighed and placed his head back in his hands. He was supposed to go meet someone to work on his swordsmanship this morning, something he failed at badly.

"I can't do this. I'm not a Rider and I never will be," he muttered. He suddenly stood up. The motion caught the dragon's attention and she lifted her head to watch him.

Caspian quickly gathered what few possessions he had and stuffed them into a bag. Everything he owned fit into that small bag. He walked towards the door and paused. He had left Naegling on his bed. The sword had been gifted to him....and even though he wasn't very good having a weapon could come in handy. In the very least he could probably sell it if he needed money. He walked back and tied the sword to his belt. Then opened the flap of the tent and walked out. His gold dragon followed him.

-----------------------------------

Hooves pounded mercilessly against the ground as Destier carried Caspian away from the Varden. Destier was Caspian's horse and his best and only friend. He had joined the Varden out of desperation not out of commitment to their cause. He didn't want to be apart of it and so he was fleeing.

His few possessions were placed in one of Destier's saddle bags while in the other saddle back the baby golden dragon peered out at the passing landscape.

He hadn't been going to bring her, but if what the Rider's had said was true she belonged to him in some sense. Besides if she tried to follow him after being left behind the Varden could follow her right to him.

Caspian glanced back at the ever shrinking Varden camp as the distance grew. He saw no signs of pursuit but still urged Destier to greater speed. He did not ask to be a Rider, and he wasn't going to be one just because the Varden said he was one.

He just hoped no one had seen him, especially any of the Varden Riders. They would easily catch him should any of them decide to pursue him. After all a flying dragon would fly much faster than a horse could run.

[fëanàro]

Feanaro was a young elf of the age of 50 thought he looked no older then his early twenties. He was un like most his elven brethren for one feanaro ate and enjoyed meat he also enjoyed a good fight though he did not like to kill unless he had to feanaro just had a thirst for battle and adventure. This is why feanaro was wear he was in the empire his whole life his father trained him in the arts of combat and magic use wile his mother instructed him in educating his mind. From the ancient language all the way to the history of the races of alageasia. When feanaro reached an appropriate age and skill level an his father and mother had nothing left to teach him the told feanaro he had to follow his heart and learn from the greatest teacher of all "LIFE".both his parients knew feanaro craved action and adventure ever since he learns of the riders he longed to be one to go on great adventures and fight in historical battles to make his parients and his people proud. Feanaro wanted to be a great warrior and so his parients knowing full we'll that feanaro wanted to explore the land and so they told him to leave to explore and to learn all that life has to offer And so when the tine was right feanaro set off on his own adventure.

Feanaro being not to far off from the varden and belatona decided to make camp for a little before he joined up in the fight against the mad king he also knew the the queen and her elven army would soon join the varden as well. That gave him hope to see some of his people and maby even his father agian for its been a few years since he seen him in person. Feanaro was just finishing up hunting he had cought a rabbit in a trap he set as well as a few fish and a bird he shot with an arrow.he never hunted with magic for like his father told him and feanaro can still hear his voice "son hunting with magic may be easy but its unfair to the prey and how are you supposed to hone your craft wile cheating" and always loving a challenge feanaro heeded the words and never hunted with magic. After feanaro cleand an skinned his kills he set a fire and went off to collect some herbs he came across as well as some pine needles and mint leaves for tea. After a wile of gathering feanaro got back to his camp site and began to pre pare his meal boiling some water for tea as well as cooking his rabbit and bird an fish on one stick above the flames. As feanaro leaned agiansts a tree watching his good cook he opens his mind to all around his like usual there was no cranberry only animals and insects with in the area. Pulling out his hunting dagger feanaro began to pick some dirt out from onset his nails when a human presence crossed his mental area. Feanaro hoped up quickly and collected his swords from next to his tree he was sitting against and striped them onto his back and looked off into the distance to see what was comeing. Knowing to well you can never be to careful feanaro was being cautious an after a second ir two of scanning his elf eyes spotted some dust kicking up in the distance but from the looks of it its someone riding away from belatona and there scared an worried as well as confused.this feanaro could sense from this persons mental disatnce touching his. "What in the world could this be" he thought to him self as he crouched by his fire to rotate his almost finished dinner."I don't know who or what that is but maby they will just by pass me with out notice. But if not hopefully there not hostile I really hate fighting on an empty stomach.

[Emiryal ♕]

Caspian grew fearful as he felt someone touch his mind. Only two beings had ever touched his mind, his sister and his dragon. Since touching his dragon he had gained the ability to know when someone else touched his mind. He knew whoever it was could probably read him like an open book. In his panic he tried to block his mind but as he had no training he failed miserably. He didn't know who it was who had touched his mind.

As Destrier's steady pace brought him closer he could make out smoke from a small fire and later a lone figure near the fire. It didn't occur to him that Feanaro was the one who touched his mind. As it was Caspian had no idea where he was going and was just putting distance between him and the Varden. He was tired from his flight but hopelessly lost. Reigning in Destrier only a yard from Feanaro, he dismounted only to find all strength from his legs gone. He only managed to stay standing by holding on to Destrier's saddle. Maybe this stranger could at least give him directions to the nearest town.

Caspian was no more than a boy, yet to come of age. Although a magnificent sword, Naegling, hung on his belt, he looked helpless and fearful of Feanaro. Should the elf attack he wouldn't be able to defend himself at all. Not just because he was tired but because he didn't know how to use a sword. "Stranger," he said warily. "I mean no harm. I'm just a traveler. Do you know where the nearest town is?"

Just as he finished speaking a golden head pushed it's way out of the saddle bag. Caspian seemed upset and quickly shoved the dragon back down into the bag to hide her. Unfortunately, unless you were smelling the roses her gold scales were painfully obvious as was Caspian's reaction.

[fëanàro]

Feanaro felt himself un tense after he realized that off in the distance his elf eyes seen a scared young man moving with great haste towards his position. Fealing much better now that he knew a fight would not Happend feanaro finished cooking his meal of fish rabbit and bird. Around the time feanaro finished organizing his food and his water was just about boiled for tea. The boy finally arrived feanaro did not look up right away but he was aware of the fact that this lad was confused and scared there for makeing him unpredictable.

Feanaro pulled his kills off the spit they were on and tossed the charred stick to the side and still not looking up at Caspian. His swords still hanging from his back feanaro finally spoke "my friend it is good to know you mean no harm for I wish not to hurt you."feanaro allowed these words to float I never the air for a momment "as for your question well you have just sped out of the nearest city like a rabbit with a pack of wolves chasing it.feanaro finally standing up and drawing an eye on Caspian noticed he was younger then feanaro had assumed but there was something els strange about this boy. Then all at once it Happend feanaro was about to offer Caspian tea and meat when his eyes fell on the sword the boy had. Feanaro knew who that sword belonged to but how did this boy get it. A momment before feanaro was going to accuse the boy of bent a theif "that sword that is the blade of the rider oromis wear did you get" he was cut off when he noticed a small golden head poke out from behind the boy and feanaro almost couldn't believe what he was seeing.

Before Caspian could do anything besides try to re hid his dragon feanaro was apon him grabbing him by the wrists and turning the boys hands over so there palms faced up.an there it was on the boys palm the silver mark riders got when they first touched there dragon. Almost griping and falling with shock feanaro let Caspian go "I apologize for that but I had to see if you were a rider or thief since your a rider I must asl why are you fleeing belatona".

[Emiryal ♕]

Caspian listened to Feanaro's answer. Well obviously Belatona was the closest but he wasn't going to go back there. Then events unfurled to quickly for Caspian to react to. He cried out when the elf grabbed his wrists and turned his hands palm up to expose the silver mark on his right hand. Stumbling back he caught Destier's saddle. The elf had moved so fast, he doubted attacking would do any good. But now his secret was out and his fear grew, what would Feanaro do now that he knew?

"The sword was a gift. I don't know anything more about it," he said. If not for the sudden reaction and overload of emotions, tears sprang unbidden to his eyes. "I am not a thief," he said, then quietly added, "Not any more..." Back in his village before he had joined the Varden he had stolen from a merchant. The price was a whipping and Destier, his horse, as payment. His back still bore those scars from it. Since then he had never stolen anything. He had learned his lesson. But to be even considered one hurt, even if Feanaro had decided otherwise.

"I-I flee Belatona because the Varden are there. I don't want to be a Rider. I don't want to fight with the Varden. It is their war not mine," he said. His demeanor was rather upset, like a lost child. Anyone else might not have said so much or been so careless, but Caspian was frightened and young. All he wanted was life to be normal. But instead he was here, the fate of his family unknown and fighting for a cause he didn't believe in.

As if on cue, the golden dragon climbed out of the saddle bag and sat on the horses back. Reaching out to touch Caspian she tried to comfort him, even if she couldn't fully understand what was bothering him.

[fëanàro]

Feanaro recovered from his initial shock rather quickly.he studied the boy as he spoke and had a look in his eyes as if he was starring straight at caspians soul. Feanaro smirked as the dragon snuck out of its hiding place and sprawled out on the horses saddle. He walked over to Caspian and put a comforting hand on his shoulder and spoke to "my namefriend is feanaro and agian i apologize ten fold for scareing you like that if you would like to know more about this sword I can tell you and I can tell you about its owner you hold a blade you should be honored to hold. Know this mean you no harm my young friend" and feanaro crossed over to wear his meat was finally cool enugh to eat. Looking up at Caspian "if your not in to much of a hurry I do have a good amount of food here."feanaro grabed one of the fish and skillfully tossed it o er to the dragon and it landed with a dull THUD as it hit the saddle.


Pouring the boiling water as well into a cup with wild tea leaves as well as mint and pine needle feanaro set it to the side to soak up for a momment. "Caspian your life is for ever changed ever since that baby dragon harder for you. From the momment you touched him/her you were both bonded and its a bond stronger then anything it is a bond of friendship and love. You may not want to ne a rider you may not want to fight this war but fate has different plans. You see a dragon will only hatch when its rider touches its egg some tines a dragon will wait many years before hatching you should feal honored to be chosen."feanaro eyed the boy he knew the boy was scared and confused so much had Happend to him rather quickly. He wanted to help the boy but was unsure if the help was wanted.

[Kathena]

Amanes

Amanes stood inside her tent with her curly, dirty blonde hair neatly brushed. She wore her normal light green blouse and her light brown skirt with her copper brown leather boots. A purple dragon sat on her bed, watching her intently with it's soft blue eyes. The elf's dragon was young, but old enough to wear she could fly and her head was the height of her rider's waist.

Nystia tore her gaze away from Amanes and sighed. Are you sure we should do this? I mean, I'm sure that rider we saw leave was only going out for a ride to get use to his new life. The purple dragon said to Amanes. The elf took a deep breath. She didn't really want to go after the rider either, but what else was there to do on a day like that one? She was tired of practicing magic, and she had had 120 years of fighting practice. Plus, the new rider needed to know that this was an unasked for blessing, not a curse. No matter how bad it seemed, the Varden needed extra help against the Empire King.

Amanes grabbed her new sword and it's scabbard. Then she turned her gaze to Nystia and smiled. "I'm sorry Nystia, but their is nothing better to do. Maybe you could practice flying on the way." Nystia looked slightly disappointed, but she didn't argue.

Amanes sheathed her sword and walked out of her tent. Then she headed over to the horse stables and glanced around. Nystia followed her and padded up the elf. Amanes turned back to the horses and chose a horse that didn't belong to anyone certain. Then she mounted the horse while Nystia spreaded her wings. The elf nudged the horse's side and held onto the reins as it trotted out of the Varden camp.

[Emiryal ♕]

Caspian was unaware that Amanes or anyone else had seen him leave. He had tried to be sneaky about it, but he lacked the grace of an elf or the skill of moving unseen. Had he known Amanes and her dragon were following him, he would not have stopped to speak with Feanaro. He was trying to run away after all and he feared anyone who was in the Varden would drag him back.

When Feanaro approached him he lowered his gaze slightly, as if reluctant to make eye contact. After all Caspian was only a farm boy, and until his dragon hatched just a servant to the Varden. He did not answer at first but remained silent. He wasn't sure if he should accept the offer to eat with him or not. "I would like to know more about this sword," he admitted.

The baby gold dragon eagerly pounced on the fish Feanaro tossed her. Her claws gripped Destrier's saddle, preventing her from sliding off. She tore into the meat hungrily.

"I certainly don't feel honored. Things like this don't happen to people like me. I'm a nobody. Why would she choose me? Why couldn't she have chosen someone else. Fate or not I don't want to be a rider. I want things to go back to the way they used to be. I don't even know how I got caught up in all of this," Caspian said.

The golden dragon paused in mid bite and looked up at Caspian sensing his distress through her bond with him. She sat up on her hind legs, it looked rather silly but cute at the same time. When he didn't acknowledge her she nudged his arm. Caspian flinched away from her at first until he met her eyes. He didn't want to be a rider but Feanaro was right, she had changed his life. though he didn't understand the extent Feanaro's words actually meant.

Caspian tied his horse to a tree before walking over to join Feanaro. He sat down on the ground with his arms folded around his legs. The golden dragon followed him, with the remains of the fish in her mouth. She nudged him until Caspian shifted and sat crosslegged, then she crawled into his lap and laid down before finishing her meal.

[Kathena]

The horse Amanes rode on trotted through camp slowly, to make it seem like she was just going out riding. It was the same brown and white glendling that she had stolen from the Empire in Belatona Breach, for she had refused to leave the poor horse in the city. Nystia hadn't been too happy when she saw that Amanes had brought the horse back. The purple dragon had complained and said that Amanes shouldn't have to spend time taking care of it, for there were many more important things to do. Personally, she thought that Nystia was jealious that she had chosen to keep the horse, but all the same she had ignored her dragon's protests and continued to look after him. She had still not come up with a fitting name though.

Once the elf reached the edge of camp, she shook the horse's reins and it went into a slow gallop. She really didn't care if the rider chose to leave or not, it was his choice, but the Varden needed him either way.

Suddenly, she spotted a flash of purple out of the corner of her eye and turned her head to see Nystia flying gracefully beside her. The dragon had chosen to spend all her free time lately working on her flying skills, and all that time spent had been proven worth it.

I'll fly ahead. You can keep riding down the street until you get to him. Is that ok? Nystia asked through her mind as she flew along side the horse. Amanes nodded and watched as Nystia began to fly higher.

Be careful, Amanes thought, but she only heard a small laugh in return. Nystia sometimes though she was too independant for complements, even if Amanes was her rider. A smile grew on the elf's face as she continued to think of her dragon. No matter how stubborn the purple dragon was, she had no idea what she would do with Nystia.

Suddenly, the dragon rider, his young golden dragon, and Feanaro came into view. She watched as Nystia landed in front of them and grinned.

Hey guys! The purple dragon said as she stretched her mind out to all three of them. She folded her wings and lay them on her back before continuing. What's up?

Amanes rode until her horse stood about five meters away from them and she watched Nystia. "Sorry about her," the elf spoke, getting a glare from her dragon. "She enjoys interrupting others' conversations."

[fëanàro]

Feanaro headed back by the boiling water and food he had set and sat down legs crossed pulling out his long hunting knife he began cutting let off the bones of the rabbits and bird, all the wile extending his mind as far as he could being carefully not to touch caspians mind knowing how confused and scared the boy was. Feanaro was glad to see the boy decided to join him along with his dragon as he passed Caspian some meat held in a cloth still quite hot and a cup he sang from the bark of a near by tree filled with hot water,mint leaves,pine needles and some wild tea leaves and herbs feanaro Happend across. Before he began telling Caspian about oromis-elda an his majestic golden dragon he bit into the rabbit meat it was hot and succulent with just the right amount if seasoning some tines feanaro amazed him self with his cooking.

Sipping a quick mouthfuls of hot tea feanaro looked to Caspian "well young rider most people are as you say a no body before they are blessed with a dragon hatching from there egg for them. But who you were or what you were matter not any more from the momment our little golden friend there hatch for you, you were no longer a poor farm boy or servant a nobody as you said now you will one day become a great and skilled rider and warrior a keeper of the peace,defender of the weak and vanquisher of evil. As to why you'd dragon hatched for you no one knows why dragons hatch for there riders all that is known is that a dragon will wait centuries if need be till the one they are destined to join touches there egg." Feanaro paused for a momment wile drinking some more tea and eating another bit of meat before continuing.

"You SHOULD Feal honored an eventually you will and you look back on this talk and laugh most who don't know about riders and there history are reluctant to be a rider .as time goes on you will learn to love your dragon for it is your closest friend you both share a heart and mind as one."Feanaro poked Caspian in the chest gently pointing at his heart "its what's in here my young friend that matters and witch is probably what led your dragon to hatch for you,you have a good heart and a pure soul do not take this as a curse but as a blessing. In time you will achieve great things and no one will speak of you as a farm boy or servant but as a rider and hero of alagaesia."

Feanaros eyes shot quickly over towards belatona before settling back on Caspian,a glint of purple cought his eye and he knew not what it was for it was still a distance away but feanaro had a good idea of whatever was approaching. Allowing Caspian to digest what he has said so far feanaro silt his tea for a momment enjoying its warAnd And flavor and sweet aroma.but not forgetting about the rider blade Caspian held feanaro lowerd his cup and went on agian "as for your sword it is a riders blade forged many many years ago and it belonged to the elven rider oromis and hisdragon was also golden like yours. Oromis was a great and wise rider and the only rider besides galabatorix to survive the mad kings crusade agianst the riders order, but his survival came at a great prices for his dragon lost a leg and oromis returned not able to cast even the simplest spell with out trouble or heaving spasms. Oromis refuses to speak of what Happend but I can only venture a guess that it was a great battle and struggle. I had the pleasure of meeting oromis foe him and my father were extreamly old friends from a time before oromis was even a rider, it was not until very recently that oromis and his dragon were slain by murtaugh but galbatorix took over murtaughs body and used him to deal a killing blow it was a tragic loss for all of alagaesia. So this is why insatiable you should feal honored to hold a sword with such a a powerfull backround it will serve you well". Feanaro then finally fell quiet but not to long after his mental barbs cought on to another presence that he didn't notice wile he was cought up in his talk, and before feanaro could realize it a young purple dragon landed near him and Caspian woundeeing wear the rider was she arrived seconds later on horse back. Feanaros jaw slightly fell as he took in what he was starring at not being able to muster up words at the momment.

[Emiryal ♕]

Caspian accepted the food Feanaro offered him and slowly ate it as he took in all the elf said. He was surprised at the richness of the flavor in the meat, it wasn't like anything he had eaten before. He hesitated to wonder if it could've been poisoned but his hunger won out and he ate it without a second thought.

How Feanaro described what his life would be like was somewhat frightening. While it was all good to be a warrior and keeper of the peace, he knew such a thing came at a price. He wouldn't be like that over night. He had a long ways to go and it was a journey he didn't know if he wanted to make. So dragons only hatched for a specific person? When the elf had said this he looked at the golden dragon that was not watching him. "Why did you choose me," he muttered. It wasn't a question he expected to have answered. And the golden dragon gave no sign that she understood his question.

'as time goes on you will learn to love your dragon for it is your closest friend you both share a heart and mind as one.'

When Feanaro said this Caspian noticeably perked up and suddenly seemed more interested in what the man had to say. The story tell in his village had said something very similar in a story. It was the legend of Felwyn. He had heard it many times but never thought much of it. Could it be that the story was talking about dragon riders? The story never mentioned dragons at all, but maybe the story teller had left that part out. Maybe Felwyn had been a rider.

'In time you will achieve great things and no one will speak of you as a farm boy or servant but as a rider and hero of alagaesia.'

" I feel so useless though. I can't do anything, let alone fight in a battle. I've tried, I've seen the Varden Riders. How can I ever be one of them. I don't even know how to properly use a sword to fight. They use magic, I cannot," Caspian complained in despair. Curse or blessing he still wasn't sure what to think of the golden dragon. If he was expected to be a hero then the golden dragon had picked the wrong person.

He had almost finished eating when he noticed the golden dragon watching his food intently. "Take it," he grumbled and tossed the remains to her. She quickly gobbled it up.

When Fearno began to tell him of his sword's origin he hung on each word. The sword was more important than he had thought. It was an honor to be given it, something he had not realized until now. "Murtagh?" he repeated when Fearno had said the name. "His dragon is red....isn't he..." he said as realization dawned on him. "Murtagh attacked my village, he was the reason I fled to the Varden...do you think I could ever become strong enough to face him? To get revenge for him and for killing Oromis?" It seemed all to right that he should want to face Murtagh with the sword of the rider he had wrongfully slain.

Caspian was startled by the purple dragon's appearance. He dropped his cup and scrambled backwards away from her. He flinched when she spoke directly to his mind and fear swept over his face. "Get out of my head," he whimpered. Until today he had never felt another mind touch his, first Fearno's now this other dragon's. It frightened him. He felt like an open book and that all of his secrets and most personal thoughts were on display.

He hardly noticed when Amanes appeared shortly thereafter. When he did notice he grew worried. Had she followed him? Was she going to make him go back to the Varden! He didn't want to.

The baby golden dragon didn't hesitate and bounded over to the purple dragon. She nipped playfully at a purple wing before circling the other dragon once. She did not understand language yet, but was quickly picking up on the general idea of it. She knew the purple dragon was greeting them and responded with emotions of happiness, at seeing one of her own kind, and of welcome.

[Kathena]

Nystia blinked in confusion as the golden dragon approached her playfully. She was almost four months old and would soon be the full height of a young adult dragon, yet she had never truly played with another dragon. All the others had been too old for that when she was a hatchling, and only Glaeran was close to her age, yet he had joined the Varden not too long ago. The purple dragon's scales shined beautifully in the sunlight and her blue eyes gleamed with curiosity. She soon noticed that the golden dragon couldn't speak like everyone else. Nystia happily greeted the young dragon the same way she had greeted her before adding something.

Kvetha fricai, Nystia said to the other dragon. It meant: "Greetings, friend" in the Anceint Langauage. She could tell that the dragon could not understand the language they were speaking, but maybe she could understand the Ancient Language. Some dragons could naturally understand it, but yet she also knew others had to learn. Anyway, it was worth a shot.

Amanes swung her leg over the side of her horse and slipped off the side. Then she gently pat his head before walking towards Feanaro and Caspian. She trusted the horse enough to stay there, but if he left that was his choice. The elf looked at Feanaro and flashed him a smile before looking over at Caspian.

"You seem stressed. Why did you leave camp so suddenly?" Amanes asked him. The truth was, she already knew why he left. She could tell. He didn't want to be a dragon rider, and if he had to be he probably didn't wish to fight in a war.

[Emiryal ♕]

The golden dragon was pleased when Nystia greeted her in a way should could understand, through images and emotions. She bounced around happily until Nystia spoke in the Ancient Language. Tilting her head to the side she listened. Whileshe did not exactly understand the words but the meaning of the words could not be lost on her. The words had power and some how she naturally understood it. It didn't mean she could speak in the ancient language, no not yet. That would take time to learn.

"Kvetha fricai?" she repeated in thought to Nystia. She was half asking if she said it right and half greeting the purple dragon a second time. It seemed kind of silly but the golden dragon was only a baby or maybe a young child as dragons matured faster than humans did.



Caspian stared at his food when Amanes spoke. He didn't want to answer that question. This is what he had been hoping to avoid. He pushed the remains of the stew around before answering. "Just needed a break and some fresh air--" he started to say. The golden dragon turned to glare at him accusingly. She understood what he was doing and she wasn't going to let him get away with it. He knew if he didn't tell the truth she would.

"I left because I'm running away. I don't want to be apart of the Varden," he explained. Satisfied? he asked his dragon curtly. She looked smug but didn't respond.

[Kathena]

Nystia grinned when the golden dragon replied. She at least had a natural ability for the words, even if she could yet understand it all the way. The purple dragon nodded her head and smiled at the younger dragon. She would learn it soon enough, and soon they would bother be able to breath fire. That was something she had only dreamed of doing. She coudn't wait until she could really set the Empire soldiers on fire, or at least join the Varden in battle. She would probably be able to enter her first battle in about a month, for she was about 3 months and a half old.

The purple dragon nipped at the golden dragon playfully, the same way it had done to her. Then she tilted her head to the side as a new thought entered her mind. What did the dragon want to do? Did she want to stay or leave the Varden?

Amanes glanced back at her horse before looking back at Caspian. It didn't surprise her, they only thing that surprised her is that he decided to tell the truth. Not many people would care if they did or not. Well, maybe his dragon wanted to do more of what's right then what's wrong. Nystia always seemed to want to be adventurous, even if that wasn't the right thing to do.

"Then what do you want to be apart of? There is no easy way out of this. And no matter where you came from, being a rider isn't so bad. I was just a poor elf from Du Weldenvarden. Plus, the Varden helped me learn magic. It's really quite amazing..." Amanes replied before lifting her hand in front of her and staring at it. "Brisingr," she whispered and a small flame flickered to life in her hand. The elf watched it, determined to control it.

[fëanàro]

Feanaro was quiet for a momment allowing the current situation seep in he was now standing with two dragons and there riders.wile the two dragons got along quickly and pretty well feanaro could sense distress from Caspian not knowing what was expected of him is a daunting aspect. Standing up and dusting off his pants feanaro broke the silence faceing the rider and dragon he spoke in the ancient language to the dragon Giving the appropriate elven greetings first then feanaro spoke "skulblaka, ema celöbra ono un malabra ono un onr shur'tugal né haina. Afra nosu waíse fricai."(dragon,I honor you and mean you and your rider no harm let us be friends.)
Feanaro then faced the elven rider giving her the same elven greetings then speaking "atra esterní ono thelduin. Mor'ranr lifa unin hjarta onr.un du evarínya ono varda."(may good fortune rule over you.peace live in your heart.and the starts watch over you.)

Feanaro wanted to cause this momentary pause for caspians sake so the boy could gather his thoughts and also so he would get to freaked out. "Shur'tugal you honor is with your presence please join us in some tea and food I know riders don't eat meat but I do have some fruits and nuts you may find to your liking. You see I was just explaining to our young friend here about the riders and that sword that he holds. But I feal as you myself be able to infourm him on the inner workings and finer points of being a rider for I am just an elf".

[Emiryal ♕]

The golden dragon was delighted when Nystia nipped at her. She knew it wasn't to harm her but only in play. She danced back two steps before nipping at Nystia's tail playfully before trying to pin it to the ground.


"But you are an elf? Don't you all know it. Why did the Varden have to teach you?" Caspian watched the flame she made in amazement. He knew of magic but had never really seen any done before. It took him a moment to recover before he could speak to answer her question.

"I don't know what I want to be apart of. I don't want to be part of the Empire and I don't want be part of the Varden and get involved in a war that is not mine to care about," he said then sighed before continuing. "I want to be free."

He was quiet after that saying nothing more. He didn't understand what Feanaro was saying to her at least not the first bit. Maybe it was some elven language thing or something like that.

[Kathena]

Nystia glanced over at Feanaro as he spoke to her and nodded her head in thanks to the elf. Vinr Alfakyn. (Elf friend.) Then the purple dragon turned back to the golden dragon. She allowed her to pin her tail before pulling it away carefully. She smiled happily before pawing playfully at the golden dragon with her right paw.

Amanes looked over at Feanaro and smiled before repeating the elven greeting. "Atra esterní ono thelduin, mor'ranr lifa unin hjarta onr, un du evarínya ono varda."(May good fortune rule over you, peace live in your heart, and the stars watch over you.) "Thank you, sir. And I doubt you need my help to explain anything to him. You seem to be doing a fine job." She smiled once more before glancing at her horse and Nystia and then finally to Caspian. She made the flame disappear in her hand before sighing.

"Yes, I did already knew some magic, but only what I could figure out on my own. Not many people were willing to spend time teaching me. But there were people in the Varden that were willing to." Amanes replied as she sighed again. She didn't like talking about the next part, but it had to be done every once and awhile. "I understand. Du Weldenvarden was so peaceful, but now even they have came into this war. Freedom isn't free. It comes with a price and that's something you're going to have to pay to get it."

[Emiryal ♕]

The golden dragon could only be delighted with her success at pinning the purple dragon's tail. She let Caspian know it it course but she let Nystia know it too. She considered biting her tail, but hesitated. She had nipped a bit to hard at a dog once and it had hurt him. She decided not to just as the tail was pulled away. She whirled around to face a paw coming at her. She ducked and rolled underneath only to grab onto Nystia's paw with her four golden paws.


Destier was near by tied to a tree. He watched the new comers fearfully, especially the purple dragon. He whined for Caspian and pulled slightly on his lead. His first experience with dragons had not been a good one. It had taken him a long time and a lot of coxing to tolerate Sephora. But she was small, this purple one was much bigger. He continued to pull at his lead trying to get away.


Caspian glanced at Destier but it seemed the lead was holding for now. He wished he could tell his horse it was okay, but how could he?

He listened to Amanes and hoped Destier would calm down. He nodded at her explanation of having learned magic from the Varden instead. "This war is destroying peace isn't it? Du Weldenvarden. My life," he sighed. "I'm not strong enough to pay the price to gain freedom back. I guess that's why I left, to find reason to go on and have some time to think on this alone."

[Kathena]

Amanes smiled sadly. This was not a conversation she liked. Yes, it was destroying the peace. Du Weldenvarden had been a very peaceful place, but the Empire had not. There had not been a single thing peaceful about loosing neighbors to the evil king's army and living in fear everyday. It may have been true the she had had a good life, but others hadn't. She guessed that was another reason that so many people were fighting: to feel safe in their own homes.

"War can't destroy what wasn't there. There was no real peace before, not with Galbatorix as king. He will continue to ruin everything if no one stops him. The outcome of war is peace, we just have to earn it. But if you must leave, don't stay in the Empire. Go to Dy Weldenvarden or perhaps the mountains." Amanes replied. The Varden needed Caspian, but she wouldn't make him choice something he didn't want. We all choice our own fate.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Nystia allowed for the golden dragon to grab onto her paw. She was having a good time playing with the younger dragon. If only she had a playmate like this when she was a hatchling. Not that she was any older now. In many ways, she herself was still considered a hatchling. The purple dragon then began to slowly pull her paw out of the other dragon's grasp.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Velox stood a few meters away from the others, watching them curiously. He had been trusted by the elf that he would not run away. He didn't quite understand why she had faith in him at all, but she had been good to him so he had chosen to stay. The Empire soldier that had use to ride him enjoyed teasing him and never tended to the wounds he had gotten during battle, but the elf did. After awhile, he had even gotten use to the elf's dragon. She enjoyed teasing him, but she never really hurt him.

[fëanàro]

Feanaro smiled as the purple dragon touched his consciousness the fealing was something he never felt before it made him shutter slightly before he nodded his head in thanks to the purple dragons "elf friend" response ringing in his head. Turning to amanes feanaro smiled but remaind silent for he knew this visit was not because of him but Caspian. So feanaro stood the silently gathering his thoughts and listning to amanes and Caspian talk an what the rider said was true but feanaro also understood caspians fear and confusion,getting thrown into the battle for the freedoms of alagaesia with out knowing much is a cruel way to be brought up to speed.

As it grew silent for a few brief momments after amanes told Caspian to head for the mountains or du weldenvarden feanaro looked to Caspian "my young friend I must agree with our new friend here if you seek time to gather your thoughts both of those places would be best. But Freedoms come at a cost you must fight for your freedom for as long as galabatorix rules these lands he will hunt you and your dragon till he finds you and when he does he will make you swear loyalties to him or you both will die.and to avoid that fate you know what you must do. I do not wish to sound so gloom but this is the cold truth of the matter so think hard " Feanaro did not want to see the boy travel alone when he and his dragon were so enexperianced but if that's what he needed to do then feanaro would not stop him "and do not doubt your self you are no longer who you once were now you are a rider and though you know nothing yet there is a great anythings you will learn in time you were choosen for a reason my young friend have faith in your self ".