Seeking redemption.

[Emiryal ♕]

Emiryal was glad Nandon did not hold that against him. After having spent so long in the Empire he expected his every deed to be turned against him. The Varden was much different than the Empire, but he could not join them. Not yet.

"No, but you helped me when I needed it. At least I can do one thing for you. I will try healing it tomorrow when I have my strength back. I'd do it now, but if I try it I'll die," he said. He had sat back down now on the stump and let his weariness over take him. He really had little energy and casting the spell to not be overheard had been difficult enough. Without Firern there he couldn't have done it.

"Your mother was wise. For the longest time I had no choice in what I was because of that twist, and now that I am free I feel lost. It's been a long time since I got to choose my own path," he said.

He was silent for a moment then asked. "Why did you call off the soldiers and save my life?" he asked. "I gave you no reason to trust me, yet you trusted me all the same."

[Nandon]

Nandon nodded his agreement at the statement about his mother then he answered with something that sounded awesome off the top of his head "First you must decide whether or not you wish to do things for yourself or for algaseia as a whole.... And then once you choose that you must just remember it as you choose a path...You must think "Will this path lead me to help algaseia? or further my personal goals..." Then nandon shrugged at the second comment "You where wounded... And i saw no reason to have the varden attack a man while he was wounded..."

[Emiryal ♕]

"I choose a path long ago. I meditated for a few days about that very thing and I choose to help all of Algasia. That was before the Empire captured me and it is still the path I want to follow, but I feel I have forgotten much of who I was. The Empire has hardened me." he said. He yawned before speaking again. Behind him Firern had fallen asleep.

"I am grateful for that and that you showed me mercy. Something the empire never shows anyone," Emiryal said. Without Nandon's help Emiryal would be dead. "But why heal me after? You did not not know I had left the Empire. You could've saved an enemy. An enemy that would endanger the Varden." Serving the Empire he hard nearly forgotten about mercy and compassion and Nandon showing both baffled him.

[Nandon]

nandon smirked lightly at his response then said "Would you rather i let your die?.... And i can see still you are not fully healed and you are weak... If you had proven to still be a agent of the empire... it would not have been in cold blood i killed you... but in vengance..."

[Emiryal ♕]

Emiryal nodded. "No I would rather not die, not now that I finally am free of the Empire. And I see what you mean. I was and still am at your mercy. I am of little threat even if I had turned out to see be on the Empire's side."

He envied Nandon. Having the chance to join a cause worth fighting for, and then to be able to choose and make your own decisions freely. In the Empire it was follow orders or be punished. He had long forgotten what it was like to have freedom or how to use that freedom. However, he could not join the Varden now. After all he had done he did not expect them to trust or welcome him. Nor did he feel he could join them after all he had done, even if it had been under orders.

"If you don't mind I'd like to get some rest," he said. "I have much to think about." He stood and went into the tent. A spare cot had been brought in for him. He unbuckled his swords and placed them under it before letting himself collapse on the bed and falling asleep. It would take a few days before he was fully recovered from both his wounds and his magical energy.

[Nepherion]

Nepherion tightened the grip of his thighs on the side of Starlight, the first couple of attempts at flight had proven most difficult for him. But with Eragon-elda and Saphira-elda tutelage it was becoming a cake walk for him. As he leaned forwards in the darken saddle he could feel the wind rush past him. It's cold touch, attempting to rip off the skin that covered his face. It had been a little over two weeks since he joined the Varden. The smell of livestock that seemed to live with the Varden had all but become custom to his nostrils, along with the few pleasantries he got as a Rider. Flying with Starlight freely being one of them. Shall we go faster ? Starlight said, reaching out to the boy behind him. You can go faster ? Let's see what you got. He spoke, urging the dragon on.

Hearing Nepherion's challenge, Starlight climbed high above the clouds. Nepherion tucked himself closer to the warmth of his dragon's body as they slowed to a halt in mid hair. At this height the entire Varden camp seemed less than a speck around the dirt filled earth it sat on. Nepherion lifted himself from the embrace, being sure to hold on to a ivory spike on the dragon's back. Brace yourself.. Pale one. Before Nepherion could respond, the majestic white dragon curled his wings against his side and plummeted towards the Varden earth. The wind rushing past the two was more fierce than before and tore at Nepherion's clothing with vicious persistence. Dropping faster and faster soon the Varden had tripled in size and Nepherion was beginning to wonder if the two would have enough space to make a safe landing. " We should pull up now Starlight !! " He yelled. Feeling the intensity of the ride, he had no more reserve to communicate in the mental. Only moments before it would be to late, Starlight extended his wings, letting the currents slow his momentum. As he came towards a cluster of tents, he straightened his wings out and glided over them.Leaving them with a gust from his passing.

Nepherion looked back and offered a hastened apology, noticing the eddies from Starlight's wings blow their clothes onto the ground. He turned back around and straighten his knotted back in the dark saddle. " Let's hope word don't get back to Nasauda or Eragon-elda. " He said folding his arms across his chest. Starlight turned a crimson eye on his rider before landing with a harden impact to the earth. And why is that ? It's not as if I ate one of those cotton horses like last time. Nepherion chuckled lightly. " I think you mean a sheep buddy. And hey, we both got beating for that remember. I don't want another one. " A low, teasing growl was heard from Starlight as Nepherion got off and patted his neck. Starlight landed a mile from the Varden's camp, the walk back was welcomed by both Rider and Dragon. The two exchange pleasantries and Nepherion tried his best to explain the difference between Sheep and Horses. The young dragon had much to learn and was just now getting into the expected capability of bearing his rider. Though the two secretly practiced whenever they could.

Now a little taller than a horse, Starlight's growth was beginning to slow down. Unlike before, when he sparked tremendous leaps, he was now only growing a couple feet every couple of weeks it seemed. Nepherion guessed in the coming months they'd slow to every three months or so. The two walked into the Varden side by side, Starlight's giant paws leaving prints on the soften ground below them. They traveled to the blacksmith in need of another sword thanks to Nepherion's rebellious swinging. Often breaking the blade by putting more pressure on it than it can take. After receiving another lecture from the blacksmith and obtaining another broadsword, Nepherion continued towards Nandon-elda for his usual lessons of magic and Elven culture. He had to admit becoming a Rider require more tutelage than he thought. He had to learn swordsmanship, which he gripped hold pretty well, taking care of his dragon, magic combat, etc, etc.

Nepherion let out a weary snort as he made his way through the tents. What bothers you Nepherion ? I catch you doing that more and more. Nepherion's hand rubbed and ruffled the back of his snow hair. It's Elven culture. I don't understand it. Their so many formalities, it's almost like reading a long book that's forced on you. I don't want to offend anyone, but I don't see it's uses in this war. His hand came back to his side and his eyes widen as he eyed the elf's campsite. Beside Nandon's tent laid a giant black dragon. It was large, much bigger than Starlight at the current moment. It could probably crush both of them if it wanted to. Starlight halted along with Nepherion, curling his neck around to the distant boy. It's times like these. Starlight replied in a calm tone. When Elven gesturing is needed to not infuriate it's Dragon. Nepherion eyed his dragon with hesitance before heading to greet Nandon-elda. He stopped infront of the pot of stew and looked up at the elf. Proficient enough to greet him without error in the Elven language, given Nandon superiority as his teacher. Unable to hold his curiosity back, he pointed back towards the black dragon with his thumb. " You're a rider now ? " He asked, ready to congratulate him on realizing his dream.

[Nandon]

Nandon watched as nepherion approached and offered him some of the stew before shaking his head "Uh...No thats not my dragon...I wish..." Nandon said with a sigh... and even though he had just wanted to be a rider he had always pictured his dragon a teal color... if it was possible..."Starlight has grown nepherion-Vohdr"

[Emiryal ♕]

Firern may have been sleeping but he wasn't in a deep sleep. He blinked and looked up as Starlight and her rider came near. His blue eyes a stark contrast to his black scales. The black dragon did not wake Emiryal. The rider needed to rest and did not need to be disturbed right now.

He seemed to be paying more attention to Starlight than to Nepherion. She was fairly small compared to him. Due to dark magic Firern appeared to be almost a year and a half old. However, the fact was he was about only half that old. He probably could've held his own against even Saphira without a problem.

When Nepherion spoke his gaze turned to the human. He knew it was a misunderstanding on his behalf, but then Nandon response was not pleasing to him. He growled low in something close to annoyance. So Nandon wished Firern was his then? Firern would only ever have one rider. His heart was bound to Emiryal and he did not share the elf's sentiment.

"Hatching," he said addressing Starlight only. "We have not met before. I am Firern...of the Empire or formerly that is. I do not recall seeing you before in battle."

[Nepherion]

Nepherion looked towards the dark scaled dragon with lowered eyes. " Oh. Well if it's not yours.. Than who does it belong to ? " He asked. His two handed broad sword hung to his side, his left hand gripped the handle as he spoke. Remembering that a Rider-less dragon is always a desperate and unpredictable dragon. His cerulean eyes peered at the black dragon's slanted pupils. He couldn't tell if it was a he or she, or if it meant any harm to those around it . Though right now it seemed innocent, either that or just plain lazy. It wasn't long before Nandon-elda's words brought him out of his thoughts. He turned his gaze back on Nandon than smiled. " Yea. It seems like now a days though he's growth been slowed down. " Looking towards the wooden stumps around the cauldron, Nepherion took a seat across from the elf. " So besides the giant black dragon over there. What else will you surprise me with today , Nandon-elda ? " He felt a little uneasy with his back towards the dragon, but was pretty sure Starlight had his back.

Starlight sat on his hindlegs, only feet from Nepherion. Though the black dragon was intimidating and probably around the same size as Saphira. Starlight held no fear in his draconian heart, not even when the dragon's voice resonated through his mind. With a undaunted gaze he turned his crimson eye on the dragon of his exact opposite. That is easy enough to answer. It is because I'm not old enough, nor is me and my rider prepared for war yet. Though we're getting there. His neck curled over as he turned to face the dragon after a moment of thinking. If you are of the Empire... Or formerly of the Empire. Than that would make you my enemy right ? The question was simple enough, and normally would have had a mocking intent behind it. But Starlight's curiosity was just as large as Nepherion's. And like Nepherion, Starlight wasn't without his own worries about the dragon infront of him. And if so why are you here now ? You should never expect kindness from your enemies.

[Nandon]

Nandon stands up angerly facing starlight "there are not your enemy and nor will you treat them as such!" nandon then turns to firern "I am sorry firern could you wake emiryal up for a moment?"

[Nepherion]

Nepherion looked back at Starlight, than back at Nandon. His cerulean eyes peered at the elven man with furrowed brows. " What just happened ?" It was than that Starlight fixed his crimson eyes on the elf, standing on his four paws to his full height. He stepped towards the elf, than expanded his wings and flapped them out . The white membrane underneath show the random roads the blue veins took within the skin. A low, menacing growl escaped between his ivory teeth as he came closer to the elf, stopping only a meter away. He spoke with absolute calm, but inside held a fury that was steadily growing. Just because Nepherion needs your tutelage, does not mean I do. You will not speak to me as if your my superior. I'm sure your queen would have had your neck for talking down to a dragon in such a manner. Nepherion's face was clueless, his gaze kept switching between Starlight and Nandon. Had an altercation occurred between the two that he hadn't noticed. Nepherion's sky blue eyes glared into Starlight's crimson. He blocked off Nandon and dove into the mental connect that was theirs alone. What happened ? " Starlight's pupil switched to Nepherion. He has snapped at me for reasons I do not see. I'am a Rider's dragon and I answer to no one besides you. He has neither the right or authority to order ME around.

Nepherion petted the Dragon's ego with a careful rub. His brows straighten out and he let out a sigh. The wind that buffed him from Starlight's wing had made him uncomfortable for a moment. Calm down, Starlight. You forget he helped us escape Terim and make it here to the Varden. We owe him. Let me talk to him, Will ya ? He said lifting a thumb. A low rumble exerted from the dragon's throat, his crimson gaze drifted from Nepherion to Nandon. Than with reluctance he turned from Nandon, curling his wings against his side before heading back towards the dark dragon. Nepherion rubbed the back of his hair, noticing it had grown in length. Now, two wings of alabaster hair hung below his chin and reached down his neck. His lips were flattened out into straight lines and his darken brows laid stiff above his eyes. " Starlight is a little temperamental forgive him. " His voice was oddly flat and toneless. He had to admit even he held slight resentment towards him. Commanding Starlight like that was no ones right, not even his. Nepherion guessed it was the bond between them, that compelled him to act irrationally when it came to the dragon. Sometimes he couldn't help but be influence by the dragon's emotions.

[Emiryal ♕]

Before Firern could respond it seemed a rather explosive situation blew up. "Hatching, you are foolish and have much to learn. Two wrongs do not make a right." he said calmly. He had no fear of the smaller dragon, why should he? "To answer your question yes I was your enemy. But I know longer serve the empire. Whether I am friend of foe now is your choice to make."

The black dragon glanced at Nandon. He seemed unbothered by what had just happened. But he was reluctant to wake his rider. Emiryal needed rest. He could've acted like Starlight and snapped at Nandon for telling him what to do. But there was a difference in following and order verses a request. Nandon's words were a request. "Very well," he said finally.


Emiryal was woken by Firern mentally. "What Firern?" he mumbled in his mind. He didn't want to be bothered, but why would Firern contact him if there wasn't a good reason? "Nandon wants you and there is a young rider and dragon here....the dragon is quite snappy and inexperienced," he cautioned. Firern smiled. "You were too when you were that young. You tried to take on Thorn because he told you to do something remember?" Emiryal felt something like indignation from his dragon. "Oh alright, I'm coming," he said.

Emiryal sat up slowly trying not to irritate his remaining injuries. He pulled on his shirt and buckled his twin rider swords onto his belt. He never went anywhere unarmed no matter what the circumstances. He stood up and walked out of the tent. He said nothing as he saw Nepherion and his dragon. He saw himself as the superior and waited for the young man to greet him first if at all as was elven custom.

[Nandon]

Nandon staggered away from starlight as if he had been struck and he starred at the dragon for a moment and briefly wondered if Oromis had this same problem with eragon and saphira.... then knowing saphira decided he most likely had then he turned to nepherion pushing the anger from his mind so his face could appear hurt but not angery... when he spoke it was calmly looking at nepherion "Your dragon needs to learn much... This is a delicate situation and firern over there could easily rip starlights wings off if he wanted to... but he has with held this...So i would ask your dragon not act agressivily in this situation...Because if you attack... it will force my hand and i will help emiryal and firern... This is not a time for hostilities..." nandon said... then he turned around and thanked firern for waking emiryal knowing he needed his rest but this situation was a clutch of dynamite on top of a barrel of gunpowder with a drunk holding a match nearby...He nodeed at emiryal as he stepped out of the tent and looked his gaze around locking it onto his staff sword which was plunged into the ground and standing up right... though he made no move to retrieve it knowing if he did it could push the situation over the edge.... but if needed he could retrieve it within seconds... "I'm sorry for waking you emiryal..."

[Nepherion]

Starlight gazed at the black dragon with a blank crimson eye. He had no intentions of bowing down to those weaker than him. He was a dragon, The most Majestic Dragon at that. Starlight laid down in front of the dragon, placing only a couple of feet between them. His neck was partially lifted as he gazed at Nepherion and Nandon. Studying more of his riders face, the dragon let a ring of dark smoke leave his nostril. Hmp. I have more than enough power to handle him. And I lead by example. If Nepherion is too become strong, he must know to never back down. Starlight's and the dark dragon's conversation was being carefully guided. He never let to much be known and defiantly cut the emotion trail inside. After a moment of indecision Starlight clawed at the grown with an ivory talon. I've decided I see no reason for you to be my enemy. Though I will be cautious around you and always prepared to pounce. If I can be honest I don't exactly trust you. He said, his tone making most if not all of his words empty of emotions.

Nepherion looked up towards Nandon, his cerulean eyes angered at his words. It made him almost regret the adventures they had up till now. Little by little, he attempted to bury the emotion inside, but he was beginning to become impatient with the man. " Will do.. " He said in obvious resentment. His eyes looked towards Starlight and a fainting anger rushed against the dragons mind. As Nandon walked passed, Nepherion closed his eyes than in a fit of complete and utter vexation turned towards the elf's back. Fully prepared to give him a piece of his mind, but paused when he caught a glimpse of the second elf. Nepherion bit his lip, and drowned the thought in his head. He rolled up his sleeves and walked pass Nandon to the unknown elf. He glance the elf over and the only thing that really got his attention was the man's weaponry. Almost made him feel ashamed to only have one broadsword on his hip. He rolled his eyes at his own discomfort and finally performed the elven greeting, even going so far as to add the extended: live long part. Afterwards he stepped back and went to tend to his ego by Starlight's side.

Starlight watched Nepherion closely as he performed the greeting. A perfect, replica in truth. When Nepherion walked over, Starlight greeted him. You performed it well. Maybe Nandon's tutelage is actually helping you out. Nepherion placed his head on the dragon's snout before rubbing his hand against the dragon's long neck. Yea I guess.. Starlight nudged his rider softly. What is the matter ? Nepherion thought about it for a second, rubbing Starlight's smooth scales. Than he went over the earlier comment that Nandon said. Almost immediately, Nepherion could feel a seething anger in the pit of Starlight's stomach. A warm smoke exerted from his nostrils. If that is the case than Nandon will be treated as a traitor and ripped apart as such. Nepherion smiled at the draogn's conviction and devotion. And he was sure Nandon didn't mean to make it like that, but he was never one to hide something that was bothering him. Calm down Starlight. I don't think he meant it that way anyway. Plus even I can see we can't beat those two new guys. Not to mention Nandon is well versed in magic. We'd probably be slain in a matter of seconds. Starlight placed a stabbing eye on Nepherion before grinding his mind with rebuke. We shall never doubt ourselves, pale one. I tire of you talking about us losing. You sound like a helpless fleshling. Nepherion laughed a little, this whole situation had been making him doubt himself recently. Even though he had been becoming stronger and thinner, faster and smarter, and most of all a powerful dragonrider. You're right. I never meant to doubt us. Just looking at it realistically, but I should know that with you nothing ever turns out realistically. Starlight stepped closer and placed his snout against his rider's cheek, gazing towards Nandon's back like a target for his ill nourished flames. That's more like it. Now what to do about Nandon? Nepherion smiled warmly and hugged the dragon. Absolutely nothing. Nandon didn't mean wrong and he's been training us. Technically, he is our elda. Starlight quickly interjected. - YOUR elda. Dragons cannot use magic so I have little to no need for him. Nepherion looked towards the two elves. Well I need him. So be nice.

The dirt around the campsite sparked to life as a breeze swept through. It dance with the locks of Nepherion hair causing him to raise his hand to guard his eyes. It brought with it the smell of the warring towns and villages ahead. A grim reminder of the reality he would eventually have to face. He walked over towards the unknown elf, looking up at the dark dragon with stoic eyes. The reptile was intimidating, his dark tones scales hadn't lifted the tension like Saphira's had. It just place a even more sullied feeling in the air." Well what now Nandon-elda ? Are we to just converse or will we do training ?" Starlight rose onto his four paws, and walked behind him. He enjoyed watching the two battle, even now it made him feel a sense of progress in his Rider. Before, he could barely pronounce the the Ancient Language. Now he had a few spells up his sleeves and now he could survive alone he needed to. He believed one day Nepherion would take down Galbatorix.

[Nandon]

Nandon turned back to nepherion and Nodded his head and held out his hand towards his sword and muttered a couple words under his breath and his sword ripped from the ground and flew to his hand where nandon grabbed it and strapped it to his back... then he walked toward the nearby lake and said "today i shall teach you to make a fairth..."

[Nepherion]

Nepherion walked with Nandon to the lake. Normally he would had been impressed by the show of magically skill. But still even as they stooped at the lake side, he still held some annoyance from his statement. Looking towards the lake Nepherion seemed to be entranced with it. His cerulean eyes and the lake's current dance in-sync with one another. Finally he pulled away from it's waves and looked towards Nandon. " Nandon-Elda, What is a Fairth ? " He asked. Unsure of what he was exactly suppose to do. At first he imagined himself to have to pull water from the lake and shape it into something. Why else would he have come to the lake. Than another possibility struck him. Maybe a Fairth was an awesome spell that cause even the bodies of water to quake in fear. Nepherion's lips spread into a grin as he awaited the answer to his question. His arms came to his side in tight fists. I really hope it's that spell. Please tell me an awesome. He begged in his thoughts.

Starlight appeared soon afterwards. He placed himself underneath the shade of a tree, enjoying the peaceful scenery for once. Nepherion smiled like a madmen over possibilities, for a moment he enjoyed his rider's optimism. He placed his forelegs under his chest and simply gazed upon the teaching of Nandon. If he ends up making Nepherion strong, than maybe he'd think about not tearing his organs out for his previous comment. He thought. Smiling in his own way, Starlight spoke to Nepherion. Don't get your hopes up. Nepherion turned towards Starlight who released a chuckling growl.

[Nandon]

"A fairth... Is a picture... produced by magical means to capture a imagine in your mind and place it onto slate..." Nandon said and he reached down and pulled a small piece of slate from the lake side and muttered the necessary words and on the slate a image of a lake appeared that seemed to shine and dazzle the eye as if every moment you would find something new about the lake... Nandon showed nepherion the fairth the smashed it on the ground and produced a new piece of slate and handed it to him then taught him the word before speaking again "Now... Focus a image in your mind and try and place it onto the slate..."

[Nepherion]

Nepherion gripped at the fairth Nandon handed to him. His eyes darting around with unsure decisiveness. With a frustrated growl, Nepherion looked up into the air. He eyed the wispy clouds overhead before turning his gaze on Nandon. " Nandon-elda, I'm not quite sure how a picture is going to destroy the king. Shouldn't we spend our time on something else more worthy. " He said, his eyes beginning to wander as he reached out for answers. " Umm. Like a spell that can make Starlight stronger, faster. " He came in close to Nandon and whispered. " I heard that Thorn; Murtagh's dragon some how grew to Saphira's size in only a couple of months. Starlight is already half way there. I'm sure their's some spell that can speed up the process. " He brought himself towards the lake's edge.

Than, feeling an edge of anger coming from Starlight turned towards the dragon. Dragon's are not to be tampered with. I will not have you manipulating my growth. He barked towards Nepherion. Nepherion rubbed the back of his hair and smiled, pushing the authenticity of the thought to the back of his head. I was only joking. I would never try and make you the size of Saphira, so we could go out to battle with them. A commical laughter, showed the falseness of his statement. Mhmm. You can't lie to me Nepherion. I know you better than anyone. He said lowering his head again. He placed a crimson eye on the boy before closing them. Also you should probably do the Fairth. As you are now, your mind is too jumbled. You'll never be an effective mage.

Nepherion shunned the dragon's words than unwillingly gave in. He was right like always. He sat down near the lakes edge, holding the Fairth against his forehead. He cleared his mind and begin to search for something that meant the world to him. Something that he could wish for and that belonged only to him. As he thought, he begin to speak the words of the Ancient Language in a low tone. Though they came out crystal clear, he was the only human who would hear them. He could feel the barrel of light - which was his magic - begin to splash onto the slate. Little by little it filled in, until finally the picture was done. Opening his eyes slowly, he peered at the Fairth and with widen eyes slid it onto the ground. His emotion seemed drained of the free spirited fella from before. His fist tightened and pounded on his thigh at the harsh reality of his wishes, or should he say fears.

The fairth held the image of a youthful Nepherion, looking to be around seven or eight. He crouched with his knees to his chest , surrounded by the darkness of a place devoid of light. Standing to the sides of him was a male with snow white hair and a woman with long brunette curls. Each appeared fit and healthy and neither of them was recognized as his adopted parents. The older man had his hand placed on Nepherion's left shoulder and the woman was crouch with her head laid gently against his own. They held no facial features, no eyes, nose, or lips. Their faces were blank. The Fairth was blotchy around the two adult and the darkness seemed blurred and runny. But the image of Nepherion, crouched in his own despair was clear as day. The fairth laid on the ground, unscathed and clear to Nandon. Nepherion seemed bothered and worried as his hands gripped the side of his temples and he fought back the feeling of longing.

Starlight raised his head to the inner cry of his Rider's emotions Nepherion ! He bellowed with a roar. The white dragon raised his head and with three great leaps was to the boy's side. His snout rubbed against his face. Oh Nepherion. You are troubled by past memories. He said, affectionately. Nepherion's hand reached around the dragon's snout as he hugged him. Just some suppressed memories. Nepherion, assured him. Starlight brought his head from the embrace, flatly eyeing the boy's face. I felt your pain from seeing the image. Those are more than suppressed memories, my dear rider.

[Nandon]

Nandon responded to the question a bit impatiently "The fairth will teach you decipline...Which will in turn help you kill the king..." Nandon said not even bothering to answer the other question as he knew starlight would chide him for it... Then he watched as he made the fairth and he frowned as he dropped the picture then he bent down and picked it up looking at it.... studying it before smashing it on the ground "Whatever that was...Its in the past now..." Nandon seemed shaken... The fairth not even of him had stirred memories of his own torture as a child and he blinked shaking his head as he cleared his thoughts pushing them away "You did well... But like most humans your focus is to narrow...You need to broaden your focus to include other things..." He said still appearing slightly shaken then he dusts off his hands and looked to nepherion "care to try again?"

[Emiryal ♕]

Hmp. I have more than enough power to handle him. And I lead by example. If Nepherion is too become strong, he must know to never back down. Starlight's and the dark dragon's conversation was being carefully guided. He never let to much be known and defiantly cut the emotion trail inside. After a moment of indecision Starlight clawed at the grown with an ivory talon. I've decided I see no reason for you to be my enemy. Though I will be cautious around you and always prepared to pounce. If I can be honest I don't exactly trust you. He said, his tone making most if not all of his words empty of emotions.

Firern seemed satisfied by Starlight's response to him. "You show much promise hatching," he said. "You are wise not to trust me. I would not expect you to either. Trust is not given but is earned. In time maybe I shall have your trust but for now all I can give you is my word." He paused then in the ancient language said. "I mean you nor your rider any harm."

Trust would only come with time. But in the mean time he would give his word in a binding language. It was a start and all he could offer of his truthfulness.



Emiryal climbed onto Firern and sat on the saddle that hadn't been taken off. Without speaking aloud and by shared consent they followed Nandon and Nepherion to the lake. They hadn't been invited but saw no harm in coming. In fact maybe they could help. Emiryal was still weak but like all elves he needed little sleep and though he was not fully rested he was rested enough.

Emiryal did not get off Firern but sat on his back watching. He couldn't see the image on the Fairth but he wasn't going to either, it was probably personal and not something he wanted to intrude on. He smiled knowingly when Nephierion mentioned the spell to speed a dragon's growth. Without a doubt he knew that Starlight would probably be objecting to it. He had had a similar conversation with Firern shortly after he had hatched. He couldn't help but intrude though he was sure Starlight would refuse the idea and probably tell of Nepherion for it.

"You heard right. Thorn's growth was sped up by magic. So is Firern's, he looks much older than he really is....I know the exact spell you speak of and how to use it. But it is unnatural and a curse. Never use that spell Nepherion ever. Nothing should be forced into that curse, let alone a dragon. Firern is still under the effect of that spell and will be until the end of his days. Do not use it on anything."