Seeking redemption.

[Nepherion]

Nepherion looked towards the unknown elf, unsure if he could trust him. Before they arrived, Starlight had shared many things with him, including the fact that his dragon was formerly of the Empire. Which meant so was he. A sigh was released from Nepherion. He looked up towards the sky with a vague expression. The clouds were continuously moving, always in motion. It reminded him of his own struggles, like the currents and the clouds, they never gave him time to think on them. Looking towards the elf with a contemplating gaze, Nepherion spoke. " Your dragon has vowed in the ancient language that no harm will come to us. Are you willing to do the same ? " Starlight's long neck curled around Nepherion's body and eyed the pair. He had spoken nothing but the truth to his rider, so if the elf refused or denied, than he would know that the two were treacherous. Though the dragon's words seemed sincere before, " you could never judge a book by its cover " as Nepherion would say.

Nepherion reached out for another slate from Nandon, once received he would force the thought of the mysterious duo to back of his head. Thinking of several people that he had met instead and those that were close to his heart, the most. Starlight peered down at the slate for a moment, hearing Nepherion whisper the magic filled words. This time, allow me in. I will guide your thoughts so you will no longer feel the pain. Nepherion closed his eyes and nodded agreeably. Thanks Starlight. He could feel Starlight's tail begin to slowly wrap around his feet affectionately. The slate once again begin to fill in, his magic splashing precisely in the right spots. His lips curved to a smile and he opened his eyes. Knowing what to expect from the slate he didn't bother to look at it. He handed it to Nandon without even knowing the true image upon it. All he had envisioned was the image of his adopted family, taking president over Strong Bones the most. " Take a look at that. Tell me that isn't better Nandon-elda. " From the feeling coming from Starlight, Nepherion felt as if something was grave. As if something went wrong, causing Nepherion to second guess himself. When Nandon would look at the slate, the image from before would decorate it. Despair and hurt was all that a image like that could inspire. Starlight uncurled his tail and put an eye on Nandon. Do not tell him the image on the slate. Break it, before he can get his hands on it. He said in haste, not capable of seeing his Rider in any more pain. Nepherion clenched his teeth slightly before he stepped out towards Nandon. The feeling that exerted from Starlight propelled him towards it. He was trying to hide something from him again, he hated that. " Give it back ! Let me see it. " He barked towards Nandon.

[Emiryal ♕]

"I know what Firern told you," Emiryal said before Nepherion had a go at a second attempt at the Fairth. "And I stand by whatever he says." Then switching to the ancient language. "I will not harm you or your dragon," he said. He watched as Nepherion attempted again at the Fairth and then demanded to see it after he had handed it to Nandon. It was none of his business to know what was on the slate, so he did not ask or try to glimpse it. The last one had upset Nepherion enough that Emiryal knew it best not to ask about it.

Instead Emiryal pushed the sleeve on his shirt up to reveal the purple vein-like lines the burrow grubs had inflicted on both his arms. Firern turned his head to look at Emiryal and growled in warning at his rider not to heal his wounds yet. It was a mental warning and one only Emiryal would hear. The elf sighed and pulled his sleeve back down over his arm. His arms hurt from the injury despite the Varden healing him. The damage the burrow grubs caused required a particular spell and an understanding of the worm to heal it magically. Not to mention the few wounds that had sither oil on them to prevent healing that had not been healed by the Varden yet either.

Emiryal had more than enough strength and knowledge to heal himself completely right now. However, if he did he risked blowing his cover. His true name had not changed. He was here as a spy and his allegiance remained with Galbatorix. He had been injured purposely to convince the Varden of the ruse. Despite the ruse though Emiryal and Firern had spoken true to Nepherion and Starlight. They didn't mean them any harm.

[Kathena]

Nasuada sat in her tent, thinking about the choices they would have to make to go on. Some people in the Varden seemed to be getting restless. Some were beginning to think that there was no point in trying to continue this war. But what else would they do, give up? No, never. She would never give up. This is what her father had fought for, and this is what he had died for. She couldn't just give all of that up. Yet, she doubted that her rule over the Varden helped at all. Her father had been so much better at this then she had, was she making a difference? Was her work helping? She didn't know, but it made her feel slightly better that she had choicen Eragon as a successor. Everyone seemed to like him, and she was sure he could take over with ease if she could no longer lead the Varden.

She shook the thought from her head and stood up. She would try to forget about all that for now, and go on a walk. She was unaware if the Nighthawks were outside her tent or not. They usually were, and if she was going to go for a walk they would most likely wish to go with her. Nasuada just wanted to clear he head though. It didn't matter if they were there or not, did it? She didn't really care if they were at least.

Nasuada emerged for her tent and glanced around. She found herself staring at something that shocked greatly. There was a black dragon in the camp, and it looked alot like Shruikan. At first she was terrified, but when she watched it for awhile longer, she realized that the dragon was too small to be Shruikan. Also, there was an unfamiliar elf standing nearby it, along with a few Varden members she did recognize. She looked around for the Nighthawks, but they didn't seem to be there at the moment. She hesitated, wondering if she should look for them, before deciding to approach them.

"Hello... Who might you be?" Nasuada asked as she made her way up to the elf and his black dragon.



Silis walked around camp slowly, the only thought going through her mind was how annoying her robes were. She wanted nothing more then to roam around as an abnormally large black cat. It was what she was use to, and it was the form she preferred. Yet, she promised Amanes she would 'socialize'. She had humans, but she had made a few friend within her stay at the Varden. Five to be exact. It wasn't very many, but i was far better then how many she use to have. In fact, she just about doubled the number of friends she formerly had.

As she roamed camp, she caught a glimpse of black out of the corner of her eye and turned her head to see Emiryal and Firern. Emiryal and Firern. The words repeated in her head as she lime green eyes fixed on the rider. He had broken her leg. He had ruined the Battle of Belatona for her, and yet he was talking among her friends as if he was another Varden member. He was an Empire rider, right? She didn't know what she would do if he joined the Varden. She stilled wanted revenge. She doubt it was going to happen, for if he joined the Varden she would have to be nice. Kindness. A foolish personality trait.

Silis walked up to them slowly, observing them curiously. She turned her gaze to Nasuada as she approached and waited for her to speak before glancing back at Emiryal.

"And you are here because??" She snapped, not really feeling like starting off a friendly conversation at the moment.

[Nepherion]

Nepherion heaved heavily as his attempts to snatch the Fairth from Nandon failed. He doubled over, placing his hands on his knees. " Dammit. Forget it, keep it. " He gasped. Afterwards he looked towards Starlight and snapped his head in the opposite direction. He let out a warm snort before hurrying up the hill to Emiryal and Firern. He smiled at the two before locking his fingering behind his head. Looking at the large black dragon, Nepherion couldn't help but think of the bad blood they must have held with the Varden. They're Empire Riders. I bet they've done pretty horrible things. Probably to some of my friends too. Maybe.. Just to be sure. Telling Eragon and the others about him wouldn't hurt... would it ?

Nepherion turned towards Starlight at his gentle graze against his mind. The horse-size dragon sauntered up beside him. Of course it wouldn't. Follow your instincts Nepherion. They lead you in the right direction. Never trust an enemy, even if they do portray the victim. Starlight confirmed. Nepherion suddenly felt unsure. Was it right to condemn someone just because of what he heard ? So far, Emiryal and Firern seemed like pretty good guys. Starlight must have picked up on his doubts. If you're not sure, than trust your gut. He said.

Nepherion nodded to himself and to Starlight. Than the appearance of a woman, No.. Not just any woman. Lady Nasauda. She brought his gaze down to the floor for a moment. Though he were mere feet from her, something about the Varden-leader just scared him out his mind. Nepherion stepped in between the two and suddenly begin to wave his hand towards her, a smile of idiotic bliss was plastered on his face.. " Heya Nasuada, " Exclaimed Nepherion. Starlight simply looked on with impassive eyes. Nepherion could feel his intentional seclusion. He never enjoyed the company of other humans. " What are doing out here this early ? "

[Emiryal ♕]

Emiryal and Firern had both turned to watch Nasuada and Sills approach. Neither of them made any threatening moves though. To do so would be certain death. Nasuada certainly had the heir of a leader about her. Emiryal knew who she was instantly. He also knew who Sills was, unfortunately only because he had fought her.

Ignoring Sills Emiryal slid off Firern's back and bowed to Nasuada, the gesture seemed to hurt him as it irritated his injuries. Having been with the Empire he certainly knew when courtly manners were needed. And anything less would be insult to Nasuada he knew. "Lady Nasuada," he said. He wasn't sure if she was familiar with the elven custom of greeting or not so he forfeited it for now. "I apologize I did not make myself known to you sooner. But I was on death's door last night."

After bowing he gratefully leaned against Firern's shoulder for support. "I am Emiryal and this is my dragon Firern....formerly of the Empire," he said. He glanced at Sills now that he had fulfilled his obligation to introducing himself to Nasuada. "Long story werecat," was all he answered to Sills.

[Nepherion]

Nepherion looked towards Nasuada with a eagerness that quickly faded to a grim boredom, his mouth forming into a idiotic O. He couldn't understand anything she was talking about, no doubt something about politics though. Nepherion gripped his hip with his left hand, feeling the gedwy insignia on his palm. He lifted it up and glared at it. They call me Argetlam for this.. And some people think I'm going to turn evil just because I have it on my left hand... He put his hand back to his side. " How ridiculous. " He spat.

Nepherion walked up to Emiryal and the black dragon out of curiosity. He glared at the elf with a invasive stare before actually speaking." So, why the Varden ? Why come to us for help. Wouldn't it have been easier to just stop at the nearest town and force them to heal you. " He asked. He could feel Starlight's interest growing from behind him. The white dragon was thinking the same as him.

[Emiryal ♕]

Firern usually paid attention to detail more than his rider did. And the large black dragon noticed Nepherion look at his gedwy insignia on his left hand. It seemed most riders had it on their right hand, well at least most Varden riders that was. The gesture was not revealing of the young rider's thoughts but simply a curiosity to the black beast.

At the urging of his dragon, Emiryal glanced over at Nepherion before the boy spoke. He held out his left hand, palm up to reveal his own gedwy insignia. Either Nepherion was left handed to or had just touched his dragon with his off hand.

"It was Firern's idea to come here, not mine," he said. "I would've done that just go to any town and demand to be healed but as my dragon pointed out to me it wouldn't have worked. My injuries were too great to townsfolk to have been of any help. I needed magical healing. And the Varden is my only chance of not being re-captured by Galbatorix. I'm requesting asylum from the Varden."

[Nepherion]

Nepherion cuffed his chin with his thumb and index fingers, as he contemplated the mindset of the Imperial Rider. A humming sound begin to exert from the boy's throat as he looked onto the Rider's in the face. " That wasn't really smart. " He said bluntly. " We could have easily taken you down in your weakened state. " Then his eyes rose up to the towering dark mass that was his dragon. " Maybe not that easy, with a little help from Nandon and the others we could have. " He said more nervously.

Starlight's neck arch over towards the noise being produced by the Varden, to the west. He couldn't believe they hadn't taken quicker notice of such a massive beast, and knowing that none of the Varden's Riders hadn't had a black dragon should have alerted the two-legs-round-ears. A agitated growl was released from the beast. If they were attempting to actually attack the Varden, we would have been caught off guard. And totally and utterly destroyed. Starlight looked back towards Firern's darken scales, his gaze was studious as he looked him up and down, measuring him up, trying to see if he could take him. Then his mind wandered off track.

Truthfully he couldn't understand why the black dragon would actually enjoy such scales. They did little for him to standout among the other dragons. He placed his gaze on his right fore paw and looked at the shimmering scales that encased it. They reflected the sun's lightly spectacularly and he reveled in the fact that his entire body was protect by such beauty. He also loved the fact that people stopped and stared at him when he passed by and expected his scales to be that of real diamonds. He loved his hide and cleaning it was a duty that he withheld religiously, it was vain and he knew that was bad, but he didn't care. Why not look your best when facing your enemies.

Nepherion felt the dragon's self indulged vanity, and almost asked if he could stop, when an idea popped into his head. Almost immediately he felt Starlight's disapproval. No, I won't allow it. He said, flatly. Nepherion smiled on the outside before responding. I'm going to do it anyway. This is a golden opportunity. Starlight thought about it for awhile, than with reluctance asked. I still don't trust this pair. Are you certain you want to do this Nepherion nodded and was sure Starlight could see the back of his head move. Fine. But if anything goes wrong we're fleeing. Nepherion was a little shocked to here Starlight say anything about running away, but he accepted his agreement.

With a smile, Nepherion came close to the elf and with tightly squeezed fist asked. " Will you train me in swordsmanship ? Your using two blades so I know you have to be a master with one.. Since we're saving you, the most you could do is help me out. " Nepherion was already in casual clothes, expecting his training with the elf to be vigorous, but it wasn't. He had grown use to working his body out to it's limit and knew that the Imperial Rider probably had tons of techniques that was powerful. " What do ya say ? " He asked, trying to drive home his question.

[Emiryal ♕]

Firern's gaze locked onto Nepherion and a low growl emanated from him when he said he could've taken down his rider. What bothered him most is there was some truth in his statement, though of course he would defend Emiryal to his last breath.

Emiryal knew Firern was watching Nepherion and waved a hand at his dragon to relax. "I'm not in any danger Firern, you know that. I was not helpless last night, I only appeared to be," he said.

"I know. But if anything were ever to happen to you.." Firern started to say when Emiryal cut him off. "Firern, it's okay." Their mental conversation quickly stopped. It was one they had, had before it and it always ended up going nowhere. It wasn't like Emiryal could promise not to die, he was mortal as was Firern.

"No coming here may not have been smart but it was my only choice. I would've died otherwise had the Varden not saved me. What difference did it make where I died? At least coming here there was the small chance I would live," he said. It did seem like a foolish choice to come here and even dangerous. He was taking a huge risk but risks had to be taken in times of war.

The elf smiled when Nepherion asked to be trained by him. "Nepherion you would not last two seconds against me. I am a master with the sword, I have nearly a century of experience. You would be cut to ribbons," he said. "I could teach you much. And as much as I don't like it, I do owe you for saving my life. I will train you in swordsmanship if that is what you wish."

Emiryal started to pull out Domia, one of his blades, from the sheath on his right hip. Before he got it more than half way out he gasped in pain and let the blade fall back into the sheath. With his right hand he grabbed his other arm and tried not to cry out in pain.

Firern lowered his head near his rider, a concerned look on his face. He glanced at Nepherion. "My rider cannot train you today," he said to him, his voice deep and dark like his scales.

Emiryal shook his head. "Firern is right. I can't," he said obviously in pain. He slowly pulled back the sleeve on his arm to reveal purple tendrils running through his arm. "Burrow grubs. Your healers lacked the knowledge to heal the damage they caused. Even when they are gone it is quite painful," he said. The burrow grubs had been used on both his arms, lifting a sword was out of the question for the moment.

[Nepherion]

Nepherion smiled anxiously when Emiryal expressed his strength in a mocking, yet harsh tone. It was okay though, it wasn't like he hadn't heard such insults before and somewhere he knew that the elf hadn't mean ill of his words. Be careful. Starlight warned. Only for it to be brush aside by an overwhelmed sense of confidence. No worries. I got this in the bag. I'll amaze him with my power and skills. He barked with a hint of pride.

Starlight let a smothering billow of smoke rise out his nostrils as Nepherion ran to the base of the tree -10yards or so off - to fetch his blade. He placed his crimson gaze on Firern. Letting his mind cast out towards the two. Don't let your strength cloud you. If even a hair on his head is hurt. I'll alert Eragon and the others of your presence. He said freely without fear in his voice. The dragon had excluded Nepherion of the conversation not wanting him to hear the ostracizing contract he had vaguely brought up with the two.

When Nepherion return, he brought the blade up in the ready position, prepared to do battle with the elf. When Emiyral showed his weakness by being unable to pull his blade from it's sheathe, it was obvious that he wouldn't be able to train him. Nepherion's blade touch the ground as he slouched over and listened to Emiyral's words. Than he thought. Sure maybe the Varden's healers couldn't do it, but with the right knowledge.. Maybe he could. He was much stronger than any normal magician already, thanks to Starlight. Are you sure you think you can do it ? I mean why should we help them ? Nepherion didn't need to think about that question. Eragon-elda had pounded it into his head so many times, it almost felt dumb for Starlight to ask. Because it's the right thing to do. Nepherion responded. Afterward Nepherion brought himself from Starlight's mind and looked at Emriyal with a smile. " If you want, I could give it a go. All I need to know is the knowledge you know of them already. Maybe I could heal you. " He said almost excited about it.

[Emiryal ♕]

Firern met Starlight's gaze when she spoke to him. He remained calm but didn't answer he immediately. When he did he spoke in the ancient language. "Hatching, we both swore we meant you know harm. Do our words in the ancient language mean nothing to you? Emiryal is incapable of harming your Rider because of the words we spoke. You have much to learn."

The pain in his arms faded but remained constant. Emiryal glanced up at Firern when Nepherion spoke and a flash of conversation broke out between rider and dragon. "Do you think he is capable of it?" Emiryal asked. "There's only one way to find out," Firern said. Emiryal took a few steps back so he could lean against Firern for support. "It's a complicated spell. You must understand the nature of the burrow grub, how they do the damage and what damage has been done. That part will be more difficult than the energy to cast the spell to heal it. Come here and cast your mind out to me. I will show you the damage they did so that you may understand," he said. Then of course there were the words in the ancient language. But the most important part of the spell was understanding the burrow grub. Without it the spell would fail.

[Nepherion]

Starlight gaze at Firern with indifferent rubies. He hadn't cared for the ancient language, though he knew that once someone spoke in it's tongue that it was impossible for them to break their oath. He just about felt even more compelled, to warn them of his wrath if his Rider was to be hurt. Though he hadn't done it.

With a grunt and sigh, the white dragon approached behind Nepherion as he walked closer to the elf. Again he warned him. Be careful. We have never encountered a mind other than a human's. Nandon said that elves have a certain Allure to them. Let's not fall for a trap.

Nepherion clenched his jaws and gulped a iron-ball down his throat. He was nervous and anxious all at the same time, along with a few other reluctant feelings. As a Rider, he was about to head out on his first humanitarian mission, saving the life of an Imperial enemy. Well maybe not saving, but healing and showing the strength he possess. Starlight's words caused Nepherion to grow silent and staid, his expression no longer that of youthful teen, but that of man with responsibility weighing down on him. Yea.. He replied in the midst of their bond. Afterwards, Nepherion closed his eyes shut and slow extended his mind against that of the Rider's. The touch was at first cautious and hesitant, ready to pull back between the barriers of his own at any moment. But slowly and surely, it became curious and begin to visit the memories of the grubs, little by little. Starlight's mind was connected with Rider's as well, the milky tendril ready to assist his Rider at the even the slightest attack.

[Emiryal ♕]

Emiryal waited as Nepherion advanced first on foot and then mentally. He let Nepherion into his mind instead of blocking him as he normally would. He had touched human minds before and felt no threat or difference but he knew that was not so for Nepherion. Simply because he was an elf there was some risk that he would fall to the allure of his mind and probably end up considered crazy or insane.With Firern's help Emiryal blocked out many parts of his mind to Nepherion. Should he venture were he shouldn't Emiryal would retaliate. Some of it he blocked for Nepherions own safety and some of it he blocked because he didn't want Nepherion to know it. The result was leading Nepherion carefully in his mind so he would be less likely to fall to the allure of an elven mind or learn something he shouldn't.

Emiryal showed him the burrow grubs, what they were, where they came from and how they injured a person. He went so far to share with Nepherion the pain it currently caused him. When he felt that Nepherion understood and knew enough about the burrow grubs he pushed against Nepherion and Starlight's minds slightly. "That's enough," he said. The push wasn't an attack just well a push, a nudge.

The elf waited until Nepherion with drew from his mind. Then he put back up his mental defenses before continuing. "Keep in mind what I showed you when casting the spell. Without doing that it won't work. The other half of this is of course a phrase in the ancient language. Repeat it back to me to make sure you have it right before you actually cast it. The phase you must use is this: Ethgri heil en moi hugin thet atra beorn moi en heill hata uf du hold nyta uf en deloi. Moi pömnuria hugin brakka atra, waíse heill." Emiryal made sure to include all aspects of the spell. It could be done by simply saying waise heill but it was difficult and risky as it could go wrong with a stray thought. So he had included the full phrase instead to ensure a better chance of success.


[roughly the spell says: Invoke healing and change my knowledge of the damage bear change of healing of the earth grub. Change my thought to reduce the damage, and restore. ]

[Nepherion]

Nepherion entered the elf's mind, like so many a haze of intoxicating air seemed drift among it's entrance. Though this entrance seem to allow his passing, as if guided by a string of power that blessed his intrusion. As the information about the grubs begin to fill his mind, Nepherion all of a sudden understood, what he hadn't seconds before.

Receding from Emiryal's mind as instructed, Nepherion found himself a little lightheaded from the new information. It filled corners of his mind that was empty and tried to press against his own memories. Compressing it all to one area, Nepherion sighed than plopped onto the ground. There, Starlight gently rubbed his head against Nepherion's, congratulating him on his first interaction with an elf. Now to learn the words. If you are going to start, then you should be ready to finish it.

Nepherion looked up towards the elf and dragon with weary on his face,agreeing with Starlight's words. Beads of sweat fell down his temple, as he nodded and gathered the words in his mind. They were complicated and hard to place amongst the other words he had. Some were new, and he wondered if it was possible for him to add them to his small vocabulary of the ancient language. Rehearsing the phrase over a dozen times until the elf was comfortable with the way he was pronouncing it. Nepherion found himself in a lesson with an imperial Rider and actually found it enjoyable.

Once, Emiryal thought he was capable of enough, Nepherion would dip into Starlight's stores along with his own in preparation to heal the elf of his illness. Ready put the elves risks and lesson to good use.

[Emiryal ♕]

Emiryal corrected Nepherion as needed until he had the words down right. This wasn't a spell he wanted to have go wrong. It was rather technical and complicated. A stray word would ruin the spell. "That's good enough," he said once Nepherion had said it right a few times in a row. "Make sure you keep the memories and thoughts I shared with you of the burrow grubs in mind when you cast it. If you feel you can't handle it then simply stop the spell," he advised. He knew Starlight would be helping Nepherion and knew they probably had enough energy but he didn't want to make them feel obligated to do the spell if it cost to high a price.

Emiryal held out his arms, his sleeves covered his arms so he rolled them back to the elbow. The damage from the burrow grub was through all of his arms and some of i remained hidden under his sleeve. Nepherion would know that though from having been shown it in memory.

[Nepherion]

Nepherion walked up to the elf, his tattered bache tunic rolled up to his elbows. He held his palms over the trails of the elf's arms, it seemed almost nerve racking, though he was sure he could do it. It was the chance that he made a mistake that really begin to discourage him. He dipped deep into his reserves of strength and closed his eyes as he begin to recite the words that Emiyral had told him too. "Ethgri heil en moi hugin thet atra beorn moi en heill hata uf du hold nyta uf en deloi. Moi pömnuria hugin brakka atra, waíse heill. " he yelled. A cold icy energy to begin to pour out of his hands, the images and thoughts of the grubs that he had seen in Emiyral's mind begin to course through him, directing the magic to do it's bidding.

As he continued on, he begin to feel weakened, the spell took it's toll and in a hoarse cry, he yelled to Starlight for help. " Help me ! " he said. Only to have the energy course through him before he had time to finish his statement. Starlight touched his shoulder with his snout. I was always here. He said. The size of his reserves were simply astounding, it surprised him and made him wonder how much bigger it could get. He continued to pour it in, until he was sure the wounds were heal. Though he wasn't sure how much time had elapsed he was sure he would be tired afterwards. He had already exhausted his own reserves many times over and if not for Starlight he would be dead. He hoped it would be over soon.

[Emiryal ♕]

Emiryal waited and held perfectly still as Nepherion began to cast the spell. The pain slowly faded into nothingness and the visible damage disappeared. He couldn't help but sigh in relief. Burrow grubs were one of the most painful injuries he'd ever gotten and the pain would not end without magical healing. He certainly could have cast the spell himself and he almost had until Firern stopped him. He didn't want to blow his cover. Though he really didn't personally mean the Varden any harm, it was only on orders that he would have to report possibly damaging secrets and info to the king.

It was quite a few minutes before the spell was completed and his arms were fully healed. He felt the strength in his arms had returned or at least partially had. He knew the spell would have drained Nepherion a lot and probably Starlight too. It wasn't what you would call a beginner level spell. He reached out to grab the young man's arm to steady him if he needed it. He knew using so much energy could be exhausting. "Thank you," he said. "You did well. Both of you."

[Nepherion]

Nepherion's arms was steady over Emiryal's, and he could feel the bottomless energy that Starlight had begin to dwindle. The caution in his thoughts became frantic in a way, he was worried for their lives. The candle that represented Starlight's life was shrinking slowly. Can we finish this ? he asked strained and tired. He feared for his and Starlight's life. The spell he was casting was more of a test for him and Starlight, but he begin to ask himself.. Is it really worth their lives. He contemplated ending the spell but soon felt the magic doing little to no work. A sure-tell sign that either the magic was done or useless.

The magic ceased and Nepherion found himself stumbling and short of breathe. He was grateful for Emiryal's hand as he was held up. " Thanks. I really appreciate it. " He placed his arm over Starlight's back and held himself up. Even Starlight was feeling exhausted. That spell was quite taxing. he said, obviously out of breathe. Nepherion brought a weary smile to his face before sliding to the ground. " Yea it was buddy. " he patted Starlight's side. " I'm happy I had you with me though. "

He looked up towards Emiryal and stood to his feet again. " Now... let's get to training. " he said, his voice still ragged from exhaustion. His body felt even weaker and his thoughts were slowed and glazed over with grogginess. He tried to stand but stumble again onto Starlight's hide then with a deep breathe said. " Maybe later... " A weary chuckle came from his throat as he smiled towards the elf.

[Emiryal ♕]

Emiryal did not get to his feet but remained leaning against Firern. The black dragon was passively watching. He smiled when Nepherion wanted to go train now. "Later," he agreed. "How about tomorrow at dawn we meet on the hill just south of camp and we can spar a bit." He knew the spell would've drained much of the young rider and dragon's energy. Even if Nepherion had insisted on training Emiryal would've refusing knowing it would do Nepherion more good to rest. "That is is you are up to facing an elf in combat," he said. He had meant it as a challenge to rile up Nepherion a bit he didn't mean it as an insult by any means. Emiryal had centuries of practice with the sword.

[Nepherion]

Nepherion leaned against Starlight's side. Deep, heaving breathes begin to expelled from his throat as he recovered from his draining spell. " Deal. " he agreed. He lifted his thumb up and let a sealed smile etch his lips. " I'm always up for a challenge. You may be an elf, but I'm strong for my age. " He leaned off of Starlight and crouched towards the soil of the ground. Starlight do you think you could get me something to eat. he asked.

Starlight let out a snort then launched from the soil towards the main of the Varden camp. I'll be back shortly. Keep on your guard little one. Nepherion waved without standing to the departing dragon. Letting out a short breathe he looked over at Emiryal. " Can I ask you something ? " he said, his eyes glaring at the hilt of his blades.