Enslaved

[Rhaxta]

Rhaxta awoke with only the feeling of stiffness in her limbs and the cold, damp air that lingered about her body. She tried to move and only succeeded in falling painfully onto her side, jarring her shoulder and trapping her arm beneath her.

'Eugh...''. Her hands were bound tightly behind her back with a very rough woven rope, her legs were unhindered save for the cramp of crouching for hours in the cool, dark, damp.

She remembered what had happened clearly, yet something was delaying her from realizing what it all meant. She remembered the long trip upon dragonback without being able to move or utter a sound. She must have been knocked out somehow before being moved...here.

She shuddered as she recalled the magical disguise melting away to reveal Murtagh.

She had met him, once before. He had actually protected her from some of his soldiers that had taken her prisoner and were getting violent. She never had a chance to know what he would have done afterwards, because a second 'hero' had come along almost as soon as Murtagh had cut her bindings.

Rhaxta felt the urge to spit and curse at the irony, but she still felt oddly numb. She didn't imagine Murtagh would be coming along to apologise and release her, again. He was obviously very keen to keep a hold of her, this time.

Rhaxta dared to open her eyes- and nothing changed. The stifling blackness remained. She blinked a few more times before becoming certain there was truely no light to be seen, wherever she was. She was certain that through the mind-fog she would not be able to use magic.

At least he hadn't gagged her.
''Hello?'' she called, tentatively. She truely wasn't expecting an answer, it was more something to say so she could hear how her voice bounced off the walls.

It echoed and rang back to her. All of it stone, quite a large area..and no other noise save the dying ring of her obviously shaken voice.

[Nandon]

Nandon groaned and his eyes opened crustily... dried blood caked the side of his head as he woke from his magically induced and... war hammer... induced slumber he recalled what had happened and he and he smiled...then pushed the though completely out of his mind before he looked around... it was dark but slowly his eyes adjusted and he saw a single form against the opposite wall... likewise tied up he guessed... Nandon frowned not liking being bound and he struggled against his bonds to no avail and fell forward with a "Ooof" Nandon groaned as several wounds under his sword cut clothing flared in pain... he tried to use magic but failed and he made a face like a pouting child.. then he noticed his wasn't gagged and almost at the same moment he heard a tentative hello.... Nandon blinked in surprise figuring the person on the far wall was a skeleton or something... slowly he called out as well "Hello? Who is this?"

[Nepherion]

The crimson cloak of the man approaching billowed behind his broad figure. Behind him marched twin rows of four men, each adorned in crimson armor that belonged to the Empire. Uruale walked with his arms swinging slightly. Since his return from his latest massacre, he had been given yet another task by the King himself. Murtagh had recently taken Varden prisoners and he trust no one other than a Rider to take care of them. Reona sat at his hip as usual, it was symbol of fear within the Empire and would mean the same for the Varden soon enough.

" Have they been taking the medicine ? " He asked to a soldier behind him. At the call, one of the man ran up to his side. " Yes sir, they have been doubled dosed like you asked... " A arrogant smirk appeared on Uruale's face. " Good. Now they are at the Empire's mercy. " He walked through the darken tunnel and once it became devoid of light, Uruale spoke. " Brisingr.." The word slipped out his mouth smoothly as he commanded the ancient language into being.

A crimson flame lit above him and the soldiers with fluctuating sparks as they walked down the darken stairway. The spell was easy enough to use and drained only a minimum of his energy.

Uruale walked through the arched hallway and into the jail cell of the two Varden scum. His dark gray eyes peered into the red hue of his flames as it reached the corners of the cell. He heard the armor of the soldiers clank behind him simultaneously. He lifted the back of his palm to the soldiers. " Leave us. " He commanded. One of the soldiers begin to protest, but Uruale ended it with a wicked glare. " Were you going to disobey me ? " He asked.

The man quickly shook his head with worried eyes. Than fell suit with the others as they filed out, the feint sounds of their armors revealed their ascension up the stairs.

Once they left, Uruale widen his eyes and the flame over him grew in intensity. It brighten the faces of the two jailers. One was a slander, petite elf. Her hair framed her skull with light brown locks. His steel gaze moved to the male who was of less importance to him, but surely would endure more than the damsel. He walked over to the cell and squatted infront of them. " Which one of you is of more importance? " He asked with a stern voice.

[Kathena]

Lyrian slowly walked up to the Empire soldier that stood in the front of the dungeon. He was wearing his normal black and blue cloak with his silver armor. He would have gotten red armor, but the silver matched his dragon's shimmering scales. Also he preferred the look of silver with his blue bladed sword then red. He had never been one for fashion, but he hated when things didn't even look good together. It was distracting and all together terrible. Sythlern had always thought he was a fool for caring about the way he looked, and the dragon usually got a scowling look for it.

Yes, I do. In fact, I suggest you be careful with the face of your's. I'd be more then happy to scar it for life. Sythlern's voice echoed through his mind. Lyrian cursed silently in response. He always hate when his dragon read his thoughts through the bond. Sythlern was so intent on staying as close as possible to him so that he knew what was going on.

No more talking, ok, Sythlern? I'm really tired of your complaining at the moment. Save it for next time you see me. Lyrian replied mentally, getting a deep chuckle in response, but nothing else was said afterwards.

Lyrian approached the soldier, who quickly turned to look at him. The soldier looked as if he was asking for his life to be spared. The rider guessed that someone else had already come for the same reason he had. Although he had never been too fond of the dungeons, for some reason he enjoyed helping with torturing. Unlike most the other Empire riders, Lyrian had choicen to join the Empire. Some people would call him truthly evil, but he just said he didn't wish to be jailed for treason. He liked the Empire, and loathed the rebells, the Varden, for destroying his home. Now he fought to destroy them.

"Where are the new prisoners held?" Lyrian asked, his voice showing no emotion. He didn't ask nicely, but he didn't completely lash out at the soldier either. He didn't care enough to do that. The soldier blinked in surprise that he did not get screeched at and cleared his voice.

"Down that way, sir," the soldier replied, pointing a firm hand towards the cells. Lyrian turned his attention away from the man and followed where he had pointed. The blonde haired rider walked for a little while until he spotted another Empire rider, he recognized as Uruale, squatted infront of the two cells, talking. He picked up enough of what his fellow rider said to understand.

"Hello, Uruale." Lyrian spoke as he walked up towards the other rider, flashing a small, fake smile.

[Nandon]

Nandon looked up at the man as he spoke and gave a smirk "Oh... I'd say I'm more important.." He said trying to keep more of the punishment focused on himself instead of the other elf... He smirked again then for good measure lifted his head up and spit in his face "Hello empire dog..." He said his smirk now go and a serious look on his face... steel in his gaze that should tell you this elf would NOT break easily.

[Nepherion]

Uruale's face was lit with the crimson hue of his flame, shadows danced under his eyes and cheekbones. It filled the room with the same dread and despair that would soon fall upon his prisoners before him. " Well..If you do not answer, Than I will have to force - " His threat was interrupted by the voice of another. A voice that while forgotten, rang familiar in his ears. He turned towards the Rider known as Lyrian, if he was correct this one was another one of Galbatorix's dogs of war.

Uruale looked over his shoulder with uninterested eyes before returning to his business. Truth be told Uruale considered himself a cut above the rest, including Murtagh. His slate gray eyes peered into the mouth of the elf as he spoke. Followed by a wet, slimy, glob of fluid spat onto his face. It landed on the side of his cheek and paused, seemingly refusing to fall on it's on. Uruale's demeanor darkened as he reached up with two fingers and swiped it to the floor. He chuckled at the elf's ignorance and stupidity. " Did that make you feel better ? You miserable excuse for an elf. " He asked in a grim tone.

He stood up from his squat, looking down on the staid half-breed. A gleam of ferocity filled his gaze as gripped the hilt of his blade. He hated the sight of the elf, because right than, all he could see was the image of a restrained mutt. Barking and biting at anything to make himself look bigger. A wicked smirk curved his lips. " You mistake yourself for being important. The Empire is well informed on it's enemies and you are not the one I search for. So know now the mistake of your valor. You scum ! " He talked in a tone of calm before edging off into anger towards the end.

As he spoke the crimson flame slid through the bars of the cell and begin to float near the tied elf. What would happen next would be only his fault. Uruale stepped in front of the woman and smiled before swiping his hand towards the half-breed next to her.The flame with absolute obedience flew through the air and would engulf the elf in fire. The color of the stone walls would glow with a crimson tinge as the flames preceded to not only burn his clothes and skin but begin to torture it's victim in a torrent of searing agony. It was a fools gamble to anger your on torturer without any magic to help you. The elf obviously lacked training or maybe he was willing to sacrifice himself for the elven woman.

With a smile and a voice as smooth as the currents of the sea, he spoke. " Now than. Will you be like your friend there, or will you tell me what I want to know ? " He asked her. The harsh sounds of the flames would be heard as they sparked and crashed against one another. The engorged blaze brought complete sight to the entirety of cell. Not even the gloomy corners could remain in darkness.

[Rhaxta]

Rhaxta grimaced and worked her mouth after the other prisoner responded, tasting blood. She opened her mouth to respond but the reverbrations throughout the stone chambers heralded the approach of..someone. Anyone free to move down the cold, stone passages whilst you're tied up is bound to be bad news. Through natural response she attempted to reach out with her mind to reassure the other captive, but the mind-fog sat close around her conciousness and she felt chlostrophobic in her own head.

A slight hiss but nothing more escaped her as light; overly bright to her dark-numbed eyes, filled the cavernous prison. The searing light left Rhaxta's sensitive eyes weakened and blurred her vision, so the most she could make of the figure that had entered was tall, male from the voice, red garbed officer.

She squinted as the light intensified; the magical flame reflecting off her hair, though lank and blood-stained the clean bits still shone copper-gold. Peering through bright, tired eyes she struggled to focus upon the figure as he squatted nearby.

Rhaxta almost laughed as he questioned them about their importance. They really thought she was important to the Varden? She went to them for the sake of finding Arkantos, and since not finding him she hadn't really considered herself a Varden resident; more a sellsword until she figured out what she was actually going to do.

She refrained from laughing and instead managed to focus on the prisoner across from her- a male elf, maybe a few years older than her- then again she was no good at judging that sort of thing.

The unknown-to-herself half-elf writhed until she was sat in a slightly less cramped position, only managing to awake the sleeping muscles in her back and rear end and causing fresh blossoms of pain throughout her cold, cramped body.

Another figure, plainly another Captain or something to that effect, arrived and greeted the first as Uruale. It meant nothing to her, but it was always nice to know the name of someone you'd be working with. She did however, wince as the other elf spat at one of their captors.
Her intensely bright green eyes followed the flame as it danced and trilled threateningly toward the other elf. Her eyes caught his and she tried her best to transmit any feeling of support or comfort she could, begging him to steel himself. There was little comfort to give though, being across the room from him.

The flame flared and burned out any vision of elf or captor savee for the shadow that crossed over her as he stood before her. Everything else was a hazy blur of pain to her over-sensitive eyes. She tried to ignore the crackle of the gorging flames surrounding the elf.

She looked up blarily to where she thought the torturer's face was.
''Am I important? To the Varden? Hah...I am just a sellsword. I was told I was important to them by a Captain of theirs. Once. He was very convincing. But, looking back that was just a ploy to get into my leggings. He was mad as a sack of cats, anyway.. especially near the end.'' she responded, with a suprising amount of openness and a tone of resentful malice in her voice as she drudged up the memories through her drugged mind. At her last words however her eyes darkened and face fell, an unpleasant memory coming up and passing over her like a shadow.


((Just a reminder she doesn't know she is half-elf, suspects but doesn't know know. Save confusion.))

[Nandon]

Nandon looked at the man warily then spoke "You know... It actually did..." Nandon said then noticed the flames... he muttered a curse and tried to move and only succeeded in rolling over before the flames engulfed him...

Nandon screamed briefly before he clamped his jaw shut determined not to show weakness... none the less he withered in pain and flailed his arms about... If you had been paying attention you would have noticed the scar on his hand was the gedwey insignia but he quickly hid it knowing it would be bad if they discovered he was a rider...then he ;ay there his jaw clamped shut as teh flames slowly burnt his skin

[Kathena]

Lyrian watched Uruale as he glanced in his direction, but didn't even smile. He had never been too fond of this rider. In fact, Uruale was probably the only rider in the Empire that he hated. Lately, Sythlern had been trying to talk him into giving the rider a second chance, and of course Lyrian really had no choice but to agree. He still didn't like Uruale, and he didn't think that would change anytime soon. He guessed he would just have to wait to see what was in store.

The blonde haired rider's eyes blazed with anger when the male elf called him an Empire dog, but his eyes filled with amusement when Nandon spit on Uruale's cheeck. Maybe he liked this elf.

When Lyrian listened to the women elf he blinked in shock. She sounded surprisingly honest for a captive. Most of the others that the Empire brought in were obviously fibbing, but it would be a little harder to tell if this elf was or not. He suppose that they would both be talked to in time, for the were the newest Varden captives.

"It doesn't matter who gets talked to first. You'll both be tortured over time," Lyrian spoke with a small grin. He loved to help with torturing. He found it entertaining to listen to the stupid warriors scream in pain. That thought slightly disturbed him. Was he truthly evil? He didn't really know the answer to that, but he was one of the only riders who joined the Empire by choice. Did that make him a bad person? He had always seen the Varden as a bunch of weaklings that wished to be jailed for treason.

Lyrian turned his bright, ocean blue gaze over to the male when he began to speak. He watched as the flames fell on top of the elf. He would have usually laughed when he heard the brief scream, but he just watched the elf with interest. He had tried his best to stand up for himself, even when Uruale kept fighting back. When he snapped out of his thoughts, he noticed that the elf would slowly burn to death.

"Adurna," the blonde haired ride muttered, making a ball of water and releasing in on the elf. At least this elf had shown that he had something that could be useful. The women may have been some help as well, but Lyian couldn't wait to try to break the male's spirit.

"It's no fun to watch you die knowing that you never got tortured first," Lyrian spoke so that the elf wouldn't think he did that out of kindness. Then he turned his head to Uruale. "Can we try him first? It my be fun."

[Nepherion]

Uruale looked on at the elven woman, her words betrayed her importance to the Varden- this much he could tell. His lids lowered over his eyes slightly as he placed his hands into his pockets. The crackling of the fire next to him filled his ears with undesired noise. Maybe I shouldn't have set that elf on fire. His burning skin is beginning to annoy me. He thought to himself, angrily. He looked at the elven woman for a moment, studying her, thinking of what to do with her. Than it hit him like a bag of bricks.

After Lyrian had doused the flames of his magic out, Uruale preceded to unlock the door of the cell. He placed a darken glove over the bolt and spoke the words of the ancient languge. Demanding the lock to open. After hearing the clank of the device receding, he walked inside. " I don't care, Lyrian. Do with him what you please. This girl is mines though. " He said, clenching his teeth against one another in silent anger. He had already been spat on - he didn't have time to play with a woman's foolish ramblings. His hand reached down and gripped the ropes of her tied hands. With a mighty yank he brought her to her feet. " If you will not give me what I need... Than I will take it. " He growled.

Uruale stood in front of the cell's entrance, only visible because of the faint light of the moon outside. The shadows danced on certain parts of his frame as he stuck his palm out towards her. Jierda !! He bellowed, forcing a intangible blast of energy towards her body. His brows furrowed, revealing a menacing glare. Without a moments notice, he dove into the woman's mind and begin to violently scrape at the memories of her life. The lids of his gray eyes closed as he stood perfectly still and his furious expression calmed to a studious trance. His mind begin to encircle hers, attempting to suffocate any resistance that might rise. Around him he could still feel Lyrian's presence and was for sure to keep a close tendril near him as well. Just in case he needed to defend himself. Riders of the Empire was never to trusted. Especially the heirs of the forsworn.

[ooc= I'm not sure how this works. I guess you tell me what I found or something. lol]

[Nandon]

Nandon clenched his jaw as his skin burned the pain now long gone... replaced with a lack of feeling... then suddenly water doused over him and he coughed expelling the water from him and instantly wished he hadnt then he looked up at the empire rider with almost pity "Nor... Would...I... ask...It.." he said slowly as to make as little pain as possible

[Rhaxta]

Rhaxta released a short yowl of pain as she was tugged roughly to her feet, her cramped and cold muscles cracking with the sudden movement. With a shudder Rhaxta nearly sagged the moment he moved away, yet she stood long enough to be thrown back at a harsh bark of the ancient language.

Rhaxta was flung backwards, too dulled by whatever they had given her to react in time, her head meeting the wall with a crack. Rhaxta knew there was pain but it was shadowed by the easily-gained entry into her mind from the Empire officer. Her thoughts left her lack a startled school of fish. She choked on her breath and her eyes widened as her mindscape was laid almost bare.

Her mind glowed and hummed through a constant, resonant pace. It was sharp and vast and perculiar, even to the standard of elves' minds.. There were many shadowed pockets that were inaccessible, but gave off a force of their own, resonating from within to prevent them from being seen.

Though everything else was on display; Rhaxta found a shortened version of her life flashing before her eyes-- certain bits ommitted even from her.
Her narrow escape from slavery at the hands of the Empire, her village enslaved and most killed. Soldiers occupying the town as a base- by the peaceful lake of Tudosten, a camp by the forest. Mud red with blood and trodden with a few hundred new slaves.
Her encounter with Murtagh at the time, he had saved her from a beating from his soldiers, then just as soon Rhaxta was pulled from the situation by...

Arkantos.
The moment she thought of him the whole tale of him was pulled out of her like guts. He was a Captain of the Varden and a very powerful magician, he had been told to find her, as she was important. She never really discovered why, she had become fairly adept at magic under his instruction, with impressive reserves of power on her own.
Her mind briefly wandered to what else seemed to have an impressive power over her mind- but in an attempt to hide that information she threw her thoughts forcefully back onto Arkantos- or Rash'agal as he was known after the turn. Her fault.

After just under a year travelling and training with Arkantos - with a good few skirmishes and minor adventures of their own- she had a funny...turn. Arkantos had attempted to kill her - said he should kill her, but when he had raised the sword he stopped. He seemed to lose himself. Feeling he was not strong enough in a fit of panic and rage Arkantos had taken to sorcery ..and willingly took on a mad soul. A shade. She turned him into a shade.

Tears had run freely down Rhaxta's cheeks the moment they were exposed, and found she couldn't stop. With the loss of composure yet more was unearthed in her exposed mind.

((sorry bit of powerplay but I hope not too much- ))

However, as the Empirian's mind tried to expose further the shadowed area of her mind reared of it's own accord and lashed out at his. The presence was an imprint, a store of memories and spells that would become active in the event of Arkantos' death. It was still inactive, and defended itself fiercely. The shade was still alive.

Whimpering, Rhaxta's mind was delved into further and it became apparent that this shade was currently working with the Empire, under the name Rash'agal. A low growl escaped Rhaxta, still still and prone from the moment the attack began. She swayed somewhat more now, though. Hoping the attack from the shadow of her mind would stave off the intruder. But as it settled in her grief and anger became stronger and she focused on her remorse to try and push out the unwelcome presence in her mind.
''Because of me, he's a shade.'' she moaned, apparently to herself.

[Nepherion]

Uruale's mind doved into that of the elf's and found it most unusual. It was monstrously massive compared to that of a human's. Uruale fought off the urge to escape and leave, to survive as he felt the woman's consciousness threaten to take over his own. But like any stubborn fool, he continued through. He forced his way through many barricades and traveled through the woman's mind as if he was bird flying overhead Alagaesia. Her memories begin to unfold infront of him. As he watched and took in the information he begin to feel pity and empathy for her. For she had been through a tough life as he had. But he still felt obligated to continue his search but not for the glory of the Empire, or the king Galbatorix but for himself.

As he raped the confines of her mind he found a piece of information that aroused interest more than anything else. He concentrated more on the importance that the elf held, than Arkantos himself in the beginning memories of the man. But quickly and profoundly the man begin to become of more and more importance. As the final stages of her memories with Arkantos faded, Uruale grinned slyly. Feeling that he finally held a card over the others, including Galbatorix. He had already gain twin Eldunari's from the man, with a Shade by his side, he could possibly overthrow him and take the throne for himself.

With that in mind, he craved to know more of his possible slave or enemy and attempted to dive even further, but was halted by a countering lash to his own mind. He faltered for moment, wondering how she was capable of conjuring any strength up to resist him. Elves are mysterious creatures indeed. He thought as he peered down the darkest tunnels of her mind. He burned to find out more but he had decided that for today he was done, from fear of running into another hidden trap.

His eyes opened as he receded from her mind, a grim smile was plastered on his lips. He felt victorious in every sense of the word. As he looked towards the tearing woman, his smile dimmed to a blank , hard expression. He turned from her, flapping his cloak behind him as he walked out the cell. He stopped once he was out the cell and keeping his back to her said. " You will be of much use to me elf. So don't take this as kindness or weakness, for once we are through, you will be calling me master." He took a breathe and paused, looking up at the roof as if searching for a sound. In than a moment later a thunderous roar was heard from outside. Than the ground begin to shake and dust to fall from the ceiling." And it seems you have angered a particular friend of mine. " He looked towards the smothering body of the male elf and snarled with pure distaste for him. He could be used for later he thought, maybe as a hostage.



Flare sat on top of the cathedral that the dark-cloaked-two-legs cherished so much. Her massive rose-colored body was perched on the highest spire, her bone-white talons dug into the stone as she held herself up. Her scales shimmer with a iridescent color as the moon gleamed off of them and projected them onto the roofs of near-by buildings. Her wings were folded by her side as her tail coiled around the body of the spire, it's creaking threatened to drop her, but she knew it would hold. Her strong neck arched down towards the streets below her and she observed the dark-cloaked-two-legs pointing at her with disgust. Hmp. They are not stupid enough to try anything. I will sit here like Uruale as instructed. She turned her gaze over towards the tall-column-cave where her Rider was and ignored the rants of the two-legged-fleshlings below her. Her glazed rose eyes peered at the building as she suspected Uruale to be in a mental conflict.

She remained steadfast as she felt Uruale in complete control. But that was her Rider, always in control and always sure of his victory. She was content with waiting on the spire as she was instructed, until she felt the mind of her rider under attack. She hadn't known from whom it came, but she was angry because of it.

A bellowing roar was shot in the air, shattering the silence as she took off from the cathedral and towards her Rider. Her wings locked into place as she soared over the house in up into the air. With three powerful flaps she found herself soaring towards Helgrind, baring down on her Rider's mind - like a beacon - and landed with a ground shaking crash. Another roar was let loose towards the mountain of a hell whole, making the guards in front of her flee in opposite directions. Uruale !!! Are you okay ? If I don't get in answer in five seconds I'm ripping this mountain apart ! She declared. As three seconds went by without an answer she raised her mighty paw up and aimed for the dark opening. I'am fine. Calm you noise Flare. He barked. With a low growl she lowered her paw. " You better be. She said, before placing her paw down and turning towards the moon.

[Rhaxta]

As the foreign body extracted itself from her stricken mind, the reserves of Rhaxta's adrenaline induced strength ran dry. Shaking, the woman collapsed to her knees and slumped over onto the cold stone floor of her prison. It took her a few minutes to peice her shattered conciousness back together, and when she did she regretted still being alive to do so.

Tear-stained and pale, Rhaxta gradually sat up and didn't reply the the Empire rider. She simply watched his back, sullenly.

~~

There was a great crash of a door and hasty footsteps as Vulnar; tactical lead for aerial defenses of Uru^Baen and in the field - tore into the prison. He had eventually come here after searching high-and-low for her, yet this was the last stop. He didn't imagine Freki would be entirely keen on having her playthings usurped and taken to the Traitor King.

He strode into the hallway where he saw Uruale and Lyrian, one having just left the cell obscured in shadow. He started in suprise - as far as he knew Murtagh had captured the half-elf woman Rhaxta - what were those two doing here?

''Ah, Uruale, Lyrian, well met. Have we enjoyed our little warm-up?'' the last was directed at Rhaxta, still slumped and trembling just out of the light.

He quailed for a moment - he was certainly not sure of how they found these prisoners. Kvisa had them incarcerated in Helgrind to avoid this kind of publicity..

Vulnar thought how best to phrase his words, and remained tentative.

''Find anything interesting?''

[Nepherion]

Uruale closed the cell and locked it, once he heard the clank. Suddenly a crash was heard coming down to the cellar, Uruale was quick to re-act. With quick words he place wards on himself and placed his right hand on Reona's handle. The sound of foot steps descending through the darkness brought Uruale's eyes to the entrance. He wondered who it was, who could it be. Hopefully it wasn't another Rider like Lyrian. He already despised being close to him, the only one who would make it worst would be Murtagh himself.

As the man revealed his face, a sudden, grim frown etched his face. Exactly what he hadn't wanted, Vulnar, another Rider under rule of Galbatorix had came into view. Uruale's hand still held tight to Reona's hilt, her fine touch felt comfortable under his grip, it made him feel whole, complete in a way. The blade's golden crossguard held underneathe the rose scabbard as he placed his palm against the pommel.

" Not exactly. " He said, determined to keep what he found to himself. " Though the elven's mind is filled with traps and weapons that I could barely get through. If you are next, than I advise you to be careful. " He warned, though not in a so chummy voice.

Another roar pentrated the stone walls of the mountain as Flare bellowed for her partner. He looked up towards the stairs with agitated eyes. " She grows more impatient. I should probably hurry before she cave us all in. " His tone as blank as the gray walls surrounding them. He looked towards the older Rider with lower lids. " Vulnar. Do not kill her. I want her allive. " He was weary of this older fellow, for he had more experience in the field of being a Rider. He would have to careful of him.

[Nandon]

Nandon smiled amist the pain that filled him though the riders outside wouldnt have been able to see it since his face was cloaked in the darkness of the leaving day nandon smilled and grasped at the small knife and fork that had come from his meal earlier which he had eaten none of...The rats living in his cell had had a great meal though...He had broken off two prongs on the fork and would use them as a lockpick as he made his escape later today once the three crowded in the hall left...He even had a hiding place for the makeshift lockpick which was a loose rock he had worked free had created a hallow pockket... so he broke off half the rock so a small hiding spot would be left in the wall where the entire rock had been...nandon smiled knowing soon he would be with Ryu again

[Rhaxta]

[[*scurries in tripping* GoshImsorryImhereImsorrygogogogo!]]

Vulnar almost flinched as Uruale demanded he not kill her. He had already been lectured on the hate he had for the creature from Kvisa. They supposedly needed her, but Kvisa had not had the oppertunity to examine Rhaxta herself. Vulnar had been told to meet her here; at any moment.

''What? Why would I? Keeping her alive is half the fun.'' he said, with a bit more creepiness than he intended but he brushed it off, adding - ''Though I cannot guarantee Kvisa will be so good as to listen.''

He wasn't keen on letting anyone know of his and the Shade's plans; but if they were there to witness Kvisa's interrogation he wasn't sure how much they could hide. Maybe just enough..

He strolled into the cell and crouched down nearby Rhaxta, casting a cursory venomous glance at the charred, male elf across from her. He gripped her chin and with a harsh tug pulled her face up to look into his stone-hard features.

He knew Kvisa would be unhappy with him, but this might be his only chance. The back of his hand struck her full across the face and sent her from her crouch and hard onto her side, her head again hitting cold blood-stained stone. He crouched over her and his other fist struck her in the gutt, making her gasp and snarl uselessly. He grabbed her hair and tugged her down to the earth again before holding her there; stunned.

His mind dived forward and ploughed into hers, devouring anything he could get his hands on. Rhaxta's face twisted into a snarl and she jerked, causing Vulnar to close his hands about her throat. Grunting, Rhaxta tensed but immediately felt weakness set in. In that moment she got a good look at him unmasked; the hatred and evil in his eyes made her think he was going to kill her.

At the moment it crossed her mind, something focusing in hers converged, a low fog of combined conciousness' that rallied about Rhaxta, shielding her, before hers lashed out and struck into Vulnar's mind - her strength bolstered by the indescribable force that assisted her.

Vulnar released a yowl, but through sheer blind fury his grip tightened around the half-elf's throat. That is, until Rhaxta's foot caught him in the stomach, able to reach now he had lifted her straight off her feet. He staggered back, winded. But Rhaxta collapsed to a small, quivering heap as soon as he released her, in shock and weary and terrified, her mental attack totally abandoned when she gained freedom. She was frightened; but of the unamable force that had entered into her life. She had no control of it, she didn't know what it did and it was terrifyingly powerful and strange.
Vulnar and this she could handle, but the vast conciousness truely terrified her.

Vulnar gave a short, cutt of growl and raised his foot to kick the part-comatose creature, when a sound that gave everybody the chills you get when you hear a wolf howl. The hairs visibly rising on the back of Vulnar's neck, he turned to the woman who had just entered the room.

She was short, yet well in proportion, lean and lithe, the pale-skinned Shade-elf lounged in a graceful lean against the door, the hood of her dark cape was up covering all but a sliver of her white hair, but the steely dark-silver eyes shone through.

She was definately an elf, the grace of her features showed that much, although she was short of stature. She had more of a figure than most elves, and gained muscle-shape more readily.

Kvisa eyed all present for a few, quiet moments before she repeated herself.

''I said, what are you doing?'', her tone ebbing and flowing lyrically yet menacingly. Her eyes rested on the mound that was Rhaxta's barely concious form, and eyed Vulnar's still raised foot; her lowered it hastily and said nothing.


((The force is the same thing that happened to her in the Battle of Belatona - the eldunari horde! Kvisa wants to find them, and this is what shall lead the Empire to the new Island and the next stage of the plot! Couldn't let the Varden have it to themselves...so...lucky her. :x))

[Nepherion]

Flare waited outside. Under the light of the moon, her scales appeared almost ominous, they refracted the light like a rose-flame in a lantern, illuminating the area around her for several feet. Her position was feral and beastly. She crouched low to the ground, her ivory talons tearing deep into the stone underneath her and her tail swept the air with a stinging stiffness that caused the guards that was brave enough to remain, to shudder with every impatient swipe. The moon outside seemed to shake as she roared another drum-shattering bellow, emitting a stream of white-to-yellow flames crackling out her throat and into the air several meters. She stomped her left foreleg and snapped her jaws shut, shouting a mental tantrum to Uruale. Hurry ! I tire of waiting with these two-legs-servants Then, suddenly and off-putting, a feeling of unrestrained anger brushed against her mind. The growl of her Rider echoed throughout her mind. You WILL wait ! Your display is embarrassing to my name. I will be out in a little... He barked, his tone now more affectionate and kind, he released a guilty sigh. .. For now, Flare, be patient. I will be out soon enough. With that his mind receded from hers and he could feel Flare's initial hurt and than her obedience.

Uruale lifted his gaze from the close lids they hid behind, leaning against a wall, he listened to the brutal beating that the veteran Rider was treating the elf too. To his own regard, Uruale thumbed the pommel of Reona. It's amethyst's was cut to perfection. Over the months he had memorized every corner and edge in the purple toned gem. It was a understandable way to remove his attention from something unsightly. His red cape ruffled slightly as he pushed himself off the wall with a single elegant kick, he was beginning to grow weary of Vulnar's actions with the girl.

He stepped forward, prepared to put in end to his reckless beating of the woman. But before he could, he felt the sudden appearance of another. The air in the room suddenly changed, it felt colder.. more malevolent, as if evil itself was occupying the space around them. Although this evil was one of grace and nobility and elusive manipulation.

Almost instantly, Uruale felt his hand draw on the iridescent blade of Reona, but for some odd reason, he felt it either idiotic or shameful of him to do so. He placed the slightly drawn blade back into the scabbard then straighten his shoulders and swipe a few strands of hair from over his brow. With a sense of authority and a strong disregard for the authority of others, he turned and face the woman with a indifferent gaze. His dark gray eyes were filled with something, something that spoke and challenged the woman's power.

Somewhere, outside of Helgrind, Flare felt the insidious presence as well. She resisted the urge to tear down the looming, building of evil stone and dark fire. A heaving growl raised with her chest as Uruale calmed her with images of the situation inside. Wait there though. If I need you, I will make a entrance for you. He said, steel in his voice and strength in his thoughts. No need. I will tear this entire hell-hole down myself if it means getting to you ! Her voice was far more intimidating and fierce than that of his, as if she was protecting her young from a flock of flesh-eating vultures.

Uruale's lips were straight lines of wondering and his brows furrowed to the in-between, as he turned his body to be across from Vulnar and Kvisa. He was content with just seeing how this played out for now, though he did decide to strike Vulnar from his list of worries. That display of intimidation just turned him into a coward in Uruale's book. And cowards wasn't worth the honor of being cut down by his blade.

[Brenton]

Brenton stormed up to the door that barred entrance to the cells. It wasn't right for these young ones to take advantage of the prisoners. The door was steel but weaker than tissue paper. As Brenton neared the door he pushed his magic out and crushed the thin steel. The elven prince drew his sword, Undbitr, and slashed the blade through the air. Why do you torture like this? Weakness is displayed when someone tortures excessively. Even Durza healed the captives before torturing again. This could kill them before they are useful. Brenton slammed his gauntleted fist through the remaining door as he waited for a response.

[Rhaxta]

Vulnar had maintained his composure until Brenton stormed in, destroying the door as he came. Then the cool ignorance on his expression twisted into a cold mask of rage. He composed himself, tucking his uniform and placing a wary hand unpon the handle of his axe.
Calm but deathly, Vulnar pointed down at the semi concious half elf at his feet.

'She is more hardy than you can imagine. I saw her fighting a shade, and making good work of it! She caused trouble for me and my batallion before I got Freki. She killed many men and destroyed outposts and slave trains; alone! Not to mention what she did to me and Freki at Belatona! Remember her burns? It was all that half-elf; I want to find out how; and I am getting close.''

The elf-shade Kvisa paled, yet the flirtacious, malicious flame erupted back behind those eyes rather than one of hate. The lust to know of the power seethed out of her, an invisible force radiating from her making you want to tear your skin off to rid yourself of the taint. It stirred a primal fear and made the hairs stand on the back of a man's neck.

She strode over, dark silver eyes focused intently on the half-elf, and crasped her by the wrist. Pulling her up easily she looked at the girl's face. Heart shaped, you could tell the skin was pale but sunkissed - even beneath the grime, blood and bruises. She cupped the girl's chin in a tender manner, before the harsh rasp of the shade language rolled out of the deathly pale, beautiful shade-elf. Rhaxta immediately tensed and gasped, intense green eyes widening as some force tore into her conciousness; she screamed. Not from the shade's assault, but what was coming.

''No! Don't make it come agai-'' her words were cutt off by another yowl and the omnipetent force lashed out through her mind. Rhaxta only went still after the initial convulsion, green eyes wide and pained. The conciousness lit up the metaphorical dark with its presence, then it seethed and convulsed to a point. The elf-shade screamed, high pitched and agonised as the force mercillessly tore apart her conciousness. She convulsed and her scream was cutt off by a louder rumble.

After the inital crash, it was mere moments before the great, black-green head appeared through the hole in the side of the prison and like a great snake, swayed by and brought her huge head to Kvisa's side. The dragon gave a roar and unleashed her own furious mental attack on the force, shocking it and making it converge in on itself. It remained, hovering, though it did not attack again - any attack on it was retaliated with brutal force, like that of a wolf in a corner.

Rhaxta murmured and creaked up from where she had been dropped by Kvisa. ''Warned you.'' she coughed, though only an expression of deep despair showed on her face. She was never any good at recovering after one of those. Many times her tonge would slip, or she would be flat-out unconcious. She was doing better than she used to, at least.

Kvisa stumbled and was propped up by Vulnar, his eyes wide and face now drawn.
''I think you were right, Kvisa. Thing is, how can she tell us where they are if ...that kills us?.'' he said. Kvisa, abruptly haughty when she realised who had spoken gave a weary, evil laced grin. Ignoring Rhaxta's remark though staring at her intently, Kvisa replied after a few moments.''I may have a way...but, what of the company?''

She turned on a heel and grinned at the gentlemen, her stange eyes aglimmer.
''We have a ...proposal. Your presense here enforces it - though you must swear secrecy. Do so, and I can open the doors to endless wonder..power beyond that of ..the King!''

Vulnar winced at her bluntless, but remained quiet and stone-faced.straining to hear their answers. If they said no it would be - complicated. Still stunned he walked over to Freki and clutched her around the snout. ''My brave dear.''