A Nomad's Adventure [Open]

[afroprince]

It’s been nearly a week since Privia and Echleon left the custody of their caretakers in Ellesmera. They flew aimlessly towards the western boundaries of Alagaesia. The duo made sure to stay high above the ground, following the forest-line of Du Weldenvarden, in order to ensure safety from any unwanted meddlers. Surprisingly, the duo had not run into any trouble. The voyage went smoothly, and everything went according to plan. Well, there was no plan.

Little one, do you have any idea of where we’re going? I’m growing tired of such nomadic voyages. I’d like to settle down. Do you have any objections to that?[/color]

Echleon didn’t respond. Instead, he slouched back into his saddle, gazing at the marvelous sight in the skies. Privia didn’t bother to disturb him again. She understood the boy had grown weary of the constant flying as well; instead, the dragon began to search for a landing spot safe enough to make camp for at least the evening.

As their minds meshed into one, Privia felt the sensations of awe that struck her partner. She too marveled at the beauty of the heavens. Seeing through eyes that were not her own; noticing things that she would overlook due to her lack of interest in such matters. The vibrancy of the constellations reminded her of the sparks that flew when metal grinded against each other. A wave of nostalgia washed over her as she reminisced about the week before. She remembered watching Echleon dispatch an entire crew of soldiers alone, she remembered the beauty in which he danced, the beauty in which he stung, the beauty in which he killed. Like most dragons, death is an art. Only those who die on the battlefield have truly died a death worth dying.

Little one, you’re an artist, you know that, right?[/i]

Only in your mind is murder an art. But in the minds of most knowledgeable beings, you, Privia, are a work of art. Nature’s finest creation, you’re beautiful in every single way.[/i]

The boy refused to look at the dragon, but knew what she looked like all too well. The moonlight reflected off her back in ways that made her look like a mirage. Too beautiful to see, too beautiful to hold. Her opaque scales danced around like rose petals ballet dancing in the wind. Her horns, elegant, long, and powerful. Her wings, radiant yet destructive. Her sleek tail, sharper than any blade forged by man. He smiled, she smiled, they smiled; they smiled as they always did when they were in the presence of one another.

As the wind rushed through Echleon’s hair, it sang a song comparable to the sirens of old. The song lulled the boy to sleep and though he was unconscious, Privia’s mind was entangled with his own, allowing her to press on into the dark night. It was a cool night, the wind blew gently and the starts shimmered amongst the void. Beneath her, Privia’s eyes fell on a large mill that was being constructed. Noticing that the town wasn’t entirely devoid of life, she decided to land about three miles north of the compost. It was the safest distance, and there was a clearing large enough for her to lie in. As she landed, Echleon woke up momentarily; he slid off of her back and onto the ground beside her where Nyx’s trance captured him once again.

In the morning, you’ll stop in town.[/i] She said to her sleeping child. There you’ll ask for some bread. You’ve got some gold left over, you’ll definitely be able to afford it.[/i] Her voice grew thin as she too began to feel the sandman’s hold over her brain. Instinctively, her wing encompassed Echleon’s figure, shielding him from the coolness of night. She babbled until the air was silent. Tightly against one another’s body, their dreams were intertwined as was their fate.[/size]

[afroprince]

Daylight broke the night’s grasp majestically. The sun’s rays combated the moon, creating auras of magenta and violet where the two clashed. The stars began to dim as the horizon grew brighter and brighter. The morning lark began to sing its song. The shrill sound of the grass whistling against the wind forced Echleon awake.

”Unghh..” The boy groaned gently as he forced his eyes open.

Silently, he recalled the words spoken to him as he slept. Echleon rolled over in the grass, laying prostrate against the ground, before springing upwards to his full height. Dirt clouded his vision momentarily. Clearing it with saliva on his fingertips, he reached over Privia, in order to lie in peace, to grab his sword from its position in her saddle.

”Well, it looks like it’s just me and you, Solitude.”

Echleon frequently spoke to his sword while alone. He named the blade “Solitude”, as the only time ever spoke to the blade was in times of tranquility and loneliness. The youngling wrapped the sheath around his waist, fastening it to its proper length. He admired the handiwork of its container, and for a moment was overcome by thoughts of his surrogate father, Durst. The paralysis was broken by the noise of the birds nearby, mirroring the event of his awakening. The little boy looked towards the dim-morning sky.

”I’ve gone to get some bread, I’ll be back soon.”

With that, he parted from his lifetime companion. The child traversed the distance rather quickly; his pace was inhumane, his energy well sustained, and not a pore excreted its contents as he travelled. As he entered the gates to Therinsford, he looked for the nearest bakery. The boy tilted his head left and right, surveying the landscape and the few people who were up at this ungodly time. ”Jeeze, I don’t know why my people think so lowly love these creatures.” The concept of humanity was foreign to him, and their stature perplexed him. Noticing that they weren’t as fair as he, his gaze was never long lived, though he didn’t find them repulsive nor grotesque.

About three minutes passed before he spotted a building with loaves of bread on the veranda surrounding its compost. Moments, later, Echleon found himself pressed up against the veranda, gazing at the largest loaf of bread. His stomach began to grumble. Guess I am hungry.[/color] Swiftly snatching the loaf, Echleon left two gold coins on the counter, disregarding the actual price of the bread, before making his way towards the gates.

”Hey there! Come back!” As Echleon turned his back, the owner of the shop had just exited his dwelling place. Unsure as of what to do, Echleon’s body pressed itself, forcing him to move faster than usual. The shouts persisted until he was a mile out of the city. Minutes later, he found himself back at the campsite, while the confused store owner gave up on finding the boy who’d over paid him for a measly loaf of bread.

Echleon found his way to the underside of Privia’s wing. The large lizard still slept, but their minds intertwined once again. A sensation of love and companionship flooded Echleon’s mind as safety finally envelops him once more. The boy sighed as he propped himself up against Privia’s left hind leg. Looking down at the loaf he’d just purchased, the boy didn’t even realize what had happened when all the bread was gone.

Drowsily, a voice entered his head: Looks like you were hungry, dear. Help me catch some food before I’m completely awake? It would be a nice gesture of your love for me.

Obediently, the boy got up once more and headed towards the town. This time, he stopped shy of the gates. The boy witnessed a small herd of deer, Privia’s favorite meal. I wonder if I can kill all four of them…heh, a small test of my progress. Let’s see what the outcome is this time.[/i]

The boy approached the herd rapidly, taking out the first deer with his blade. The dexterity and precision of his attack was impeccable. Murder was an art for him. Though he hated the notion, he knew it was true. The first attack was the most glorious, a firm display of his hand-eye coordination. One moment, Solitude was in its sheath, the next, it was fully drawn and the first deer laid lifeless on the floor. Blood seeped from the tear embedded in its throat. The animal grew still quickly, allowing Echleon the satisfaction of a death without suffering. His body danced to the left as he swung his arm horizontally before bringing it down perpendicularly to the ground.

Solitude’s body work was a masterpiece in itself. Though it was no rider’s blade, it was a blade forged specifically for him and his own fighting style. A blade forged out of love and compassion, one forged for survival and protection, not for destruction and death. The blade’s elegant obsidian sheen radiated class and beauty as it sliced through the air. The hilt glowed as the sun bounced off of its deep purple exterior. As the sword cut into the second beast, Echleon danced above it, leaving the ground completely, before landing on its opposite side, in between the beast and its third companion. Before he noticed the gore of the second beast, he muttered a simple spell under his breath as his left arm extended outwards, grasping the living beats next. ”Jierda.” Instantly, the beast went limp.

Three down, one to go. By this time, the final creature had realized that its time was coming to an end. It galloped towards the horizon, back towards Privia lay, waiting for her meal. Echleon returned Solitude to its sheath, before centering himself. He reached for his back and unattached the bow from its stationary position. He only had two arrows left, both hidden within the confines of his robe. Echleon reached into his attire, removing a single arrow while preparing himself for the shot. The deer was now fifty meters out. Echleon inhaled. The air around him grew still. His eyes lids grew closer to one another, his right eye closed off completely. Holding his breath, his body became a living statue. Three seconds later, he released the arrow. He watched it sore through the sky, he watched it gain on his target, he watched it fly through its skull. ”Jeeze, I’m getting good.” He muttered as he placed the bow back where it belonged.

After accomplishing his feat, a sense of victory crept through his body. He carried two of the three deer manually, while dragging the other one behind him mentally. As he neared the fourth deer, it two became a victim of his magical “fish reel”. About half an hour later, he arrived at camp spot where Privia eagerly awaited his return.

”Sorry it took so long. This spell is exhausting, if only I had four arms.” He jested.

Privia smiled as she ate. She devoured the four carcasses almost as quickly as he had devoured the entire loaf of bread. When the last bit of meat was stripped from the skeleton of the deer, she burped and glanced at Echleon. Thank you young one. I watched you. I felt what you felt, I felt the victory, but I also felt the sorrow. I know your kind is “in tune” with these beings, but it’s alright. You were feeding me. In fact, you can blame it on me. Don’t take it so seriously.[/i]

Echleon smiled back, attempting to conceal his emotions. He closed his eyes and resumed his position against his “mother’s” hind leg. He allowed himself to feel the presence of all the minute insects and plants around him. A tear forced its way down his cheek as he paid homage to the four creatures he’d taken care of earlier today. Privia sensed his sorrow and held him closer. It’s okay young one. It’s okay Her voice acting as a flute, playing a simple peaceful melody. The boy sat still, rejuvenating from the minor bout that had taken place earlier that morning. It wasn’t even midday yet and he’d already exhausted a decent portion of his energy.

Hey Privia? I just wanted to let you know that I love you.

I love you too, Echleon. Now rest. Later on today, we can check the city out more closely or continue flying if you’d like; but for now, you need to rest. The boy nodded, allowing his mind to merge with her’s more wholly.

Would you like to watch a recap of your last mission? You made those soldiers look like fools! With that, she allowed memories of the prior week to flood into his mind. As he watched her thoughts, she watched over him, ensuring that nothing terrible would ever befall her gentle beloved cub.[/size]

[Brenton]

Brenton rode the wind currents on Vaentr's back. His sights were on the Therinsford mill, as he had been informed of a new rider and a renegade human. The rider just stumbled upon a clearing that held a dragon. On the side closest to the city held a girl who was about to attack the dragon. Brenton waved a hand and the girl flew backward. Go Rider and Dragon! You two are in danger. Brenton pressed his urgent thoughts about Eragon and Saphira on the youngling. He made the two blur with images of himself and Vaentr. Then Brenton sent images of Brom and Islanzadi. Galbatorix and Shruikan came next with the memories of his oaths of loyalty. Hopefully the youngling would find Eragon and show the memories imprinted with him. This might help the Varden.

[afroprince]

As Echleon lay against her hind appendage, Privia noticed the air grow heavy. The large dragon twisted her head around with one circular motion, ensuring the security of her child. One the way back to the home position, she noticed a young girl, about seventeen years in age. The woman looked as if she were ready to attack, Privia chuckled as she prepared to exhale a plume of fire that would engulf her entire figure. Privia blanked, and when her eyes resumed their responsibility of bestowing sight, the being was gone. Suddenly, an immense energy overcame her presence. How could I have missed that? She grunted, gazing upon the dragon that just entered the scene.

She felt the rider’s presence invading Echleon’s mind. Immediately assuming the offensive, the dragon bellowed, spewing a pillar of flames towards the heavens. Unlike the general plum, this work of art was thin, quick, and devastating. Intentionally missing the figure, her eye lids grew closer and her muscles tightened. As they approached, she found herself standing on her hind legs, tossing Echleon aside, ever so gently.

”What’s going on?”

Echleon woke up in a daze. His eyes widened as he stumbled upon the massive lizard that headed towards their general direction. The colossal figure intimidated him, never before had he seen any creature larger than Privia, and never before had he seen a rider like himself. His gaze hardened as it fixated upon the humanoid figure on the dragon’s back. The crystalline body of the creature made it hard to note the details, but he could tell that the creature wasn’t entirely human. His skin was too fair, too porcelain, he was too pretty to be one of those ‘ghastly’ creatures.

Paralysis crept over his body once more as the presence of the approaching envoy forced itself into his own mind. Images of others became apparent. The muscles in his body suddenly lost touch with Echleon’s brain, going limp as the transmission was transferred into his mind. Another rider, another dragon, the queen of the elves, a human, more humans, the information was blurry, confusing, and impossible to decipher at that very moment.

Privia noticed the phenomena that occurred within Echleon’s skull. Once she heard the word “danger”, she grabbed her child gently, and placed him on her back. Echleon slowly regained his motor skills, yet automatically fastened himself in. Echleon ensured that he had his weapons attached to his body and then kicked Privia in the side while screaming a single command. Privia steadied herself and then launched herself into the air. Unable to determine where to go, the pair began to fly south, the only direction they hadn’t tried. Climbing higher into the sky, Echleon tried to reach out to the rider once more:

Varden? Where are they? Are they south? Just tell me they’re south and I’ll be okay! What’s your name, whom shall I say sent me?

Privia flew onwards; she hoped that the connection wouldn’t break before he got a response.

You’ll be okay Echleon, I won’t let any harm befall you.

[Brenton]

Brenton sent his only response. Sou...Belatona...Brenton, prince...elves. Go... The transmission was blurred and static, as if over a bad electric line. Vaentr roared and shot off toward the Empire's capital. Now the pair would never meet again, hopefully. The rider and dragon disappeared over the tree tops.

[afroprince]

The broadcast quality was faint. Echleon and his companion barely made out the message, though this time it was more concise. Headed in the right direction, they searched for the city of Belatona. Still perplexed by the massive input of information that was force fed into his cranial fortress, Echleon mumbled as his head throbbed.

Hopefully we’ll get there soon. The message seemed urgent.

The boy’s forehead continued to pulsate. Night fell, and they continued to fly, stopping only for a few hours to catch up on some sleep. The journey was repetitive. The same events followed day in and day out for nearly a week, until they finally laid eyes on their target.

The city in the visions! It’s straight ahead.

With only a short distance left to cover, the emissaries made their way into what could be their stickiest situation yet: their main goal, locating the one named Eragon.