a rider of old.

[Nepherion]

Bid'Daum's eldunari glowed within the pouch on Nepherion's waist. The connection between Nepherion and Bid'Daum transferred the feelings of shock, happiness, regret, and slight guilt all bundled into one storm of fury. " Riders of old ? " he rumbled in shock. Nepherion was sure he saw Bid'Daum stand to attention at his proclamation.

His blue eyes shrunk in size as he looked down. That was why ? It all made sense now. They were Riders from over 100 yrs ago, their strength shows in their age. He cut the magic that he had suffused with his voice, so he could speak to Bid'Daum in secret. " Riders of old. " repeated Nepherion. " But how ? The Riders were wiped out by Galbatorix and the Forsworn right ? " asked Nepherion.

Bid'Daum remained quite, only answering by directing them to land to the ground.

Starlight swooped down from below with a crash , his wing beats battered the ground and tossed gravel and dirt up into the air. I wish not to approach to hastily. I respect Bid'Daum, but not all Riders are to be trusted. he told Nepherion. Agreed. said Nepherion in return. Starlight was roughly 10 meters from them when Bid'Daum spoke to the minds of the elder Rider and Dragon. If you are who I think you are. Than allow me to read your memories. he asked, not unkindly. Nepherion brought his cloak up around his mouth to shield himself from the valley cold as the conversation went on between the three. Content with just speaking with Starlight about Battle plans, if events were to turn ugly and keeping a close eye on the other.

[Emiryal ♕]

Rakaio didn't react to Starlight's landing though Entas commented to him privately that his landing was not too graceful. Some of the gravel and dirt tossed up struck the old rider and dragon, but neither one reacted. In fact in a closer inspection one would see that the gravel and rocks did not actually hit Rakaio or Entas, but had been deflected at the last moment by a standing ward of protection.

The old rider gave no resistance and welcomed Bid'Daum when he spoke. "With all due respect Ebrithril, I would rather not expose my thoughts. I can confirm what needs be said in the ancient language instead." The last thing he wanted to do was open himself up completely. He knew Bid'Daum could insist on it and even attack him mentally. Should that happen the battle would be very intense and draining for both sides. Besides he didn't want to fight, as the old saying went peace was more powerful than war.

Rakaio sighed. "I am Rakaio, the forsaken one. I abandoned the Riders in their hour of greatest need. I do not tell you this openly and I'd prefer this stays between us. I'd rather no one else knew, I have suffered long enough because of my actions." He had no doubt the old dragon would know what his words meant if anything they would confirm who Bid'Daum thought he was. He was sure the Riders would have noticed his absence during the Fall of the Riders.

[Nepherion]

Bid'Daum exerted a growl of sorts through the pair's joined mind. He had accepted their choice, but that didn't mean he had to like it. The eldunari pulsated a tremor of rage. Rakiao, Entas, while it is good to see you two alive. I can't help but wonder why you left in our time of need ? He asked, slightly angered. He knew it would had made no difference, but he couldn't help but think that if they were there, the outcome would have been in the Rider's favor. So now he wanted an answer. A true answer not one that stemed from their own self pity.

Nepherion appeared motionless on Starlight's back. He hadn't moved for quite some time, but a eerie white glow could be seen illuminating the base of his neck. You never know what they could have up their sleeves. Place as many as you can think of. suggested Starlight. Nepherion waved his hand down Starlight, placing the wards necessary for battle. His head peeked around Starlight and towards the cooper dragon as he continued. He or She will be a big problem. Its several times your size Starlight. Nepherion said, shaky in his thoughts. After he was done with Starlight he begun to place them on himself as well. It wasn't long before he begin to feel the drain in his well of magic.

Starlight snorted at his Rider's doubt. That doesn't mean absolute victory. Remember, we have Bid'Daum on our side. They could not hope to win. he assured Nepherion.

[Emiryal ♕]

Rakaio knew Bid'Daum was not particularly please by his unwillingness to open his mind. But that didn't change his mind. He had lived in solitude for the past century with only Entas as his companion. He was not used to opening his mind fully to anyone but her.

"We left in your time of need because...I was scared. Mostly of what I might have done. The foresworn was rather alluring to me at the time actually. And my heart was not with the Riders," Rakaio explained. This was something he rarely spoke of to anyone. Had it been anyone besides Bid'Daum or maybe Glaedr he would have refused to answer the question. Having been raised a Rider he still felt loyalty to his elders and a duty to respect them.

[Nepherion]

A violent glow begin to emanate from his eldunari once he heard Rakiao's reason. It was a cowardly one, one that the Riders would had frowned upon and tried to dispel from their Riders, but alas not all were successful. A deep, titanic growl rumbled his imaginative throat. Your choice was a cowardly one Shur'tugal. You fled from fear and that was not what we had taught you. he started, putting emphasis on NOT. Either way it matters not anymore. You will have to live with the destruction of your brethren for the rest of your days. he finished. The great beast sighed, before tossing his mind out to Nepherion and Starlight and placing barriers against Rakiao and Entas. Disarm yourselves. They are not enemies. Approach without fear and a strong heart. he commanded. Bid'Daum once again switched between minds. Rakiao, This here is Nepherion Coldfire and Starlight, successor to my Eragon. He has been through much and is just now understanding the fundamentals of being a Rider. Evaluate him, tell me what you think. of them.

Nepherion brought his eyes onto the copper dragon when he heard Bid'Daum. His human eyes straining through the darkness to make out the human shape beside her.. but failed. Disarm ourselves ? he asked in shock. Why would we do that. I guess Bid'Daum has resolved the issue. said Nepherion to Starlight as he padded towards the beast. Like Saphira and Glaedr, the difference in size was astounding. It made Nepherion wonder how Riders even battled on such titans. You will learn one day yourself Nepherion. Starlight said, reading his Rider's thoughts. Nepherion released a grunt of disbelief.

Starlight appeared infront of the two. His crimson eyes stuck on the copper beast, just as much as Nepherion's were on Rakiao. " I'am Nepherion Coldfire and this here is Starlight. " he said, placing a lone hand silently ontop of Brojska. " We know Bid'Daum has spoken to you. So you can't be to bad of people. " he finished.

[Glaeran]

((Sorry Neph and Emiryal...I forgot about this thread for awhile))

Zander felt himself space out and then shook his head. Riders couldn't do that when there was a possibility that they would need to fight and they were facing another rider. Luckily Nepherion and Starlight were busy talking to Rakaio. Then Zander felt as if the presence with Nepherion was demanding they disarm themselves. Instead of doing that, Zander slowly drew New Leaf. It was better than disarming and possibly being attacked. Zander called out and spoke to the rider and dragon. I will not disarm and there is no threat to anyone as long as there is not a forward attack to anyone that is in this valley. Zander kept New Leaf drawn but had the blade pointed toward the ground in between him and the new comers.

Glaeran felt his rider's frustration at being told to disarm and was proud that Zander drew his blade instead of disarming. Even if New Leaf was taken and he could not retrieve it, Zander still had his weak human blade. Glaeran raised his head from the ground and growled deep in his throat.

[Emiryal ♕]

[no problem Glaeran.]

The violent glow from Bid'Daum's eldunari was only mirrored by Rakaio's suddenly defensive glare. Obviously he knew his choice was cowardly and he was ashamed of having taken that path. But what was done was done. He couldn't change the past. In fact he had spent the last century pondering his mistake to flee. He remembered what the Riders taught him but in the end he had fled regardless of their teachings. Bid'Daum had asked him to tell the truth about the reason he fled. He had done so and Bid'Daum's reaction was expected. It reflected how he felt about it himself.

"As you wish Ebrithril," Rakaio answered Bid'Daum. It had been a long time since he had evaluated any rider and dragon pair. Back when the riders thrived he had been among the oldest of them and his advice was often sought out. This was not a new request to him but simply one that hadn't been asked of him for over a century.

Rakio glanced at Zander as he drew New Leaf. His hearing was acute and he could hear the slightest noise of the blade being drawn or maybe it was Entas' hearing. Entas and he worked so closely as one he often wasn't sure if he was hearing the noise or if Entas was. "Lower your blade young one," Rakaio said to Zander slipping into the ancient language as he spoke. "There is no danger to you or your dragon. If I meant either of you any harm you'd be dead already." The young Rider posed no threat to him let alone competition. Neither did Nepherion or Starlight. The only one who would be competition to him was Bid'Daum, and it wasn't like he would go against him without a very good reason.

Entas turned her head slightly to look at Glaeran as he growled. She fixed her gaze on him but didn't react by growling or any other means of appearing threatening. "Hatching!" she snapped at him mentally. "There is no need for that. You growl at the mere flicker of shadows that pose you no danger." She did not feel threatened at all by Glaeran's growling but she did not like being growled at.

Whether Zander complied or not Rakaio paid no more attention to the young rider. He really didn't pose any threat to him anyways. Rakaio took a single step forward towards Nepherion and Starlight. He gave a very slight bow. Any rider no matter how young was always respected in the old days, though maybe not to the same degree that the elders were. That didn't mean that the young riders would step out of line though, as Zander had. As for dragons well there was no question, young or old a dragon you always respected. He wasn't sure if Bid'Daum had introduced him and Entas or not but, giving the benefit of the doubt he choose to introduce himself. He glanced at Zander knowing he'd find what he was going to say interesting. "Yes I did speak with Bid'Daum, he is an old friend. We mean you no harm. Nepherion Finiarel and Starlight," he said.

He stood erect and still as he spoke. He was not the tallest person but he was imposing nonetheless. His almost elf-like ears hinted that he was human or well at least appeared to be. Without exploring his mind or asking him there was no way to know he was part grey-folk unless you were grey-folk yourself.

"It pleases me to know the riders still live on. You have inherited a rich heritage as Riders. I do not believe I have formally introduced myself or my soul companion. I would rather not have my presence widely known, so speak of me sparingly and only with those you must." He didn't want to become common knowledge or to entice Galbatorix to hunt him down personally if the news got out.

"I am Rakio, the forsaken one. And my soul companion is Entas the rider of eastern winds," he said. The way he spoke their primary titles seemed to evoke a suggestion that there was a deep meaning in the titles. Bid'Daum perhaps would understand what they meant but to the young riders and dragons it would mean little. History was not kind to things forgotten such as he and Entas.

"I am a rider of old," he added. He didn't want to go into the details of how old unless it was really necessary and relevant. He was older than even Galbatorix.

Entas let her rider speak for them both. She had nothing more to add, she rarely did. Rakaio knew what she would say and would speak it. She was watching Starlight with something of amusement. She could tell the pair was surprised by her size. Even in the golden age of riders she had been considered one of the larger dragons and she had grown since. She had been laying down up till now, but now she stood up to show the full extent of her size and went so far to extend her wings to their full span. Her wings covered the entire group easily and cast a coppery light over everyone.

Rakaio chuckled and glanced back at Entas. Vanity and pride were two things a dragon never lost, no matter how old they got. Entas was showing off her size. Not the mention her scales glistened as if polished by the finest elven craftsman.

[Nepherion]

Nepherion's eyes widen at the old Rider scolding Zander. If he recalled correctly the two of them had gotten into a argument when he had first reached the Varden. A smirk lifted his lips as he gazed on with curious eyes. He wondered how the months had fanned out for the Rider and Dragon pair. He knew that the time had been good to him and Starlight. His skills with swordplay had become a driving aspect in his power. And his use of spells had increased aswell. He was sure that they had become a formidable foe for even the most experienced Riders of his time. He turned his attention back Rakiao as his soothing voice reached through his thoughts.

A rider of old ? That title continues to pop up. said Nepherion to Starlight slightly annoyed. It is a prestigious title to the Riders. You should be honored to have met him. explained Starlight. Think of him as Eragon had Oromis. Oromis was a Rider of Old and so is the man before you. Starlight said humbly. Nepherion's eyes glanced towards Zander in a flash then back to Rakaio. He couldn't help but wonder why the two were together to begin with. Were they scheming something, or maybe Zander was trying to persuade Rakaio to join the Varden. No, if he had known his position Zander wouldn't had been so foolish as to think that would work. Rakaio's current position was to delicate for him to choose without thinking it through first. Then the sound of his companion begin to break through his veil of thoughts. Nepherion, Speak ! You have kept Rakaio waiting long enough. reminded Starlight..

His glazed eyes sparked with activity as he looked towards Rakaio. He gripped the ragged cloak around his mouth and pulled it down to his neck so he could speak clearly. " Forgive me Rakaio-elda. I meant no disrespect by my silence. And it honors me and Starlight that you think so highly of us. " he started. " Unfortunately, I doubt at our current level we could barely be an annoyance to Galbatorix. I'am unworthy of such a honor as Finiarel. " He was happy that Bid'Daum had seen fit to reteach him the ancient language, now he was very much fluent in much of it's words. Though he still had trouble spinning them into effective spells.

Nepherion felt dwarfed by the cooper dragon's size. He felt no more significant than an ant to her and not even Starlight's impressive size could remedy that feeling. He unstrapped himself from the dark saddle and leaped down onto the ground with a hardy thump. Folding his arms against his chest, he approach the other two. " Me and Starlight mean none you harm aswell. " he said, in the ancient language. " I only wish that you two had revealed yourselves earlier. Maybe than we could have beaten Galbatorix before all of this mayhem. " he conveyed in a strained tone. He couldn't help but feel slightly useless in this war against the king. Galbatorix's reign was insufferable and he only wished he could end it. To think that Nyx and the others in Teirm was at his mercy, pained him horribly.

Starlight remained silent and yet ever attentive to the conversation below him. His gaze still on the copper dragon as she displayed an array of spectacles around them. A sour snarl came from his throat as he turned his head from her - still keeping a ruby on her titanic body -, Sure she was large and vibrant but that didn't mean she was anymore astounding then he was. Atleast that's what he kept reassuring himself. Out of habit his wing lifted off his hide as if accepting the challenge, then quickly folded back in. He was no match for a beauty that could cover an entire valley, that much he knew.

So he turned his attention to the smaller, more duller Glaeran. He remembered the dragon from the paper-homes-of-months-past ( The Varden meeting ). If he remembered right he lacked the conviction to back his Rider up in the endeavor of challenging Nepherion. With a flicker of his barbed tongue he tasted the air and expelled a small jet of white flames before coiling his tail around him. When he thought about it, he had little interest in that one. He was no more his equal than a human was to a elf. It was a superiority thing, but he had lived with it since his hatching and found it almost unbearable to throw away. Maybe one day he would learn to not be so vain.

[Glaeran]

Zander watched Nepherion and Starlight. Now that they were closer, he recognized them as the pair he had called out in the meeting. So when he saw them, the meeting swirled before his eyes and the vision was colored with the red tint of anger. Zander raised New Leaf and pointed it at Nepherion. I forget not, the verbal assault that happened back in camp. If Rakaio and Entas were not here, I would skin you alive just for being here and acting better than I. Then the young rider sheathed his green blade and listened to the old rider and his words struck deep in Zander.

Glaeran was surprised when he too recognized the dragon and rider that were standing before him and Zander. Yet he did not threaten the pair as his rider did. Instead Glaeran replied to Entas. I was growling at the dragon, Starlight. It is from a previous encounter that is not to be revealed the information. Glaeran took the words from his elder and let them calm him. Then Glaeran opened his wings to the full extent and stood up. He was not going to be allowed to be shown up. These other dragons were showing their size and scales, so Glaeran was going to show his forest green scales that glittered in the sunlight and made the sky look like a forest when he flew around. So he was going to be just as vain and show Starlight, who was looking at him with disdain, that he was still larger and stronger than the other dragon. The only dragon that was larger was Entas and there was great respect to be shown to that dragon. Young One, we are not here to fight in a petty way. That was the past and it needs to stay there. Follow Rakaio's advice and be peaceful. Anger and war stay for the Empire and Forsworn that I fear will rise again.

[Nepherion]

Nepherion looked down the point of the emerald blade with wondering eyes, not moving from his spot. He wondered if Zander had actually remembered such an event and if so, why did anger still lurk in his heart from it. Or maybe it was just pride. That matter little now though. he thought to himself. Once Zander sheathed the blade, Nepherion let out a sigh of relief. " No need for conflict. I have forgotten such things in the last months. Me and Starlight has grown as a single person. I'm sure he agrees. " he said, still caught in the air of an Old rider.

Starlight lifted the lid of eye at the mention of his name. The great beast let out a breathe of heated air from his nostrils in agreeing, before returning his gaze up at the moon. He cared little of what Glaeran had to say, feeling that he was only showing off for the elder dragon before them. So in response he simple brought his wing between the two, blocking the dragon's view of him.

[Emiryal ♕]

Rakaio waved off Nepherion's apology. Silence by no means meant the person was being rude. Often it was a sign of deep and careful thought. Not to mention in the case of a rider that silence was when the rider and dragon could be speaking to each other.

"You don't give yourself enough credit. The ability to take on Galbatorix certainly isn't a requirement to being called Finiarel," he said. Finiarel meant a man of great promise, and most riders however young qualified at having great promise.Entas didn't seem pleased by Glaeran's reason. Growling at Starlight was no better. Not that she was trying to defend everyone. Simply that is showed her how divided the new order of riders appeared to be. In the days of old the riders were united as one and didn't wast time growling at each other. "Your order is broken and not united as you should be," she said. She wondered how they had managed to get this far fighting Galbatorix if they were so divided.When Starlight let out a small jet of flame Rakaio took a step backwards closer to Entas. His face showed no emotion, he didn't want to show one of his weaknesses and hid the emotion from view. He was afraid of fire and didn't like to be near it if he didn't have to. A shock of fear struck him when he saw the white flames but only Entas would know and feel his fear. Her presence comforted him enough to control his fear.

Entas folded her wings back against her sides. She wasn't about to copy Starlight and breathe fire as well. She had made a promise to Entas and had never breathed a single flame in her life despite the fact that she was more than capable of producing a flame. She didn't acknowledge the other dragons' displays. She was prideful and saw herself as the most beautiful and grand of the dragons here. She touched Nepherion's mind slightly to answer his question but she kept her mind open so all could hear her response. "We have only been in this land for a week, most of it in travel. If we had been revealed earlier? What might have been isn't worth dwelling on. What is more important is the here and now," she said.

Rakaio reached out towards Bid'Daum with his mind. "Elda, you asked me to evaluate Nepherion and Starlight. While I have not seen their fighting skills it seems to me this new order of riders is very divided. Why is that? They should fight as one not growl petty threats at each other over trivial matters."

[Nepherion]

Bid'Daum roused from his inner thoughts once Rakaio brushed against his mind. After a short growl he spoke. I'am not sure myself. The new riders from what I have seen are all very young and inexperienced. They hadn't had the time to train properly and are being rushed through their tutelage... The same goes for young Eragon. He too has been rushed, but he has come out for the better due to Oromis being his Ebrithril. His leadership skills are beyond his age, but he is not what is needed for the young Riders. When he thought about it closely, this whole situation has effected the divide within the Riders new faction. Galbatorix's rule has sped up the need to become stronger and in doing that, he has split up the few Riders they had. This whole mess could end being far worse than they could imagine if not checked. I've spent most of my time training Nepherion, so I haven't paid much attention to the thought... It may be that they are hatchlings, I can only image how rash young humans can be. he decided to say.

Nepherion smiled humbly at Rakaio's words, unaware of his conversation with Bid'Daum. " Still... " he started. " How can I be promising, When I show not even the slightest chance of withstanding Galbatorix's will. Until I reach Eragon's power I will never be capable of standing against him. I'm only here now because of Bid'Daum's formidable strength. " A sigh came from him as he tightened his grip on Brojska. " Its frustrating. " he grumbled through clenched teeth.

He swept his hair from his eyes before placing his gaze back on the old rider. " I don't know what to do about Galbatorix. But I want to see what an old Rider can do ? Will you please spar with me ? " The boy had his own experiences with elves and they all ended in terrible defeats in the past. But now he had been slightly affect by the bond-change. He could feel his ears growing pointed but not like the elves, and his strength had increased some. Maybe he stood a chance now.

Are you mad !?! Starlight shouted mentally - his regal voice sounding much like condescension. His long neck turned towards Nepherion. That is madness. You would fight a elda just to amuse your own worries. As usual, Starlight had picked up on his thoughts and feelings. Stay out of this Starlight... warned Nepherion, with complete steel in his voice. The dragon snarled as a stream of annoyance and hesitance hit him. F-Fine. Do as you wish. But don't come crying to me when you're pride is beaten. he said in return. The quite argument came to a close once Nepherion broke the silence outside. " Will you accept Rakaio-elda. I would like to see the strength of one so old. " he said.

[Glaeran]

Zander paid little attention to the two riders and the dragons. He had grown tired of being reprimanded and everything he said ended in that result. So instead of participating in the conversation, Zander gazed out over the land. It was true that the argument and petty rivalry between him and Nepherion was not smart, yet Zander still couldn't bring himself to end it. Suddenly he heard Nepherion say that he wanted to spar with the older rider and Zander couldn't stop himself. He snickered and imagined what would happen. Since it was he who had seen the soldiers of the Varden go running after having attacked Rakaio, he couldn't stop thinking how amusing it would be to see Nepherion beat in that way. Still he refused to speak to them.

Glaeran noticed that his rider was interested in the conversation but would not say anything. Then Glaeran felt the amusement that was bubbling up inside Zander. It was kind of funny that Nepherion wanted to spar with Rakaio.

[Emiryal ♕]

Rakaio listened to Bid'Daum's answer. The old dragon knew more of the new order of riders than he did, but it seemed his first impression of them was correct. "Hm I see. This rushed training certainly seems to be taking a toll. I fear for their future, they are divided. A divided army cannot win a war. Rash they can be indeed. Ebrithil? I have been gone far to long. I do not know this land any more. Both these riders are humans, are there not elves? What of them and what has happened to the dwarves?" Aside from noticing the divided status of the new order of riders he had many questions. He had missed a lot and knew little of current events. The most he knew right now was about the Varden fighting Galbatorix.

Being a rider of old Rakaio was in a unique position to aid the new order of riders. He seemed to be the only rider of old who still lived and had his dragon. However, he didn't want to get involved in anything yet. He did not feel compelled to act and fight for the Varden.

He did not comment on Nepherion's comment about not being able to withstand Galbatorix. There was no way someone so young could withstand Galbatorix. It took a lot of time and practice to become a formidable rider and Rakaio did not expect Nepherion to become that overnight. However, it seemed the young rider wanted to become formidable overnight. He certainly had the will.

Nepherion's request surprised him. He forgot how the ancient could be a fascination of the young. Without raising a single blow he knew Nepherion would stand no chance against him. "Very well. Prepare yourself," he said. The old rider drew Inaverard, his rider blade, from it's sheath. The brown tinged blade made a rather peculiar noise as he drew it, it was a light ringing noise. It wasn't what you'd expect a regular blade to sound like. But the color of the blade was unmistakeable it matched Entas' scales exactly. Rakaio's blade had been made specifically for him, unlike the new riders who had to inherit their swords and hope the color matched.

Without uttering a single word Rakaio ran his hand along the length of the blade on both sides. The blade glowed briefly in response. He had placed a guard on the sword's edge so he wouldn't do Nepherion any real harm aside from a few bruises.

[Nepherion]

Nepherion gulped nervously as Rakaio pulled out his blade. He hadn't imagined such elegance, from a simple act as pulling out a blade. Right then and there he could tell the difference between them. It was everything, the feeling completely and utterly overwhelming. I can't back down. He gritted his teeth. I initiated this. he told himself, trying to reconquer his iron-clad will. He pulled Brojska from its sheathe. The white blade shimmered quickly as he swiped his hand down it's side and place the necessary wards - Its point facing diagonally towards the ground - . He could feel his heart beat quicken as anxiety begin to take over. " Ready. " he said, through clenched teeth.

Starlight found his attention on the anticipating bout. He knew that Nepherion could not win, but he wanted to see just how far he would get against Rakaio. Of course, this bout could be thought of as small scale bout between him and Entas. The outcome would be the same but Starlight couldn't help but stroke his own ego, thinking that he would not go down as easily. His fleshy white wings finally perched themselves back on his hide as he stood on all-fours. Goodluck, Nepherion. Try your best. he thought to himself.

Bid'Daum remained silent as the conflict unfolded. Content on watching with the eyes and minds of the others. His gem like body sprouted tendrils against its glass-like surface, stretching his mind around the group as he gaze on with a omnipresence. He wanted to see Rakaio's own progression and even more so wanted to see how Nepherion would handle Brojska against an overwhelming opponent. Would he act as he was instructed ? Or lose his cool and become reckless in his struggles.

A cold air of smoke came from his lungs as Nepherion slid his boots forwards and to the side. Inching carefully around Rakaio in attempt to throw him off or find a weak point. He isn't all powerful. He maybe old but I can win this if I can out maneuver him. No .. Throw that out your mind. You can't possibly out maneuver him... he decided. You're just going to have to do your best and hope for the best. His sidestepping came to a stop as he switched Brojska to his right hand and jutted towards Rakaio, swinging the blade towards his right thigh. The white bright-steel forged blade flashed against the moon's brilliance as it cut the air. He had to admit, he was looking forward to this small scrummage. Even if his heart was beating a thousand times a second.

[Brenton]

((I think that this would be okay...Brenton is a neutral right now))

Brenton felt the wind whipping through his hair as the thoughts swarmed around his mind. It was rather relaxing to be outside on Vaentr's wing. Yet there were still things that needed to be done and those things weren't easily finished. Added to that, the Empire, mainly Uruale and Flare, would be after him and Vaentr. So the rider and dragon were always going from place to place. Suddenly, Saphira alerted Brenton to the people below them. It was really strange, being able to communicate with a dragon of such age. There aren't just a few people down there. It seems to be a rider that is young, a rider that is old, and a rider that fits somewhere in the middle. Yet I feel the presence of another being that is also old. Maybe we should scout it out first. Brenton listened to the eldunari of Saphira and thought about it.

Vaentr felt the urge to tell his rider to listen. Yet he didn't use words. The images that were sent were ones of death and war. Blood and swords were also in the images. The great blue dragon was very interested in his safety and yet also wanted to know who was down there. We should go down and announce ourselves to the group. Then Vaentr tipped forward in a dive to arrive at the valley that was housing the meeting. He swept his wings out and landed next to the smaller green dragon, Glaeran.

Brenton saw the group as they neared them. It was three dragons and riders. One dragon was white, the second was brown, and the third was green. Suddenly Brenton recognized Glaeran as the green dragon and he saw Zander there as well. Such surprises. The brown dragon was larger than Vaentr and the white dragon was smaller than Glaeran. Interesting thoughts with these figures. The riders of the brown and white dragons were fighting, but their swords were blocked so no injuries would occur.

[Emiryal ♕]

[that's fine with me to bring Brenton in.]

Rakaio gave a simple nod to acknowledge Nerpherion's statement that he was ready. He made no move, instead letting the younger rider make the first move. In a battle Rakaio knew it was wise to conserve his energy and strength. He didn't have any need to display a flash but useless swing. He wasn't here to 'show off.'

When Nepherion inched around him Rakaio matched his pace in the opposite direction so they ended up circling each other. When Nepherion stopped so did Rakaio. He seemed to be more like a reflection of Nepherion's movement that was until the young rider chose to swing at him. He remained completely calm as the white blade was swung at him. He made no move to block it until the last second. In a burst of inhuman speed and skill Inaverard blocked Brojska only an inch from it's target. With a flick of his wrist Rakaio tried to push Brojska to the side. Then the brown blade changed direction as Rakaio swung at Nepherion's side, he turned the blade so the flat end would hit rather than the thin edge. He did so to do minimal damage to Nepherion. Despite the protective spells on their blades they could still bruise each other or break a rib or two.

Entas had learned of Brenton's, Vaentr's and another presence before they landed. She was diligent in making sure she knew what was around her and Rakaio. She wasn't going to let anything or anyone take them by surprise. Even so she did not react and waited till they landed. She raised her wings slightly and took a defensive stance. "Who are you?" she demanded. Rakaio knew of them as well but as he was in combat at the moment.

[Brenton]

Brenton saw the brown dragon raise its wings and then heard the demand to tell them who he was. It was interesting because he normally introduced himself only to those who were not so defensive. The last time he had introduced himself and had shown any strength, the fight had ensued for the safety of Nandon. Now Brenton was ready. I am a rider and a friend. A son of many and an offspring of few. My heritage is vast yet it is also confused. Years were spent as a different person and now I am someone else. My name is Brenton Bromsson, and also Brenton, Prince of the Elven people. Rider of Alagaesia, and sworn to none. That is I and that is who you shall know me as. Brenton flashed a smile of vague origins.

Vaentr took his time to stretch while his rider spoke of who he was and where he had come from. Then when it was his turn, the great blue dragon spoke to all who were in the clearing. I am a hunter of the sky, born of the air. Hatched from eggs long since lost. Dragon of a new age. My heritage is lost to the times that have been ravaged. It is my time in the world that all should know me as. I am a former servant of one group and an ally to another group. My name is Vaentr, hunter of the sky and the seas. Vaentr lay down slowly.

Saphira, in her eldunari, examined the group from the eyes of Brenton and Vaentr. Then she listened to the people speaking. When it was her turn, Saphira spoke in a voice tinged with sadness and wisdom. I am one of an older time. Huntress of the sky, now imprisoned in a time that is not of mine. Daughter of old, and dragon of former fights. Dragon to riders and partner to Brom. My name is Saphira and I am the aiding factor to my allies, Finally they had all introduced themselves and were ready to join in whatever was happening.

[Emiryal ♕]

Entas visibly relaxed slightly as they spoke. They seemed to be no immediate threat for the moment. Though their vague answers were both clear and unclear on what they meant. When Saphira spoke she stiffened as if shocked and surprised. "Benton son of Bromsson, and Vaentr of unknown origin. You speak in riddles yet I understand." If they chose to speak in riddles so would she.

Entas folded her wings again and lay down as well after Vaentr had. With Saphira's presence she was more at ease. She glanced at her rider dueling. "As my rider is otherwise engaged I speak for both of us. I am Entas, bronze wing of glory, the rider of the eastern winds, the gentle heart and voice of reason, a dragon of the old order, long forgotten by a time that no longer exists in a land that no longer resembles what once was, daughter of Ahtva and Swa, and student of Nadya. My rider is Rakaio a drifter with out a place to call home, shur’tugal ebrithil, the forgotten one, a rider of the old order, teacher of many, student to Naraskeldel, the once and future silent protector of the peace, the forsaken one, wielder of Inaverard and son of Magoun Ormonu and Neva Ormonu."

The great brown dragon shifted slightly, being careful not to knock down anyone or anything with her tail or paws. "Now that introductions are over can we drop the riddles. Saphira, I know who you are by simply touching your mind. I was not aware that you had indeed survived. Nor was I aware that Brom had a son, well more than one. Brenton what has become of Brom? Did he perish in the fall of the riders?"

[Brenton]

Brenton grinned at the fighting and then listened to the old dragon introducing herself. He was rather interested, as he had never been fully trained and still wanted to learn more in the ways of the riders before the fall. Then he heard about the one person he never really knew. He looked at Entas and spoke. Entas, ebrithil, I am very sorry to relay these words. As Brom was my father and never had time to visit me, I didn't know him well. Yet I have visited his final resting place and will now explain what I know. Brom was killed by a Razac when he was defending my brother, Eragon Shadeslayer. It was his fight that he finished. He was the one that killed Morzan and brought about the end of the Forsworn. Now he is gone and I really never knew him.

Vaentr growled as he realized that his rider was remembering the last time he had spoken with his father. Brenton had taken his time to explain why he had been the one to leave Ellesmera. So when Brenton explained how Brom had died, Vaentr could sense the pain in his voice. Yet he also knew that Brenton was pleased that there were others who could tell him about his deceased father.

Saphira acknowledged the old dragon who had trained him at times. There was some pain and frustration when Brenton spoke about how he had never really known his father. It made Saphira proud to be with Brenton and help him and Vaentr with their fight.