When The Sun Sets (Closed until further notice)

[Freyja]

Freyja looked over at the valley that stretched out under her feet. Teirm wasn't that far behind her but Freyja wasn't concerned with the speed of her travels. She knew that an experienced traveler could've made more terrain in two days on horseback but she cared little about it. What she did care for at that moment was finding a place to sleep in peace. So far, she had been incredibly lucky in her trip and had never been in any sort of life threatening situation. She looked around from the top of Valeo's back, trying to find with the sun's waning light a small patch of tress or even a small rocky alcove where she could sleep.

But no luck. Freyja sighed and urged her horse into a soft trot, deciding that she would continue to ride until she would find an appropriate spot. She could hear the Toark river roaring not too far to her left and the sound comforted Freyja in ways she never understood.

She continued riding until the moon rose high in the starry night and her legs were sore. She could feel blisters forming on her fingers from holding on to the leather reins but she only gritted her teeth; she was used to worst.

Suddenly Valeo tensed under the saddle, stopping abruptly and snorting loudly as he slanted his ears backwards.
"Whoa boy what's wrong?" Freyja asked in a hushed tone, trying her best to calm her steed with her soft words and a small pat on his muscly shoulder.
Valeo started backing up and shaking his head, making Freyja even more nervous. Before she could try to calm the horse down again, he reared, his neigh so loud and high-pitched it sounded like a banshee's cry. Freyja managed to keep her steed from running away by pulling hard on the reins but as she did so, she felt the blisters on her fingers tears and open and soon she felt the blood starting to coat her fingers.
"Who's there? Show yourself!" she ordered, voice loud and commanding even though she was scared beyond reason.
Her horse fidgeted under her, making sidesteps and rearing slightly as its rider awaited for an answer to spring out of the night.

[Nepherion]

Do you see anything ? Uruale asked through the mental bond. He had been standing on small crags, overlooking the valley in front of him. Wondering just how he would deal with this situation. Soon afterwardsFlare's adolescent voice would sound through the bond. " I see her. She is on horse-back. How will you deal with this ? " she asked. Uruale didn't provide an answer.

As the breeze blew his ragged cloak with ease and caused a sense of freedom to sweep over his usual anger and resentment. Uruale ran to edge of the cliff and leap with complete disregard. The air tore pass him and grasp at the folds of his clothes. He whispered silently as words of the ancient language rang true. Suddenly the air around him cradle his feet and allowed him to land softly from the sixty foot drop. The drain of magic was no less significant to him than a nail clipping to a finger. Landing in a bush nearby, he could hear the neighing of the alerted horse he had frighten. Uruale cursed himself when the woman called out.

What shall I do ? Flare asked, circling above the concealing clouds, but keeping track of Uruale. Nothing. She is only a girl. I can handle her alone. he decided. Uruale touched the hilt of Reona if only to know that it was still there before standing up and walking out onto the pathway. The dark, ragged, cloak hid his features and his sideways position revealed little. He decided to remain silent, if only to see what the woman would do in response to him. Don't do anything hasty . he thought to himself.

[Freyja]

Freyja squinted as the somber silhouette materialized itself in front of her. Even though the moon was shining brightly, a shadow seemed to hang around the figure, making it nearly impossible for Freyja to decipher any details. Freyja cursed her bad luck when a dark cloud rolled in front of the moon, blocking out its rays. Freyja felt her steed make a tentative step backwards, as if the sudden darkness frightened him. The woman frowned, not accustomed to Valeo's behavior. He was usually brave...
Freyja decided to act with caution since the hooded figure seemed to have a foreboding feeling to it.
"Are you alright?" Freyja asked, not sure what to make out of the situation. How was she supposed to act? Nothing like this had ever happened in her previous travels down the coast.
Valeo pawed at the hard ground and threw his head back. Freyja knew better than to ignore her steed's nervousness but again, she didn't see what could have him so agitated. She threw a quick glance around but nothing, a part from the silhouette, seemed out of the ordinary. A small opening in the thick cloud let a ray fall from the moon and onto the hooded figure. From where she was standing, Freyja could only make out that it was, most probably, a man blocking her path. She felt her heartbeat accelerate a bit, the thought of being alone at night with a stranger suddenly filling her mind with bad scenarios.

[Brenton]

Vaentr flew over the trees of the forest of the Spine and the mountains that were also involved with the trees. It was a rather comforting evening with cool air washing over his wings and tail yet he sensed a fright that was nearby. Almost as if he was still in the Empire's service, where everyone was living in fear with the others. So the great blue dragon dove down and landed in the trees of the Spine. If the Empire was nearby, their soldiers wouldn't enter the feared woods. We are near a couple people who are currently in an interesting meeting. One of them feels familiar. You should check in to that, Brenton.

Brenton nodded and adjusted his blade, Undbitr, before jumpig down from Vaentr's back. With little light to guide him, the elf was almost taken aside and lost. Yet Brenton pulled his hood over his head and clasped the cloak to keep it on. As he neared a cliff, Brenton noticed that there was an aura around there. Yet he could almost sense the red dragon Flare and her rider, Uruale. With Saphira's help and some help from Vaentr as well, Brenton spoke some words from his natural language and was able to transport himself from the top of the cliff and to a ledge about halfway down. Now that he was there, Brenton sat down and ate some food to regain his strength. Then he noticed the cloaked figure in the road next to a rider. That figure was strangely familiar. So Brenton jumped up and slid down the slope of the cliff on his feet. When he reached the bottom he took off running toward the road while staying in the shadows where he wasn't as noticeable. The elf kept his hand against the hilt of Undbitr, in case it was needed. Yet he stayed in the shadows a few feet away from the figure that he swore was someone he knew. He would just stay here for a while. Vaentr, be ready to come to my aid if there is a reason I sense Uruale and Flare.

[Nepherion]

Uruale remained motionless, even her words had gone with a period of silence before being answered. " I'am okay. " he said softly, taking a lone step towards her and the steed. He held his gloved hands up as a sign of him being disarm, while making sure that Reona was concealed by the hooded cloak. " I mean no harm, I assure you. " he lied. Well, technically it wasn't a lie, yet. He would have to see what she knew before he would know that himself. His voice was infused with a succulent amount of charm - thanks to Galbatorix's own desires and magic.

Coincidentally, a ray of the moon's light shone down him, just as he pulled back his hood. The moon's luminescence revealed his raven-black hair and his gray-slate eyes. He remained at a distance from the woman, trying to keep her sense of safety. Than Flare chimed in through the mental bond overhead. We have company Uruale... Keep your guard up. The news forced him to spread his mind out around him,- but considering the mind of woman in front of him- he soften his touch only to that a unnoticed graze to the untrained. Watch my back Flare. he told her.

[Freyja]

Freyja relaxed a bit in the saddle but Valeo stayed as nervous as before. The man sounded honest and his voice was devoid of any malice or threat. Even his posture and demeanor seemed nonchalant and lacking of any aggressiveness. He could be a fellow traveler or a monk on pilgrimage Freyja thought as she looked at the man's clothing intently. He was cloaked in a dark and ragged cape and could easily pass unseen by many.
"I'm heading down to Fasaloft. If you're heading that way maybe we could travel together." she said, her naivety taking over her.
Many a times she had paired up with gypsies or travelers to make her endless voyage a bit less lonely. The thought of the man having ill intentions didn't even cross her mind.

Freyja looked at the man while she waited for his answer. She had a strange feeling that something wasn't quite right with the whole situation but she couldn't put her finger on it. Valeo sidestepped under her again, snorting loudly and swishing his tail in a mix of fear and anger. She knew her horse wouldn't be agitated over nothing but there was nothing she could do. I might be safer traveling with a man... you never know what you can encounter in these regions at night... And if he ever tries anything, I'm pretty sure I can take off on Valeo without being harmed. Freyja reasoned as she forced her steed to make a couple of steps forward. The man didn't look like he was carrying any weapons, something that reassured Freyja. Of course, Freyja had yet to encounter a magic-wielder for she didn't even know they truly existed. Magicians were fairy-tales, or so she had been taught back in Narda.

[Brenton]

Brenton was standing there in the shadows when he saw that Uruale was the figure in front of the woman. Now that he saw that, he was also able to pick out a vague outline of Reona. Yet that still left Flare, who had yet to be spotted by him or Vaentr. So Brenton listened for a couple minutes and then recognized that way of speech that Uruale was using. Galbatorix was the one who spoke like that to get what he wanted. Brenton released the clasp that held Undbitr sheathed and then walked out to the light. I see that the Empire still lies and tries to take by persuasion that is not true. Uruale, are you still stuck in your ways of torture through cruel words, or did the king teach you his trickery?

Vaentr saw a vague flash of red in the clouds but played it off as a bolt of lightning, since a storm was beginning to brew overhead. Then the dragon felt the shock in his rider. Uruale had been spotted, which meant that Flare was in the clouds. Flare is nearby. The sky is your enemy as of now. The great blue dragon jumped into the air and flashed by the cliffs. He landed a few feet behind Brenton and crouched, ready to evade an attack from Flare. Now that they were together, Brenton had a better chance of survival.

[Freyja]

[OOC: Guys, no fighting please...]

[Nepherion]

A flash of anger slanted Uruale's brows as Brenton stepped out of the darkness. He could barely believe that their reunion had came so soon. Reflexively he brought his hand inside his cloak, gripping Reona's handle but still keeping it hidden from Freyja. Uruale's foot took a hard step towards Brenton, as if to attack, but was quickly halted by the new oaths to see through with the mission. d**n you Galbatorix. My prey is right infront of me and I can do nothing. he grumbled.

Flare noticed Vaentr but because of her oaths did little more than send a worried wave of emotions towards Uruale. According to the oaths, Flare nor Uruale could interrupt their mission, lest they feel their lives are at stake. Follow me from the sky, but stay hidden Flare. Uruale said, sending the plans through her - via the bond. Her rose colored body glimmer vibrantly as she flashed up through the upper clouds and disappeared against the shadows of the sky.

Uruale gave little motion to Brenton and Vaentr's intimidation method. They were both dangerous that much was a definite. But they forget he had dual eldunari's on his possession, he was a formidable foe by himself, even without Flare. I need her to come with me. he thought to himself. Uruale touched the horses mind. Steed of man, I will not harm you, this I vow. But I need you get your rider to safety. Flee to the south and stop only when you feel safe. he said in the ancient language. He had never tried communing with animals in such a manner, but Galbatorix was not fibbing when he said it would come in handy one day.

Uruale looked towards Brenton with a furious amount of animosity but could do nothing with it. His glove hand clenched under the frustration as he sprinted behind the steed. His feet carried him as fast as any elf's could, causing the folds of his cloak to whip wildly. He followed close behind the horse if he had ran and if not than he would have to do something rash. Uruale glanced towards Freyja, hoping not to alert her.

[Freyja]

Freyja looked behind at the other person that had joined them. What is going on? she thought, her heart pounding and her whole body trembling. The tension between them was palpable and the newcomer's word had only caused Freyja to tense even more. Before Freyja could do anything else, Valeo bolted under her. She barely had the time to grab onto his mane to steady herself in the saddle, stained the dark grey locks with her bloodied hands from her blisters. Even thought Valeo wasn't built for speed, he was going faster than he had ever, flying over the ground almost effortlessly. Something seemed to urge the horse, something Freyja couldn't quite grasp. Above the thundering of Valeo's hooves, Freyja thought she heard a loud flapping noise, like giant bat wings up above her head but dismissed the sound seeing as she was too concentrated on staying on her horse. Valeo ran through the terrain, not even giving Freyja the chance to pull on his reins and slow him down.
At one moment, Freyja looked behind her to see what had caused her horse to spring into such a furious gallop but saw nothing, not even the shadow of the newcomer who had perturbed her meeting with the cloaked stranger. But that's when she saw it.

The cloaked traveler was right behind her, running as fast as Valeo. What sorcery is this? Freyja thought in fright at the man's supernatural speed. No man could outrun a horse, it was simply.... impossible! Before she could even react and try to steer her horse away from the man, Valeo jumped over a fallen tree, making her lose her balance and fall on his neck. She cursed the rotting log and readjusted herself in the saddle, gripping at her steed's mane even harder and making her raw blisters burn and bleed even more.

Just as they entered a more densely packed part of the forest, Freyja heard Valeo snort loudly under her, showing his growing weariness. The rider looked down at her horse's shoulder and saw the white foam and sweat covering it. Before she had time to try and stop her horse once more, her steed stopped abruptly on his own, sending her against his neck once more. Just as she straightened herself in the saddle, she looked around, noticing Valeo had halted at the roots of an immense willow tree whose leaf had all fallen, leaving behind only a naked and twisted corpse made of dried branches. She jumped off her horse and looked at the cloaked man.
"Wha-what's going on? Who are you? Who was that back there?" She asked in a panicked voice, her eyes swimming in fear and her hands trembling and she stayed next to her steed in case she needed to flee once more.
What have I gotten myself into? she thought as she realized Valeo couldn't possibly help her run away if need be. She was trapped with this man who could, for all she knew, want her dead.

[Nepherion]

Uruale had staid attentive to Freyja's struggles during the ride and noticed that she had appeared shocked at his speed. That was something he had anticipated, but hadn't really thought of an excuse for yet. His dark, leathery boots padded against the ground in quick recession as he followed beside the horses trail. Flare.. he called out tentatively.

I'am here. she answer. She flew over head with deep flaps of her wings, keeping up with the horse and her Rider was child's play, but she wanted her Rider to hear the comfort of her wings nearby. Land nearby okay. And keep watch for the scum prince and his dragon. he mumbled with venomous insult. Stay safe my young Rider. She replied tenderly.

A snort came from him at the mention of him being young. He disliked it when she addressed him as such, seeing as he thought of himself as an adult. It was almost a playful insult.

...

Uruale came to a steady walk as Valeo finally slowed. Stepping a little infront of the steed, Uruale touched his hand against its long head and shut his eyes. " Thank you for your cooperation my friend. " Whispered Uruale in the ancient language. Freyja's question went unanswered as he showed the horse gratitude, but afterwards he found himself gazing backwards for followers. This short period of time was precious to him, for it helped him gather enough key-points and thoughts for an appropriate lie. " Do not be alarmed. " he said calmly. " That man is no more a threat to me than a ant to you. " Uruale tucked his hands into his cloak, effectively covering them from the cold. " I'am Uruale Neroson " he continued " And the rest of your questions are for another time. You said you need a traveling companion, am I wrong ? " he asked Freyja.

[Brenton]

Brenton saw the anger cross Uruale's face and expected for him to attack as the enemy rider reached beneath his cloak. Then the unexpected happened, Uruale took off after the fleeing horse. That took Brenton by surprise yet he refused to give up. Something was strange about this situation and that girl was involved. Brenton swung around and jumped up so that he was on Vaentr's back. With a mental thread sent to Vaentr, Brenton urged them to go faster than normal. Vaentr jumped into the air and took flight after the horse and enemy that was following. Why did he flee like that? I'm sure they are wanting to attack us and yet something stopped him. Brenton nodded and then suddenly realized something. The look of Uruale's face was one of hatred. Yet he couldn't attack. That rider is his target that he swore to Galbatorix he would capture. We have to save her, now!

With that said, Vaentr increased his speed and arrived at the tree a couple minutes after the horse. Still, Flare hadn't attacked. Be careful, Brenton. We aren't ready to fight, and Nandon isn't here this time. Brenton nodded and jumped off of Vaentr's back while in the air. He flew through the empty air and caught a branch that he could keep himself from falling to his death. Then he released the branch and landed on the ground right next to the horse that was tired.

What's so important that you must follow a rider that is scared of you? Also, why not show that you have a rider's blade as well as a dragon that is nowhere to be seen? Brenton asked and then he turned to the female rider. I am Brenton Bromsson, rider and friend. This other person is only using you for the Empire and King Galbatorix.

[Freyja]

Freyja frowned at the whole situation. Her eyes darted from one man to the next. She tried to reason with herself, tried to think clearly even though her mind was covered in fog. Did he really say dragon? Aren't those extinct since the dawn of the Empire as we know it? Freyja thought as she continued to eye the men warily.

She could feel the weight of the situation bearing down on her. She couldn't run away, couldn't hide, couldn't call for help... She was at the men's complete and utter mercy. She felt like all she could do was wait and see.... Wait and hope she wasn't stuck in a battle that was far too big for her.

She glanced back at Valeo who was breathing loudly. White foam continued to drip down his mouth and the smudge that stained his chest was starting to crust over.

"Whatever you two have against each other, p-please... Leave me out of it." She said with a wavering voice, deciding to play it safe and not pick side. She decided not to trust either men; they both could be deceivers trying to take advantage of her.

She could feel her heart pound even faster and harder, almost as if threatening her to jump out of her very chest and onto the forest ground. She swallowed difficultly as she took another step back, trying to get closer to her horse for protection.

[Nepherion]

Uruale frowned at the prince's persistence. It angered him to the point that he wished to break the oaths that Galbatorix had bounded him with, even if it meant slaying the king himself. He observed the situation deeply and intensively, looking for a way to keep Freyja on his side and at the same time escape the prince's blabbering mouth. What shall I do ? I don't like you being down there with Vaentr without me. Flare said worried. Do not move Flare. I plan on calling his bluff. The rose dragon flapped her wings, as she staid motionlessly afloat.

Uruale looked to Freyja's panicking eyes. She losing trust in me. he thought. Uruale stared at Brenton, composed and unaffected. " You come from the sky speaking of dragons. Do not bewilder the woman any more than she is. " he said, walking inbetween the fair-faced man and the woman. " Leave us be. " Uruale warned through clenched teeth. He tried his best to be soft and civil, but his hatred for Brenton was beginning to spill over. It was hard to contain malice that had even been vowed in the tongue of the ancient language once before. " Do not fall for such words. " his voice was still infused with the alluring charm that had brought many to Galbatorix's side before. " You're better off with me. He is as sly as any fox. " he whispered to her.

[Freyja]

Freyja looked at Uruale intently before turning her gaze at the newcomer. Uruale's words were so... alluring. She didn't know why but she felt like someone with such a voice could never mean her any harm. But there was more... she had a deep-rooted urge to obey Uruale, almost as if she's give anything just to hear that voice again. It scared Freyja, to feel so... compelled by another's words. It reminded her of bad memories. But she simply couldn't help it; it was beyond her control.

She had to choose... Either trust Uruale and hope he would protect her from the so-called sly man or go against him and trust the stranger. She could still feel the tendrils of Uruale's sweet voice caressing her ears when she took a small and shaky step to hide herself from the newcomer behind Uruale, eyes still full of fear and lips trembling. Gods... Please... Please, tell me I haven't taken the wrong path... she thought as she felt Valeo's breath roll down her neck.

[Brenton]

Brenton sighed as he heard the words that Uruale had spoken. Yet if he was correct, even the charmed language of Galbatorix had a weakness to the Ancient Language. So, Brenton reached over and grabbed the hilt of Undbitr. Before he drew the blade, Brenton spoke in the language of the elfs. I am a friend of no oaths. You are taking chances with the Empire and the king takes no mercy. Finally Brenton drew his blade and stated calmly. I am here whether you like it or not. Your oaths will not allow you to attack me and interrupt your current mission yet I will kill you if you try to harm her in any way.

((Sorry guys...gotta go. I'll be on as soon as possible.))

[Nepherion]

Uruale smiled warmly towards the woman as she hid behind him. Though it arguably sickened him on the inside, showing emotions wasn't exactly a thing he did commonly. " I will protect you, I promise. " he said to lock his trust with her in. He than turned a fierce gaze to Brenton and sinister smile that showed his delight in the elf's failure spread his lips. " Your trickery has failed elf. Do you really think she will respond to your threat. Your language maybe foreign to her but not me. I will not allow you to harm her or her steed. " he barked, twisting his words into whirlpool of deceit. Than he cast a spell in the ancient language to hide his words from Freyja's ears. " You have mistaken the extents of Galbatorix's oaths. If you even lift your pitiful blade towards me, I assure you I will sever it and spread your dragon's blood across this terrain like paint. " he threatened in the ancient language as well. He broke the unnoticeable spell on Freyja's ears, it was a dark spell that drain one of the eldunari's of some magic. But it was worth it, because it was one of those undetectable spells that after cast fed on the magic around it to sustain itself.

Uruale turned to Freyja and placed his hands on her shoulders. " We shall make camp here. I have little to say to this man. " he said tenderly. Before guiding her back to Valeo with his hand on her upper back.

[Freyja]

Freyja reluctantly followed Uruale, still feeling nervous about the elven man behind them. Had he really tried to fool her with words? Tried to trick her? She had heard tales about elves and none were too flattering. Maybe what they said was true, that elves were just out for human blood and they felt superior to us and therefore wanted to enslave us.

She shook her head and tried to focus on Uruale. If he said he would protect her, then she shouldn't worry about the elf anymore. He seemed more than capable of following up on his words. And that voice... She could still hear it echo faintly in her mind, reminding her, forcing her to want to obey him. She looked up at his eyes but shied away within seconds, finding his unwavering gaze of the tree-covered horizon too intense for her liking. Whatever or whoever he is... he didn't have an easy life... Freyja thought as she looked at her horse.

[Brenton]

Brenton grew frustrated as his enemy fled in his presence. It was unlike a rider of the Empire to flee in the face of someone who had beaten them. Now that he knew of how this woman thought and felt about his race, Brenton decided to take it a step further. He looked to the horse and started whispering in the Ancient Language. Horse of man, if you continue to follow this traitor, then you and your rider will suffer pain from the very person that is next to you. I beseech of you to take your rider away from that man. Brenton then spoke in the Ancient Language so that no one besides him could hear the spells that he would weave. I am elven race, facing Empire traitor. Take these branches and harden them. Allow the very earth beneath us to harden to stone. These elements, I request of thee, surround the enemy rider and bind him to his spot where he stands. Brenton watched as the earth and trees began to harden and follow his commands to ensnare his enemy. Uruale! Call Flare to your side or I will send Vaentr to bring the flying lizard down here. If you are smart, you will not turn your back on one who is stronger than you and your eldunari slaves. He had been threatened with death if he raised his sword in attack, yet there were other means to kill than just blades of mortals.

Young One, we do not have the time to fight this traitor. It is him that will win if you continue, and I will be forced to slavery. Do not die in vain, for Brom would be displeased. Saphira butted in and tried to keep her former rider's son from committing an act of stupidity. Even as an eldunari, Saphira was still strong and could tell Brenton what was smart.

[Nepherion]

Uruale brought the woman closer to him, in the crook of his arm and mouthed inaudible words of the ancient language. The earth under them shot towards him, and the limbs and branches of trees thrust forwards to entrap them at the elf's command. But Brenton's spell was too slow, Uruale's words came quick and decisive. " Skölir nosu " Shield Us. The elements would halt in mid-action, they were kept from touching the two by a impregnable barrier. " Just stay close to me and all of this will be over soon. " Uruale said, not removing his eyes from the woodland in front of them. He was sure her brilliant gaze would widen from the attacking plant-life. Flare ! Stay where you are. he barked in the mental, feeling her panicked worry for him.

The rose-scaled dragon speared through the darkened clouds, feeling the danger her Rider was in. It was instinct to protect the-partner-of-heart-and-mind that propelled her. Just as birds had flocked southwards during the winter months, it was vital to her survival to protect Uruale. It was nailed into her very soul. Flare ! Stay where you are. His voice boomed through her mind like a mighty drum of anger, causing her to come to a standstill. She floated one-hundred or so meters above the group, her massive wings placing a shadow amiss the woodland around them. If they want a fight, than we should oblige with Reona brandished and fangs gleaming. she growled in returned. His voice had remained silent, but his deep thoughts on the situation had sounded loud and clear. He did NOT under any circumstances want her to reveal herself. Unless, he had called for her. She let out sinister growl as she ascended back into the clouds, reluctant to live her Rider at such odds.

Uruale turned slightly, looking over his shoulder at Brenton's enraged face. Though it ailed him that he could not inflict more harm on him, this pitiful sight was enough to hold him over till the next opportunity presented itself. But if Uruale was amused or happy it had not shown on his steel expression. " Brenton, Give it up. You are no match for me... " mocked Uruale. " I'm sure you feel the strain sneaking on you. Clawing at your back. Tell me, how long can you hold such a spell. " he said, revealing that fact that the flow of magic had not been cut. Uruale's spell had been far less draining and had taken only a bit from his well of searing power. Uruale grimaced at Vaentr. Sure he was a prince and a strong rider, but what was such strength in the hands of a one track mind. He was doomed for failure.