When The Sun Sets (Closed until further notice)

[Nepherion]

Uruale ceased his intrusion of the elven prince's mind, still feeling the up most animosity towards him, but respecting his decision to retreat. It was smart, and it seemed the pestering elf had finally known when he had lost. Uruale sat up from his laid down position, sure that his patrol of the area wasn't done. Their was still creatures out and about around them, that much he was sure. A sigh came from his nostrils as the screeches of the dragon's lessened to quite ramblings and eventually to panicked whispers.

He stared at the flame with a sense of ease that he had refuse to show while the woman was awake. His eyes had lost their steel touch and he looked at the flame with a soft, yet strong expression. She slept through it all. Uruale thought. I'm not sure if she is prepared for this new world, but she will have to get ready soon. Galbatorix has never been subtle. If their was one thing that Uruale knew, it was that Galbatorix was notorious for putting his projects into the hands of his Riders'.

Flare rested her weary bones on top of the cliff, it had been apparent from her reluctance that she had fought it for quite some time. Throughout the night, Uruale found himself gazing upon Freyja. She slept so peaceful, and once again he felt that she was nothing less than innocent. In a world of tainted actions and ambitions, he felt she was the only pure speck in the darkness. He tried to keep his thoughts to himself, returning his gaze to the flickering fire and awaiting for the ray's light to wake the sleeping beauty across from him. His hand -with in his cloak- touched Reona's black-wire hilt, just for reassurance. He had almost forgotten he had the faithful blade on him.

[Freyja]

[Hope you don't mind that I skipped until it was morning ]

When Freyja awoke that morning to a ray of sunshine, she looked around, lost and confused. She had momentarily forgotten the happenings of the night before... Or had she hoped they were just incredibly vivid dreams? Either way, when her eyes fell on Uruale's form that sat across the fire, his eyes locked on her, Freyja remembered and knew. She remembered the elven prince and how his foreign face still sent shivers down her spine... And that dragon, that massive blue creature from fairytales.... She averted her eyes downwards, not able to keep looking at Uruale's hard gaze. Had he held guard for her all night long? She looked behind her, relieved to see Valeo dozing peacefully, his mane flowing in the morning breeze.

"Is he gone for good? Will the elf come back for more?" she inquired, her hands fidgeting with the hem of her cloak.

She didn't know why but the elf scared her. All the tales she heard from soldiers, tales about the elves' wicked ways and their love of deceit, had made her very suspicious about the humanoid race. Freyja didn't know that most of what she knew was lies spread by Galbatorix himself to keep his citizen away from the vardens and on his side. She didn't know why either but Freyja was afraid of the king. Back in Narda, tales about his long life were common and made Freyja shiver. How can you live for centuries? How is it even possible? she had asked herself many times when she used to lie awake in her bed. Was what they said true? Was he granted his unnatural long life by the power of... dragons? Having seen the creatures, she could start to wrap her head around the idea.

She shook her head lightly, trying to shoo away those thoughts; she had other things to think about. She looked back at Uruale, waiting for her answer, waiting for him to grant her peace of mind even if it only lasted one day. From her saddle bag she took out a piece of dried meat which she ate with small bites. When she was done, she took out her ivory comb and started undoing the mess her hair had become. That little piece of whale bone was one of the only thing she had brought along from Narda, one of the only object she hadn't felt the urge to destroy so she could be able to forget her past.

The silence in the morning air was only broken by Valeo's deep breathing and the sliding noise of the comb's teeth made against Freyja's hair for there was no birds around to sing an ode to the rising sun. Most of the birds must've been scared away by the dragon Freyja reasoned as she continued to slide the comb down her auburn locks. She prayed it wasn't a bad omen for the days to come.

[Brenton]

((The post is modified and I am now leaving this thread. May the fate of Uruale and Freyja go well. Neph, Galby will kill Uruale if anything starts between him and Freyja.))

[Nepherion]

Uruale's eyes opened as he awakened from his small nap. It was minuscule compared to a long sleep that Freyja and Flare had been capable of acquiring. He woke up just early enough to see Freyja begin to wake from her own sleep. He rubbed his eye and looked towards the woman as she finally awakened. It seemed that it hadn't taken long for her panicked mind to grasp hold of yesterday's events. Uruale stood from his spot beside the smothered flame, placing his arms under the veil of his cloak. " I'm not sure. But its probably best to keep a move on. " he told her, look out towards the woodland.

Uruale sent a waking push to Flare, nudging her from her slumber. The light-rose dragon stretched her hind-leg as she had the night before last, much like a household cat. She yawn vehemently before actually responding. I'am awake. Now how will we go about this ? I hate being away from you. she complained, childishly. Uruale shot a whip of agitation to her, holding back the deep emotions that was like-wise. You will have to bare with it. Fly above us and land when we camp. Stay hidden. he ordered in a stern tone. Unlike Uruale, Flare had let her feelings flow freely through the bond, so it wasn't hard to tell that she hadn't been fooled by him. Flare knew that Uruale had felt the same about being apart from her, she just never spoke on it. Instead, she took flight into the clouds, obeying the wishes of her Riders.

Uruale looked over towards Freyja, coming back from the quick conversation between him and Flare. " Do you have anything to do before we depart ? " he asked, bravely. He gazed at her with calm, slate, eyes. " I will follow you but we will have to leave here soon. "

[Freyja]

Freyja looked up at Uruale and nodded. She already knew her destination: Fasaloft. It was the stepping stone, the place where she would finally have the whole of the empire in front of her, waiting, inviting her to explore it. She sighed as she put away her comb.
"Fasaloft, a small village on the shores of the Woadark lake. There, I will get supplies before heading off... to wherever." she said, her last words soft and gentle.
She really had no clue as to where she would go; as long as it was getting her further away from Narda, Freyja didn't really care. She tied her hair up with a dark green piece of cloth, making sure no strand would wander away from her bun and into her face during the day.

She grabbed her saddle and bridle and called to Valeo who came slowly to her side. She greeted her loyal steed by a warm caress on his muscular neck before tacking him up. When she was sure everything was set on right and all the leather strips were tightened correctly, she turned to Uruale and flashed him a smile.
"Shall we go?" she said as she started leading her horse by his reins away from their camp site, using the sun to navigate her. She knew that if she went south long enough, she would find the Toark river and from there all she had to do was follow it until it spilled into the Woadark lake. She didn't want to mount her horse for many reasons; she knew he was still tired from his frantic run the night before and she didn't want to have to look down at Uruale from the top of her steed.

It wasn't before long that curiosity took over Freyja and she started asking herself question about her mysterious companion.
"So... How did you manage to get entangled with the elf? He looked, and acted, like an old enemy." she said as she bore her eyes into Uruale, for the first time not feeling forced to look away.

[Brenton]

((I hope I'm still permitted to post here))

Brenton fumed as they neared the tower that was at some strange town. He never could figure out what the name of the town was but he really didn't care anyway. I could've taken that stupid reject rider and his failed dragon! Why is it that the world hates elves? Brenton was really angered as Vaentr replied. You don't have to always win every fight. That woman seemed safe to me. The Empire spread hatred of my race so this could happen! Well I can change that. Brenton started speaking in his language and was soon looking like a normal human, even though he was still an elf. Brenton urged Vaentr to land so he could go into town. When Vaentr landed, Brenton jumped down and walked to town.

He soon approached a clothing store and pulled out a large coin purse. Brenton bought new clothes to fit in with humans and was soon dressed in thick pants with a white cotton shirt and green leather vest. Brenton changed his armor so that it looked like a high ranking Empire commander's armor. Then Brenton used magic to make Undbitr look like it was a human blade. Brenton walked to the edge of town and bought a large chestnut colored war horse and took off to intercept the Empire rider.

Hills passed by as the large horse galloped over the ground. Fields changed to trees and Brenton felt the cool air caress his sandy brown hair. That was one of the changes and it annoyed him a lot. Soon Brenton found the two companions. He slowed down and gasped as if tired. Oh thank the King! Uruale, there is a Varden battalion attacking Fasaloft! The Empire needs you and Flare to help! Brenton felt great now that he had said that but he kept his facade up to keep the plan in action.

[Nepherion]

Uruale noted that Freyja hadn't really seemed to sure of where she wanted to go, and tried to piece it together, along with many other factors as to why Galbatorix had wanted her. The reasons came out faulty in most of his thoughts; so he pushed it to the side. Uruale looked up at the bright sun, its rays gleaming off of his lashes. " Than to Fasaloft. " he said softly.

....

Uruale leaned up against a scarce-leaved tree. His eyes were closed, but his other senses were open. He could hear Freyja's busybody moving, picking, and transferring one object into another. He folded his arms and thought about Flare's passage through the clouds, it wouldn't have usually been a particular thought in his mind; but the bond between them had sent most of her feelings and senses to him. He could feel the liquid inside each cloud pelt her body and could smell the O' so strong smell of precipitation in the air. It was a blessing to his senses and one of the reasons he counted himself lucky to be a Rider. To be able to experience the world on the back of a dragon was true gift. Especially one so bold as Flare.

Uruale lids opened to their usual daring glare once Freyja asked if they were ready. " We shall. " he answered, pushing himself off the tree and beginning to walk up to her. He had no disputes or wondering as to why she had not rode Valeo, but he found it quite weird for someone who had been so use to riding horse back to suddenly decided to walk.

As they walked a narrow, dirt filled, path; Uruale found himself questioned again. He had enjoyed the relative peace that had gone undisturbed, no matter how short it was. With a sigh, Uruale manage to pull his lips into a smirk as his charade begin to take root again. Once again his voice was filled with that intoxicated magic that made him sound more heavenly than any angel. " That miss, is a long story that I'd rather not go into. " For the first time Uruale, for some odd reason turned his gaze on her. It seemed almost weird to lock eyes with her.

Freyja's eyes, which were full of spirit and innocence never seemed to match the timidity in her voice; and yet it still captured Uruale's curiosity. His charade of a gaze, both soft and full of searching pierced her. After a moment, he brought his face from her and looked at the street ahead with a honest flush in his cheeks. " In any matter, I wouldn't worry about him anymore. The elf is probably long gone. " His voice softened up as he thought on the concept of the elf's retreat. " So, Do you mind me asking why you departed from your village ? " His steady footsteps, mixed with the hooves of Valeo's, and the steps of Freyja made an interesting melody in the air.

[Freyja]

Freyja's eyes went dark for a second as she lowered her gaze to the dirt road. She had never been asked that question before and, frankly, had never thought about the answer she would give either. She licked her lips and twisted the leather reins in her hand as her mind raced.
"I left because I... I had to go look for someone." She said, her voice soft and slow. I had to go look for myself she added in afterthought but kept that remark to herself. Even with his strangely mesmerizing voice Freyja couldn't bring herself to tell him her story. No, her story was one she'd rather forget. Her heart wasn't ready to open itself.

The whole episode back in Narda had affected Freyja in ways she still couldn't find words to express it. She shook her head lightly and ordered her mind to think of something else. She had already thought too much about her old life in the last 24h for he liking and comfort. She continued walking in silence, her mind still trying to focus on something else. After a short while, a new smile blossomed on her face. She could hear in the distance the loud rumbling of the Toark river and she was happy knowing that maybe she would reach Fasaloft in 2 days instead of 3.
"Tell me Uruale, where are you from?" She asked, eager to change the conversation topic and getting to know her new traveling companion.

[Nepherion]

Uruale noticed the somber gaze in Freyja's eyes before she lowered them to the ground. For a moment, he rejected the thought of continuing, but her answer came quicker than he had anticipated. " I know that feeling. Sometimes the thing we're looking for can only be found outside our realm of reality. " he said, sound quite philosophical. Like wise, Uruale walked in relative silence, besides the occasional check up from Flare.

How is all fairing ? she asked from high above. We are good. Uruale said blankly. At times, he found himself being more opened and receptive of Flare and this was one of those times . He spoke with restrained kindness. [color=darkred How is your flight ?

[/color] A spark of happiness flushed him as she felt his ever-so-rare affection. Its good. The wind is actually very refreshing today. Thank you for asking. Uruale decided to blame Freyja's presence for his sudden decency. I would have asked either way. For now continue to follow, I'll check back in later. he told her, before cutting the conversation.

Soon, the sound of the Toark River crackled against his ears, causing him to look up and bring his concentration onto the arm of water. " Our destination isn't far now. " he said aloud with a calm tone. He walked to the edge of the river, his arms inside his cloak. " Which way now ? " He had been in the Empire all of his life and have traveled on the back of Flare often, but never had he been Fasaloft. This would be his first time ever seeing the town. Maybe there he could find some answers to his questions. [/blockquote][/blockquote]

[Freyja]

Freyja nodded, acknowledging Uruale's question. She looked at the river intently but answered soon after with a light voice.
"Now we just follow the course of the water; it should lead us down to Fasaloft easily enough."

She looked around some more, trying to get more bearings and a better estimate of the time they had left until they reached the little town. She squinted up at the sun and could see, far away in the distance, the top of the Spine appearing. The snow covered peak reminded her of her hometown and when she used to gaze at them from the top of the lighthouse. She shooed those memories away and turned her eyes back at Uruale.
"We should reach the spine, if we continue at this pace, not before tomorrow around noon. Once we reach the Spine pass, Fasaloft won't be too far away." Freyja said her eyes darting from Uruale's to the mountainous horizon.
She didn't know whether he'd be pleased with the time they were making but Freyja had never given much importance to the speed of her travels. Having no set destination or no plans to follow, she gave herself the freedom of roaming around to her liking. She had done the most important; get away from Narda and that was all that mattered to her.

She looked at Valeo with critical eyes, trying to see if her horse had been injured in any way during the chaos of the night before. The steed seemed healthy, except for the haggardness in his eyes from his exhausting gallop. He would need at least a whole day of well-earned rest at a stable if Freyja wanted him to be back at his top shape. When we'll reach Fasaloft, I'll find an inn with a stable. It is the best thing to do. Freyja thought as she let her eyes wander from Valeo's finely-shaped head to Uruale's. His hair was tousled by the morning breeze and his cape flapped behind him with every step he took. Freyja suddenly found herself to be fascinated by his poise and the confidence he exhumed in his walk. Frankly, she had never met such an individual and part of her was very taken by him.

[Nepherion]

(OCC= If this posts makes Uruale seem a little different, forgive me. I just read his profile and I need to get back to him. )

Uruale returned a nod once she answered his question. " Alright than. We should get moving. " he said sternly. Looking out at the sun he estimated they could have been traveling maybe an hour or two since their departure. A sigh came from his nose as the sun warmed his skin and fresh tides of the Toark River released a cooling breeze.

Uruale hated hiding his identity, even if it was a mission from Galbatorix. His face was well known, all features remained intact except the growing stubble along his jaw. He hadn't the time nor the need to shave, finding that a added feature may just be what he needed to throw off anyone who recognized him. He placed his hand -unknowingly to Freyja- atop of Reona's handle. Inside his cloak he had the pleasure of resting his wrist on the comfortable black-wire handle. I can't wait to be with Flare again. he told himself, though he would never admit it aloud or through the bond.

Uruale glance towards Freyja, catching her prominently strong eyes on him again. He was beginning to wonder if she had grown infatuated with him. His cold, hard gaze return the stare but probably didn't have the same results. A smile curved his lips when he turned from her gaze. It was good to know that he could still bring warmth to the hearts women. Unfortunately, while he did find her attractive, he had grown numb from his time in this new magical world. He had forgotten how to approach the subject, how to woo the heart and body of a woman. Maybe he had no need for it now, all he knew was war and Flare.

After bringing himself from his thoughts, Uruale looked down the River towards Fasaloft and started walking. Freyja was the one who knew the direction, so he felt no need to tell her to follow. He just assumed that she would follow. Besides, he needed to distance himself from her anyway, being to close to someone this long - without being in contact with any real people for so long- could be damaging to his tough exterior.

But more important than that, Freyja had mention earlier that they were heading towards "The Spine". How interesting, it was only the night before that him and Flare had spoken on the ghoulish tales that had spread within that area. Uruale looked over his shoulder towards Freyja. " Freyja. " he said hoping to catch her attention. " Tell me. Are the stories of that wretched place true ? I heard rumors that at one point an entire regiment of the Empires soldiers were lost in there. " His voice still held hints of magical influence, but it more or less still held its blank, emotionless, tone.

[Freyja]

Freyja nodded as she averted her eyes away from the Spine, a sudden chill rolling down her back.
"Aye, what you heard is true. The elders of our village told us the stories many times. They, of course, didn't witness it but they say the tale is passed on from generation to generation. But the sea-folk from our village don't like to think about the Spine very much...." she said, her voice growing dark and soft.
She had some memories linked with the Spine that she still wasn't sure what to make of them. Strange happenings she only half witnessed and she forced herself to try and forget.
"They say it's cursed... And I believe it. I remember sometimes during the dead of night when all has gone quiet, even the sea, you could hear things... Strange noises that would be carried by the belly of the valley that separated our village from the mountains..." Freyja shook her head as her mind was flooded with unwanted memories.
"I still can't tell you what we heard during those nights but all I hope is that I'll never hear that wretched sound again. Sometimes I can still hear it, that awful sound. It's so-." But Freyja stopped herself, not wanting to relive anymore of those terrorizing nightmarish episodes.
"Never mind, I bet it all sounds like folly to you." she said as she broke out into a sweet smile, flashing her teeth briefly to her companion.
She could still feel the fear gripping at her guts from the memories but tried her best to ignore it and continue walking down the road. She would be lying if she said she wasn't afraid to cross the Spine or spend a night in a village that rested in the crook of the wretched mountains.
She sighed and tried to clear her mind, convincing herself that she now had a capable companion and that she wouldn't be alone if anything arose. But still, the fear clung to her like the pungent smell of rotting fish on her hands when she was young.

[Nepherion]

Freyja's stories had done nothing but backup the tales of The Spine and cause Uruale to grow even more cautious of its dark insides. Uruale's expression had not change from her tale though, the determined, steeled gaze of a soldier still rested on his face as he pushed forwards. " Folly is the last thing that I would call it. " he said to himself, walking slightly ahead of her.

Over the next few minutes, Uruale had done all he could to prepare for the trip to The Spine without hinting to his magical background. His mind raced at speeds that could be considered supernatural as he checked over his current supplies and the multitude of bags wrapped around and inside of Flare's saddle. The water had probably gone bad, so he would have to toss that out, his sleeping materials would be wet from her ducking in and out of clouds so they would have to dry. Many things needed to be done before he would feel confident about going inside of The Spine, and he felt that he didn't have enough time to complete them.

He tossed his mind towards The Spine, searching the edge of its entrance. He encountered many animals that were familiar and none of them was of any harm to him or Freyja. It brought a sense of ease over his frantic mind. Atleast we will enter without hindrance. he thought.

A sigh came from his nostrils, breaking the silence between him and Freyja. Uruale's dark-grey eyes turned towards the creek and back at the ominous mountain. " Is there no other way around to Fasaloft ? " he asked Freyja calmly.

[Freyja]

[OOC: Do you like my new signature?]

Freyja paused for a moment, frowning slightly, as she thought about the possibility. Finally she shook her head, sending a couple of strands from her loose bun flying around her face.
"No, I'm afraid not. The Spine doesn't leave much place for another passage. And besides, I need to stop by Fasaloft to restock on supplies, give Valeo some well-earned rest and maybe find a lead or two about where to go next. If you wish though, you are free to explore around the thin valley surrounding Fasaloft and leave me be. You're not forced to follow me after all." she said, finishing her sentence with a candid smile.

Although she didn't want to admit it, she would rather have Uruale by her side. Safety was her main concern and she was sure Uruale could protect them both. And also, she wanted to get to know him better. He gave Freyja the impression of a puzzle, a great riddle with startlingly grey eyes. Freyja turned her head away from Uruale, planting her gaze on a cloud high above.

Lost in contemplation, she jumped back a little when she thought she saw something move in the cloud. Must've been my imagination.... she convinced herself as she rubbed her fingers against her closed eyelids. She turned to look at Uruale who was walking by her side with a steady gait. She didn't know why, but he reminded her of a cat; he moved swiftly and smoothly and his feet made barely any noise upon the rocky road.

She sighed and turned her gaze away from his face and eyes, trying to not encourage her liking of his figure. She concentrated her attention on the Spine in the horizon. She wasn't looking forward to sleeping in a town that laid on the foot of the mountain but she didn't have any other choice.

After an hour or so of silence, Freyja smiled again as she turned to face Uruale.
"You asked me why I left my village but you never told me why you left yours... So tell me, where are you from and why were you walking around during nightfall when we... stumbled upon each other." she said, pausing slightly, carefully choosing her words when talking about how they met, her smile gradually fading away to leave behind only hints of it.

She was still in slight shock of the events that had occurred not even 24 hours earlier but she tried her best to focus her thoughts on the present. What good would it do to her if she replayed the memory over and over in her head? She instead looked at Uruale intently, her eyes shining with innocent interest and curiosity. Her lips were slightly turned up in the corners, hinting to a smile that was about to break out.

[Nepherion]

[OCC= Yea. It awesome. Did you do it ?]

Uruale folded his arms against his chest, continuing his steady walk beside her. " I know I'am not being forced. I would rather not let a young lady travel through The Spine alone. " he told her, sounding indifferent in a way. " That would be hard to live down. I guess you could say I'm a protector. " He tapped his finger against the sleeve of his dark tunic.

He thought of multiple defenses and wards that might be needed for The Spine's crossing. The really difficult part about that though, would be convincing Freyja to allow him to place them on her. Maybe he could call it a prayer, or possibly a blessing that the Empire used on its citizens'. He wasn't sure as of yet, but he tossed it to the side for now; he had much better things to think of than that.

Soon, The bright-leaf covered trees begin to grow sparse as they came closer and closer to The Spine. It was as if they were being replaced with corrupt and atrocious versions of themselves. The bark grew darker and the leaves or spines were more ominous. Uruale held his lids shut, relying more on his mind than his eyesight as he walked. It was a small anomaly - the ability to walk without looking - , and one he hoped she wouldn't noticed.

After an hour of constant strategics and secret ward placing on himself, Freyja's voice sounded in his ears. His eyes opened to a lazy, cold gaze. " I'am from a city in the Empire known as Gil'lead. I was raised there with a normal upbringing " he said blankly, hiding most if not all of the truth from her. " There was nothing to strange or dangerous ever happening around me. I'am nothing more than a rebellious lad. " The folds of his ragged cloak flapped behind him with his steps. Even though he didn't want to lie to her, he couldn't help exposing to much of himself or The King, for that too was against his oaths.

[Freyja]

[Lol yea. It's not as good as you guys' but I hope it'll do ]

Freyja nodded at Uruale's answer. For some reason, she had expected a much more extravagant story but was content with what he told her. Maybe he's not telling me everything... or maybe I have too much imagination. she thought with a smile as she stared at the approaching snow-covered peaks with interest. Even though they didn't look any different fro the ones she saw from atop her village's lighthouse, she couldn't help the fear-tinted reverence from seeping in her mind. Mountains like the Spine made her question her significance in the world. How could one as small as herself ever expect to leave a trace when the Spine towered above everything and its shadow swallowed kings from timeless eras and even Galbatorix's army?

They continued to walk in silence, the sun eventually rising to its peak as midday arrived. The proximity to the mountains had brought a slight chill in the air that Freyja welcomed gladly. She was never one to enjoy hot weather for, amongst many things, the heat reminded her of the days she spent out on the docks gutting fish or on the deck of the Elana waiting for a whale to appear or the wind to rise. She sighed with satisfaction and nothing, not even the ominous trees and mountains, could dampen her spirits. She felt Valeo stir next to her as he threw his head up slightly, sending his mane fanning out above his neck and forehead.
"Hush boy, hush..." Freyja said in a soothing whisper as she stroke his shoulder.
His nervousness unsettled Freyja. He hadn't been the same ever since they had met up with Uruale and the elf, almost as if the horse still felt danger lurking around him. Almost as if the steed knew he was like a hare to the eyes of the mighty dragon that loomed above in the clouds. But both Freyja and her horse didn't see the invisible threat; the only difference was that Valeo felt it.
"I suggest we skip lunch. I'd like to cover more ground before dark. We can set up camp in the small thicket of trees up ahead when night falls." Freyja said as she motioned to the border where trees started growing denser again.
From what she had calculated, they would reach the outskirt of the dark forest that marked the beginning of the elongated roots of the Spine around sunset.
The girl looked at Uruale, expecting either an approval or a disapproval. His gaze was still locked on the snowy peaks of the Spine, lost in contemplation or thought. What goes on in that head of his?. She shook her head lightly; he was far too different from the brutes back in Narda for her to even claim she could understand his actions.

[Nepherion]

Did she actually buy that pitiful excuse of a story ? Asked Flare from high above. Her draconian eyes had made even Uruale and his companion visible from her immense height. I hope so. It was all I could think of at the moment. he told her blankly. Flare licked her jowls with her barbed tongue, looking at the four-legged-plain-runner. Uruale, Will you be alright if I go hunting for a little ? Her wings beats were silent as she glided on the eddies around her. Yes. Hurry back though. I want you back with us before we enter The Spine. he told her. With that she banked around and headed towards a small area of trees to the south, staying close by but looking for a meal that could provide enough nourishment for the battles to possibly come.

Uruale looked towards Valeo as he heard his variant sounds. " He must be spooked by the legends as well. " he said jokingly, but in a stale tone. His mind wondered to the odds of keeping Freyja safe in a assortment of situations and many came out with favorable results. While few left him with no other choice than to leave her. Though he would try all he could to save her if possible. After all, with a face as angled and heavenly as her's it would be a true waste to see her perish.

Uruale paused and looked towards the thicket of trees she spoke of. He had no problem skipping lunch if she didn't. The pommel of Reona was filled with more than enough energy to use for battle and by now the Eldunari on his person was gaining strength as well. He could mask the pain of hunger with spells of endurance if need be, but he knew he wouldn't have too, for Freyja knew nothing of magic and she would need sustenance eventually. " If you want too, I don't mind. Just so long as we have somewhere safe to lay tonight. " he replied.

The Spine was surely a spectral sight, but even than he felt that he could conquer such a monster with little resistance. As if gesturing for Freyja to follow, Uruale tilted his head towards The Spine and begun to walked again. Even his feet were beginning to sear with aches, along with his calves. Though he would never show it.

[Freyja]

Freyja nodded at Uruale, glad he accepted to continue onwards. She knew her legs would soon be sore from all the walking, especially since she was used to do all her travelling on horseback, but still she preferred to walk on and be sure they would have a good place to sleep at night. She sighed as she twisted the reins in her damaged hands. The blisters on her fingers weren't raw anymore but it would still take a couple of days for the pain to dissipate completely.

She marched steadily next to Valeo in silence, lost in thought. She knew she would probably have difficulty sleeping that night; the proximity of the Spine uneased her in many ways. She feared she would hear those same noises she heard during some nights back in Narda. A shudder rolled down her spine as she recalled the ghoulish echoes that were carried by the vast plain that separated her village from the range of mountains. She averted her eyes from the ragged peaks and onto Uruale’s face. He looked concentrated, almost preoccupied with something. But in the depth of his gaze Freyja could see a hint of excitement shining, like he knew of the promise of a great thrill, an epic journey that waited for him in the horizon. The sight made Freyja smile and her eyes grew softer as she forgot for a moment the threat of the looming and foreboding Spine. His hair wrestled and waltzed with a rising breeze, caressing his delicate features with a gentle touch Freyja wished was hers. A slight blush crept to her cheeks as she realized the implications of her thought. She turned her head away from Uruale and forced herself to look at a strangely shaped cloud in the distance to change her mind. She knew he was handsome; there was no denying that. But Freyja’s heart still ached from the events back in Narda… No, these kinds of thoughts would have to wait. But how long could she keep her heart chained and obedient? For the human heart was well known for its desire to thwart all rational thoughts its owners had.

She shook her head as she let her eyes fall from the sky and onto the tips of her worn boots. The leather was partly sun bleached and many scratches and wrinkles littered them. They weren't in the best of conditions but they were the most comfortable shoes she had ever laid foot in and that’s all that mattered to her. In spite of it all, she could feel her feet growing sorer and sorer with each step. She was tempted to mount Valeo but she reasoned herself out of it; he still needed to recuperate and it would be wiser to keep his strength for if she needed to run away from a danger in the Spine.
Even though Freyja didn't speak much, she enjoyed having Uruale at her side, he made her feel safe, protected. She sighed once more as she concentrated her gaze on the approaching thicket of trees where they would settle camp. But she couldn't help being slightly distracted by his presence in her peripheral vision. His grey eyes, much like magnets, seemed to pull her blue ones in them, inviting them to gaze aimlessly at them.
The sun soon started to set and in the orange glow of dusk, the pair of travelers reached their destination.

“Now all we need to do is raise camp.” Said Freyja with enthusiasm as a small smile tugged at the corner of her lips.
She untacked her steed and took out her bedroll. She wondered for a moment whether or not she should build a tent and decided she would wait and see what Uruale did. She walked around camp gathering wood for a fire and once she built a stone-enclosed pit for it, she set to work on lighting a flame.
When the fire was purring lazily, she sat down and, after pulling out a small pouch from her saddlebag, leaned on a fallen log for added comfort. She pulled out from the brown bag two pieces of dried bark of a deep burgundy color. She placed one of them in her mouth and reached over to give the other to Uruale.
“Here, these’ll help against the pain from sores and blisters. They’re dried bark from the Ice King tree. We used to bring a lot on our trips out at sea.” She said as she chewed on the piece of wood.

[Nepherion]

Uruale had uttered words of the ancient language to soothe the aches in his feet. He had felt bad for Freyja, they had traveled longer than expected, he wondered if she had pains plaguing her aswell. A sigh left his nostrils as her eyes constantly came to his face. He wondered if he held some blemish or something, but knew that was practically impossible due to his own spells; as vain as it may sound, Uruale took pride in his appearance.

His expression remained steel hard as he thought on current events. He had to admit it had been a long time since he had been in the company of one and especially one as dazzling as Freyja, maybe he should make a move later. But he rationalized that the king may be upset if he had spoiled the prize that he had wanted so bad and that his duty as a Rider came above all else.

His ashen eyes pierced the orange ting that seem to cut the air and dropped down onto the earth. Looking towards the snow-covered peaks of The Spine he could only imagine how he and Freyja would survive in there for more than a couple of days. The stories told to him by Galbatorix depicts Urgals and other monstrous creatures that can kill even Riders. Even though he is stronger than any normal Rider could possibly be, it still strikes a certain uneasiness in his heart. Either way he would want Flare by his side soon, this consensual and necessary distance was beginning to weigh down on him.

Uruale and Freyja soon reached the thicket where they would set up camp. He took a few more steps than Freyja when they first arrived, placing himself somewhere near the middle of the camping area. Closing his eyes, Uruale tossed his mind out around him. He avoided Freyja's mind and continued to search, not wanting to alert anything around, he only went so far as the immediate vicinity. While Freyja gathered the materials needed for the fire, Uruale could only think to check Reona, over the course of a few months he had grown accustomed to war and had for the most part put everything else of lesser importance.

Uruale unbuckled Reona's sheathe from his side and placed it against his lap as he sat down by the flame-less pit. He looked up towards Freyja, wondering if she would speak on his sword. He hoped this hadn't discouraged her to travel with him, for if it did than he would have to force her to follow him; by other means if necessary. He placed his gaze on Reona until Freyja offered him bark from the Ice King Tree. Uruale grabbed it from her softly, looking at it inquisitively before gnawing on the tough bark. The taste was bland and yet unneeded, even if it had worked quickly he wouldn't have noticed. He took a quick, yet thoughtful glance up at her eyes before returning to mending his blade.

[Freyja]

As the soothing effect of the bark coursed through her body, Freyja couldn't help herself from staring at the sword on Uruale's lap. It was unlike the usual swords she was used to seeing like the ones the guards from her village carried around; the sword looked like a piece of fine craftsmanship or a piece of art. But Freyja had a feeling the sword wasn't just for display; her companion must've used on more than one occasion and she didn't even let her mind wonder if he had ever used it against another human being.
"That's a beautiful sword. It's very... different." she said, choosing her last word carefully.
She didn't mean it in a pejorative way, she meant it as a compliment. Although the color of it was unusual both for a sword and for a male wielder, Freyja couldn't help but thinking that the strikingly rose metal was suiting for him. It felt almost as if it had a deeper meaning to it than just aesthetics that Freyja couldn't quite grasp yet. She sighed as she let her eyes run up and down the weapon as she tried to visualize how best to use the pin-pointed sword.
"Do you think..." she started saying but her voice failing mid-sentence as a small blush crept over her cheeks and a slight shyness prevented her from finishing her sentence before she licked her lips nervously.
"Do you think that you could maybe teach me how to use a sword?" She finally said, her eyes planted on the dancing flame that separated her from Uruale.

She was afraid he would refuse or deem it improper for a girl to know how to use such a manly device but deep down she wished he would accept. Knowing how to wield a weapon would prove to be a great advantage if ever she was pitted against a threat of whatever form. Her fingers twisted and wrapped themselves around the hem of her skirt as she eagerly awaited for Uruale's reply. She planted her eyes in his unwavering steely gaze, stealing a quick glance at his lips during the process.