When The Sun Sets (Closed until further notice)

[Nepherion]

Uruale lifted Reona to eye level, inspecting the edges of the brilliant, rose colored blade. It shimmered with bright refractions of pink as the sun slid across its surface. His eyes squinted as the sun passed by them. Her question was sudden and tossed him off his guard slightly. " You want me to teach you how to wield a blade ? " he asked indifferent, continuing to examined Reona by sliding his finger down it face and to the tip. His eyes lifted up to her's as he became content with his inspection.

He stood up and with a single twirl of his wrist placed Reona into its like-wise rose colored sheathe, though its materials of making seemed severely different from the usual sheath that empire soldiers carried. The sheathe seemed more intone with the making of the blade, as its cross-wire designed flowed down the blunt sheathe and brought elegance to the thick blade.

Uruale buckled the sheathe to his side, allowing it to hang from his belt by the black latches. He looked at Freyja again, this time his mind finally free to think on her question. The reason to why she wanted to wield a blade was of little concern to him, for he didn't have such difficulties with how she would use the blade. Whether it be for good or evil mattered none. He thought more on the facts that she may use what he taught her against him. She could decide to attack him later down the road. His lids lowered over his eyes and his gaze turned coldly inquiring.

After a moment, Uruale walked towards her, stopping within blades reach of her. " I guess we will start with the basics, Freyja. " Reluctance and concern for Freyja's safety stopped him from allowing her to wield Reona, all of that combined with a selfishness made it absolutely impossible for him to give it to her. " Find a sturdy stick and we'll begin. Make sure its durable. " he told her. Standing feet away from the flame-less pit. The two had a little time before dark reach them. They could fill the time with a few swings and stances.

[Freyja]

Freyja smiled at Uruale's response even though she saw a small cloud pass over his gaze. She was glad the effect from the Ice King had kicked in enough for her to walk around without any pain as she looked around for a sturdy stick.

A small exclamation of joy escaped her lips as her eyes landed on the perfect branch: not too long, wide or dried and breakable. She wrapped her scarred fingers around the base of the stick and twirled it around lightly, trying to see if the weight and basic form suited her. For some reason, it made her think back at her harponing days back in Narda; she would always spin her jagged-bladed harpoon too see where its balance lay so she could throw it as best as she could.

But the memories vanished quickly as she spat out the remnants of dried bark from her mouth. The indescribable taste still lingered in her mouth, clinging to her gums and tongue no matter how much she swallowed. She walked back to the camp, stick in hand and smile on her lips.
"I hope this will do." she said as she waved the branch shyly next to her legs.
She clamped the dead tree limb between her legs as she let her hair down. The last thing she wanted was her hair getting in her eyes or face when she practiced. With agile and swift hands, she expertly pulled her hair back in a tight bun and tied it all with a thin leather strip she kept around her wrist. She grabbed her would-be sword in her right hand and with her left hand unbuckled her dark green cloak from around her shoulders and threw in on the log so it wouldn't hinder her movements.

She tapped the tip of her thick twig against the forest floor a few time, her eyes shining with playful incitement.
"Shall we begin?" she asked as one of her eyebrows raised ever so slightly and the corner of her lips twitched in a impish grin.
She was eager to test her skills with a blade. She knew it was different from the harthingy she was used to employ but Freyja had a feeling that she wouldn't be as helpless with a blade as she or Uruale could be led to believe. After all, the balance and steadiness of arm and hand she developed for using a harthingy was sure to give her a slight advantage when wielding a sword-like weapon.

[Nepherion]

Uruale took in a deep breathe of preparation before letting it out sharply. He had never attempted to teach anyone, and truthfully could only imagine it irritating what little sense of patience he had. He hoped that Freyja would have some skills, but honestly judging by appearance it didn't look so. Uruale placed his fist on his hip and gaze on at Freyja's search. This would be her first evaluation. The picking of suitable blade.

If she wasn't competent enough to pick her blade -or stick in this case- to her suitability, than this session would end in splintering results. His dauntless eyes kept track of her every movement, from her subtle approaches to inferior sticks as well as her approaches to a to-heavy-to-swing branch.

His lips curve ever so slightly - but not to much to break his inscrutable expression - as she picked up one of the more wield-able sticks. " You pass. " he complimented her in a blank tone. While she tied her hair, Uruale walked over and picked a stick much like hers, but one with a wider body and narrower handle. It was one that reminded him of a Reona. It weighed a little more than Reona; or so he thought, lately it seemed like everything was as light as a feather. That perk came with bond of Dragon and Rider.

He examined the stick with scrutinizing eyes before they wondered to Freyja. She unbuckled her cloak, it brought a questioning raise to one of his eyebrows. She's taking this seriously. He approached her with elegant strides that deliberately brought extra motion to his crimson cloak and hair. His expression was one of sadden strength, one that was brought by years of battle.

He stopped within reach of Freyja's stick, feeling the arrival of a cool breeze. " Come at me Freyja. Let me see your skills. " His chestnut brown hair swayed with a down turn of his head and stretch of his stick-wielding-arm. He left himself open on purpose but was sure the confident show would leave her mind slightly jumbled.

[Freyja]

Freyja eyes followed Uruale closely as he made his way nearer to her, his hair and cape flying behind him and giving the crimson clad man a dignified air and courtly beauty. Freyja tried to force herself to think about other things but the harm was done, his distinguished looks where forever etched in in embers in her mind. She forced her eyes downwards and away from him for a few seconds as she composed and organised her thoughts.

Her slight grin broke out into a mischievous smile as she raised the tip of her weapon from the ground. She inspected Uruale's posture, trying to figure out the most logical way to strike. Freyja sidestepped around her new companion to get accustomed to the terrain, her smile slowly draining from her features as concentration overtook her. She could feel and hear the dried leaves crunching and cracking under the soles of her weathered boots. She tried to focus all her attention on her body and Uruale's, blocking out everything else. Her breathing filled up her ears for a moment as she exhaled loudly and tried to steady her hands.

It wasn't a question of pride, Freyja wanted to do good in the sword fight to prove to herself that she was capable of defending herself to a certain degree. She readjusted her grip on her make-shift hilt, her fingers rippling over the wooden surface. She brought her would-be sword next to her face as her brows slanted slightly downwards in a light frown of concentration. She inhaled deeply through her nose as she slowly made her way closer and closer to her target. Uruale stood perfectly still, his grey eyes inspecting her with his strangely cold gaze she found disconcertingly focused and unrelenting.

When she judged she was close enough, she decided to swing at Uruale from the right, her weapon whistling as it grazed past her right ear. She planned on him parrying the blow by bringing up his sword to his shoulder before the blunt edge of her stick could even get near his body.

She had a vague idea of what she'd do after his move but Freyja decided she would mostly rely on her reflexes like she did when out whaling. The more she thought about it, the more she realized how much her years of manning the harpo-on could help her in wielding a blade; years of practicing her aiming on a raging sea had helped her gain good balance and a steady swing.

[Nepherion]

Uruale staid immobilized, as if motion-less in the midst of the sunset's embrace. As was custom for war, he couldn't help but pick his opponent apart, bit by bit. Her movements, her possible thoughts, her early patterns.., they all begin to circulate in his mind. She was slowly trying to find a weak spot, a area of blindness, or way to trick him. Either way it would make no difference. As she was, Freyja was like a helpless infant going up against a bear.

He took in a deep breathe as he realized her hopeless situation. Though, was this not the point of learning and training; to become better in ones' endeavor.

He returned his attention on the battle at hand. His unrelenting eyes focused on Freyja's sidestepping movements and forever nearing feet. Starting off like any novice I see. he thought softly, remembering his first bout with the fallen king Galbatorix. That session was much like this one, a battle between two individuals who's power was leagues apart from one another.

He rubbed his thumb up the tight bark of the make-shift sword's hilt. She drew closer to him and he in-turn anticipated the moment of her strike.

Than, as if on cue, she struck towards his right side. A quick step towards her and a thrusting motion under the opening of her stick was all that was needed to end the match. His agility came into play as he came in close to Freyja's person. With elegance and cool steps he made his way easily through her defenses. The stick in his right hand was position in the crook of her neck and shoulder. If he had been wielding Reona, than her head would have been rolling at his feet. He locked eyes with her, gazing into her pools of blue as the intimacy of their closeness became all too awkward for him.

[Freyja]

With steps all too quick and silent for her to acknowledge, Uruale managed to not only avoid her blow but get in close to her. The rugged edge of his weapon rubbed up against her neck, letting her know how dead she would've been if it were a real combat. She swallowed difficultly as a bitter thought crossed her mind. You can't even defend yourself... Pathetic... the hurtful thought echoed relentlessly as she stared deeply in Uruale's grey eyes. His perfume started tickling her nose, sending a shiver down her spine as she realized just how close they were.

And in a split second, she couldn't bear his proximity anymore. It had a certain intimacy to it she wasn't ready to feel. With a swift twist of her arm, she managed to put a bit of space between Uruale and her. Not stopping her momentum, she rammed her shoulder closest to him against his chest and lept backwards.

She looked at him with fire in her eyes as her determination to get better rooted itself deep inside her mind. She raised her make-shift sword slightly, pointing the tip at Uruale. She decided she would play defense for the second round; maybe she'd be a bit better at dodging than attacking. She nodded to no one in particular, showing she was ready for more.

In the distance, the wind howled and ruffled the leafs of the nearby trees. She bent her knees slightly, making a couple of small twigs crack under her shifting weight. She narrowed her eyes a bit and tried to focus herself even more.

[Nepherion]

Freyja's shoulder impacted his chest. He could have just as easily withstood it, but that would had brought questions to her curious mind, so instead he took a step back and allowed her to think she had caused it. His expression was just as emotionless as before, his chestnut brown hair laid over his left eyes as he regained his standing. " Freyja ? " he stated, leaving a small pause for her to ease herself. He brought the stick in his hand lazily to his side as he begun a slow approach towards Freyja. " What do you think is the best way to win a sword fight ? " he asked, blankly. Leaving the silent and warm wind to blow between them.

His cape flowed behind him and his stone gray eyes brighten as the sunset begun to darken into night. Dried eaves crunch under the steady steps of his boots as he came closer and closer to his frigid companion. The cold air of battle had begun to envelope him and yet it wasn't at his will or whim. He couldn't help that steel feeling that entered his body when wielding a blade or engaging in battle. He had grown too accustom to its wicked embrace to fight off its grasp on him.

Without hesitance or stopping Uruale brought his stick skywards, hitting the middle of Freyja's stick with both overwhelming strength and speed. He gazed at her soft features and wondered just how she would re-act to an opponent that was too strong for her to handle.

[Freyja]

Freyja’s eyes lit up at Uruale’s question. She had never really thought about it. She shifted her weight from a leg to another as Uruale slowly made his way towards her as she tried to conjure up a decent answer to his question.

A warm breeze brushed up against her, a few strands of her hair straying away from the bun and waltzing in front of her eyes. There was something in Uruale’s slow walk that made her uncomfortable; like she was a prey and he was the hunter. His eyes seem even harder than usual, fiercer and colder. Shining like two drops of melted silvers, his gaze stared at her with almost unbearable intensity.

Freyja swallowed as she adjusted her grip on her make-shift sword. He was getting closer and closer, his fingers wrapped around his hilt tightly and his jaw clenched, giving his face an even sharper look to it. For a moment she lost herself in his stare, not able to concentrate on anything else but his steely gaze and the soft caress of the wind against her face as a lock of her hair brushed up against her cheek.

Freyja noticed seconds too late Uruale was aiming to strike her from above with one mighty swing. Purely by reflex, she was able to bring her sword up and block his attack. She winced as the shockwave from the impact travelled up her arm and made her teeth clatter painfully.

Freyja knew she was no match against Uruale pure strength. Not only was he in position to overpower her, he was also by far way stronger. She knew she didn’t have a lot of time to think before Uruale made her fall to her knees and admit defeat. A bead of sweet rolled down the side of her face, much like a lazy tear, as she struggled to match Uruale’s push.
Working quickly, she used one of her hand to slant her weapon and make Uruale’s ‘sword’ slide down the edge of her stick. Moving quickly, she twisted on herself and moved away from Uruale as she took a couple of steps backwards. I’ll have to rely on much more than just reflexes if I ever want to best him eventually, she thought bitterly as her lower lip twitched from exhaustion.

“The best way to win a sword fight… Is to use the opponent’s weaknesses against him. It’s not a battle of strength; it’s a battle of wits. Figure out your opponent, decode his thoughts and actions, assimilate them and use them to your advantage. Pure strength plays a minor role. The real deciding factor is your brain.” She said, speaking through panting breathes.

She wasn’t sure she had the right answer but it seemed the most logical to her. It reminded her of her whaling days and how she had to figure out how the whale would react in order to fish it best. She waited in silence for Uruale’s approval or reprimand as the wind continued to blow between the two. She could feel her heart beating wildly against her ribcage, almost as if wanting to burst out of its bony cage. She licked her blood gorged red lips as she kept her weapon pointed at Uruale, her eyes suddenly fierce and dripping with determination and a strange primitive sort of strength.

[Nepherion]

Uruale was surprised by Freyja's reflexes, for someone of her background and timid nature he had hardly expected such battle instincts. He allowed her to twirl around him and continue to her position, for their were plenty of moves that could have tested just how good she really was; if he had wanted. A cold glance was cast as his eyes moved to the corner of his lids.

Uruale was neither out of breathe or the least bit worried about losing, of course one could toss that up to his wartime experience and his know how with a blade. She grows tired. he thought to himself. That is proof of how much harder my life has been compared to the normal. This is proof.

Uruale turned around, so that he faced Freyja as she answer his question. His expression gave little hint of if she was right or wrong. He brought the stick horizontally into the air above him. His pale skin gripped it bark tightly as his eyes ran up and down its body inquisitively . " You're thinking to hard Freyja. The answer is a simple one. " he told her, aiming his gaze on her and lowering the blade to his side. Uruale knew Freyja would over think the answer, most people did, hell even he had when the Fallen King had asked him the question. When he was told the answer, a certain action was performed before it; and so Uruale would try to copy his mentors way to teaching. That was without all the brain tearing torture that came with it.

Uruale snapped his blade towards Freyja as his moment of contemplation had ended. " Prepare yourself. " he said hastily. He took a great leap towards Freyja. It was one that could be seen for he had matched his speed where it would be at the limit of her vision; he could have gone much faster but he decided that would be unwise. It could possibly lead to a unwanted injury to her. The stick in his hand stabbed underneath her's and with great speed he begin to twirl it around. The goal of such a move was for an opponent to lose control of one's blade and therefore lose one's blade all together. But Uruale wasn't counting on that, Freyja was full of surprises. Though he doubted she could measure up.

[Freyja]

Freyja's eyes narrowed at Uruale's response. Over-thinking? Was the answer to such a broad question as simple as the question itself appeared to be? Freyja's lips thinned slightly as she tried to steady her breathing and her shaking arms. Uruale's blow and her evasion had used up too much energy and Freyja knew it was only a matter of a couple of minutes before she would collapse under her wobbly knees.

Freyja dipped her chin once, sharply, at Uruale’s command. She knew the training session was soon coming to an end but she was determined she would give it her all to at least try to touch him with either her weapon or her fists. As Uruale's leapt towards her, Freyja's eyes had difficulty following his swift movement. How can he be so fast? How can I ever dream to one day equal such speed and strength? she questioned to herself bitterly as she braced herself for whatever her companion had in mind.

She gritted her teeth as Uruale’s blade came into contact with hers. He was forcing her sword to twirl around his, making it harder and harder for her to keep her grip steady on her weapon. A small growl of frustration escaped her lips as she felt her fingers loosen around the hilt. No, I won’t let him disarm me so easily, I can’t… I have to hold on a little longer… She kept saying to herself as she felt she was inches away from losing her weapon. With a sudden burst of energy and determination, she tightened her fingers around the raspy wooden hilt and jolted her arm downwards and away, pulling her weapon away from Uruale’s. She made a few quick steps backwards, bouncing on the tip of her feet with the balance and agility she had acquired with much effort and practice on moving ships. The leaves rustled and crunched under her as she shifted her weight and grabbed her sword with both hands.

“If it isn’t a battle of wits, what can it be? I dare not think it’s a battle of strengths for the greatest swords masters aren't the most muscular…” She said, getting back to Uruale’s initial question.

She furrowed her brows as a few strands of hair flew in front of her face, reflecting the setting sun and catching coppery fire with the rays’ dying glare. The question kept running and trotting around her mind, not leaving her at peace. She blinked and looked into Uruale’s stormy eyes. They were growing to intimidate her as a strange sort of coldness and energy seemed to drown out everything else in them. She liked it before, when there was at least some form of foreign life in them… Now they seemed… Freyja slightly shook her head; this wasn’t the time to go on lyrical deambulation about anything, much less her rival’s eyes. She brought up her weapon so the tip was level with her shoulder and she slightly slanted the stick on the side as to have nothing blocking her sight. She exhaled through her nose as she tried to figure out both the answer and Uruale’s next move.

Uruale’s seemed to shift but stayed otherwise motionless. Freyja could feel her legs starting to ache from standing still and all the walking they had done during the day. But I can’t give up… Not now… I can’t- she cut her though short as it dawned to her. Her eyes seemed to light up as a small smile crept to her blood-gorged lips. Her blue eyes seemed to smile on their own as she widened them slightly.

“The best way to win a fight is to never give up, isn’t it?” she said her voice a mixture of softness and strength.

The wind blew at the top of the trees loudly and forcefully, sending the birds up in a panic and Freyja’s unruly locks around her face. Both her’s and Uruale’s clothes flapped against their bodies as the strong breeze passed between them. Standing completely still, Uruale could’ve almost passed for a marble statue if it wasn't for his ebony hair flowing majestically around his delicately carved facial features.

[Nepherion]

Freyja swordsmanship was extensive for such a rural upbringing and yet she had so much more to learn. Uruale could tell that she would be more than a match for the conventional swordsman, but in a world where her logic would be turn upside down; she stood no match. Uruale felt the rays of the sun warm his side as he stood still in his own thoughts and Freyja hers.

Honestly he was growing tired of the sparring, the urge to strike her was growing strong and he hadn't wanted to anger the King in such a way. Not to mention he could feel Flare growing ever closer from her little hunt, so it was about time to end things. But the lingering question was to either end the battle or simply allow it to hang in the air. He hated to the do the latter but it might just be for the best.

Freyja's voice soon caught his attention and his stone-filled eyes were soon on body. Her answer was one of an optimistic fool's, and it brought a small chuckle from him considering that Galbatorix had taught him the lesson. The wicked man would have never held such a theme as the backbone for any of his lessons. Things like that was what he called a fool's noose.

Uruale let a sigh fall from his nostrils as the distant beats of Flare's wings became hear able to him. He could see her traveling towards a small area that was secluded from them, heading further towards the edge of The Spine. Uruale lifted his head and with it his hair was swept to the side. He dropped the stick to the ground without a second thought. " That too is the wrong answer. " he told her before walking to the small pit to the side of them, he held no fear in Freyja's blade or her; but he had his guard up the entire time. " We're done for tonight. We will need our rest for the journey ahead. I don't wanna waste it sparring. " He drug his boots against the ground before plopping down. " Shall you start the flame or shall I ? " he asked.

[Freyja]

Freyja exhaled loudly through her nose, annoyed she didn't have the right answer. She knew the question would gnaw at her mind until she either found the answer or Uruale gave it to her. One thing was for sure though, she didn’t want the latter to happen; she wanted to find it on her own, not matter how long it took. When Uruale announced the session was over, Freyja flung the stick with all her strength against a nearby tree out of frustration and relief, making it shatters into asymmetrical pieces. She massaged her bicep that was starting to grow sore from the sparring. Even though the ache was nothing compared to the ones she got after a whaling expedition, she knew it would bother her until she fell asleep.
“You can start the fire. I’ll get my stuff ready and prepare supper.” She said, her voice soft as she buckled her cape back on her shoulders.
The nights would get cold around the spine and the closer they got, the colder it would eventually get at sunset. She spared one last glance back at Uruale as she grabbed a small jute bag from her saddle bag and headed out in the forest for food. If she was lucky, she would find some sort of meat and not use her travel stock.

While traveling down the spine, she had more than once been forced to find her own food in the wilderness and though she wasn't a master at it, she was decent enough to know the basics.
After walking with her back against the setting sun for some time, she finally managed to find small tracks against a slightly muddy patch of terrain. Eventually, it led Freyja to a small den resting at the gnarly roots of a dying tree of unknown origins. Crouching down carefully, she peered into the dark hole. If she was fortunate, it would either be a hare’s or a porcupine’s lair. Freyja’s lips curled up slightly as she took out from her belt her jute bag and, after finding the den’s second exit, she tightly attached the bag so it would catch any outgoing creature. Using a stick, she poked at the dark hole, teasing the living creature out of its den and into the trap. Working as fast she could, Freyja tied the bag shut after checking inside it. It was a small leveret, too small to properly feed both her and Uruale on itself.

When she came back to camp, the fire was glowing nicely in its pit and Valeo stood calmly near the edge of camp, his mane swaying in the soft breeze. Without a word, she went to her saddle bag and pulled out one of her wood carving knife. The hare still moved in the bag, trying deliberately to free itself from its upcoming doom. With a steady hand, Freyja reached in and grabbed the fidgety animal by the neck. She never like doing what had to be done and her eyes would always turn to steel as she worked on the death of any animal, be it a fish, a whale or a hare. With her strong fingers and hands, Freyja snapped its neck, killing it instantly. Working quickly, she tied the hare's hind legs against a low hanging steady branch and drove her knife along the belly. Gutting was the trickiest part; one had to work fast and effectively so the meat wouldn't get ruined by the dead organs. Once she was done gutting and skinning the animal, she stripped the carcass of all the meat and placed it in a small cooking pot.
Her hands were still covered in blood as she looked around, trying to see where Uruale was. Without noticing, she rubbed the back of her hand against her cheek, smearing a thick line of blood on her face right under her left eye. The deep burgundy contrasted with the blue of her eyes, making Freyja look almost like the once proud female warrior tribes of the north she had heard so many stories about when she was young.
She sighed as she cast a quick glance back at the pink meat waiting to be cooked. She was about to get up from her kneeling position but almost fell backwards when Uruale seemed to materialize himself behind her.
“Uruale…. I - didn’t hear you approach.” She said, with a faint smile, as she looked up at him from her kneeling position on the ground.

[Hey Neph! I really hope you don’t mind the fact that I made Uruale move behind Freyja! If you don’t like it, tell me and I’ll change it ASAP!  sorry if I caused any inconveniences]

[Nepherion]

Uruale looked over his shoulder at Freyja as she said he could start the fire. He gazed at her as she prepared to go into the deep forest, slightly worried and partially afraid of the consequence of her possible disappearance. Once she vanished within the darkness of the forest, Uruale looked back towards the fire and parted his lips, grasping at the vault of magic locked away in him. " Brisingr. " he spoke in a whisper. A flash of fire burst into the pit of stones and slowly grew into a suitable flame.

Uruale stood from the ground with a sigh. Finally he had time to himself, time to dwell in his own thoughts. Under the crisp black cloak, he placed a hand on Reona's hilt and fleshing together words of the ancient language examined it for even the tiniest hint of damage. As he thought, there was none. Uruale took a few steps from the fire and into the shadows where the fire didn't reach. Valeo neighed nervously, but he paid no mind to the steed. Looking out at the slopes and mounds that they had already conquer brought a sense of shock to him, seeing as she was only human, the fact that she had kept up with him this far seemed unreal. Uruale folded his arms over his chest and adopted a steel gaze. "Maybe there was a reason for Galbatorix wanting her afterall". A small smirk curved his lips and for the short time she was gone he looked on at the landscape under him in contemplation.

The sound of a leaves crunching a distance away broke his train of thought. Uruale looked towards the dark woods with piercing eyes, his hand suddenly dropping to the hilt of Reona as he prepared for a battle but the smell of Freyja's natural scent soon filled his nose and he knew she was back from her small trip. He eased himself and straightened back out, deciding to resume his small look out into the dark skies.

I smell dinner. mused Flare from her roost on the faraway cliffs. Uruale lids lifted to the sound of his bonded partner. Me too. The smell is disgusting. No one but Flare knew exactly how the death of animals tore at Uruale. If it wasn't to preserve ones life or another, than he really didn't like being in the presence of a dead beast. Well you need your nutrients Uruale. If you can, just eat a little will you ? Uruale nodded, forgetting that Flare wasn't near him too see it. I'll try. For now though, I will return to her. Try to get some sleep will ya ?

In the midst of Freyja's little skinning process, Uruale left his little spot on the edge of camp and walking around the fire came up behind Freyja. He stopped in the midst of her finishing up the poor hare. She was kneeling down; her hair bound by a band exposed the skin of her neck. For a moment he was lost in the desires that overwhelmed most males,than suddenly she tilted back further than expected and his quick reflexes jumped into action. He bent down as his arm looped under the pit of her's and the other held up her shoulder. " Are you okay ? " he asked in a even tone. His storm driven eyes looking into the blues that were full of determination as usual.

[Freyja]

Freyja took a second to respond, momentarily lost in his gaze. Her nose was invaded once more by his distinctive perfume and as the scent took hold of her, she could feel her knees weaken slightly. She knew all too well how she could fall for such a man, knew how hurt she could end up. It was men like Uruale that seemed to be able to break her heart without even owning it, it was men like Uruale who could ask anything from her with a mere gaze and obtain it. She forced herself out of her reverie and turned her gaze to the forest floor as she answered him.
“Y-yes, sorry. You startled me, that’s all.” She said with an honest and innocent smile.

Her legs felt weak and it was only then that Freyja realised just how much she had done in one day. Uruale’s arm was still supporting her, radiating heat through her clothes. The proximity wasn’t helping Freyja keep her mind clear as a few impure thoughts crossed her head. With a small blush she pushed herself to her feet, not being able to accept or bear any more lascivious images overlapping onto her consciousness. She looked back at him from the corner of her eye, head turned over her shoulder, before completely focusing all her attention to the raw meat in need of cooking.

Working quickly, she salted the meat and added water as to make a stew. As the soup was boiling calmly on the embers, Freyja couldn’t help herself from stealing quick glances at Uruale even though most of the time he had his back turned to her. What was going on in that head of his? Why did he always looks so distant and… hurt? Part of Freyja wanted to help him, try to find whatever thorn was digging at his side and relieve him of his pain. But another part warned her not to get too close to the cold-eyed man, to let him be and walk on for he would only bring more sorrow and pain into her life. As she turned her gaze back to the glowing coals, she felt the dried blood upon her cheek and wiped it away with the back of her sleeve, slightly embarrassed at the thought of Uruale having seen her with it.
When everything looked and tasted right, Freyja rose from her squatting position and searched for Uruale with her eyes. When her gaze finally fell upon his square shoulders and tall, straight back, she couldn’t help the silent sigh escaping through her pink lips. She walked up to him with long, smooth strides, all the while wondering where he came from and what his past was. She looked up to his grey eyes, still impressed by his dignified posture and high-held head.

“Uruale, the food is ready.” She said in a low and calm voice.
She would be lying to herself if she tried to convince herself she didn’t enjoy the feel of her companion’s name upon her tongue. With a smile hidden away in the corner of her mouth, Freyja looked at whatever Uruale was gazing at. Soon enough, she lost herself in the stars that shone in the night sky. It was very different from the one she would see when out at sea but she still saw a couple of constellations she was familiar with. One of them was the mother of a loved legend that all respectable fishermen knew and kept closely at heart, the legend of Tula’s heart. Her smile turned into a sad one as she recalled the story and debated for a while on whether or not she would tell Uruale about it. She bit her lower lip as her eyes kept focused on the shimmering lights in the sky, still seeing Uruale in her peripheral vision. Better not to bore him with such things, she finally convinced herself. Maybe some other time… She added in afterthought as she turned her gaze away from the heavenly lights and back at the camp. The glowing embers casted a welcoming orange light on the ground, inviting both travelers back into its circle of warmth and comfort. Freyja looked at Uruale, waiting for him to move before walking back to the camp herself.

[Nepherion]

A mixture of lust and nervousness took hold of Uruale as he stared into her eyes. Though he would never admit this to anyone, Uruale was quite taken by Freyja in that moment. But he would refuse to give in to it. Unlike Freyja, Uruale had a duty and that was to get her to the Fallen King. In the whirlpool of his thoughts he had forgotten that he held tight to Freyja, holding her balance in his hands and making sure she hadn't hit the ground. It wasn't long before she pushed herself out of his grip. " You should try and be more attentive. I don't know what I would do if you were ambushed. " his voice was cold, and yet it held affection in the way he delivered it.

Uruale brought his gaze from Freyja and headed towards the fire pit, he could barely stand the sight of the disfigured hare, but he hid it well. Sitting with his back towards Freyja, Uruale begin to gaze at the flames, its embers floating into the sky by the heat. " This world is so unfair. Why do nature have it so easy. All it has to do is go with the flow, While humans must carve their way through... " he muttered to himself. A moment of thinking on his close encounter with Freyja was all that was needed to fluster him, flushing his cheeks with slight red.

He shook his head, trying to shake the thoughts out as well, before turning his eyes to the stars above. His face soon evened out into a soft expression as he attempted to study the very space above. Though Galbatorix had studied the sky as well, he found it hard to get into. But still the darkness of it all eased his mind. He didn't know why, but it brought a calm to his heart. Slowly a smile curved his lips and a soft smile decorated his face. He enjoyed his free time while he had it, but soon Freyja's voice cut his peace.

" Okay. I appreciate it Freyja. " he raised from the ground and towards Freyja, stopping infront of her. " Why have you been staring at me ? " he asked, finally having his fill of her eyes on him. He could feel them burrowing into his back, weather they were kind or filled with malice he hadn't known. But his instincts quickly hinted them out to him every time she looked. His stare had been as cold as before, though his cheek still held a rosy touch them from before. His tattered cloak hung on his shoulders and blew with the breeze that came through.

[Freyja]

Freyja’s eyes widened, taken totally by surprise by Uruale’s question. Her lips parted as she tried to organize her thoughts and come back with a reasonable answer. The truth of the matter was that even she wasn’t sure why her eyes always seemed to gravitate back to his figure, no matter what she did. She closed her mouth and shifted her weight from one leg to the other. She nervously tucked a strand of wild hair behind her ear, her gaze now stuck to the forest ground. She knew she could come up with a viable lie that would both satisfy Uruale’s inquisitiveness and release her of any future blame or embarrassment. Strangely enough, Freyja didn’t feel like lying to him for she knew the false words would turn to ashes upon her tongue. Grabbing her courage with both hands, she spared a knowing gaze back at Tula’s heart constellation, the legend giving her enough strength to speak. She lowered her regard back at Uruale, her eyes shining in the faraway glow of the stars. A small undecipherable smile tugged at the corners of her lips as she burrowed her gaze in Uruale’s cold grey eyes, unyielding and untiring.

“You intrigue me Uruale.” She responded calmly and softly, relishing secretly the taste of his name dancing on her tongue.

She stood motionless as she waited for her words to sink in, unsure of the effect they would cause. After a breeze billowed between them, Freyja’s smile vanished and was replaced by an expression of tenderness radiating from deep within her eyes and soul. She couldn’t quite explain it, much less understand how she got such thoughts, but she had a feeling Uruale was incredibly hurt inside. She was both scared and intrigued by it, not knowing how to react. What was he hiding behind those big grey eyes? What scars littered his heart and soul? Freyja spared one last kind and concerned look at Uruale before turning on her heels and getting back by the fire’s side.

She sat down close to the fire, trying to be as warm as the cold weather permitted her to be. She served herself some of the broth and, using one of her spare bowls, served Uruale. Though it wasn’t particularly tasty or flavourful, the warm soup satisfied both Freyja's mind and stomach. She ate quickly and in silence, not wanting to bother her companion any more. When she was done eating, she wiped clean her wooden dish and stored it away in her saddlebag. She propped up her saddle to use it like a pillow, something she always did when sleeping out in the wild. As she organized her sleeping bag, she purposely avoided looking at Uruale, slightly embarrassed by his comment earlier and not wanting to cause him any discomfort whatsoever.

“We should start sleeping soon if we want to get up early tomorrow and reach Fasalost. All we have to do is follow the Toark River downstream and we should pass by the Spine somewhere around noon. Once we enter the mountain range, we will arrive at Fasaloft within a couple of hours or so.” She said as she fixed her gaze on the diamond spangled sky.

She dared to spare one last look back at Uruale who was sitting by the other side of the fire. With caring eyes, she nodded as she uttered her next sentence.
“Goodnight Uruale, sleep well.” Freyja said before rolling to her side and facing the fire for additional warmth.

[Nepherion]

Uruale's lid lowered over his grey eyes as Freyja became fidgety. He feared the worse for their little adventure. He was no idiot, he could tell when someone held interest in him or not, and she definitely acted like it. The words from lips spilled out calm, and yet they held a gentleness that he couldn't hope to grasp on his own. What was she trying to say ? Did she like him, or was he just unique to her ? All the possible answers gave him a headache. And as her eyes drilled through his, he could tell she was searching for something. Something that was deeply intimate to him. Something, that he could guarantee she wouldn't find without his consent.

Without a word Uruale watched her leave for the fire behind him and without turning his head to look back at her, he patiently looked up at the stars. He looked aimlessly until finally he found a constellation from his early training with the Fallen King. He eyed the connection of stars intimately before dragging himself from them and returning to the pit.

Uruale sat on the opposite side of Freyja, his gaze more or so on his bowl than anything else. He eyed the broth questioningly, trying to contemplate on eating it or not. He knew that he could maybe 2 more days tops just on magic alone. He brought the bowl towards the ground, about to place it there and leave it till Freyja fell asleep.

" I don't think so Uruale. We may be apart but our minds are still melded. " Flare reminded him, rousing herself from a self-induced slumber. Her massive tail hung off the edge of the cliff she slept on. It was not to big, but it was just large enough for most of her body to fit on it.

Uruale lifted the bowl back to his lips and slowly begin to eat. Flare's nagging would go on forever if he hadn't. After a hour of so; Uruale turned to see Freyja preparing for bed. That was good. It was about time they had went to sleep. Honestly he had had enough of today's activities and wanted nothing more than to find the quite's gentle embrace. He nodded to Freyja, acknowledging her pre-set plans for tomorrow. Afterwards, her final words struck him and his eyes lifted in mid-eating. He was hesitant on telling her goodnight back, but he couldn't help it. The words had slid off his tongue prematurely and yet they were as calm as before. " Goodnight to you as well. . . Freyja. "

Hours past, and Freyja finally dozed off. Uruale held the empty bowl in his hands and looked up at the constellation of Tula's heart. Though to him it was unknown. I don't need you: gods. I can handle my place in this world better than anyone. " he reminded himself, trying to take hold of his own future and destiny. That night Uruale would keep watch over the encampment. He rested Reona on his shoulder and with both hands around its hilt, he placed forehead on it. His eyes were shut, but only to keep himself surrounded by the quite and total darkness.

[Freyja]

[Sorry for the delay!]

Freyja’s mind slowly seeped into a deep slumber, taking with her Uruale’s last words. Though she found sleep quite easily, her night was filled with strange dreams depicting dragons and humans together, fighting an unnamed shadow with claws, fire and steel. Blood and scales flashed everywhere, sending shivers down Freyja’s resting spine.

When she finally awoke the next, the sun’s long orange rays had just begun the seep from behind the Spine. Though the mountains blocked out the sun and would continue to do so for at least an hour or two, Freyja knew that dawn had come and gone and they had to leave soon if they wanted to make it before nightfall to Fasaloft. Without bothering to look around, Freyja started packing up her bedroll, tying it securely to her saddle. When she checked that everything was in place, she pursed her lips and let a slow, twin pitched whistle escape from between her slightly parted lips. The higher note at the end of the wordless call seem to hang in the morning air endlessly as Freyja concentrated on listening for any noise announcing Valeo’s return. After a short while, the sound of his thundering hoofs striking the leafy ground came to ear and a slight pressure was lifted off of Freyja’s heart. She greeted the loyal steed with a nod and a smile to which the mighty horse responded to by throwing his massive head up high, sending his mane flying. After she wiped off with a small clothe the dust that had collected overnight, she proceeded to saddling him up quickly, not wanting to waste any more time; the last thing she wanted was to get stuck in the Spine at night. A small frown etched itself on her face when she realised he still hadn’t recuperated from the frantic gallop when they had fled from the dragon. She made a mental note to herself that it was capital that she started training him once he would recover. After patting affectionately the gelding’s shoulder, she felt her stomach rumble from hunger. Though she didn’t like the idea of eating some supplies, she took out a small leather pouch containing a mix of dried berries and fruits and started eating a few pieces. If she wanted to have any energy for the long walk that awaited her, she had to eat something. As she chewed on a particularly tough piece of dried apple, she couldn’t help thinking back to her strange dream. As strange as the dream felt, Freyja had difficulty shaking off the images. Maybe she would speak to Uruale about it, maybe he knew a thing or two about dragons and the rest of the world. Just as she gulped down a piece of dried apricot, her eyes fell on Uruale who was also busy wrapping things up and extinguishing what was left of the fire.

“Here, have some. It’s not much but they’ll give you enough energy to get through to at least midday.” She said with a smile as she offered presented the bag to him.

Her arm extended towards him and after a small breeze swept over them, her cloak slid off her arm, revealing the pale skin underneath. Although most girls had perfect ivory skins, worthy of the finest marble Alagaësia had to offer, hers was far from it. Many scars littered the skin, silent testimonies of her days as a hardened whaler. She remembered almost every story of every scar but kept them to herself. When her eyes laid themselves on her scared arm, she quickly pushed the leather pouch onto Uruale’s chest, forcing him to take it as she turned on her heels and cocooned herself in her dark green cloak, hiding both of her arms away from view.

“We should get going soon, the sun may look like it just rose but dawn was maybe an hour or more ago.” She said, her voice forcefully soft as she compelled herself to look busy checking on Valeo.

Freyja felt suddenly weak and embarrassed. She felt like damaged goods, ruined merchandise.

[Nepherion]

Uruale's eyes were wide as the sun finally being to show itself behind the Spine's snowy mountains. He groaned as he stood up and placed Reona in its sheathe, stretching the staleness of his bones away. " Flare, " he called through the bond. It had been a habit of his to check on her when he awoke. Though he had made it seemed like she was of little importance to him, Uruale deeply cared for her. That, he could not hide from her or the world, for it was the immense strength of the bond that brought about this love.

Flare stood atop the cliff she had slept on last night, awake and ready. Her spiked face looked over the expense of deathly trees and mounds of hill below. " Yes. " she said in her usual girly voice. She could feel Uruale flinch in annoyance of it. " Just making sure you were awake. Its about time we set off. " he told her, sending her a image of the designated path. Flare looked towards the ominous mountains of the Spine. Her worry was evident through the bond, but she felt she needed to tell him anyway. " Please be careful Uruale. I don't get a good feeling from that place. "

Uruale looked towards Freyja shuffling awake. " I will. I'm not one to be scared so easily. " he reminded her, feeling quite the tough warrior. Uruale had begun with his own preparations, placing several wards around himself; ones that protected him from physical disasters and mental attacks, aswell as ones that protected him from certain kill words. He looked over towards Freyja as she tended to Valeo. He could barely believe that such a animal could be loved so much, it seemed almost insignificant compared to the love and connection he held to Flare. Uruale stomped out the fire in the pit and checked the dual eldunari inside the pouches on his waist. Their minds as usual were nothing more but screeches and torrential thoughts of their previous lives.

He wrapped his cloak around his neck and allowed it to flow down his back. When he looked up, Freyja was infront of him offering him a bag. Uruale was ready to reject her offer when a breeze swept through them and revealed her scarred skin. Uruale's lids lowered as he captured a better look of them. Immediately his thoughts led to his own scarred arm. At one point his entire body held the same, but when he had learned magic he had made short work of them. He honestly had no opinion of her scars. He was sure though that she didn't want to talk about it, so he wouldn't.

Next thing he felt was her hand drive into his chest, though he hadn't moved an inch back. " No thanks. " he said evenly, placing the pouch in her arms and walking forward towards The Spine. " You're right, We should get moving. Wouldn't want to get caught in The Spine at night now would we ? "

[Freyja]

Freyja didn’t look back at Uruale, eyes glued to Valeo’s shoulder. She could feel it, the shadow and weight of her primitive anger. She could feel the dark tendrils wrap themselves around her mind, could feel the heat building up in her stomach as she thought back at the days she got many of her scars and that fateful day when she was left alone at the altar. She saw a few dark spots dance in front of her eyes as she tightened her grip on Valeo’s leather girth. Suddenly afraid of her own dark emotions, Freyja grabbed Valeo’s reins and led him away from the camp with a brisk pace.

“Indeed we wouldn’t.” she replied as she passed Uruale quickly and made way for the quickest route to the Toark river.

The air was fresh and crisp and though Freyja tried to focus her attention on the scenery, she couldn’t shake off her fear of her own anger. She had barely felt it, much like she had only touched the tip of an iceberg. And it scared her. It scared her beyond belief. How could she ever be the vessel for such intense feelings? Where could they lead her? Freyja’s head spun a bit at the thought of being eventually overwhelmed by her own primitive emotions, by the emotions she didn’t understand and wanted to keep away at all cost.

The ground crunched under hers and Valeo’s weight as they left behind the small patch of forest they had slept in and started to get closer to the river. In the distance, the Toark River roared loudly, the water crashing against the dark grey rocks with force. Freyja had managed to push aside her thoughts about her emotions and instead focused on her dream. Could dragons really… exist? Was such a thing possible? Her eyes darted to Uruale, wondering if he knew anything about it. She decided to keep the question for later and decided to look at the approaching Spine. She was suddenly flooded with memories of the nights she had spent in Narda awake in her bed, waiting for the spine-chilling howls coming from the Spine and carried by the vast plains to die away.

“Where I came from, the elders kept telling us stories about the Spine. They tried to frighten us into being obedient by saying that if we didn’t behave, the evil creatures from the Spine would come down and get us in our sleep.” Freyja said with a small, shy laugh as she vaguely pointed to the ominous mountains with one of her free hands.

Her smile soon died on her lips as once again she remembered those dreadful nights she spent in her bed, shivering from fear and paralysed by fright, her eyes wide open and ready to see whatever creature would pop out from the dark corners of her small and damp room.

“I never wanted to believe those stories… But when I’d hear the lamenting howl echo through the plains, I knew parts of the stories were true… And some creatures that should never have seen the light of day live and strive up in those godforsaken mountains.” She finished, her eyes hard and yet filled with the same fear that inhabited her when she was but a child.

She looked away, shy from having told so much. She was always afraid she was bothering Uruale, afraid she was a burden. She nervously twisted the leather reins in her hands as her gaze inspected with interest the many pebbles that lay at her moving feet.

“Now you must think I’m foolish for saying such things.” She said with a short laugh that died into a smile on her lips.

She finally looked up at Uruale, his grey eyes somewhat reminding her of the rocks at their feet by both their color and coldness.