The Cat and the Mouse ((Closed for now))

[Orion]

ORION AND KVEYKVA

AGARAVEL

On the eve of the third day after the fight in Dras'Leona, Orion flew into darkness on his dragon Kveykva, his sword Rauthr was sheathed, though he feared he would have to draw upon its awesome might again. Of course, Agavarel was with them, the red Eldunari the size of Kveykva's foot. So it was safe to say he was rather strong, that came with age, as he was one of the first to die in the first Rider wars.

The sun was nearing the horizon as they passed through a cloud and before them was the sea. Not but a league or two away was the Empire city of Teirm. Orion needed supplies, and maybe another Empire Rider to help him with his search of Anira if he was lucky. The 3 of them agreed to go down and at least check, who knows, maybe she was there too.

So as they agreed upon, Kveykva dove out of the clouds and skimmed across the open fields before Teirm. Kveykva roared, announcing their arrival to the Empire soldiers there. Orion had him flare his wings about half a mile outside the city walls as he figured they wouldn't like Kveykva strolling through the streets of Teirm with him, though he told him to watch from the air if he liked, but he needed rest, and Orion knew he could fend for himself and warn Orion if someone attacked.

Orion took Agaravel with him, as he was always floating above him, invisible in that pouch. Along with him, he took a pack for supplies, money, and hid armor inside a hidden pouch, just like the Eldurani Agaravel. He walked the half a mile to the city walls and arrived inside just before they closed the gates. Orion tested his connection with Kveykva, it was still strong. Good, so if trouble came, he could signal him. Walking through the torch-lit city, he came upon a meat store. So he walked inside and bought some meat, as they were running low, and Kveykva tended to eat the whole deer if he caught one. He would never go on the vegetable only diet of the elves, that he was certain of.

He headed out, stuffing the deer meat in his pack and told Kveykva through his mind to hunt for himself, but stay within the connection. Orion had a bad feeling, and he couldn't leave Teirm through the gates at night, Kveykva would have to fly in and grab him. He then walked by an Inn and stepped inside, noticing it was a Tavern as well. He bought himself a room and ordered a meal.

As he ate, Kveykva fed him information from around Teirm, from what he could see there was only Empire troops there, though he smelled dragon on the air. Orion assumed this meant that it was another Empire Rider, but he took note of it, as he could always be wrong. Agaravel advised him just like Orion thought, be cautious, trust no one.

Orion went up to the Innkeeper and asked him if he was an Empire soldier, he said yes, and Orion searched his mind just in case. He was telling the truth, and he saw nothing of any other Rider. He showed him the Gedwey Ignasia and said, "If you hear word in the middle of the night that there is another dragon or Rider near or in the city, wake me immediately, it would be for the safety of all."

Agaravel searched the area with his mind too and said he felt the presence of no one in the Varden or any magician/Rider, at least that he could feel. He said they might have something that could make them hide like that, and he wouldn't be surprised if they did, they did at Dras'Leona. Orion walked up the stairs and into his room. He locked the doors and shut the curtains before lighting a candle, getting undressed, and stepping into bed.

About 2 hours later he was awoken by knocking at the door. He stretched out his mind and confirmed it was the innkeeper. The man said there had been a dragon spotted, Orion thanked him and said, "Get out of the city if it is possible, spread the word, I fear they are Varden Riders, I must face them in battle."

The man nodded and ran out of the room, announcing that everyone should leave the city for the Varden was there with Riders. So Orion donned his armor and strapped Rauthr to his belt. Then he donned his helmet and walked out of the Inn into Teirm which was in chaos, families were scrambling for their kids and hiding in their houses. Orion called for Kveykva, but he was circling and landed in the street while Orion climbed on.

He confirmed there was a Rider, and that they were most likely Varden, if not, they were the same Riders they had faced in Dras'Leona. "Well then, looks like we are in for another fight." Orion said, patting him. They took off into the sky and rose, looking West, where the report had said they were from. He drew Rauthr as they stalled in mid-air, waiting the arrival of the Riders, unless they were to come on land, then they had a definitive edge, for the moment at least. Kveykva roared a challenge, since they were obviously visible in the city light above Teirm. Orion took a glimpse down to see men and women staring up in awe at them. He motioned for them to hide, which they did. They didn't know if they had Empire Troops with them on this one, but they were confident they could defeat them without the Troops. Perhaps Anira was with the Rider or Riders, then they would be in for a fight, Orion hoped she was, he was going to get Anira back and take her to Uru'baen this time and straight to Galbatorix.

[ᗩпїra]

Anira was awoken from her haze-like sleep, rising quietly and sliding out of the cot to stare out the window for a moment. Her thick purple and ebony hair was draped down her back in a fishtail braid, the dark lighting making it appear to be a regular charcoal color in the horrid shadows. What is everyone getting so worked up about? She smoothed down her light blue silk nightgown that went down to just below her knees (and was also a gift from her mother before she died), delicate patterns sewed in near the top followed by comfortable spaghetti straps. She clenched her fists in annoyance, turning on her heel and quickly changing into her dark green gown that ended at the thigh, followed by lighter pants that improved mobility.

She quickly stored her two daggers into the secret pockets along her thighs, taking a grip on Orchid and storing the Rider's blade into the protective sheath. Anira quickly grasped hold of her specially made bow that she had sung out from the wood of the ancient trees that grew in Du Weldenvarden. Once she was assured that nothing yet remained, she strapped on her flask and stormed out the door as she propped the beautiful green cape over her head to hide her abnormal colorless eyes and fascinating purple-like braid.

Herion quickly locked their connections, transferring alarm rapidly through her thoughts as he presented her with vivid pictures of the ebony Rider and dragon. Stay hidden, none can find your presence from your vantage, and I doubt he'll find me midst the crowd. A sharp growl emanated through their connection, ceasing slowly as he responded,"Be careful Anira. Stay safe, stay strong, and together nothing can break our bond." Anira grinned quietly, warmed as the deep musical voice fluttered through her mind and giving her hope.

Not this time. He probably doesn't even know I'm here. That's when the thought occurred to her that she still had the memory she had perceived while he had taken over her mind several days ago. She still seemed fragile and weak from the experience, but with support from Vlaer, Belgabad, Aysten, and quite a few others she seemed to be quickly recovering from the small amount of torture she had received. Curse this foul conscience, pestering me to do the right thing. How could she even give him the memory unless he opened his mind up to hers? He wouldn't allow such a phenomenon to occur.

She quickly shook off the thoughts, bolting downstairs to find a large crowd packed in the room, some turning to stare quietly at her entrance. Her ears, were of course, rounded before she even entered the city to ensure that no one noticed her elven heritage. Though it didn't mean her natural beauty didn't attract the wandering eyes of a select few, and a faint hint of a smile touched her lips as she thought about the foolishness of most humans. Some never even leaving the safety of their small farms to enjoy the vast world that lay at their feet, beckoning to them yet their fear casts them back into the recess of home.

Barging through the crowd, she pushed open the swinging tavern doors and quickly rounded the corner of the building. Anira's long striders and inhumanly speed made it easy to hide among the deep-set shadows from the many buildings. She had to escape, yet how? Many soldiers lined the walls around Teirm, no way to go unnoticed. I'll just have to wait it out, it's all I can do for the time being.

[Aelodil]

(Sorry didn't know if this thread was open, if not then ignore my post and please accept my humblest apologies)

Belgabad and Vlaer had been chasing that bothersome youth until he stopped at Teirm where he senses their apprentice's minds. Fearing for the worse they joined minds and quickly flapped their mighty wings to hurry and get to the city and once there and inside roared their arrival before running to where they sensed Anira's mind. They found her in a giant crowd and Vlaer quickly held her and ran back to Belgabad where he, with Belgabad's help, climbed up and got into the saddle before Belgabad took off. Looking behind him he asked Anira "What are you doing here?" He then reached out to his mind till he sensed Herion's mind and said "Me, Belgabad and Anira are coming. The other Rider and his dragon are in here."

[Orion]

((Sorry, closed for now))

Orion and Kveykva[/size]

Agaravel[/b][/size][/color] [/i]

Orion and Kveykva were hovering over the city looking around for this potential Rider, hoping it was Anira, so they could take her back to Galbatorix. They noticed a shadow in the distance, of course it could be anything, being night time. However, Orion prayed it wasn't either Eragon and Saphira, as he would have to flee, or Galbatorix coming to punish him.

Orion ruled out that last idea, as the shadow wasn't near as big as Shruikan. The chances of Eragon and Saphira coming to Teirm was very low, they only reason they would was because of the Varden bringing an attack, and he could clearly see there was no Varden out there, it had to be a neutral Rider.

He glanced down into the streets to see soldiers lined up against the wall and a strange figure in what looked like a cloak and they were going an inhuman speed. He caught a glimpse of a sword as well. Orion knew instantly it was an elf, was it possibly the elf he was looking for Anira and that was her dragon?

Agaravel agreed that it was a possibility. Orion told Kveykva he would jump and land on the building directly above the elf, obviously slowing his fall. So he turned and leaped, speaking the words of the ancient language allowing him to slow his fall. He landed softly on the roof and followed her as she ran.

Silently, he lifted his hand and muttered, "Slytha" or sleep. He watched as the elf immediately crumpled to the ground, fast asleep, or what you would say knocked out for an elf. He leaped from the building, landing with a hard thud and ran to the elf.

As he arrived, he bent down and threw back the elves hood, it was definitely a female, and most definitely was Anira. He immediately said to Kveykva, Watch out! That's Herion, and I'm pretty sure he is mad again, you can beat him. The elf I saw was Anira, be aware, there might be other Riders about. I'm going to take her and hide her until Herion gives up. Then we'll take her immediately to Uru' Baen. Kveykva silently agreed and sat there waiting.

Just to be sure when Anira woke up, he took her sword and said, "Gëuloth du knífr" or dull the knife. Now all she could do with the sword until she reversed it was bruise him. It would buy him at least one cut, as she probably wouldn't notice it until she hit him. After he finished, he picked her up and went into the alleyway and maze of houses. Eventually he came to an empty house that was small and deep in an alleyway. There was little light, he opened the door and laid her on a stone tablet. Then, just as he had done is Dras' Leona, he cast the spell to break her ankles and bind her. Orion then locked the door and piled stuff against it. He then stood there watching her, and waiting for Herion to leave.

[ᗩпїra]

A faint hint of a word slipped from her mouth announcing a quiet curse as she felt her eyes roll back in her head and her legs go numb from beneath her as she crumpled to the ground from the magic that overtook her. She was once more secluded into the recesses of her mind, a quiet and happy place of darkness and shared memories which made her wonder if that was what it was like to be in an Eldunari. Could she really live in one of those for the rest of her days if she was a dragon? A no quickly arose, knowing that she'd probably stay if she needed to, but in the end she'd want to pass over. Quickly, at that. What need was there to suffer, and if anything, she'd be with her dead parents and Herion whenever he passed -- or if he passes before her.

What would it be like to lose Herion? It'd certainly damage her worse than losing her parents, maybe like losing that of a great loved one or part of yourself. No Rider deserved to have a dead dragon, for a Rider wasn't a rider without a dragon. We are nothing without their power and intelligence.

This led her mind to different subjects of the matter, knowing that the ebony Rider and dragon could be out slaying Herion as she spoke, and a flutter of fear rippled down her spine and revealed how worried she really was. Would Herion disguise himself and hide, or would he really attempt to take on the Rider's dragon with only the help of Vlaer. Oh, this would be a dandy time for Nepherion to pop up. Nepherion. Another subject. It was a joy to actually meet him, quite polite and Starlight was such a gentleman. Herion had taken kindly to Starlight as well, them quite similar in their beliefs and subjects, though Starlight was certainly older than Herion and likewise for Nepherion and Anira.

What was going on outside her mind? Where was she currently? How many days have passed? All these thoughts slipped through her mind, each given only a small amount of thought before passing on to the other until she finally found herself writhing in pain from the familiar break of her limbs. She didn't dare shed a tear, pity broiling upward for the Rider and his sins against the kind of his own. Did he care nothing about anyone but himself? No mercy, or was he really as cruel as he was? Stop this! She pushed back the thoughts with an angry sweep of her mind, sympathy passing through her as she replayed the memory of Galbatorix deliberately lying to the Rider at his own freewill. It sickened her dearly, and she knew that she'd have to show him the memory someway, somehow, but when would she have the chance?

Herion rose out from his hiding place in the thick forest, a deep roar coursing through him as the beat of his wings carried him forward at an incredible pace. His small size and aerodynamic shape made it easy for him to traverse through the air, twisting around in a seemingly irregular manner to propel himself forward. He wasn't about to let this happen again, and he could feel the fire burning inside of him. The urge to breathe fire was drawing near, he was old enough by now to be able to breathe it. Dark smoke rose from his nostrils, a scream much like that of a gasp from the crowd, and then a stream of fire streaming out from between his jaws. It warmed his tongue and his giant fangs as it vibrated outward towards the ebony dragon below him. "Brother! End this now, end the suffering, tell your Rider to hand over Anira. I beg of you, neither of us has to fight."

That was all the mercy he was going to give. A strong feeling of pride flushed over him, knowing that he could finally breathe fire as he pleased. A sharp rush of achievement, and the knowing feeling that he might actually have a chance to defeat him. Though he'd always settle for the latter if they chose to hand over Anira, but until then, he'd fight for her till the end. He knew he'd be most useful if not caught, so he wouldn't dare take any large chances of getting captured. It didn't mean he couldn't tear up those bat-like wings a bit, did it?

[Orion]

Kveykva

Kveykva understood what Orion was doing and Agaravel fed him energy as the much younger dragon Herion sped towards him. Herion breathed fire, lighting up the sky. Roaring, Kveykva sped for him, breathing his own fire, which engulfed the smaller dragon.

Kveykva knew he was rather un-scarred, but it was a show of dominance. Soldiers on the wall of the tower let loose a spray of arrows towards Herion. "Brother! End this now, end the suffering, tell your Rider to hand over Anira. I beg of you, neither of us has to fight." he heard the younger dragon say.

"Why should I? I am not your brother, but we will take both of you to Uru' Baen and become a part of the Empire, we don't want to kill you." he growled before speeding underneath the smaller dragon and flipping. He clawed at his belly before Kveykva emerged from underneath, and flipped back over.

Immediately, he dove for the ground and leveled out just in time, racing over the land, and weaving around the city. Then he turned once he reached the sea and rose above the city. The younger dragon was just across the city from him, Kveykva gave a huge blast of fire as he charged, reaching the smaller dragon

[ᗩпїra]

Herion felt the slight tingle of pain easing his way upwards from his belly, though his wards protected him from most of the attack, it didn't mean he didn't get slightly sliced open during the assault. It only made his will to overcome the dragon even stronger, going forth without fear, only determination and the heart of a true dragon. His eyes jerked calmly to the row of soldiers lining the upper walls, watching with amusement as their arrows bounced numbly off the thick barriers Anira had insisted on putting around him.

A slight hint of worry edged into him as he realized the wards must be taking a decent amount of energy out of Anira, cursing to himself as he realized he'd have to react fast in order not to drain much energy from his out cold Anira. Herion flickered his attention back to the soldiers, sending a stream of liquid-like violet fire at the base, tinged downward with the normal array of color. A sigh of satisfaction reveled through him when half the archers abandoned their post, and the others writhed in pain from being burned to a smoldering black before they quickly died.

He called out before the charge, noticing the position and the slight twitch of muscles indicating a charge,"We are all brothers and sister, dragons one and all. Must you try and destroy one of your own kind? Foolish, I say." Herion had gained plenty of wisdom from Belgabad, transmitting off his knowledge and harmony.

This was it, his plan was taking place brick by brick once he charged. Though Kveykva had the upper hand in strength and the will to assist his Rider, Herion had the advantage of speed, difficult maneuvers, and the will to keep his Rider actually alive. It forged him onward, casting out a defiant stream of molten hot fire his way before gently beating his wings upward to quite easily avoid the ram. He swiveled inward, writhing his body through the air much like a dolphin would in water, using his advantages to quickly dash over Kveykva and attempt to scrape his sharp and jagged spikes along his tail down through his back. He wasn't quite sure if he managed the hit or not, just knowing that he had to have left some scratch or so. Or maybe the wards were too strongly packed together?

Herion didn't wait to decide, quickly rearing about and flying outward to perch delicately on a tall building. He started torip the roof off of the building, like tearing flesh from the deer carcasses near the Eldor. Taking the large chunks of the building between his teeth, he chucked the large pieces that seemed to scatter in midair towards the ebony dragon that he had yet to know the name of. His determination would only rise from here.

Meanwhile, Anira writhed quietly in her "sleep", feeling the drain of energy from Herion and knowing that he must be in battle with the ebony dragon, and possibly his Rider. All she could do was fight to break the spell, pressing her mind against it and propelling against the magic with a stern gaze. Herion wasn't the only one with a fight on his hands.

[Orion]

Kveykva

"We are all brothers and sister, dragons one and all. Must you try and destroy one of your own kind? Foolish, I say." the other dragon called out to him. Apparently he was deaf, Kveykva called back, "I am not trying to destroy you, but help you. Join us as Riders in the Empire and you can be as strong as us."

That's when Kveykva realized, the wards on Herion drained strength from Anira, the more he damaged them, the more energy she drained. That meant more time for her to be asleep, plus he could easily attack Herion after. Herion roared, letting violet fire from his maw loose. Orion didn't attempt to dodge, as the wards around him were strong.

Then the smaller dragon sat on the roof of a building and ripped the roof off. He started flinging deer carcasses everywhere, what a fool. Kveykva sped past him, letting loose jet black fire. He managed to spin around and do another fly by, breathing fire again. He turned around and waited the dragons next attack. As he advanced, Kveykva let out more fire, attempting to weaken the wards.

[ᗩпїra]

Herion realized that Kveykva was deliberately trying to weaken Anira by using the wards against him, so that just meant he'd have to avoid every blow as best he could. He wanted a fight, but he was obviously not willing to battle without wards or claw to tooth. Was he really that powerful in strength or was it all just pride? Pride that he was more destructive in his ways because of Galbatorix. Who could take any pride in being deliberatly lied to, though with what he knew, they were unaware of the majority of the truth. Kveykva's Rider seemed to be unawares of it as well, or he'd probably try harder to actually change his name.

Flee. He'd have to flee to protect Anira. It seemed odd, but he knew it'd be what she wanted. They wouldn't dare try and kill her until Galbatorix knew where she stood. Torture. Oh, the thought of his Rider getting tortured sent chills down his spine to the tip of his tail. He alone couldn't handle the two, especially when powered by Eldunari that were probably being used against their will. How could another dragon approve of using their own kind for horrid uses? Herion wasn't going to go down without a fight, but maybe a fight in his own special ways since it was obvious his chances were bare in physical fighting. Mental was the way he was going to strike, words had the power to destroy many things within, but the outside would always remain the same.

"Can't you see we are neutral, brother? My Rider and I do not wish to join the Varden, nor the Empire, and you should respect our choices. What are you to question our authority, and yet you call yourself a dragon. In my eyes, you're a confused hatchling, and I take pity on you." Herion hissed quietly, a low hum that rumbled within him, similar to the sound of an earthquake. He quickly bounced upward, pushing the air under his wings to drive him forward at a quick pace. "Farewell, we shall meet again on better standards." Herion was quite sure that he could quickly outmaneuver the ebony dragon, especially with his haste.

Anira was going to be fine. She was strong, very strong. Underestimated really. Her energy was low, but her morale and confidence were set to their standards; and her heart was in the right place. Herion felt saddened suddenly, glancing over his should at the speck of destruction in the distance. He gathered himself up, chest constricting as he boiled it up from within him and let out a large roar that boomed across the land. It was his sign of return, he would come back. One way or the other, he would always return to his Rider. This wasn't going to be the last time he was going to ruin their festivities. I'll be back.

•

Anira stirred uneasily in her abnormal and restless type of sleep. She could feel her connection with Herion growing fainter, worry encasing her heart in a tomb-like enclosure. Her mind longed for answers, answers of what was going on out there. Beyond the mind. A sudden anger flared within her at the constant longing, once again trying to attack at Orion's mind to break apart the magic that held her in a vulnerable state. She struggled, twitching with each fierce struggle which sent jolts of pain shooting up her arms and legs because of the abnormal snap in the bones.

She wanted out. Out of the restlessness. Anira beat against his mind, tearing at it like a rapid dog that was cornered, and what stood between the rapid dog and freedom was a mere rabbit. That reminded her of the time Aysten spoke to her about how many people would react in uncommon matters if put in difficult situations, was this going to be another one of those times? Another large energy drain would be devastating. She pushed back the important thoughts of the ones she knew closely, not allowing anything of importance to slip through the gaps. She was determined to have no winner in the situation. Herion had fled, though she still had a battle to defend; and the Empire to defend was herself. It was either win, and that was her only choice. The others involved death. Each one leading to death. She wouldn't swear fealty to Galbatorix. She had already lost a plentiful amount of loved ones in her lifetime and Anira wasn't willingly to let go of the one thing she could keep disguised to from all: her memories.

[Orion]

Kveykva and Orion
Agaravel[/color]

In the middle of their fight, the other dragon just fled. "Wimp",] Kveykva said, "Orion, her dragon fled. I'll stay alert, but I feel he left, fearing her energy would drain. We must get Anira out of here young one." Casting out his mind, looking for the dragon, he landed outside the building.

Orion waited for the thud of Kveykva before unblocking the door and grabbing Anira. He sheathed Rauthr and leaped on Kveykva, tying Anira to the saddle. He could feel the pressure of her mind fighting against his to release the magic. His mind was like an iron door, unbreakable, at least to her mind.

"Kveykva, on to Uru' Baen. Finally we shall get her to swear fealty to Galbatorix, which will bring Herion to swear fealty as well." Orion said. Kveykva roared and took off. First they landed on the wall and Orion told a soldier, "You can tell the citizens, there is no Rider from the Varden, I have them captive. They can resume with what they were doing without fear."

The duo with Anira then took off again. It was late in the night, and Orion fell asleep to the gentle beat of his wings as they headed towards Uru' Baen, thump, thump, thump, leaning against a spike on Kveykva's back. When Orion woke up it was a cool morning as they flew low throughout the Spine, trying to avoid detection. It was a beautiful morning, and Anira was still trying to fight against his mind, but Kveykva assured him she hadn't broken through, he had reinforced his mind while he slept. They continued on throughout the day until they could see Uru' Baen as the sun was setting. Kveykva roared his arrival, letting out a jet of black fire.

[ᗩпїra]

Anira felt the tension rising with their excitement, slightly frustrated at Orion especially for just being himself. No, not himself, the self the Galbatorix made out of him. A hiss of frustration summoned itself upward in her mind, knocking again on the sides of magic that encased her in the sleep. That was when an idea escaped her. He must be after a few of her memories, any secrets that she wasn't going to bring up in fear of him discovering them, but what if she released the memory of the moment Galbatorix lied to him? Wouldn't he received it, or if he tried to sneak a peek at anything she was thinking about, would he not see the same thing?

She brought back the memory from deep within her mind, replaying it over and over again and allowing it to escape outward while blocking out the rest of her thoughts with a solid wall of musical poems that'd drain out the energy of a common mortal. The mind of an elven was strange and complicated, often hard to navigate through. Foreign in fact. Anira kept watching the amused, yet pleased, grin appearing on Galbatorix after the fealty was completed for Orion. Anger welled up inside of her, feeling sympathy flowing through the open connection mixed with common anger. If only he'd see, show his ebony dragon with the ash-black scales.

Would it really make any difference either way? They swore fealty, it could be too late to change their names if the pair actually enjoy their work; meanwhile, as she was strapped to Kveykva, she twitched and often twisted around in her silent battle. All suddenly went calm when she released out the memory, and pulled back her struggled against his mind. Certainly that would arouse suspicion? The questions went on and on till she shut out everything else, and concentrated on the memory with silent determination.

•

Herion bolted towards Aysten's home, which would be about a five days trip without resting, eating, or drinking. An itch of irritation made him cringe during his flight, wings sore from the overuse and the fast pace he insisted on doing. He'd have to gather everyone that he knew would help. Aysten, Vlaer and Belgabad, maybe even the Rider Nepherion and his dragon, Starlight. I'll be there soon Anira. Have no worries.

[Aelodil]

Vlaer was sitting with Aysten at Aysten's new house, and they were relaxed. Vlaer sat cross-legged on a tree nearby meditating with his eyes closed and began reaching out with his ancient mind far away, farther and farther he sent out his mind, and the farther he sent it, the harder it got. He had reached around his mind worth 10 days' flying when he suddenly felt Herion's mind, smiling Vlaer said, "Hello Herion, out for a quick flight? And where's Anira?" For Vlaer didn't feel her mind.