Mind and Steel[Varden War Council]

[Quetzal]

It was raining. Of course it was. Sheets of water beat against the windows of what was left of the grand building in which the war council was to be held, painting the large room in a dull grey light. The heaps of ash and broken stone dotting the city of Belatona was proof of the previous conflict, and it appeared to be time to repeat those actions once more. Nasuada wished she could have a little more time to let this city settle before she took the next; the people were resentful of the fight and so reluctant to help the Varden. It had been her hope that cleaning up the city and treating the people kindly would win them over, growing their numbers and reinforcing their supplies, but if they were to be forced into battle they would simply have to use force.

The leader of the Varden stared out the window as she waited for the rest of the council to arrive. The Empire hadn't exactly hidden the gathering army in Dras-Leona. Taking Dras-Leona was the next logical move for the Varden, as it brought them closer to Uru'baen and their goal. There were other towns and cities nearby, but they would have to wait. Nasuada wanted to take as direct a route to Uru'baen as possible, in order to preserve her soldiers. The best way to ensure as many survived as possible was to fight as few battles as possible. Yet Dras-Leona was necessary, and now the Empire's forces were gathering, she had to hit them soon, before the army could grow too large. That was her priority. She would attack soon and she would attack hard, but she needed the council in order to decide what way would be best to attack.

Turning around, she stood behind a large table, on which rested all sorts of tactics written in scrolls and books, and a large map of Alagaesia spread out. She eyed the map, fixed on her target. Helgrind loomed over Dras-Leona like vulture over a dying animal. It was a cause of concern. Helgrind was not only home to those terrible mutilated priests, skilled with magic, but to the Ra'zac. While Eragon had killed the last two known Ra'zac, it was always possible they were harbouring some new monstrosity, and she dared not let her guard down because of it. Helgrind was a place she knew little about, and as such she had every reason to be highly suspicious of it.

And what to do with the city itself? The place was protected by great walls, the notorious magic using priests of Helgrind, the Empire's forces, and Thorn had been seen, indicating the presence of the King's Champion himself, Murtagh. Eragon and Saphira might be able to keep those two busy, but what of the other Riders? As the number of Varden Riders had grown, so had those of the Empire. How many Eldunari did they have, and how powerful were they? How were they to enter the city? Nasuada frowned as she waited for the other council members, standing tall, arms crossed and bare to show the scars from the Trial of the Long Knives.

[/blockquote]

[Nandon]

William hacked and shoved his way forward, Battling at the troops that surged in front of him, Coming from the now mangled ruins of the gate that had been destroyed by the vardens catapults, It had been a wonderfully lucky shot…And one that in the long run would save countless lives hopefully. As they Varden finally overwhelmed those that protected the ruined gates William stepped aside, Resting for a moment, His apprentice was not taking place in this battle and William knew her location and infact readied himself to retrieve her when the fighting was over. Now resting and out of the way of the main trample of the Varden William sighed, His mind flashing back to the council that had planned for this day.

“Lady Nasuada!” William spoke pulling his fist to his breast in a military salute, He held this pose for a moment before moving forward, He was once again dressed in his ceremonial armor, Armor that served him for occasions like this. He had met with the vardens leader several times these past few days, often bringing reports of some form or another, And this time was only different in the fact that now was a time to plan, He moved towards the table that held a map of Dras Leona, Something William himself had contributed, Drawing it from several different spy reports.

Sighing slightly to himself William set a couple pieces of parchment on the table, Another report from one of the vardens spies. This one slightly bleaker, It stated that the empire had amassed a sizeable army, And several riders, Including the empires champion Murtagh. It seemed that this battle would be decided by magic, Not grit and steel like he preferred.

“It seems like things would have been so much better when there was no magic, Or riders…” William muttered again before turning his attention to the door behind him, expecting the rest of the council members to be here he was disappointed, William was always punctual, And he had expected the others to be…

[Emiryal ♕]

werecat | neutral

Syaoran was in cat form, which in itself was rather unusual as the werecat generally liked to remain in human form. He was curled up under the table on a blanket that had been discarded there. He lifted his head as William came into the tent and spoke, disturbing Syaoran's cat nap. The white cat yawned and stretched before jumping on top of the table, were he proceeded to lick his forepaw as though nothing was amiss. He wasn't loyal to the Varden, nor to the Empire. The werecat hadn't even been invited to this meeting, he'd just shown up as he liked to be where interesting things happened, though when forced to choose he had aided the Varden over the Empire in the past.

rider of Sephora | varden rider

Caspian entered the tent soon after William had. His hair was soaking wet from the rain and hung in strands. He wiped his hand across his forehead to brush the wet hair away from his eyes. A wet cloak was wrapped around him, it had protected his clothing from getting wet and he now removed the cloak and slung it over one arm. He bowed slightly to Nasuada out of respect and obligation. He had sworn loyalty to her in the ancient language and was obliged to obey her. He wondered if that was a mistake binding himself to any one fraction so thoroughly but what was done was done. "Lady Nasuada," he said politely then fell silent. He'd once been a simple messenger boy of the Varden until fate had him blunder into the Varden's treasure room where the dragon eggs were kept. Sephora had hatched for him then and drastically changed his life from a simple messenger boy to a Rider.

A golden blade hung at the youth's side, Naegling, Oromis' sword. How such a powerful and legendary blade had fallen into his hands he still wasn't sure. Nasuada had been the one to give it to him. However, he'd never used it in battle before. He was young and he'd joined the Varden after they'd won Belatona. This would be his first fight, and it made him nervous. His magic was certainly no where near as powerful as any of the other Riders the Varden had.

[Aelodil]

Anurin was, samewise as William there when they had been forced to take Belatona by force. He had been there, cutting and slashing and rolling and dodging. Vanilor was not able to help as he was way too large and probably would have trampled all the soldiers in two steps. As Anurin finished he had gone to the large mountain that served a his and Vanilor's house. As he reached there he had bathed in a nearby stream and changed out of his armor into another tunic he had since hundreds of years ago.

"We are late for the council Anurin. We would do well not to miss or be too late this time. You know just how annoying it is when we are late too much.. Anurin cursed as he remembered the boy who came the previous to inform him about a war council after the city was theirs. He went to quickly saddle Vanilor and grabbed Andpat. The pale blade seemed to be bothered they were late. In matter of seconds Vanilor had reached Belatona. He occupied almost the whole of the city but his head at least was in the broken remain of the castle. "Nasuadaa. Hello werecat. Hello William. Am I too late?" he asked

[Aelodil]

( sorry for sucky post. I wa using my phone )

[Nandon]

(( uh vlaer....that dosent exactly work....the battle hasnt started yet in this thread....I only had william having a flashback which is this council so that my post would be longer....))

[Nepherion]

" We're late, " Starlight said quietly as the two broke through the clouds and banked around towards the city of Belatona. His regal tone had touched Nepherion's mind and opened his jade eyes to the dreary and wet town.

Nepherion sighed as the sound of the rain beating his cloak pattered in his sensitive hearing. He smiled lightly before patting the side of Starlight's neck affectionately. " I blame you for trying to avoid the rain. If would had just flown straight through we would had been here sooner buddy. " He wrapped the hand back around the large spike in front of him before looking over Starlight's tilted body. The sight that was in front of him was almost unbelievable, the size of the Dragon inhabiting the Town was plain outrageous. Its scales were as white as Starlight's. " Woah, " Nepherion uttered in awe.

Starlight snorted loudly sensing Nepherion's wonderment for the Dragon-kin. " Pull yourself together young one ! Its not as extraordinary as you may think. " he countered, a bit of resentment in his tone. The massive Dragon was honestly not all that impressive, all dragons continuously grew through out their lifespan which could be immeasurably long. It didn't help that his own rider was had been caught in this dragon's glamour.

Nepherion smiled before obliging to Starlight's own vanity. It took a little while for Starlight to find a suitable place to land, considering that large dragon that had taken up a good portion of the surrounding land. Nepherion climbed down from Starlight's saddle and make sure the cavernous crags would prove suitable before bidding him farewell. For a long while Nepherion was force to sprint towards Belatona's location. Everything around him was blurred as he sped down his path and towards the council's meeting. He reached the town in a matter of minutes before being confronted by Varden guards which was dealt with by him showing his face. After respectively greeting them back he found himself fumbling his way through town and eventually making it to the tent that was serving as base for Nasuada's duties.

Nepherion entered the tent, flapping his arms towards the ground to free his cloak of the rain that had soaked into it. " Gods, This rain is unbearable. " he complained. It was odd to him how casual he was with the Varden, even though he was suppose to be a neutral party. But it couldn't be helped, he still held more friends in the Varden than the Empire. He pulled his cloak from around his shoulders and held it lazily so that its body would not drag on the ground. He noticed the others and stopped at the table where the others were, bowing respectively towards the ebony-skinned leader of the Varden. His emeralds looking them all over before his stern gaze had halted on Caspian. " I've come to ask you guys not to fight. " he said kindly and with a warm smile as if his sentence would not catch them off guard or rather.. shouldn't catch them off guard.

[Quetzal]

Nasuada nodded in respect to William as he entered the hall. She immediately opened the scrolls he presented her, scanning her eyes down them. She would read them more fully later. Although her expression did not show it, she was somewhat dismayed at the bleak reports. They only confirmed what she already knew; the Empire were far more powerful than last time. But so were they. Hearing William's comment, she said nothing. Not being a magic user or Rider herself, she could see where he was coming from. Physical weapons seemed good enough, but it was necessary to use magic now. At least it reduced the number of Varden deaths if they could send out a few magicians in place of a few dozen men.

The appearance of the werecat surprised Nasuada, but she smiled. The werecats were a strange people, and the sight of one cheered her up. This one had definitely aided the Varden in the past, as she recognized him. Syaoran? Yes, that was his name. "Hello, Syaoran. Good to see you," she greeted him, making no move to remove him despite knowing he wasn't technically allied with the Varden. The werecats liked to observe important events, and as they were loyal to no-one but themselves it was almost impossible Syaoran would report back to the Empire. Besides, it was a bad move trying to tell a werecat what to do.

Caspian entered not long after William. "Rider Caspian," she greeted him. Anurin arrived not long after. "Ah, hello, Anurin. No, you're not too late, we were just about to start," she told him. She held a lot of respect for such an ancient Rider. His huge dragon would pack a lot of force, and would no doubt be very useful in the upcoming battle. Anurin himself had a long life of wisdom. Nasuada's eyes moved between the two Riders and knight. Eragon was not here yet, but that was no matter. As the first of the returning Riders and her most valued ally, he was usually kept busy so was likely to be doing something important. He also didn't seem to like these meetings, so she wouldn't be surprised if he was putting it off. They might as well make a start.

The door opened again, and another Rider entered. "Nepherion?" she said, noticeably surprised at his presence. He hadn't been invited as he claimed to be neutral in all this. She didn't dare hope that he had changed his mind and decided to join the Varden after all. His words confirmed that. She sighed shaking her head. "Of course you are," she walked slowly up to the young Rider. "Look, it'd be nice if we could get along with being oppressed by the Empire, but I for one am not going to stand by and let that happen to my people. There's no going back now, we're too far in. The Empire have been gathering their army in Dras-Leona. You think that if we don't attack them, they'll just what - go home? Ignore the fact that we're currently inside a city that formerly belonged to them? No, Nepherion. If we don't try to take Dras-Leona, the Empire will march their army to Belatona and attack us here. Then the Varden will have to fight or die. Even if we win, many of us will die in such a battle, and for what? To stay right where we are? No, if our forces are to meet, let it be to advance. A battle will happen whether any of us likes it or not, and I would much rather have it happen at Dras-Leona where we might actually force the Empire back than have it happen here, where men will needlessly die because we did not want to engage in combat." she lectured the Rider, her deep passion for the Varden in every word.

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[Aelodil]

Both Anurin and Vanilor felt hurt as they heard Nasuada talk angrily and impatiently to such a Rider. Nepherion wished for peace, and they respected that. They were also Neutral yet have aided the Varden in many a battle. He knew that Nasuada must have not known him much, and therefore most probably not trust in him that much yet he was not able to contain himself. "Lady Nasuada," he said his voice rich in music, "why must you degrade him for such courageous words and nobility? I too honestly wish for peace, yet as I have been shown peace is no longer a choice. THAT is the ONLY reason why I am here to fight with you."

As he finished speaking, he walked over to Caspian, purposely passing by Nepherion. "You are an honorable Rider, and you do our Order well." he whispered, so low that you would need to be an elf to hear it. As he reached Caspian and saw Naegling strapped to his waist, tears began to brim in his eyes. "Alas, is it true our mighty friends, Oromis and Glaedr have passed away? Oh it seems as if it was just yesterday we were by each other's sides training our students." Vanilor also felt his sorrow and he let out a sad mewl. The sound was so loud, Anurin thought he would become deaf.

They knew about the Knight, William. He had something against Elves for a particular reason he knew naught about. He then studied Syaoran. It seemed his only ray of hope came from a big ball of white fur. He smiled and walked over to Syaoran and began scratching him."Nasuada. As you may soon learn, I have not the same patience as my Rider, so do tell me. What have you brought us here for? We have naught the time for chit-chat with some tea." Vanilor said, allowing everyone to hear, his voice very deep, though rich.

[Nandon]

William turned as the others entered, Forcing a smile as he saw a elf, William of course didn’t like elves, he thought they acted as if they where to good for the rest of the races, And that hate also stemmed from the fact of there magical mastery, He despised magic also, but that may be only because he knew not how to cast but a few basic spells.

William let Nasuada speak, showing his agreement with her on several points by nodding his head, Then he watched the elf begin to speak…And when his voice raised for those brief moments, Those two words. Well that was all it took for Williams thin temper to snap. “You will watch your tongue when you speak to the leader of those that wish to free a empire that is built on the hatred and insanity of one of your order.” William said, keeping his voice in a normal tone, but leaving no doubt that he was angry. Then he walked over to stand towards Nasuada. Watching the room he saw the elfs lips move but saw no more, Then he decided it was time to add a personal touch to this struggle, Bending his pride back he looked at the elf.

“I apologize for my temper, It stem’s from something that is a bit personal in my life. This siege must go through because the Duncan family, A family in surda who supported the empire fled surda after they burned my families home to the ground…They also hired a assassin to finish the job if we escaped. I am fiercely protective of my family, I have even been called Bear-like on several circumstances.” He looked down as he felt a tear or two coming to his eyes as he remembered his parents death and tyhen his childhood home blazing he then looked back up and sighed “This war must end…My parents died in this conflict when I was very young, And look at me now. Still fighting the same battle. But it is a battle that must be fought, For peace to come, Galbatorix must be off the throne…”

William finished and looked down again, he wasn’t used to passionate personal speeches like that, And very few knew the fact of why he now lived with the Varden and not in surda, Nasuada knew of course, She had been the first one he had gone to when it had all happened, She had been the one to approve the attack on the Duncan’s compound, And she had been the one he had gone to when he realized the Duncan’s where now in Dras Leona.

William wanted revenge, And he would get it one way or another…

[Aelodil]

He stood there feeling like they were simply gathering for some tea. Then Anurin perke his head up as he heard the Knight speak. Vanilor growled as Willim spoke out of his place with Anurin and their old friends. The growl showed no anger but a warning; do not cross the line. Then William spoke of his families death. It reminded Aanurin of his own tragic life. He found himself close to tears. yet he also had pride and anger was seething from him as he found tht the knight had insulted all of their friends. Oromis, Glaedr and everyone jut because Galbatorix had gone mad.

"Next time you speak to us Sir William," Anurin said puttin pressure on the word sir, "do so with respect. Not anyone here would or could contain us if you anger us anymore." his voice not showing anger or gentleness. Just a plin sentence sending a warning. He unheathed Andlat and began leaning on the pale blade. Of course he would neve do so wih any normal sword but Andlat wa an exception.

((Sorry or sucky post. Again posting from phone.))

[Quetzal]

Nasuada's little outburst had triggered a response from Anurin. She hoped she hadn't started something. All she had wanted was to keep Nepherion in check. At the same time, she did not want to lose the support of such an experienced Rider. As she mulled over the best way to calm the situation, a great, deep voice that dripped with ancient nobility spoke in the minds of everyone present. Valinor. She had seen the great white dragon outside. He was evidence of the rumours that dragons would not stop growing; he must be about as big as a small mountain. It intrigued her how he coped with his massive size, and how he managed to find enough food to fuel his house-sized limbs. She answered the dragon both in her head and aloud, so that the council would be able to hear as well as him. "I have gathered everyone to decide on the Varden's course of action. It is no secret that the Empire have been gathering an army in Dras-Leona, which is the next logical stepping stone towards Uru'baen. It is thought they plan to attack us here, so we shall decide if we should attack them in Dras-Leona and advance forwards, and if so, what the best way to attack would be to try and ensure we win and that as few people are killed as possible. This is far from a chit-chat; this is a serious discussion about how the Varden might advance. Make a wrong decision, and the Varden might fail, leaving them crushed or seriously set back. Most likely everyone in this room - aside Syaoran, of course - would be captured if that were to happen." she said in a grave tone.

While she did not blame anyone for speaking their feelings, Nasuada was annoyed at the debate that seemed to have sparked up. She was well aware of the resentment William held for magicians, elves and Riders. As much as she sympathized with her loyal knight, it would not do for this meeting to turn into personal disputes. That would not reflect well on the Varden, especially since the werecat present might well spread news among a select few other werecats, as the race always seemed to know when and where significant events involving the Varden were to happen.

Anurin drew his sword, and that was the last straw. "Enough! You two are both highly esteemed warriors in your own right, and if we are to get anything done, it won't do to waste time arguing among ourselves! Conflict with the Empire is enough, thank you," she said calmly, standing between the two disagreeing parties. This was like trying to deal with King Orrin and Roran, although to be fair neither of these two were as annoying as Orrin. Politics was a tricky business, and she really hated it sometimes. When people snapped at each other's every word was one of those times. She respected every person in the room, even Nepherion, otherwise she would not have invited those that had been. However much she might respect people, she needed them to cooperate in order to get somewhere in their council today.

"William, you know I understand your pain, but remember that Anurin has lived so much longer than you. Many people he held dear to him years ago have long gone. He has experienced pain such as yours too," Nasuada said gently to William, not meaning him any insult and certainly not trying to belittle his harsh upbringing. She then turned to Anurin. "I apologize if you are offended, but everyone is entitled to their own opinions," she then spoke to the council as a whole. "If anyone here disagrees with anything that is said regarding the Varden's movements, by all means, speak so that we can make better judgement in planning our action. But we won't get anywhere if we complain of more personal matters. That can wait. We all want peace. That can only happen if the Empire is overthrown, and that can only happen through battle. Now, if we're all done, Nepherion, I would like to hear your reasons." she said, turning to the Rider. She was doing her best to keep everyone's interests in mind, wanting everyone to have a say, but right now was not the time to discuss anything beyond the Varden's plans for the inevitable war.

[/blockquote]

[Nepherion]

Nepherion listened intently to all of the discussions, everyone seemed so intone with their emotions that the Varden's council meeting had become nothing less than a chat around a camp fire. Everywhere around him he could feel the slight emotions vibrating in the room. The great-elf had experienced so much in his past that his emotions were fluctuating from sadness to anger the most. And the knight William seemed to have a deep hatred for all that he couldn't understand. These were the reasons why. Battles beget war and war beget death, and in turn death beget revenge. Nepherion let out a deep sigh as Nausada calmed the situation and inquired his reasons. It should had been obvious by now..

Nepherion rested the wrist of his sword-hand on Brojksa's white-wired hilt. " Nausada you know as well as I do what this war will create, " he said calmly, his smile was now flat-lined and his emerald eyes deep with the intensity of his words. But he did not let his eyes roam, they staid on the Varden's finally decider. " It will only create more wars. Neither the Varden's or the Empire's riders belong in this conflict. That includes Galbatorix. Your goal is a just one and I can understand the plea of a human's soul for freedom but this war won't be solved this way. " he told her, his expression scrunching up a little with frustration. He could not help the fact that a Rider's corruption had produced such a dreary future and anger him to vehemently. He had so often shared a mental link with the archaic eldunari ,Bid'Daum, that he could not help but feel his timeworn patience with the world around him. " I wish you all could hear and feel what I do. " he told them, letting them in to a little perk of his transformation. " Have you ever truly felt the anguish of a child-of-war ? It is not exactly the most pleasant thing in the world. " he told them bluntly.

Nepherion turned to look at William for a moment, before returning his gaze to Nasuada. " If you guys would just give me enough time to go speak with the Empire as well, then maybe I could get them to join me. And we could take down Galbatorix together. " he explained to them, unaware of the chains that bounded his riders to him. While their goals were basically the same, Nepherion could not bring himself to ally with the Varden. The first Eragon's goals and plans were specific. The riders were never meant to be allied to anyone but Alagaesia. They were the protectors and medians for a reason.

After that Nepherion's smile had sparked back on his face, his upward turned fist pounding into his palm with a loud smack. " Oh and Anurin, " he said, turning his head towards the elf. " You should really control your temper. For one so old you should have more patience. " said Nepherion with a kindly smile on his face. Though it was not his words, Nepherion was obligated to pass the message along.

[Emiryal ♕]

werecat | neutral

Syaoran meowed once in reply to Nasuada's greeting. He didn't bother to contact anyone mentally, he didn't see a need to get to involved in this. Instead he watched interested as other riders arrived and tension rose. The white werecat shied away from Anurin's attempt to scratch him. Usually he was rather tame around humans, he spent so much time around them he felt more human than werecat, but he didn't want to be touched. He would not attack or hiss at the rider though, it wasn't because he knew the rider's strength but simply he knew that humans could be quite persistent as well as elves. Hissing wouldn't do him much good if Anurin insisted.

As Nasuada spoke again mentioning the price of failure, he wondered if she was even right. He had been captured by the Empire before, the lasting effects of that still cursed him. If the Empire's knew of his weakness and exploited it he very well could end up captured again. Something he did not want to go through ever again.

As Nepherion spoke the white cat's ears perked up and he hissed at the suggestion of speaking with the Empire. He seemed to stand up as he transformed into a young boy with a red jacket and and tan pants. A slim sword hung at his side. "Speaking with the Empire is a death wish, young rider. All who serve Galbatorix are corrupt and would only attempt to enslave you and your dragon," he said. His tone and eyes suggested there was hurt in his words, first hand experience with confronting the Empire.

rider of Sephora | varden rider

Caspian was rather overwhelmed by the tension. He was the youngest rider of the Varden and had never fought in a single war yet. His training and experience were largely lacking. He seemed to shrink back as voices rose and he offered no advice or support towards anyone. He was only fifteen years old after all. When Anurin spoke and noticed Naegling he just nodded briefly. Had Oromis and Glaedr not fallen would they have been able to help them now? The young boy was rather overwhelmed at the moment and said nothing.

Outside a golden dragon flew through the rain. The rain drops bouncing off her scales. She did not enjoy flying in the rain but she had seen Starlight and Nepherion arrive. She and Starlight had hatched near the same time, and out of all the dragons she knew him the best. She ignored the grand white dragon, Vanilor as she flew. Sure he was magnificent, but she had her sights set on Starlight. She landed carefully next to him and playfully nipped at him. She had grown larger since she'd last seen him, it seemed she was finally starting to grow at a steady rate, though he was quite a bit bigger than her and probably always would be.

[Nandon]

Watched the elf as he drew his sword and grew angry, how dare someone draw a weapon in a room full of allies, William had even apologize, Something that was very hard for him to do. Yet still this elf insisted on insulting him by drawing a weapon that was his last straw. His hand moved to the hilt of his weapon, Seeming to make it casual, then he looked up and locked gaze’s with the elf as if to say ‘This is far from over.’ Then he nodded as Nasuada spoke and then as Nepherion spoke, He was surprised that the White rider could advocate so fiercely for peace.

When Nepherion looked at William he immediately understood the words spoke, and he closed his eyes briefly as flashbacks overtook his vision, Then shaking his head slightly wiliiam nodded and spoke up.

"I agree with Nepherion My lady, It is not as if we have anything to lose, The Varden can still prepare for battle while Nepherion goes on this mission of peace, Surely we can postpone a battle a few days yes? Besides if Nepherion’s plan fails, I have a plan, And that plan will Require catapults…Lots of catapults….” William said mysteriously turning his gaze toward Nepherion he nodded his head as if to say ‘Don’t worry, I have your back.’

[Quetzal]

Nasuada was silent and thoughtful after hearing what Nepherion had to say. The young Rider was naive. Did he really think that sense could be talked into the Empire? Many had tried that before, but it had only upset Galbatorix, earning them a shortcut to the grave. War was a last resort, the only thing left to turn to when all sense and reason failed. Perhaps Nepherion was not aware that even if he could win over powerful Empire supporters, they would be unable to take any action against Galbatorix. The King was distrustful of everyone, and as such felt the need to bind his soldiers by the Ancient Language. They would be helpless to do anything but serve him. She did not want to put his words down, so was glad that the werecat spoke before she did. William had something to say about the matter too, understandably in support of such an action. His idea seemed more reasonable, having the army as backup, but she knew that Nepherion would pay dearly for speaking out against the Empire, especially since he was a Rider.

"Syaoran's right. Galbatorix forces everyone who serves him to swear their loyalty in the Ancient Language. Even if one of his Riders wanted to, they wouldn't be able to harm him. If you were to speak out against the Empire, Nepherion, since you are a Rider I would imagine they would try to force you through torture to swear loyalty yourself. Your plan is good in theory, William, but it is far too risky. I don't think anyone here wants to see any more Riders on the Empire's side, especially against their will." she was trying to protect Nepherion when it got down to it. She never forced anyone to swear loyalty to the Varden and to herself, since she had to trust the Varden and since as a freedom fighter she could never take someone's freedom. She did not want to go into battle, either, but it was far too risky not to. Fanciful thoughts of using strong words to turn the enemy into an ally was just romantic thinking. It would be wonderful if it could happen, but the Empire just wouldn't allow it and they needed to be more realistic with their plans.

Nasuada wanted to speed up the council, to talk about more solid plans that could work, plans to overcome the Empire by force, the only thing she truly believed could work any more. "I would love to avoid battle, but it's far too risky for our cause; the Varden has plenty to lose. Friends, family, and hope for freedom. The only way I see to talk sense into the Empire's forces would be to overcome their oaths to Galbatorix. Overcoming them by force, however, would actually be far easier than trying to invent some new magic. If we can avoid conflict, that is preferable, but I won't take any risks." she said, certain in her beliefs. She didn't want to drop the idea of avoiding conflict, but just as well she would only choose the safest option for the Varden.

[/blockquote]

[Aelodil]

Anurin stayed leaning on his pale blade. "Please do not see my unsheathing of Andlat a threat or a provoke. I am very old and I would like to have something to lean on. Though I have to agree with Nasuada. Nepherion, William, though I wish, just as you do, to go talk them out of this we cannot. As Nasuada has stated every Empire Rider is sworn whether they like it or not. If they get hold of you they will either torture you or your dragon or both to get you to swear fealty to them." his musical voice seemed to be singing. "Though..Nasuada, we could get them to get rid of their oaths. If all of us Riders and dragons concentrate on one Rider and dragon and sustain them with our energy by trapping them until their true names are changed, then they will no longer be bound by their oaths. It's a little far fetched as each of them have Eldunari.. though I believe it is the only choice." his voice seemed to be pained.

Vanilor continued to listen without interest. Why must these two-legs talk to each other of strategy and tactics? His tactic was very simple and easy to remember; stomp around until all of the enemies are smashed potatoes. If a few survived then either have a late breakfast, or burn them."I hope you wouldn't mind if I left? My tactics wouldn't be much help to you. I'd be better off around the city, keeping anyone suspicious from getting near." his voice rumbled in their minds. He even sent them an example of his tactics. He had stepped around until everyone was smashed while anyone who was still alive was burned alive or swallowed hole. He then left the city and curled himself around it. Though he was napping, his mind was still alive and awake, he heard what Anurin heard, saw what Anurin saw and would often comment though for the moment he stayed motionless. Like a sheet of snow covering the city from view.

[Nepherion]

Nepherion stood in the middle of the group. Anurin was behind him leaning on his blade, Caspian was off to his right and William to his left, while Nasuada stood behind the table infront of him. He stood, his white-steel armor hanging over his arms, shins, and left shoulder in a beautiful display of his strength, even the small white cloak that hung from his right shoulder had brought some form of extraordinary strength to his presence. Nepherion clenched his fist in anger, just the thought of the riders' being enslaved was unbearable. His expression became contorted with fierceness. " You're telling me he can enslave Riders !?! " he barked with shocked. Then he redirected his gaze back to the werecat, his fur was as white as snow and looked as soft as a cloud. " And you're all so sure of this. Damn, I didn't think he was capable of forcing a vow of loyalty. " he revealed sharply.

He turned to Nasuada with a deep strain, or rather struggle in his emerald eyes. " I-I just can't accept this.." he said tensely. He gripped the hilt of Brojska to calm himself, taking a couple of breathes while William and the others spoke.

Once they were done he once again looked to everyone. He could barely believe what he had just been told. He looked over his shoulder at Anurin. " That wouldn't work, " he told him, calmer then before now. " The time it would take for their names to change would be a waste of time. " he commented. " The thing is I can't ally myself with one group, less I forget my place in Eragon's plan. " Nepherion thought on it for a moment, cuffing his chin with his free hand. " Forget it, " he decided shaking his head free of his heavy duties. He knew more than anyone how difficult it could be to stay neutral, especially when all of his friends were in the midst of the dangerous war. His jaw tightened a bit and he begin pat his foot against the ground. " Alright, So what's the plan ? " he announced.


Starlight had been resting in the cave a little longer than he had expected but it was better than allowing his scales to be drenched in the tears-of-the-gods. Nepherion apparently was caught in the middle of the varden's-leader-and-commander meeting. And from his rider's feelings it seemed like his argument wasn't exactly going over like he intended it too. Usually, Starlight would had tried to comfort the young Rider but he gotten distracted by a golden glint speeding through the watery curtains of his cave. Starlight raised his neck to attention as she glided over beside him and nipped at his tail. " Gah ! " he gasped in the mental. She had grown into a beautiful being. Her scales seemed brighter now that they were bigger and her features and body had bloomed gracefully into her figure. Starlight stood up, himself so big that he had crashed his head into the ceiling and caused a small tremor in the small cavern. He snarled deeply at his mistake, one of his eyes close and other lifted at the smooth ceiling of the cave.

Starlight recovered from his embarrassment and moved his tail from Sephora, a inept urge surging through him to nip at her side. " Sephora ? Is that you ? " he asked after the affectionate action.