{We Could Be Heroes} Brenton

[[cass]]

Sure still wasn’t quite sure as to why she was there. Standing at the edge of a place she had once called home. Amira stood only a few feet back, her large, deep, dark purple eyes gazing in awe at the tall, beautiful trees that stood before her. Amira had never thought she would see even a single tree from the forests of Du Weldenvarden and Caspia had never believed she would see them again either. But a strong urge of longing and home sickness and just a painful need to see them had forced her to fly to the edge of her home. She had believed that seeing it would ease that ache in her heart, but it had only made it worse. Now she stood rooted to the ground, unable to tear her blue eyes away from the world in front of her. It was dangerous being this close; if an elven patrol spotted her they could kill her. The spell that had cursed her and banished her set her as a target, she wasn’t sure how it worked, but as soon as an elf saw her they just knew, it was like some page of history was remembered and the word traitor, murderer, killer were branded into their minds. It is dangerous here, Caspia, we should go. There was a deep sadness in Amira’s voice, that did not help Caspia.

Caspia knew she had to leave, but she didn’t want to, she wanted to drink in the sights of her home, of her world, she wanted to breathe in that air and feel the leaves beneath her fingers. She never would again, and a part of her knew that after this last glance she would never come back. I wish you could see it the way I have, instead of just the outside. She attempted, weakly at lightning the mood. There was little humour to be shared in this moment. It was hard to know she would have to walk away again, to know that every elf that saw her automatically hated her. To know that Amira, the dragon of an elf would never have the kind of gifts and privileges that went to any normal elf. I don’t mind you know, never seeing there. Most elves never see what you have seen, not many of them ever range further then the forest, I bet none of them know the Boer Mountains half as well as you do. Caspia allowed herself a small smile, that was true.

Do you think I can get a bit closer? She asked the dragon, innocently. She looked up at Amira as she padded closer, the beautiful purple dragon snorted, sensing that Caspia had lifted from her sombre mood into something more cheeky and playful. Caspia not waiting for an answer took a few steps closer to the forest, but Amira could see her body tense, and she followed, knowing that this was going to be a bad idea.

[Brenton]

"Sire we really should wait until we know that the Empire soldiers are gone before you travel out here again." The elven guard who accompanied Brenton was nervous and telling him that it wasn't safe but for all Brenton cared there was never a safe moment and he wanted revenge upon those who killed his mother. Still, Brenton drew Undbitr and kept the horse going at a soft trot forward.

Sunlight filtered through the canopy of the trees above and Brenton was just getting used to the peaceful atmosphere when his guard growled and leapt forward with a hateful gaze in his eyes. Brenton followed the young elf's eyes and saw that he was looking at another person who seemed to be nervous.

The slithering and sinister sound of a sword being drawn was what brought Brenton out of his thoughts and he raised his voice to his stalking guard. Stand down and let this elf speak her wishes. He glared at the guard who then sheathed his sword and stood to the side while they moved toward her.

When Brenton was about fifteen feet away from the woman he dismounted and walked slowly forward smiling warmly. He stood majestically in front of the woman and thought he recognized a cornered look in her eyes. Good morrow Elven maiden. What is your business here at the fringe of our land and not in the capital city?

[[cass]]

Caspia stood closer then she had to the trees of the elven lands. Closer then she had stood for over fifty years. She was playing a very dangerous game and yet she could not find the will to move away, backwards to safety. Amira had moved off and away from Caspia, unwilling to ruin the silence and time that Caspia needed. The dragon had seen that Caspia just needed time, a few moments to think and realise that this would be the last time they came here. Amira would not let Caspia return, there was too much heart ache and she knew that after this visit the young elf would be in a sad mood for a long time. Amira kept a watchful eye on her rider, but stayed a bit away. Caspia on the other hand seemed lost in memories, unable to move, riveted to the spot where she stood. Caspia took a few hurried steps backwards, her eyes widening in alarm as the figure of an elf leapt at her. Pure hatred shone in his eyes and in a flash she had her own sword drawn. To Caspia’s horror another elf appeared, he held power and she knew that if this came to a fight she would lose.

” Stand down and let this elf speak her wishes.” Caspia glared at the younger elf, before turning her cold eyes onto the older elf. She knew not who he was. She watched, wearily and ready to jump back and make a run for it should he threaten her in any way. She felt flustered and scared, having seen an elf, her own kind, her own people and seeing that hatred had made it even worse. It had been like a cold cruel slap of reality, to see it and know that it was there, not something she had hoped would not true. He glared at the other elf, who grudgingly sheathed his sword, Caspia did not do the same. Then he stepped closer to her, dismounting he smiled at her warmly. Caspia did not know what to do or think. She had thought that the first time she meet an elf, any elf it would end up with her dead, not someone smiling at her warmly. Suddenly not wanting to appear so scared she halted, turning her shocked expression into one of hostility. ”Good morrow Elven maiden. What is your business here at the fringe of our land and not in the capital city?”

Amira, finally seeing what had happened raced over, teeth bared. She stood right behind Caspia, ready to leap into action at the hint of trouble. Caspia found herself staring at the older elf, she tried to ignore the loathing looks the elf beside him threw her, but each time she saw them it was like a knife being stabbed into her gut. ”Ask him why.” She suggested, motioning towards the elf beside him, who was staring at her with blind hatred. “Ask your little buddy beside you why. I don’t even know why you don’t know why, but if you really want to know talk to your little friends beside you.” She spat, venom dripping from each word. Her hostile look turned into a cold glare as she took in both of them. She could feel the power radiating off of the older elf and that worried her. He was strong and it was confusing to know that he did not know her, but it was a relief to know that maybe there was someone out there who had not swallowed the lie that had destroyed her life.

”Wait, actually no, don’t ask him until I am gone, so that way you won’t kill me, yet.” Caspia backed up another step, her sword ready for an attack.

ooc -- [ sorry about replying so quick, I'm just excited for this xD ]

[Brenton]

Brenton stepped back slightly as the dragon came forward and he smiled just before sheathing his sword and then out of respect he started the traditional elven greeting even though he was king. You know, I could have you killed just for talking to me like that but as you are a rider and do not know me then I will spare you. Please refrain from talking to the king like that again and maybe we can continue speaking. Now, I don't want the story from someone who appears to hate you but would like you to explain it to me yourself. The dragon rider king removed his riding gloves and showed Caspia his Gedwey Ignasia before looking at Amira and bowing slightly. I beg of your forgiveness Brightscales for not allowing you to know we were here but as my guard here so rudely showed, I am forced to keep him from stabbing your rider. Now please Caspia, tell me your story of why you were banished by my mother. Brenton turned back to Caspia and watched her carefully.

[[cass]]

Surprised Caspia took another step back, bringing her right beside Amira. Amira sensing Caspia’s distress and horror at the situation growled a low rumble that only reached Caspia’s ears. It helped to ease Caspia, and her racing heart lightened a touch. Gently she placed a hand on one large scale, the purple dragon’s warmth and familiar touch was comforting. This was bad, a very bad situation that Caspia did not want to be in. ”You know I could have you killed just for talking to me like that but as you are a rider and do not know me then I will spare you. Please refrain from talking to the king like that again and maybe we can continue speaking. Now, I don't want the story from someone who appears to hate you but would like you to explain it to me yourself.” Caspia’s jaw dropped open as she looked at the elf. As she looked at the King. Her eyes widened in shock and yet as he spoke those words all she could feel was a sense of relief. She was dead. Islanzadí was dead. The surprise did not end there, this new King drew off one of his gloves, his hand flashing in the early light and Caspia could make out the gedwëy ignasia on the palm of his hand.

“I beg of your forgiveness Brightscales for not allowing you to know we were here but as my guard here so rudely showed, I am forced to keep him from stabbing your rider. Now please Caspia, tell me your story of why you were banished by my mother.” Amira snorted in response, uneasy at this sudden turn of events and unable to comprehend what was happening. She knew nothing of the elven ways and she knew nothing of who was standing in front of her, the only thing she cared about was the fact that one of them could attack and hurt Caspia and she was not going to let that happen. Caspia on the other hand, had heard nothing, his next words glancing off of her. After a second longer of her face marvelling in that sunned expression it broke out into a happy grin. ”I’m sorry for you lose. No, actually, no I am not.” Caspia hadn’t felt so relived for such a long time, and for a moment she forgot who she was talking to. ”That Queen your mother destroyed my life. And now she is dead. You have no clue how long I have been waiting to hear that she was dead. Hell I thought I’d be dead before I’d ever hear such perfect news.” She laughs a short bitter bark of amusement. ”You have no clue how much pain I suffered because of her. She ripped me from my family and from a life that I have longed to have for over fifty years. She turned every elf against me because she was blinded by her own rage and hate.”

Caspia had sometimes wondered what the world would be like when she died. She had often wondered if something would change, if things would go back to normal, but obviously that would never happen. ”She cursed me and banished me. Speaking the ancient language did not even help me in her need, her want to be rid of me. She was poison.” She spat the last words out, tears running down her face. She had not blown out like this, or even thought so much about it since she had left. Hell the last time she had cried about it had been forty years ago and now it was all bubbling up to the surface and it hurt more than it ever had. She slipped to the ground, wrapping her arms tightly around her knees, forcing the great shuddering sobs away. Amira did not know what to do or say, she had never seen Caspia in such a state. It was worrying and what was more so Caspia was saying very dangerous things, to an elf that could kill her. Worriedly she looked up, a small whimper forming in the back of her throat. They had to leave before Caspia said anything else, before this King had had enough and killed her.

[Brenton]

Brenton saw the cornered look in Caspia's eyes and suddenly he realized what was wrong but it didn't stop the split second flash of anger in his eyes which he controlled because the elf had reasons to hate Islanzadi. I do not hold a grudge against you for being upset with my mother because even I was treated badly and she did nothing to stop the problems. However, I would appreciate it if you don't talk badly about her as much because she was my mother. Now, I am King Brenton of the elven race and I have a proposition for you and your soul partner. If you were to be willing to explain yourself in front of myself and the riders of Du Weldenvarden as well as my advisers then I would be willing to lift your curse and banishment. Brenton smiled and then was suddenly assaulted mentally by his two eldunari, Saphira and Vaentr. Be careful young one for your loyal subjects may not look kindly upon you lifting such curses lightly. Brenton, Vaentr is right in this situation. If you were to try and lift this curse then it would take all of your strength as well as part of ours. You may want to speak with Nandon or someone who knows you better for advise. Brenton listened and then nodded before casting his mind out to find Nandon and when he did he relayed his message for the elf rider to meet him here at the fringe of the forest.

[Nandon]

Nandon was in the process of reading within the study of Aystens house, Aysten had gone off somewhere with Sorra, And just like Normal, Nandon tended to take over the role of watching after the house, before slipping out quietly once he returned. He felt a familiar mind touch his and Nandon opened it slightly, “Ah hello Breton. What is it you require?” Nandon asked, Ever since his mother had been killed Nandon had noticed Breton had relied a bit more on Nandons council, And he was more than happy to help his old friend.

He nodded his head slightly as Breton asked him to come to the fringe of the forest, He was a long way away, but that was when he remembered the spell he had been working on recently, It was similar to the spell to send normal objects to different places, But this one could send the user to different places, He then located Breton’s mind and pinpointed a location a short walk away, and muttered the words to the spell.

His world vanished in a flash, And Nandon felt his strength begin leaving him, Quickly he grew alarmed, His breathing quickened and he closed his eyes, Then a loud bang filled his ears, Followed by the smell of charred vegetation. Slowly he opened his eyes and saw himself surrounded by trees, Then dimly he felt the tug of other minds nearby. And he moved to stand, feeling his stomach lurch as he did so he vomited on a nearby tree. Then pushing off the tree he gathered energy from the small ring that sat on his hand. Once he felt better he shoke his head and moved over towards the cluster of minds he know felt. Then bursting into a clearing he looked around and saw Breton, Flanked by a guard. He nodded and moved closer. “You called?”

[Brenton]

Brenton nodded as he felt Nandon suddenly appear a little ways away and then walk toward them after a couple minutes or resting. Of course the magic that Brenton had felt had to have taken a bit of strength to muster but at least it was finished. When Nandon walked up, Brenton motioned for the guard to walk over to a tree and wait, while still making sure he could see him. Yeah Nandon, have you heard of Caspia? Even if you haven't, she is in danger of being killed if she enters the forest and from what I gather she was wrongly banished and cursed by my mother. I was just talking with Vaentr and Saphira and they both agreed to be careful but they wanted me to confer with you before making a decision. I was thinking that we should have her stand and explain herself to a group of trusted advisers as well as the riders of Du Weldenvarden so we can decide what to do. Of course in order to lift the curse I would have to rely upon the combined strength of all of us but I must know your opinion. Brenton stood there and then noticed his guard start to move silently toward Caspia. He muttered a few words and the guard was quickly stuck to a tree by invisible bonds which Vaentr and Saphira supplied the strength to keep him bound.

[[cass]]

This whole thing was taking on something very weird. It was odd. Brenton was surprisingly understanding about everything she was saying and yet Caspia couldn’t shake off the idea that he was foolish. It was strange seeing someone like that. “I do not hold a grudge against you for being upset with my mother because even I was treated badly and she did nothing to stop the problems. However, I would appreciate it if you don't talk badly about her as much because she was my mother. Now, I am King Brenton of the elven race and I have a proposition for you and your soul partner. If you were to be willing to explain yourself in front of myself and the riders of Du Weldenvarden as well as my advisers then I would be willing to lift your curse and banishment.” Caspia stared at him. Unable to take her eyes away from him. She never believed she would hear that. And yet she believed this King was being foolish. It was more complicated than explaining to advisers and riders what had happened. It was so much more complicated. So much more confusing than telling them, it was like he had not listened to what she had just said.

She couldn’t just tell the story. She could stand here right now and say in the ancient language that she had killed no one, and she could as easily say in the ancient language that she had killed that elf. It had been part of it all. The lies had become so muddled into the truth that she had begun to believe them. And yet she didn’t. The ancient language, a language you can never lie in had become something less than that to her. It had its flaws. And she had found it. When you believed something, even if it was a lie you could say it as a truth. So when two truths, or even a lie and a truth become something so important to you that for fifty years you slowly had begun to believe the curse, the lies and everything that those elves had spat at you and hissed as she had run front the forest you slowly begin to believe it. And the truth as well as the lie comes as easily to your lips as saying nothing. It was a strange thing that Caspia could not fathom and yet because of time she had come to accept what had happened, hesitantly and reluctantly and there were times when she would venomously deny it, but then there had been times before she meet Amira when she had curled herself up and breathed in the words of the curse and breathed in the hateful, spiteful words that had been spat at her.

It had been on one of those days when she had said it. Muttering it in the ancient language. She had said she had killed that elf. She had told herself that she had. Because she believed it. Why else had the ancient language failed her? Why else had she been banished when she had done nothing. There had come a day when she would laugh and say that she had not done it, because she hadn’t. But then there were those days when the lie became truth, because after fifty years it had affected her and changed her. Brenton turned away, stalking back through the trees. Towards a smaller clearing just in the edge of the forest, where she would not follow. She watched wearily as the guard moved to a tree, his eyes watchful and always staying on hers. Ignoring him she turned to Amira. The only way they will get me to say anything that can be deemed truthful will be if they go digging in my mind. Which is something I do not want. Amira snorted. Caspia didn’t know what to feel right now. This new King was going to help her, this new King wanted to let her go home, all she had to do was say- Caspia, just don’t tell him that. Just say the truth of everything that happened. Skip that little detail, he won’t know. Caspia frowned.

I can’t. I want to go home, but I want to do it the right way. That was when she heard the lightest of footsteps, it could so easily be mistaken for a falling leaf, but Caspia knew better. She spun around, but before she could even do anything the elven guard went flying into a tree, where he could not move. Caspia raised an eyebrow at him and his snarling face. Someone really did not like her. Moving past him, she walked as close as she dared to the forest. ”Brenton - er I mean You Grace, with this thing you want to do, the only way you’ll get the plain simple truth is if you get it yourself.” She frowned, still reluctant to put forth her idea. Taking a deep breath she continued, ”grab it from my mind. It is really complicated and my head has gotten all messed up with all of this and to say it easily I can’t say it. The ancient language won’t help with me saying the truth. So it would be best if you just grabbed it.” She finished, a scowl knitting her forehead into a tight frown. Even the idea of someone going into her head made her feel sick. But she wanted to go home.

[Nandon]

Nandon turned his attention to the girl as Breton asked him, Studying her for a couple moments he missed what she said, He sighed before speaking.

“I think….in this great time of tragedy, Who are we to stop a….’Grieving’ Elf….From coming home to attend to the funeral of her queen…I also feel as if Perhaps Due to my short horrid memory, That we may forget we have taken such measures, And allow you to stay in your home.” Nandon finished, A smile overtaking his face as he tried to phrase his sentence in a way that Breton would not Directly undercut his mother.

[Brenton]

Brenton looked over at Caspia and then thought for a second before shrugging and gathering his mind into one large force. With the said force he sent a tendril into the elf woman's mind and searched, passing from one history to another and coming up against several blocks only to sweep past them. His face was a grimace of pain and he quickly connected his mind with both eldunari as well as Nandon to try and sort out as much as possible. Soon, the elf king came to a spot where he was confused and had to cross reference for a minute. Caspia, why do you have such a complicated history and it is all muddled together. I would figure you would be adamant that you were innocent and not have it be confusing. Brenton finally gathered all he could a withdrew shakily from the mind to a world where he found he was surrounded by trees and leaves that were shaking in the wind.

[[cass]]

Caspia stumbled backwards as Brenton’s mind invaded her own. At the first touch she had to hold herself back from throwing up her defences as instinct demanded and instead reluctantly lowered them. However, Amira jumped in and between the two of them the quickly grabbed all the memories that they did not want to be known. There were an awful lot of them; over half of her memories and secrets were hidden within a wall that Brenton would not enter. Yet some part of her knew that if he tried he could, there was a lot of power within his grasp. Being in her own mind she could feel it and it hurt her. She could feel it blazing across the fore front of her skull, but she bit back any sign that it hurt, instead letting Amira take it all. The dragon grasped it and let it enter her own mind, where it was no more than a small sting to her.

She did not know how long he stayed in there for, but as he withdrew she placed a slightly shaking hand to her forehead, banishing the last remnants of his touch, before throwing up her own, strong defences so that no one would enter unwelcomed. She felt violated, but she knew it had had to be done, but as to whether the King had even gotten what he had wanted she would not know. Caspia feeling unusually drained stepped backwards, placing a hand on Amira. The dragon hummed gently and all at once Caspia felt a lot calmer. It was something, like a gift that Amira had, no matter the situation she just had to hum a gentle tune and Caspia would relax. Sighing inwardly to herself she turned her bright blue eyes to face the King. She blinked as he spoke, and she could not prevent the smirk that split across her lips.

”Did you get what you needed, though?”

[Brenton]

I got that you are conflicted in how you feel about your past but are largely innocent with what happened. I also gathered that Islanzadi took what you did and blew it out of proportion so it is still my belief that you should be allowed to go back home. Brenton thought slowly over the many ways he could take the curse off of Caspia but decided to wait until he could talk to the others in the forest who could help him. With a sigh he looked over at Nandon and shrugged. Do you agree with my decision Nandon?]/color]