The Feast

[Velethelin]

Drelnor was caught off guard with the speed and accuracy the shade had used to manipulate the rocks that were flying towards him at unbelievable speeds. Being an elf, he had extraordinary agility, but the flying projectiles still scraped his back as he tried to dodge them. The enchantment that he cast onto himself earlier block most of the attack, but drained much of his energy. Falling onto the ground Velethelin could not believe the strength that one shade possessed. "I'm clearly no match for a shade, but these people may need my help, and it is my responsibility, as a member of the Varden to assist them in any way I can",[/i] said Velethelin in his mind.
Quickly recovering from his fall, Velethelin rose and realized the shade was no longer paying attention to him and instead was fighting with another elf. Thinking that now was his chance to attack, Velethelin charged the shade just as he turned around and faced him. "Not good" Velethelin said out loud, but at that very moment a great blue dragon appeared and raked his knife-sized claws along the shades back. And then something even more unexpected happened, an unbearable scream came from the female shade and a great black mass emerged from her body and flew to wards the male shade. A look of pure and utter torture crossed the males shades face and then he just disappeared. Vel was caught off guard by the sudden end of the battle, and it seemed as if a dark curtain lifted from the vast rooftop on which they were standing. Out of the corner of his eye he saw a dark brown creature dash toward the exit of the rooftop and then out of sight. Vel decided to wait and see what would happen between the others that were standing here, he did not want to impose on them after such a struggle.

[DarkSilver]

Keri felt the power in the shade wither wildly as the shard was buried deep into her chest.
Keri pulled the shard out and used it to cut the whip that was wound around her neck still being pulled tightly.
With the slashed she was released and crisp cool air flew into her lungs. Keri tried to move away from the shade but her legs could'nt support her from the energy drained.

Keri had'nt realised how much energy she had used fighting the shade. Her knees gave way and she fell to her knees. Gasping for breath.

She turned around and saw the shae's final moments. The anger and pain twisted face as the shade's disspeared from sight and the horrifying dark souls of demons rushing from the female.Keri felt them pass through her to get to the male and a horrible chill and feeling of cold and death hit her.

As her heart beat bean to slow Keri felt the weakness of her body , and the pain that was pumping through her. She gasped as her side ached most and she saw the wound caused by the black knife, black blood sticking to the sides of the wound and a fearsome burning on her pink flesh . Infected and poison leaking into her bloodstream.

keri leant forwards her eyes closed , and still on her knees supported herslef with her arms aswell. The cold stone touching the wounds on her hands where she had pulled the shards from her side and forced it into the female shade's chest , giving them a cooling releif from the burning.

The stench of blood stong in her nostrils Keri felt the bloodlust die. She had killed the shade , she felt slight releif , finnally , one was dealt with , but with her power her brother was bound to be stronger now.



The dark blue dragon Saeunn's lightning blue eye's felt the pain ride through Keri and walked swiftly over to her. Brusing the tip of his nose against her cheek and giving her some of his own energy.

Keri smiled feeling Saeunn's hot breath on her skin roused her and she felt her energy grow.

''Thank you'' she said hugging his nose.

Saeunn growled as the boy came near but stopped as Keri hushed him. Saeunn spotted the other dragon and greeted him with a slight nod of his huge head.

Keri opened her eye's as the rider came to her side. She got up with his assistance but winced as she moved her side too much.

Heri breathing pattern normal now .Keri repleid. '''I think so '' she said her voice slighty rougher than usual from being strangled.

keri rubbed her neck and felt the slight cuts from the whip and wiped the blood from her forehead , her sdie still burning furiously.

Saeunn growled slightly as he felt the pain . He looked up at the other's that came to assist Keri. Three elve's. One male , two female and a lad who seemed human.

Saeunn spoke ''Better than she could have been '' in a slightly worried slightly proud tone and he nuzzled Keri's cheek again.

[Niniel]

Niniel slowed her breathing after the two shades disappeared. She couldn't believe how difficult it had been for all of them to defeat just two shades. A great deal of respect for the strength of shades grew in her as she rose to her feet and walked over to the woman with the blue dragon.

"That was some impressive fighting, but you need healing. Do you think you can walk?" she asked offering her hand to the woman.

[DarkSilver]

Keri's dark eyes looked to the elven woman and she gave a slightly forced smile as she struggled to tame herself.

'' thanks. yeah , I'll manage . '' she said putting more weight on her legs as she let go of Saeunn's nose who looked at the elf anf dipped his head in greeting.

Taking a tender step forewards keri felt her muscle's burn in protest but they kept her steady. Saeunn's dark blue scale's clicked slighty as he turned around and picked up Keri's sword in his jaws. Even his stong and deadly sharp fangs could'nt scratch the surface as the dark elven sword was held in place by them and Saeunn placed it by Keri's side.

Keri kneld down so she did'nt over-exhert her side and seathed the dark sword . Somthing reflecting the moonlight caught her eye and she picked it up. The female shade's blade , with a sticky green substance over it. The smell of it hurt Keri's nose it was so sharp.

'' It could be a poison '' spoke Saeunn looknig down at the blade.

Keri looked down to the wound on her side, it was bruning furiously and had gone a deeper red.

''That would explain the quick infection'' she said standing up slowly. Her dark silver eye's examining the blade with interest.

[dannylam4]

"A nice fight indeed," Pike said, flying down towards the others on Forest's back, "But next time, you all could have picked your fights more wisely."

Pike hopped off Forest as they landed. "Not saying that fighting that... shade thinger was not a bad move, but there were people still around and nearly every one of you all almost burned down most of these here houses. Rushing those folks out of the house was quite hte hassle," he glanced at the girl as he wound seemed to be deepen. "Not that you all didn't have your own problems, of course."

Don't mind him, Forest said, his head moving next to the girl to support her. He's just upset I snatched him up to take care of the civilians before he could get bloodied up like you all.

"Yeah yeah, whatever you say, Forest. I'm Pike, and this here is Forest. Now, how about we get you cleaned up. The feast'll be starting soon and I'm sure they'd like to hear about our little shade encounter."

[Arya]

It was all over as quickly as it had began. The day was still beautiful, but the tension in the air could have drained even a dragon's strength. It felt like Arya had to slice through the air with her sword, and she was not fully out of battle mode either, knowing that Shade's were unpredictable.

Solembum's disappearance seemed to go unnoticed by all around, save Arya. She furrowed her brow, then returned her gaze to her friend, Niniel, then to the wounded woman.

Arya felt slightly drained, but she had not exerted herself in any way. That simple fact was a slight joy, for she knew she was getting better at magic usage, but all joy was erased when she thought that the female Shade's spirits would have transferred to those around her, and since no one in the immediate vacinity was passed out like Eragon had been when he killed a Shade, Arya could only come to the conclusion that the Male Shade had been the target, and that frightened her.

Arya's gaze shot over to a new Rider, Pike she thought was his name. As he spoke, Arya's temper flared, but she kept it well in check, and decided the best course of action was to point out the flaw in his logic, and then make it audible for the other Rider's present.

"The Shade battle was unavoidable. Had they been allowed to rampage, we would all have been dead, and many, many more. This 'little' Shade encounter was anything but. It is a sign of the Empire's strength, and nothing to be laughed at while fools eat their meat and drink their mead. This must be brought to everyone's attention immediately. If the Shade's have infiltrated Surda, you are no longer safe here, Riders. The journey to Ellesmera must now be conducted in great haste. This is ill fate for the Varden," she said, though her voice was not soft, it was not unkind. She looked from Rider to Rider, before going to Niniel's side. Arya looked at the wounded woman and sighed.

"We must get you treated right away. I fear we must need a diagnosis of your wounds before a proper action can be taken. In the meantime, I suggest we all get back, and inform of this Shade attack immediately," Arya said, feeling like she hadn't spoken this much in a long time.

She was not used to directly leading. Instead, she was always used to being indipendant and guiding others through her actions.

Now, however, was a different story. Action had to be taken fast.

[DarkSilver]

Keri's dark silver eye's looked up to the man and dragon called Pike and Forest.

She sighed ''It's not like we had much choice '' she said softly.

keri and Saeunn watched the elf woman with interest as she expressed her concerns.

'' Calm yourself , You have more time than you know, The shade's were not here for duties to the empire. '' Spoke Saeunn calmly.

''They were here for revenge , on me. '' she sighed.

'' Though reasons for such hostility were not justified '' said Saeunn.

'' But it does'nt mean Edoc'sil will not nnow join the empire. But so far. They have no knowledge of his existence. '' Finished Keri who was taking a few more tender steps forwards but her muscles burned in protest and she felt them give way. Using both Saeunn's and Forest's heads to keep herself steady she gave a quick word of thanks smiling at the dragon's.

[dannylam4]

Pike bowed slightly, feeling the anger in the air. "I only take a hunter's point of view," he said, smiling slightly. "And when an animal threatens my home just by being, it's easier to lure it away then to kill it, less harm come to everything and everyone around it."

Now you should---

"Hold my tongue less I start more trouble, yes yes," Pike said, interrupting Forest. "And unless the council and the others saw our little fire display, they'd be at the feast."

[Niniel]

Niniel listened to Arya speak in silence, then she in turn listened to Pike rave about how fire had been used. Using magic is just a way to fight, although in this case it could have been done more responsibly, it was unavoidable. Best not to say anything though, tempers are high right now.

She spoke once everyone was finally quiet, "First we need to get Angela here so that she can have a look at this woman's injuries. That is our first priority right now. Then I think the feast should go on as originally planned, but there needs to be greater precautions made in the future. And I agree with Arya, the riders need to travel to Ellesmera as soon as is possible. The attack of the shades has me worried as well, something is not right, and I think we can expect another move from the Empire to try and weaken the Varden," she said and then fell silent.

--------------------------

Many days had passed since Eve and the two children had left Dras Leona. Since then though, she had come to know the children well, and even began to feel what compassion she could muster for them. They were kindred spirits to her, forced to take care of themselves at such a young age, she knew she had a connection with them. While they had travelled to the capital of Surda she had slowly begun to teach both Much and Luta some simple things that she knew about sorcery. Of course when she felt that they were ready, she always moved to the next level and challenged their minds and strength. She had also been going over the story that would be the trio's cover while they were in Aberon; a slip up here had the potential to be deadly for them all.

And now they were finally in Aberon, after so much travelling, they were finally in the headquarters of the Varden. Goosebumps of excitement broke out over Eve's body the moment that they stepped inside the city. One of the first things that she did when they got there was to put her horse up at a stable that was easy to access in case they needed to escape quickly.

"Now, while we're here," she said speaking to the children, "We have to remember that I am your mother's younger sister, and I'm taking care of you now. This place is extremely dangerous, and while I don't think that we will be found out, we must be as careful as we possibly can," she said, not only to remind Much and Luta, but to also remind herself.

She led the children back out into the bustling crowds and began to make her way to the palace there in Aberon where the Varden were based. It was there she knew that Eragon and the other important leaders of the Varden would be, and so that was where she headed.

While she never really did acknowledge the feeling, she knew there was a small amount of fear and doubt creeping into her mind; but she pushed that to the back of her mind. She didn't need anything to distract her now, because she knew she needed to do this mission right.

And nothing would stand in her way of that...

[Velethelin]

Velethelin watched as the others gathered and surveyed the damage that took place during the battle. Another dragon rider flew in and Vel wondered why he was not around while the fighting was taking place, another dragon rider sure would have been a welcome addition to the battle that had just taken place. He realized that the large group that gathered around the heavily wounded rider had not even shown him the littlest apprehension the whole time he was standing there. Not wanting to be left out of the loop any longer, Velethelin casually walked over to the female elf that he knew to be Arya, and said "Excuse me for asking, but what exactly happened here? Why were there shades in the very heart of Surda, shouldn't there be precautions to prevent such an attack?". Feeling that he sounded to demanding towards one of such high rank, Velethelin bowed and said "I am Velethelin, spell-caster of Du Vrangr Gata, sorry for my rudeness." Velethelin did not rise, so as to show the proper respect toward one of higher rank.

[DarkSilver]

Keri lsitened as they debated about the urgency of the situation.
keri felt her wound burn again and a shot of pain went up her spine making her wince slightly making her grip onto Saeunn's horn to steady herself.

''' Little one ? '' Saeunn spoke with concern.

''I'm ok , I'm ok . '' said Keri rather weakly.

Keri looked to the man who had come to assist them about half way through the attack. Her deep , dark silver eye's looked to him.

'' They were here for me.'' started Keri .'' and beleive me . there are precautions , they're just great master's of discuise , as you saw in the stadium '' she said with a slight strain rising in her voice.

'' I think they may have come by flight. The same strange skeletal creature that gave me these dam**d tears in my higher shoulder.'' she said turning and pointing to the back of her neck where the top of the scars were visible.

Three strike's across her back which were that creature's claw's. Dragged deep along her shoulders and slicing through flesh and muscle and even scarring her shoulder blades. The scar's were still a deep red color. But only from agitation from the shallow scratch across her shoulder's made by the female shade.

keri turned back around onto to find that the word would tilt sickeningly and her vision to flash red and her side burned horribly like live flaming ember's burned within it.

'' Not good '' said Keri... ''That stuff moved faster than I had antcipated '' she said her breathing slightly strained. and she was clutching her side where the wound was, placing slight pressure on it........

[Velethelin]

Velethlin turned to the injured rider, and could hear the strain in her voice as she answered his questions. He wanted to help to stop her suffering, but knew his magical abilities were not developed enough to heal such terrible wounds. But he could help to ease the pain. Taking the amethyst crystal that was given to him by his foster parents out of his pack, he extracted the magical energy that he stored inside of it and brought it in him. He then said the words "reduce the pain" in the ancient language and watched as a stream of white energy left him and swirled around in the air before entering the riders body.

Hoping that his small efforts helped even a little bit, Vel fixed his purple and blue eyes on the rider and asked "Do you feel any better? I used a spell that should dull the pain you feel in your body, it will not heal it though, just make it a little more bearable as you figure out a way to purge the poison from your body and heal those wounds".

[Niniel]

Niniel watched the man use a crystal and some words from the ancient language, and shook her head. That wasn't going to help the woman at all. Finally getting sick and tired of waiting, she walked up to the woman, "Can you walk or should I carry you? We're wasting too much time here just talking. I have some skills to heal you with, but Angela needs to have a look at you. So let's go," she said with her face firmly set.

---------------------

As the trio walked through the streets of Aberon, they were jostled and treated like any woman with two children would be treated, and this pleased Eve greatly. It meant that people weren't paying attention to them, and that was what she needed most, to blend into the crowd.

The palace now entered her view as they turned a corner, and she felt a grin cross her lips, as well as her eyes narrow with anticipation. This would be her chance to prove to all those who served Galbatorix that she truly was his best servant and perhaps most powerful as well.

[DarkSilver]

Keri watched as he took energy from the crystal and felt teh white light pass through her. Knumbing the pain. She could still feel the pain there , she knew it was there , but she could'nt really feel it.

Keri gave a sigh of releif and her deep dark silver eyes penetrated into his blue and purple for a moment. A stunning contrast of colour and darkness.

'' Yes , that feels much better. Thank you Velethlin ''

Keri looked to the elven woman noticing her face set Keri reconised that as the look of one who would not take no for an answer.

''' Yes I can walk , with Saeunn's help I'll be able to manage. '' she said taking a few more , stronger steps and finding that she could support herself.

A strange flicker of movement brushed against her mind but she thoguht it may have been one of the other rider's.Keri brushed her conciousness against the being's but keeping her own fortified to see if they responded.
Saeunn went slightly cautious but spoke. '' Go ahead , If anything happens , I am here for you '' he said his long tail flicking slightly...
Keri continued to brush her conciousness against the beings as she turned and followed the elven woman with Saeunn by her side.

[Niniel]

OOC: Perhaps read my post...

[DarkSilver]

OOc; Sorry Niniel you must have posted that as I was writing my one hehe I've edited it now

[Velethelin]

Velethelin looked into the riders deep dark silver eyes and said, "ethelin looked into the riders deep dark silver eyes and said, "Anything to be of service to a rider" and then backed away from her to let her rise. He waited for a few minutes to let the others converse, and then when they were finished, he walked over to the elf whom he had heard someone call Niniel. He smiled to her and trying not to sound shy, he said "I am leaving Aberon in the morning on a mission for the Varden, but if there is anything I could do to help in the meantime, you have but to ask"
He had not seen a fellow elf in his entire life, and then in the past day he had seen four, this struck Velethelin as very strange. Deciding not to dwell on it because there were more important things to attend to, he waited for the females elf's response.

[Niniel]

Niniel glanced at the man who had addressed her. She smiled a little, "Well I thank you for the offer sir, but I'm not one to be asking for services around here. I only just arrived in Aberon myself yesterday, and I plan on leaving with these riders as a guide back to Ellesmera. Perhaps you could attend the feast that will be held tonight to honor the new riders. I'm sure that your prescence would be appreciated. But now if you'll excuse me, I need to get her to Angela," Niniel said touching her first two fingers to her lips and then leaving the man. Yet another elf here among the Varden. She thought as she went to the womans side and led her off of the roof top and back to the hallways of the palace. She took the woman to the stadium where the feast was to be held in hopes that Angela would be there.

[Velethelin]

Relieved to know that he didn't have to worry about anything else for now, he planned on doing what he came here to do in the first place; celebrate. Following the elf toward the stadium, Velethelin wondered how many more riders there were for the Varden. He saw three here today, but he was never told how many eggs were actually found in the Vault of Souls.

Realizing that all he had with him was his armour and his common clothes, Velethelin decided that he should get something more formal to wear for the feast later that evening. Calling his horse to him through the ancient language, Velethelin stripped himself of his armour, but decided to keep his robe on. Mounting his horse, he looked back at what was just a battleground, and sighed. "Not exactly the type of celebration that I was expecting, but interesting none the less".
He then turned his horse around and rode off toward the shops.

[Metri]

Jex watched as everybody left the rooftop. He and Draith discussed what happened with the shades. After a while of reflecting Jex jumped on Draith's back.

"To the feast!" He said as Draith took off. The wind pushed Jex's hair back, he loved every minute of it. Draith laughed as he did loops in the air and sudden drops.

The two soon arrived back at the feast. Jex jumped off and quickly removed his armor. His formal clothes were still very clean.

"Where should I put these?" He asked Draith. Hold them I guess. Jex grumbled and continued walking around.