Celebration ((Varden/Nuetral Only))

[Nandon]

William looked out on the city from the building he had taken up residence in these past couple of weeks since taking the city of Dras Leona from the empire, It had been a large task to bring the entire city under Varden control as pockets of resistance continued to spring up around the city where small clusters of soldiers had boarded themselves up and began hassling the Varden as the searched the city.

Then there was the fact that the civilians, most of which resented the Varden’s presence in there city began hassling the patrols, Which had even led to a full of revolt within the city causing much more damage to the city and the deaths of several of the Varden and Civilians alike.

William himself had become a target of the violence, Despite his repeated attempts to bridge the gap between the soldiers and the people of the city, And his attempts to cool the burning tensions, Eventually someone tried to take him out by firing a cross bow from a nearby rooftop as William patrolled the city with a group of soldiers, The bolt which had been aimed for his head, Missed due to the mans own inexperience, Not counting in the drop the bolt would take, As well as the slight wind.

This caused the bolt to take William in his left leg in the upper thigh area, And despite the healers wanting to use magic to fix it, William had only allowed them to remove the bolt and then wrap him up.

But now, The city truly seemed under Varden control as for the past week no fights had broken out, No Empire soldiers had been discovered trying to steal from the vardens supply sheds, So William had at last allowed for the one thing he knew his men wanted more than anything, A celebration.

William was not a idiot when it came to his men, Through the course of the battle William had become widly popular as a commander, which had only been cemenented when rumors, As rumors go, Went out of hand, By the end of the first week, Williams personal fight with the rider, And the mysterious woman was pretty straight forward. But then after the second week you would almost believe that William controlled the fight the entire time, Spared the Empire Rider as he begged for mercy, Knocked the riders dragon out with a single punch, And had taken the strange woman as his personal servant.

None of which of course was true, But despite Williams repeated attempts to stop the rumors he could not, And it seemed to make his men warm up to him even more, So William allowed it.

Tonight, William had let almost all of his men off duty, Accept for around several hundred who William arranged would be paid double for that night as payback for having to be on guard duty during the celebration.

William finally moved away from the window and stepped outside his building, casting a gaze around he let a smile cross his face as he set out on the walk from his house to the keep, where the main celebration would be held, Limping along the way he passed many areas where groups of soldiers where feasting, and celebrating in there own right, But as he passed all would stop what they had previously been doing and salute him, Or call out a greeting to which only broadened Williams good mood.

When he arrived at the keep he noticed he was one of the first there, only to be expected, But as the hour passed the halls filled with many more people.

[Aelodil]

Anurin and Vanilor walked through the camp, getting a few thanks and nods of appreciation by a few soldiers. Of course they played a crucial part in capturing the city but everyone in the Varden had to nod their head when they said that Sir William, the commander and leader of the attack had been the key to their victory. Anurin also agreed. William had been through hell of course during the battle. Anurin had tended to William after the battle and he had had many injuries and his shield which seemed like a heirloom had been damaged. Though it took a great amount of energy, he had been able to restore the shield to how it had been and heal William.

Now, he and Vanilor were on their way to the keep in celebration of their capture of Dras-Leona. Though Anurin knew that the rumors of William single-handedly taking care of the Empire Rider, his weird companion, and his dragon with none but his fists were not true. There was not a single man who could take people like those down with nothing but his fists."Except for me of course."[/b] Vanilor told him. Anurin smiled and nodded.

As he entered the keep a little after William, the place was soon flooded with people. He walked over to William and pat his back."Congratulations commander, on your most possibly best siege. I hope your shield is fine?" he congratulated the Knight."Vanilor sends his congratulations as well, though as is a little too obvious he cannot enter the keep because it is too small.. So, shall we celebrate?" he added as an after-thought.

[Emiryal ♕]

rider of Sephora | varden rider

[sorry for the short post I'm tired and can't write up a decent length one.]

Caspian entered the hall soon after Anurin, his mentor. He himself had not taken part of the battle. Something he was somewhat ashamed for but he and Sephora had realized they were too untrained to be of any use to the Varden. Had they fought they probably would've been a liability. he was glad for the Varden's victory but felt bad he had failed to help them achieve it.

His gaze fell on William and he immediately looked to the floor. He had certainly heard the rumors and while he had no idea what was truth and not he did know William was a hero. William wasn't even a rider and he had done more than Caspian had. "Little one, don't let it trouble you. William is much older and more experienced than you. We could not have helped the Varden win, but next time we will be ready and fight with them," Sephora said. She was perched on one of the walls lining the city.

[Brenton]

Brenton, the new king of Du Weldenvarden, had heard of the city being taken over so he rode into the hall with his head held high. The half elf kept his eyes forward and Undbitr strapped to his hip. Of course he also had a ceremonial blade on his left leg that had been given to him as the new king. When he arrived the king dismounted and looked around. It was a Varden celebration so of course he wanted to hide the fact that he was a former Empire rider, and also it was the reason he had a good sized group of soldiers around him as his guard.

Brenton raised his hand and the guard spread outward while sweeping their eyes around the group looking for any spies who would harm him. The half elf walked up to the knight responsible and stood regally while waiting for him to notice.

[Nandon]

William looked around at his guests, Grasping a glass of wine from a servers tray as it passed by when he felt a pat on his back, Turning he saw Anurin, The rider who had aided William and healed him after the battle. Speaking he let a grin cross his face and nodded.

“Yes, Though this will hopefully be my last siege…But whatever Lady nasuada requires, I shall aid her. And yes, Thanks to you, my shield is fine, And I thank you for that….It was my fathers shield, It is the last thing I have to remember him by since a assassin burned down my family home. So thank you for that.”

Then William watched as another person entered, this man was a elf clearly, And the regal posture he held labeled him as a noble, And William could not hide the look of distaste that entered his gaze as he studied the man, Then the moment was gone and William spoke.

“Can I help you?” William asked maintaining a neutral voice, William despised those who acted like the world should bow to them, And this man infront of him was obviously one of them.

[Brenton]

I'm looking for Sir William for I have heard he is responsible for taking the city for the Varden. As soon as Brenton spoke he could tell that the knight despised him. Slowly he exhaled and grabbed the large pouch he kept on his back under the cloak. Inside was both of the eldunari. With two deft movements he untied the pouch to reveal the eldunari and then pulled off his glove to show the Gedwey Ignasia. I am Brenton Bromsson, rider of Vaentr, friend of Varden, and king of the elven race. I have come to show my gratitude for a win by the Varden and to congratulate your efforts. Brenton stood a little less straight and allowed himself to relax. Even though he was new to being royalty he still had already become accustomed to everyone requiring him to act better than him. If he had his way he would request no one do that for he was one of them and no different in any way besides blood.

[Emiryal ♕]

rider of Sephora | varden rider

Caspian let himself shrink to the corner of the room. He wasn't anyone of real importance, yeah he was a rider but he hadn't done anything note worthy. Not like William. He helped himself to a drink but said nothing. He remained alone listening to the others talk. He didn't know who Brenton was but he seemed someone of importance. Was everyone in this room someone who was important besides him.

A familiar mind touched his. "Caspian? Why do you doubt yourself so. Just because we have not fought or done noticable things doesn't mean you should think yourself unworthy. You are important to me, not many can say a dragon thinks that of them. You do not have to stay for the whole celebration, but at least don't be rude," she said. "But I don't really know anyone besides Anurin," he said still keeping to himself away from the rest of the group.

rider of firern | former empire rider

A black dragon flew over the newly captured city. A handful of people cried out in fear, some shouting that it was Shurikin come to attack. Emiryal knew that those who said that had no idea how big the kings dragon really was. Firern was no where near the same size but he did resemble the mad dragon. But it wasn't that which made him cringe but the thud of bolts as they were launched at him and Firern. He glared at the and cast a spell to deflect the bolts harmlessly from them.

Emiryal and Firern were not Empire but they were receiving a welcome as if they were. As if to make matters worse a bell was sounded as a warning. The elf sighed, he had been formerly of the Empire but since he had freed himself he had been hiding in Ellesmera for months. He wasn't surprised word hadn't gotten around that he was not against the Varden any more. Not that he liked them at all. He reached out with his mind as Firern circled ever higher to avoid javelins and bolts. He reached for the elf kings mind, for Brenton. "Your majesty, I'm sorry to interrupt but I've come with an urgent message for you. But well first can you call off the attack on Firern and me, we don't want to hurt anyone and they seem to think I'm still of the Empire,"

[/i] he said. Brenton of all riders would understand Emiryal more than others would, for both had been Empire Riders.[/blockquote][/blockquote]

[Aelodil]

Anurin watched the Elven king show his gewdey insignia and the two Eldunari. Anurin would have continued longer but as he looked behind him he saw Caspian standing alone off to the side. Excusing himself, he strode over to Caspian and placed a hand on his shoulder."What is the matter?" he asked Caspian. Then he realized it must have been because Caspian had come to the celebration although he didn't help in the war."Now come here Caspian. It is not your fault. You are still a boy not yet the age of 16. You will have plenty of time in the future. Both of you. And when that happens me and Vanilor will bebthere for you both." he said soothingly.

Looming behind Caspian, Anurin began looking around for the disturbance. He felt someone's mind nearby him. Frowning he reached out for the kings mind just in time to hear a new voice ask him to tell the guards off. Sighing, Anurin strode over to the door, passing the king and whispered,"I will deal with this." As he reached the gates he saw what the guards were shooting at. It was a black dragon seeming to be around a year of age. He barked orders at the guards to stop firing and Vanilor stuck his head up from the mountain he was draped around.

[Quetzal]

Isrydia had spent the day in Dras-Leona, and was presently heading for the hall where the victory celebration would take place. She wore a very plain inexpensive dress as she had not the money to purchase something more exquisite. She felt quite underdressed in the plain dull green material around the much more richly dressed war heroes and officers. She herself tried to distance herself from the Varden, but most of her friends were within their ranks so it would be good to see them again. While she had not done anything to aid the Varden, she had been William's apprentice until a couple of weeks ago, and was a Rider now, so assumed she would be allowed entry.

Her dragon was a week old now, and she was still not used to being a Rider. It almost reached her knee in height, being about the size of an average domestic cat. Its personality was growing more complex by the day, communicating in sequences of images and feelings. It was still unable to speak in language, and did not always understand what was said to it, so she had been unable to decide on a name as it had not been able to make a judgement. She had asked it whether it was a he or a she, too, but it had not been able to answer her or did not understand differences between boys and girls, she was not sure which. This did not worry her as she knew dragons took time to learn to communicate, just as humans did, and would tell their Riders their gender and help decide a name in time. She had no way of telling if it was a boy or a girl, either; it was like relying on asking a human child to figure everything out for itself. It took time.

The dragon was looking around with wide eyes, keeping up with her by bursts of running as it weaved its way through the bustling crowd in the streets around the hall. It let out a cry, sending her an image of endless pairs of feet and a lost feeling, so she scooped it up and carried it to avoid it getting trampled or lost. Inside the hall, it was less crowded, but it did not jump back to the ground. Instead, it scrambled up to her shoulder, gripping it tightly and using its tail for balance. From up here, it could get a better view of everyone.

Isrydia surveyed the crowd, but could not see anyone she knew. She turned at a movement and saw a man leave after talking with William. She wanted to talk to the knight, but an important person so could be quite busy, so she would let him talk to her when he had a spare moment. She had not told anyone about her becoming a Rider yet, so looked forward to surprising those she knew and seeing how her former teacher would react to the news. Nearby, she could see a boy who looked about two or so years younger than her. He was the least intimidating of the lot, so she moved a little nearer to him, feeling it would be better to talk to a stranger than stand around feeling awkward. "Er, hi. I'm Isrydia." she introduced herself. This boy was more or less on the same side as her, as she was certainly more Varden than Empire, even if she did choose to stay out of politics and war. The dragon perched on her shoulder shuffled its wings. "Raa!"

[/color] it squeaked, annoyed at being left out. "Oh, right, this is my dragon. I don't know much about it though, it's only a week old," she added hurriedly. Being bonded to this creature would take a lot of getting used to.[/size][/blockquote][/blockquote]

[Brenton]

Brenton was about to walk away and allow the knight to be alone when he heard a familiar voice and a presence in his head. It was Emiryal who even when he hadn't been living in Du Weldenvarden Brenton had known from his time in the Empire service. Okay Emiryal, I'll be right there. To the company he kept, the elven king nodded before walking away to deal with his other business.

As Brenton turned to walk away another person walked by and said they were going to deal with it. He shrugged and noticed a girl talking to another rider while she held a young dragon. Brenton smiled friendly enough and walked outside.

Circling overhead was Firnen who was avoiding stones and bolts that were fired at him. Brenton cursed and waved his hand dismissively to cause the bows and catapults to shatter. So why is it that people attack a dragon who is not harming them. If you fire even one more arrow at that dragon I will personally have you put in the stockades and whipped.

[Nandon]

William found himself surrounded by admirers and supporters alike, and being in this setting made William feel completely out of his element, Thus he was grateful when he saw the familiar face of his apprentice enter the door. He watched her progress across the room then she disappeared from his sight as she leaned down to grab something and he turned for a moment to speak with one of his lieutenants who had just rushed into the room.

From what the man spouted a dragon had been attacking the walls, Then a single elf had rushed up and destroyed the vardens catapults, William let a grin fill his face as he acted like nothing was the matter before sending the man on his way. Then William used one of the few magical abilities he had, Reaching his mind out to anurin, He didn’t like using the ability but this situation demanded that course of action.

“I want whoever is responsible for destroying the armaments on the wall brought to me immediately…And I want this dragon threat resolved.” He said keeping the message brief before withdrawing. He looked around the room again only to practicly have his jaw drop.

Infront of him was his apprentice, The one he had trained for so long, And on her shoulder was a baby dragon, The meaning clear. His apprentice was a dragon rider.

Moving quickly he covered the space of the room to get near his apprentice, A wide grin on his face.

“I see we have much to catch up on…” William said as he neared her.

[Aelodil]

Anurin stiffened and was about to jab with his mind back at whoever it was thay entered his mind. But then he heard William and he nodded. He walked to the door slowly, and as he reached the gates looked to find the dragon they had mentioned. He realized from a blurry memory in Du Weldenvarden that the Rider of the small blackndragon was friendly, having recently been freed from his shackles in the Empre. He beckoned for the pair to land and looked at the wreckage of all their defenses. He sighed. He never got a vacation

He first looked around and saw the elven king. He immediately realized what had happened. The king, seeing the Rider being attacked had been angered and destroyed the catapaults. Sighing, he walked to the first catapault and began restoring it to the shape it was before the king had destroyed it. Doing this for all the catapaults ended up taking a toll on Anurin and he soon began to rely on the energy Vanilor gave to him. He stood up after he finally finished the last one and strode over to the king and readied himself for a large arguement.

As he reached the king he took a breath and then,"Excuse me king. Why exactly did you destroy our defenses when you could have simply told them to stand down? In addition, I will not accept for any of these men to be whipped." he said, his voice annoyed that the king had done such a thing. Vanilor perked his head up and began walking to the city.

As Vanilor got up and began walking, the earth under him began giving tremors. As he reaxhed Dras-Leona the frightened defenders were about to waste precious ammunition on an ally before Anurin barked,"Seize fire! Do not fire, he is my dragon." The defenders quickly stopped preparinh for anbqttack, slumped. Vanilor had truly frightened them.

"Brenton Bromsson. Why did you threaten good men? They have no idea how large Shruikan truly is. All they know is that he has black scales. Do refrain from causing problems with the Varden. Espiacally from my Rider if you would please."][/color] Vanilor rumbled in their minds. After he was sure everything was okay, he decided to take part of the celebration. Laying down inside the city, Vanilor lied down so that he wouldn't destroy anything, yet the city was nothing but white scales and little was shown beyond that.

[Brenton]

Good dragon, I did not mean to disrespect your rider in any way but that dragon is under my care as long as the rider deems he should stay in my domain. As this is said, I will have these men whipped if they use those weapons on them again. Brenton frowned as he spoke to Vanilor and realized that the dragon was in fact larger than any dragon he had seen so that meant that it would've seen Shruikan in person. Finally the elven king turned back to Anurin.

While you may be my elder and are a rider who I respect very much I am still king of the elves and deserve some respect. Even though I try to make it clear that I am the same person I was before I still hold responsibilities to protect my people and will not allow for someone to challenge my authority. As Brenton spoke his group of guards appeared around him, all ten of them, and stood at the ready for a fight. Brenton motioned for them to calm and cease their folly behaviors.

He looked at the rider in front of him for a second and then glanced at Emiryal. I'll be inside dealing with this problem when you are ready to speak with me. Do not hesitate to destroy their weapons again if you are under attack. Brenton swung around and felt the familiar weight of Undbitr and Arget on his hip and thigh. The half elf walked into the room and approached William. You wished to speak to me? From Anurin's behavior Brenton had figured that William had been wishing to talk to him about the weapons.

[Quetzal]

Hurriedly apologizing to the boy she had introduced herself to, Isrydia dashed towards William when he spoke to her. She embraced him tightly, causing the dragon to cling onto her back, chattering in irritation at losing his good seat. She helped it back onto her shoulder, reciprocating William's grin. After spending so much time together, she had missed him despite it not really being too long since she had last seen him. A lot could happen in a short space of time, the little blue creature on her shoulder being a prime example of that. She was not the only one who had news, of course. Right now they were standing in a city which had until too recently been ruled by the Empire, this having changed thanks to him.

"We sure do!" she showed him the gedwey ignasia on her right hand. "After I completed my training, I went home to my family. I was traveling through the Spine when I found the egg. It was quite well hidden, but I have no idea why or by who," she explained. "The dragon's way to young to train or anything yet, plus I'm still learning all sorts of things about it and its needs. But what about you? You commanded an army into overcoming an Empire city! That's no easy feat. How did you manage it?" she asked with interest.

[/blockquote][/blockquote]

[Nandon]

William disregardeded the king elf for a moment as he spoke to his former apprentice.

“Well, It was not a easy feat I will tell you…And it grows even harder as the days pass, Since we must take into account the fact that we are defending a city as well…With only the men we have…And equipment we have…And even now, it seems some people have decided during a celebration for a great victory of the Varden…Some people, Within the Vardens own ranks also…Have decided to destroy the battlements we use to defend ourselves…” William then turned to the king of the elves, Malice in his eyes.

“And threaten men he does not command to be whipped…” William said, turning his full attention to the elf, William was possibly as angry as you could get him in this situation, And it seemed as if all the chatter in the room died away as hundreds of eyes turned to the pair during there stare off.

[Brenton]

In a split second ten elves who had been standing in the crowd enjoying conversation with others suddenly appeared around Brenton with swords half drawn and the Ancient Language on their lips. Brenton raised his hand and all of them moved back and allowed their blades to sink back into their sheathes. He would not allow for others to fight his battles and this didn't need to be filled with bloodshed.

Brenton glared at William and drew both of his swords and put them on a table away from him before putting his bow and dagger on the table with them. Finally he turned back to William and smirked an evil twitch of his lips. If you think so little of me then I challenge you to a fight. No cheating and no weapons other than our fists or feet. Also no magic or outer help.

As he said the last words he glared at his guards and removed his cloak and crown. Finally he removed the bag with both eldunari in it and sat it on the table. As he did all of this, Brenton could feel the gaze from all of the people around him. The elven guards started moving the tables away so that there was a large enough space for them to fight. The entire time Brenton waited for William's response. If he backed down then his men would think him a coward and if he lost then his men would see that he was not as good as they made him out to be. Either way Brenton was ready for a fight.

[Nandon]

William shook his head as the elf deemed to challenge him. William was not one to be goaded into battle so easily.

“I find it funny sir elf…That I merely say a few words…And you instantly jump to combat…I will not fight you, Today at least. Because this is not a time where the Varden will fight amongst themselves….This is a time where the Varden must stand united as we prepare to fight our greatest challenge yet. Rest assured though good Sirah, A full report of this night, And its events will be included in my overall report from the battle…And my lady Nasuada will deal with you as she will.” William said in a slightly amused mannor.

All was quiet for several moments and then a slight clap came, Starting from one person that spread like a Wildfire, Apparently his men supported the fact that he did not want to fight someone who he would fight alongside some day…And it clearly showed Williams talent with words and public speaking, As he had clearly defied the elfs wishes.

[Aelodil]

Anurin hurried into the room as he felt tension. He huffed. The king was arrogant, so he did not blame William. As he entered, he saw that everyone was moving away from William and the king. He saw that the king had removed his weapons and such and his guards away from him. He silently cursed and rushed inside."Please gentlemen, do not ruin the celebration. We already have enough tension in the city. We need naught our commander and king to fight. Have a cup of tea, a small chat and patch things up." he said to the whole crowd in general, hinting for them to return to normal.

His speech had an immediate effect, the room immediately going back to chat and he walked to William and the king."Will you two stop acting like youngsters? We are in a newly-captured city, celebrating to remove the tension. It does not help the men that their commander and their king are fighting. Please gentlemen, if you must settle this later, elsewhere. For now, allow us all to celebrate." he hissed in a low voice, his tone giving no acception for a rejection.

Vanilor began watching threw Anurin's eyes and decided to add some more words.[color=white'"As my Rider had stated, we are all celebrating. Do not add to the tension and let us all to enjoy our newly-freed city. Settle this, if at all, elsewhere at another time. Do not presume to fight or I will tear open this roof and plop you both somewhere far away."[/color][/i] he rumbled in their minds, obviously angry.

[Brenton]

You assume I care what your men actually think of me Sir Knight. But all I see is a coward who cannot even face someone who they themselves have challenged in other ways than violence. If you want I can kill you on the spot like King Galbatorix would've done to you had it been him and not me that you were so rude to.

Brenton paused as he waited for the words to sink in and then continued as if he never stopped. And your precious Varden does not have me as a member for I am neutral in your cursed war between you and the Empire. Just because I hate the tyrant king does not mean I have given the elves the command to become a part of this vile group.

The king grimaced as Vaentr and Saphira suddenly assaulted his mind together. You speak ill of the king Galbatorix, young one, but you speak like him when he is angered. Calm yourself or Saphira and I will be forced to keep you restrained until you deem it appropriate to stay calm. Brenton, Brom would not approve of how you speak to this knight. If your father were here he would tell you that you are wrong to have challenged someone because they support their men and I happen to know you would be just like him in his situation.

Brenton sighed in his mind and spoke to the two dragons. I do not speak like Galbatorix for I do not force people into doing things they do not wish. I also am not my father nor did I seek his approval when I was forced into the tyrant's service when younger. If he cared so much then then maybe this wouldn't have been happening. The king raised his eyes to William and started speaking in the Ancient Language.

If all these soldiers support someone as you then I have no wish to even support your kind. Sir William I speak to thee in the language that binds me because I have once sworn in it and know how binding it is. If you ever threaten me or act like you have the right to insult me or my kind again then I will kill you without warning and there will be no fair rules involved.

In the language of the humans Brenton continued. Now for all of you who think I am just goading your precious savior here, I am not going to support you in your war against Galbatorix unless William here realizes his folly and apologizes for his insults he has caused me and my kind. I also know that what the king does in Uru baen can not be beat by someone who can only beat one rider for even a peasant can do that if they try.

Right as Brenton finished talking he realized something. One all of the people had gone back to what they were doing and the tables were being pushed back into place. Two all of this was happening under the vision of Anurin and Vanilor. Vanilor threatened to remove Brenton and William before Brenton spoke again. I stand by what I said and that is final. This is not going to end well for anyone if I have the elves retreat from this war you have gotten yourself into.

[Quetzal]

Isrydia wanted nothing more than to carry on talking with William, but it was clear there was something going on between him and the king of the elves. She could not tell what, aside from what he said about threatening to whip men and destroying defenses. Sounded to her like Brenton had been going around as if he owned the place and could do as he pleased to anyone within the Varden, which was bound to anger the knight who had put so much work into building those defences and ensuring the safety of the captured city. As things heated up, she stepped away from the arguing pair, not wanting to get caught in any crossfire. She did not step as far back as the rest of the crowd, however, just enough to be at a safe distance. When Anurin spoke of continuing the celebration, she felt a deep sense of gratitude towards him for voicing what she had been thinking, glad that someone with authority - she assumed he must be a powerful person to try and stand against one of the highest ranking knights of the Varden and the king of the elves - had been there to say exactly what she had been thinking. Whoever that guy was, she liked him and respected him already. When the two carried on arguing, however, she gave a sigh. Politics. This was why she steered clear of it. All it boiled down to was people being horrible to one another then arguing about it. It all seemed very pointless and boring to her. The dragon on her shoulder, however, was watching with considerable curiosity, having not seen such an argument before.

~~~

Nasuada was nearly at Dras-Leona after so long riding through the county with her guard. The dull meetings sorting out tensions in Aroughs were over, and she had missed the fight. This annoyed her, but she would be sure to lead the army into battle when they reached their final battle against Galbatorix himself. She hated not being there for the Varden, wanting to make her presence as clear within their ranks as possible so she did not seem to be hiding away safely somewhere like the twisted King did. As the city neared, a spellcaster touched her mind. She recognised them and allowed them to search her to ensure it was her and not some imposter, passing through the city gates as they gave her a message along with the checking, "There's some tension brewing at the celebration, might want to sort it out. A Rider's black dragon was mistaken for Shruikan, I think,"

[/i] She thanked the spellcaster for tipping her off and urged her horse to go faster.

Dismounting and leaving the guards to stable her horse, wanting to deal with the problem as soon as possible and knowing she'd be safe without them now she was in a city full of her own soldiers, Nasuada entered the celebration hall. There were hushed murmurs running through a crowd as two figured argued; with disappointment she recognised them as William and Brenton. It would not do to have one of her knights angering the king of the elves. There was a lot at risk there, and she could not have the elves withdrawing any support, their skilled warriors being vital to the Varden's survival. The crowd parted way for her and she walked straight towards the point halfway between the two, glaring at William. As she passed him, she muttered, "I know it's infuriating, but we have to be nice so they won't withdraw support," she knew all about this, having just returned from all sorts of meetings in which she had to pretend she really liked people who she actually thought were vile. She had no issues with Brenton, but did think he could be arrogant. Everyone had their flaws.

Now was not the time to insult anyone. People reacted in different ways to insults, and Brenton had to be handled carefully. This situation was a difficult one, but at least she knew William well enough to be able to get him to understand her point. Brenton would be more difficult, so she had to be careful with her wording and do her best not to insult him. "Right," she began, her calm tone somehow worse than it would have been had she been yelling furiously, "I don't care who's fault it is. Just tell me exactly what happened. William, you should calm yourself. Might I remind you that Brenton is on our side. Brenton, I apologize, and if you have any problems with the Varden, remember that many of your own people are within our ranks and have fought bravely to win a great victory in removing the Empire from this city. If you insult us, you are also insulting their hard work," she pointed out to each of them. She felt she was being more harsh on William than Brenton, and intended to speak to him later to apologize for that, but at the moment it would be better to appear somewhat sympathetic to the elf so that he might be more comfortable and so lessen the tension.[/size][/blockquote][/blockquote]