Camping In the Empire ((Quetzal and Timmir))

[Quetzal]

The hatchling on Isrydia's shoulder knew what was happening and did not squeak in joy at the sight of Neldral flying overheard, but neither did he show signs of fear. He was not sure if this was a friend or foe, since they were threatening each other and using forceful words, plus the guards had been pointing weapons at Trelik, but he could tell Isrydia was still considering the option that he was indeed no harm to them. He simply watched the larger form swoop above in silence.

Isrydia was observing without interfering, something she was used to from her apprenticeship and being around more important people. Despite being a Rider, she did not feel like she had the right to boss people around, although she was of high status now so technically could. Brenton, on the other hand, seemed far more used to being diplomatic and dealing with people in general. She trusted him to use words and not violence to find out whatever it was he wanted to know. She was relieved when the bright light away, able to stop squinting. Again, she was momentarily unable to see, but her eyes adjusted faster as they had still not fully adjusted to the bright light, so she could see everyone present more clearly.

[Timmir]

"I wasn't telling you to do anything, just giving you some advice. Whether you follow it or not was up for you to decide. Personally, I just want to avoid any unnecessary... complications to our already tense situation." Trelik bluntly said before turning towards Neldral, "You... you heard what the elf said. Just try to be friendly and not eat anybody please. I'm sure none of the these people would actually..."

Trelik then stopped in mid sentence as he heard a distinct shuffle of armor right before catching one of the guards starting to charge him on the corner of his eye. Before Trelik could react though, the elf quickly stopped the guard and knocked him unconscious. Trelik had to admit, the elves dexterity was pretty impressive. He should keep that in mind if he ever gets an idea that might bring him to the elf's bad side. Meanwhile, Neldral remained oddly calm during the whole situation, which gave a strange combination of worry and relief to Trelik. Worry about what the dragon could possibly planning on doing, and relief that the dragon hasn't done anything yet.

After the whole situation with the guard was over, Brenton, as he introduced himself, finally asked the question Trelik's been waiting for. Why exactly was he in their camp trying to avoid detection? After asking this though, the blindingly bright light finally began to die down in favor of the natural light created from the celestial bodies above and whatever other light sources that happened to be around.

"Well, that's simple really." Trelik began as finally relaxed his arms, "I wanted to know who exactly you guys were before I decide to set up camp myself because, while maybe it's not a problem for you thanks to all the guards you have around, I personally don't want to end up captive or worse because I didn't check my surroundings throughly enough and slept near to a camp full of bandits, urgals, or worse, Empire soldiers." Trelik explained simply to Brenton. "Anything else?"

[Brenton]

When the much larger dragon finally landed Grazael squeaked and scurried up Brenton's leg to rest on his shoulder. Brenton didn't have an issue with this but when the captive replied he nodded. He thought he recognized the face. It was like he'd seen a picture of his newest companion before. "Well I guess we are better than those groups. If you want you can travel with us asfaf as we go which is to Ellesmera."

[Quetzal]

Isrydia's eyes were fixed on Neldral. The big dragon was the greatest threat here, and it would take all their strength to even stand a chance of fending him off. The hatchling stared with a burning curiosity he felt every time he set eyes on an older dragon, willing to learn more skills from them. He felt Isrydia sigh under his little clawed feet from his place on her shoulder, and her relief was clear to him through their bond. This was a reaction to Brenton offering for Trelik to travel with them; it looked like he was finally comfortable with the stranger, and so a fight had been avoided.

"You can tell we're not urgals, and I can assure you we're not bandits or Empire soldiers. I personally am not tied to the Varden, either," she told Trelik in case he still had any doubts about their identity. She believed him fully, wanting what he said to be true and so convincing herself that was the case.

[Timmir]

"Well, I guess we have something in common then." Trelik simply replied to Isrydia as he thought about Brenton's offer. A free trip to Ellesmera isn't something one should take lightly. Yet there was still room for doubt on whether or not the offer was made from the goodness of the elf's heart.

What do you think? Should we go with them?[/color]

I don't know. It could prove useful to have so many people around. We also have been bringing quite a bit attention to ourselves, and with the war going on, a trip to Ellesmera might be just what we need.

You have a point. I'm just worried about what other motives Brenton might have.

Well, the choice is yours. Personally, I would love the opportunity to be in the company of other dragons who aren't trying to capture or kill us.

I'm just worried they may end up trying to capture or kill us.[/i]

Well, as long as we manage to stay on their good side, I'm pretty sure they won't try anything like that. And if they do, then we'll manage to fight our way out like we always do.[/i]

Trelik nodded as he came to his decision. "We'll be honored to travel with you and your group, at least for the time being." Trelik said simply to the elf, "The name's Trelik by the way, and my companion here is Neldral."

[Brenton]

Brenton smiled and nodded in approval for he knew that the two had been discussing it like all dragons and their riders did when there was a large decision to make in times of need. The elfin king liked that this rider was willing to accept his offer but something wasn't right about him and the king wanted to know what it was. Silently he thought about how to introduce himself for there was no way to speak for Grazael and Vaentr was as of yet still unknown of by Trelik. It is nice to meet you Trelik, and you dragon Neldral. I am Brenton, king of the elves and rider of Grazael the dragon hatchling you see on my shoulder. With that he pointed to the small dragon.

[Quetzal]

Isrydia was at first surprised when Trelik accepted Brenton's offer. She had taken him to be a more solitary person. It was nice to have the company of another human, though, being surrounded almost exclusively by elves, most of whom were much older than her and had very different customs. An older dragon would be able to help her hatchling too, as he could learn by copying Neldral. In return Trelik and Neldral would have them all ready to defend them, along with at least for the time being sharing allies with them, which in the case of Brenton was especially useful as his allies included almost all the elven race.

Like Trelik, Isrydia only had her name to introduce herself by, no titles like Brenton. She was technically a knight, and had even been dubbed a 'dragon knight' by William before she had left. She preferred to stick to her normal name, being unused to being of any authority. She did not seek power, so only used her status as a knight when it would help her with something. "Good to meet you too, Trelik and Neldral. I'm Isrydia, and this is my hatchling. He has yet to decide on a name," she introduced herself and the pale young dragon on her shoulder with a smile. Treating the stranger nicely had definitely been worth it; they had gained a Rider for a travel companion, and possibly a new friend, too.

[Timmir]

So this elf must be the king the guards were talking about. It'll probably be a good idea to stay on his good side then. Never know when having an elf king as an ally could be helpful. Especially one that's a rider too.

"King you say. Well I hope you forgive me King Brenton for not bowing." Trelik said simply to Brenton before bringing his attention to Grazael, "And it's a pleasure to meet you, young Grazael. You look like you'll grow up to be a fine dragon one day."

Trelik then turned his attention to Isrydia after she introduced herself and her dragon. "A pleasure to meet you both as well, Isrydia and young dragon." He said with a small nod finishing up the introductions.

Trelik then glanced toward the sky before returning his attention to others. "Well, it's getting late. If none of you mind, I should probably go get my horse now and bring her up here. I don't exactly want to leave her where she is." Trelik said as he pointed toward the direction where he left his mare.

[Brenton]

Brenton looked up at the sky and saw the sun already below the horizon entirely and the world cloaked in shadows that had sat in waiting the entire time this encounter had taken place around them. He already knew why he distrusted Trelik but for some reason he wasn't going to tell Isrydia for the simple fact that he was ready to protect her and if that meant he had to keep his knowledge secret from her then so be it. Just then a guard ran up and gasped in short breaths while leaning over his knees. King...Brenton...sir. Shade...spotted earlier. This guard stood about five inches taller than the king and that meant he had to look up but when the elf spoke of a shade in the area, his mind immediately went to the female shade that had killed Vaentr at the only time the dragon had been forced to truly protect him

It is not her, Young One. Trust me if that she demon were here then I would have told you first and then had Grazael make as much noise as possible. Just relax for I believe this particular shade is none other than just a new shade who is hunting someone else. Vaentr's mind touched Brenton's but it did not comfort him for he knew what damage a demon could do to a rider and their soul partner.

Commander, it is good of you to run all the way here but what makes you believe there is a shade out there right at this moment? Was there a killing close by and if so was it one of our men? The elf commander nodded but held up three fingers before he fell dead with a black shafted arrow in his throat right below the base of his skull. Brenton cursed and drew Undbitr again for he was going to kill whatever creature had murdered three now four of his guards in cold blood.

[Quetzal]

Isrydia's attention was distracted completely from Trelik and Neldral at the mention of a Shade. Her blood ran cold, heart beating in her mouth. The hatchling did not understand what a Shade was, but sensed her pure terror through their bond and let out a weak and shaky yelp before cowering low against her shoulder. She had heard of Shades before, but never seen one. Demons. People possessed by the very spirits they had tried to conjure. They were masters of stealth and made to kill. A Shade being here could mean her end, even should they manage to defend themselves.

Her left hand shot up to cover the hatchling's mouth before he could let out a wail, her right drawing Nettle from its sheath as the elf dropped dead. Her breath quickened, throat dry as adrenalin coursed through her. Instinct told her to run, it was too strong, but her mind knew better than to leave the safety of numbers. For an elf to be killed, just like that, despite the wards he had no doubt set up around himself, was a huge shock to her. Elves were known for living such long lives and being so difficult to defeat in combat, for one to die with a single blow after the deaths of three more was a sight that very nearly made her panic. This was the most danger she had ever been in. Ice and fire raged through her body, striking black knives of fear into her heart while preparing every muscle in her body for the fight of her life. The hatchling snarled and bared his tiny needle-like teeth but did not leave the safety of her shoulder for fear of what might happen should he become separated or lost underfoot in the dark in the midst of battle.

Isrydia was not about to go charging strait at a Shade, but gripped her sword tightly. She longed for a better blade now, one that was swifter, stronger and sharper, so she might stand a better chance against something like this. She made a note to get one, should she survive, in case something like this happened again now she was a Rider and so a more attractive target for evil. Not wanting to speak aloud, she strained her mind to touch Brenton's. "Do we have a plan?" she asked, eyes scouring the darkness for the Shade. The bright light from earlier must have alerted it to their presence, she realised. They had better be more subtle in future.

[Timmir]

Trelik's attention was captured by the elvish commander as he claimed that a shade was spotted nearby. Then after being questioned if he was sure that there was a shade out and if any of their men were killed by him. The commander only nodded and held three fingers before being shot down by an arrow. Trelik cursed as he saw this and quickly drew his swords, preparing himself for a fight, keeping an eye out in the shadow for any telltale sight of the supposed Shade.

Neldral, stay on guard. If this is an actually Shade attacking, then we're all in danger.

What's a Shade?

I can't say I know much, but I do know is that they are powerful and dangerous magic users possessed by evil spirits. They are so powerful that rumor states that one is, or at least was, Galbotorix's right hand man. To make matters worse is that I've only heard two or three people ever killing a shade and living to tell the tell in all of Alegësia's history.

If they're so powerful, shouldn't we be trying to fly away then.

We could try, but it would be of no use for the Shade would probably just pick us off as soon as we're away from the group. Were much safer staying in the group and hope we're able to fight him off.

The Dragon audibly growled as it realized it didn't have any time to argue before taking to the air. He was a much harder target to hit in the air then he is on the ground. Meanwhile, Trelik thought back to when he was sneaking around camp. Could it be possible that the shade left those tracks and not him. If so, then the Shade has been watching them for sometime now, that or taking out the guards one by one while everyone was distracted with him.

"Brenton, do you think you can bring some light to this situation?" Trelik asked as he looked out into the shadows, unable to see the beast that was attacking them. What made this worse was the idea that the Shade or whatever it was probably had casted some type of spell on himself in order to see in the dark.

[Brenton]

((Sorry for the minor powerplay here...))

Brenton sighed and before he could think of a reply to Isrydia's question the newest member, Trelik requested light. Silently he started mouthing the words in the Ancient Language for a long and complicated spell that was easier done when it was concentrated upon, hence the actual use of the Ancient Language. It was a spell meant to catch the light of the moon and stars and amplify its brightness in the eyes of the group around him without actually actually causing light in the surroundings. So in a sense he gave everyone the ability to see in the dark like a night time predator. Yet the hard part was not the actual spell but was the way he had to word it to have it draw off of their own strength and if they were close to passing out then the spell would end for them. Really it was a minor drain on them but it was best to do that for if someone died from a spell then it would put that strength drain on the rest of them. When that was done, the world brightened and the sky seemed to go into the sun light but what was really happening was the spell was taking effect.

Brenton nodded at Trelik and then put his hand on the pommel of Undbitr onto the sapphire where the energy was. He gained his strength back and then glanced over at Isrydia for a brief second. You and your dragon should run back to Dras Leona as fast as possible. Try to contact the soldiers every chance you get and don't stop until either the shade has killed you or you reach the safety of the city. I will stay here with my men and we will hold this demon off for as long as possible but I can't guarantee your safety Isrydia. As Brenton spoke he realized what had to be done to keep Isrydia semi safe and to ease his peace of mind. Isrydia...please take Vaentr's eldunari with you and know that if I don't make it back...you are the only woman I have ever started to develop feelings for and that is why I want you to go. You have so much potential and I don't think that I could bear it if you got hurt when I am still alive. Please go back and alert William of the situation. Brenton spoke and as soon as he said the words, or more of thought them, he regretted it for he knew how that had worked with Arya and Eragon.

[Quetzal]

Isrydia blinked in surprise as she found she could see suddenly as though it were day. She could tell that it was her vision that had improved rather than the lighting in the area since her energy was sapped just a little, and her eyes adjusted instantly rather than experiencing temporary blindness. She ran towards Hazel, her horse, as soon as Brenton advised her to leave. Before she could leave he added something which made her feel... strange. Almost guilty. She did not reciprocate the same feelings Brenton was expressing, but she still liked him as a person. It would be far less awkward if she liked him in the same way, but the world just didn't work like that. Her startled expression grew gentler and sadder as she nodded to him. "I can't say I feel the same way, but I still care about you. It might take me some time to get help... fight well," she told him through her mind again so not to make a sound to alert the Shade, taking the Eldunari. This could be the last time she saw the elf king. She might only think of him as a friend, but it would still be incredibly painful to lose him.

Securing Vaentr's Eldunari within a pouch on her belt rather than on Hazel should she fall off the horse, she held the hatchling steady and mounted the horse. The mare snorted as she urged her to a sprint, being spooked by Neldral's presence and sensing the evil of the Shade around. As she galloped away, Isrydia hastily made sure her leather armour was fixed securely and fastened her warm faded green cloak. The hatchling knew more or less what was going on now, and sat in her lap buried in a fold of her cloak, whimpering softly as he stared wide-eyed into the shadows. The journey there had taken all day at a walking pace with several breaks. Heading back would be quicker, but could still take time. Isrydia would give Hazel her energy slowly throughout so that the horse would not become tired despite the huge amount of running.

Once they reached a certain distance away from Brenton, Isrydia and the hatchling all began to notice that their vision was fading. Before long, they left the radius of the spell and their eyesight dulled to normal. The hatchling had better night vision than his Rider, so kept a constant eye on the surroundings. Isrydia would occasionally calm Hazel if the mare began to panic at their situation, but mostly strained her mind to reach out for the glittering orange lights of Dras-Leona. If she could reach the mind of any of its inhabitants, they would be able to quickly alert William and so save the time it would take her to travel all that way. It was too far away yet for anything but the bond between Rider and dragon to cover, but none the less she tried to extend the reach of her mind as far as possible so that she would be further from the city when she was able to contact someone. Before her range had been a couple of metres, but now she was able to reach a little over a half dozen metres in front. She tried not to strain herself too hard, however, as she was already getting a headache, and didn't want to pass out before she reached the city. So far, so good. If the Shade wanted to get her separated from the others, they'd succeeded, but luckily she hadn't been attacked yet. Perhaps it was the king they wanted. Right? She was safe from the demon now, wasn't she? She glanced back towards the camp, invisible now among the trees and darkness, and hoped they were all right. Where was the Shade, anyway? She couldn't see any sign of it.

[Aelodil]

-Mind if I butt in here? If not, please accept my humblest apologies ;p-

Urak-Thar smashed his arm into the wall and cursed. He had received the Elven King and his Guards into the city but then they were out so quickly, and now he had no clue whether or not they were safe. The large Kull cursed again, then strode over to his most trusted man and said to him, "I am going to go look for them. If I am not back within an hour, consider me dead and you take my charge.". His second-in-command hesitated, then nodded sadly. Urak-Thar extended his hand in a shake. He saluted the man then quickly ran down the flight of stairs and began jogging in the general-direction the party had left.

Half-way through, he thought he heard some rustling and stopped moving all-together, with stunning stealth for such a large Kull. He thought he had seen some Empire soldiers, but couldn't risk flashing a light to make sure. As they steered clear of him, he continued his pace, though hastening a little more. He thought of the many things that would happen to him with the Elven King dead under his care. He shivered and ran even faster.

He saw a small glitter of metal that he would not have seen if he had not been so careful. Moments later he heard the hooves of a horse. He jumped out of his way and into the way of the rider."Stop." he demanded then moved closer to investigate the rider. He was astonished to find her a young woman, though with stature to prove that she had been trained."Who are you? And why do I find you running from that site far behind you now?" he demanded. Then he relented and said, "I am Urak-Thar of the Varden, lieutenant in charge of the city."

[Timmir]

Trelik blinked a bit as his eyesight magically changed to help him see better in the low light conditions. While this wasn't exactly what Trelik had in mind, it was definitely an improvement. If only it didn't leave Trelik feel as if he was slightly short on breath. Regardless though, Trelik kept scanning the surrounding area for the Shade, keeping his swords at the ready in case he needed them.

He glanced back as he heard Brenton began ordering for Isrydia to ride to Dras-Leona and get whatever help she can. He looked away as he tried to keep alert to his surrounding. However, he couldn't help, but glance over at Brenton and Isrydia after overhearing Brenton state that he had feelings for Isrydia. In all honesty, Trelik felt a bit awkward at this moment. He was complete stranger to the pair and had no idea what possible relationship they could had before. What made the whole situation even more awkward was the fact Trelik never heard a response from Isrydia. Trelik quickly shook off the feeling though and returned his attention to their current situation.

Neldral, keep an eye on Isrydia as she leaves and tell me if you see anyone following her.

I'm on it. With that Neldral kept an eye on Isrydia as she rode off until she left the immediately area.

((I'm sorry for the poor quality of this post. I really couldn't think of anything else to add ))

[Brenton]

Brenton swallowed past the large lump in his throat and cleared his head. When Isrydia had rode off he pulled Grazael down and put the dragon in the tent. As for us Trelik we will fight together if you wish to aid us. Captain Dyami, take several men and move to the left of the camp. Commander Reineker take several men and cover the right side of the camp. Trelik and I will take the rest and fight in the center of the area. With that he moved to the center and drew his ceremonial blade as well as Undbitr.

Captain Dyami of the Etu family in the Cardenas was standing there gathering intel on what had happened. When King Brenton gave the command to take the left he nodded and picked out five of his men all who had already shown their worth. Dyami had had a magician contact Urak That.

[Quetzal]

A figure could be seen up ahead, a dark silhouette against the other shadows. A tall, muscular, human figure. Isrydia took in a sharp breath as she feared she was facing a Shade. The hatchling squinted at it. It was running straight at them, but was more clumsy than he thought a person possessed by powerful spirits would be. It had horns too, he could just about see. That was no Shade! He quickly sent an image of what he could see to his Rider, who calmed. That looked like an Urgal. In that case, could it be that the Varden already knew something was wrong? Unless he was just a roaming Urgal - or rather, Kull, she corrected herself once he got close enough for her to realise how tall he was.

The Kull then jumped in front of her, making Hazel whinny and rear onto her hind legs. The sudden shock of the huge Kull frightened her greatly, but Isrydia was able to calm her by telling her through her thoughts that this creature was a friend. She tried to hide her state of shock and fear as she looked at him, the hatchling hiding himself in her cloak. This was all a bit too much for him. She refused to answer him until he had told her who he was, at which point she nodded. Normally she would have smiled and acted more kindly, but there was no time to be pleasant. She had to cut straight to the point.

"I am Isrydia, travelling with King Brenton. We need your help. We've been attacked by a Shade," she made her words short and quick, readying herself to head back now she had help. "Three of our elves are dead. Can you alert the Varden?" she asked, ready to move off back towards the camp once he had answered. If reinforcements would be arriving, they would be much needed, but she wanted to return as soon as possible to help out as well.

[Timmir]

((So seeing how it's been nearly 2 weeks since the last post and Vlear has only made one post in this thread, I believe it would be okay to skip him for the time being.))

No one seemed to have followed the girl.[/i]

Good. Just keep on keeping an out for any sign of our assaulter.

I will.

Trelik then turned as he heard Brenton talk to him before giving orders to the rest of his troops. The thief gave him a small nod to the king, knowing full well he was safer with the elf then anywhere else. Trelik kept close to Brenton, keeping an eye on his six to help reduce any chance of being caught unexpected.

"Neldral reports that your friend has managed to slip away unharmed and without anyone tailing her." Trelik said in a soft whisper to Brenton, hoping it would ease some tension that the elf may have. Right now, if he was going to fight along the elf, then he wanted to make sure that the elf didn't have anything that could distract him with the task on-hand.

[Brenton]

Despite the comforting thought of Neldral saying that no one had tailed Isrydia, Brenton knew something wasn't right here in this situation. Just then the sound of another man dying ripped through the air, this time heading toward the direction that Isrydia had gone. Brenton cursed silently and motioned for seven guards to follow the sound of the man. As the soldiers did as they were commanded, the elven king cast out his mind and came across a large entity of thoughts, the shade. The shade was about three miles away toward the city and heading toward where Isrydia would be. Damn, I think the shade is using a spell of invisibility to cloak itself as it goes toward Dras Leona. We weren't the target to start with but now Isrydia is. We have to get there fast. Brenton mounted the stallion in one motion and sent him into a gallop as the elven rider drew Undbitr and the ceremonial blade with ease. Let that shade come for him but not to hurt Isrydia or her dragon.

[Aelodil]

Urak-Thar cursed. Shade?! By Ragthor's horns! There would be no time to alert the camp. He hefted Crusher and nodded. He would have to deal with this himself -- knowing he would probably last for little more than a second. He acted calm and in control then looked at Isrydia and said,"Ride. I will accompany you. The Shade is not stupid enough to attack such an Elf. But you? You are a new Rider and your dragon is a little more than a hatching. You would be an easy target." his voice unwavering though he knew if the Shade truly were to attack them he would distract it.. though not for more than a couple of seconds. He shoved the horse from the rear to start it running and trotted behind them, easily keeping up with his stamina. Every few meters he would shift his gaze to the sides and make sure there wasn't anything there.

Dras-Leona was easily spotted now. Just a little more and they would reach it. That's when he first heard the crunching in the grass exactly behind him. Quickly twirling with Crusher, he slammed Crusher into whatever was behind him -- only to miss as the Shade dodged swiftly. Knowing he wouldn't be able to do much, he slammed his hand into the rear of the horse and yelled at Isrydia,"Ride! Do not look back!". Then he faced the Shade. It was the most terrifying moment in his life. The Shade snaked out with his blade and Urak-Thar just barely managed to dodge it though the blade still sliced across through his skin in his arm. The wound was large and blood gushed out like a fountain.

He stepped back and swung Crusher in a mighty arc. The Shade parried the swing with such ease Urak-Thar might as well have been hitting a wall. Knowing he wouldn't out-run the Shade he did what he could to buy time. His only chance of survival was if King Brenton arrived or if Isrydia managed to reach the camp and sound the alarm in time. His thoughts continuously wandering. All the things he had done and had not done.. all the things he should have said but had not. That's when the Shade slipped past him and in desperation to save Isrydia, he thrust his arm out and miraculously grabbed the Shade's shoulder who hissed at him and thrust his sword deep in Urak-Thar's chest but before the Shade could remove the sword, Urak-Thar put a death grip on it and swung Crusher with all his desperation and hit the Shade on his right shoulder, dislocating it. The Shade screamed, breaking the night's silence and let go of the hilt. Urak-Thar kept his grip on the sword and prayed help would come.