The Chase (Open)

[Jade]

Two Steps From Hell - Dark Ages (Music)

    In the open forests of Du Weldenvarden, conflict ensues. A young boy rushes through the woods at a full tilt sprint, the wind rushing past him. Behind him a squad of Urgals pursues him, armed to the teeth with various clubs, swords and bows as they hunt him down. The boy runs as fast as his body can take him, the movements automatic as his arms swing at an unnatural pace, adrenaline coursing through his veins and his pupils dilating, searching for an escape. Leaves crunch under their footsteps as the beams of light escape through the canopy of the forest, lighting the way. His cloak rips in the wind, his bow struggling to stay put over his shoulder. Arrows penetrate the wood of tree's as they whistle by him, barely missing him by inches as he darts to the left towards a face of rock. Dead end....  He thought as he approaches the wall. Too late. His escape is blocked off from all sides by Urgals, a few of them with bows trained on him while the others surround him, weapons in hand, panting from the chase. Jade pulls out his shortsword and hold it diagonally across his chest as he takes a defensive stance, determined to get out of this alive. "There is no way I'm going out like this...not yet." He scans the group of Urgals, an easy dozen of them, as they close in on him...

[Brenton]

Seven trees suddenly filled with tall and lean elves who held bows and four arrows. Seven arrows whistled by and embedded themselves into urgal bodies as Shaelren dropped to the ground with twin daggers in his hands. The boy stalked to each urgal and stabbed them to ensure that they were dead. Shaelren walked over to the other boy and slipped the daggers into his belt. "Why are there urgals following you in the elven kingdom?"

[Jade]

Stunned by the newcomers, the boy backs up flat against the wall, still holding his sword. "I-I was ambushed, I was just hunting.." He stutters. He looks over the dead Urgals, amazed at how quickly they were dispatched. He is confused by this elf. Could he be here to finish him off? He's never seen one before, only heard of them.

[Quetzal]

((Btw Jade, Shaelren looks like a human, not an elf))

The attention of a pair of bright golden eyes was caught by sudden movement as a boy came racing through the trees, a group of Urgals crashing loudly through the undergrowth at his heels. The eyes stood out in contrast from the dark brown skin which blended into the shadows several feet up a tree. Their owner shifted her weight to her feet, ready to move. What were Urgals doing out here? They could not be members of the Varden. The Varden's Urgals were no different in character to the humans among their ranks; they expressed similar desires, loyalty, and ever since the Urgals had sided with the Varden, they were more considerate of the other races and would not go about randomly lashing out unprovoked. The boy must have done something to anger them. Even still, while urgals were quick to anger, the Varden could keep them in line. This must be a group gone rouge, some crazed barbarian tribe unchanged by the urgals' involvement in the wider affairs of Alagaesia. This was a curious event indeed, and piqued her interest.

The woman dropped down silently from the tree, a shadow in a green-tinted cream toga. Trees obscured her view of the boy and his pursuers. They were both a blessing and a curse. She was used to the wide, open desert that was her homeland, where nothing could be hidden from miles around, but that worked in both ways. At least here in the forest she could remain unseen. Pointed ears less prominent than those of an elf picked up the crashing of the noisy urgals with ease, allowing her to follow the sound without the need for seeing its source. Slender limbs built heavier than an elf's carried her body forward through the deep shadows cast by the leaves and branches high overhead, her movements quick and accurate. Not once did she trip or snap her clothing, and her sandaled feet did not break any twigs.

Lurking in the shadows, the woman observed the proceedings. The boy had managed to corner himself. She could help, but why risk it? She did not know who this human child was. There was no reason for her to care what happened to him. Killing the urgals might upset the Varden, whom she did not want knowing she was here, since her loyalties lay with the Empire. Attracting attention to herself was not at the top of her lists. Yet she was not without a heart. These urgals clearly meant the boy harm, and who was she to sit and watch while this teenager faced certain death? In her eyes, he was foolish and hopeless, but anyone deserved to live. Rising out from the undergrowth, she readied herself to talk with the urgals. She would try to reason with them, discover their side of the story as well as what the boy had to say for himself. Maybe no-one would have to die and they could all go off on their merry ways.

That thought was stopped dead in its tracks as a flurry of elven arrows removed a good portion of the urgals from the world of the living, and a boy even younger than the cornered one finished off the remainder. The woman's face hardened into a frown as she witnessed this. Elves would always have a special place among the things in the world that annoyed her, along with a number of the Riders she had heard of. Always showing off, they were forever the obnoxious little know-it-alls hanging around acting as if they knew best just because they could use magic and were a bit more agile than humans. They didn't often think before they acted, which led to a lot of decisions which she personally considered to be pretty stupid. She knew magic, and she was more agile than a human, but she did not for one moment consider herself inherently above any member of any other race.

Glaring at the retreating figures of the elves who had no doubt just saved Jade's life, the woman approached the boy. She had broken cover anyway, so she might as well see what all the fuss was about. The other boy, the one who had killed a few of the urgals, looked to be in his early teens, or perhaps had not even reached his teens yet. They were both younger than her. If Jade had never seen an elf before, she would certainly be something for him to come face-to-face with so suddenly. She was a spartan, a race very few people had heard of which came about as a mixture of different races; human, elf, dwarf and urgal. She was stronger and heavier built than an elf yet still with obvious speed and elegance, towering over not only both of the boys but also the recently deceased urgals. Her grim face stared down at Jade as she neared him in little time, golden eyes boring into him. "Tell me your names. You," her stare broke to turn to Shaelren, "you look far too young to be wondering around this deep into Du Weldenvarden. I have no idea why the urgals were here, but believe me, they're not the worst thing you'll find," she looked back to Jade. "You must have done something to provoke the urgals. They don't randomly attack people any more, not since the Varden taught them otherwise," there was a tone of curiosity in her voice, which was otherwise rather cold and serious. Her name was Ri'Shei, but she did not reveal that or anything else about herself. She doubted they would be able to infer much about her, especially since it was unlikely they had even heard of the spartans, let alone knew what one looked like.

[Brenton]

Shaelren watched the boy with mild interest as he brushed his hair from his face with a leather covered hand. He was intrigued by how urgals had come to attack the boy but then his ears caught the small sound of someone else moving toward them. In a split second he had both daggers drawn again and he was staring at some woman. "Names are powerful weapons and I don't trust people who are so demanding. As for why I am here, I'm the friend of King Brenton and therefore hold rights to go where I want."

((Sorry I'm posting from my phone))

[Jade]

Jade was overwhelmed by the sudden barrage of questions, and sweat collected at his brow. If they don't believe me, I'll be in serious trouble. He concluded that nothing but the truth would keep him alive. But why should these people know his name? It was pointless anyway, his name meant nothing. And besides, there was no way he'd be able to outrun them all. So he breathed and composed himself as he spoke, though he kept his hood covering his features as to not raise questions. "I am Jade, just Jade. I was hunting game when I came across their camp. They had some interesting.... provisions, and I've been low on them myself, and living out here isn't easy. So, I took what I needed from their caravan, but in vain. They tried to arrest me but I had no choice but to defend myself, and so I had to kill one. That's what started the chase." He raised his right arm above his head in his own defense. "And I regret having stolen from them, but I don't have anything anymore. But I have to survive, no one was meant to die.." He lowered his arm shamefully and hides his head, avoiding eye contact as he explained. He saw his bow a few feet away, but he didn't risk picking it up. 

[Aelodil]

The young elf and Rider Laetri walked around in the forest of Du Weldenvarden, happily observing the trees and the animals. He noticed a commotion off to the side in the forest and ignored it. Probably the Urgals again. He had seen them passing by and they he but they hadn't been hostile. Then suddenly the commotion died down to a small conversation. He snuck forward but then found his mind barraged by Agaravel who yelled at him, "No!". He knew what she meant, she didn't want him to endanger himself but he shrugged it aside. Sometimes she was too protective. As he snuck forward, that conversation went lop-side as yet another woman who seemed not to be of this party or the other jumped down as the Elves retreated except for a lone young child. At first he mistook the young child for a human as he looked like so. However, when he reached with his mind, he found walls of stone harder than any human at that age could muster.

With one deft moment, Laetri jumped out of cover and with Thringa in hand stood behind Ri'Shei with his blade, threatening her."Do not make a single move or you will soon have three enemies. Now, turn around slowly and tell me your name, why you are in our fair forest, and after that I will decide whether to cut you down right here right now or let you flee with your life. Either case seems rather generous to me." Laetri said, proud that his voice did not tremble as he did from inside. He made sure he was guarding his mind and stood tall and proud. He hoped that Ri'Shei thought he was as old as many other Riders he had seen. Laetri was still however very young. At the age of 62, he had been a Rider for less than a year and due to that and his young age he does not know much. He doubted himself and knew if Ri'Shei decided to take things personally, he would have a hard time staying alive. Then the assuring thoughts from Agaravel came and he calmed himself, smiling.

((Just a quick notice, I'm sorry this post is shorter than I like but I'm in a hurry.))

[Quetzal]

Ri'Shei raised an eyebrow at Shaelren. Well, wasn't he just full of himself? It wasn't so much the fact that he refused to give her his name - she hadn't given her his, after all - but more the way that he said it, and more importantly his response to why he was out here. It was dangerously close to the same self-righteousness which she so disliked among the elves. "Anyone can walk in this forest if they really want, child," she knew that for certain. The elves allowed her to arrive for the ceremony of the Rider branches, but she doubted they would be pleased with her, a member of the Empire, lingering here. She had plans to head up North just from curiosity, and until then the elves might not let her in their cities but there wasn't much they could do to stop her hanging around the forest. In her experience, they tended to let the maze-like nature of the forest protect their towns from unwanted visitors. "Regardless of who your friends are, this forest covers leagues. You can't know all of it. I've got lost enough times to know that."

She turned to Jade then, who seemed much more naive yet perhaps more down to earth, at least from the impression she got. A big supporter of law and order, she hardly condoled stealing, but she could understand Jade's position. "Urgals are easily provoked-" she began to respond, but was cut off by the appearance of a stranger.

A sweet-smelling perfume clung to the newcomer. She turned slowly as he asked, but deliberately left some speed in the movement. An elf. He was handsome, she had to admit, eyes narrowing as she looked the blonde haired and blue eyed man up and down. Her hands did not so much as twitch towards the dual swords hidden beneath her flowing toga in the face of the blade he wielded against her. She looked down on him, around a foot taller, considering what to do. To draw her swords would be to declare battle, something she did not particularly wish to do unless this elf gave her good reason. There was inexperience in his face, but pride and strength too. There was little she could tell about him at the present moment, so it would be better to use words rather than swords for now. Fighting was something she did enjoy and prided herself in her skill with it, but for all she knew this newcomer could be able to best her. Her stubborn and fiery nature led her to many arguments, and this would clearly be one of them. No matter. A good argument was fun. She could get her own way by sword or by words, whichever way suited the moment. Currently that was words.

"My name is Ri'Shei. I came to help with the Rider Branches thing, and then I just... lingered. I like this place," she admitted. He was far more of a threat to her than the two teenagers, but she wasn't about to show any sign of being intimidated. Stepping up closer to him to highlight the extra height she had over him, she spoke calmly and cooly. "In case you haven't noticed, I'm not trying to harm these boys. I was simply curious about those urgals. Surely that must have grasped your attention, too. Now why don't you skip back to sing to fluffy woodland creatures, flower-boy?" there was venom in her voice. Being challenged was not something she tolerated. Laetri might be unhappy with her presence, but if she wanted to be here, then here was where she would stay, regardless of her rights or any boundaries she might overstep. She was deliberately trying to offend the elf as well, not to provoke him, but simply to let him know exactly where he stood in her heavily guarded mind. It was difficult to gain the slightest ounce of her trust, and even harder to be counted among her few friends. There were very few people she actually liked. Being an elf made becoming one of those people very difficult. Not impossible, as one of her friends, Ragdar, was a Rider, but difficult.

[Brenton]

Tree branches moved in a swaying motion while the wind rustled leaves around the forest in which many creatures ran or walked or stood yet none of them were as strong at the moment as the large figure who easily ran lightly across the tree branches until he came to a cliff where he soon heard the sound of bow strings twanging and arrows whistling. Then the sound of Shaelren's voice carried and the man heard venom in the boy's tone which made him jolt to awareness. This was not just a normal situation and if the former thief was so defiant then there was cause for him to make his presence known and tell the boy to go to Ellesmera back to his studies. Silently the man walked to the edge of the cliff and looked down at the scene that fell before his eyes.

Bodies of urgals lay on the ground, riddled with arrows that seemed to still quiver while blood flowed from knife wounds. There were two boys, one of which was Shaelren, standing at the cliff while a woman and a man, Laetri, were at the other side. Laetri and the woman were face to face and Kialandi knew now was his time to get down there and see what the deal was. In a split second, Kialandi jumped into the air and flipped twice before he grabbed a branch and flipped over it until he was at a second one. Four branches later the man landed softly on the ground in a crouch with his hand on Dragonblood's hilt while he gazed at the woman with his forest green eyes filled with a half mixture of hatred and curiosity.

Being 21 years older than the Fall of the Riders, Kialandi had heard tale of a race of mortals known as Spartans who had been said to be fiction or even extinct if they did exist yet one was standing here now. This made the man wonder as to why there were people like this in the world and how he could be so surprised when he himself was a mythological creature who could turn into a dragon when angered. Slowly Kialandi stood and glared at Shaelren while he made sure his full size was seen. Go back to Ellesmera, Shaelren, and don't say anything to King Brenton about this or there will be trouble for you.

When the young boy took off running, Kialandi removed the half mask so that the woman would be able to see the near smirk on his face when he spoke next to her. You demand information from a young child who on his worst day can kill several humans with no issue. Why do you presume to think that this forest is friendly to people who are so secretive like yourself? Kialandi still had his hand on the sword's hilt as he stood there looking at the urgals who were dead and knew that every one of them had been killed by either archers or Shaelren.

[Jade]

The boy kept his head down while the newcomers conversed, listening in. It was obvious that this was all happening because of him, he knew that. He graced his hood with his right hand to make sure it was still concealing him. Jade knew that these we're elves, at least some of them. He had never had any real outside interaction with other individuals with the exception of his parents, so he felt pressured. "I know I can't outrun them, that's for sure. But I need to escape, the longer I stay here the worse, it doesn't exactly seem like these people are friends." He glanced at his bow an arms length away on the ground, then at the group surrounding him. There was a clear shot directly ahead of him if he could just get past the strangers arguing. But then he remembered. In his pouch he had acquired some black powder substance from the Urgal caravan. He overheard them talk about how it was treated like a smoke screen when activated, all he had to do was throw the small pellets at a hard surface and they would go off.

He took a breath and held it, as in one swift movement he grabbed the pellets out of his pouch, grabbed his bow as the smoke exploded into the air, and bolted in between the two in conflict. He breathed quickly as his movements became automatic once more, desperate to get away from the excitement as he ran back to his base. He may not know all of Du Weldenvardens secrets, but he new a few tricks to protect his home. Jade didn't look back as he swung the bow over his shoulder, sprinting through the forest. He knew his escape would be in vain, but he had to try. 

[Aelodil]

Laetri had many responses to Ri'Shei but before he could retort, the young human made an escape. Sighing in anger, he was about to chase him when suddenly Agaravel swooped down, scooped him up and landed next to Laetri and the party. Laetri took the moment to admire the beauty of her blue scales that put sapphires to shame. He was awed. How could any creature look so beautiful? Then he snapped to the present and then shifted his gaze to the human. He didn't feel angry as if he was in his position he would do much the same."Do not run. We are friends here however we do not appreciate this stranger's presence. I will speak to you later. In the meantime, enjoy speaking with Agaravel. If you wish it you may wander however do not wander too far from Agaravel as she will accompany you." he said softly and gently to Jade. With one problem dealt with, he spun back to Ri'Shei and sheathed Thringa.

Still angry at her comments he cooled himself down, not wanting this argument to escalate however knowing Kialandi had probably already provoked her. He put his hands up and smiled sweetly and said,"My apologies Ri'Shei. I am very protective of the forest and her inhabitants. You cannot assume me as one of the Varden nor of the Empire. I have no interest in putting my life in danger for a cause I do not believe in. Politics are basically a large chat with many powerful and influential men. War is one big disaster. However, putting that aside," he said, reaching out with his hand,"my name is Laetri. My dragon's name as you've probably already heard is Agaravel. To your 'flower-boy' comment I have no response. I have pride just as you do however for once I've learned to ignore my pride at times and let it pass. Do not however repeat it again as Agaravel does not have the same self-restraint as I do." he finished, still gentle and sweetly. As if to prove his point, Agaravel growled.

Standing there, Laetri began to finger the pommel of Thringa. Although he did not know until recently, Thringa was his mother's sword. That along with the egg of Agaravel were all he had from his mother and her dragon. He did not know this until recently and he smiled at the memories of her. Up until the day she came to him limping, hands on her blood-coated shirt as she showed him the words to open the chest to Agaravel's egg. The fact that Agaravel's egg was laid by his mother's dragon gave them another connection and he found himself looking at her happily, large smile on his face with joy of being with her.

[Jade]

Jade was set on his destination, heart pounding as he ran. His hood flew off revealing his almond brown hair, short but messy to compliment his golden eyes. His gloves clenched to fists as he began to let his body take over, instinct kicking in. But before he could get very far, a sound that resembled the flapping of wings was audible behind him. Absolute fear courses through him as he rushes faster. He broke a tear as his heart nearly jumped in his throat as he leaped over a log, only to never return to the ground. He screamed in complete and utter terror as he was seized by the dragon, clutched in its grasp as he was lifted high above the tree's. He kicked and flailed wildly as the dragon hoisted him back toward the group. He looked down and froze up, choking as he gained feeling of how high up he really was. When the dragon landed back with the group, he was pinned to the ground under its claws, helpless. He could only stare up in fear into the dragons eyes as he layed there, unresisting and limp. Out of the corner of his eye he could see Laetri approach him. He was speaking to him, but his words were muffled. Jade was paralyzed under the dragon in it's mercy. Staring blankly above him he remained motionless as memories flooded him. His entire life he lived in fear of dragons, hated them, despised them with his very soul. They were the reason of all his pain and suffering and now he was at the mercy of one. His heart still pounding he lays motionless, eyes red and stained with tears, but he did not cry, did not speak a word. All he could do was scream to himself, as nothing else mattered anymore.

[Quetzal]

Ri'Shei was not pleased by Kialandi's appearance. Great, another guy to dislike her and create conflict. At least the boy had been sent out of harms' way. She was well aware that she was rude, mean and stubborn. People were bound to dislike her, just as she disliked a lot of people in return. It was annoying how many people were automatically hostile to her. That may have taught her to change her ways by now, but she was too stubborn to act any differently, preferring to let people know exactly where they stood with her. "I presume nothing. I might as well take action towards getting what I want, since otherwise I have no hope of achieving anything, do I? The forest has not been friendly to me, as much as I might like it here, I can assure you," this much was true. Ri'Shei might be cruel, stubborn, and rude, but she did not lie that often. A lover of law and order, honesty was something she liked as well. The forest did not seem to want her here, thick undergrowth growing tangled and dark so that she tripped, got lost and scratched her legs raw on thorns.

Laetri seemed a lot better than the newcomer. His dragon's scales were beautiful enough, but she would reserve judgement on her until she had seen enough to gauge her character. When he reached out with his hand, she shook it, nodding respect as her opinion on him changed to a minute degree. At least he had the decency to talk to her, and hadn't taken the comment as a direct hit to his pride as she had feared he might. "Thank you. I shall try to guard my tongue better," she told him. Of course her tongue might well slip again should she feel annoyed by him.

The other boy, the teenager, looked none too happy to be manhandled by Agaravel. Red tear-stained eyes beheld the dragon with a look of sheer terror. It was clear to her she wouldn't hurt him, but from the look of it he had not come to the same conclusion. She wasn't about to even try commanding Agaravel to release him. Seeing his fear, however, she felt compelled to do something, so drew closer and spoke to him. "No need to be afraid, boy. She won't hurt you. You are not her enemy," she tried to reassure him.

[Brenton]

Trees all around the forest sang with joyous notes as Kialandi's head raised just slightly to look toward Ellesmera where a group of people had entered and now one left. Great who would be leaving the city and heading this way in particular unless...no, Kialandi had told him to not say anything. Just then the sound of a dragon roar ripped through the air and flashes of gold shot over the sky until a rather decent sized young dragon flew down and landed next to the tall man who now had his hand resting on his sword. Kialandi glared at Grazael and then at Brenton who rode up only a few minutes later with his head high and obviously expecting trouble.

Kialandi Morzansson, I order you to return to the city and deal with your student who came running to me in fear you would harm this woman. Go now or I will have my guards escort you back with swords at your back. Brenton was not an enemy of the dragon spirit and even knew that if it came to it then the guards would be no help at all. Still he knew what Kialandi could do and that was why the king watched with a hawk's gaze until the man had disappeared.

Slowly he turned to look at the woman and Laetri with the boy under Agaravel's claws. He smiled and then waved at Laetri, abandoning all elven tradition, and started the greeting himself. Then Brenton turned to the woman and gave a warm smile. Well met, milady, I am Brenton Bromsson and I hear that you are having issues with my subjects aside from Laetri and Agaravel. I am deeply sorry for your trouble and wish that I could have been here to restrain Kialandi earlier in the matter.

[Aelodil]

Agaravel looked down at the boy under her claws, struggling with fear. Softening, she removed her paw, allowing him to roam though she kept her nuzzle near him just to remind him not to do anything stupid. She lay there, head rested near Jade, two of her eyes, both large sapphire ovals each the size of a dinner plate looked at them. She snorted some smoke and looked at Laetri wondering what his next step was. As Grazael suddenly appeared, she stood up roaring in surprise and happiness at his arrival. As King Brenton arrived however, she tilted her head in confusement but it was all clear when he spoke that Shaelren had ran back to the king, bearing news about this party and he had obviously not been happy about it. Flapping her wings, she stood, keeping her wings out, giving her a Pegasus-like kind of a look. She returned her gaze to Laetri, wondering what to do."Hello King Brenton, Grazael. I am surprised you came here in person and I am glad."[/i]

Laetri seemed to sympathize with the boy, whom he extended a hand towards and helped him up, stating,"I apologize, as you may have observed, Agaravel is more... excited. She also has a tendency catching escapees, however I do not blame you for what you did for if I were in your place I would have done much the same to survive. Though I would rather if you not run. Stay here as I must speak to you later." He then turned to Ri'Shei, well aware of her thoughts without reading her mind. Did he blame her? No, as almost everyone was the same in that aspect. He observed her curiously. He had heard a myth from his mother about the Spartan race but never figured it was true but here seemed a living article to prove it.

Just as Laetri attempted to say something, he was interrupted by a large horn followed by many Elves armed marching. Soon after, he spotted Grazael. Wondering what the king's dragon was doing here, he was soon to find out. He gawked as he saw Brenton, the king of the elves himself, walk casually to their spot. Moments later, he dismissed a non-too-happy looking Kialandi who walked, fists clenched and seeming ready to slaughter the elves and stay there. However none of that was to surprise as was about to happen.

As Brenton turned to him, Laetri was just about to start the greeting but was surprisingly beaten by Brenton who honored him by saying the first lines. Honored beyond imagine, Laetri bowed his head to the king and repeated the second line. Still astonished, Laetri entered a haze -- until Brenton spoke to Ri'Shei. Wincing, Laetri nodded and said,"Yes, king Brenton, we did have a sort of... mis-understanding here. I am afraid to say that started by mis-direction of what was going on. I do apologize. However, that aside, king Brenton, this is Ri'Shei. Ri'Shei, this is our king, Brenton." Leaning closer to Brenton, Laetri whispered,"She is one of the mythical spartans my king. I am rather intrigued, perhaps you could ask her..?" He then gracefully moved closer to Ri'Shei, stood as high as he could and whispered to her,"Please show king Brenton the utmost respect as he is a patient man at times, but his guards aren't." not threatening, just praying she would heed his warning.

[Jade]

Staring into the eyes of the dragon, Jade held is breath, embracing death. But that feeling was lifted along with the dragons paw, which surprised him. He exhaled and began to catch his breath until it returned to normal. The dragon rested its head near him, watching him. He could have sworn it was piercing his soul, but somehow he concluded that it wasn't it's intention. One things for certain, escaping was no longer an option. But why would it let him go? Wasn't it going to finish him off? Still shaken, his focus increased until Laetri was audible. He extended a hand and warily Jade accepted, rising to just under six foot three. Laetri apologized and explained Agravels behavior as it was what she was used to. Jade merely nodded without a word. Before Laetri could speak to one of the other strangers however, he was interrupted by the arrival of another great dragon, which intimidated Jade even more, followed by many elves and some figure of great importance as horns sounded through the pines.


Jade felt uneasy here, around all of these strangers, especially around royalty. He has been secluded in Surda and Du Weldenvardens vegetation most of his life with little to no interaction with outsiders. He avoided eye contact with everyone and walked shyly to the base of a nearby tree, where he stood, arms crossed and observed the events. He occasionally eyed the dragons, the massive beasts incredibly massive compared to him, he made sure to keep his distance. When the kingly figure approached the group casually he made his best efforts to go unnoticed and excluded from any conversation, so he nonchalantly took out one of his crude hunting knives and began playing with a piece of loose leather, spinning and twirling it around his fingers. This is all because of me.... He thought. They must have gathered because of the commotion he stirred up. If he hadn't tried to steal from that caravan none of this would have happened. What if the figure was here to sentence him to death? One of them did say those Urgals were with some sort of Varden, which meant they belonged somewhere.... Jade stared into his reflection on the blade, expecting the worst. Dragons, elves, and now kings.... He was sure to be punished for his crime.  

[Quetzal]

Ri'Shei saw Jade's obvious relief at being freed from Agaravel's clutches. She understood the boy's fear at being caught by a dragon, but he did not seem to get over that fear as he moved away to watch from a safe distance. She decided to let him have a moment to recover from the incident, watching the nearing figure.

King Brenton. Of all people, the king of the elves? What could he possibly be doing here! She was on higher alert now. Stubborn as she might be, she knew when she was bested, and while she might give fighting a go, there was no use fighting Brenton. Heavily guarded, he had enough power and influence to see her dead in a flash. She would have to be on her best behavior. Besides, he and the elves were helping the Varden, so her own affiliation to the Empire was not likely to please him. Strangely enough, however, he seemed oddly kind, sending away Kialandi before he could start any trouble and speaking to her with respect. This threw her. "It's no trouble, your highness, I thank you for your concern," she even bowed slightly, surprising herself at her politeness.

She nodded to Laetri after his warning. She could tell he was patient and not as all as she expected. Her golden eyes flickered to the dragon that was similar in hue. He looked very healthy and strong, clearly cared for well by an already experienced Rider. Larger than she would expect for a dragon his age, but she wasn't entirely sure of his age nor what size was average for that age, having not known much about dragons and only heard of the king's new dragon through news spreading by word of mouth throughout Alagaesia. Brenton and Laetri both seemed perfectly good people so far, and she wasn't sure about Jade but the kid seemed quite nervous of the world. "It's an honour to meet you, King Brenton. I've heard a lot about you. Laetri is right; today has been one huge misunderstanding. I believe the only real problem here was a group of urgals. You wouldn't happen to know why a group of rogue urgals might find themselves in Du Weldenvarden, would you? From what the boy has said, they were not with the Varden," she waved a hand pointedly at where Jade stood against a tree. She did not reveal anything else about him; that was for him to tell, not her.

[Brenton]

Brenton nodded and looked at the boy again who now seemed to be slightly less fearful but was still cowering away from them while they talked about him. To himself, he thought about how he would have to confront the kid and maybe see why he had even been in the forest and why everything revolved around him all of a sudden. Instead of acting upon that, Brenton looked at Ri'Shei and smiled warmly but with a slightly dark glint to his eyes. I have known about these urgals roaming the forest for awhile but could never get them to leave without sending my entire army after them. Still that doesn't explain why an Empire friendly person like you would choose to hang around the land of the elves who are friendly to the Varden. I have offered my peace to you during the Rider Branches ceremony but that is now over and unless you wish to be killed for espionage and conspiracy then you will leave immediately, forgetting everything that transpired here as you turn around. Remember, even a Spartan is no match for the entire Elven race and all of the troops that I can muster in a matter of a few minutes. Now leave Ri'Shei for you may not have inherently caused this problem but you are still involved.

He looked over at Laetri and then reached for the rider's mind while he made sure that it would be a protected conversation. Thank you for telling me she is a Spartan but I knew that already and now I would like you to realize that she is a supporter of the Empire and that if she does not leave then there will be fighting in a little bit.

[Aelodil]

Immediately after Brenton's statement Agaravel roared viciously. At Brenton. Laetri was not surprised as he felt the same way."My king, Ri'Shei has only lingered due to the forest's beauty. Would you deprive someone a tour of something they will probably never come back to due to a difference between the Varden and Empire? I for one speak freely, and I will not let this stand, not until I give her a walk around the forest. Those who stand against me, speak now, face me here and look me in the eye then tell me you will not allow it. Do as you will, but know this, if you stand against me I will not be hostile. However if you attempt to stop me then the conversation will not be filled with words, but blood and the sounds of swords clashing. Do I make myself clear?" he said, not just to Brenton, but to all the elves present. For once however, Laetri was confident. He did not feel fear, just a pent up feeling of unfairness. He knew he will get some challenges, however together he and Agaravel will crush them.

One by one, the guards wavered and nodded to him. Though they acknowledged his power, they did hesitate to show their respect to him in front of the king and a few, after nodding to him turned to the king hastily and bowed. Laetri was about to grab Ri'Shei's arm and walk away til they were away, but then Agaravel reached out and said,"Brenton, king of elves, my Rider means you no disrespect however we have seen enough unfairness and clouded judgement in our short lives. No longer will we stand idle as kings and dukes alike throw about judgement unfairly or due to a bickering. No longer will we stand idle as people with what they think of as 'power' and 'influence' throw out punishments due to a clouded mind. Today we take flight, today we take action, today we protect the innocents who are condemned due to people such as yourself and the mad king. You say you fight against Galbatorix, but you two are much the same. Happy with your power and will do whatever they want, whenever they want. Today, we will stand for what is right." her voice soothing, but powerful and showing the anger underneath it.

Laetri quickly grabbed Ri'Shei's arm and strode away, into the forest far away from that small little gathering. Agaravel flew high above them in the clouds and followed them just in case. With what Laetri would hate to admit were tears in his eyes, he stopped near the Monoa tree and sat on the ground, holding his face with his hands. Why? Why does it always have to be like such? It hurt him to see men with power throwing around unfair judgement without thinking. How could Brenton think to say such things? His hurt might have been due to his youthness and unexperience but it also was due to the fact that he himself had much the same happen to him. He always did. He stood, and said to Ri'Shei,"I'm sorry it ended that way. Please, feel free to roam the forest. You are always welcome here as long as I am here." softly, voice rasping.

(( Now that we have one huge nice gathering, I feel like Ashendale/Nelfarion should make an appearance ))

All the animals in the forest stopped moving. They turned their heads, all together, big and small with different shapes and sizes to outside the forest. In the distance what many people would call a monstrosity approached the forest. Of course it was Nelfarion. Recently free from the accursed prison Anurin had contained him to, Nelfarion came to the forest to extract revenge. He will burn the forest down and it's inhabitants. He will cause earthquakes so large it will make the huge fissure he made in the Spine look like a small crack in a pebble. All this went through the dragon's mind as he approached. However as he neared, he couldn't enter. He looked down at the puny guardian and said,"Allow me entrance puny one, lest I make of you breakfast." The guardian simply looked at him, clapped his hands and vanished, though Nelfarion felt he was being watched from behind his back.

Entering the forest, Nelfarion roared his arrival. He knew the elves would recognize his roar, and him himself. And that was perfect. Better they all come. It would make a decent meal. However all that flew from his mind as he throttled with laughter. Right there in front of him was the elven king, Brenton."Oh sweet little Brenton, what brings you out here? Perhaps you could do with some spices.. along with your guards." he rumbled in their minds, gleefully happy for once. Swooping his head, he ate the wall of guards that had went ahead to protect the king, devouring all five of them at once. The other guards held their line next to the king, however Nelfarion could feel their fear, see their limbs trembling. He roared again, this time with laughter as he let out a jet of flame across the whole forest, wards keeping them safe though not for long. Bathing them with his anger, Nelfarion continued his laughing fest.

((Eh, not sure if you guys want to ignore the extra Nelfarion post or if we should continue on like that, do tell so I can edit it or not edit it ))

[Brenton]

((I'm gunna post this under Brenton alter because he is the main character in this thread but Ashendale will be in each post.))

Brenton, king of the elves and former servant to the Empire, looked away in nervousness and frustration as he remembered that he had been treated like crap so much when in the Empire. He had even been told he would one day be just like Galbatorix and had tried his entire life to avoid that fate but apparently he was more like the tyrant than he wanted to be. That must've been how his true name had changed enough for him to break free of the Empire oaths because before he had been completely different from the tyrant king and yet now he was just like him. Slowly Brenton breathed in deeply and then looked back at Ri'Shei before she could walk away. If you wish to stay in Du... Just then a large dragon appeared in the sky and descended toward them with its metal parts and lava covered body. Nelfarion, dragon abomination that was great allies to Ashendale, looked at Brenton and spoke before eating his guards. Nelfarion, you need to leave here now. You are not welcome in the forest and this is not somewhere you can win right now. As he spoke, Brenton reached out and contacted Isrydia as well as Kialandi while he searched for Konner. All three of them were strong fighters and either dragon riders or dragon spirits. They would be able to help him and Brenton knew that the soldiers who were already on their way would never be able to win against Nelfarion.

Ashendale, tall and dark with a brooding gaze, walked through the forest as he glared at the wildlife who annoyed him terribly. Just then he caught the sound of Nelfarion who was busy causing chaos and he could tell that multiple people were dying. With a dark and malevolent grin, Ashendale took off running and slaughtered entire troops of soldiers before they even noticed him, whether by sword or by magic. Suddenly he caught sight of Nelfarion and he roared with laughter, dark and venomous. "You have no hope of beating him and I with just measly soldiers, Brenton Bromsson, king of this doomed race."