The Chase (Open)

[Jade]

He had begun to get a good rhythm with his blade in his hand when he stopped it between his fingers, vertical. He listened in on the conversation and watched as Laetri and the creepy women stormed off from the king. Those two were the only ones that helped him at all in this, even if they were a little upfront. He turned and was about to tell off the king, when he noticed the forest went silent. It had done that before, only once, in his lifetime. There was a great rumble and the knife slipped out of his hand. It spun, and planted itself vertically in the dirt by his foot. The color drained from his face as he slowly looked up to where he saw Nelfarion come. The monstrous creature caused time to slow down for him, as he devoured the forest and troops in flame, consuming them, it was only a blur to him. When he did not respond a wave of flame came to the group, but a magical barrier defended him where he stood. This caused him to snap back to his senses, and that's when it happened.

All fear and terror that once consumed Jade, disappeared. It was replaced by a sincere and utter rage. He glared at Nelfarion, ignoring the chaos and death around him. His part of the barrier began to significantly increase. He unconsciously increased his barriers, both mental and physical by incredible amounts. So much in fact, that it was almost unfathomably able to protect the rest of the survivors from the flame. He just glared darkly at the beast, fists clenched as he entered a mental battle with it, barricading himself up so tight, that he was practically impenetrable. He never understood how he could do this, but over time, after all the hiding he did, this was the most significant skill he had. His golden irises glowed a pure white as his emotions flowed outward into the physical world, preventing as much death and pain as possible. It was very tiring, especially for him, but he held it, because he had to. He began to sweat at the brow, his breathing becoming rough and raspy from the smoke. He ripped his green cloak off as it caught fire. His entire left arm was scorched black, and trailed all the way up to the left side of his face, stopping just before the eye. Though humans very rarely had magical potential before becoming riders, this one was blessed, as above where his brow was burned on the left of his face, was the mark a dragon had given him when he was young. At least, from what he was told. He was found with it when his parents adopted him. The fire danced around madly around the group, but touched no more of the guards, or even Laetri and Ri'Shei for that matter, as it followed the life forms wherever they went. All that mattered to Jade was making sure everyone stayed alive, as he stood there and stared into the beast that had destroyed his village, shaped his life, and threatened him even now. He watched Nelfarion laugh down at the king, and guarded him especially well. "Sometimes, bravery isn't doing something because you aren't afraid, but being afraid of something, and doing it anyway." He thought to himself. If he died here and now, he would be content. For after all those nightmares under the full moon of every month, and everything that this thing took from him, he wasn't about to let anyone else die here. The barriers strengthened and kept most attacks at bay, buying time for most to get to safety.

[Quetzal]

((Just saying, Jade would almost definitely not be able to use wordless magic of that strength without killing himself unless he'd had years of training and a load of Eldunari...))

Ri'Shei raised an eyebrow as Brenton spoke. As the king, he had every right to kick her off his land. That did nothing to stop her anger. Being used to getting her way all the time, it did not please her for this to change even in the face of a king. "I am not here on Empire business," she told him firmly in the Ancient Language, looking him straight in the eyes. In this language she could not lie, and she wasn't; she was a warrior, not a tactician, and so the Empire had little use for her now they were not currently fighting or besieging anyone. They had tried given her guard duty, but had stopped when she had started enforcing laws she personally thought were a good idea in addition to the ones she was oath-bound to promote. She had then moved on to training other soldiers, which was again a failure when she grew frustrated by some youngster's arrogance and another's lack of progress and had 'forgot' to blunt her sword before a spar. The wounds hadn't been fatal, she'd argued, but the Empire wanted their soldiers in one peace so she was left to her own devices, oaths preventing betrayal and her mind available to contact for orders at all times. She'd completed a couple of raids of unruly citizens, but no orders had been given to her involving Du Weldenvarden and the elves, or even the Varden.

Her sullen glare at Brenton changed to one of surprise as Laetri grabbed her arm. She almost wrenched it free, but chose to follow him. There was a dragon looking out for him, after all. Then he stopped near a tree and... was he crying? Yes, there were definitely tears in his eyes. What a strange example of a Rider he was. First his kindness, and now his openness about his emotions, were really throwing Ri'Shei off guard. She had no idea what to feel or expect from this man. "It's all right, don't worry. I'm surprised by your kindness, I must say. I hope we don't end up having to kill each other in this war," this was a compliment by her standards. She would have said more, but for the silence that fell. Silence in a forest was never good. It was worse than hearing warning cries - the animals did not even dare make the slightest sound, not even to warn each other. A vast roar split the silence and a huge dragon flew straight for Brenton and devoured some of his guards. Without wasting a moment, she sprinted back to him, leaving Laetri to react as he pleased. She arrived, only to be bathed in flames. Luckily wards prevented them reaching anything alive. In one swift movement she drew her two thin swords from within the folds of her tunic-toga-like attire, steely golden gaze fixed on the huge enemy. What hope did they have of beating that?

Isrydia heard Brenton's alarm and came running immediately. Arlyn flew a couple of feet above her. He was finally starting to gain some height, reaching a little over her elbow now. He had become quite the flier, very quick and agile thanks to his thin frame. The two were unsure of what they were up against, but Brenton had sounded urgent in his brief contact. They owed him a lot, and would always come to his aid. The young human Rider arrived, finding the group partially from the location of Brenton's mind in his brief contact, but mostly because of the mountain of a dragon enjoying burning as much as possible. Her eyes widened and her pace slowed. "Arlyn. Arlyn, we can't do this," her throat was suddenly dry, a great fear verging on panic in her voice.

"We can. If we don't help Brenton, what do you think that thing will do to the forest and everything and everyone in it? We have to try. If it doesn't kill us now, it will later," the dragon reasoned, childish voice unnervingly calm. This calmness helped him think rationally even now, but she could sense the fear through their bond.

"What if we fail? We'll be killed, and so will Brenton and everyone else, the whole forest will die and it will be all our fault and what if someone dies protecting us and-" Isrydia was working herself into a state as they ran towards danger. She could not live with herself if she saw someone die as a direct result of her being there. Several had died fighting the Shade that stunted Arlyn's growth, and one kull had nearly killed himself specifically to allow her to get away.

Arlyn sent her a wave of calm feeling and thoughts, easing her panic, but she was still nervous and jittery upon arrival at Brenton's side, facing the monstrosity. Black scales tore and ripped in grotesque ways to reveal burning patches of lava crudely patched up with plates of mithril. She was clad in flexible and tough leather armour, wielding a round shield, her (fairly average in design) sword, Nettle, and a basic knowledge of magic. She was a good fighter, but had rarely been needed in combat. This was her toughest opponent. Looking around, she saw others. Brenton and Grazael she knew. Laetri and Agaravel were a welcome sight, having been the first to try and teach her magic before she actually had any magical abilities. She had last seen them at the Varden's feast, and it was good to be fighting alongside such a strong pair. She gave him a grim smile. There was a boy as well, a couple of years younger than her, who looked furious but inexperienced. She made a note to watch out for him. Then there was that tall lady she had spoken to briefly at the Rider Branches ceremony. She didn't like her very much, since she had been pretty rude. The tall woman did not seem to recognise her, or at least was ignoring her. Fine. The remaining person appeared to be allied with the dragon, if it still counted as a dragon like that. Arlyn certainly didn't seem happy counting it as a member of his species, snarling angrily. In response to Ashendale's words, she spoke up, instantly regretting doing so, "Brenton doesn't just have soldiers. He had friends, not that you'd know what a friend means," she spat.

[Aelodil]

Laetri glared at Nelfarion. He knew of the beast. And he knew if he was here, then his partner Ashendale wouldn't be far. Quickly, he sprinted back to the group in time to intercept Ashendale. In fact, he accidentally rammed into him, sending Laetri to the ground in confusion. As he got up, Thringa in hand, he stood next to his friends. Ashendale and Nelfarion already took so much, but they would not take his friends. Laetri looked at Nelfarion and knew that none of them would be of any match against him. Perhaps if they took down Ashendale then they could fight Nelfarion? But how could they fight against such raw power? As Ashendale spat at Brenton, and Isrydia retorted, Laetri realized, it didn't matter about power. They were friends and friendship ran deep. He turned around slowly and smiled at the rest of them. Swiftly, he swung visciously at Ashendale, swiping towards the neck in an arc.

Agaravel eyed Nelfarion warily and leaped with surprising lithe and grace for a dragon her size. She bit at him like a tiger but with much more power than any living tiger could muster and attempted to maul him with her claws, swinging her paw at him, delivering such force that even if he had wards that would protect him, the hit would un-balance him at least.

(( Sorry, pretty short post for Laetri, kinda low on mah muse man ))

Nelfarion laughed wickedly at the appearance of Ashendale. Alone, Nelfarion could have probably taken on an Elven army. United with Ashendale, nothing could stand in their path. The boy.. ah Jade, how could he have forgotten? Once again he shook the ground with laughter and said,"Oh little Jade, do you not remember me? I am the dragon that marked your brow. I am the one true sole reason your friends have wards. Now, pay me back. You have a portion of my power, and I have come back for it." His voice smooth and commanding as he roared and slammed more trees,

As he finished his statement, he ravaged the ground, breaking the wards on the forest though not on Brenton and his friends. His guards and elven subjects however, were not so lucky and their terrible screams pierced the silent night as they melted. The heat unbearable, hotter than that of lava and soon, it was no longer a forest the group stood in, but a massacre. Havoc, mayhem."You will all die, I will burn your dead corpses and eat them. But you, Jade, you have an option. Come with me. Unbeknownst to you, you have the potential to become great as me. Join me Jade, and you will be unstoppable." said Nelfarion. The trees were burnt and the ground scorched, turned to glass with heat. What used to be a beautiful forest was now a ravaged land.

[Brenton]

As Konner battled three elven soldiers in a spar with his sword and his dagger, a piercing scream came from a long way away but the man thought it was nothing more than just a person who had got lost. Then he swung at one of the soldiers but the man disappeared in a furious sprint with his other friends and comrades. Just then the mind of Brenton reached his and Konner listened before giving a small grunt of confirmation. He ran over to Talon and in two leaps, landed on the saddle with his mind raising great defenses and spells of defense that would keep away fire and arrows and most other weapons. Konner bellowed in anger as Talon shot into the air and rose toward where they could see a giant black, lava red, and mithril colored dragon who was burning down trees and other creatures.

Talon shot forward and with a great bellow sent flames straight at Nelfarion just as he rammed into the beast and angled down so that it would topple the dragon. Large red feet with terribly sharp black claws and vicious looking fangs that could rip bones from bodies with ease attacked Nelfarion and aimed for the jugular. The entire time, Konner had jumped and used the remaining trees to descend down right next to Ashendale who wasn't expecting it but the man had already flipped away from a blade that had been going for his throat. Konner swung his own blade and watched for it to kill the man but it never connected. Quickly Konner retreated and fell in next to Brenton and Isrydia as well as Laetri who was fighting Ashendale. "There are more of us here than there are of you. Do you really think you can stand a chance against all of us?"

------

Kialandi had been running free through the area when suddenly his mind was ripped in half by the screams of dying nature and burning trees while Brenton gave an urgent warning that Nelfarion was in the forest and had a great fire spreading through the trees. The dragon spirit cursed and immediately his body began to shift, first his bones lengthened and skin expanded while his teeth grew longer. Then his jaw strengthened and his head grew as a tail sprouted and grew enormous and wings spread from his back. White scales, the color of clouds and snow, rippled and grew harder as the man slowly turned into a dragon who had never met someone who could match his strength. He leaned his head back and gave a roar that shook the entire area with the trees trembling from meeting another entity who was just as formidable as the deadly dragon who was burning them. NELFARION! YOU WILL NOT HARM THESE PEOPLE!!! Kialandi's consciousness spread out and with the same strength as the roar it echoed through the minds of every creature who could hear the roar.

Kialandi spread his wings and shot into the air while he put wards up to keep him from growing too weak from the nature dying. The wards would fail in about ten minutes but that would be long enough for others to get there and possibly help the situation. The dragon spirit roared again and flew straight at the dragon spirit abomination with white hot flames flickering in his maw.

-------

Brenton laughed as the dragon once again tried to kill him but the flames disappeared and moved to others but once again was blocked. The elf king nodded at Grazael who was now taller than him at the shoulders and his head was a good three heads higher than him. Go and make me proud, Grazael. Brenton spoke quiet enough to only let the dragon know and then turned to Ashendale, already drawing his own sword, Undbitr. Argetadurna was unsheathed and flashing just as deadly fast and accurate toward the demented rider.

Grazael flew at immense speeds that would blind anyone else just as Talon flew at Nelfarion and Kialandi came flying straight toward the large abomination that he didn't want to admit was a dragon. He aimed for the back of the skull with talons and teeth.

------

Ashendale knew that all of these people were powerful and had even heard great stories about Kialandi and Brenton as well as Laetri. Brenton was the elf king who had successfully escaped the Empire as their servant and then escaped their prison as well. This was a strong rider who knew everything there was to know about how to fight for his age. Kialandi was the one dragon spirit who had been able to take out great leaders of the Forsworn and the Empire while evading them at the same time. He was older than the Fall and that meant that he was close to the same age as Nelfarion. Laetri was an elder of the original Riders and his dragon Agaravel was just as old and only just smaller than Nelfarion. They were all formidable foes. Then there were the two other riders who both looked to be trained in battle as well as the large red dragon and the golden dragon who were attacking Nelfarion. In the background was a pale blue dragon who must've been with the female rider who was obviously shaken.

Then Laetri was swinging at him with his sword and he was forced to flip backward, using his own sword to parry another attack from the rider who had jumped from the red dragon. This was obviously going to be fun when Brenton joined in the fight and suddenly Ashendale had to contend with three riders who were angry enough to take him down in a heartbeat. Too bad he was just as well trained and strong with magic as well. His time with Nelfarion had increased his strength and speed and had increased his magic as well, somehow, so there was no reason for Ashendale to worry about this being a one sided fight.

[Aelodil]

Can I just say, Nelfarion is actually about 700 years der than Kialandi and is definitly larger than Agaravel by a huge shot. (( Nelfarion's age comes near 900, just saying ))

[Brenton]

((Didn't really feel like looking it up so yeah just put close to and smaller))

[Jade]

Jade had begun to walk forward, dividing the flame away until Nelfarion spoke those words. He froze, rooted to the spot, stunned. He had always wondered how he got that mark, but never would he have known it would have been this demon. Why would it have blessed him? The spell began to take its toll on his body. Jade began to clench up, shaking. Blood had begun to escape from his nose and mouth as be coughed, his eyes red from the fire, watery. "It can't be...Why...." He was internally conflicted. He was able to feel the magic siphon the energy from him in order to protect the others he barely even knew. Falling to his knee's he struggled to hold it up with his mind. There was no escape, he was dragged into this now. As much as he hated Nelfarion, he wanted to live, and if for some reason he truly had blessed Jade, he wanted to know why. But how did he know that he wouldn't just end up killing him along with the others as soon as he gave in? He looked up and saw the dragons fighting him in the air, and the warriors fighting Ashendale on the ground. He sensed the pain and suffering around him, the surrounding forest  burned to ashes beneath his very feet. He raised his arms up as the heat became even more intense, closing in on him.

He could die this very instant, or shortly soon after. If he gave in to the beast, he would either be captured by him after his victory and fall victim to whatever it had planned, get consumed with the rest of them in the flames like all the elves and soldiers because he lied, or, if by some miracle that Nelfarion lost, die by the Vardens hand for even attempting to aid him in the battle. However, Jade didn't exactly trust the King either. He new how royalty was, and doubted Brenton would see reason either way, but maybe if he held up the barriers, and died from the magic extinguishing him instead of the flame.... that seemed like the right thing to do. But his life had only just begun, and he wanted answers. Was this his purpose? To die for others? Would he sacrifice himself so that those he thought were good would prevail? Or would he release the barriers and submit to Nelfarion, the one creature he feared the most out of everything, ever. Tears slid down his eyes as he made his choice.

Jade gave every last ounce of life in him to hold those defenses up with the rest, his body convulsing as he lay there on his knee's, trembling from the flame. He stared into the heart of the beast, burning, as the magic coursed through him and his brow sweating. His mark on his brow actually began to glow as he held it, threatening to render him unconscious. He waited for Nelfarion to win, the very thing that would eventually extinguish his life for defying him.

[Quetzal]

"I can't," spoke a small voice in Isrydia's mind as she and Arlyn watched Kialandi arrive in dragon form, running to attack the monster with Grazael, Agaravel, and another Rider's dragon.

"You were just telling me that I should try fighting, and now you chicken out?" Isrydia was surprised at the sudden nerves from the young dragon.

"I've never fought before. This is throwing me in the deep end for a first fight, don't you think?"

"There's a first for everything. Just remember everything you were taught. You are so small compared to him, he'll find it hard to hit you. Be like a wasp; hard to hit, annoying, and stinging. You might not be able to do much, but it's better than frying down here," she wished she could fly with him, but he was not yet large enough.

With a resigned nod, Arlyn spread his leathery near-white wings, blood vessels illuminated through the pale skin by the growing flames, and beat down hard against the air. He rose swiftly, darting between the flaming branches to reach Nelfarion. He refused to believe this foe was a dragon. Even Shruikan was better than this... thing. He was acutely aware of his tiny size in comparison to the monster. He must what, about as large as his pupils? While Nelfarion was distracted by the larger, more formidable dragon, Arlyn darted around the great beast, searching for a weakness. Dipping his wings, he swooped in with considerable acceleration. His spiked tail flicked downwards, spikes along the upper side acting as a serrated blade as he whipped Nelfarion at a mithril joint. Soaring up again, he arced downwards to bite and claw at another spot, lingering there longer but still to no avail. Scales and mithril protected him, and he dared not go near the lava. There was one weak spot he could see, one spot that would be vulnerable even to his little sting. The eyes. Flying along inches from the beast's neck so he would not be seen, the little dragon tried to use his small size to his advantage as he zipped along towards Nelfarion's huge eyes. They came into view over his great head, and Arlyn prepared to sink his teeth, claws, and tail into the left eye. Unless he was battered out the way, that was bound to hurt.

Ri'Shei had seen Jade struggling but ignored it, bigger things on her mind. Casualties happened and they couldn't stop to tend everyone. Ashendale's downfall was her priority. Everything being on fire did not really help with that, however. "Adurna!" she drew water from the already dead and burning plants. This she used to douse the ground, leaving large areas charred and steaming and larger areas still ablaze. She extinguished the fire furthest away in a circle around them, keeping the fire at bay. The dead plants would act as a fire break in providing no fuel for what remained of the fire to spread. The immediate area was secured, and so long as Nelfarion was kept here, the damage done to the forest could be reduced to this area. Feeling safer yet tired, she darted to join the three fighting the twisted Rider, leaving the dragons to their fight. She darted up behind him and aimed a slash with both swords at his back. Normally she would object to fighting four-on-one as well as attacking from behind, but this was an exceptional case.

Isrydia was about to join in the fighting when she noticed the boy keel over. She ran to his side and knelt down level with him. A quick examination told her he was straining under the use of magic. Checking the wards protecting everyone there, she felt a great surge of energy being put into them by him. "What are you doing? Stop!" she cried in alarm. She shook him to try and make him snap out of it. "The tall lady's put out a lot of the fires, and you're no use to anyone dead. Stop strengthening the wards, or you'll kill yourself! I don't know what you're trying to do here, but you're not the only one fighting. You don't have to sacrifice yourself, we're all here fighting with you. We can all take the burden of our own wards. We won't let anyone die here, not even you. So tell me what's wrong or get up and fight without sacrificing yourself!" she told him. She did not try to pull him to his feet in case he did not have the strength. She showed him the jewels at her belt. "I'll give you some energy from these, on the condition you don't try anything like that again," she offered. Going in exhausted against an opponent like that was not a good plan, after all.

[Aelodil]

Laetri was pressed hard to keep himself from becoming chopped meat. He parried, swinging his sword this way and that, bruising his wrist by the force of the hits. Cursing, he jumped back a bit and circled Ashendale. He knew none of them had any chance on him 1v1. Even their combined strength might not be enough. He quickly swung a quick swing towards Ashendale's waist, in hopes of maybe hitting his leg. Knowing Ashendale will easily dodge his swing, he proceeded to swing once again, this time in an arc to catch him. Meanwhile, Agaravel and the other dragons were having a hard time with Nelfarion. She dove in, clawing at the mithril. Nelfarion however was nimble despite his size, nipping at her and she would retreat.

Agaravel dodged, diving again towards his back. Suddenly, she saw Arlyn, small and climbing his way up. She quickly attempted to pull up so Nelfarion wouldn't feel her but she was too late and he felt the beat of her wings and shook himself, as if ridding himself of pests. She mentally cursed and bathed his face in flames, knowing it wouldn't do much other than distract him.


Nelfarion was in luck that Agaravel had annoyed him, else Arlyn's tail would now be impaled in his eye. Instead, he had sent the little dragon flying away with his roll. He seemed surprise by the sudden increase in enemies. He roared and flew high up, scorching the area he had been standing in with fire from his wings. He bathed the sky with fire around him, as if putting a barrier. He then used magic to turn that fire into a real barrier, the fire being sustained by his immense energy. He felt pressure on his mind but turned it back by sending them images of carnage, death, blood, slaughters, murders, and the brutal ways he had murdered many people. He growled at Kialandi in anger and swung his paw, having to remove his barrier in the process.

Soon enough, all the dragons had been in front of him and he smiled to himself, bathing the area in front of him with fire."Fools! You wish to defeat me? I am invincible, I am the Destroyer, I will crush you!" he roared in their minds. Soon enough, the commotion had brought a large group of Elven soldiers in the area. They pelted him with magic and bolts of ice and fire alike. Growling, Nelfarion gave one more strong beat of his wings, dispersing the fire down onto the ground and flew up high before coming down, crashing hard crushing many of the Elves in the process and others burning. Yet, Jade's wards still held. In defiance, Nelfarion roared and stormed deeper into the forest, alighting all he could.

[Brenton]

Brenton, as Laetri swung at Ashendale from the front and Konner swung from the side, saw Ri'Shei take a shot from the rear. Quickly he smiled and ran forward with Argetadurna in one hand and Undbitr in the other. As he swung at Ashendale from above, the man blocked and dropped to avoid all of the blades. His energy was waning and he was sure that four against one was pretty even but the New Forsworn twisted rider was more than a match for everyone individually. Quickly he cast a spell that left only himself and Laetri together while all the others were blocked out by the magic barriers that he put up. Ashendale grinned and spat at the rider while he raised his sword in preparation.

"You think that you are so strong yet you can't best me when by yourself. Now know that it will be you that dies first while your friends try in vain to get you free." With that he swung his dark sword that crackled with energy toward Laetri while he prepared to reach out and break the elf's wrist so he wouldn't be able to fight anymore.

Konner was shocked to find that he couldn't break through the barrier as he swung repeatedly with his sword just to see it bounce off in a hopeless effort. There had to be a way through if only he could find it. So Konner started to think about what was going on and then he realized that every spell was controlled by energy that if disrupted could be ended. "Take your strength and do with Ashendale as the Forsworn did with Oromis. Make him unable to use magic so that he can't keep this spell up to block us out."

Kialandi roared and dodged out of the way quickly when Nelfarion dropped down to crush a bunch of them. For such a large dragon, the dragon spirit was still quick and agile so he was able to maneuver fast enough to evade. Kialandi roared in anger a second time and then sent his iron clad will at the demented dragon with full force. YOU DO NOT STAND A CHANCE AGAINST ME, NELFARION! HAVE YOU FORGOTTEN WHO I AM?

[Jade]

Jade had begun to excessively bleed out when Isrydia had reached him. She was shouting something inaudible at him and began to shake him. He looked at her with red eyes as he held his gaze, the golden irises diminished. He had begun to tremble under the immense pressure the magic had on him. He lessened his concentration on the barriers so that he could understand her. When he spoke, his voice was dry and raspy, choking on every word. "I c-cannot... submit." Jade opened his mind to her, as long as everyone else as he no longer had the strength to protect himself. He only excluded Nelfarion and Ashendale as he transmitted what the beast had spoken to him. His tone in mentality however, was deeper and more matured than even he had expected. "He... has blessed me. He wants his p-power back, and for me to j-join him... I shall not, but cannot remain under his strain for much longer. Please, those that hear my plea, lend me your energy. Though I may be but a boy, I must try to use his own blessing against him." He strained on every syllable as he stared into Isrydia's eyes, faltering by the second. When he finished his message, he shakily submitted and lowered his defenses as the barriers weakened without his support. 

He fell on his hands and coughed crimson unto the ashes beneath him. He had felt this hopelessness before, but this time he wouldn't give up. Unconsciously, he siphoned just enough energy from Isrydia's gems that would give him the physical strength to stand, and grab his bow. His heart was pounding as his body screamed at him to render unconsciousness as the blood coursed through his veins to keep him alive. He slowly and cautiously knocked an ebony arrow and aimed up to the eye of Nelfarion, who was in a intense battle with the dragons above. He slowed his breathing, pushing back the pounding headache, and gripped his bow with his charcoal burned left arm as he steadied himself. Jade blinked once, and waited until the time was right.


(I do not expect the shot to do anything major once released, but hopefully it will have just enough impact to change the tides in our favor. I aim to use whatever energy I can to use magic to guide the arrow as a bolt of lightning, whatever the consequences. But whatever.)

[Silver]

Ooc: The age of Myrkr here is 2 and half months.


Stiarna was flying around Alagaësia on Myrkr’s back, smiling as she watched the trees at their feet. She was using the saddle used when flexibility and speed was needed, since she never accepted the other one. She knew perfectly that the saddle wasn’t as comfortable as the one she rejected, but she didn’t cared, she wanted to enjoy the trips on Myrkr’s back as much as possible, with all his aerial tricks included, thing that wasn’t as easy to do with the rigid saddle.

After some flying and playing they found themselves near to Du Weldenvarden, but what caught their attention was a huge cloud of smoke coming from one of its borders, thing that confused them a little. They didn’t know much of elves, only the basic, but they knew perfectly that they wouldn’t ignore their forest, especially if it was burning. With curiosity they started to fly closer each time, and while pure curiosity and confusion shone in Stiarna’s eyes, Myrkr eyes were worried and cautious, not wanting to get into any unnecessary danger.

Once they were enough close they could see behind the curtain of black smoke that clouded the sky. Myrkr stopped his approaching immediately at the terrible sight of Nelfarion while he was fighting with other dragons, memories of when he was only some weeks old flooded his mind, remembering how that huge dragon almost killed him and Stiarna once, but they avoided death thanks to Anurin, who saved them in the very last minute with the help of Vanilor, his mighty white dragon.

His first thought was in turn around and flee before Nelfarion noticed them, but was stopped immediately by Stiarna, who was looking down “Wait!” Myrkr snorted and looked at her “Are you insane?! You know that we are no match to Nelfarion; we wouldn’t last one minute in this battle. We need to flee right now or he’ll notice us!” He said, but Stiarna stayed still “I know that boy…..” Myrkr looked at her, confused, and looked down in the same direction as her, soon spotting a boy around Stiarna’s age, on his knees and bleeding, with a bow and arrow pointing at Nelfarion “Even if you know him there is nothing we can do. He has several elves and other riders with more experience than us to aid him. We are barely starting to learn what means to be dragon and rider, we don’t even know how to use magic yet, we would be an easy target and our lives would be in a greater danger than anyone else there” Stiarna looked at him directly to his eyes “I understand, and you’re right, but we need to at least try to help him to get out of this mess, I’m not willing to leave him at mercy of that monster!” Myrkr growled “Please Myrkr……You know I usually listen to your advices, but this time I feel that this is the right thing to do” After a brief pause Myrkr looked at her again, and even if his eyes showed anger the most obvious feeling in them was his worry towards her.

“I understand what you feel, this time, and only this time, I’ll push away caution and try to help the boy” Stiarna smiled and hugged Myrkr’s neck, careful to avoid the spines, earning a small chuckle from him “Really, you need to learn to not be so impulsive and think before acting, otherwise you’ll end up killing us both someday” He said, gently nuzzled her head “I know, I’m sorry, I’ll learn, I promise” Stiarna said almost in a whisper “I’ll make sure of that” Myrkr said with a smile before plummeting towards the forest, trying to hide in the smoke to avoid being seen before landing in the borders of the fight, running towards where the boy was, always ready to act if Nelfarion spotted them and tried to attack them.

[Quetzal]

One moment Arlyn was on a collision course with Nelfarion's great eye, the next he was shooting through the air, the world turning around him sickeningly, his stomach lurching. The scrawny dragon frantically beat the air with wings and legs that looked too long for his body, failing to find any purchase. He was spinning too fast, his wings could not do anything to stop his movement, he was going to crash into something... but he didn't. All his flailing did some good. He slowed, desperately twisting and angling his wings to beat against the direction of his spinning, trying to find which way was up. He soared up once more, disorientated, to see another Rider arrive. He squeaked a greeting, his voice deeper than a hatchling but not yet near the rumbles and roars larger dragons like Grazael were capable of. He then noticed the arrow the boy was shooting at the beast. If he could just keep his head in the same place, and didn't notice the arrow... Arlyn shot straight towards Nelfarion's currently untargeted eye. With any luck, he might at least pose a distraction. If Nelfarion tried to move away, he could end up moving into the arrow; his eye was huge so a large target.

Isrydia was pleased to see Jade standing and taking the energy, less pleased to hear the message that had been given to him. Her dull grey-green eyes fixed onto his bloodshot ones. "You can't join him. Anything he wants can't be good," she said immediately. "But neither do you have to die. We'll show these two a fight," she said firmly. Her voice was more confident than she felt. As he aimed an arrow at Nelfarion, she ran through her limited knowledge of the Ancient Language. "I'm guessing that blessing is something to do with magic, since you've already been able to contact my mind and put energy into the existing words. I don't know if you've cast spells before, but try saying 'Thorna, jierda onr fodhr'. It means 'Arrow, hit your mark'. Draw on energy from the dying plants around you if you don't have enough," she suggested, watching another Rider run towards them. Standing up, she trusted him, not having the time to be suspicious. "I'm Isrydia, this is Jade," she introduced themselves, not knowing Stiarna knew him already, and having taken Jade's name from Nelfarion's message. "If you have any idea about that monster's weakness, we're all ears,"

Ri'Shei's expression was hardening into one of concentration as she slipped into the rhythm of battle. Ashendale dodged and parried their four attacks. He was skillful, she gave him that. Not losing a beat, she danced forwards again lightly only to find her blades unable to reach him. Laetri had been locked in battle with him, the other three unable to reach either of them. This called for immediate action. "Konnor is right. We need to act quickly, and if we all act together with any Eldunari or jewels you might have, as well as taking energy from these plants that are dying anyway, we might be able to do it. Temporarily, at least. It seems cruel to leave Laetri in there, but we have to think through every word carefully else we may end up strengthening Ashendale's magic rather than weakening it," her eyes flickered over to the flames, "It wouldn't hurt to take a chunk out of that thing's power too if we can. Let's link minds so we can find the words for this spell faster, and so we can speak it together. I promise I won't do anything crazy in your minds, now is hardly the time," she spoke quickly and with urgency, touching the Riders' minds as words of the Ancient Language that might be useful for this spell swam in her mind. She extended it to touch the dragons, too, as well as Stiarna, Isrydia and Jade. Isrydia and Arlyn began offering their own words, but were not of much help.

[Aelodil]

It was only sheer luck that kept Laetri from going to the grave earlier than he should. As he was trapped inside a magical barrier with Ashendale, the free space for him to run from Ashendale was small at best. Laetri's first reaction was to flinch, which saved him as Ashendale's wicked blade hummed, passing by his face as he flinched. That however, was not enough for him to save his wrist which was wrenched into Ashendale's hand cruelly and a second later, his wrist was snapped and broken. The first thing he thought was that magic would not heal it correctly, and that he would have to leave it to heal alone, though with an extra boost from magic. The second thing he thought about was the pain. He screamed, and pulled back by instinct. His right wrist was now broken. Thankfully, he had trained with his left hand and he reached to grab Thringa from the ground in front of him and guarded himself, dismissing any idea of attacking.

Agaravel couldn't do anything. She, along with the other dragons were fighting Nelfarion while their Riders and the spartan, Ri'Shei fought Ashendale. Soon however, Laetri was caught with Ashendale and she forgot everything. She dove down, attempting to break the barrier. But to no avail. At Ri'Shei's suggestion, she immediately let her into her mind and reached to the fires from Nelfarion. They shone with energy beyond imagination. She quickly siphoned that energy to Ri'Shei in hopes of breaking the barrier as she herself could not cast a spell except at rare occasions. But this was a rare occasion. Something stirred in her belly. She wouldn't let her Rider die, not like this. She felt weird as she suddenly let loose all her pent up energy and managed to dent the barrier. She hammered at it, wailing but all she had managed was a small dent.

(( OOC: I'm thinking they could channel their power and have the arrow explode with lightning seeing as fire would only help Nelfarion and that'd cause him quite some damage. ))

Nelfarion roared with laughter as the boy, Jade, fired an arrow at him. Surprisingly, even though he dodged, it turned and caught inside a small hole. It lodged there, not painful, but annoying and he knew that arrow would be his weak spot. He allowed Talon's claws to rake him, easily taking the punishment as if it was nothing and swatted him with his paw. The iron wall that blocked his mind from everyone else was bombarded by Kialandi's mind and he quickly dismissed it, proceeding to say,"Ah, yes, the puny Kialandi. What a surprise to see you. Yet, I stand more of a chance against you than you think. For I am Nelfarion, the Destroyer. Soon enough, all of you puny lesser beings will be burned to ashes. And I will rise another race from your ashes. Another race to rule over this world. And I will be their masters" his voice malevolent.

Nelfarion suddenly turned towards Brenton and decided."The puny king of the elves.. yes, you will be the first to drop." and with that being said, Nelfarion batted away Talon and Kialandi. He walked closer, and saw Ashendale fighting Laetri fairly. 1v1. Soon enough, Ashendale easily broke his wrist and Nelfarion laughed, certain Ashendale will finish him then proceed to the next. Nelfarion roared and swung his massive paw, scattering the elves that had ran to the forest's aid. He swallowed Brenton's guards and looked at the young king. One moment it was all silent. The next moment, he roared again and shot cannon ball-sized rocks of lava into the air and it was like a volcano exploding, just ten times worse as Nelfarion caused many tremors which led to a full out earthquake."Tremble beneath me!" he let out with a roar of laughter.

[Brenton]

Grazael, being a couple months old, didn't know much about magic but when he saw Nelfarion devouring guards around Brenton that changed. Immense anger welled up within the golden dragon as the wind picked up and screamed in everyone's ears. Grazael rose higher and higher while his scales began to shimmer with the pent up magic until it exploded toward the abomination creating gale force winds that should move Nelfarion. The golden dragon the shot off toward his corrupted cousin with a deeper roar than normal. Leave him ALONE! Unfortunately the dragon wouldn't make it in time.

As Brenton stared into the eyes of the large dragon, he gave a small smile and gathered energy from himself and Undbitr as well as from the fire until a blueish gold haze brightened over his skin and he began to float higher into the air. Laetri, you will be the successor to the throne. Take care of the elves in my absence. Konner continue training my pupils and remember what I told you. With tears glistening in his eyes, Brenton touched Isrydia's mind. I never gave up hope...I loved teaching you now don't die. With that, Brenton snarled and released all of his energy, at Ashendale. One second the twisted rider was there and the next he was gone, sent to the citadel where he lived. An explosion rocked the area and Brenton was gone as was Grazael who had desperately tried to reach his rider in time.

[Quetzal]

The arrow might not have hit Nelfarion's eye, but it had wedged itself in his body. Isrydia congratulated Jade on his shot. She knew she could manipulate it to cause the beast pain from within the wound, but couldn't think of how to use that to force him away or kill him. Her mind was also occupied with finding the words to Ri'shei's spell. It was the best way to get rid of Ashendale, who at the moment not even his dragon could reach. The breaking of his wrist made her wince in sympathy and redouble her efforts. It was clear he was losing. They needed to work quickly, or-

They had bigger problems, if that were possible. The dragons were apparently not enough to hold off Nelfarion, who had now taken an interest in the humans, elves and half-elves present. As was his habit, he consumed the guard come to aid them, targeting Brenton specifically. Arlyn flew to Grazael as fast as he could, crossing over the vast creature. Tremors shook the earth, uprooting trees and making it difficult for Isrydia to run to Brenton's aid. As the man glowed with built-up energy, she stumble desperately to push him out the way, fight, anything that might help. Grazael was rushing to save him at a greater speed than her. Arlyn was not far behind. Brenton's words seemed so final. He couldn't be naming an heir, there was no need, he was going to live to a great age yet. All the while, Nelfarion's terrible laughter fille the air. That wa the worst thing he could have done. The bouts of wicked laughter frustrated her as she stumbled, the sound mocking. It was as if he had already won. The jeering tones stabbed at her, tears welling in her eyes to greet the hellish sound. Brenton's last words wrang through her head, and she replied with, "I won't. Goodbye," along with how she felt about him; not the same love he had felt for her once, but a family and friendship sort of love. This was the only way she could express to him how much she cared about him, just how grateful she was for all he had done, and how she did not want him to go. The word 'goodbye' pained her to even think to Brenton. If this really was the end, she would regret it for the rest of her life if she had not taken the chance to say a last goodbye. She hated goodbyes.

A blinding explosion forced her, Arlyn and Ri'Shei to close their eyes. Flames and debris sprayed out. Arlyn caught a glimpse of Grazael being engulfed by the explosion, his final desperate race to sve his Rider resulting in him being too close to his Rider and the spell's intended target. The energy involved must have been so great, even if the explosion had not killed him, the spell might. Then bright light faded. Ashendale and Nelfarion were both gone. So was Brenton and Grazael.

Arlyn stared, wings and alike heart failing to beat. He plummeted towards the ground but caught himself, staring all around desperately. Breton... Grazael... Brenton was a great friend to him, one of the people he trusted most. Grazael... Grazael had been like a brother to him. They only hatched a week apart, and Arlyn had been with Grazael for almost every moment of his life. Everything he knew he had learned alongside Grazael. They had spoken to one another all the time, even when their Riders did not. They had flown together, hunted together, been practically inseparable. His young mind could not cope. Agony shot through him, unspeakable pain rendering him speechless. His child's voice gave a mental scream radiated from him to whoever would listen. He had seen Grazael hatch. And now he had seen him die. He lifted his muzzle to the heavens.

And he roared.

For the first time, Arlyn let out a proper roar rather than a growl or squeal. It was a deep and loud cry, resonating throughout the area. For many dragons, their first roar was a test to see if tey could roar, a threat, or simply showing off. For him, his first roar was one of such heart-wrenching sorrow and misery that even Ri'Shei felt a lump in her throat. It was the sound of a creature whose soul had been split in two. It was a shout at the world for letting this happen. He was pining for Grazael, mourning, and expressing pain that was so great it refused to contain itself. He thrashed around in the air, snarling and shaking as though sobbing. Why Grazael? If he had only been a few moments earlier or later. He would have reached Brenton or been out of range of the spell. "He didn't have to die!" his tortured mind shouted at the world, voice a little more mature than before.

Isrydia was frozen to the spot. Arlyn's pain joined her own as she looked on at the spot where her teacher and one of her closest friends had until too recently stood. She was blind to everything but her own pain, shock and thoughts about Brenton and Grazael. She was beyond crying. There was nothing inside to cry. She felt hollow, a dark obvious void eating away at her, preventing her thinking about anything but what she had just witness. All memory of a smile was gone from a face to which they had once come easily. "No," her small voice cracked as she spoke, "You can't be, you can't be dead. Not you. There are no bodies. Where did those bastards go, where did you take them? Is that where you are? They aren't dead, they'd leave something behind, they're gone, you didn't leave anything behind, you've gone there too, you'll hide from them, they won't kill you there, I'll find you, I'll-I'll"

Ri'Shei lay a hand on the girl's shoulder, grim. They all knew in their hearts what had happened. She had not cared for Brenton, but she did not want him dead. This upset her too. "An explosion like that... Ashendale and Nelfarion might live on, but there wouldn't be much left of Brenton and Grazael," she told the babbling girl in a gentle voice, speaking a terrible truth.

Isrydia knew it was wishful thinking to hope Brenton and Grazael could have survived to reach wherever they sent those monsters, and even if he had that he would not have been killed by them in revenge. Finally, the tears came. She doubled over and shook violently from her sobs, falling to her knees as the tears glistened down her cheeks. Arlyn flew around randomly in distress, sobbing and crying out with his Rider.