New Students (Private Quetzal and serilkane)

[serilkane]

It was quite some time before Seril spoke again. And when he did it was halting and slow, as if he were choosing his words carefully. "Brenton-ebrithil, I apologize if this is out of line, but why are you divulging this to me? Your personal relationship with Isrydia is between the two of you." He nodded, arms crossing over his chest defensively. He hadn't meant to come across as rude or abrasive, but he felt himself growing red in the face. Shoving his hands deep into his trouser pockets, the young man nudged a conveniently placed stone with his boot. Clearing his throat, Seril shot an awkward look in Isrydia's direction, silently willing for some sort of reprieve.

Seril bowed his head and took a few steps back, leaving Brenton and Isrydia the privacy their conversation deserved. He wasn't proficient with personal conversations, especially those involving affection and relationships. Seril was in a committed relationship with his studies and books, nothing else. He hadn't anything to add to their conversation, nor would he have inserted himself in their politics. Seril was an academic scholar first and foremost. Everything else, aside from perhaps being a Rider, came second.

Ophelia nodded in Arlyn's direction, her large mother-of-pearl eyes gazing up at him. Master, she intoned after a few seconds. Sometimes the one who apologizes first isn't the weakest, but the strongest hunter in the pack. He puts others before... Himself, Ophelia had meant to say their pride, but wasn't eager to bite the older dragon while he was already down. And with that she loped off in Seril's direction, her snout pushing against his shoulder. In the time since Brenton's departure from the metaphoric grid, Ophelia had gone through a very quick growth-spurt. The crown of her head reached Seril's at her full height, now. It was strange. Only a few months ago the young dragon could fit in his arms easily. Seril lowered his head, a hand reaching up to rest on the side of her long, pewter neck.

We've training to do today, Ophelia. Seril reminded her, his tone soft and reserved. A growl rumbled deep in her chest, a rather mischievous gleam glinting in her eyes. Ophelia pressed a large paw against his chest, knocking Seril to the ground.

They'll have to catch me first if they want to teach today's lesson, and with that Ophelia shot into the sky, her wingspan clipping a few branches on the way up. It was a prank she liked to pull on days when Seril was taking life too seriously. Her playful attitude rubbing against his studious and calm one in jarring tones throughout their mind. The young man groaned and pushed himself into a sitting position, legs crossing under one another.

[Quetzal]

Isrydia nodded at what Brenton told her. She was relieved they could still be friends, but she very much doubted it would be like old times before he had 'died'. She herself had changed in that time, yet both parties feelings towards one another had not changed. They could try being friends, but she would always know that there was something else in Brenton's heart. That knowledge combined with everything that had happened would give their relationship a slightly different flavour, at least for her.

She was surprised Brenton was so honest with Seril. He had never told anyone this before as far as she was aware, excepting of course Grazael and Vaentr. She met Seril's look, and nodded. "Brenton tells the truth. I suppose we shouldn't keep these things from you since you're Brenton's pupil too. You have a right to not be confused about what's going on between us," she told him. She hadn't told anyone about Brenton's true feelings for her out of respect for his memory. It hadn't mattered with him dead. Now, however, Seril would be spending time with them both and so it would only cause confusion for him not to know things like this. She trusted him with this information, and Brenton certainly had as well. He deserved to know.

Arlyn gave Ophelia a small smile. Her words made him feel a bit better about it all. "You are wise, Ophelia. Thank you," he replied. She certainly was an intelligent dragon, from what he had seen of her so far. A paw knocked Seril to the ground, and Arlyn's eyes shone with silent amusement. He was naturally larger than her, at a point where he was on the verge of being able to support a person's weight on his back. It was hard to figure out at this point whether or not he was quite big enough. Isrydia could sit on his back with her feet not touching the ground, but she looked like someone trying to ride a horse meant for someone a foot shorter. Carrying her weight was a strain on him, and he had tried before but been unable to lift off the ground with her on his back.

Isrydia had been about to tell Arlyn to just let Ophelia mess around and wait not take the bait, but he took off before she could utter a word. "Wait for me!" he called up to Ophelia. His flight was more agile than hers, wings dipping in minute movements to avoid hitting branches. He chased after the she gleefully, happier than he had been in weeks. "Isrydia can sit on my back now! I'm not strong enough to fly with her yet, though," he told Grazael of his progress. It was good to feel once more like the playful young dragon he had been before Brenton and Grazael had disappeared.

[Brenton]

Grazael swelled with pride at the thought of Arlyn finally being able to carry Isrydia now that he had healed from the wound the shade had inflicted upon him when they were both just born. Of course now that Grazael was the size of a twelve year old and Arlyn was still at his two month size, Grazael was slightly embarrassed to be able to breathe fire and roar to the heavens. He was still his young self but he was also much larger and more mature for having rushed to save Brenton from that death he had nearly caused. That is awesome, Arlyn, and I am glad to see you are still energetic despite our disappearance. Grazael spread his wings and took off into the air, just as a strange odor hit is nose. It was close to what Brenton had smelled like before their fight with Ashendale but also different, younger by a lot. Grazael cast his gaze around and then caught sight of a boy walking toward them with his hand on a blade and his eyes dark and brooding. The larger dragon roared and shot down just to land in front of the boy with his teeth bared.

Leave us, child of Empire, for you have ill hopes for us all. When Grazael saw the look in his eyes, Drayden chuckled and raised his hands slowly while he cast his look toward where Brenton was at that moment. You know, the last time I saw my father, he was running from the Empire after saving some idiot rider sided with the Varden. Maybe I am mistaken but this man here seems to be focused more upon that woman than on his own son or caring about his old fiancée. Drayden grinned at Grazael and suddenly he wasn't there but was a blur of motion and color flying past the dragon and straight toward Brenton.

Drayden stopped right in front of his father with an evil glare cast at Isrydia and then he grinned to Brenton who looked shocked at this random display from him. Drayden...why are you here, son? Brenton had last seen his twelve year old son only moments before the trip into Helgrind where he was able to flee from the Empire. It had been not what he'd wanted to do since he'd wanted to take Rea and Drayden with him but that hadn't happened.

[serilkane]

Ophelia rose several yards into the air, just above the treetops. With a furious beating of her wings, the young dragon looped lazily in the air, the maneuver awkward. She twisted midair and dove towards Arlyn, wings flapping against the current to slow her progress. Unsuccessfully, of course. Ophelia missed her course by a few feet and dipped into the canopy of trees, causing a plethora of birds to take to the air, cawing their protests. She remained entirely unaware of Drayden and his sudden appearance.

Seril sighed in annoyance. Everyday had been filled with training and his education. Today, however, was nothing but interruptions to his schedule. First Brenton returns, having not been dead the entire time and now this child, intent on interrupting three Riders. It wasn't until Brenton named the young upstart his son that Seril stood up, just to be ready should this child decide to act aggressively towards Brenton.

Brenton. It was never a dull moment around him, it seemed. Dramatic tension followed him everywhere. What would seem an ordinary day would end in him supposedly sacrificing himself for the greater good. Only to find out that he never actually died, but left to hide his presence. And wouldn't allow the only who knew of his presence tell anyone. Once he arrived, of which Seril was grateful for, someone claiming to be his son, yet also a member of the Empire, came upon them, well away from Ellesmera.

The young man called up to Ophelia, tone betraying his exasperation and irritation, and laid a hand on the pommel of the flamberge on his hip.

[Quetzal]

Arlyn tried to dodge out the way of Ophelia's dive, but there had been no need. Giving a growling chuckle at her poor aim, he dove down after her into the trees. This time he was less careful, ignoring the snapping twigs and flapping and cawing of irritated birds. Grazael would have joined him before, but now he seemed more mature and beyond messing around with the young dragons now. It was a shame, but he wouldn't let it spoil his fun. Gravity giving him a boost, he rose to fly above Ophelia. After a little while, he dropped back down again to try to playfully bat her with his tail.

If Isrydia had known what a soap opera was, that was how she would describe Brenton's life. Right now she did not know how to feel about him. She was happy he was alive, but annoyed he had told her by just swooping down like this, and frustrated he still liked her. Now there was a son thrown into the mix? Just... what the hell? If she had gotten over his 'death', she may have been more understanding of this sudden flurry of revelations, but she was not, and so she was confused and angry. She stared at the boy. Brenton had once told her she was the only woman he had ever had feeling for, but clearly that was a lie. He had kept his son a secret, too. What else was he lying about? What else was he hiding? It pained her to distrust him, but Brenton wasn't exactly making it easy for himself with all these massive surprises.

She let the two have their reunion in peace. The father and son had clearly not seen each other for a while and it was blatant to her there would be some issues, and she would rather not get herself dragged into something she knew nothing about. She turned to Seril instead. "I guess that's today's training out the window... what is it with Brenton and seemingly random, very unlikely drama?" she commented. "I have no idea who this boy is, but since Brenton's never even mentioned a son, their meeting can't bode well," she too contact her dragon, telling Arlyn with images about what was happening. He turned and flew closer to get a better look, but did not land or get too near.

[Brenton]

Brenton growled in anger as he listened to what Drayden said to Grazael since he didn't really care much about how his son had gotten here. I was thirteen when your mother and I met, forced together by the greatest tyrant in the history of Alagaesia. Did you honestly expect me to believe I had been correct in falling in love with someone at that age just because I had a child with her? There is much you have yet to know about me but Rea is prisoner to the Empire and yet you blame me for falling in love with Isrydia?!? Even though I am not king right now does not mean that I cannot have you killed for treason and treachery. Now tell me Drayden Brentonsson, why are you here and acting like you know everything about me? Brenton kept his hand on his sword but knew that there would no need to fight as long as the younger person spoke respectfully.

Drayden glared at his father and then drew forth a simple blade, small and wicked in design, that glittered in the sunlight as he held it. Do you realize how much my mother cried because you left and caused her to have to fight for her life? She is prisoner not because of the king but because you fled and destroyed much of Helgrind along your way. If you do not know what this does to people then you are obviously no better than those who cheat on their wives. I have nothing more to say to scum like you, father. With that the blade plunged forward toward Brenton's heart, and would've killed him if not for the fact that he moved just in time and instead the dagger took him in the chest in between his pectorals.

[serilkane]

Seril nodded in Isrydia's direction, Ophelia plummeting from the treetops quickly. With a flare from her wings, the young dragon tumbled onto the ground roughly, not far from her Rider. She loped over to Seril and Isrydia, crouching low behind them as if they would protect her from the stranger. "It seems if you're searching for dramatics, Brenton-ebrithil is likely to be in the midst of the storm." He nodded towards the pair as their voices rose above the wildlife, the various chitterings ceasing to give way for their conversation. Seril shot a sideways glance at Isrydia, his mind brushing against hers only long enough to assure her that he was ready should a fight break out and of what he felt was the quickest plan for them. Seril wouldn't be of much help in the fight, as they were all aware. But if he could sneak up from behind Drayden, he could assist them much better.

A thick brow rose curiously as Brenton began to speak to Drayden loud enough to be heard, despite Seril and Isrydia's distance from them. So, Brenton actually had a son, eh? And not only that, but he left alleged son and the mother without a backward glance? How... Irresponsible? Certainly Seril hadn't any ground to stand on. He had deserted the Varden while on the Empire's doorstep. But it was somehow different, this. Brenton had fallen for a woman at a very young age, bore a child with her before marriage it seemed, and then left. It was a disgrace among Humans, though Seril was unsure how Elves stood on the matter. He made a mental note to check into the matter. According to the customs of most Humans, it was Drayden's right to get his proper justice from his father. They shouldn't interfere with their family. It could dishonor Brenton to intervene on the payment of his crimes against his son and former lover.

His cheeks burned a furious shade of red as Seril released his sword, standing down. It wasn't like him to allow such a fight to occur, but to dishonor his mentor and step in would've been punishable by public lashes in Farthen Dur. Seril silently willed Isrydia not to step in as well, though kept his thoughts to himself. Undue meddling in another's mind was both a complete invasion of privacy and completely rude. He already regretted doing so previously, but it had been necessary. Seril was fairly familiar with how much more powerful elves were than humans, which Drayden was likely to have inherited from Brenton. So to avoid being overheard, Seril had used the only means of communication he was aware of outside of writing something down; their mental link.

It did surprise him, however, when Drayden slipped past Brenton's wards and stabbed him through the chest. He was caught in a dilemma. Drayden had every right to exact his vengeance on Brenton, but Seril's morals told him to protect his mentor, his friend. Without another thought, Seril nodded and removed the undulating blade from its sheath on his hip. There was no way he could best Drayden in single combat, but hopefully Isrydia, despite her anger, would feel the same as Seril and join him. Surely the pair of them could make some sort of difference against a single boy of thirteen, not mentioning their dragons. Seril took up a defensive stance and stepped from the shadows, the strange curvature of his sword reflecting sunlight in odd patterns across the glade.

[Aelodil]

(( I know this says Private, but I kinda got invited over by Brenton.. so here we go! ))

A sigh emitted from the king's throne. The new, yet young elven king, Laetri ran a hand through his hair. He hadn't asked to be king. He had enough to do already, enough responsibilities. And had it not been for Brenton's absence and the fact that no one would dare attempt to claim the throne and Laetri being the only named heir by Brenton, he had to. He had promised his former king he would watch over the elves. Yet the way he said 'in my absence'.. Laetri was starting to realize, Brenton might still be alive. He was a strong man and very hard to keep on the ground, magic or not. Laetri once again looked at the huge mountains of papers awaiting him on the desk. He put his face in his hands. Being also the Elder of the Water Branch, Laetri had his hands full.

Some nights, the Elven guards would hear a crash in the throne room and alarmed they would rush in -- just to find Laetri heaving a massive sigh as he placed the heap of papers he had finished and went to sleep. Other nights, the guards would patrol restlessly as Laetri stayed up all night. He received many reports and was needed in the Elven kingdom as well in the citadel. Well, maybe not so much as the citadel seeing as it was still being built, but the men needed to see him, their Elder working, suffering just as they did. He prayed that they would understand his reasons but doubted it so. This night however Laetri slept calmly. Needless to say, the next day was a disaster.

Laetri kicked out of bed and went to his daily routine. He would sprint to the stream before anyone woke up, wash up, get dressed in his attire to represent his Branch as some of the men were coming. Then he would run back to his chambers and address any issues. Of course, this all went astray as he stopped on the way to the river. He spotted two dragons. Then a third one. He was thankful Agaravel had came with him as he watched them suspiciously. Soon enough, a fourth dragon came by. This one was golden and large. Laetri frowned. They looked familiar.. then suddenly he felt as if he had been slapped by a huge torpedo. Arlyn, Talon, and.. wait.. Grazael? How was that possible. But deep down, Laetri knew it was possible. He had believed all along that Brenton was alive. And here was his proof. However the last dragon he did not recognize. It was a marvelous dragon with purple scales that would put amethysts to shame.

Laetri strode over, a little ashamed of the crown above his head as he stepped into the clear. However before he could say anything, he saw a little boy. The small boy carried a strange looking dagger. Laetri frowned as Brenton called him his son. A moment later, this 'son' stabbed Brenton who by reflexes moved aside at the last second, receiving a horrible wound but surviving none-the-less. Laetri cried out and rushed over. He flicked his hand at the boy, not having time to utter the words, instantly binding him in place. He knelt next to Brenton and carried his head."I knew it. I knew you weren't dead. Now, let's get you to Ellesmera so they can fully patch you up. Also, bring the boy." he whispered, raising his voice to address Konner. He then muttered a few words. Instantly Brenton seemed better though Laetri knew he needed a real healer.

Laetri looked at the boy.. the supposed son of Brenton. The next person he looked at was Grazael. The dragon, who just a few months ago was smaller than Laetri was now much larger, as big or even bigger than Agaravel who just recently turned a full year old."Grazael, spare the boy. If he is, as Brenton said, truly his son then he would not stand for it for him to die. You want vengeance and I know that, but Brenton doesn't. Besides, Brenton's still alive and the boy will answer to what he did, just not in the way you would prefer it." he said to Grazael, knowing his words would have little effect but praying they would at least keep the boy alive.

[Brenton]

Grazael, who had been just getting ready to circle in the air again, saw the knife plunge into Brenton's chest, missing his heart but still leaving a wound. That blade must have been crafted by some elven magician in the Empire for it to break through all of Brenton's wards. Still that was not important for the large golden dragon roared and was about to tear Drayden to pieces when another dragon appeared in the sky. This dragon was more colorful than that of any other dragon he'd ever seen and immediately Grazael stopped, transfixed by her beauty. Shaking his head, Grazael turned to Brenton to see Drayden bound by magic and Laetri holding Brenton close. Young Laetri, I will kill him even against my rider's wishes if another wound is inflicted. Although I am surprised you are here and not dealing with your duties as king and elder. With that he took to the sky and chased the younger female dragon toward the city where Brenton would be healed, making sure that the boy was truly bound and unable to harm again.

Brenton fell to the ground, blade still in his chest, as he felt the familiar pull on his energy of the wards right before they were severed and the dagger went through his skin. Then the world tilted and he saw Laetri right there with his crown on his head. The crown that Brenton had been unable to give back was still on the ground next to where he had fallen and now he smiled warmly. It is great to see you, friend. How are the elves doing now that you are king of them? He didn't care that Drayden had stabbed him in the chest for Brenton had deserved it for leaving him and Rea behind like that.

Drayden, about to finish the kill, was suddenly bound with his hands against his side and his mouth unable to work so he could not utter the Ancient Language. His eyes gave away all emotion he needed for there in front of him was the new king of the elves and Drayden would see the throne fall into his hands if it was the last thing he did. Just then Naerien was chased to the city by the large gold dragon and the one named Konner was grabbing him to escort him back to Ellesmera while his dragon, large and red, flew above. There would be blood on this day and he would survive to see another.

[Quetzal]

Arlyn angled his wings to swoop back towards the group but did not return to the ground as Ophelia had done until he saw Agaravel approaching them at a distance. Laetri must have heard the news, being the acting king of the elves in Brenton's absence. He landed then. Isrydia heard this and felt his warm breath on her face, but had no need to turn to greet him. Their bond was communication enough. Instead she listened to Seril, feeling the light touch of his mind convey his intentions. She trusted everyone here except Brenton's son enough to allow them to at least communicate with her through their minds, but it felt weird and Arlyn was the only person she had ever allowed to go deeper into her mind than communication. She agreed with Seril, reaching out to his mind in return to let him know she would have his back if it came to a fight. This was all better said through the minds, as it wasn't the sort of thing she wanted Drayden overhearing.

Then Brenton's life took an ever more soap opera-y turn. Arlyn bared his teeth and growled when Drayden drew the knife, but they both thought it would just be an empty threat. Then he stabbed Brenton. He actually stabbed Brenton. It may have missed his heart, but stabbed hearts were not the exclusive fatal chest wound. Unless it had been stopped by his ribs, that wound may have punctured a lung. Even if it had not punctured his lung, the blood vessels near the heart were large. He wasn't spurting blood, so his arteries were safe. What about the intercostal muscles between the ribs, had they been damaged? That would cause difficulty breathing. What could she do, though? How was she supposed to heal that? She'd only managed to heal a couple of bruises and tiny cuts from training. If she knew exactly what had been damaged, then she might have a chance of helping him, but she doubted she had the power. Hopefully Laetri or Konner would be able to do something.

She stepped forward to stand with Seril, Arlyn fanning out his wings to make himself look bigger. Nettle was not with her, as she had expected to be training with Undbitr as it was a better sword and she hadn't thought its owner would return to claim it. She wished she had thought to bring her shield, too. All she had was magic. It was hard to adopt a defensive stance without a weapon.

It was a relief to see Laetri was able to do a little something to heal Brenton, but he really needed urgent medical attention from one of the elves' best healers. A wound like that might not be instantly fatal, but given time that would kill easily. Bleeding, internal and external, as well as infection, were prime candidates to take Brenton's life properly this time. She relaxed when Drayden was restrained, but did not try going anywhere. She was not of much use in this situation. Healing magic was not something she'd studied extensively yet, and Konner and Laetri seemed to have both Brenton and his son under control. It was not her place to intervene with the family affairs. She felt like the was intruding just being there as it was. For now she would just observe and stay out of everyone's way.

[serilkane]

((My apologies, but I'm feeling particularly uninspired today.))

Seril backed away slowly as Laetri entered their lives, appearing from almost thin air. With a soft cough into the pit of his elbow, Seril sheathed his sword and stepped back, eyes shifting sideways to peer at Isrydia uncomfortably. They weren't ever going to get a proper education. Perhaps it would do better to search for another teacher. Something he would keep from Ophelia for some time to contemplate it. The young man stooped his head, diving back into the shade of the various foliage around, the idea of leaving Brenton and the elves heavy on his heart. His dragon nuzzled under his chin, lifting it to face him. They made eye contact for a long, pregnant second before he shifted and faced those in the open glade.

He breathed a sigh of relief as Laetri healed Brenton, still concerned for his current master's wellbeing. Sure, he may have a child out of strange wedlock. And sure, he may not have gotten around to much teaching during the past few months that Seril and Ophelia had been there. But a certain amount of loyalty still held for Seril. He shifted awkwardly, his hands seeking refuge in his trouser pockets. Perhaps once this scene was finished and Brenton moved on to be healed he could continue his diligent work on the Ancient Language.

[Aelodil]

Many of the elves in Ellesmera looked at Brenton then Laetri and frowned. He waved them aside with his hand, dismissing them and sending a clear message: Don't make a scene. As they neared the palace, Laetri dashed forward and returned with a healer. The man had clearly been recently woken and seemed flushed as the wind hit his face. However when he saw Brenton and his state, he immediately ran over and said,"Here, lay him on the bed. I will start the process immediately. In the mean time, wait outside. I will cal you once I am sure he is able to talk without injuring himself further." Laetri nodded solemnly and led his friends outside the room. As they reached outside, many of the elves began crowding the palace. Laetri looked at them with a sorrowful gaze and nodded as if to say it was OK.

Laetri entered the room, much to the healer's disdain and placed what was rightfully his own crown above Brenton's head. He had placed many wards shielding anyone who may wear the crown due to paranoia from his guards and as he placed the crown upon Brenton's head, he smiled and bowed his head, exclaiming,"Welcome back, my king." before he was forced out by the healer. He nodded and went out to the people who gasped. They had obviously realized what must have happened and he announced,"My brothers and sisters. It is apparent to me as well as many of you that I cannot be king." he said. His words were followed by a murmur of astonishment.

"Yes, I am the heir to the throne after Brenton, or at least the only named heir. But Brenton has not died. He in the infirmary recovering. As well as the fact that if I were to be king it would unbalance the power. I cannot be a king due to the fact that I am already the Elder of the Water Branch. Besides, Brenton is the only heir to our Queen before she passed away." he announced to the whole city of Ellesmera and many of them bowed their heads and applauded and yelled praises for Brenton.

[Aelodil]

Many of the elves in Ellesmera looked at Brenton then Laetri and frowned. He waved them aside with his hand, dismissing them and sending a clear message: Don't make a scene. As they neared the palace, Laetri dashed forward and returned with a healer. The man had clearly been recently woken and seemed flushed as the wind hit his face. However when he saw Brenton and his state, he immediately ran over and said,"Here, lay him on the bed. I will start the process immediately. In the mean time, wait outside. I will cal you once I am sure he is able to talk without injuring himself further." Laetri nodded solemnly and led his friends outside the room. As they reached outside, many of the elves began crowding the palace. Laetri looked at them with a sorrowful gaze and nodded as if to say it was OK.

Laetri entered the room, much to the healer's disdain and placed what was rightfully his own crown above Brenton's head. He had placed many wards shielding anyone who may wear the crown due to paranoia from his guards and as he placed the crown upon Brenton's head, he smiled and bowed his head, exclaiming,"Welcome back, my king." before he was forced out by the healer. He nodded and went out to the people who gasped. They had obviously realized what must have happened and he announced,"My brothers and sisters. It is apparent to me as well as many of you that I cannot be king." he said. His words were followed by a murmur of astonishment.

"Yes, I am the heir to the throne after Brenton, or at least the only named heir. But Brenton has not died. He in the infirmary recovering. As well as the fact that if I were to be king it would unbalance the power. I cannot be a king due to the fact that I am already the Elder of the Water Branch. Besides, Brenton is the only heir to our Queen before she passed away." he announced to the whole city of Ellesmera and many of them bowed their heads and applauded and yelled praises for Brenton.

[Brenton]

When the elven healer finished, with a pale face and a sigh of relief, he bowed to the king and welcomed him back before leaving. Brenton stood up with a small intake of air as the pain shot through him but he adjusted the crown and his cloak before he exited to speak to those who had remained loyal to him. Fair elves, my brothers and sisters, I hear word has spread that I passed into the void to join our deceased. While it was what I expected, Vaentr cast much magic to send Grazael and I to safety. We aged physically and now I stand before you again as your benevolent king once more.

[Quetzal]

Isrydia was not feeling as quick to leave Brenton and Konner as Seril was, but there were still a few doubts forming in her mind about whether this really was the place for her. These were of little significance at the present moment, more just worries about the quality of her training. Arlyn on the other hand was thinking more of their lives. He grew restless of education and training, wanting to get out there to the real world. Isrydia may have spent her whole life outside Ellesmera, but Arlyn was growing impatient to finally reveal themselves to the world as Rider and dragon. He kept all this to himself, however, aware that however much he might want to leave, education was important. For now, the pair followed Laetri and Brenton. The crowd did not part for them and they soon became lost in the gathering sea of elves, but it was not exactly difficult to track where their teacher was going.

The two went in to see the healer, elves lurked around and spreading rumours like wildfire. A few glanced at Isrydia and Arlyn, she noticed. Their voices were so hushed only the more sensitive elf ears would be able to make out their words, but Isrydia suspected that a few of them might know she was Brenton's student and so her presence could well fuel rumours that Brenton had indeed returned. After all, wouldn't his student be around him? Laetri emerged and a hush fell. After his speech, voices were louder and more animated, so she could hear them this time. A couple of elves near her suggested that Brenton may have been here the whole time, and she and Arlyn had been studying in secret. Others claimed he must have been dead and had been risen by Laetri using dark magic; after all, he had that stab wound, that could have been how he died and it remained when he woke up. The Rider and dragon paid it all little attention and went to seek out Seril and Ophelia.

Upon locating them, Isrydia frowned. "I'm glad Brenton's alive and all, but a lot's going on right now. As king, he'll have a lot on his plate. That can't bode well for our training..." her voice trailed off, unsure of where she had been going with that. The words she was speaking came as a surprise to her as she had intended to try carrying on as normal without complaint. Arlyn voiced his view, surprising her as well, "To be honest, I'm tired of waiting around here. We can learn more about being a Rider for ourselves. We can try researching new things rather than reading books about stuff people already know," he said, a little excited at the idea of being the first to know something. It was true that he and Isrydia had never really understood elven culture, but she was reluctant to suddenly leave.