Flight Feathers (Open)

[Quetzal]

It was a chilly, crisp morning, dew glittering on the grass on the outskirts of Ellesmera when Isrydia stepped out the house she had been allowed to stay in, Arlyn following behind her. It was a squeeze for him to fit through the wide doorway, being little smaller than a horse now, and he could only fit in the largest room inside the house. Once outside, he stretched his wings and yawned widely. Seeing her dragon yawn made Isrydia yawn as well. "Morning, sleepy," she said to him. The way he completely ignored this and looked at her excitedly told her that something bigger than studies were on his mind today.

"I think I can do it. Today," Isrydia knew what he meant. Since he had first been able to fly, he had been longing to share the experience with her. She had flown on a dragon's back twice before, neither of which were her own dragon - an unusual situation considering most people never even saw a dragon. Way back when she had first become William's apprentice, she had been allowed to ride on the back of the purple dragon Amira, and when the Rider Branches were created she flew to the Air Citadel on the huge white dragon Valinor.

"You've been saying that for weeks," she didn't want to get either of their hopes up. "You can support my weight, but you're built for speed, not strength."

Arlyn shook his head. "True, but today I think I can really do it. Yesterday I was nearly there. Today I'm a little bit stronger!" he insisted.

"Look-" Isrydia began, but the smaller-than-normal dragon grabbed her gently in his jaw, careful to not even damage her clothing on his sharp teeth, and lifted her up. He couldn't raise her high enough to lift her onto his back, so she gave in and leaned across to grab his neck and swing herself on. It was like riding a horse a little bit too small for her in that her feet nearly reached lower than his belly. He proudly supported her weight well, walking away from the elven town and unfurling his wings. "Aren't you supposed to wear a saddle?" Isrydia asked, but Arlyn was too eager. His small icy scales did not cut her but they were uncomfortable as he raced through the clearing, picking up speed for a running leap. He jumped into the air, height decreased by the extra weight on his back, beat down as hard as he could with his wings-

-and fell after a couple of moments hovering. "You had it for a moment, at least," Isrydia tried to comfort the disappointed young dragon as she slipped off his back and hurried back inside. He stayed where he was, wondering why she had suddenly run off when she returned with an adjustable leather saddle. "We'll try again, you're almost there. This time, you'll wear the saddle, though. I don't want to hurt myself," she told him and he obediently allowed her to fix the flexible leather to his back. Swinging herself back on, she strapped her legs in too in case she fell off. He wouldn't be stable even if he did manage to fly.

After two more attempts, Arlyn finally managed it. He breathed heavily as he furiously beat his wings, rising higher into the sky before catching some wind and drifting. Isrydia was laughing as she looked down at the trees a few feet below. "You did it!" she praised him, sharing his joy.

"We can fly together whenever we want! Let's try some stuff out!" he said excitedly, climbing higher. Taking off was hard, but it was less effort once he was in the air. First of all he tried simple maneuvers like turning, speeding up and slowing down, getting a feel for how they would work now he had an extra weight on his back. She threw his balance off slightly, but he could adjust. Eventually he found himself climbing and trying dives, feeling the extra effort pulling out of a dive took with a Rider. "Now I can carry you... we should leave."

"Are you sure?" Isrydia had to shout to be heard.

"You've been wanting to leave for a while, and there's not much for us now. Everyone's either left or too busy," he reminded her.

"True. But not right away. We need to tell people and prepare first."

"I say we don't even plan anything. Let's say our goodbyes, pack and go wherever we feel like!" he was uncharacteristically reckless, excitement at this new freedom taking over. Isrydia agreed with him, and he landed clumsily in the centre of Ellesmera, where a few elves had begun to go about their daily lives. She was glad she had strapped herself in else she would have fallen off, not a good impression to make in front of all these elves.

"We should look into me getting a better sword. And we should find ways to tell what the stars are doing and what they are made of." she relayed ideas to him excitedly once she had dismounted. "But first... goodbye," she was less enthusiastic about that. Brenton and Konner were away on the Northern expedition, and Farore had left the other day. Seril had wanted to leave, and she would happily travel with him should he want to. Who else was around?

[Daidrea]

OOC:Would you mind if I joined in? A fresh thread would probably be better than one well in progress for me lol

[Quetzal]

ooc: Yes, that's absolutely fine! Jump right in

[Daidrea]

"Ugh, I need to get out of here," Joren dreaded to himself. As much as he liked being alone, he did have to stop in the city from time to restock and to get his blades professionally sharpened. Joren would rather have it done the right way than have his blades roughly sharpened by hand with a rock. His drive to be the best warrior he can is to cover every aspect of preparations. Regardless, once the blacksmiths were done he would leave the city as soon as possible. Feeling out of place was an understatement for Joren. At first it was due to him being a half-elf, but now it was mostly his scarred pride from the last time he was here. Having lost a duel to an elven Rider a few years back, Joren has felt unrelenting shame to be in Ellesmera.

It would be a few hours before his swords would be ready so Joren decided to wander around for a bit. As he did, something dawned on him. What would he do once he left?
I dont think training in the wilderness alone isnt going to do it for me anymore. It has been far too long since Ive engaged in actual combat.... Perhaps rejoin the Varden? Joren paused for a moment. Then memories flooded back and he became angry. Why bother? Any achievements I make would just be in the shadows of Riders as usual...
Joren slammed his fist into a nearby wall. Why couldn't he have been chosen to be a Rider? Not many could match him in a fight already... and yet...

After a few moments, Joren relaxed and continued to wander about the city. As he reached the center of the city, he felt a small thud on the ground. Curious, he searched for the source. It only took him a moment to find it, a Rider and her dragon had landed. He rolled his eyes slightly. Geez, even now the Fates taunt me. However he glanced back at her suddenly curious. Strange... I wouldve figured any Rider would be with the Varden by now. Why was this one hanging around here? Perhaps... she just became one? As Joren watched her, he pondered something. Hmm, she doesnt seem fearsome at all...she seems...almost gentle.

Joren rested himself against a wall as he continued to watch.

[Quetzal]

There were few enough elves around, and while they all had a good stare at the dragon that had landed in their midst, all of them hurried off to carry on with their lives. As of late there had been many Riders in Ellesmera, and Arlyn was hardly the most impressive dragon, being the smallest one in Du Weldenvarden aside from Seril's dragon Ophelia. He still attracted attention and admiration as such a rare creature, but he and Isrydia had yet to make names for themselves. They had done little yet to earn respect and recognition.

"We're being watched," Arlyn directed Isrydia's attention with his mind. She glanced at Joren.

"You're not the most inconspicuous creature around. People notice us. He's just not as busy as everyone else," Isrydia spoke directly into his head in case the stranger was within earshot. He only looked like a half-elf, but he would still have better hearing than a human. Being a human herself, she was not really aware of the range of hearing of elves and half-elves.

"It's early and no-one we know is around. We might as well talk to him anyway. He doesn't look like he wants to hurt us," the dragon's sapphire blue eyes were locked on Joren. It was too late to change his mind now. Ice blue scales glittered as he walked towards him, filled with curiosity. Isrydia raised an eyebrow at his back but walked along behind him all the same.

Arlyn did not get too close to Joren. He was about the same height as the young man, perhaps slightly taller. His mind gently brushed against Joren's, purely a request to be allowed to speak to him. Dragons could not speak aloud, so he was confined to asking permission before conversing with anyone. Isrydia stepped up beside him and gave crimson-haired man a smile. "Hello! My name is Isrydia, and this is my dragon Arlyn. Are you busy?" she introduced herself politely.

[Brenton]

Lights shimmered off of the purple scales of a dragon as it flew over the trees toward Ellesmera with a blonde woman on its back who had twin swords on her hips and a hunting dagger in a hidden sheathe in her boot that was secretly within easy reach if she were captured. As they neared the capital of the elven kingdom, the rider raised her head and the blonde hair fell back to reveal dark blue eyes that filled with hatred at the peaceful air around her. Her ears were hidden but they were indeed pointed as she raised her hand to chest level. A bark of vicious words that were ancient even in the language of the elves caused the trees to shatter and shards to fly everywhere with force that no one could cause naturally. Just then the guardian of the elven city appeared and Cierra grinned evilly just to bark the same command and watched as the elf disappeared to protect himself. Amethyst took that as her cue and flew directly into the city with a roar that shook the air around them. Riders had been flocking to the forest but this rider had received word that Brenton was gone and with him were the two strongest riders in his army. Konner, knight and assassin, as well as the other traitor Emiryal. Both of them had gone to the aid of the king when he had been attacked by Murtagh and Cierra took her chance to fly in and destroy all she could. The purple dragon flew down and landed, burning trees and soldiers alike. Any who are strong enough, come face me or cower and watch your precious city burn. Don't expect for your beloved traitor of a king to aid you in this battle either as Brenton is dead.

[Daidrea]

Joren merely blinked as the Rider and her dragon approached. His eye twitched slightly at her question. "Well now... to think I'm worthy to converse with a Rider. I should feel so honored, right?" Joren did little to hide his annoyance. Then he sighed, "Look, I have no personal quarrel with you... I just don't really have love for the Riders as everyone else does. Quite frankly they have been the bane of my existence." Unfolding his arms, he pressed himself from the wall he was leaning against. "It irritates me to no end how everyone just revere them so much... its like any other warrior in Alagaesia means nothing unless they are riding dragon back."

Before he could continue ranting, Joren was cut off by the sound of tree breaking in the distance. Then suddenly a dragon appeared over the city. It appeared Ellesmera was under attack. Joren couldnt help smile, "Finally... Ive been looking for something to test my new skills on."

[Quetzal]

In some ways, it was good to see a stranger speak their minds. That did not mean it did not startle Isrydia to receive such a negative response. She had only tried to be friendly... "Sorry if I've offended you," she frowned. "In my experience it's mostly the Riders that have done really great things who are celebrated. They've earned respect. I myself haven't done anything yet, but people notice me because being chosen by a dragon suggests potential, and because dragons are rare. I certainly wouldn't say only Riders mean anything to people. Anyone who accomplishes a great deed is worthy of respect, Rider or not. There are plenty of excellent non-Rider warriors." she disagreed strongly with him. She didn't want him belittling the achievements of the Riders because he thought more non-Rider warriors needed fame. She also didn't want him suggesting that few non-Riders had ever achieved anything of note.

Any further argument was stopped by the arrival of a purple dragon. She had never seen the Rider before. Funny; including this one, all three other female Riders she had seen all had purple dragons. She almost warned Joren away from attacking her, but she couldn't imagine the response would be very favourable.

"You could fight on my back for the first time," Arlyn pleaded eagerly.

"You've only flown me once, we have to practice before something like that. I'll only fight on your back if we absolutely have to," Isrydia thought back, less enthusiastic.

The pair looked at Joren. "You might want to find your weapon first..." she noticed he carried no blade on him. Unaware that he had just sent them to be sharpened, she scanned the area for anything he might use, but if there was anything she could not see it. "If you still want to fight, I'll help. If you need to arm yourself, I'll try holding her off," she told him.

The girl and her dragon stepped towards Cierra and Amethyst. "This city will not burn. Brenton is not dead, and neither is he a traitor. I don't even see where you got the whole traitor idea from. He might be days away and out of reach, but he's not the only one who can defend this place," they both glared at the more experienced and older pair.

[Brenton]

Cierra laughed malevolently as she listened to the girl who stood before her defending Brenton and then admitting that she had no idea how he was a traitor. Little girl, do you know nothing about your mutt of a king? Let me start then. Brenton Bromsson and Emiryal Nyteshaed are not your friends nor should they be your allies in any way. Both of them are Empire through and through, even if they say they are not. Your beloved king is a traitor to his kind for leaving to go find his scoundrel father and then again for aiding a Varden rider escape just to lose his dragon. Why do you think he hides here and rarely leaves even to go to the Varden? There is much you have to learn child about the man you claim is not a traitor now stand down or... As Cierra reached the last of her words she was interrupted by a shrill whistle, three notes in ascending order followed by two in descending. As they reverberated through the air like a bell being tolled on the hour, shapes descended from the trees and a large shadow fell across the ground. It was chaos for a few seconds but then Cierra was able to see the cloaks with the red A on the chests symbolizing the assassins guilds in this part of the world.

Leading them on the ground stood Shaymen Khan, a well known assassin who had been taking out high officials in the north and was rumored to have a base in the forest but in the air was the true threat. A large red dragon flew down and gave a mighty roar as it angled toward the larger purple dragon. On his back sat another cloaked figure but with an evil glint in his eyes. Konner, assassin and knight, gave a bellow of anger and felt the jarring impact as Talon landed next to Arlyn. You speak insults about our king and then have the audacity to claim that our riders are insolent and ignorant? Well as she said, Ellesmera is protected by more than just Brenton or Emiryal who have both shown great courage in defending the elves. With that the assassins began to swarm and soon they were jumping through trees and shooting crossbows as well as using poisoned assassins blades, whittling at Cierra's wards. Isrydia, this is not a fight for someone as young as you. Go to the palace and stay there or try to find help but do not join in this combat. Please, don't make Brenton kill Cierra when he already has issues to deal with.

Cierra, having heard the words just barely from Konner, chuckled and brushed her hair aside with one hand while she waited for the assassins to tire themselves out from all of their futile attacks. Oh, so Brenton has feelings for you does he? Well tell me, Isrydia, has he already tried to be with you or are you not good enough for him? Trust me, he isn't worth your time anyhow, that scumbag useless king who claims he is better than everyone else just because he has royal blood in his family.

[Quetzal]

((Konner is in the North, so couldn't be here as well... Just a reminder))

[Brenton]

((Konner was in the North briefly...like a total of 10 minutes))

[Quetzal]

((But that was three days from Ellesmera, and this would be about the day after the fight, so he'd still have to get back? If he made it back he'd still be really tired from flying that fast. I thought he was up there for the whole quest as well since he wouldn't know about any trouble back home))

[Daidrea]

Joren was gritting his teeth with his fists clenched. After a few minutes of listening to those around him, he could take it no more. He ran back up the the street as fast as his feet could carry him. With some navigating, he made it to the blacksmith hut. Rushing in he glanced around, it seemed the place was empty. Thankfully, he found what he was looking for. His blades were put neatly side by side on a fine cloth, he took them without hesitation. After strapping them to his back, he bolted out the door and made his way back to the center of the city. Once he did, he lept up to a nearby tree.

"I will not be ignored..." Joren drew both his blades from his back, the polished blades gleamed in the light. His muscles tightened, he body practically trembled in anger and excitement. Joren began to mutter to himself and not long afterwards, streaks of air began to circulate his blades. Eventually faint blue light eminated from the swords as the air continued to swirl around it.

[Brenton]

((Konner and Talon used magic to arrive at the battle because there was no way for them to arrive by natural means if they tried. It was impossible but he had also been doing assassin related business before that and therefore had to use magic to get back to the city. It left him seriously drained but this is the day after and so he has gained energy back by rest and a steady low siphon from the forest. That is why he is already back at the city when by natural means he should still be gone.))

[Quetzal]

Isrydia glanced back when Joren sprinted away, presumably to arm himself, but swiftly returned her glare back to Cierra. Emiryal she had seen around but never befriended. Brenton, however, she knew very well, and what this Rider was saying was all lies. "Brenton is one of my closest friends, and not a traitor. He lost everything at the hands of the Empire, how could you say he was loyal to them? And don't try telling me he's undercover. If he was, you wouldn't have blown the cover he would have worked so hard to achieve just to annoy me. You can't convince me he's a traitor. Just stop with that idiocy, OK? It's not really working for you," she snapped at her with venom in her voice. Arlyn was surprised at how angry she was; she never got angry. Annoyed maybe, but not properly furious like this. She was very defensive of her friends.

The assassins were a surprise to see, Konner more welcome than they were. His was a familiar face, at least. She assumed the assassins were on his and by extension her side. Arlyn looked up at Talon, feeling more comfortable with a larger dragon to help. "I thought you were up North with Brenton. Why the rush back?" she asked. In response to his request, she frowned and shook her head stubbornly. "No way. I'm still a fairly new Rider, but I'm a fully trained knight too. We've outnumbered her hugely anyway, she'd be stupid to fight,"

Now Cierra was making this even more personal, if that were possible. "Er, bit personal there. I don't have to tell you that," she replied cooly, glowing a little red. The remark surprised her. "Brenton's never once claimed to be better than anyone just because of who his mother is. You're just spouting lies. There's no way for you to twist me into disliking Brenton because there's nothing true which would do such a thing." she sounded confident.

Arlyn noticed Joren's return and the streaks of air circling his blades. Impressive! The dragon reached out to project words gently into his mind. "That is some skill you have there! You talents will be valuable if it comes to combat. I'd wait first, though, we don't want to provoke someone who wants to burn all of Ellesmera to violence," he complimented and warned the half-elf.

[Brenton]

Cierra thought carefully for a second and then grinned evilly as she realized that she had something that would cause much hurt inside this girl. I'm sure you've heard of all of the assassination attempts on Varden officials. Do you know who started all of them under direct orders from Galbatorix before Murtagh ever had Thorn as a friend? It was your wonderful king who killed many people and Eragon wasn't the first rider to come about in the free lands. Brenton Bromsson killed the first two before they ever even had a chance to realize they could use magic. It was years after Vaentr was hatched and he dreaded the orders but as the time came he began to enjoy it, telling his girl friend that he wanted more blood. Do you know what else he did? The king was not loyal to any girl. He had a child with my friend and had several other "friends" he was with on frequent occasions. Don't act all high and mighty little girl for you know nothing about him. Cierra stopped talking and glared right at Konner.

As for you, Konner Derriksson, you are nothing but an assassin scum and don't think we don't know that you have sworn chivalrous oaths to the dwarven king. There is nothing the Empire misses and hence we know that young Isrydia is the person Brenton has his eyes on and we know that you are being targeted by Ashendale and that your greatest asset, Kialandi has flown away. Murtagh was thoroughly enjoyed to see that report in front of him because it was what made him realize it was time to capture or kill Brenton. Now you think your assassins will help you. I will return for you all and you should watch yourself, Isrydia, for Brenton is not one to forget about his girl of choice and you are just a phase. Don't believe he actually loves you in any way because he will turn on you when he gets the chance and toss you to the side like yesterdays waste. With that the rider flew away on her purple dragon.

[Daidrea]

Joren gritted his teeth. What was this madness...? This rider shows up claiming the elven capital would burn and now she runs? "Coward!," Joren yelled out, "You blew all that smoke and now you flee?! No guts at all!" His words rang in the air, but it was too late. The rider was no longer in sight and Joren stood there unsatisfied. "Gah!" In frustration, Joren swung his blades forward. The streaks of air that were swirling around his blades lashed  outward in a crescent wave shape. They went a short distance, passing through some trees as if they werent even there. Moments later there was loud creaking noises, the trees that were sliced by the air fell apart, making small thuds as they fell.

Joren dropped to one knee on the branch he was standing on from the sudden drain. Sighing, he sheathed his swords and jumped back down to the ground. Once he landed, he immediately sat down and rested his forearms on his knees. He had his palms open facing towards him, reasoing being was that both his arms were bleeding. There were several gashes from his fingers all the way up to his biceps. He grunted as he felt the continuous sting and blood continued to drip onto the grass.
Damn it all... I used too much energy on the release. The area of effect was too wide by the time the blades were fully extended....I ended up recieving some backlash.

[Quetzal]

Cierra's words did not bother Isrydia. She knew there was some truth hidden within what the woman was saying, but she also knew the Rider was just lying to get to her. "Brenton killed people under the Empire's orders, not his own wishes. You're just lying to try and get to me, why would I trust you to tell the truth?" she responded. To the latter part of her statement, the young woman raised an eyebrow. "Well good, I don't want him to love me in that way," she knew the elven King would never stop being her friend, even after he finally found a new focus for his affections.

The unpleasant woman took that as her cue to fly away. Isrydia heard Joren call her a coward, but she and Arlyn were not so sure. "Cowardly, or sensible? She was greatly outnumbered and we have some excellent warriors on our side," Arlyn said to whoever cared to listen.

The two noticed the blood on Joren's arms as soon as he had landed from the jump. His throw had been impressive, but it had clearly cost him more than he had thought. Isrydia wanted to help, but she did not think she could heal wounds that large, especially since they stemmed from magic. It was also probable he would take insult if a Rider were to heal him having seen his dislike of them. "Do you need any help? Should we send for a healer, or is there anything you need...?" she asked. She wanted to make sure she didn't upset or offend him. Arlyn glanced up at the sky in case Cierra returned.

[Daidrea]

So whats the deal... should I go or we still need to wait for flame to post?

[Brenton]

((Sorry for not posting sooner but I had to think and then forgot about posting.))

Konner watched the rider disappear into the sky and then he turned to Isrydia only to see her run to the other guy who was bleeding from his arms. Sighing, the human rider pulled out his small pack that held all of his medical supplies and walked over to the guy. Silently he crouched down and gave a calming look at Isrydia before he took out some alcohol which he had found out cleaned wounds well. He uncorked it and smelled the strong odor as he tipped it slowly over a clean linen rag. Konner handed the guy the rag to wipe off the blood and then turned back to the female rider who had been by him.

Most humans who aren't riders are either jealous or angry with riders and so they don't want us to use magic on them. It is best to just carry medical supplies and so I experimented with all antiseptics. Now then, I had to get back here quickly because of some important business to do with assassins. Oh and don't mention anything that the rider just said to anyone else. I can't be discovered by the common citizen or I could be compromised and killed on sight. I guess it's a good thing I used magic to get back here yesterday though.

As Konner slowly finished that small bit of information, another man walked up. This particular person couldn't be any older than fifteen years old and had light blonde hair that curled while his eyes were a startlingly deep shade of blue and his skin was pale but smooth. He had more blonde hair covering his jaw in fine stubble and a rather slight body build. His shoulders weren't broad and his chest wasn't wide but at five feet and eleven inches tall he was by far taller than anyone else at fifteen years old. Across his back were two long swords made of fine elven steel that had a pommel made to look like an eagle head. In the hilt rested a rod of pure black diamond, a gem that was only mined in the northern fringe of Du Weldenvarden. He also had a long bow over his shoulder and a quiver with goose feather fletched arrows numbering to about one hundred.

He wore a cloak made of forest green with a red A insignia for assassin on the right breast and silver elf steel armor on his torso while he wore similar armor on his shins and forearms. His boots were made from softened leather and his gloves were softened leather as well. The man, boy really, looked at Konner and gave a brief salute before he spoke in his childish immature voice. Sir, there was no sign of the rider when she left. I'm sorry but the target also disappeared and we have no clue as to how they escaped. As for why we came to this rider's aid, I am Shaymen Khan assassin of Du Weldenvarden. It is a pleasure to aid a rider no matter how inexperienced.