Training in Tudosten X.x Danny(Pike)x.X

[Kaala]

She stood to the south of the lake, her eyes closed, rapiers at her side. In the blink of and eye she spun on her heal, her swords flashing in a bright array of stabs, parries, and thrusts, her movements fluid and graceful, flowing from one attack to the next. Her muscles rippled in the sleeve less tunic she wore, sweat glissening on her brow. She slashed downward and cursed as she was thrown off balance by the movement.

She screamed her anger at her stupidity rebounding through the hills, sounding almost hellish in her rage. She stopped at the sound and decided that she would instead rest for awhile to cool her anger. "So, here I am just north of Surda with nothing to do but train and hope I don't get captured...Great...Just great." She sat in the center of the field bordering the lake and crossed her legs, getting comfortable on the rough ground.

Slowly reaching her mind out, she felt for the life around her and was soon lost to their thoughts...

[dannylam4]

"Down, Forest," Pike shouted, standing up on Forest's saddle. He kept his feet through the feet loops and held on tightly, keeping his balance.

There's too many trees to land, Forest responded, looking down. His powerful wings flapped, sending the trees swaying.

"Then land into the lake," Pike said with a smile. "You could use a bath anyway."

Very funny, he grumbled. He stopped suddenly, forcing Pike to fall forward and clinging to his spike. Forest quickly shot forward again and did a nose dive into the lake, sending water shooting into the air. Pike, who was forced to let go by the rush of water, floated onto the surface of the water on his back. Forest swam back up, lifting up on his forehead. Forest gave a snort, smoke shooting out of his nostrils. Who's laughing now?

"I could have died you know," Pike said, rolling over on Forest's head and standing up. "One slip and I would have been caught up in that tree."

You're better than that, Forest responded. Pike thought about it for a second and then nodded.

"Yeah, you're right." Pike jumped off of Forest's head and landed into the water and he swam to land. He stripped off his clothes and hung them in the tree to dry. "Ah well, I could go for a swim anyway."

Forest turned his head towards the saddle and removed it with his teeth, placing the pack on land. You're lucky I know how to keep your stuff dry, Forest said, blowing heat onto the pack to dry it faster.

[Kaala]

Kaala was roughly awakened from her meditation as a wave of water crashed down upon her. She stood with her rapiers drawn and tilted her head as she saw a male and a green dragon floating on the lake. She watched as he climbed from the water and took notice of his attire.

He was wearing what appeared to be deer skin pants and a vest that came only to his middle. She took a moment to enjoy the view and then wondered what he was doing as she noticed the dragon removing the saddle bags and laying them to the side and drying them. She wondered if it was wise to have let Mirror go hunting so early.

'Mirror, are you there?' she waited for his reply and sheathed her rapiers as it appeared they hadn't noticed her yet.

"I'll be there soon little one. I'm not that far and should be there in a moment." He sent her a picture of the trees on the outskirts of the small wood.

'Please hurry, there is a rider and his dragon here. I don't know where they are from or whose side they're on. When you get here don't show yourself. It may be to our advantage if they don't know I'm a rider.'

[dannylam4]

Pike swam around the lake, swimming laps quickly. "Woo, it's been a while since we've been able to do this, huh Forest?" Pike asked, feeling his muscles stretch as he swam.

Yes well, the civilized world would prefer if you kept your pants on, Forest said, crawling out of the lake and pushing some trees out of the way as he rested his large body in the forest. He stretched out his neck and drank from the lake. Not that you wore much anyway. I better not be swallowing any of your filth.

"Yeeeah yeah," Pike said with a laugh. He looked up at the sky, happy that he was back in the wild. "It's a pity we couldn't go get that training done though. I wonder what those elves look like... I mean, we've seen Arya and all, but she's already taken."

Always a one track mind with you. Forest pulled his head away from the lake and rested his head against his paws. Just be glad you can relax.

Pike gave a sigh, treading water aimlessly. He looked around, feeling that overwhelming feeling of boredom. He took a deep breath and then dove into the water, deciding to explore the bottom of the lake to see if he could find something interesting, not to mention some lunch.

[Kaala]

Kaala watched them for a moment before seeming to realize she was out in the middle of the beachish area. She did a quick running jump, landing softly in the boughs of a near by tree. She slowly made her way around the lake using the trees for cover.

She reached their side of the lake and stopped, her keen eyes taking in the green dragon and judging his size to Mirror's. 'That's a rather large green dragon' she thought to herself closing the link with Mirror. She gently brushed against the dragons mind, hoping that it wouldn't try to kill her. As she did she realized the dragon was male.

((Sorry it took me so long. I'm finished with this post though.))

[dannylam4]

Forest blew smoke into the water, watching the smoke dance above it. His eyes closed quickly before opening again just as quick. They scanned the area over quickly and then stared at a cluster of trees. What are you doing, little morsel, Forest asked with a slight laugh. He gave a yawn, snapping his jaws shut quickly and closed his eyes once again. Are you hiding as a predator or a prey?

Pike continued swimming down below, holding his breath and whispering words underwater. He hoped his study of the ancient language wouldn't fail him; he was only a novice after all. He whispered words to pull pockets of air towards him, to enhance his ability to preserve little air, and increase his sight under water. Forest, I require my spear, he announced to Forest.

The dragon huffed a thing of smoke in annoyance. I'm rather busy at the moment, he informed him.

The more reason to hurry it up then, Pike said back in annoyance. Forest gave a sigh and lifted his head, looking at Pike's belongings. His newly allocated silver spear stood erect against a tree, stabbed partially into the ground. Forest gave a flick of his tail, knocking the spear into the water.

Head's up, Forest warned, before turning his focus back onto the newcomer. Pike raised his arm and caught the sinking spear, staring a large fish with lustful eyes.

I found dinner, in case you cared.

[Kaala]

She watched as the dragon threw a large silver spear toward the water and saw a hand reach out and catched and watched the males lustful glance at the lake's fish and turned a pale green color. Gathering her wits about her she responded to him.

'I come neither as predator or prey dragon. After all elves simply come.' she told him, her eyes flashing as she played to his since of humor. She turned and saw a flash of silver among the trees coming closer. 'Mirror! I told you to wait!' she threw, forgetting to shut the like with the green dragon.

'Patience is a virtue I haven't learned yet.' he threw back, quickly followed by a course laugh.

[dannylam4]

Forest's head turned and watched as a sparkle of silver flew from the trees. Another one, Forest thought to himself. And an elf companion...

Forest slowly rose and looked into the lake. Pike, Forest's voice echoed. We have visitors.

I have a guest of my own... Pike said, his voice strained. Pike quickly swam towards the surface, a large fish stabbed through with a spear breaching the surface and falling onto land. He was followed by a large sea snake, snapping at Pike. "Back, you little worm, back!"

Pike pushed out of the water, flying a few feet towards Forest before hitting the water again. Forest stomped his feet into the ground and lowered his head. The sea serpent jumped towards Pike, and Forest's head raised letting out a roar and startling the creature. It dropped quickly and drove into the water.

"Phew..." Pike said, wiping his face. He slowly got out of the water. "Stinkin creature attacked me, saying I stole his dinner."

Pike... Forest said, watching him.

"But first come first serve, right?" Pike said, ignoring Forest. He grabbed a towel from his bag and started to dry off. "So, what was it that you were calling me for?"

There is an elf behind you across the lake, he informed Pike. Pike turned around slightly and looked at the trees. And you're... not decent.

Pike looked down and laughed slightly, running a hand through his head. "So I'm not..." he said, grabbing his clothes off a tree branch and then going off to change.

Forest shook his head and then looked over at where the dragon and the elf hid. Do you plan to reveal yourself soon? Forest asked. We are of the neutral nature; if you are not an enemy of ours, we mean you no harm.

[Kaala]

Kaala watched as the male cleared the lake at top speed, followed closely by a large green sea snake. She couldn't help it as a peal of laughter escaped her lips.

'Come Mirror, might as well now that they know we're here.' She strode from the trees, her eyes twinkling.

"Have fun with that snake did you? Didn't think you'd go for that sort of thing, though with your since of modesty I should have know." As she walked Mirror arose from the trees to her left, his silver scales glinting in the light, traced lightly by black veins that she'd never noticed before.

'When did your scales begin to change color?' she asked, her confusion bleeding into her mental voice.

'I'm not really sure. Around the time you got kidnapped I believe. I think it had something to do with my anger at Ashteth.' He shook his now massive head and walked gracefully over the the green dragon. He bowed his head and laid his muzzle at the dragons feet, acknowloging the green dragons authority and wisdom.

'It is strange to see one so much older than me. I give my greetings, friend. I am Mirror, named such as I an the mirror of my riders soul.'

Kaala watched the ritual in confusion, noting the seriousness of Mirror's voice and realized how much he really had matured.

"Kaala of Ellesmera, at your service. We come from the Varden" She told the man who was still towel drying his hair. "And you are?"

[dannylam4]

"Lots," Pike said, smiling, finishing drying off and throwing on his vest. "Didn't have that much fun since back at Surda. So you're an elf, eh? Third one, I dunno how many people can lay to such a claim."

Forest lowered his head, a horn brushing against the dragon's head. I am called Forest, he stated, lifting his head back up. The young one named me for my color and due to his limited vocabulary.

"The young one would be I," Pike said with a bow. "The name's Pike, and I have learned much more after leaving the island."

Pike walked over to the large fish he caught, removing his spear and then began removing the scales with a large knife. "So what brings you two to such a place?" he asked, staring down at the fish. "I don't suppose you came for the meal."

[Kaala]

She gave him a rueful smile. "I'm afraid I won't be joining you for fish. I don't eat meat." She said,avoiding answering his first question. She watched as Mirror eyed the fish. "I don't know how long it's going to last if you don't get it away before Mirror eats it." She said with a grin "I think I interrupted his hunting." She stooped and drew a small pouch out from the saddle bag hanging from Mirror's side and dug for a small castiron pot."Hold on and I may be able to whip up something else to go with your fish. Mirror, go find me some onions, will ya." She walked to the lake and filled the pot halfway with water and began to stack some dried wood into a pile.

"Would you light that please, Forest?" she asked him politely.

[dannylam4]

"Fish are meat?" Pike asked, looking down at it. "More for everyone else I suppose... and Forest needs as much as he can get."

Soup? Forest questioned. He inhaled slightly and blew gently, a small puff of fire coming out and lighting the sticks on fire.

"Me next," Pike said, positioning the fish to hover over a large pile of wood. Forest turned his head and stretched his neck towards the sticks. He took a slightly deeper breath and released the flames. It burned quickly, cooking the fish carefully.

[Kaala]

Kaala nodded and reached behind her, holding her hand out to Mirror who had tried to sneak up to her. He laid the onions in her hands and she took the knife out of her boot, carving the teeth marks out of the onions before dicing them. She turned to her pot and began adding some spices to the broth that had started to form. She reached back into Mirror's saddle bag and took out a combination of fruits, veggies, and nuts. She threw some into the pot and sat, letting it simmer. "Heh, I might have joined you in the fish if Mirror hadn't disgusted me by bringing one of his kills into camp once." She paled at the memory. "Let's just say I don't let him into camp until he's finished eating."

[dannylam4]

I understand what you mean, Forest said, looking over at Pike, who had scales and flesh stuck on him due to his cleaning of the fish. Pike began to wipe his hands over his body, throwing the scales off him.

"So this isn't just some elven thing then," Pike said, watching the fish. He breathed in the soup, mixed with the fish. "Mmm, certainly smells good..."

Forest licked his lips and laid his hands down on his paws. So, young one, what are you doing here away from Du Weldenvarden.

[Kaala]

Kaala reached into the saddle bag and drew two wooden bowls from within and dipped them into the pot, handing one to Pike. "Training." She said, her eyes flashing. "I need to train to keep my thoughts off of things." She lifted the bowl to her lips and blew a soft breath across the top, cooling the broth. She took a small sip and nodded.

The taste of peprika and rosemary filled her mouth and she sighed. "Drink it. I don't know if you'll like it but it's not that bad. I promise." She held it out to Mirror and let him flick his tounge in the bowl, catching a few droplets. She grinned.

[dannylam4]

"Certainly sounds fun," Pike said, taking the bowl. He placed it on the floor for a moment in order to attend to the fish. He removed it from the fire and placed it onto the floor, where he began to cut the cooked meat into pieces. Forest leaned his head forward, wrapping his tongue around the bowl and taking it into his mouth. He lifted his head into the air and swallowed, leaning back down and spitting out the bowl.

Didn't taste bad to me, Forest stated, looking at Kaala. Pike turned around, the cut up fish on a large leaf. He scowled at Forest, picking up the bowl and washing his spit off it. Forest smiled slightly as he watched Pike. Though I think we might need another serving.

"Damn straight we are," Pike stated. "I didn't even get a taste."

[Kaala]

Kaala grinned and took the bowl, dipping another serving of broth before handing it back. She dipped her bowl into the pot and sipped it, grimacing at the heat. She blew into it before she took another sip. She sighed and stretched, feeling her shoulders pop before settling back down.

"I think this has to be the best I've done. Must be something about having company that makes my cooking better." She set her bowl on the ground in front of Mirror and grinned. Pulling a wineskin out of the satchel she drank a little before offering it to Pike.

[Vardy]

Lirael had been wandering around in the forest for days now. She was supposed to find another rider in the forest so she could train. The Varden needed well-trained riders now more than ever, especially with the upcoming battle that could possibly shift the war in their favor. The mouthwatering scent of broth wafted towards her and she turned her nose towards it. Lira looked up at the sky and saw that the sun was setting, and she hadn't eaten in a while. She looked up into the clouds and silently called Eridor, her dragon, down.

"Eri!"

"Yes, Lira?"

"Come down. There's someone here, he or she might let us stay the night with them."

"Or, they might kill us."

"Stop being so morbid."

"I'm not morbid. Just...cautious."

Lira laughed silently to herself and continued walking towards the scent. The overprotective, over-sized reptile.

"I heard that."

Lira ignored him and kept walking as he flew right above her now. She crept silently, and saw two people sitting before a camp fire. And also, two dragons. She jumped up, all decorum forgotten in her happiness at having seemingly found who she was looking for, twigs snapping left and right, alerting the two seated riders of her presence.

"So much for a quiet entrance..."

[dannylam4]

Pike took a sip of the broth and smiled. It certainly did taste as good as she described. "I wonder what your other broths has tasted like in the past," Pike said, picking up some meat and tossing it into the air. Forest extended his head and snapped it up quickly. "How's the fish, Forest?"

It's no broth, Forest stated. But it's better than usual.

"Good, good," Pike said with a smile. His ears twitched when he heard a noise behind him. Spinning, he grabbed his spear and pointed in the right direction. He didn't need any special rider training to know where to look and what to do. "Who's there?"

[Kaala]

Kaala grinned at Pikes compliments but was soon replaced by a mask at the sound of an approaching person. She stood and turned, her rapiers drawn to her hands.

"Who's There?"

She scanned the woods and fliched as she saw glimpses of what appeared to be a light blue dragon and a young woman garbed in black. "Careful Pike! That's a rider!" She sheathed her swords and turned to Mirror. Reaching next to him she grabbed the staff from her nagi-nati, leaving the blade behind. She looked him in the eyes and spoke. "What do you think of this Mirror. I've not seen this rider before so I don't know if they are friend or foe."

"Perhaps we should see, ask her. If she is an enemy then she will have been warned. If she is of the Varden, then she will know she is welcome here."

Turning she shouted, "Careful stranger! If you are foe, then you best turn back. If not, then you will be welcome in our camp to rest awhile."