Do I Know You?

[Quetzal]

((I know I said this would be in Yazuac, but I remembered that was destroyed and I don't know how repaired it is on this site))

Daret was a small town filled with fairly ordinary people. It wasn't exciting like the big cities, but Isrydia was incredibly happy to be there. Ellesmera had been nice enough, but it never felt like home. Strictly speaking she did not have a home, but here among other humans she was more at home than with the elves. She understood the culture and etiquette, and it was more like the town she had grown up in. The water here was a river rather than the sea, but the same Spine could be seen a day's ride away and the buildings and people were far closer to residents of Kuasta than the elves were. She missed home. Now Arlyn could carry her, she should return.

Arlyn was making her experience a little less than normal. He walked at her side, watching the buildings with eager eyes. He had headed off to Ellesmera a week after hatching, so had spent the majority of his four months among elves. Isrydia had got along well with them, but never been like one of them. Now he was finally able to see how she fit in better here. There was much less ceremony when talking to other humans, they didn't think so deeply about who they talked to and each word they said. He suspected it was because their lives were so short. The elves had time to be careful, but the humans were better off enjoying themselves rather than worrying about whether they were saying the right thing according to tradition or not.

The people here were more in awe of him than the elves, who had seen other dragons. Numerous dragons passed through Ellesmera, but it was very rare to even see one in the air in Daret. Isrydia and Arlyn were completely unknown as a Rider and dragon, so it was a surprise for the people of the town to see them. They had heard of all the others Isrydia knew of. She heard them in the inn she was staying in talking of Eragon, Murtagh and Galbatorix, the most famous, and also Laetri, Brenton, Caspian, Konner, Emiryal, Nepherion, Anurin... the list went on. She hadn't met all of them, but she knew of them all. Often she was asked about the ones she had met, what they were like in person, were they really that strong all the time, and so on. The only Riders they hadn't seemed to have heard of that she knew of were herself and Seril, a Rider newer than her with whom she had parted ways in Ellesmera with the intention of meeting again to research things. She was more interested in solving problems than fighting.

Currently she was sitting with Arlyn on one of the wooden platforms over the river that served as streets for this town. It was too cold to dip her feet in the water, but they dangled over the edge of the platform. Her head rested on the base of Arlyn's neck. A couple of people walked past, slowing to look at them before hurrying on excitedly. One man even gave a small bow. "I don't like people treating us like we've done something great when we haven't," Arlyn said to her.

"Me neither," she replied aloud, preferring that to speaking with the mind and knowing there wasn't anyone around to hear or care. "It makes me uncomfortable. I like sharing stories and laughing with the people here, but I can't tell who actually thinks we're good and who just acts like it because you're a dragon." It was not something she had gotten used to, and it was worse here than in Ellesmera.

[Aelodil]

((No worries, this is a better setting anyway ^^))

High in the sky, near the small town of Daret, flew a red dragon. The dragon was a beautiful yet eery shade of crimson red that matched her rider's eyes. The rider was half slumped and half sitting as his dragon, Lenora, flew. It was of course without doubt Ragdar, Galbatorix's son. He had recently ran from the Empire and he was exhausted. His physical body was spent. His magic energy was drained. He did not dare take some energy to rejuvenate himself from his Eldunari. They were supplying Lenora the energy she needed to mend the injuries she had received from the Lethrblacka and he didn't want to interrupt that. He had healed her wounds back when they first took off but he didn't have the energy to help her when the Lethrblacka took after them. The eldunari however had siphoned their energy to help her fly faster to escape them and slowly mend her wounds. Finally Ragdar opened his eyes and looked at the town below. He didn't know much about it but he knew at least the name ; Daret.

He pointed out the town to Lenora and she gave him a nod which threw him off balance. He righted himself and said weakly,"Could you perhaps avoid doing that next time?" Lenora apologized with her thoughts instead of nodding again and Ragdar smiled. However one thing was still troubling him about landing in Daret. The Raz'ac were still after him. If he landed then news would spread that a Rider was in Daret. It always did when it came to a Rider. And so if the Raz'ac heard, which they definitely would, then the town would be in grave danger. Ragdar could have perhaps protected the town from the Raz'ac if he wasn't so tired. Lenora felt his distress and gave him some of the energy she was receiving and soothing thoughts. He smiled and hugged her neck. Now that his father would hate him, Lenora was the only family he had. Reru.. Oh Reru. Reru had mostly understood Ragdar and it hurt to leave him without a proper farewell. Then there was Ri'Shei. The spartan woman had at first been cold to him as he was to her but then warmed up and proved herself an invaluable soldier and precious friend.

Finally, Ragdar sighed and asked Lenora to land. As they rocketed down he dared to let his arms out and chuckled with pure joy but his laugh was caught in the wind and blown away. Then before they reached the ground, Ragdar remembered another thing. He needed to get to the Fire Citadel after he returns from Du Weldenvarden. Finally, they landed and Ragdar dropped to the ground. Out of the two, Lenora was in much better shape and she said,"Little one.. You are tired. Let me accompany you." he nodded in appreciation and hugged her tight. She began to hum and then he took a step back and looked her in the eye much the same as she did. Then they continued to walk and passed by a wooden bridge that crossed over the river. What he saw shocked him and he stopped in his place. The girl he and Reru had found and her dragon, who was now huge, sat there on the bridge. He knew she wouldn't remember him so he tried to walk away but Lenora gently pushed him forward. He looked at her confused. She said,"She needs to know Ragdar. Remove the spell." he frowned but complied. He whispered a word and un-did the magic. Then the pair walked towards Isrydia and her dragon. He said,"Hullo. It's me, Ragdar. Don't fret, I fled the Empire. I don't support either side. I just wanted to inform you that this town will soon be flooded with Raz'ac. Galbatorix ordered a purge until I am caught. You have two pptions; run or stand and fight with me. Do as you please."

[Quetzal]

As far as Isrydia was aware, she had only seen Ragdar once when she defended him after his appointment as Elder of the Fire Branch. She knew he was the adopted son of Galbatorix, but didn't think that sort of thing mattered, caring instead that he seemed like a good guy and had Glaedr's trust. She thought as well that when Arlyn had hatched, they had spent a few hours together, taken a nap that was longer than she intended, then left without event after she collected his eggshell (which she still kept purely for sentimental reasons.

The excited shouts of people made her and Arlyn look up. One man asked her if she knew who the dragon that could be seen in the distance was. She squinted, making out the red glint. There were three red dragons she knew about; Talon, Konner's dragon; Lenora, Ragdar's dragon; and Thorn, Murtagh's dragon. "It's either Konner and Talon, Ragdar and Lenora, or Murtagh and Thorn," that response made the man quieten, excitement turning to worry. Murtagh was not good news. The dragon was getting closer, and she could tell it was not Talon. Having never seen Thorn and only seen Lenora once, it was hard to tell any more. Finally Arlyn sent her an image of the Rider seen by his better eyes. "It's Ragdar. He's nice, but... he's with the Empire. If he's here on business, I'd prepare to leave quickly." She warned the man, standing as he hurried off to spread the word.

Lenora landed. Without warning, the dream she had dreamed those hours after Arlyn hatched flashed through her mind. Before it had faded, but now it felt like a real memory. The cruel Rider who abused his own dragon, said dragon protecting the newly hatched Arlyn, a Rider with a red dragon helping them leave when the mad Rider tried to make them help him retrieve an egg from the Varden to restore his dead dragon... only now Ragdar was the kind Rider, Lenora his dragon. She could see the mad Rider's face. Arlyn whined, his version of the memory being filled with more fear and confusion as he knew so little about the world. It had to be a memory if they both remembered it.

When Ragdar approached, she tensed but did not reach for her weapon. Arlyn bared his teeth. "I saw you at the Branches ceremony. Arlyn was only up to my elbow then," she looked up at the dragon who was now as big as a horse, "And... We think we remember you from... before. Did that happen?" she couldn't help but ask before regaining focus on the more important issue of the possibility of Raz'ac. "Fled the Empire? That's no easy feat. I have a feeling this is just a trick, but I can't risk having the Raz'ac loose here while people are still around just because I don't believe you. We need to evacuate everyone, but how do I know you won't just lead them and myself into Galbatorix's clutches? Escaping him seems next to impossible," She frowned. Arlyn was an oddly calm mind in her own one of uncertainty and worry.

[Aelodil]

Ragdar nodded. He had expected as much."Yes, indeed, it did happen. I believe it was about three months ago or so when Arlyn hatched. As for fleeing the Empire, it was not an easy task. My injuries a testament to that. If it wasn't for the fact that Galbatorix did not have me swear fealty to him I never would have managed it." he said, then took a breath and continued in the Ancient Language so that she would believe him,"Also, I had some inside help from the elves surprisingly. They sent someone named Zander to help me. I swear to you here and now that I am no longer of the Empire. That will have to do until we deal with the Raz'ac." As tired as he was, he would still be a rather formidable foe. He began siphoning a small amount of energy from the Eldunari. They were tired, very tired, but they managed to give him a rather large amount of energy before stopping.

Replenished and rejuvenated, Ragdar shook himself and stretched. The bright and sharp light returned to his eyes and he stood up straighter than before. He felt whole again. He looked at Isrydia, his posture much more sure than before and said,"Look, I'm sorry about what happened, but I can't go back in time and undo it. What's done is done, now let's work together to try and save this town. I'm thinking we could send the dragons together to one half and we could cover the other half if you wouldn't mind?" Then he nodded pointedly at Lenora who argued slightly,"Ragdar, although you are better than before, you are still not what you usually are; a strong fighter. Don't have me leave your side, you will need me if the Raz'ac decide to jump you." Ragdar shook his head and said,"Do not worry about me, I will be fine. Go now along with Arlyn. Tell everyone of the Raz'ac and that they must evacuate immediately to the nearest village or town. Avoid cities at all costs, as that would arouse suspicion." Although she hated it, Lenora agreed and took off towards the houses and began spreading the news.

Ragdar breathed in and sighed. He felt insecure when Lenora wasn't around him. He also felt like he wasn't whole. He looked at Isrydia and gestured towards the buildings."I know you don't trust me and won't trust me for a very long time, but we have work to do right now so put your doubts aside and let's go." he told her, his proud self back. He ran towards the nearest building. The first knocked earned no response. As did the second and third. Frowning, he grabbed at the knob and was surprised when the door swung open. Alert now, he unsheathed Arucane and stepped inside. The first thing that struck him was the smell. The smell of decayed and rotted corpses. Along with his heightened senses the smell was unbearable. He entered the first room and recoiled. A couple above one another holding the three children. The wife had apparently put up a fight but it was in vain. Suddenly, he heard a knock on the wooden floor and as he looked across the room, he saw a man that was undoubtedly a Raz'ac run outside the back door. Ragdar ran outside and yelled to Isrydia,"Be careful! The Raz'ac have already been here. We need to--" suddenly he was cut off as a blade barred his path as he ran to the door. He tripped as he tried to stop and fell to the ground. He had managed to dodge the blade but the wielder had him now. He got to his feet and stepped outside the house. He confronted the Raz'ac, with anger in his eyes. They circled each other and he swung his sword in a feint followed by a heavy swing that decapitated the Raz'ac. Suddenly he was surrounded by ten of them. All he could hope for was that Isrydia had listened to him and ran as he blocked and parried anyone that came near him, not daring to attack.

[Quetzal]

All the time she had spent in Ellesmera had given Isrydia a basic but sure grasp of the Ancient Language, so she was able to understand more or less what Ragdar told her. It was enough for her to believe that he was indeed no longer part of the Empire. She nodded in agreement to his plan. "I've been here for a few days, and the people here trust Arlyn and I. They should trust you and Lenora if we say they can." Many people would not recognise him but would have heard of Ragdar the Empire Rider, and Thorn and Lenora made two red Empire dragons to fear.

Arlyn looked at the larger dragon with a small amount of caution, but time was of the essence so they should work together all the same. He took off after Lenora and swooped low over the houses. "This is Arlyn! The red dragon is Lenora, you can trust her. The Raz'ac are attacking! Grab a few coins if you can, and run! Don't waste any time, you all have to leave or be killed! There's safety in numbers, so stick together and run north up the river, the nearest town is that way. If you have any children, elderly or sick people less able to run bring them out and Lenora and I will carry them to safety ourselves!" he roared to get peoples' attention, reaching out to shout into everyone's mind. Panic ensued. People poured out their houses, clutching valuable trinkets and small bags of coins. Mothers and fathers clutched babies as they ran, a crowd massing to race alongside the river together out of Daret. The platforms over the river serving as streets were open so Arlyn easily landed on one, helped a young couple lift two young children onto his back, and flew off away from Daret.

Isrydia hadn't expected to find dead people so soon. The smell made her gag, and she was filled with sadness and anger at the sight of the murdered family. She stepped out to look around the street. Ragdar's shout made her turn back. He was intercepted by a Raz'ac, but to her surprise killed it without much difficulty. The Raz'ac were supposed to be so strong one alone could take out a Rider, but apparently they had grown sloppy. Out of nowhere ten of the things were surrounding him. Ten was a big number. Hopefully these were the only ones in the village. She drew Nettle but knew that the Raz'ac could very well kill her should she try attacking them. She was scared. This could be her death. But she was a Rider. Protecting all these people was her duty, and she wouldn't deserve Arlyn if she didn't perform the duty she was chosen for.

She was skilled with a sword, but she wasn't stupid either. Intellect could win a fight just as much as brute force could, so coming up with a plan could make the fight a lot easier for them. Separating the Raz'ac would be a start. Softly and swiftly, she darted up behind the nearest one. Her sword shot forwards - stabbing in the back was known as a cowardly move, but she would pick cowardly moves over death by Raz'ac any time - but it was met by steel. Other Raz'ac were facing her and had given a warning. If she could lure them away, pick them off one by one, the fight would be easier, but she doubted that was possible. Three turned to face her. Her sword glided over the Raz'ac's blade and curved back to its leg, but it jumped backward. Another took its place, but she ducked and managed to slash its knee while level with it. When she stood up again, a fourth had taken interest in her and two swung blows at her at once. One she sidestepped, the other she parried. She couldn't watch all her opponents at once, and they were all fast and skilled. She wished she had her shield with her, which she had trained in. This was set to be as difficult as it looked.

[Aelodil]

Ragdar smiled. Four of the Raz'ac had been lured by Isrydia's distraction and that gave him the opening he needed. As one of the Raz'ac got too close with their stab, he grabbed it's wrist and gave it's arm a violent twist and pushed it upwards hard, popping the shoulder out of its socket. The Raz'ac hissed and leapt backwards. Then another one attacked and Ragdar had to go back on the defensive. He blocked the first stroke then with the second one he retaliated with a counter stroke. The Raz'ac backed away with a deep but small wound. Then another two were on him and Ragdar couldn't pull off anymore strokes. He parried the first Raz'ac's attack and kicked him. The Raz'ac gave an audible grunt as it fell to the ground. Ragdar knew that it'd be back up in a moment, but a moment was all he needed.

As the second Raz'ac swung it's sword, he parried the swing and retaliated with a vicious swing of his own. He swung Arucane in a wide arc, causing the Raz'ac he had just sparred crumble to the floor, dead and another two two hiss as they were wounded. Ragdar took a moment to glance at Isrydia. She looked rather off. As if she was missing a weapon or something although she was holding a weapon in her own hand. Maybe a shield? He frowned. The Raz'ac had backed off for the moment so he ran to the door, cutting it elegantly with his Rider blade into a fine circle and used magic to reinforce the shield and then made a handle of some sort and infused it onto the circle. He stepped back to admire his quick patch work. It wasn't at all elegant, but it would serve it's purpose."Here, catch!" he shouted as he threw it across to Isrydia with little force so that she would catch it easily. Then he returned to his spar with the Raz'ac.


Lenora felt mad at Ragdar for bolting off without her but she knew it was necessary. She watched as Arlyn helped a couple fasten a little baby onto his back and she felt ashamed. How could she worry about someone she knew could protect himself while there were innocent people who couldn't help themselves in need of her help right here? She spotted a young woman running outside with two baby twins in her arms, followed by a young man who was unmistakably her husband helping an elderly man out of the house. She swooped down and lowered herself. At first, the woman was afraid of her and held her hands up, as if to ward her away but as Lenora reached out with her mind,"Do not be afraid. I am here to help. Put the young ones on my back along with the elderly man. I will fly them to safety. I am afraid I cannot take you with them as there are others in need of dire help." she said to her.

The woman at first seemed loath to leave her children alone but then nodded and helped her children up onto Lenora's back and strap them in. Then as the young man came out along with the old man, the old man said,"No. I will have none of it. I may be old, but I'm not a coward. I won't run away on the back of a dragon while my son and his wife die in front of me. It's not happening. Not in a milenia." The young man argued with the old man but was soon cut off. Lenora growled then scooped the old man tenderly in her paws and took off. She looked back down at the Raz'ac as they surrounded Ragdar and Isrydia and hoped for the best.

[Quetzal]

Against four Raz'ac, Isrydia was mostly dodging and blocking attacks. Attacking would leave her open, so it was risky. The Raz'ac she had hit on the knee was mostly ignoring its wound, but occasionally it would stumble. She tried to take advantage of that. The others knew she would try attacking then, so would shift to cover the wounded one. She predicted they would do so. As she feinted attacking the stumbling Raz'ac she tried kept her eyes on it but could see where the others were by their shadows. She could have tried feeling their minds but no doubt they were guarded to become invisible and she did not want to risk them trying a mental battle. She could hear them move too, and once their blades were near enough she twisted her whole body to the right, opening a deep wound in her attacker's side and sending the others off balance. Her arm was quickly made the target of a stab, so she moved away and continued her defence. It would take a long time to fight them like this, but she had stamina and could think of a plan.

Ragdar's words caught her attention and she grabbed the makeshift shield. She could fight without one, but she was much more comfortable with one and was more confident in the fight now. A shield was not just something to hide behind. It could cover attacks and protect, but it could also be used to attack as well. She thrust a Raz'ac aside by hitting it in the chest with the shield. That held it out her way while she blocked a hit from one and slid her blade across swiftly, slicing one across the chest as Nettle arced out to her right. It choked, took a few steps forward, and fell. After a moment it was not breathing. Isrydia was shocked, but could not let that make her movements falter. I just killed a Raz'ac, she thought with a surge of pride.

One of the creatures fighting Ragdar turned to replaced the one she had just killed, the Raz'ac fighting even harder now they knew she was a true threat. She could no longer get in an attack, they were sending steel her way so quickly. They used their feet a lot to dart around her and to step back from any attacks she did try, which gave her an idea. "Let the ground here be smooth ice under all feet but those of Riders," she said in the Ancient Language. There was a great drain in energy, but she managed it. In radius of several metres around her, the ground grew cold and slippery. It thawed just before she or Ragdar put their feet down, and froze again once they stepped away. The Raz'ac had no such advantage. It caught them off guard and they slid helplessly, some even falling. Isrydia stabbed another through the ribs and held her ground as they tried forcing her and Ragdar out the icy circle.

Arlyn saw Isrydia kill a Raz'ac and felt proud of her, but was concerned none the less. He hoped they were the only Raz'ac around so there were no others out to kill the townspeople. Should Isrydia and Ragdar look in serious trouble, he would waste no time in swooping in to do some fighting of his own. These people needed him more than the trained Riders, though. He set the children on his back down half a mile out of town as the fastest of the townspeople reached the area. It was a not the safest of distances, but it was far enough for them to be safe carrying on at their slower pace with the other people. Others were far closer to danger in the town. Once the children were in the care of a middle-aged woman, he raced back to Daret, finding a man calling for him with a sick and shaky woman. He helped her onto his back, unable to take any more weight, and bid the man to flee as he took off again down the river.