Wandering Once More (Vlaer)

[Brenton]

The sky was a startling blue, blinding to all who looked up at it to marvel at it in amazement. Wind blew across plains of waving green grass like small fingers waving in greetings to the sun. A glittering greenish blue lake rested in a bowl of turf. On the grass roamed herds of fat deer, grazing with contented snorts or small shuffles of their legs.

Puffs of dirt rose with footfalls so light from massive feet. Common clothing garbed a nearly eight feet tall man who wandered aimlessly toward the hills leading to the Spine. He wore armor and a sword that almost shimmered in description.

The man was holy, yet unholy at the same time, and named Tashiel. He was a Fallen Angel and training with Throkk of the Varden, as a blacksmith. Now was his time to enjoy himself and take a break.

[Aelodil]

Aelodil had been wandering nearby the Spine. He had left Shadowfax back in one of his family's abandoned stables back in his now ruined palace. As much as he hated going back to that cursed palace he visited it rather frequently. All his valuables and necessities were there for the most part. He carried a few coins on his person along with a good meal that would last him for a month as well as water for a month and went hunting rather frequently. Yet despite all these measures, a man could never be too careful and so he visited his own abandoned home at random intervals. He looked up to the sky with an expression close to awe as he smiled. He knew anyone who might see him would think he was crazy, smiling to himself, but the sky was such a pure shade of blue it looked as if a mirrored reflection of the ocean.

He continued his wandering. He had heard that a strange man who was way too tall to be human had passed through the towns and villages and had wandered to this area. Apparently the man was armed and dressed as a fighter. Aelodil couldn't help himself. If he could find a capable fighter to match him in combat then he would love to have a friendly spar. Also, the man was just a tad suspicious due to that inhuman length. Although Aelodil was in no means obliged to the Empire, he couldn't begin to imagine a man that size rampaging through the villages and towns leaving behind him a sight of true carnage and a bloodbath. Also, lately Aelodil was lately on a hunt for other travelers like he. He figured that if they all had the same goal, that is, to travel the lands of Alagaesia and perhaps spread peace where needed, then they could all travel together, and decided this would be his best opportunity to begin said organization.

"Aelodil, be careful. Do not let your foolhardiness be your demise. Do not think that the rest of the world thinks the same way that you do. For all we know this man could be the most aggressive man ever. Can we assume that as a fact? No. However we can think of that as a possibility and must be wary. Oroku's clear sharp voice suddenly pierced Aelodil's thoughts."What do you mean, Oroku? What are you getting at?" Asked the slow-minded Rider to his partner's Eldunari. With an image of Oroku's body heaving with a tremendous sigh, Oroku responded,"I'm saying, he might not like you the least bit, despite what you think. So be careful. That is all, idiot." Aelodil winced. He knew he wasn't the brightest ever but still, that was a bit cold. However, deep inside, Aelodil felt warmth spread through him. It was glad to still have Oroku with him, even when not in the flesh. Suddenly, Aelodil stopped. He spotted an abnormally large man standing there in the middle of day light. He continued to watch as the man seated himself, apparently to take a break.

Now was his chance! Aelodil walked towards said man and called out to him,"Hey there!! Over here, over here! Mind if I joined you?" Waving his now naked hand to show the gewdey insignia to present him as a friendly figure. Regardless of the answer, Aelodil sat down next to the man and gave him a polite smile."My name's Aelodil. Most people in the Empire would call me what they call 'a Noble Man' but please, set formalities aside and just call me Aelodil. What is your name if you do not mind the inquiry? What's your purpose in travelling as well, if you do not mind? And in case you're wondering, I'm not with the Varden nor the Empire. I'm nothing but a simple traveler who stumbled upon you." Aelodil said to the man while extending his arm as to shake hands to politely introduce himself. He removed Aeternum off his belt and slung Ethil across his shoulder and placed his sword and shield upon the ground next to him. He took out some rationed meat from his bag and offered one to the stranger.

[Brenton]

Tashiel looked up and smiled grimly at the boy, so trusting and willing to talk to him though he was so tall. If more people were like Aelodil then there would be no issues or war. Or for that matter, Fallen Angels. Maybe it wouldn't be such a bad idea to have a conversation with this neutral rider to try and convince him of going back to the Varden. Aelodil wouldn't have to fight, not even Tashiel did, but there were strong riders who could teach him and even some ancient riders showed up from time to time. Tashiel nodded at the boy and slowly unclasped his sword, laying it on the ground in a nonthreatening manner.

He gathered his thoughts, staring at the sky for a brief period of time, before Tashiel turned back to Aelodil. "Young Aelodil, it is a pleasure to meet a rider so youthful and willing to talk to someone as intimidating as myself. Still why do you start by saying that you're not with the Varden or Empire after questioning me? Nevermind, it is unimportant as to your motivation. My name is Tashiel Silverwing of a realm far from here that I would one day like to be back to. I currently travel because I am taking a break from my learning the art of smithing under a dwarf named Throkk. He is a great master and understands well that I won't fight for the Varden. Much like you I am neutral, even preferring to stay away from battles entirely, but I have done many wrong things in my lifetime. So I try to equal it out by making armor and weapons for the Varden."

Tashiel looked distant as he remembered his long lifetime. The furthest back he could remember though was waking on the ground to a vague idea of needing to prove himself. Every now and then he would get brief flashes of a beautiful land where he once flew with pride and joy. Yet for some reason Tashiel couldn't fly anymore. With a sigh, the Fallen Angel lowered his head and then looked back at Aelodil curiously. "Where is your dragon, oh rider of dragons?"

[Aelodil]

As dumb as he was, Aelodil recognized majority of gestures. As Tashiel laid aside his weapon, he noticed the gesture that he was in agreement of keeping this meeting under peaceful terms and gave a small smile; The gesture had not gone un-noticed. He listened intently to what he had to say. It sounded as if Tashiel was a peaceful man and regretted his intimidating appearance. Aelodil could relate. Scarcely did anyone ever approach him. Why he had stated that he stood neutrally? He thought to himself. It was probably so that he wouldn't think he was hostile. Or maybe because he didn't want to have to fighting this man due to the opposition in their beliefs. That's the best part in being Neutral: You didn't have to fight because other people needed or wanted you to. It seemed Tashiel and he shared many traits in common: It didn't matter what side you were, what mattered was what kind of a person you are.

Confused to what land the nearly giant-sized man was from, Aelodil opened his mouth to question him but as he saw the somber expression, he stopped himself. Apparently he hadn't left due to his own will and was feeling sad or mad for having left. As he brought up a dwarf, however, Aelodil's curiosity was peaked. A dwarf, eh? A smith, too! So that meant Tashiel must be a smith, too. The relation to his supporting the Varden, however, earned a sour face from Aelodil. Just the name enraged him. He saw in his mind's eye the day the Varden captain had murdered both his parents in cold blood. He remembered the shrill cold and emotionless laugh the captain had let out as he struck down his defenseless mother. Aelodil's hand clenched into a fist. He took a deep breath and sighed, letting out his pent up anger. But despite his best efforts, his eyes still shone with a murderous glint.

At the mention of a lack of a dragon, Aelodil winced. With a rusted dagger of pain in his heart he began to explain,"Oroku's body was murdered. By 15 Lethr'blaka. I tried to heal him but.. I was still too weak. Before he died, he managed to eject his Eldunari. In fact, I believe he wants to have a word with you if you would." On cue, Oroku reached out with his mind to Tashiel."Hello, Tashiel Silverwing. I am Oroku, Aelodil's dragon. What he said was indeed true; I was attacked by the Lethr'blaka and soon succumbed to my wounds despite my foolish Rider's valiant attempts to save me. I can understand your intent; You hope to somehow talk Aelodil into joining the Varden. I'm afraid that even if you tried he probably wouldn't listen to reason. However, I would like you to try anyway. His skills are put to waste. He is a warrior by nature; it is just who he is deep down in his heart. He may not be bright but he excels at wielding weapons." Oroku said to Tashiel, his voice sharp and clear.

[Brenton]

Tashiel wasn't blind, he had seen the cold look cross Aelodil's face and the boy's fists clench when he mentioned the Varden. Still he had calmed down and Tash was glad for that because even with how big this boy was, Tashiel was far stronger and would win a fight. Still something was off about the whole situation. Why would a young rider who was neutral be so against the Varden and still be neutral? Maybe if Aelodil actually knew the Varden and got to know how they worked then it wouldn't be such a problem. Or maybe not a good idea.

Then Aelodil spoke of what the Lethr'blaka had done and Tashiel grimaced, knowing exactly how the Ra'zac mounts were when fighting. So he had anger within him and size. Those were good in a pinch but the boy would still need training. Tashiel could teach him in the art of the sword but magic and rider training would have to be done by someone else. Possibly Konner Derriksson? That was supposed to be a good rider in the ranks of the Varden, Dwarves, and Elves. He was even said to know a little bit about assassination which could be good for the boy to learn.

Or there was always Brenton Bromsson. But the king of the elves was currently fighting his own inner demons and unless he could control Vaentr then there would be no way to train. The best bet would be either Feanaro Shadeslayer, a rider who had trained under Brenton, or Eragon Shadeslayer. Eragon was the Varden champion so that would never happen unless Tashiel could get Aelodil to go back with him. That left Feanaro who was an elf and as far as Tashiel knew, neutral in his stand against the war. He would contact Brenton about it as soon as possible.

Then Oroku contacted Tashiel and the Fallen Angel was forced to keep his plans secret until he was ready to tell Aelodil himself. There is no reason for me to take Aelodil to the Varden to fight for them. I only wish him to go back there where he can learn and potentially find something to do like I did. It is not that I believe him like me but I won't fight for the Varden either and yet I help them by learning a trade that I find interesting. Really he could join me in a few things I do for Throkk when he needs supplies, or he could go to the school and learn about battle strategy. I teach there sometimes.

[Aelodil]

As much of a fool as he was, Aelodil definitely noticed the look in Tashiel's eyes: It was the look of a man who thought he saw an inexperienced and weak man who could be influenced or trained or used. Aelodil shook his head. As young as he may be, and although he had only been a Rider for 6 years and the last one as a Rider with no dragon body, he was an expert swordsman. His family didn't believe in passing by the rough times with the excuse of them being of nobility. They were a rough family; He had began his training at the age of 5 and surpassed his teachers at the age of 9. By the age of 27, now, he was a more than known figure in the Empire. Mostly they feared him due to his looks and his reputation; He had been attacked by a group of over 30 soldiers but came out unharmed while the soldiers dragged their rears back to the barracks.

Aelodil put his hand up in a signal to pause Tashiel's train of thought."Tashiel, I appreciate your concern, however, I require no training in either swordsmanship or magic. In the brief 7 years which Oroku and I traveled this land, we met many people to train with. We met the oldest of Rider and dragons ever to be seen. The dragon was hulking white mass who could pass as a moving snowy mountain; Vanilor, and the Rider was Anurin. They taught us the bond between a Rider and his dragon and our magic. As for swordsmanship..." Aelodil paused before continuing,"After the training in Gil'ead and after surpassing my seniors and teachers, my swordsmanship has only been excelling more and more as I continued sparring with countless of people. So again, I appreciate your concern for us but by now Oroku and I are far more than stronger enough to handle ourselves against just about anyone."

Oroku could feel that Tashiel wasn't satisfied; He was confused as to why Aelodil hated the Varden so. He informed Aelodil who bit his lip. He nodded. He'd explain his reasons. He turned to Tashiel and began his story,"Tashiel.. you wonder why I hate the Varden so much. I shall tell you why. As a young man at the age of 20 I was coming home to my parents' mansion. As I walked in, the whole personnel, every single maid and or servant and butler were laid in a pile. Dead. And the Varden flag protruding through the top body. As I rushed to my parents' chambers, my father stood there with a half arsed weapon facing a fully armored and equipped Varden captain. I could identify his status as he ranted on about it. He struck down my father as he attempted to protect my mother then proceeded to murder my mother in front of me in cold blood. I killed the man, of course, but it never satiated my hate for the Varden. I can't say I profess any love for the Empire either, though. After all, my noble family was of the same blood as Galbatorix yet he never helped us. Do you understand now, friend?" As he ended his story, the cold icy embraces of death returned to Aelodil's eyes as he remembered that day.

[Brenton]

Tashiel listened to what Aelodil had to say, wondering just how old the boy was. Well apparently he was a man to his people's standards but to Tashiel he was still a boy who knew little to nothing in what he professed excellency at. Finally the rider was done and the Fallen Angel nodded only slightly. "You feel as if because one man killed your family then the whole Varden is to blame yet I can tell you right now that the Varden is not just that one man whom you slayed. There are others such as Eragon Shadeslayer or Roran Stronghammer who were born in the Empire and lost their father to the Empire by one group of people. Yes they both fight the Empire but that is to take down Galbatorix not to kill all of them."

Tashiel paused for a second before continuing more cautiously. "Besides you claim to know swordsmanship and magic enough to save yourself but there are those who know more than you. I have been around since the dawn of the world you know as Alagaesia and even before that, fighting creatures who think they are better than me. My skills are used to help those who surpass their trainers because I far surpass everyone in the land. As for magic. I know a man named Brenton Bromsson who is friends with some of the oldest men alive, even older than Anurin and Vanilor. He could get you aid in your magic skills by talking to them. Everyone I have referenced you to is Neutral in their standing but they recognize the need to fight supporting a side. Be like I am and go to the camp to learn a trade or to teach. You need not fight and if you feel like you are uncomfortable then leave. Still I could use your help in some of my jobs."

[Aelodil]

Aelodil didn't seem bothered at all by Tashiel's words. He didn't mind; He was used to them. He somewhat understood Tashiel's position and said,"Tashiel.. I do not hold a grudge no longer. Life is too long to hold a grudge for all of eternity as a now half-elf. I do not oppose the Varden itself or the people in it but rather I oppose it's method of doing so. I would love to dethrone my cursed relative but I do not think that running into Empire cities and crushing them is the way to do so. No matter how much care is used to avoid getting the harmless into the crossfire there will be external casualties. Other than that, there will be people like that captain who believe they are there to name the verdict on whomever they see fit. My parents were targeted because we are of noble blood in the Empire. Yet, I do not go after the Vardens' finest, do I? I know my boundaries and where the thin line between right and wrong is placed. I take no offence by your words but please understand my side."

Aelodil continued to listen to his story. A little light of charcoal gray sparkled in his hand unintentionally. He set out it immediately, apologizing. Whenever he was belittled he couldn't help but feel a little bit of resentment and anger and that anger sometimes channeled into his magic. His magic was already unstable since Oroku's death and as a cause, he was dangerous whenever he was angry. He immediately calmed himself. He knew where Tashiel was coming from. In Tashiel's eyes, Aelodil was still a little toddler who knew nothing of the world. He disagreed but was content to look at things from his point of view. He shook his head. Older than Anurin and Vanilor? That was close to impossible. Anurin's age was ranged at above 1,357 years old and Vanilor was only physically 50 years younger. As for his swordsmanship, he was content with raising an eyebrow."Do not take this offensively, Tashiel, but I'm fairly certain that I could match even you in a sword spar. Do not underestimate me, no matter how young I am. And, I doubt there can be anyone older than Anurin and Vanilor. It's hard to believe. They are both above 1,300 years old. I do not mean to belittle your friends. However, I'm intrigued. Do take me with you; I would like to meet the Varden in bulk in person, if you don't mind. You may scold me or talk to me on the way. In the meantime.." He said ending with a high pitched whistle. Shadowfax came running to his position. He pat his faithful friends' mane and soothed him. He turned to Tashiel, awaiting a response.

[Brenton]

Tashiel smiled just slightly at the way that Aelodil reacted to his words. So he thought that Tashiel was younger than Anurin and that he could be the Fallen Angel or at least match him. Well there was only one way to settle this. With a sigh, the man stood to his full height, seven feet and eight inches, and picked up his sword. He belted it on while drawing the blade to feel the comforting weight in his hand.

"Tell you what, Aelodil. If you can best me in a spar right here and now then I will submit to your judgment and not speak of how you are wrong about Anurin being older than I am. Do we have a deal?" Tashiel swung the blade down into a rest position and waited for the boy to speak. This was all up to Aelodil now and that was how Tashiel enjoyed it.

[Aelodil]

Aelodil put his hands in a surrendering motion. "No, no. In a joking spar without serious magic I wouldn't last. Also, I never said I'd be able to beat you, just that I would survive. Besides, it's stupid to spar over a matter of age. Though you have me curious; just how old are you? Also, I say this only because I do not want to be a bother to others. I train by my own and that has gotten me rather far. I learn by experience and that is how I am and that is also who I am. Nothing can change me. But I'm interested; Do take me to the Varden. Perhaps they are not all blood thirsty beasts like that man. Besides, I have a feeling I'll learn quite a lot if I were to tag along with you." He said as he whistled for Shadowfax. The horse came running to his side and he mounted himself upon the horse.

He gestured for Tashiel to lead the way; Aelodil had no clue where the Varden resided and never had much of an interest in knowing either. But now was different. He wasn't exactly in bad terms with the Empire but he didn't have any interest in serving them, either. He felt like his skills were best put to use to help the poor people who actually needed it. He was mostly skilled in healing magic, so perhaps if he visited the Varden he could help out some of the injured? He tweaked plenty of his healing spells so that they would be far more effective and would not only save a life but relieve them of the pain while at it. Perhaps he could help like that, rather than in a violent matter. He waited for Tashiel's signal.

(Sorry for length/quality. I can't think straight, I feel like I'm gonna blow up)

[Brenton]

The light in Tashiel's eyes never dimmed but he looked away when Aelodil asked how old he was exactly. It had been eons since he had last been in the Heavens and now he could hardly remember them at all. So to be honest, he wasn't sure just how old he was. I...I'm not sure how old I am to be honest. The first thing I can remember aside from a bloody war that I was the cause of, is waking up in a crater on the ground and being unable to go anywhere. No sentient beings were here yet and so I am pretty sure I am as old as Alagaesia if not older but I can't really say for sure. I do know that I have brothers and sisters out there somewhere that I have yet to see.

As Tashiel put away his sword, he heard the sound of air being displaced as a pair of wings beat the air, and he looked up to see another like him. This person, a man as well, wasn't as lean as Tashiel but was muscular and far more vicious in his lines. He wore black and his wings were also black instead of silver like Tashiel's so that meant it was someone of the darker part of wherever they were from.

He had claws sprouting from his fingers and teeth that a dragon would be proud of, while his cat's eyes stared out of a mane of long red hair. The second Fallen Angel was wearing fine wool and silk clothing with a trident and battle axe over his back in an x shape. But with all of the intimidating features, when the man saw Tashiel, he landed and dropped to one knee in a show of respect. Come, Captain Tashiel, let us take to the skies once more and lay waste to our enemies like we once did before. I'm sure to one who is as immortal as thou, it would not be harmful to slay a bunch of innocents.

Tashiel stared aghast at the Fallen Angel and then shook his head in despair for what he saw was his second in command, Reshiel Shadowwing, speaking of slaughter as if it were no big deal. Resh, what we did was important because of how we were treated and so it was important yet this murder you're speaking of is not necessary to commit. Lay down your weapons and travel with Aelodil and I to the Varden where you can hopefully see the error in your ways enough to not commit atrocities as such.

The first Fallen Angel, apparently Captain of them all, turned back to Aelodil and motioned to Reshiel with one hand. This is Reshiel Shadowwing, my second in command of the Uprising, the battle I was speaking of. He is an old friend and I am sure that we have nothing to fear from him. Tashiel hoped and prayed he wasn't lying to the younger man.