The travels of Riders young and old (Velathan, Ryarion)

[David Lightningsword]

(Takes place about a month or so after the Battle)

David walked into town, now riding upon the back of his Dragon..Zeus. it being a month old, David was now able to ride the dragon (on the ground) He looked over at his fellow Rider, Velathan and said 'Soon, soon this will all be over, and we can return to uru'bean, to start our training" He grinned, something his mouth was still not quite accustomed to. Zeus himself said "I can not wait to test my abilities against trained Dragons" David chuckled in response and thought "I too, can not wait to train with other Riders. So start our education to become Riders in full" He patted his bond mate as he jumped off. Zeus was now just slightly bigger than a horse.

He placed a hand on the pommel of his black sword, which was a gold gem in the shape of a dragon's head, and looked over Therinsford, a city basically overlooked in the war. it looked almost normal, with the exception of the added guards and the grim look of the faces of the people. They were not un touched by the war, it having had many of its men in the empire's army.

He jumped when the ground shook and a Dragon roared. Both David and Zeus turned to face the new threat, and roar escaping Zeus's maw.

[Ryarion]

Ryarion landed next to the small black dragon on Deloi. Deloi and Ryarion had been traveling around Alagaësia since the fall of the mad king. Learning new things and just exploring. Trying to find out more about this mystical world. And when Deloi had finally seen another dragon in a few months he couldn't resist his chance to meet him. The young dragon's roar did nothing to Deloi's confidence. The giant emerald-scaled dragon was the size of a house and easily towered over the dragon. Ryarion hopped down from his Dragon's saddle. The earth shaking beneath his feet as he landed like a small earthquake. Ryarion's enchantments around him had caused it.

It is an honour to meet you fellow rider. I see your dragon has entered what you might call it's growing ages. Ryarion said as he performed the elves sign of greeting to the man. Why don't you hop down from your dragon so you might talk with me yourself. Unfortunately my dragon will have to leave soon as he is too small to fit in the city streets. Ryarion said as he continued speaking to the man upon his dragon's back. Ryarion then turned to the other rider, performing the same sign of greeting and noticing that his dragon was not quite as big as the other man's. Why don't you both introduce yourselves to my dragon and I. Ryarion said all of it in the ancient language. Hoping the 2 young riders would be able to understand it all he started to remember the library in Ellesmera that he so much had loved.

[Brenton]

Brenton rode Frostfire a little distance behind the two riders, about the distance a normal traveler would be, when suddenly he heard the roar of a dragon and the thunder of it landing on the ground. With a brief glance over the terrain, he saw it was but one new rider who didn't look like too much of a threat to anyone. Still, with the two riders being so young in their training, Brenton decided it best to speed up. So with a simple thought, Frostfire moved up beside David and Zeus where he could get to any of his swords without causing harm to the rider or dragon.

The former king didn't speak to the newcomer, yet instead he simply calculated where the figure could be from. Elven in appearance with all of the manners of one coming from the forest gave clear signs of being an elf but that meant nothing. A human could change in appearance and mannerisms if they had enough time as a rider as Eragon had shown once himself. But this rider went further than just showing outer signs. He behaved like an elf and so Brenton suspected it was what he was.

A sigh escaped his lips, not one of frustration but instead of relief, as he came to the conclusion by himself. Any elf would be semi-friendly to their former king, even if the said king had been living a false life given him by the tyrant. Still, Brenton went without speaking and glanced at the two riders to see how they would behave. Brenton had not become an official mentor to the two but he instructed them through everyday training such as pointing out what they did well and helping with something they could improve on.

Already the knight felt that the two had advanced in rider etiquette as well as magic such as the finer arts of the Ancient Language. Even that was taught just by saying things in the Ancient Language to communicate. And as such, Brenton spoke mentally to both riders in the Ancient Language now.

Velathan, David, this rider looks to be loyal to freedom and not an enemy. Treat him with respect as you would another rider that would potentially teach you. David, remember how you greeted me in Gilead and greet him the same way as if he were royalty himself. The words were loosely based upon what they actually meant but Brenton wasn't sure that using proper grammar would get the message across if the two couldn't understand it.

[Velathan]

Velathan sat astride Auran, as the red dragon was now just large enough to ride. He'd experienced the pain of riding without a saddle, and he never wanted to do that again, so Brenton had taught both David and Velathan to fashion a makeshift saddle. It was practical, not the most confortable but at least his skin wasn't falling off of his legs anymore. 'You only have yourself to blame for that, you know. It's hardly my fault that you tried to sit me without a saddle. And I did warn you, didn't I?' Auran said when he thought that. For all his bluntness, Velathan loved Auran more than anything else, as he seemed now to be a part of him, an extension. The red dragon was warm beneath the saddle, due to the midday sun that blazed overhead.  'Alright, alright. There's no need to rub it in my face anymore!' Velathan responded as he got a grunt of response from Auran.

 He looked over to where David sat atop his black dragon, Zeus. He seemed to be distracted by something, so Velathan directed Auran to move over there. That's when he saw an Elven rider, who appeared to have a large, emerald dragon, greeting him. Brenton's voice appeared in his mind as he told the two that the strange rider was likely a friend, and to treat him with respect. Velathan moved closer to him and dismounted as he began to greet the rider with his best imitation of an elven greeting. "Greetings, fellow rider. I hope you do not mind me asking, but who might you be?" he said haltingly, trying his best to speak the Ancient Language properly. He had not been speaking it for years like David or Brenton; he'd had no need to. Now was the time for learning.

[David Lightningsword]

"Of course, Brenton-elda" He responded in human tongue in his mind. He then walked forward to the Emerald Dragon. Zeus bag to follow but David told him with his mind "Stay back until I know if he is truly friendly." Zeus growled, but stayed where he was "Be quick about it David." David then bowed and twisted his hand over his chest and said in the ancient language "May Good Fortune rule over you" he then retreated back a few steps.

David then introduced himself as beckoned saying "I am David Lightningsword, Rider of the Varden." Zeus then said to David, for whom David said out-loud for the Rider. "I am Zeus, Dragon of David Lightningsword" Zeus's tail twitched as he grew anxious. If this Rider decided to attack David, it would be up to him and his counter part Auran to take on the bigger Dragon. Teamwork might prevail in their case, but most likely once David, Velathan and the old Rider Brenton took down the Rider, they would have to finish the job with the dragon.

David could sense these thoughts from Zeus and tried to sooth him, murmuring with his mind "I do not think this Rider and Dragon means us harm. For one I did not see him in the battle of Uru'baen on the Empire's side, and plus by roaring they had given up the element of surprise. Also Brenton, Velathan and I are more than a match for one rider." Zeus huffed and said "Just be careful" David smiled inwardly and replied "When am I not?" He then waited for Brenton and Velathan and Auran to introduce themselves.

[Ryarion]

Ryarion looked at the man that had walked to behind the two young riders. He had a familiar look to his rugged face and it seemed as if he could recognize him. Ryarion thought back to his times in Ellesmera and how he was always in the great library that was established. The rider finally remembered that he had saw the man's face in a book in Ellesmera. And if correct, that book was titled Kings, Queens and Royals of Alagaësia. He hadn't ever met the king and couldn't really match the man's face to any certain position. But, knowing that he was included in that book he tried to be as formal as possible. It is an honour. Ryarion said, his voice faltering though finally remembering the name that came with the face. Brenton Not using any sort of title might have been an unfortunate risk but he didn't know.

Ryarion then looked to the Human Rider who had spoken to him. I am Ryarion and this is my dragon Deloi. Ryarion said as he nodded towards the gigantic dragon beside him. Though as he said his dragon's name the ground seemed to have a small earthquake. I am very sorry for that inconvenience. Unfortunately since my dragon has the name of the ground below us it usually causes some consequences. Though to continue I am an Elven Rider that left Du Weldenvarden once I figured out I had a dragon. The queen was being to dictating in my opinion of my dragon and I so I left. It was better for the both of us. Most people don't even know I exist, only the queen.

Ryarion then looked to the Black Dragon that was before him. Deloi glaring at the dragon then speaking into his mind. Do not dare to growl at my companion or you shall regret it.  Deloi's voice sounded like thunder booming inside your head. Ryarion then easily heard the thoughts from David, whom had already introduced himself to his dragon. I am fortunately for you a Neutral Rider. On no-ones side except my friends and I. And oh please, being a servant or in my mind a puppet of his manipulation to the King Galbatorix would be a mad man's wish. I am thankful for his downfall but soon I am to return to Vroengard and continue learning magic there.

[Brenton]

Brenton bowed ever so slightly at the waist, his mouth twitching into a contemptuous smirk at the man's behavior. Apparently his disgrace hadn't spread as far as the former king had once thought and that could be handy if ever needed. Still he felt it necessary to introduce himself properly.

Forgive me, Ryarion-finiarel, but I must inform you that what you most likely read about me is no longer true to my nature. My name is Sir Brenton of the Elven Kingdom, but once I was King Brenton Bromsson, rider of Vaentr and Grazael. Now then, rein in Deloi lest I be forced to take matters into my own hands to defend my friends and potential pupils...please. Brenton wasn't intending to sound rude and so he added the please as an after thought to try and assuage the situation.

Yet as if to back up the threat posed by the half elf, three dragon minds merged and converged upon Deloi and Ryarion at the same moment. All three were the minds of the eldunari but they were more than powerful enough to take on a rider and dragon pair. With an apologetic glance toward the dragon, Brenton bowed his head and spoke softly in the Ancient Language. I am not your enemy, fair Deloi, so please do not force me to act as such. It is just that I try to protect those I teach and these four are still young and inexperienced.

[Velathan]

Watching with interest, Velathan spoke with Auran. "So, what do you think?" he communicated to Auran. "I don't like it," Auran admitted. "It just seems too coincidental, doesn't it?" Velathan sent a feeling of agreement towards his dragon. They'd not come across any other riders in the days that they'd been traveling, and for a neutral rider, as he claimed, to appear now was odd. He rested his hand on the pommel of Urfael, content in the knowledge that the red blade was by his side, even as Auran stood back. He gripped it even tighter as Brenton spoke with the other rider... What was his name, Ryarion? He had considered trying to reach out with his thoughts and try and garner any information from him, but he decided against it, as Ryarion was an elf who had likely trained magic all his life, so he instead kept his mind secluded to Auran and of course, David and Brenton. Still, he was wary incase the strange rider tried to take anything from his mind.

[David Lightningsword]

Zeus wanting to shrink back at the mental contact, but instead pushed his mind forward and rumbled in his deep voice "I shall growl at anyone who is a threat to my Rider. If that includes your Rider, then so be it" He growled out loud, making his way to David's side. David placed a hand on his companion's closest fore-leg. He decided it was best Brenton take the lead in this confrontation. he then added "Ryarion-finiarel, Zeus was just trying to protect me from harm. Wouldn't your Deloi do the same?" He bowed his head.

he then said with his mind to Brenton, Zeus, Auran and Velathan "Just give the word Brenton-elda, and we will join your dragons in this mental attack." he eyed the dragon and rider, just daring them to do something.

[Ryarion]

Ryarion looked at the old king obviously surprised by his threat to himself and his dragon. Do we have trouble here? My dragon is just very protective of me. You cannot blame him for growling back at the dragon who threatened me by growling at myself? Though enraged by such a threat he didn't show it on his face. Though he spoke in the ancient language to his dragon. Do not growl at him Deloi he is only a small dragon as of now and he doesn't know better. Most dragons of any size will die to protect their owner that's all he was doing. The emerald-scaled dragon grunted in response.

Then, suddenly after, hearing what Zeus had sent out from his mind to Deloi's Ryarion instantly though that trouble would follow with it. Fellow dragon, realize that I never said or tried to pose a threat to your Human Rider. Yet you growl. Your ignorance of events that happen around you is clearly evident. Hold fast to these that pass you. For if your memory dies of these occurrences around you, Life is a broken-winged bird, that cannot fly. By three methods we may learn wisdom First, by reflection, which is noblest. Second, by imitation, which is easiest and third by experience, which is the bitterest.

Then, Delois booming voice left Zeus's mind. Ryarion looked at Deloi with a surprised look. He had never known his dragon to be of keeping peace. IT was always fighting to him. Though in awe, it suddenly turned to pain. Ryarion dropped to the ground his hands on his head. 3 Voices popped up in his head, they spoke in unison of the events that caused death and Ryarion's and Deloi's mind were filled with hurt. Until finally the pain stopped, the young elven rider and dragon looked to the king. Obviously hurt by the king's action Ryarion felt betrayed and just lay on the ground unable to get up from the burden that binded him. Being reprimanded by a once king was a painful thing and Deloi seemed trouble as well.

Though, then hearing the words the old king had spoken Ryarion struggled up and growled at him. You realize you say you are my friend. Then your eldunari punish my mind with visions of death and punishment clouding my mind with the events of the past. They are in the past for a reason. Your just like Galbatorix. Forcing your mind upon others who don't mean harm. Ryarion yelled at the king. The only person hear who isn't threatening me is the man there. Ryarion said as he nodded to Velathan in hurt. Then fell to the ground. And Deloi followed him to the ground. The big dragon's wing collapsing itself around Ryarion. You have made a mistake king of old. Deloi said as he growled towards Brenton.

[Brenton]

Brenton smiled at the words issuing forth from Ryarion's mouth as he grew more and more hateful toward the disgraced former king. They were true to an extent but every one of them was also false to another degree. Finally, after the dragons were done with their mental attack, Brenton drew Undbitr and stepped to just out of Deloi's reach.

I may be like Galbatorix in many ways, more than I would like to admit, but he would've already slain you where you lay. Both of you are lucky that I am able to control my anger more so than my former master. Therefore I will give you both one chance and one only. Stand at attention before all of us and apologize from the bottom of your heart or I will tell David and Velathan to join me and my eldunari as we destroy your mind. It is more than you would ever get from the Empire that I just so valiantly fought to destroy and it is more than you deserve for you insolence. Now apologize, young one. And as for you Deloi, I am more than capable to disembowel you myself with no aid from my friends and if you ever threaten me again then I will show you that.

[Velathan]

Velathan loosened his scabbard slightly and wiggled Urfael out slightly, prepared to any surprise attacks from either the dragon or the rider as tensions grew between him and Brenton. He watched silently, not wanting to get involved in their argument, but he recognised it as being pointless. He wasn't even sure what had started it. 'Looks like you were right after all, Auran.' he said to his dragon. 'I usually am. You should remember that.' was the response he got. He continued to silently observe as it escalated and Brenton drew his sword, Undbitr. Velathan quickly initiated mental contact with David. "Is there no way we can stop this? If we fight... I'm not sure we can win. Look at the size of his dragon!".

[David Lightningsword]

David tensed as tensions rose. He was afraid Brenton or Deloi would make the first move and start a fight. One David knew they could win, but not without loosing one or both of their Dragons. When Velathan contacted him, David quickly responded "Just be ready for anything" he then stepped forward and placed a hand on Brenton's shoulder. He spoke quietly "Brenton, this is going too far. I think it wise to tell your Dragon's to back off. I do not believe this Rider is our enemy. Maybe we can get through this without further conflict." He then added with his mind, knowing he would be hitting s soft spot, but non the less knowing it true "And if we do proceed to further conflict, Zeus and or Auran will die. You know the pain associated with that, would you make Velathan and I suffer as you did?" Zeus was about to tell David he could handle himself, but David told him not to be stupid.

David then turned to Deloi and said "Would you be so kind as to unsheild your Rider so we may help him." He bowed slightly, in hopes it would soften the big dragon up. Zeus nodded, to show he would not attack.

[Ryarion]

Deloi grumbled to Brenton You realize, you are using your so called pupils just like Galbatorix used his servants, like your little puppets. You say that you can command them to attack my rider but it seems from their words that they are on my side now. The dragon then looked to David and spoke to his mind. No need, I am able to use my own magic to help him. Deloi's mind left David's and just by touching his snout to Ryarion's head the rider woke. He got up quickly from under his dragon's wing. His dragon moving it before he tried.

Ryarion looked at the crowd gathered around them and yelled This is not your affair humans! Deloi Moi! The ground around them shifted upward, and created a wall around them, blocking the crowd out. I apologize for my actions Brenton, but yours were also questionable as well. Ryarion said as he looked back at Brenton. I think we got off to a bad start and I'd like to change that eh? Ryarion said as he performed the elven sign of sorrow to Brenton. Deloi just grunting at Ryarion and getting up. Ryarion climbed up Deloi and sat back in his saddle. Waiting for Brenton's response.

[Brenton]

Brenton was shocked as the wall rose from the ground but he recognized the need for it in Ryarion's situation. Anyone would put up defenses in that position and it was perfectly normal for someone who was injured to do the same. As Ryarion spoke to him, Brenton bowed his head and spoke humbly toward the rider. The fault was mine for causing this disturbance. I should have followed my own advice that I gave to the other two. It would've been best to treat you with respect than to yell and draw Undbitr in any manner. Now if you are not too offended, please join the three of us at the inn where we can discuss some things. After all, I may be your elder but I'm not sure I can come up with many ways to help these new riders without a dragon. Maybe you can give some pointers to them about the way a dragon behaves when flying?

Brenton reached into a small pouch and pulled out the last of his coins, a small gold piece and an even smaller silver piece. It wouldn't be enough for a room, much less for food and drink. With a sigh, Brenton crouched and spoke the Ancient Language. Two minutes passed before gold began to stream up into the air and collect into orbs in front of him. The half elf used energy from himself and the eldunari to make enough gold to fill the small pouch. Then he did the same with silver from the ground until a second pouch was filled. Finally, Brenton hunted through the land with his mind until he came across a vein of precious stones. Each one of them was big enough to buy something reasonably priced. So Brenton spoke another string of words and soon a pile of gems was at his feet. As the last ruby dropped into place, Brenton nearly collapsed from fatigue. He put his hand out and steadied himself before opening a larger coin purse to put half the pile of gems into. The rest he handed out to the three riders with him.

[Velathan]

Velathan let out a sigh of relief as the situation defused and he released his grip on Urfael and stood back with Auran. While Brenton and Ryarion talked, he inspected the wall that had formed around them. It seemed no different than ordinary rock, but he wasn't aware that dragons could perform magic to this level. To form an entire wall from the rock below was just incredible, not to mention that it spread around the rather large area of the three riders, an ex-rider and two small and a large dragon. He spoke to Auran about mostly menial things as they waited, about where they were likely to be properly trained by the new Order, and how it would go, and things like that. When Brenton handed him a small pile of gemstones, he looked at them, marveling at how they had only just now been underground, before stowing them safely away in a small saddlebag that was attached to Auran's saddle.

[David Lightningsword]

David's hand flew to Kveykva's pommel in preparation for a fight when wall went up. But soon Ryarion and Brenton made amends, of a sort. The Rider could tell that tensions were still high, and stayed silent when he tried to figure out a solution.

When Brenton handed him some gems, David rolled his eyes, but took them and stuck them into Zeus's saddlebags. He then was struck with an idea when Brenton's words finally reached his brain. training. David then said "Since Deloi, Zeus and Auran can not join us in a room, much less an Inn. Maybe Deloi could teach the younger dragons a few tricks and such in the air as we wait. I know both Zeus and Auran have been itching to meet a trained dragon that can do just such." he then turned to Brenton "And Brenton, maybe 2 of your Eldunari could join them, and give pointers of their own. Maybe Saphira with Zeus and Grazael with Auran." He looked deep into Brenton's eyes, hoping he knew David well enough to know this was his plan. He knew Deloi was smart enough to know if he harmed one of the smaller dragons, David Brenton and Velathan would kill Ryarion. He hoped Brenton would see that the Eldunari would be there to help the smaller dragons in case Deloi did attempt anything.

Zeus nodded slowly, sensing David's plan. The Eldunari would take control of Deloi's mind, immoblizing him so Zeus and Auran could rip him to shreds. He then contacted Saphira and Brenton and said "It would be an honor to show you the joys of the sky again Saphira."

[Ryarion]

Ryarion looked at the gemstones that Brenton had attempted to hand to him. I do not have need of it Brenton. But, if you used all your strength to do such a thing which took much skill it would be an insult to decline the jewels. Ryarion said as he reached out and took the jewels. Placing them into Deloi's saddlebag. Ryarion continued to listen to their conversation silently. His wards and barriers of his mind not showing that he was present there. I am unfortunately not able to teach the two dragons. I learned by myself and it's hard to articulate what I have learned. The eldunari be best to share their thoughts. I will be able to learn much as well. Deloi grumbled in his deep voice. Ryarion jumped down to another patch of soft leather carefully placed along Deloi's body so Ryarion could jump down onto that then onto the ground.

The rider patted Deloi's scale then turned to walk to the Inn.  Have fun. Ryarion communicated to Deloi through their connection. We shall best go to the Inn then yes? Ryarion said to the three other riders standing before him.

[Brenton]

Brenton nodded and walked over to put his eldunari on each dragon's saddle. They were likely to need them if there was a fight and the half elf still had Vaentr as well as Inferno's bracelet. So power wasn't an issue in this situation but it certainly was for a young dragon who didn't know how to fly in battle quite yet. Maybe keep Zeus and Auran from fighting unless absolutely necessary. Grazael and Saphira can help in the off chance that something happens but they are both peaceful dragons for the most part. As for us, don't fight with Ryarion and instead observe how he behaves. Learning from watching is a good way to understand. Try to soak up everything you see happen and later I will see what you two remember.

Brenton spoke directly to David and Velathan's minds, making sure walls were put up to block the conversation from anyone who would otherwise listen. Finally he turned to Ryarion and bowed his head slightly. Let us be on our way to the town now. No sense in waiting around out here and potentially catching cold. Please, do explain how you had to learn on your own. I have heard of no such thing considering even Eragon had people help him train when he was younger.

[Velathan]

Velathan nodded in agreement to the idea that they leave the dragons with Deloi. He wasn't overly fond of leaving Auran, but he realised that the Eldunari could at least teach Auran and Zeus new things so that if they did come to blows with the new rider, they'd be able to at least defend themselves adequately while the he, David and Brenton fought Ryarion on the ground, but he hoped it wouldn't come to that. "You ok with this?" he asked Auran, not out loud of course, but mentally. "I'll be fine. What's there to worry about? Besides, he wouldn't dare do anything with his rider with you."  Auran replied. Velathan sent back a brief feeling of acknowledgment before he began to walk with David, Brenton and the other rider to the nearby village of Therinsford.