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Post by Brenton on Mar 29, 2015 9:33:10 GMT -5
It had been a terrible battle, the day of Uru'baen being attacked by the Varden forces, even causing the heirs to the crown to flee. Many Empire soldiers had fallen before Galbatorix was killed by the riders. Then was when Rerukusu had taken Clarissa to the Nether so they could survive to see another day. Now was the time to return, two months after that fateful day, and Clarissa hoped no one would notice her.
So a rip in the space opened unto a plain of grass and trees where a single woman and her multicolored dragon stepped into Alagaesia once more. With a look around and a single muttered incantation meant to conceal her almost entirely, Clarissa climbed up onto Vervada. She reached down to feel Galbatorix's sword but remembered leaving it encased in Nether stone for safe keeping.
Silently they flew over the land to a small town where Clary knew of an Empire informant residing within a small hut. This would be her first stop to gain intelligence. As the town came into view, the dragon descended to touch down on the walkway outside a ramshackle gate. Clarissa climbed down and entered into the hut with careful steps. She stopped to find the man hiding with a blade in view. As he saw her though, the informant stood at attention and saluted with the Empire sign of fealty.
What are the Varden planning at this stage of their victory, Farin of Dras Leona?
The man drew forth a map and blueprints. These are their plans for a small fort meant for the lord of Carvahall, Roran Garrowsson. They have set up a council.
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Post by David Lightningsword on Mar 29, 2015 18:37:29 GMT -5
David and Zeus were flying back on their own after the assault on Gi'lead guard commander, who had hired mercs and assassins to take care of David and Zeus's mentor, Brenton. It had been a bloody battle, yet they had prevailed in the end. David had the Riders sword the commander had had on him. He was going to return it to the store that the Varden had of rider swords. (If I have permission and no one has it, I think it would be prudent for it to be Oromis's sword, since he lost it in the battle of Gi'lead) So suffice to say he had enough weapons on his belt.
Their plans changed in a second when they spotted a multi-colored dragon in the distance. Heralda roared in their minds "Its Vervada!" David knew at once what this meant. Clarissa Daughter of Galbatorix was once again back in Alagaesia. This faired ill for the Varden indeed... unless she could be reasoned with. From the memories Heralda had shared with him, he knew she was never 100 Percent evil. Vervada was bigger than Zeus, so David wanted to avoid confrontation... Eldunari or not. He sensed confidence from Zeus and warned mentally "No Zeus, Vervada has to have already seen us, and contacted her rider. I am hoping for a peaceful transaction. Just stay here, they will come to us." Zeus growled lowly at that, but kept quiet and hovered in the same spot. They were all prepared to fight off a mental attack.. actually pretty confident that with Herlada's help they could do it.
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Post by Brenton on Mar 29, 2015 19:01:42 GMT -5
((Not sure which member but someone has Naegling. They may even be inactive now but I don't know.))
It was a slight tremble of wariness from Vervada that alerted Clarissa to a presence nearby. If she was worried this much then it had to be a rider or strong magic user who had concerned her so badly. Instantly the daughter of Galbatorix drew a sword and ran out of the house to leap up onto Vervada. They flew up into the air and circled for a second before flying towards Zeus and David. A third mind was there, familiar to Clarissa, but she couldn't place it to a name or face.
Either way she was ready for battle and it wouldn't take much to kill this Varden rider and dragon before they received back up. Then she felt the minds of four more people, three dragons and an elf, which meant she couldn't attack just yet. So the woman reached out and spoke to the rider directly.
You are young and well protected but since I feel Heralda nearby then I will give you a chance to explain why you are here. Be warned that I am the daughter of Galbatorix and one of the strongest Empire survivors. I won't hesitate to split you from head to groin if I feel threatened by any of those with you. My name is Clarissa and this is my partner, Vervada. Clarissa had remembered where she felt the mind before.
---
Brenton, after having defeated the Gilead commander, had fallen behind David. After all he was riding a horse and so could not keep up with a dragon. But the fact that he was close enough to see his student was the reason he knew when Clarissa appeared. Brenton reigned in his mount and prepared to assist David if need be.
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Post by David Lightningsword on Mar 29, 2015 19:11:48 GMT -5
Zeus growled quietly in challenge at the riders words. A quick pat on the neck by David told him to calm down, David knew at the present moment they were no match for her, she would know some dark magic David knew not, and while he was a pretty powerful spell caster, he did not want to tangle with her. Nor did he think threatening her with the names of those with him was a smart idea. So David bowed his head and preformed the elven greeting before he said
"Clarissa, Daughter of Galbatorix, it is an honor to meet your presence.. same to you, Vervada of many colors. I am David Lightningsword, and this is mine Dragon, Zeus. You already know Heralda I am told. You showed her some kindness while she was held captive, which I must thank you for." He bowed his head again, before he continued "I am not here to cause any trouble, we are just passing by. Zeus noticed Vervada, and we could not help to be curious, as you have been away for two months." He smiled softly As he cast a glance to his companions in the distance, urging them to not attack.. just yet. He would rather not kill a fellow Rider.
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Post by Brenton on Mar 29, 2015 19:29:51 GMT -5
Clarissa smirked at how this rider named David spoke to her with barely contained caution. At least he was intelligent enough to know when he was outmatched, even with the others on his side. Just then she recognized Brenton and drew in a sharp breath. He had been the one to attack Rerukusu and severely cripple his power. She couldn't allow the elf to escape which meant that David could not be permitted to pass either.
I'm sorry Heralda but you keep dangerous allies and I must avenge my familial honor even if it means being your enemy afterwards. Forgive me and know I intended to let you go. With that she barked a word long forgotten in the Ancient Language. It meant deathlike stone in most translations. If allowed to hit David, he would be petrified and slowly squeezed of all life energy until he was nothing but a husk.
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Brenton didn't catch the full word but he recognized to parts, both older than any other known comprehension. Defend David. It's a death curse which is nearly unavoidable. Use Heralda and tell her deathstone. She will know what it means. With that he shot into the air and used magic to fly toward Clarissa with Undbitr drawn and at the ready.
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Post by David Lightningsword on Mar 29, 2015 19:42:26 GMT -5
Heralda let out a roar, mirrored in great likeness by Zeus. Brenton's mental words reached David just in time for David to open his mind to Heralda and told her of deathstone. That was all she needed as she began to relay the spell needed to protect himself, meanwhile giving him the energy to preform the spell. It was just in time to protect him from it. He then barked at Brenton "No!" And quickly cast a spell on him, that if it hit him it would suspend him in the air, where he would not be able to move.
He then looked at Clarissa "We mean you no harm, yet if you continue in this manor we will have no choice but to attack.. and while you may have magics unknown to one young rider and dragon, we have many more older ones with us, you will meet your end. We just want to talk" He hoped the fact that he had basically just saved Clarissa's life was enough to gain her calmness. He also hoped the fact he had not drawn either sword or any weapon at all would help with that as well.
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Post by Brenton on Mar 29, 2015 19:56:42 GMT -5
Brenton was trapped just out of reach of his target by a spell from David. If only he had not instructed David on the proper way to control energy for maximum restraint then the elf could escape. Yet he was now glaring at Clarissa with murder in his eyes. Do not attempt that again, daughter of Galbatorix. I have lived longer than most and was instrumental in your family's downfall. Don't think I can't sense and understand your dark magic before you attack my pupil in such a manner.
---
Clarissa stopped short of David as he stopped her spell, using energy and enchantments not known to many. It was unlikely that Brenton had fed him the right words but Heralda could have. Yet it meant Brenton had caught on to her spell in time to warn them. Slowly the enchantress raised her hands and spoke calmly. Any who can block a spell as obscure as the deathstone curse deserves my respect. You may speak and I will refrain from attacking again. Please continue but call of the attack dog first.
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Post by David Lightningsword on Mar 30, 2015 19:15:17 GMT -5
When the female rider declared she would refrain from attacking again, David muttered a spell in the ancient language that would bring Brenton over to rest on Zeus's back, Heralda giving Zeus the strength to carry them both. He next ended the binding spell on Brenton and turned his attention back to Clarissa. He then spoke softly "I know how you feel Clarissa, I want you to know that besides your brother.. there are others who know how you feel." They both had no parents left, and in some ways David was worse off.. all he really had was Zeus and Heralda who loved him. Brenton cared, but not like that of a bonded partner.. or the parent of that bonded partner.
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Post by Brenton on Mar 30, 2015 20:36:48 GMT -5
Brenton was astride the smaller Zeus before his body became mobile again, just stopping short of impaling himself on a spike. He simply sat there and waited for signs of a slip in Clarissa's restraint for she was an heir to Galbatorix and therefore untrustworthy.
Clarissa's on the other hand looked away and spoke quietly. I am sorry for what my father and his disciples did to your family. He and I never saw eye to eye on many subjects and the slaughter of so many riders was one of them. Yet some of us, including Brenton, hold family in high regard and will die defending their honor. Since it is clear he won't forgive me even though I am not my father then I must say I won't trust him. Now David, I know you understand but how can you comprehend that, even with a bloodline so rich in darkness, I still love my brother and family. They are all I have left and so I don't enjoy missing a chance to right the wrongs.
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Post by David Lightningsword on Mar 30, 2015 22:15:57 GMT -5
David spoke softly but with an urgency in his voice as he said "Then right the wrongs Clarissa. Try to untaint the name of Clarissa Galbatorixsdaughter by not starting an uprising. Join today's Riders as we seek to rebuild the land we have ripped apart.. fix your father's wrongs. You can't bring back all the Dragons and Riders your father and the forsworn killed, yet you can join us in raising a new generation of them. I know if Vervada is like every other dragon I know, she will not want to fight her kin again.. and neither do I." he then sent a mental warning to Brenton "Do not attack unless we have no other choice. If we can gain her trust and befriend her now, we can save this hard earned peace.. and not add more to the extinction of the Dragons."
Heralda was proud of David for not taking the easy road and just ending Clarissa right there. Too loose another dragon was too high a price, no matter what good it may do in the end.
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Post by Brenton on Apr 8, 2015 15:01:37 GMT -5
Clarissa frowned slightly as she thought about what this rider in front of her was saying. He appeared to be genuine and honestly believed that she could be saved but if she went before the Rider Council then they would have her head on a silver platter. As the leader of the Riders, Eragon was sure to be swayed by his hatred for her family and if the rest of the Council was made up of elder riders then she would perish. It mattered not that she was not her father or brother.
I...I can't go before the Council. They are new members but the vast majority will likely have memories of the Fall. Even Eragon Shadeslayer is unlikely to allow me clemency. Unless Murtagh would vouch for me or enough Riders backed me then I would be executed instantly. It's too risky.
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Post by David Lightningsword on Apr 8, 2015 19:55:56 GMT -5
David sighed and shook his head, sensing fear in the female riders words. While he was not high up in the Rider hierarchy. He was not the lowest member either. Not to mentioned he had in his possession one of the more respected Eldunari left sane. His thoughts and testimony would Carry some weight. Unless....
"You can go before them Clarissa. If you have Myself, Zeus and Heralda to vouch for you they will not kill you on site. Also, if the famous Brenton and his...friends... Vouched for you as well.. you would be as good as cleared." He smiled softly before looking at Brenton, giving him one of those 'you'd better do it or else' looks.He knew the two hated each other, yet this was there chance to stop a rebellion before it had even began. It was obvious what was going on below them, and David would prefer not having to shed any more blood in another war.. and watch more people
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Post by Brenton on Apr 8, 2015 20:45:33 GMT -5
Brenton sighed and shook his head in frustration. My word is nothing to the Council now. Not after what I did to Isrydia and said to Eragon. They would take one look at me and I would have swords at my own throat. Maybe Konner or Kelocias would stand in my place but they both have issues with her family as well. Best to just admit when hope is gone and nothing can be done to change fate. The half elf could still see that wretched day at Ristvak'baen when he had attacked Isrydia and then called Eragon a coward. Sure he had apologized but actions spoke louder than words. Nothing could fix that single moment.
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Post by David Lightningsword on Apr 9, 2015 14:22:17 GMT -5
David shook his head at Brenton, not believing what he was hearing "You and him still share the same blood, not to mention those respectable 'friends' of yours. I am sure your opinion mixed with theres and mine will hold some weight. The Dragons are still in danger, and they will not kill her outright, even if she is the blood of Galbatorix. If they try, I will stand in their way, and they would not kill an innocent dragon and Rider." The best thing now was to gain Clarissa's trust, as to avoid her returning to the men below them and starting a new war. The Riders needed everyone they could get. As Murtagh had been forgiven his crimes, David was sure with a little persuasion they would forgive Clarissa's as well. If it really came to bloodshed though, and forgiveness was impossible, David would have to stand aside.. he could not pull Zeus with him to the grave they would receive for still protecting Clarissa.
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Post by Brenton on Apr 9, 2015 16:28:32 GMT -5
Brenton sighed and wished that David had listened more to that story. Eragon isn't related to me. It was a trick done by Galbatorix to convince everyone that I was a son of Brom and Islanzadi. My actual name is Sir Brenton of Du Weldenvarden. I'm a son of a peasant and a normal human who just happened to be able to gain training from an older knight. Besides, Eragon despised me when he thought I was his brother. Although Konner and Kelocias would both be likely to help if I asked. I could even call upon a few other dignitaries and notables friends.
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Post by David Lightningsword on Apr 27, 2015 19:36:03 GMT -5
David nodded in satisfaction, although it seemed Brenton had missed the whole point he had been trying to make by 'friends'. He had meant his Eldunari. Saphria I, Grazeal and Ventr or whatever his name was, David always seemed to forget it. He next turned to Clarissa and offered her a smile "As you see, we can grant you safety. You could learn more from the Riders. You could have friends and a new family. I would happily call you my sister. And of course.. Zeus is always in look of some new friends" He nodded towards Verveda. Zeus himself gave a short nod, although he was still wary of the whole thing, not sure of Clarissa would spit the idea back out at him and attack, or if David, Brenton and Zeus would go down as the Riders who stopped a rebellion. Heralda had of course being roaring for a pardon of Verveda since she had been found by Eragon and Saphira, as she believed any Dragon or Rider should be given a new start, a chance to redeem themselves.. even the spawn of Morzan, although Morzan himself would never had been granted such luxury by Heralda. Even the though of him brought anger for revenge into her mind.
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Post by Brenton on May 30, 2015 18:18:53 GMT -5
Clarissa, being the daughter of the tyrant king, was uncertain if they could actually work it out for her to be pardoned. Yet there was no reason not to be hopeful for a new life. With a nod of her head, the rider smiled at David and then felt her face flush. Why did this human rider get her so worked up at a time like this? Thank you, David rider of Zeus. Her tone was shy and quiet as the woman turned away to hide her embarrassment.
Brenton was watching carefully when suddenly he recognized the behavior that Clarissa displaying. Oh dear lord, David. Clarissa has a crush on you now. What did you do to make her notice you?
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Post by David Lightningsword on May 30, 2015 21:40:56 GMT -5
David smiled softly as he saw her reaction. This was good. "You are very welcome, Clarissa, Rider of Vervada" His eyes flicked to the ground full of resistance fighters. He extended his mind, and found them uncertain whether to attack or not. Some wanted to, other did not. They had yet to see or feel David and Brenton's crew just a short ways away. David looked at the female rider and said "You might want to calm your troops.. if they attack I do not think I can hold my friends back a second time." David nodded towards the men bellow.
He then looked at Brenton and whispered "I showed her kindness, something she has probably never been shown before... plus I'm a catch" he shrugged. He could sense concern from Zeus, even though their minds were closed off from eachother. Clarissa and Vervada may not attack them with their minds now, but there was no way to gather if there was a magician amongst the resistance troops
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Post by Brenton on May 31, 2015 0:23:37 GMT -5
Clarissa waved a hand at the troops below, intending them to stop, but when they didn't she jumped towards them. A menacing glare was in the young woman's eyes as she held her hand up and pointed at the leader. One move toward them and you are the first to die. Now leave! Slowly the Resistance agents left and Clarissa smiled towards David.
You sound like me when I was younger. Not everyone will go for the self confident show off, trust me on that. Trenton shook his head and then his eyes shot open in surprise.
Clarissa, while David and Brenton were busy, had moved closer and took David's hand in hers. Thank you... With that she gave him a small kiss on the cheek before turning away before her face could turn red.
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Post by David Lightningsword on May 31, 2015 16:22:17 GMT -5
David smiled softly. Things were going well. he had done what he had sought out to do.. to save the need for conflict. Maybe..just maybe.. by doing this, he had stopped a second war. He did not want to think good thoughts like that though.. not yet anyways. If not Clarissa.. they could rally behind another leader still. Yet it would be easier with another Rider on their side. The more the better. The Riders could be established once more and peace would once again flourish in Alageasia. He smiled at her "Thank you." They would have won anyways, for Brenton, Zachriah and the rest of them could have taken the men while David, Zeus, Velathan and Auran took on the Dragon and Rider before them. But death and battle was best avoided... for they would have won, but at what cost?
David smirked at Brenton and said "You mean I sound like you now." Brenton too was overconfident, and as much as Brenton taught David, David taught Brenton for he often kept the older man in line.
he was surprised hismelf when Clarissa kissed his cheek. "Umm.. Thank you." He said softly, Returning to the favor with a kiss on the cheek of his own. Zeus Growled, but did not attack, for the Black Dragon knew attacking would ruin whatever they had done today.
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