The Devil's Rage (Open)

[Aisling]

A young woman furiously paced in front of window occasionally looking down at the city of Tronjheim, Artemis hated Farthen Dur. She hated the tunnels, she hated the lack of sun light, and most recently she hated the fact the dwarves have been coming from all over the Beor Mountains to come and complain to her. And what was she supposed to do? She was just left her to hold down the fort for the Varden not to help every dwarf with some petty problem!

She had just had a meeting with dwarf smith claiming that one of the other smith’s had copied his work and was selling it. They both made horseshoes! Horseshoes! How can you copy horseshoes? It was infuriating that the two fully grown men couldn’t solve this issue on their own. She had thrown them out of her office personally. The stupidity of some! she thought angrily, running her fingers through her short hair. She really could use a drink.

“Ugh! Joanna!” Artemis shouted.

A young woman rushed into the room, staring at her feet. Artemis cringed a bit. She often felt bad for scaring the servant girl. But Artemis was not called the Devil’s Rage for nothing. Perhaps she should take a few calming breathes before proceeding. The desert queen took a deep breath before saying, “I would like a drink, a alcoholic one before you send anymore people who wish to have an audience with me.”

“Of course, Commander,” the girl said with a small bow.

“Actually Joanna, make it two.”

The servant girl disappeared off to do her work as Arwen slumped in the chair at her desk. The desk was an utter mess, littered with maps, reports, letters, and all other sorts of things. She had the most perfect siege plan for Gil’ead. She was planning on sending it Nasuada in the near future...rather...she’d prefer to deliver it personally. Anything to get out of these mountains. She had sent a letter to the young Varden leader, begging for reassignment, or at least for the non-warriors of her tribe to be able to go to get safe transport to Surda. She carried more for her people than her own sanity.

And she was indeed going mad!

Joanna appeared with a mug of mead and placed it carefully on the desk of the agitated chief. Artemis immediately took the mug and downed its contents

“Send the next ones in Joanna, I’d like to be done with this as soon as possible,” she said, feeling slightly more refreshed.

“Of course, Commander.”

Artemis looked over her maps and plans again. Gods, I’m brilliant. She really was, she had sent a couple of spies to Gil’ead to check out the cities defenses and military barracks. The men had returned a few days ago, and ever since Artemis had shut herself away in this office, planning. And because of her disappearance the dwarves complaints had piled up. Her own tribe didn’t complain to her nearly as much as these dwarves did. Didn’t they have their own chiefs?

She looked up from her desk to see a group of dwarves standing before her. She sighed.
“Well, gentlemen, You have a complaint, yes?” Artemis said as stately and as professionally as possible. Though as always she was sure that they had sensed her annoyance.

“Well, madame,” the tallest one said, wringing the bottom of his tunic in his hands, “We are from Dalgon and we’d like to report a theft.”

Artemis eyed the Dwarves suspiciously.
“You walked here all the way from Dalgon?” she asked slowly.

“Well...yes. The thief took all our money, we have horrible gambling problems, all of us.”

“Well, I’m sorry to hear that,” the young commander said, crossing her arms, “Now what would you like me to do about it.”

The tall dwarf yet again wrung his tunic in his hands. Gods, what an annoying habit.

“Well, Ma’am, it’d be great if you could find him, hang him, and have him return our money,” he said nervously, “This isn’t the first theft, he’s pretty infamous around here. A werecat with blue hair.”

Artemis raised her eyebrow. Was this guy nuts? She couldn’t help but laugh a bit.

“A blue cat stole your coin?” she asked, holding back more laughter.

“A Werecat, ma’am.”

“Well, to be honest, I’ve gotten a lot of complaints about this werecat,” she said as she wrote something down quickly, making a note to look into this mysterious werecat thief. “Well, word of advice, learn to be better at cards or stop gambling with werecats, now leave,” Artemis said pointing at the door.

The Dwarves didn’t move.

Artemis raised and eyebrow. “GET OUT NOW!” she shouted her voice making the whole room shake.

The dwarves ran out of the room, leaving the steaming desert queen by herself. She sighed and stood up, placing her bow and quiver over her shoulder. She knew exactly how to catch a thief. She summoned Joanna back into the room. "I want a wanted poster made for this man and I want it posted all over."
Thieves were the worst in her eyes. At least a murder, though dispicible was honest. A werecat though now that's interesting, that coupled with the rumors of a white dragon flying around and elf wandering around the cities. Well, Artemis felt like her luck was a bout to change.

[Faervel Ningannel]

Faervel winced as he heard the unmistakeable bellow of Commander Artemis. He and Lumen had fought along side the fierce woman and they had been incredible scared of her then. And their fear as only increased tenfold. She had been so bitter to be left behind and to be honest, Faervel and Lumen were still a little hurt to be left behind as well. Someone had to watch the other eggs, and it was apparently him. I wish we could've gone to Surda! I've always wanted to go, Lumen said to him, her voice filling his mind, Promise you will take me there one day, NingannelThe golden dragoness was right behind him as always, occasionally nipping at his behind if he walked to slowly for her liking. Of course she used his other name, she liked it better. Lumen always did what pleased her, never listening to Faervel's reasoning. Opposites really do attract.

Faervel didn't respond to her comment. He was to busy thinking about what he had seen only the day before. Proof of a lone dragon wandering around the Beor's. He felt that he recongized the dragon as well, that somehow long ago he had seen him. But recently everything in Faervel's mind seemed to meld together with fatigue. He was really having trouble with his memory. He recieved a rather sharp nip in the rear from Lumen he yelped and turned and stared at her, eyes narrowed with annoyance.

"What was that for?" he said out loud, his mind was to tired to communicate with their link.

You didn't answer me, Lumen said with a growl.

"I'm sorry," the elf murmured. I have a lot on my mind.

Lumen lowered her head and nudged the elf gently. I know, Faervel but if there is another rider around they will make themselves known, I'm sure of it.

Faervel smiled, Lumen was indeed the best thing that has ever happened to him. Their bond was so strong, regardless of their different personalities.

Faervel watched as group of dwarves scurried out of the Commander's office. Well, that's not a shock he thought as he entered the room himself with Lumen snaking her head through the door way.
"Commander Artemis, you summoned me?" Faervel said with a small bow, his voice calm even though the Desert woman really did scare him a bit after she was angered. He could feel her ferocity in the air.

[Aisling]

The young Chief stopped what she was doing and looked at the elven rider. A small frown crossed Artemis' face, she had totally forgotten that she asked for his presence. She and Faervel had fought along side each other and regardless of their difference in personality, they had a special connection. While Faervel feared her rage, she feared his knowledge and power. The elf was so calm and soft spoken she often found herself if he even knew how important and powerful he was.

Artemis actually found his dragon to the more rambunctious and energetic of the two. Lumen seemed to be fierce yet bubbly. The desert chief and the dragon often got along swimmingly. Even though they both feared their each other. Artemis was actually quite relieved that Faervel and Lumen were stationed in Farthen Dur as well, at least she had someone to talk to that wasn't complaining about something all the time.

"Ah yes I did," She said sitting on the edge of her desk, "I'm sorry, for summoning you so quickly. I know you have just arrived back from scouting. You must be tired."

Artemis knew you could never really read and elf's expression but Faervel was a bit more easy to read, maybe it was because he had lived amongst men for so long, he had lost a bit of his elfish nature. But the rider looked tired, and even a bit confused...

Hello, Lumen, it is good to see you, she said in greeting to the gold dragon.

"I just need to know if the rumors are true. Is there a dragon in the Beor Mountains?"

This would be huge news, another dragon rider or even a dragon would mean a lot in the scheme of things. It would make battle really go towards the Varden's favor. And it would make everything way more lively around her anyway.

[Faervel Ningannel]

Faervel noted that Artemis seemed like she was about to be leaving. Perhaps that meant this meaning would be short and he could rest, before going off to on another scouting mission of his own. He had reason to believe not only was their a dragon in the Beor's but he believed that there was a new rider for The Empire. Something he was sure the comander didn't know.

"It's quite alright, Amarthanel," he said cooly, "I'm sure you wouldn't have summoned me unless it was important. Your not the type to waste time."

Faervel always used the commander's chief name when he addressed her. It kept him on her good side. And he always felt better when a small smile lit up that stern war worn face at the sound of her name of power. The wise elf had learned enough about the tribes of the desert to know that the Othes tribe valued their names of power over their very lives. And to lose it was a great disgrace. His ear's picked up when she asked about the rumors of another dragon.


"I have reason to believe so," Faervel said with a small smile. He sensed Artemis' desire for something new and exciting to happen here. She wasn't like him. He could sit and spend all his life in peace and never see anything exciting and be perfectly content. But the young desert woman was a lot like Ashael, they both loved adventure and battle. At least Artemis managed to survive all of hers. Sadness tugged on his heart strings at the thought of Ashael. He felt like he could never love again after her death. No, never again. He felt a nudge on his shoulder, and he saw one of Lumen's great green eyes staring at him.

Try not to think of her, please. It bothers my heart when you think of her, the dragon siad before returning her attention to Artemis.

Well, hello Commander. I have to agree with my rider. There is indeed a great dragon in the woods, I can sense his presense in my very core.

"I also have reason to believe that the Empire has a new rider as well," Faervel said darkly, "I can sense that in my very core. I can already smell the blood and death. I heard rumors, and I'd even be willing to venture into enemy territory to see if it is fact."

He watched as Lumen snaked her head to the Comander's desk and looked around. He knew Lumen was trying to be sneaky but she never was, she was just incredible nosey. But no one ever had the guts to deny her curiosity. That was often a death wish.

...A blue haired werecat theif...traveling with an elf...last seen in Tarnag....Is that where your going?

Does it really say an elf? Faervel asked his dragon, excitement filling his thoughts. He hadn't seen one of his brethren in a very long time.

Lumen just blinked at him and did not answer. Faervel frowned, sometimes he wished he could give her a good nip in the rear.

[Aisling]

A smile lit up Artemis' face at the sound of her name of power. She was so proud of that name, and she was quite excited that Faervel had picked up on the customs of the Othes tribe so quickly. Even she herself has trouble remembering all the different customs of the races and the various other desert tribes.

There were only two desert ribes that had aligned themselves with the Varden. The Othes and the Olishia. The Olisha were the richest of the two tribes but her tribe was the fiercest when it came to battle. But they were considered sister tribes and worshiped the same gods. Artemis had been working on serveral of the more magical tribes to come out of the desert and fight for the Varden but that had yet to work in her favor. Though she had heard the Zahari were thinking of coming to the Varden. That scared her though, for the Zahari were not truly human. They had given their humanity up by burning their faces with the golden tattoos of the Sun God Amun. They were strange, insane people, but powerful people.

"Ah so the rumors are true..." Artemis muttered to herself, a dragon really was wandering the Beor mountains. But where was it's rider? Or did it even have a rider? Strange, very strange.

Her smile immediately turned into a frown at the word Empire.
"I had heard rumors of a green Empire rider, and even rumors of a new Shade...Dark times are upon us, but of you feel that you should see these rumors for yourself," Artemis shrugged and winked at Faervel, "Go Ahead, you have my permission. Just please don't get killed. You may be strong of mind and magic but you aren't best fighter and your vows only make it that much eaiser to kill you, so Please. Watch your back."

Artemis would keep the secret of Faervel leaving from Nasuada. She knew that she would have a fit if she found Artemis had let him go off running around in enemy territory. In fact, Artemis found it foolish as well. But she didn't say anything. Just like she didn't say anything when she saw Lumen snooping around her desk.

"Yes, Lumen, there have been reports of a thieving werecat and an elf in Tarnag and I have taken upon myself to find the pair and bring them here."

[Faervel Ningannel]

Faervel and Lumen looked at each other. They would have to be strong if theye wished to enter into the lands of Galbatorix. Who knew what was going to happen? Who he was going to meet? The danger only seemed to grow from there. The comander was unfortuantely right, he was strong at magic but he was weak when it came to battle. He could fight better than most elves but he didn't fight, he was bound by magic to never draw a weapon until he was threatened. It was a rash thing he did so many years ago, and now that he was an object that just about everyone wanted to kill and he had Lumen to worry about he wished he could take his vow back. But he couldn't so he just had to roll with the punches.

Don't worry, Ningannel, we will be in this together. Lumen said to him, a hum in her throat, I have no doubt we will have a wild ride but we will have each other. And together we are quite the power house.

The elf placed a hand on the dragon's huge head. I am so grateful, I have you.

Faervel couldn't help but smile at Lumen's pride and confidence. Two things that he himself lacked. he wished he could match the dragoness' confidence but he was too humble and modest. Artemis had the same confidence as Lumen, he had seen it one numerous occasions. The elven rider had a feeling that the young desert chief could've been a rider, she had the guts to do it, but he also knew that she was not particularly fond of flying or dragons.

"I appreciate your blessing and understanding, Amarthanel. I will leave in two days time. You will be back from Tarnag by then, I'm sure," Faervel said, his crystal voice calm and humble.

He knew he could not leave until she had returned from her own mission, someone had to been charge at all times. there could be no vacuum of power, that defeated the purpose of both of them being left behind. Well, Faervel never really had to deal with the people. They all feared him even though he had been with the Varden before he was even a rider. But he was mysterious to the people of the Varden, unnaturally handsome and powerful. It was a lot for them to digest.
But Artemis did everything for the people, things that she were never in her job description. She was supposed to come up with battle strategies, not babysit. Faervel felt bad for the woman, all she needed was that one big break for her to be put on top. Just one more.

[Aisling]

Artemis crossed her arms as silence took over the room. She always could tell when Faervel and Lumen were having a telepathic conversation. All other spoken ones would end as they begun, living a strange silent pause. Artemis didn't like being ignored, especially when she felt she was being particularly generous, unbelieveable generous. The commander was putting her head on the chopping block for letting Faervel go into the Empire. If anyone finds out, I'm dead, she thought. She winced subconsciously at the thought of the conversation she would have to have with Nasuada and the rest of the Varden. She could already here the gossip of her ruined name.

The young woman was so lost in her thoughts that she didn't even hear, Faervel thank her. She was too distracted. Sometimes she wished the elf had more of a back bone. He was to calm, and way to peaceful to be fighting a war. Back when she and her tribe were back in the desert, they would leave those types behind on raids and tribal battles. They only hurt the outcome, never helped. her father always said, 'If a man doesn't wish to fight, he will sabotage a whole battle from anger from being forced to fight, guilt for fighting, and ignorance.'

Artemis remembered her father going around asking all the warriors of the tribe if they wanted to fight. When going on tribal raids and battles there were always a few men who would not fight because they fathered a child in that tribe. It was a common thing, men of the winning tribe would often take a woman from the losing tribe for a night or two. Artemis knew that's how she came to be. But she also knew her mother wasn't from a tribe but she was an elf. She never told anyone of her elven bloodline, mostly because she knew so little about it herself.

"Just don't get in trouble, Rider," she said as she walked to the door, "Because it's my head that goes on the chopping block."
Artemis grabbed her bow and sword that hung from a hook on the wall by the door. She placed the bow in her quiver and strapped on her sword. "Now if you'll excuse me it's quite the walk to Tarnag, the sooner I leave the sooner I'll be back. Good day Faervel and Lumen."

With that the young commander left, ready to go and catch an elf and thief. She also had a secondary mission to find the dragon.

[Faervel Ningannel]

Faervel left Artemis' office feeling somewhat relieved that the Commander had not blown up in his face about wanting to go out to the Empire. Though he hadn't really been honest with his intentions. Faervel had a feeling the the Desert Chief was assuming he wouldn't venture far into enemy territory...well.. the elf had ever intention of traveling to Uru' Baen. He needed to see the city and rider for himself. Rumors did not bode well with Faervel. He needed truth. Cold hard truth.

Perhaps you should've been more honest with her. Not that I'm preaching honesty, but she is putting a lot on the line, Lumen said to him, before nipping him the rear end yet again, Will you walk faster! I'd like to get some beauty rest before I have to go hunting again.

Faervel frowned and picked up his pace. He did often forget he moved very graceful and leisurely. He never felt the need to rush, he had all the time in the world. But Lumen was quick, and liked to get everything done as fast as possible. I suppose opposites really do attract, he thought.

D**n strait, the dragon said with a deep hum.

Faervel laughed at her saying the human curse. Lumen had picked up many habits since her hatching. Cursing being one of them. He did not mind though, he liked their differences. When the exited the hall ways they stopped and Faervel mounted the gold dragon. Shall we rest for our journey? he asked her.

The Gold Dragon leaped into the air and flew to the Dragon hold.