A moment to think [Closed]

[madge]

Ty had found himself sitting on a rather large hill just outside of the city limits. He looked over the debris that polluted the air, his face distorted with anger. Xion had been curled up, his tail wrapped around his body. Ty took the chance to rest, laying his back against his partner, hands behind his head casually.

"What troubles you little one?".. Xion asked, concern heavy in his voice. Ty turned, gazing into Xion's large green eye. It felt as if Xion had been attempting to peer into his soul. He sighed, smiling faintly as he resumed his original position, closing his eyes with ease. He reached out, softy nudging Xion's self conscious with his own. The two merged, giving Ty a sense of comfort and safety. Images poured into Xion's mind, that of war, destruction, murder. After his images had ceased, he sighed. "Those Varden scum, this town had to suffer because of those insolent rebels. I just, can't..hi-"
[/b]
Ty was cut off by Xion, the massive dragon now resting his head upon a patch of soft green grass. "I know everything you're feeling remember? I shouldn't have been so ignorant to have asked, but you have to keep your emotions out of this. This is the result of war, and it's why we're here. To stop the varden from destroying and reining chaos down across these lands. It'll be alright, just enjoy yourself while you can. It's not often that the weather here is as nice as it is." The Dragon said, now closing his eyes slowly. Ty agreed and opened his eyes, looking up to the sky.

"Xion, we have the power to bring peace back to these lands." Ty replied, his focus now on the clouds that hung overhead. Xion snorted, almost as if he was trying to laugh. "Of course, we just need sharper claws and teeth." And with that comment, the two began discussing idle topics. Ty couldn't help but smile through his anger, he was with Xion, and for the moment that was all that mattered.

[Arwen of Gil'ead]

Zane leaned forward on Calen's neck, stretching out her back. The King had her running around the whole Empire ragged these days. She could feel Calen's weariness with every flap of his wings. Zane herself was so so tired her arms felt like lead. She had just finished her task of cleaning out the slums of Dras- Leona. So many people had died at her hand or at her words, so many Varden operatives were silenced and sentenced to death by her command.  Zane enjoyed the power but she hated how much blood was on her hands. She sat up straight in the saddle began to stroke her long brown hair solemnly. She sighed and now she was playing nanny.  The King had sent her to locate Ty and Xion for the King's on peace of mind. And of course, the king never let Zane rest. Rest would do the green rider too much good.

Calen sniffed the air and let out a deafening war. Zane nearly fell off his neck in surprise. I smell death near by, [/b] he said to his rider.

Zane sniffed the air herself before frowning. 
It's Carvahall, it was believed that they were helping the Varden. And now they paid the ultimate price. It is a horrible fate to be scared out of your home.

Calen simply blew smoke out of his nose before replying, You'd think they would've learned by now that resistance isn't really working out so well. I mean, those who resist always end up dead. Deader than dead even. The king has no patience for dissent.[/b]

Zane just nodded solemnly, she agreed fully with her dragon. She wished people could just see through the violence and see a peaceful end. Unfortunately both sides were swimming in blood. 

Violence is just a means to an end, and so are our actions

The dragon and rider descended from the sky. The land was still very green but the area around the town was black and dead. Calen let out another roar, warning those around of his presence. As they descended, Zane noticed specks of blood on his green scales.  She had no way of knowing if they real or not. She rubbed her eyes and the blood disappeared form her eyes.

Ugh, the visions are coming back, Calen, she sighed as she landed in the thick of the destroyed city.

You are just tired, [/b] Calen said thoughtfully, It will pass. [/b]

Zane just shook her head and dropped out of the saddle. She knew very well that her old madness was returning. But she ignored the thought, she refused to have it hang on shoulders. The Rider opened her mind to search for Ty and Xion.
"Ty, Xion," she shouted. 

[madge]

Ty and Xion had fallen asleep after their previous discussions. However, they were awakened by the sound of a dragon's roar. Ty slowly opened his eyes, yawning as he stood up. He threw his arms above his head, looking down to the distraught town. He spotted a green dragon, a long with a rider. He tilted his head to Xion, his facial expression serious. Xion lifted his snout to the sky, sniffing around. "Relax Ty, They're from the empire. It's Zane and Calen." Muttered the red dragon, he slowly lowered his head back to the ground, closing his eyes as he hummed with joy. "I thought they looked familiar. Just wanted to make sure.."

"Ty, Xion!" Zane shouted, in hopes of getting Ty's attention.

Ty closed his eyes, removing all mental barriers. He prodded around, until he came across Zane's conscious. He didn't barge in, but merely brushed his conscious against her own with a gentle ease. It was his way of letting her know that he was there.

Ty whispered to himself in the ancient language, "kopa". With this magical word, his eyes became attuned, and could see further distances. But, the main reason for doing so, was so that he could glance upon Zane with detail. He smiled faintly, however his facial expression appeared to be blank. "She's still as beautiful as ever, eh Xion?" He commented. Xion snorted, chuckling of some sorts. "Ah, could those be feelings I sense?"[/color] Xion muttered playfully. Ty turned his head, looking directly at Xion. "Whoa, can I not compliment a woman on her looks? doesn't always mean there's hidden intent behind my words you know." Ty muttered, lowering himself to the ground. He crossed his legs now, concentrating. Xion lifted his head for a few seconds, watching the rider with particular detail. "If you say so, but you can't fool someone who's always in your mind. There may not be feelings, but i can definitely sense interest." [/i][/color] And with that Xion returned to his normal position.

[Arwen of Gil'ead]

Zane felt a familiar presence brush up against her conscious. She recognized the presence almost immediately. She smiled as she realized that she had found Ty. She had grown somewhat fond of her fellow rider, but yet she felt that he had his perception warped by the King. Zane's mind had been already somewhat fragile before she had met the King and now he had helped her piece it back together. Now she feared that it was beginning to fall apart again from the stress. Both the Varden and The Empire had been acting up and it kept Zane and Calen incredibly busy. That's why she had begun to find comfort in Ty's presence. Though they were not incredible close, it was nice to know one shared the same fate.

Zane almost lost her balance as Calen nudged her, as he saw a smile crossed her lips.
I'm assuming you found them, he said teasingly, humming with laughter.

"Oh shut it, Calen," Zane said with a frown, slapping her dragon's muzzle lightly.

Calen snorted and smoke blew out of his nose and said slyly, I wasn't implying anything.

Zane just shook her head as she walked nimbly toward the hill where she assumed Ty and Xion were resting. She could spot the red dragon from a mile away. He wasn't the most camouflaged creature. The Green rider walked nimbly over debry and god knows what else. Calen followed on next to her, playing a game with himself which involved stepping and crushing everything he saw. Zane couldn't help but smile at her dragon's antics.

"I was just happy that we don't have to fly anymore, that's all," she said with a shrug.

Yet again, Calen snorted.But you like flying, Zane. It's one of your favorite things to do.

"So?" Zane said with her eyes narrowed.

Your just happy to see him, Calen said nudging his rider again.

Zane simply didn't reply as she trudged up the hill toward Ty and Xion. She often got frustrated when Calen would push her buttons, but he was the only one who get away with it. She was the Bane of Men after all, and now one teased the Bane of Men. If they did, they often died shortly after. She soon came face to face with the Rider and Red dragon. She bowed her head in greeting to the two, as Calen just stood by her side.

"I was hoping I'd find you here, Ty. The King was...worried about you," she said picking her words with care. Worried may not of been the best use of words, but oh well.

It would be helpful for us if you would inform him where you are going, Calen said simply, eyeing the two with a green eye.

[madge]

Ty opened his eyes, pausing his meditation as the green rider approached. He slowly lifted himself up, now standing. "Hey there! We were..uh..on an assignment?" He said, struggling to end his sentence. This was far from the truth however. Ty was expected to return back to the palace many days ago, and he would surely be punished for his insolence. But In Ty's eyes, it was worth it. He loved the feeling of freedom, he was stress-less, and it gave him the opportunity to seek out knowledge.

"I was hoping I'd find you here, Ty. The King was...worried about you," Ty's apparent smile faded as he turned back to Xion. The dragon opened his majestic eyes, glancing back at Ty, a hint of caution now visible. Ty decided to laugh it off, turning back to Zane. "Well, I was bored of running the old man's missions, so I decided to take some time off. Anyhow, how did you guys find us? I'm pretty impressed." Ty stated, throwing his right hand behind his head as he ran his fingers through his wavy brown hair.

Ty retreated back into his mind, back to the safety and comfort of Xion's presence. "How fast do you think it'd take to make it back to the palace?" Ty asked, curiously. Xion found this statement quite humerous, replying with much pride. "It wouldn't take longer then a day, We have plenty of time. That is what you wanted to hear, correct?" Xion commented, chuckling. Ty replied with a quick "You know me so well, I'm lucky to have ya." The dragon didn't respond, however Ty could feel the sudden surge of passion and emotion flow into his conscious.

During Xion's / Ty's mental conversation, Ty would end up moving closer to his dragon. He once again, lowered himself next to Xion, resting against his partner. He looked back up to zane, his back seated firmly against Xion's neck. " You know, you're the only thing I miss when I leave that damned place. I just feel..like some useless pawn there. I'm given task after task, unable to learn, unable to train. It's frustrating." muttered Ty, his gaze slowly falling. He quickly lifted his head, now curious. "So, what are you guys doing here?"

[Arwen of Gil'ead]

Zane raised her eyebrow at Ty before saying, "You were on assignment?"

She couldn't help but laugh to herself, back in her early days with the King she would often disappear at times too. She enjoyed the freedom of just being in the air with Calen, free as can be. She had gotten scolded and tormented by the King for it. But after awhile she began to lose interest in it. When the King began to trust her, she was given more free reign and more freedom to travel. But with that came more responsibility.

"I have my ways," Zane said with a shrug as she stroked Calen's shoulder, "Nature was a buzz with the rumors of a dragon rider. All I had to do was listen."

And nearby travelers were talking about a red dragon in the sky, Calen simply as he crouched down, tucking his legs underneath his large green body.

And of course, he said addressing his rider privately, You could sense him from a mile away.

You can stop anytime now, Calen! She said to her dragon looking at him through the corner of her eye. She was actually grateful that for once he didn't try to embarrass her out loud. Calen had a tendency to do that.

Zane was snapped out of her thoughts when he mentioned missing her. She was taken aback. She never found herself being the type of person to miss. She was so used to the constant companionship of Calen that she often forgot the companionship of the people of her own race. She couldn't help but smile at the fact that someone actually missed her. And especially someone such as Ty.

Calen hummed with laughter and looked at Zane with a green eye. She just looked at back, daring him to say something. He thought better of it.

"The king is just busy and there is a lot of things he needs done. Don't worry you'll be trained soon enough. If not by Galbatorix, perhaps me. But there is a lot of things I don't understand," she said with a shrug, "And frankly I have more to worry about than my own training."

Zane was rather lucky that she had received training from the King, she actually was worried if she and Calen had been left to their own devices how their minds would've warped. Calen had to fight his own madness as well as her's, she felt that if it wasn't for the King they would've both succumbed to it. And that would've been disastrous for them both.

"We were returning from a mission from Dras-Leona, we were overseeing the execution of some Varden operatives," she said as she sat down next to Calen and leaned against him, "What are you doing here is more of the question."

[madge]

"We were returning from a mission from Dras-Leona, we were overseeing the execution of some Varden operatives," stated Zane. This comment, however caused Ty to twitch with indifference. He sighed, laying his head back gently. Xion snorted, shaking his snout with ease. "I don't know how much longer i can take this constant chaos Zane. For so long, I've been passive, doing my best to remain optimistic that the varden scum would be defeated with ease. I'm beginning to enjoy the war, murder. I just.. feel like somethings happening to me, and I don't like it." commented Ty. He closed his eyes, embracing the wild breeze as it blew by, flowing through his hair.

"What are you doing here is more of the question." interjected Zane. Ty laughed, speaking quietly. "Well, to be honest. I'm toying with the thought of leaving this land. I don't know what remains, or awaits me.. but surely Xion and myself would be better off somewhere else, rather then here. However, there is still much i wish to learn, do, see. So, i guess you could say i'm out here trying to see the world for what it is before i decide to make my true decision." Ty replied, his eyes still closed. Xion stirred, lifting his head in attempts to catch Ty in his peripherals.

"Was it wise to inform her of our decisions without talking to me about it first? What happens if the king catches word, We'll be tortured Ty." Xion muttered calmly, addressing Ty with the utmost privacy. "I can trust her Xion. Even if the king happens to find out, I won't care. I'm not going to change who I am because the man holds monstrous power." replied Ty. Xion spoke, anger coursing through his words. "Do you honestly wish to be enslaved, held against your will? Or, i suppose you want to be tortured to the brink of madness, and beyond!" Exclaimed Xion, smoke billowing out from the dragon's nostrils. Ty sighed, giving his apologies. "It's only because i care for you young one." he added.

Anyhow, I doubt I'll take that thought into action. It'd be pretty boring without having you in my life. And I've grown to enjoy Calen's presence as well." stated Ty, his eyes now open, a wide smile apparent across his face.

[Arwen of Gil'ead]

"You are too smart to be consumed by madness," Zane said motioning for him to sit next to her, "You can only be born mad. And you are not born mad. Your quite a sensible actually."

She smiled at him slightly before saying, "I understand how you feel, I've become so used to killing that I have forgotten how horrible of thing it is to do. But unlike you, I was born mad. But Xion will keep you down sane. That's what dragon's are for."

Zane knew how indifferent she had become to killing, her and Calen both. They no longer cared who lived and who died. But everytime she had to kill she did feel guilty. She hated the blood of it too. It stuck in her mind like glue, as if with every death their blood was covering her. But that was a result of her own madness.

She felt a twinge in her heart when she heard that he wanted to leave. The thought of being alone in this war, made her filled with dread. She couldn't handle the burden by herself, and who else besides Calen on could she talk too? It gnawed at her. She also realized that if the king ever found out about Ty's desire to leave he would be tortured. Zane had been tortured by the king at least once, one time was all she could remember. But Calen rememerbed all the times she was sure.

"I can understand your desire to leave, I have thought about myself. But I would keep those thoughts to yourself," she said with a frown, "Those are the thoughts that get you tortured. And trust me, Galby knows a thing or two about torture."

Calen growled behind her, he remembered the torture alright. He immediately was filled with rage whenever he thought about it. Zane put a hand on his shoulder and stroked his mind with her own calmly and soothingly. She didn't want him to go into one of his fits of rage again. Eventually, Calen's mind calmed down, much to Zane's relief.

She leaned against Calen's chest, enjoying the warmth, She had forgotten how cold it was in the north, and she was never properly dressed for the cold. She smiled as Ty said, "Anyhow, I doubt I'll take that thought into action. It'd be pretty boring without having you in my life. And I've grown to enjoy Calen's presence as well."

Who doesn't enjoy my presence? Calen hummed.

The deer, that's for sure, Zane replied to her dragon, poking him in the chest. She then returned her attention to Ty.

"Well I would be quite lonely if you left, Ty," she resting a hand on his knee.

Because you are infatuated with him, Calen said to his rider teasingly.

"I swear Calen, if you say something one more time I'll--" Zane stopped as she realized that she was talking out loud. She quiclky brushed her hair into her face to cover her blush. She shot Calen an angry look as he sat their growling with laughter.

[madge]

Ty stood up, joining Zane as she motioned for him. He once again, lowered himself next to her, his feet out in front of him, as his hands held the ground just slightly behind his torso. "Well I would be quite lonely if you left, Ty," Ty's smile had become apparent, he turned to Zane, his face bright. "Hah, I'm glad I met you Zane." He commented, resuming his glance to the blue sky that hung overhead. However, he was torn from his thoughts as the sound of yelling grabbed his attention. "I swear Calen, if you say something one more time I'll--" Xion lifted his head, looking at the green rider with wide eyes. He followed his actions by chuckling brightly. Ty turned to face Zane, his facial expression blank. "haha..what?"

However, Ty continued to stare. He lifted his right hand, slowly raising it to Zane's hand. He was thrown back, surprise filling his gut. "You need to wear more clothing, you're freezing!" Ty yelped, now attempting to wrap his arm around the rider, pulling her closer. If he succeeded, he would rest his head against her own, uttering in the ancient language. "Vanyali moi" Meaning (Magic change) By uttering these words, he was attempting to warm Zane up, not only with magic, but his own body heat. He held her closely, and with care. All other topics before them seemed less important, he was with Zane, Xion, Calen, and that's all that mattered to him.

For a slight second, seconds moved as if they were minutes, Minutes as if they were hours, and hours as if they were days. He didn't quite understand it, maybe it was the magic? A deep sense of emotion swelled up inside him, and he couldn't put his finger on the cause. He closed his eyes, still embracing Zane. He hopped she didn't mind the fact he was holding her, but it was in a way, soothing to Ty. He felt as if, he had everything he could of possibly wanted. He decided, that it was best to release a tad bit of his emotion, now attempting to feed Zane images, and his emotions that he felt towards her. He felt that his approach was more caring, rather than spouting words.

However, Xion wasn't surprised by Ty's actions. It was obvious that Ty was a product of his emotions. He muttered, directly commenting towards Ty. "I know your feelings well, but you don't even know if she feels for you in the same way. Maybe you should release her and apologize.." Xane stated, his voice filled amusement. Ty opened his eyes, now realizing Xion's words. He slowly released his hold on Zane, laughing lightly as if he wanted to cover up his embarrassment. "Sorry, I just..don't know what got into me."

[Arwen of Gil'ead]

Zane tried to think of something fast to cover her random outburst. Calen was till humming with laughter, almost proud that he had managed to get her to embarrass herself. She often found that her dragon would go out of his way to tease her, especially about Ty or ay kind of male in the rider's life. She attributed it to territorial protectiveness. She had no doubt that if Calen couldn't detour he with teasing that he would probably go after Ty himself. She didn't blame him though, they were very close, closer than most and neither of them wished for anything to come between them.

"Calen was saying he was hungry...and he's eaten already?" Zane said, questioning her own explanation of her own out burst. She had a feeling that she hadn't done a great job.

Very smooth. Smooth as butter that comment was, Calen said nudging his rider playfully.

Zane frowned at her dragon's sarcasm.
I'm glad my embarrassment entertains you.

The green rider was pulled away from her thoughts as Ty pulled her into his arms to warn her up. She stiffened a bit in shock, she had never been so close to her fellow rider before. After awhile she relaxed, enjoying the warmth of another human body. It was comforting to know that someone merely cared that she was cold. It made her feel all warm and fuzzy inside.

"Perhaps I should dress more appropriate," she said with a small smile, even though she knew that would never happen.

She enjoyed showing off her femininity, but yet she had to dress so that she could fight in an instant. The combination often left her in short tunics and thin leggings. She preffered that than looking like a man, though Zane secretly knew that she'd never look like a man. Never.

She was enjoying the moments of silence she had in Ty's arms. It was peaceful, comforting, and almost felt right. But she knew deep down in the pit of her stomach that if she became attached to him, she could lose him in an instant. She also feared that her feelings for him could be dangerous. She was not sure how the King would react, if he found out that his Riders had formed a relationship. He could perceive this as a danger to his throne. She needed time to sort out her thoughts and feelings, but it was too late. She saw and felt all the emotions that Ty felt towards her, they flooded her thoughts and seemed to her that they pierce her bones.

Zane was already a bit shocked when Ty released her. All the words had been taken from her. Isn't that what you wanted? Calen asked her, his inner voice oddly quite.

I have no idea, can't you tell me? she replied to her dragon, filled with confusion. She hoped that perhaps he could decode her own feelings, like she could his. But of course the green dragon said nothing. She let out a mental sigh, she often wished she could understand her own thoughts. What a gift that would be!

"Sometimes passion fills us, we are human after all," she said to Ty offering a small smile, not really knowing what to say.

[madge]

Ty was quite embarrassed with himself, he turned to her, returning a wide smile. He simply stood up, stretching. He turned to Calen, walking closer. He hesitated before advancing any further. As he neared, he would place his hand on the dragon's neck, " Always a pleasure to see a magnificent being such as yourself Calen. Take care of her!" The rider stated. His voice was warm, kind, offering comfort to those who had the pleasure of hearing his words. "Xion, I think it's time to go. I don't think we'll be able to find sleep tonight. We better get to the Belatona before we.." Ty turned to Zane, his face blank. "Before we irritate the king a little more then we should." Xion snorted in agreement, now standing firm, his wings unfolding as the creature stretched. "It's been a pleasure seeing you again Calen, Zane." stated Xion, his voice proud and deep.

Xion settled closer to the earth, now turning his head towards his rider. "Are we leaving or not? I thirst for the cool sky's breeze." Ty turned his gaze to the red dragon, nodding. He soon shifted his sight back to Zane, a hint of sadness apparent. "I've got to get going. I was told of the approaching Varden, and I need to be there to defend Belatona. Well Zane, like always, thank you for keeping me company." Smoke billowed from Xion's nostrils impatiently. Ty hated to leave Zane, he rather spend his days talking, traveling the lands with her. However, life had different plans. The battle that soon lingered ahead, could potentially kill the red rider, but he kept that to himself. Why alarm her, no, it wasn't worth it to make someone worry over feeble matters. He stood for a few seconds, staring into Zane's bright green eyes, his once wide smile, now faint. "This could be my last time seeing her Xion.. Just gives us one more thing to fight for, eh?" commented Ty. Xion spoke, his voice heavy with optimism. "Surely not, we're strong are we not? Anyhow, we just need to do our best. If we die, we die, but we fight for tomorrow, so keep your mind in the present." Ty agreed.

He soon forced himself to strip his gaze away from Zane, and ran towards Xion. The red dragon un-folded his massive wings, now standing up. Ty jumped, reaching out for his saddle. He caught grip of the leather handle, and flung himself over into his seat. He turned his head, looking back at Zane and Calen once more. He waved slowly as Xion Darted into the air, the red dragon soon disappearing in the afternoon sky. The same image kept flashing through his mind, the image of Zane's beautiful eyes. They filled Ty with hope, his grasp on the saddle now intensifying. He wasn't worried, but confident. He knew he'd see her again, and he didn't care how.

[Arwen of Gil'ead]

Zane stood up gracefully after Ty, brushing off the light layer of dirt that had stuck to her. She leaned against Calen’s massive green shoulder.
I always do my best,[/b][/color] Calen said inclining his large head to the other rider.
Zane couldn’t help but laugh at Ty’s warm words, She very rarely laughed if it wasn’t for Ty and Calen. She reckoned she would of forgotten how to laugh. Her smile turned to a frown when he mentioned the looming battle. The King had asked her to oversee the army reinforcements, and ride into battle with them when the time came. She didn’t mind having to wait to enter the battle, in fact she preferred her. It gave her the ability to see where the battle was going and form a plan. Zane always tried to form a plan when the time came.

“Well, Sé onr sverdar sitja hvass (may your sword stay sharp), Ty. I have no doubt I will see you in Belatona. The king has me in charge of the reinforcements, I have a feeling that we may need them,” Zane said cooly. She paused, smiling briefly, “It is a pleasure to keep you company, my friend.”

It was true, Zane did enjoy keeping the other Rider company...for many reasons, some romantic, some out of comfort. But she did have a feeling that this battle was going to be a fearsome one. She heard all the nature on the continent a buzz with news of more Riders. Riders that she knew were not on their side. The green rider knew that their wood be many casualties. She pitied the non-riders in the battle, they would be the ones that suffered most.

They Riders seemed to stare into each other’s eyes for awhile, until Ty mounted Xion. She returned his wave with a wave of her own, and watched at the disappeared into the sky. She felt Calen’s warm breath on her neck.

He has feelings for you, Zane. They are as obvious as anything I have ever seen,[/b][/color] Calen said to her, as Zane gracefully climbed into the saddle, You need to sort out your own. It would be a shame if you lead him on.[/b][/color]

I will know how I feel when the time comes, she said to her dragon, even though she was sure how she felt now. The green dragon ascended into the sky.