The battle of Belatona

[Ember]

Just as Tierar had thought she was getting somewhere with the larger black dragon with his plan in action he dismissed her like a youngling. Of course that spiked her anger and she settled on the rooftops of the palace watching him retreat. His rider must have been hurt. Her own limbs were aching from something Issie had done on the ground and she gently ran her tongue along her scales with the utmost care of her wounds. She wasn't sure what to do now and so decided to try and find her rider who she was amazed was still walking and still fighting. The diamond scaled dragon was about to do that before the sapphire dragon hurtled down towards her own perch, corkscrewing away and taking down the tower which Tie hadn't damaged yet. She blinked once then shot off of the palace, making sure to rip a chunk of the roof she was sitting on as well creating a large hole in the roof which she let a funnel of pure white fire into. The fire itself was a magical range of colours as it reflected off the surroundings, blues and a soft red of the men's fire torches. Content she had roasted the men alive to nothing more but blackened skeletons she hurled herself back into the air and drew her wings to her side so she free fell towards the ground, opening her wings at the last moment she caught both the sun and the wind under her wings and soared along towards the inner keep wall which Issie had managed to open. Tierar landed on the large stone sturdy wall and gazed down at the Varden warriors below her, thinking out easy it would be to just crush them all, Empire and Varden. They thought they were fighting a big battle, for freedom Issie had told her. Freedom was a nice idea, something good to fight for. The Empire men were scared, they wanted to protect their homes and Issie had told her many had been forced to swear alliance to the Empire despite what they wished because the King had found their true names. Tie hoped she would never find her true name. She hoped she would stay so mysterious that it was impossible to determine what her name would be. She only revealed herself to her rider, and Nora now. The diamond dragon lazily opened her jaw and then let out an ear shattering roar at the Empire soldiers. It was very clear what side she was supporting even though she had not sworn to the soldiers who fought for freedom.

TIERAR! Issie cooed and ran back towards her dragon. The diamond scaled serpent gently lowered her muzzle so that it was in easy reaching distance of the ground below and snorted at her rider with her brown and white hair and the scrapes she was covered in. Tie wanted to kill every single soldier who had harmed her but with a few images between them she knew they were dead already. Gone. A hum settled in her throat and she licked her rough tongue over her rider, shuffling her wings before she jumped, landing straight on a large amount of the empire warriors and flattening before the Dwarves could hack them down with their blades. She cast her eye down to the even smaller two leggers who loved their precious gems and stones and the Earth. At that moment the dragon couldn't understand why the dragons ever hated Dwarves. They were alike, her and these small odd men and women with such a gruff nature. She was mildly aware of her rider darting thought the men and quickly scaling up her back while she examined the dwarves on one side of her flank and the Empire soldiers on the other. This is how it should be, this odd little quiet because she had installed peace. As soon as she moved they would be mowed down or vice versa. She hoped the Empire were mowed down for she felt a kindling new care for the men who appreciated the gleaming stones and cared for the Earth which provided everything for all these people. She swept her tail angrily in a whip like fashion, knocking down the empire men at the same moment as leaping into the air above her, opening her wings and beating twice to gain height. She hoped knocking down the soldiers gave the dwarves the upper hand.

He refused then...? Issie cast her eyes towards the black dragon Tie was watching with a heavy heart.
No. He didn't refuse, he wanted it he simply said he couldn't because of oaths. I hate this Issie, I hate this egg-breaker, she let rip a roar of anger and shot through the sky towards the golden scaled dragon whom they knew to pass on the message about moving the Empire dragons towards the West.
GOLDEN SCALES! she called out with her mind and circled round the older dragon who was letting in to the Empire soldiers with such strength she couldn't help but admire him for a moment. She rumbled low in her throat and, trusting her rider to shield her thoughts.
We need to go West, she spoke then dove back for the sky, hoping the beautiful gold dragon would listen to her words. Issie adjusted the straps on around her legs so that she was only loosely secure in the saddle. If she needed to move she didn't want to waste time getting herself out of the straps when an opportunity could be missed. She honestly wasn't sure who else was Varden anymore, the dragons tangled in the air with no evident sign of who was who. Before Issie could suggest who they were going to draw off towards the West Tierar shot forward towards the dragon who had began bolting after the huge Sapphire dragon. Issie could only check the wards around her dragon before Tierar shot above the cloud line and then used the free fall to gain speed and power which she released upon the dragon Freki. Tierar shot down from the sky, wings pressed to her sides then went for the dragons left wing with her teeth and went for the dragons under belly with her hind legs. She attacked from the East, hopefully forcing the dragon towards the West as a result.

[cicymyst]

Cicymyst looked over the crest of the hill he was hiding on, gazing in awe and excitement at the scene that lay before him. The long sought-after multicolored tent city of the Varden stood a safe bowshot away from the crumbling and holed walls of Bellatona. He had borrowed a grey mare from his old childhood friend back in Futnost immediately when he heard of the Varden's armys approaching the city. For two days he had ridden the mare as hard as he could, without killing the poor beast. Now he casted his eyes about for a way to aid the Varden in their plight, swing how the battle was well underway. The sounds of dying men and the din of battle mingled with savage war cries and even more ferocious thundering dragon roars. Cicymyst could see a section of the city filled with soldiers that looked off guard. 'there' he thought smugly, 'they'll be the first ones to go.' Now he looked behind him for a means of creating a sufficient diversion. He soon spotted a wagon full of wheat that the owner had discarded when he saw the Varden's approaching forces. 'excellent' Cicymyst grinned. He removed his saddlebags, cloak, and backpack, and his them safely at the third rock from the left from the doorway of a closely barn. He gleefully removed his vial of lantern oil and flint and steel before placing the rock over the small hole. Cicymyst then hitched the horse to the wagon, adrenaline already surging through his being. He grabbed his unusual leather helmet and buckled it to his head. He slipped his two sagged into his right boot and into the small frog that hung on the front right side if his belt. He chuckled as he navigated the mare through the streets of Belatona, rolling his neck and relishing the crackle as he always did before a fight. Once he neared the street he had targeted he slowly guided the horse closer. He breathed in half breaths, praying to whoever was out there that he wouldn't be caught. Once there was only one street separating him and the hopefully unsuspecting soldiers, he upended the lantern oil vial into the wheat. With one last deep breath and a gaze into his pendant to clear his mind, he as ready. 'Let's do this!' he thought to himself. He drew the cart into the mouth of the street and swiftly struck the flint and steel with all the skill he had. Luckily, the desired flames roared to cackling life at once. The horse started, charging down the street in an effort to escape the flames at its back. Cicymyst five with unsheathed blade from the racing cart, plunging his blade into the neck of a very shocked soldier. The flaming cart barreled its way through dozens of soldiers, crushing many. Those who were not maimed or killed by the cart quickly converged on Cicymyst, who stared the crimson clad men down with a stern snd passionate gaze, sinking into his familiar ready stance. Right leg bent, the left strait in back for a strong base. The first man never got his blow in. As soon as sildiers came in lunging range Cicymyst struck like a snake, too fast for the soldiers to react, though not quite at an elf's speed. Each blow that came his way was turned aside, and each block only gave Cicymyst an opportunity to strike. The sokdier's commander called for an alarm to be sounded, and Cicymyst knew it was now or never.
"I fight for the Varden, that justice may reign once more! Fear me, slaves of the Great Tyrant! Flee if you value your lives!" Cicymyst knew he risked attracting a hostile dragon rider, but he only cared to join the Varden, and this was sure to grab their attention. That was why he chose this particular street. It was close to the main action, but not too close. Cicymyst's declaration seemed to anger and frighten the soldiers, who bellowed and rushed him with their pikes. Cicymyst knocked the poles aside and charged into the thicket of crimson, bellowing bloody murder. He slew ten soldiers with his sword, and maimed at least 12. The copse of soldiers vanquished, Cicymyst looked up the street. He saw yet more soldiers pouring from the streets ahead, at least 20 men all laughing at absolutely nothing. Cicymyst had heard of the Laughing Dead, but hadn't seen one up close. He gripped his sword and flicked some of the grime off of it. This would be a tough fight.

Cucymyst had collected several small wounds to his legs and belly, and was tiring quickly. Only fatal blows could vanquish these banshees, and Cicymyst was peeved. You do NOT want Cicymyst to be peeved. Cicymyst fought with vigor, vanquishing foe after foe. The fight went well until Cicymyst heard death knock. He ripped his bless from the eye of a soldier, and spun about sharply to confront the mocking laughter he heard, and came face to face with a soldier and his raised falchion! Cicymyst had no time to react, and braced himself for the worst. The blow never came, however. Cicymyst watched a narrow blade emerge from the man's nose, and then the maniac fell with a gruesome crunch. Behind where the soldier had one stood was about seven Varden warriors.
"Blast!" groaned the bearded man who had saved Cicymyst's life, "I thought he was one of ours!"
"Who are you, pup?" inquired a gruff dwarf wielding a bloody axe.
"Cicymyst they call me, sires, and I wish to join your ranks."
The bearded man looked Cicymyst up and down.
"thirty two soldiers is certainly a hefty sum. I'd love to accept you into our ranks, but first a ruder must probe your memories to ensure that you aren't a spy."
"Why, but I am!" chuckled Cicymyst, "But for your side. My overseer and mentor, Eberhardt Westy, was killed in action about a year ago. I have been looking for the Varden ever since." not the whole truth, maybe, but most of it.
"have you any proof?"
"Yes," Cicymyst said, taking a ring out of his rear pouch, "this was his ring."
The bearded man took the ring.
"very well. Welcome to the Varden. I know that good ol Westy wouldn't let this gem fall into Empire hands, so we need to find the nearest dragon rider loyal to us and check you in. Follow me and we'll find one."
"At last!" Cicymyst thought with glee.

[Kathena]

Silis continued to stare at the battle until she grew old by just watching it. What am I doing, there is nothing for me here! She thought glancing around. Maybe there is something I can do somewhere else is the city. The black female werecat flicked her tail and began to pad over to her left. She stalked over to the space between two houses to her left, her black fur shimmering in the sunshine. The large cat eyed the small path before carelessly walking through. Her paws ached from walking all over the cobblestone, making her wished she had choicen humanoid form for this battle. But I can't switch now. She thought in disgust. Her black head poked out the other side to see a soldier strolling towards the two houses with his sword sheathed. Silis let out a silent chuckle before crouching down, her long silver claws unsheathed. As soon as his brown leather boot entered her gaze she launched herself forward, swiping at his lower legs. The soldier yelped as he was sent tumbling to the ground. He tried to use his hands to help him get up, but Silis didn't give him the chance. She darted towards his head, and got her jaw clamped around his neck. The man struggled trying to get out of the werecat's grasp, but she felt no mercy towards him. She snapped her jaws shut all the way, and the openned thm and let the man's neck drop to the ground, limp. Dirty Empire soldier! Silis snarled as she turned her emerald gaze away from his gloomy face. Glancing around, she spotted a young man and a bearded man. She recognized the bearded man, but she had never seen the younger one before. The black cat spit the dark red blood of the soldier's our before padding over to the two warriors.
"Mrreow?" She meowed, looking up at the two hopefully. She meant to say 'Are you of the Varden?', but being a cat no real words came out. If only one of these humans were spellcasters. She thought, stilling staring up at the two. Then one of them could come into my mind and talk to me. If not this is pretty much pointless.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

A female elf glanced around with her chocolate brown eyes. She was farely new to the Varden and had no idea who was on her side and who was on the Empire's side. She had just arrived before the battle had begun, and she had been unfit to fight until now. Amanes was in standing a road lined with houses, and all she could see were equiped soldiers of the Empire. Closing her eyes, she sighed deeply and thought, I have been through alot these past few days, but this is what my friends wanted to happen. They wanted me here. Fighting for the Varden. The dirty blonde haired elf fluttered her eyes opened and unsheathed her sword. Glancing around, she tried to spot some creature of the Varden. She saw soldiers, and magicains, and looking over as Silis kill the soldier, and a werecat. A werecat? They have always honored their freedom. It would have to be on the Varden's side. Sword in hand, she slowly walked over to where she saw the werecats, prepared to fight along the way.

[Alanoth]

If one had gone about a half-mile east of the battle, to a small barely green hill, they would have found a tree. Now, this oak, with long swaying branches that let a sigh of sadness breeze through with the wind, is actually very normal. What is significant, is not the tree itself, but the person who sat in the highest branches. It was a man, that much could be said, but of what race, their was no certainty from a distance.

Alanoth pulled his hood up higher, covering his face completely, and looked on to Belatona. He had been following the Varden from a distance for days, uncertain if their cause was truly what he saught. He saught to free Alagaesia, to free his friend Kasamir from King Galbatorix's evil clutches, and to find revenge. Though he didn't look it, Alanoth had lived almost a thousand years, and he had held a grudge against the traitor Galbatorix because of it. His elfish ears quivered slightly, a side effect of being half-elf and half-human.

Without provocation or seeming reason, alanoth leapt from the oak tree's branches with both grace and power. He hit the ground running at unnatural speed--even for someone with elf blood--and headed in the direction of the battle's thickest ground fighting. Numerous dragons' roars and blazes could be heard, and as Alanoth's cloak billowed behind him--making him seem as a dark grey phantom gliding across the plain--he almost rejoiced at the sound. Only recently had dragons become common in the land again, though some still served Galbatorix, which angered Alanoth greatly. He would attempt to free them, let them live if possible, but it was unlikely that he would succeed here. His prime concern, as he unsheathed his ancient elven short swords, was to kill as many of Galbatorix's soldiers as he could, if only to help the Varden capture Belatona and wrest power away from Galbatorix, eventually leading to the evil and murderous king's death.

[Merril]

As the magical flash died down, Merril gained sight of Hyperion again as the man cleared his eyes, cleverly resorting to magic to regain his senses. The old rider followed the girl with his eyes, remaining calm, despite his inability to breathe or move. He tried to speak, and found that he could not. Clearing his mind, Hyperion resorted to the only strategy he could. He formed the magic in his mind, and began wearing away at the magic holding the air around him.

As Merril felt the rider wresting her grip away from her, she released her spell before he could drain her energy. For a few moments it looked as though Hyperion would follow her before a shadow cut across the ground between them, drawing both of their eyes up to the soaring sapphire dragon above. Thinking quickly, Merril acted, sprinting toward the rider.

The threw a right handed strike at his temple, which he blocked contemptuosly with his left forearm before swinging his massive axe downward at her.

Merril shifted her left shoulder, dodging the downward blow. However, while she was slightly off-balance, Hyperion sent a viscious kick with his left leg, directly into Merril's abdomen, knocking her backward and into a roll.

As the Elf regained her feet in a crouching position and her view of her foe, she realized why Hyperion had knocked her away. He was sprinting in the other direction, toward his smoky dragon, Storm. Merril pounded the ground in front of her and sprinted after him, but was too late. Hyperion had mounted, and Merril knew it would be suicide to tangle with a dragon rider in the saddle. She stopped short and watched as Storm took off.

In a last-ditch effort, she lashed out at the dragon's mind, hoping to catch it off guard in its excitement at chasing Saphira. She succeeded partially, sending the battering ram of her mind into the dragon's, ramming it into confusion. However, while her mind was open, Hyperion slipped his clever thoughts in, driving her back...overcoming her.

A moment of panic gripped Merril as she felt Hyperion summon his magic, and she closed her eyes in terror. He had her, dead to rights. She had been foolish...rash...and now it appeared as though her time had come. Hyperion was summoning an impressive spell, even by elven standards; one that would wipe the Elf from the earth in a cloud of dust. Merril fought the panic, and accepted her death, as death came to all things. But it never came.

Hyperion's mind had receded from her own. Opening her eyes, Merril looked up to where Storm was flying erradically, as though struck by lightning. Wheeling and falling, Storm tried to regain his path toward Saphira, trying again to take her in the soft underbelly...but it was not to be. He fell, instead, towards the city below, bucking and writhing, fighting to fly.

He crashed.

Looking up from his position on the battle-field, Nar Ahrun saw as the storm-grey dragon crashed into a tower not far from where the Urgals were fighting. Roaring, Ahrun took off. His kinsmen would follow. It was not long before they had fought to the broken tower, finding the dragon destroyed in the wreckage. He could not know that the mind of the dragon had given out, or why it had fallen from the sky. It was a mighty creature to have descended so far. It now lay in its final breaths as Ahrun strode up its wing, coming to its neck. He did not have to strike the final blow.

Instead, Ahrun found the rider. The man was still moving, and Ahrun knew he had to act quickly. Barreling toward the man on all fours, he slammed into his side, kicking him onto his back. Throwing his sword away, Ahrun grasped the inner collar of the rider's breast plate with his left hand and ripped off the man's helmet with his right. However, once again he did not have to land a blow. The crash had done the work.

Dropping the unconscious body of the man, Ahrun turned his back on him. His Urgals moved in and restrained him.

"Secure the area...Belatona will fall."

(Within this post I have played Hyperion and Storm to the best of my ability, not knowing their thoughts or feelings. I was given Colm's permission. It was Colm's wish that Hyperion be captured, tried, and executed.)

[cicymyst]

Cicymyst sheathed his blade in relief as the soldier he had been about to rush was felled by what was obviously a sleek black werecat. His suspicion toward the cat were confirmed when the creature padded up to him and the bearded man, named Vroherst.
"Mrow?" The werecat purred inquisitively with those wide eyes common among werecats. He gazed at the fine black coat that the werecat possessed, and the paws that were stained with blood, and must have been aching by now.
"Ah, Silis!" Vroherst exclaimed with relief. "long time no see, friend. The battle fares well with you, I see." the cat stared back at the man, who was running his non-sword hand through his full brown beard. "Listen, Siis, I know you can't talk right now, so to speak, but this is Cicymyst, ol' Eberhardt Westy's protagee. He just slew over 30 soldiers, including some of those pesky laughing dead. He wants to join us, but needs a rider to check him in. You probably know where a few of the riders are, so give me a tail wag if you know where one is, and then lead us to them, if you'd be so kind."

[Kathena]

Silis purred when Vroherst mentioned the battle. It is going quite well in my mind. She thought as she pricked her ears to listen. As the man said Cicymyst killed 30 soldiers, she glared at him through narrowed eyes. Could he be one of the king's spys? She asked herself, but instead she choice not to interupt. Needing the check in with a rider to to be able to join was hard for her to understand, but she was about to nod anyways. Until the mention of wanting to see a rider. Eberhardt Westy's trainee? Maybe. But that doesn't mean he could stand up at Emily and her apprentice. He wishes to check the boy in with a Rider? The black cat asked herself. I don't think he would like to join the mess the Riders are in with each other! The large black cat clamped her ears to the side of her head and hissed in warning. Her sharp emerald eyes stared into his, but she saw no bloodlust, nothing that showed he could doing this. I have to let the kid try right? I guess if Vroherst and I come with him not much harm will be done... Dragging one of her blood soaked paws againest the cobblestone, she glanced at them both. Her unsheathed claws made a horrid sound, that even made her shudder, but she glanced into Vroherst's eyes.

"Mrrow," she purred, and her hard expression softened. Picking up her paw, she began to pad over to the space in between the two houses where she had came from. It looked big enough for humans to go through if they went one-by-one. This'll be enjoyable. She thought smuggly. If the boy survived this, she wished to talk to him in her humanoid form. She really had no choice but to agree in cat form, for she couldn't keep a good arguement, but she was greatly stubborn in humanoid form. As she reached the ally, she continued to walk, but she turned around to motion for them to follow her.

[cicymyst]

Cicymyst was yet again relieved to see the black werecat motion for him to follow. "She probably has some doubts and misgivings about you." Vroherst said, "let's go." Cicymyst nodded. Something strange had occurred. He had felt a deep presence when the were at had looked into his eyes, a presence that was indescribeable. It was as if she could see into him, evaluating his worthiness to join the Varden. Cicymyst had heard kegends about the werecats, tales of their mystic powers. He knew that such a being would be a formidable foe. He did his best not to annoy the black werecat as he obediently followed her through the blood-soaked, corpse strewn, stinking streets of Belatona.

[Kathena]

Silis weaved through the streets of Belatona, as thoughts swirled in her mind. First off the scent of flesh filled her nose and made her eyes tear up. She knew that smell all too well. The first living thing that she saw die was her blood mother. But before it overtook her in grief, she took her head to come back to the battle. Then she still felt the cramping of her paws, and how the stones beneath seemed to be threaten to scratch them. The black cat was unsure about the safety and wellbeing of the young human, but what is done is done. There is no way to take him out of battle. At least Vroherst said he had kill the "laughing dead" beings. He should be prepared.

As she turned the last corner, a tiny gust of wind tried to give her a chill, but even her short fur could shield her skin from the breeze. The Varden's Riders came into her view, as well the Empire's Riders. Turning around, Silis glanced at Cicymyst with her emerald green eyes. Then she flexed her unsheathed claws, ready to follow the humans into the battle.

[cicymyst]

Cicymyst gazed upon n the battle in awe and in horror. As a warrior he could appreciate the riders' skill, and enjoyed watching the dragon soar, but was appalledby the drstruction they caused. 'This is what I'm getting into?' Cicymyst thought. He had always trained under the margin of 'I love fighting, not killing.'

"Is there anyone else we can go to, Silis?" If not, would you call one down to us... Or... Or... Or something? Cicymyst saw that the sleek black werecat's claws were already out, and that she was ready. He swiftly took out his pendant and gazed into it , clearing his mind of those hypnotic green eyes that were so difficult to get out of his mind. He then looked back and restated his question.

[Kathena]

Silis looked up at Cicymyst with an uneasy look in her eyes. Then she paused for a moment to look around. He was right, the Riders cause plenty of destruction when they fought, but there was no way to spot it if he wished to speak with one. She twitched her tinted pink nose before looking at him in a pityful way and shook her head. I wish I could find another Rider that is not in the mists of fighting, but I do not know where any of the others are at the moment. She thought. Glancing up at Cicymyst and nodded towards Levonla. But before she padded towards the rider she paused and glanced at Emiryal with caution. Slowly she meowed a long warning.

"Mreowww," was the only thing she could think of that she was able to say.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Amanes froze as she saw the werecat disappear in between the houses with the humans following. It's alright. She calmed herself, taking a deep breathe. I can find it later. I should stay here and fight for now. Glancing around, she spotted a small group of soldiers huddled beside each other, chuckling ans swiniging their weapons around. I can defeat those humans easily. Besides, there are only four of them. She thought, regripping her hold of her sword. The stone leaves of her sword caught her gaze she and flashed a small smile upon her lips. Slowly, Amanes regained focus and she glared at the soldiers, getting ready to run at them.

[cicymyst]

Cicymyst followed the werecat's lithe form as it wended its way through the carnage-strewn courtyards, padding towards a riser. Cicymyst was curiou to meet a rider, and slighty anxious as well. He paused to stare at the hulking corpse of a once-majestic dragon. 'Such loss is truly wasteful' he thought forlornly. Now he just wanted to help the Varden and end the war as quickly as possible. He jogged to catch up with the werecat, once more focused on his destination: a rider.


-STAFF EDIT-

Cisymist; posts need to be 100 words at least, especially if you're wanting an egg they need to be pretty darn detailed and well written, if not long. x] Just use spell-check and you'll be fine pretty much. Just me bein' a grammar nazi, sorry I read all the posts on this site- my brain rebels sometimes.
Also, I command a rider to come and escort Cisymist, don't make me use Nasuada to order you, it won't be nice! -Rhax

[Merril]

Nar Ahrun was perched on a fallen block of the tower, eating a ration, when Merril arrived. Her green gaze took in the scene, and a certain sadness tugged at her heart. A dead dragon.

Under her breath, Merril uttered her last respects to Storm. Catching sight of Ahrun and his rams, she pulled her long-knife closer to her chest with her right hand and slowed her approach. She also spied another group on the approach, headed by a dwarf, a human, and a werecat, none of whom she recognized. Despite those who had been drawn to the scene, Merril's task was clear in her mind. She spoke in the tongue that men shared, as it was most likely to be understood.

"I have come for the fallen rider..."

At the sound of the Elf, Nar Ahrun stood. Two of his rams squared their shoulders and lowered their chins at the new-comers, man, elf, dwarf, and werecat alike, speaking quickly and alerting the twenty-odd other rams as to the arrival of other parties. Immediately, the rams ceased their business of taking trophies from the fallen dragon and moved to encircle the dragon and rider.

The war-chief grasped his sword and strode out to meet the largest threat, sending three of his rams to halt the Elf's advance. He stared into the faces gathered before him and addressed them in a rough and commanding tone.

"We claim this Rider as honor for Tribe Andaruk. He is our captive. Move on."

Merril stopped well short of the hulking Urgals before her. She wanted no quarrel here, but she had to make sure that Hyperion had been properly subdued. She knew that this situation could turn dangerous for many different reasons. She would watch for now, to see what disposition the Urgal Nar was in.

[Alanoth]

As Alanoth finally sheathed his swords, he let out a heavy sigh. What would the Riders have thought of him if they saw his actions? What would Casamir have said about his bloodlust? So many questions, and there were no answers to be found. They were all dead, and now Alanoth would need to meditate to clear his head, for he knew no one here. He had recognized a number of elves throughout the battle, some werecats, and strangely Urgals all fighting alongside the Varden, so he knew it was a good thing that he had decided to attempt to join them. The Varden were taking anyone and everyone, for their cause was becoming more desperate as they came closer to Uru'baen--the accursed place of Galbatorix's throne.

Alanoth had not allowed himself to use magic in this fight beyond basic wards. Twice, he thought he had seen a dragon and its rider fighting with Galbatorix's soldiers, each time a different dragon. While it disgusted Alanoth that dragons and their Riders would willingly serve Galbatorix, it also brought Alanoth great sorrow. It meant that Galbatorix's power was great enough that he could control and manipulate young riders, almost making Alanoth's quest for vengeance seem futile, but he would not give up after what had happened today.

For the first time in a hundred years, Alanoth had to witness one of the greatest tragedies that could occur before any elf, human, or Rider's eyes: a dragon had died. It had been horrendous, seeing that smoky dragon writhe and wist in pain in the air, then come plumeting to the earth. It fell, and with a great crash, destroyed the tower it landed on. Alanoth had seen it only momentarily, but it had been enugh to distract him as he fought an Empire Captain and two of his guards. Alanoth had regained himself--protected by his wards--and slain the soldiers, vowing to investigate the dragon to determine the side for whom the dragn and its Rider had belonged. So now, here he was, on his way to the site of the great beast's death.

When he arrived, the site of the Urgals and their 'trophy scavenging' arse a new emotion in Alanoth's heart. A pure rage and hatred at the disrespect of this magnificent creation wa welling up, at it would have exploded right then had another concern not arisen. Evidently, the leader of the Urgals in the area was refusing to release the body of the Rider whom the Varden elf woman had come for. Now, the apparent disrespect of this Urgal towards the elf woman was something Alanoth could not ignore, so he acted on instinct and approached the two.

"May I ask, leaders of Varden soldiers, what is going on here? This is open disrespect against the dragons and their riders, so why is this happening? "

[Emiryal ♕]

Emiryal moved back to avoid any counter blows Levonla might strike him with. "Waise heill," he muttered. The wound in his side from Levonla's blow closed and looked as if he'd never been harmed. He shook a little as the magic drained his energy. He wasn't the strongest of magic users and never had been. He knew he'd have to risk it and ask for Isikal and Firern's help if he were to maintain the wards he'd placed.

An unusual sight caught his eye as he saw one of the Varden dragon's fall. It was terrible that such a great creature had fallen, and from his vantage point he didn't know what had become of that dragon's rider. His face didn't display any of the emotions he felt though. With his oaths he had sworn allegiance to the Empire and should've been glad that one less dragon and rider opposed them, but he did not feel that way.

He glanced over as Sills and Cicymyst approached. He retreated a little bit to keep both Levonla and them in front of him. "Friends of yours?" he asked Levonla. He swung his sword in an arc in a show of strength, as if challenging either Sills or Cicymyst to join in the fight.

He wasn't sure what they were doing here, but he hoped it wasn't to fight. Levonla, was more experienced than he was, fighting him alone was challenging but if Sills and Cicymyst joined in against him the shear number would defeat him. Varden soldiers were one thing but skilled warriors such as they were another.

He nearly collapsed as one of the wards around Firern drew on his energy. He was about to end the spell when he felt a mind brush against his, Isikal the Eldenduri he'd been given.

He risked letting his mental barriers down to let her in. She said nothing to him but instead gave him energy to maintain Firern's wards.

[cicymyst]

Cicymyst chuckled as he saw the rider back away from him and Silis. He had been watching him from the corner of his eye. 'no wonder' he thought. 'that left foot's way out there! Dad NEVER put anything that far out.' Judging from the rider's reaction, he was a rider aligned with the Empire, and his opponent a Varden sympathizer. The Rider looked tired, obviously from the battle. The lad could see the look in the enemy rider's eyes, betraying his contempt for common soldiers like him. 'not like me,' Cicymyst thought, ' No Varden soldier has been trained as I have.' Cicymyst popped his neck yet again, ready to fight with a fiery passion that had been bred into him, and with the prowess that his parents had drilled into him for 10 years. His blade may not be a rider's blade, but he was ready. He drew his blade, brandishing it in the dim, smoke and dust-choked sunlight, feeling the intoxicating adrenaline surge through his being. "Take him on opposite sides," Cicymyst whispered to Silis, "he cant take all of us." Cicymyst drew upon his vast reserves of experiences before charging to engage the enemy rider, recalling the time he had barely held his own against a tired elf. How different could a tired rider be? 'as long as I keep my mind guarded like mom and Eberhardt taught me, I might survive this. "I am no rider's friend quite yet." Cicymyst spoke boldy, opting to slowly approach to give the Varden's rider more time to recover. "Though I am not one of the Varden, I fight for their cause. As long as I draw breath, I shall oppose your master, his royal tyrantical-ness!" Years of resentment towards the empire broke the surface; Cicymyst could contain it no longer. "For the riders!" he cried as he dashed the last few feet toward his for, "For the dragons!" And for my parents, taken from me too soon!" he did not look back, praying that the werecat and other rider were behind him.

[Kathena]

Silis blinked her emerald eyes at Emiryal. It was curious... He was an elven rider and he still looked so tired. He wasn't using his dragon's strength... The large black cat realized. But if Cicymyst joined the battle he was bound to need more energy. Fighting a Rider is something I would rather avoid, but it seems like we have the upper paw... She thought, flexing her long claws, but being careful not to let them scrape on the cobblestone. Having a Rider and his dragon as a foe is a horrible thing to have, but I guess having a werecat as an enemy is almost equally bad... I am much smaller then him, and can possible take advantage of that, but either way I have to try and help Cicymyst weither close to collapsing or not.

Then she scented the air. Blood and other smells of flesh or sweat filled her nose, almost making her gag. Ew! She thought in disgust, but she soon turned her gaze up at Cicymyst and Emiryal. Her pads felt like they were on fire, but that was the only thing wrong with her. That and her blood soaked paws, but that didn't stop her from fighting. She had only killed one soldier... She would be fit to fight a Rider. For now, but she was most likely going to get to tired to continue. It was worth a shot.

Silis stared at the elven rider with her deep emerald eyes and slowly padded to Cicymyst side. Trying not to look too silly, she arched her back and hissed, baring her sharp fangs.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Amanes ran towards the Empire soldiers her sword in her small hands. Every foot step she took brought he closer to the soldiers, and they didn't even see her coming. They were to busy chuckling at each other and watching their fellow soldiers with wide eyes. Suddenly, one of the soldiers whispered something and all of them went nuts. One even turned around, seeming to want to share his laughter, until he stared right into Amanes's eyes. She widened her chocolate colored eyes and let out a battle cry to warn the others. I'vehad 114 years of training in swordsmanship and magic... I can take on four humans. Hopefully

As each one of the lazy soldiers turned to the female elf they yelped and grabbed for their weapons. The one that had first saw her, the only one with blonde hair like her's, was the first was to race towards her. Slowly Amanes stared into his eyes and began to invade his mind.

[Emiryal ♕]

Emiryal's sharp elven ears carried some of Cycymyst's whispered words to him. He'd have to watch that werecat. He didn't show any sign that he had heard anything. This wasn't the first time he'd over heard something that wasn't meant for his ears. It seemed humans often neglected to take into account an elves sharp hearing. As a result he'd heard plenty both useful and mundane from the humans in Uru'baen.

His expression remained serious and concentrated on the task of an upcoming fight. "Then your last breath will be in vein. You nor the Varden stand a chance against my master," he said with an indifferent air as if stating a fact. He knew of no one who could resist Galbatorix, if he decided to break someone.

Emiryal didn't move as Cicymyst dashed for him. He didn't raise either of his twin blades to block or strike. He waited until the last moment. Then in a single graceful motion Emiryal stepped aside to let Cicymyst run harmlessly past him and only then swung both Domia and Ebrithil, his twin rider blades, at Cicymyst's back. He didn't hold back and put his full strength into the blow.

He may have been tired but he wasn't helpless. Isikal-elda, I trust you are with me?" he thought to the old dragon. "You know I am," Isikal responded bitterly. With that confirmation Emiryal threw his mind at Cicymyst attempting to break him. Mental combat was Emiryal's forte. He could feel Isikal's mind with him as she too attacked Cicymyst mentally. The force of their combined minds was like a tsunami striking land.

[cicymyst]

Cicymyst was only slightly surprised when he whooshed past the tired rider. Such a predictable maneuver. 'Wait for it..." Cicymyst thought, just before he brought his sword around to block the twin swords that whistled toward his back. He also expected the attacking party of the fatigued rider, which awoke the elven blood in him. His mother had been quite keen on teaching him the art of mental combat, and had taught him quite extensively, to the point where he could trounce the weathered spy easily, having a knack for all combat methods. Ebrhardt had also taught him other methods to combat, improving the lad's skill. As such, he turned the rider's attack upon its origin with vengeance. He grinned in excitement as he guided his sword in a mighty and swift swing intended to turn into a wrench that would pull both the rider's swords from his hands by their quillons. He loved fighting, and now here he was, fighting a challenging opponent for the cause he loved most: freedom.

[Emiryal ♕]

Emiryal was surprised by Cicymyst's resistance. Most fell before his mind, let alone with Isikal's combined strength. The counter mental attack was expected when Emiryal had failed to break Cicymyst. He had quickly put up his own mental defense, an image of something he knew well, Du Weldenvarden. With that image in place as a defense Emiryal expected Cicymst's attack to break against it.

Instead he found his own dragon, Firern, had joined the mental fight and Cicymyst's attack on him was blocked by Firern. He didn't resist Cicymyst's attack and let his twin swords fly from his grasp. He was hoping to catch Cicymyst off guard by giving him no resistance.

He pulled back from the mental battle and let Isikal and Firern asult cicymyst's mind. While the two dragons fought to break Cicymyst and guard their own minds, Emiryal reached for what remained of his energy and using some of Firerns shouted, "Boetq istalri! Deloi moi!" The effort for those two spells was immense and the drain on Emiryal was more than he could handle. Emiryal sank to the ground. He was conscious only because of Firern's energy.

The spell's effect was imediate and a broad fire flared to life burning everyone and everything within four yards of Emiryal's location. The second spell made the earth roll and shake in a small earth quake. It had been the second spell that had drained him the most.

With any luck, Emiryal hoped to injure the Varden sympathizers attacking him and with the distraction allow Firern and Isikal break into Cicymyst's mind.

If this failed he'd have to flee, he had little strength left. In the chaos of the spell he muttered a quick phrase that returned his blades to him. He didn't have the strength to use them now but he didn't want to leave them behind. He didn't dare cast any more spells or be destroyed by it.