A Dark Past (Ty/OPEN)

[Arwen of Gil'ead]

Dras-Leona, the city of strange customs and the poorest shanteys. This was Zane's home, and she hated it. As she and Calen approached the dark city, she almost wretched at it's presence. She knew why the King had sent her here. He wanted her to be face to face with the place that nearly destroyed her since birth, the source of her madness. Zane could only assume he was doing it so her madness wouldn't fully disappear, he'd lose his power over that way. But she didn't care, she was just excited that her and Ty had finally been given a mission together. Of course it wasn't pretty one, they were apparently root out some more spies for the Varden, but this time, they had to find them amongst the nobility.

Nobility, was a strange word to Zane. She couldn’t comprehend it, but she figured that now she and Calen were nobility. Just out of fear for their position. And of course, she didn’t get the title “Bane of Men” for nothing.

The wind whipped through her long hair, she loved the feeling of the wind licking her face. Zane really did love flying, it kept her away from the land and closer to Calen. The further away she was from humanity, the better she felt. She really hated people, she couldn’t but up with them for one minute, and being the female amongst the Dragon Riders of the king, and perhaps the least hot headed, she always had to do all the stately things, all the speaking and persuasion was left up to her. And she hated it. Just as how she hated having to return to her childhood home, she could already sense the memories of the death of her sister and father bubbling up in her mind, but she Calen’s conscious suppress them gently.

Don’t worry, Zane, I will be here for you. You shall not be alone,[/b][/color] he said, his deep voice booming in the hallows of her mind.

And I’m as grateful as hell for it,[/i] she said to her dragon with a mental sigh.

She tried to push the negative thoughts out of her mind, as she tried to spot Ty and Xion in the sky. Of course, she heard the growling, throaty laugh of Calen.

You seem to be quite excited to see him,[/b] [/color]the green dragon chuckled.

We’re friends Calen, of course I’m excited to see him.

Zane really did consider Ty a close friend, and she really hadn’t seen him since their encounter in Carvahall. She wished they would have more an opportunity to be around each other. She found his presence comforting. She preferred him over Murtagh, even though both were impetuous and moody, in Zane’s opinion.

Ah...friends.[/b][/color]

The Green Rider’s eyes narrowed before snapping at her dragon, Don’t you start with me, I’m not in the mood.

[madge]

The wind tore at Ty's hair as Xion darted into the sky. He massive wings threw the two up, the dragon now gaining altitude at an alarming rate. The Rider's eyes hung low, his cloak now rippling from the constant breeze. Ty wore a hood, which obscured his eyes from the view of others. Just days before, he had been assigned a mission, and thankfully it was with Zane. Zane was the -ONLY- other person, besides Xion, that he actually felt emotion around. However, the feel was quite faint. His lips were closed, images of the human rider flowing through his mind at a constant speed. He didn't smile, but he did begin to feel a tad bit of happiness. Xion kept his gaze ahead, but the dragon couldn't help but feel despair for his rider. The once cheerful, optimistic warrior, was now an emotionless killing machine thanks to Murtagh's Mental invasion during the battle for Belatona.

Ty had explained to the dragon earlier, that the mental images were relived in his dreams, his thoughts. They couldn't be shaken. There was some speculation that Murtagh had felt some type of guilt after finding out about the images that tormented Ty. After all, he was only trying to provoke the rider into fighting. It couldn't be helped though, it was what it was. Ty held no grudge, however, Xion did. Xion's hatred for the son of Morzan ran deep in his veins.

Dras-Leona soon came into view, as well as the Green dragon Calen. Ty tilted his head with ease, now catching Zane in his gaze. Ty didn't want the green rider knowing of his mental handicap, so instead, he forced a smile. He waved to her before turning ahead. Xion would tuck his wings in, darting towards the city with an extraordinary speed. Ty allowed himself to lean forward, in attempts of keeping his hood firmly over his face. At a height of around two hundred feet, Ty would decide to jump. "Go hide yourself, I can't afford for people to know who I am, or else the mission won't go as planned." Ty commented. The red rider fell through the air at an alarming speed. It wasn't till he was thirty feet from the ground that he whispered: "Blaka". With that, he would be suspended in the air for a few seconds before falling the full thirty feet. He landed with a dull thud, his hands around his hood. He looked up to the sky, waiting for the Bane of Men to join him.

[Arwen of Gil'ead]

Zane immediately sensed something different in Ty's nature when he waved at her. His smile...seemed off to her. She was very good at sensing was someone was dealing with mental turmoil, she herself always dealt with her own. She felt a pang of sadness, she prayed that nothing had altered Ty. That was a such a sad fate to have your mind and sanity altered.

I'm sure he's fine, Zane, just relax, you are just over reacting with the fact that we are approaching the dark city,[/b][/color] Calen's deep voice said softly, cutting through her worry like a sword.

The Rider nodded her head, trying to reassure herself. She just had a bad feeling, but she was a bit of a pessimist. She gripped onto the spikes on Calen's neck as he dived toward the land. When he was just floating barely above the ground she hopped off landing on her feet gracefully, without the aid of magic.

I will see you soon, Calen, she said to the dragon weakly, she was already fearing to go into the city without him nearby. But aleast they had each other's mind.

I will always be there for you,[/b][/color] the dragon hummed before disappearing back in the sky.

Zane walked over to Ty, pulling her brown hair back behind her neck as she too, pulled the hood of her cloak over her face. She would be noticed in this city, she had grown up here. She secretly hoped that she had somehow killed everyone from her prior life in any of her missions here. But deep down she knew that she didn't. The Priests of Helgrind would recognize her alright, that was what she truly feared.

"Hello, Ty, long time no see," she said with a small smile at the other rider.

She looked into his eyes, just to see if she could read his mental state. Not that she could judge, her mental state was always off. Zane felt that one's eyes could tell someone everything about them. To her, Ty's blue eyes seemed colder, paler, than they were before. She dared not ask if he was alright. She could sense that was something was off. She knew it.

[madge]

As she approached, Ty's fake smile would fade. "Hello, Ty, long time no see," Ty nodded in response, raising his head to the sky as he watched the green dragon fly off. Due to this, his hood fell to his shoulders, and he soon found himself making eye contact with Zane. He stood there, looking into her bright green eyes. Something flared up inside of him, and caused a wave of warmth to wash over him, however it soon died. He broke the gaze, lifting his hood up over his eyes. "How've you been?.." He asked, his voice dark. He turned from the rider, looking at the city gates with caution.

"She knows..I thought i'd be able to hide it from her." [/i][/b]He thought, not wanting to see the disappointment in her eyes, he proceeded to walk forward. As he neared the gates, he would wave his hands to the guards.They nodded in response, and opened the gates. He walked in, instantly swarmed by the crowd inside. He turned around, waiting for Zane to join him. He felt the need to be with Zane, and despite the recent events, he preferred to be close to her.

Once she was close to him, he would pause. His hood failed to cover the full sight of his eyes, and his expression was blank. He raised his right hand to Zane. "Take my hand" He said quietly, his voice seemed warmer then usual, but this was expected when he was around Zane. He wanted to hold her hand, and he never wanted to let go. His love ran deep for this girl. He loved her just as much as he loved Xion, and that was saying something. She was the only one besides Xion that he had actually made a connection with, and despite his handicap, he would do what ever it took to maintain that bond.

He walked deeper into the city, leading Zane to an empty and quiet house. "The king told me that he would have this house reserved for us. We should probably rest after such a long flight." He commented, opening the door. However, he didn't enter, he just held the door, and waited for Zane to walk in. He still held her hand, and the action itself warmed him. For a few seconds, his eyes betrayed hints of his emotions towards her. "You sleep first, and I'll take guard. Hopefully that's alright with you." He added, a very faint smile visible on his lips.

[Arwen of Gil'ead]

The darkness of his voice bothered Zane. She was so used to his warm tone that he used with her. She had heard him talk to others, but he always talked with her differently. She loved warmness in his voice, it made her feel safe and secure...loved even.

"I've been...better," she muttered, at least she was being honest.

Zane was always more herself with Ty, or at least more honest. She would usually tell him the truth, she never really felt the need to lie to him. But now she was worried that she was going to have to face her past, as past that still haunted her. Zane knew if she started to suffer hallucinations she would have to tell Ty. Especially since Calen was not around to bring her back. She had started to rely on him to get her back into reality. But she knew if anyone in this world could bring her back it was Ty. She trusted him with all her heart.

The pair walked by the guards through the gates of the city, instantly Zane stiffened at the sight of the crowds. Memories of her childhood flooded back, going into the market with her sister, her father disappearing for days and coming back with missing limbs, her and her sister playing hide and seek, and the her father locking her in the closet while he took her sister to the bone removing rituals. Zane felt the dark memories starting to flood, but she managed to supress them. But she had gegun to see blood once again.

"Take my hand," Ty said to her.

Zane grabbed his hand, in her eyes it was covered in blood, so were her hands, everyone's hands were covered in blood. The visions had started again. She justtook a deep breath, and closed her eyes, trying to clear her mind. When she re-opened them, the blood was still there. Zane simply continued walking with Ty, focusing on the comfort and warmth she felt holding his hand.

But that comfort and warmth disappeared as soon as her eyes looked upon the house. It was the house she had grown up in. The Kings must have figured it out, from his times in her mind. The bastard is really trying to toy with me, she thought bitterly. That's when the memories came flooding back to her...all that blood. The memory of her sister's depcatitaed head rolling toward her, and her father bleeding on the wood floor. She looked at the house, as she did, she saw blood begin to bubble up from underneath the floor boards, and blood seep through the walls.

"No, No, No, anywhere but here," she said her voice shaking, as she backed away from the house.

Calen! Please, I need you, she reached out for her dragons mind grasping it firmly with her own. She felt Calen mind merging with hers, focusing it and the memories began to fade away, but the blood still remained, It's still there, Calen

Just focus on something, Zane and it will pass. It can no longer control you,"[/b][/color] the dragon's voice filled her mind.

She just had to focus. She focused on Ty, everything about him. Everything she felt for him pushed away the darkness of the visions she suffered. And soon all the blood just turned into small droplet's on the floor. She didn't notice, but she squeezed Ty's hand searching for his comfort. She knew she was going to have overcome her past, but she needed him. She couldn't do it without him.

[madge]

"No, No, No, anywhere but here," Zane said, her voice rather shaky. Ty turned his head, his expression blank, which was followed by a look of concern. Ty released his grip on the door, letting it close behind. Instead, he turned the front of his body towards Zane, and pulled her close. He noticed that she had squeezed his hand, and he believed her to be scared. He released his grip on her hand, and instead moved his hands to Zane's lower back. Then, Ty did something quite surprising. He leaned in, and tilted his head to the side as he kissed Zane. After a few seconds, he raised his head, and his once dull eyes revealed concern. "I know of this house's past, The king told me all about it. This has to be overcome, and I'm here for you. Why else do you think he chose me to accompany you?"

Ty continued to stare into the Green Rider's eyes, his own becoming brighter as he felt more compassion and emotion for her. He held her close, not wanting her to suffer. He moved his lips to her right ear, and whispered warmly. "I'm here for you, and I will always be here for you. iet hjarta waise un ono." As he returned to his normal position, he would kiss her cheek softly, trying to calm her down. He moved his left hand from Zane's back, to her hand. He clasped it tightly within his, and opened the door once again. "It'll be okay, I'm here for you." He said, once again. The sun in the horizon was slowly going down, and soon it would be dark. Ty knew how unsafe the city had become, and he would be d**ned if anything happened to the woman who he loved. His sword hung loosely around his waist. He knew that soon the priest would hunt the streets, looking for innocents to abduct. The flight had left Ty with a bit of fatigue, and he was quite tired. He didn't care though, he would make sure Zane was well before he worried about himself.

"You sleep first, I'm going to stand watch for you. I won't let anything happen to you. I'll give my life If I must, but i promise you'll be safe." He said, his words true. He waited for her to enter, he wanted to make sure there weren't any spies watching the two.

[Arwen of Gil'ead]

Zane relaxed a bit as Ty's arms went around her, she felt safe again, safe from the nightmares. She was thoroughly embarrassed of her weakness. She should've had control over this, this disease, by now. She was so tempted turn away her head in shame, when his lips met hers. She blinked in surprise, but soon closed her eyes as the feelings of warmth of happiness consumed her. There was no more blood, no more dead sisters or fathers. As they broke apart, she opened her eyes and stared at him in surprise.

"I know of this house's past, The king told me all about it. This has to be overcome, and I'm here for you. Why else do you think he chose me to accompany you?" Ty said to her. Zane felt uneasy, she hated wanted to keep her past a secret. She had no desire for it to be revealed to the one she loved.

"To torture me," she muttered under her breath. The King probably knew about her love for her Ty, and now was using it against her. But perhaps, Ty was saying the truth. Maybe he knew that Ty could help her overcome what haunted her, that would imply that King had cared for her. She could never be to sure.

Zane noticed Ty's eyes become bright once again. She couldn't help but her breath as he whispered in her ear. She nodded slowly, knowing she was going to have to overcome her own haunts. She followed him back into the house, squeezing his hand as the blood once more appeared in her vision. She just took a deep breath, it would probably always be in her vision no matter what she did. But with Ty here, she felt safe for once.

"Elrun Ono (Thank you)," she whispered softly to him, kissing his cheek as she released his hand walking further into the house she knew so well.

[madge]

Ty stood outside as Zane walked inside. He turned his gaze to the surrounding areas, looking around. He didn't want anyone to catch a glimpse of the two, and he would make damn sure that if anyone tried to bring harm to Zane, or himself, that they would suffer a long and cruel death by his own hands. His eyes had returned to their cold, heartless look. The images of death, murder flashed through his head. He lifted his left hand to his temple as he fought to control himself. He ignored the pain, and threw his hand down as he began to shut the door. He looked around once more, making sure they were not spotted, and closed the door, entering the home.

There was a queen sized bed, located somewhere in the house, as well as a kitchen filled with food. The king had made sure to provide all the basic necessities to survive in the home for at least a month. He turned from the door, and watched Zane with interest."Zane, go get some sleep, I'll stand guard and watch over you." He said, motioning for her to find the bed. "W-wait! I almost forgot!" he yelped, now walking closer to Zane. As he neared her, he would fall to his knees as he began to place wards on the green rider. He placed as many as he could, but soon he arrived at his limit. He had placed dozens, upon dozens of wards on the woman, and now he payed the price for the magic in which he casted. "Alright, now go. Get some sleep." He said vaguely, a bead of sweat falling down his brow as he fought to regain his breath.

He pushed himself to his feet, and quickly turned away from the Rider, making sure the house was secure. He threw the curtains shut, and locked the door / windows. He unsheathed his sword, and held it firmly in his grasp. He was stilling panting heavily, the spells having taken quite the toll on the young rider.

Ty soon sat down, his sword now across his lap. The Rider closed his eyes, as he sat in meditation. He was going to keep a track on all living things in a fifty feet radius. He couldn't feel feel a thing, however, that wasn't an excuse to stop. The moment something, or someone popped up, he would be forced to take action. He yawned to himself, but kept his focus.

[Arwen of Gil'ead]

Zane eye'd him curiously as Ty rubbed his temples. She noticed his eyes had lost their warmth again. It made her sad to see someone she was so close too, lose themselves to visions. She knew the symptoms of visions so well by now that she had stopped having the symptoms all together. But her heart hurt to see him that way. She sighed, it was such karma.
She frowned as he told her to find the bed, she wasn't a child, anymore. She was not to be told when to go to bed. Zane especially did not like being treated like so in her childhood house, it brought back too many memories of her childhood. The the very few good ones and the ton of bad ones.

"Fine," she said somewhat in annoyance, she was about to head for the wooded staircase, underneath it of course was the closet she had been locked in most of her childhood. She watched as Ty put excessive wards around her. Yet again she let out a sigh, now he was being to protective.

"Your being to protective, Ty. I'm not a fragile piece of china," she said her face blank, but her eyes were somewhat narrowed. She hated being treated like she was weak, whether it was true or not was yet to be seen. She simply turned toward the stairs, walking up them, dodging an invisible stream of blood that seemed to flow at her feet. As she walked away she whispered a few wards of her own around Ty. She was more worried about him. She walked into the room with the queen size bed, the house had changed a bit since her childhood but not drastically. She sat on the bed, that in her eyes was red with blood. At least it felt dry to her touch, that's all she cared about. She slowly, began to change out of her clothing, letting fall to the ground aimlessly. She stumble upon the old wash closet, and began draw her self a bath. SHe was relieved to see that it was clear, crystal clear water. She sighed and lowered herself in it enjoying the warmth of the water over her skin.

[madge]

"Your being to protective, Ty. I'm not a fragile piece of china," Zane commented, Ty's face still towards the door. The words hit him harshly, but he decided it was best that he remain silent. He was protective over her, but only for good reason. Before he had left, The king had warned him about the Priest. And on top of that, the reason as to why they still held a grudge against the green rider. The images once again began to re-emerge, and he let out a weak groan as he dropped his sword. He raised both hands to his head, and closed his eyes as hard as he could. These visions were growing more intense, and now they involved people he cared about. A tear slid down his left cheek as he imagined his loved ones hurt, the civilians murdered.

He did his best to remain silent, after all, it was HIS job to watch over the one he loved. He couldn't reveal his weakness, and he didn't want her finding out the depth of his situation. Instead, he would struggle alone. He raised his mental barriers, keeping all out. For a few seconds, he wouldn't even be able to focus on his environment, sound and vision eluded his grasp.

When he finally managed to gain a hold on his mind, he awoke from his tunnel vision. He dropped his head, his hands falling to his sword as sweat rolled down his face. He panted heavily, his breaths echoing throughout the lower level of the house. "I'm..I'm on the border of loosing my mind. What happens if I experience this during a fight? I'll be completely useless!"He commented, almost whispering. He lowered his walls, looking for comfort.

"Xion, Xion are you there?" He asked, searching for the safety and comfort of his companion. The dragon soon discovered Ty's distress, merging his mind with Ty's. "What's wrong, are you okay?!" [/b]He asked, his words leaving behind a feeling of concern. "Ye-yea, it's just.. I had another mental shut down with those visions again. The last time it happened, I fell from your saddle." He said, fear in his words. He didn't like the feeling of being helpless, especially when he wanted to take care of Zane. "I thought that only happened because Murtagh attacked you so brutally, are you telling me you're experiencing it again?" He asked, anger filling the dragon's speech. "y-yea.." Ty replied, a strange air brewing between the two. "After this, we're searching for a way to fix this. These visions can and will get you killed young one."[/color] The dragon roared. Ty agreed, and sat up, sword once again in his lap. "Thank you Xion, I feel a tad bit better. Go my friend, sleep." [/i]Ty stated. Xion agreed, the remnants of the dragon's warmth now leaving Ty's mind all together. Ty raised his hand to his brow, wiping the sweat from his face. He still had a job, and that was keeping the house safe.

[Arwen of Gil'ead]

Zane submerged herself deep into the water. She held her breath before lifting her head back out, sucking in as much air as she could. She rubbed her eyes, and soon before her the water turned to blood. She knew it wasn't really blood, and just sank back down into it, she had gotten so used to her visions by now that they only scared her when she wasn't expecting them, but now she knew that they would come. She had been working so hard to suppress the images that haunted her that her hallucinations ran away from her.

She let out a sorrowful sigh, now Ty was suffering from the same thing she was. She would do anything for him, but she could not take them away. She could only tell him how to handle them, nothing more.
"Adurna," she whispered as streams of water began to dance before her. Yes the water was red, but it was so amusing to play with. She released the magic and reached out for Calen's mind, She sensed the mind of another though, a dark forboding mind. A mind that she recognized as the High Priest of Helgrind. She frowned deeply, but connected with Calen. She was going to have to handle that man once and for all.

Calen, I fear Ty is sick with my disease, she said to her partner, I can tell he is suffering.

There is nothing you can do but be there so he has something in reality to hold onto. Isn't that all you needed? the dragon replied to her, his voice filing her mind.

Thank you, Calen. It's so hard to be here without you, she said to him softly.

We will be reunited soon, don't you worry. With that the two broke off their connection. Zane stood up and stepped out of the water. She began to towel herself, as her mind drifted to the foolishness she was about to do. When she felt dry enough, she entered the room and put her clothes back on, belting her sword, ready for the fight that would no doubt come about. When she was ready and properly cloaked, she opened the window of the room. She slipped through it with ease and lowered herself down with magic. As soon as her feet, hit the ground, she released the magic and began her treck to the temple. She was going to kill this priest once and for all.

[madge]

Soon several hours had passed, and Ty had the desire to check up on Zane. He wanted nothing more then to lay with her, to watch her sleep. He left his sword on the floor, and tip toed up the stair case, not wanting the wake the green eyed beauty. As he neared the second floor, he would approach the door to her room. Something was wrong though, the lights were still on. Horror grabbed at his soul, and he threw the door open with inhuman speed, almost shattering the wood. He looked around, Zane was no where to be seen.

The visions returned, full force. However, Ty merely shoved them away, his emotions flowing through his veins as he noticed the open window. He followed in his lover's tracks, jumping out of the window, now trying to find the green rider. His mind was weak with exhaustion, and the constant pressure of his visions effected his clarity. However, he wasn't willing to loose the only woman on this earth that he felt love for. He darted up the road, the path leading to the church chapel. The door to the chapel was opened slightly, an ominous feeling escaping the building.

He slowly allowed himself to sneak in, now wandering the dark. With the sound of the ancient language, he was soon accompanied by a werelight, it's bright red light now revealing many of the inside features. After he had stepped in a few feet, the door behind him would close brutally. He turned around, yet saw nothing. When he turned back to face his previous direction, he would be attacked by one of the priest. He fell to the floor, unable to move. The man was missing a left arm, but his right arm had an incredible amount of muscle, and in his hand was a wooden stick. He grabbed Ty's arm and proceeded to walk through the hallways. After coming across a solemn room, he would throw Ty In it, chaining the man up chains which hung from the ceiling. Ty was suspended in air, unconscious in the dwellings of priest. His head hung down as the man bound his ankles. There however, was another figure in the room, chained up as well. Ty wouldn't notice who it was until he came to his senses.

[Arwen of Gil'ead]

"Ah...so you have returned home, once more, eh Zane Mora? Or shall I say the Bane of Men."

A sickening voice laughed as Zane struggled against the men that held her, she wished that they would've given up their arms to the gods, it would've been easier for her to escape. She stared angrily at the man that sat on a liter before her. The was hooded in a dark cloak, but his legs were missing. Zane dared not even think his name. it was like venom to her.

"Release me, and face your fate," she growled, ready, to draw upon her magic. as she was about to cast a spell one of the men that held her hit her straight across the face, stopping the flow of magic in it's tracks. Zane only glared at the man before.

"My fate is to be chosen by the gods, not someone such as you," the priest sneered at her, "You are a frayed rope waiting to fall apart. The Gods have caused you great suffering because of your disregard for them. Your father was right to lock you away, you were not worthy. You should've died in his place. And to be frank, I would kill you. If the King's wrath was merely a fable."

"Then let me go," Zane growled.

"Ah but I have a lovely idea to make you suffer. I saw you and that man, a lover my dear? You really do have such weakness of the flesh. But don't worry, I will not let him succomb to your harlot ways. I will brig him closer to the gods,...every bone at a time."

Zane was about to draw on her magic once more, only to recive another hit. She growled fiercely, almost dragon like.

"If you hurt him, you will feel my wrath and no god will help you!" she screamed with vengeance, as the men that held her dragged her away. She watched as a hand with merely two fingers waved at her. That priest was a monster.

She was taken to a dark room and chained by her ankles, and left there in the dark. "Garjzla," she muttered and the whole room was showered in green light. Her eyes widened with horror as she saw Ty suspended there.

"Ty!" she shouted, trying to wake him.

She swung her body up and grabbed onto the cain's that held her ankles. She was amazed by her own upper body strength. She let her magic flow as she sang a spell around the cuffs, slowly the magic began to cut through them, until she was completely free. She fell hard to the floor, but quickly ran to Ty's aid, singing the same spell until the chain's broke. She managed to catch him before the fatigue of the spell kicked in. She sat on the ground with him in her arms trying to catch her breath.

[madge]

Ty's face was pale, and his lips were dry. However, the warmth of Zane's grasp helped him awake. He squinted as he attempted to open his eyes, his eye lids opening slowly. He could feel himself being held, and the smell was so distinct, familiar. Instinctively, he called out for Zane. "Zane..?" He asked, before fully opening his eyes. He raised his left hand to her cheek, and caressed it softly. He looked up into the Green Rider's bright emerald green eyes, sorrow crossing his face. "Are you okay?" He asked, concern heavy in his voice.

He struggled to get to his feet, but as he did, his vision would become blurry. This was no doubt caused by the blood now circulating through his body. He stumbled over to the wall, trying to keep himself up as he waited for his vision to return. After a few minutes, he turned to Zane, watching her closely. "Do you not trust me enough to ask or tell me where you're going?" He asked, a tad bit annoyed. He threw his hands to his waist, as if trying to unsheathe an imaginary sword and cursed to himself. He had left his sword back at the wooden home, and now he was weaponless. He was upset, but not as much as he was happy to find out Zane was okay. However, he did feel as if she didn't trust him. That thought alone tore at his inner being, but he kept it hidden away. He was sure it wasn't her intentions, and he could understand her lust for revenge. He continuously shifted his gaze, to the floor, back to Zane. He knew that she was still hurting from her past, and with a sigh, he walked back over to her, crouching. "You lead away, I'll follow you and provide support." His words were for once, warm and caring. He intended on helping Zane resolve her past, regardless of how powerful their enemy might be.

[Arwen of Gil'ead]

Zane breathed a sigh of relief as Ty awoke in her arms. She smiled slightly, she couldn't smile fully while they were still in the clutches of the High Priest. She found it rather fortunate that he had underestimated her proficiency at the use of magic. But she was more angered by the fact he would dare threaten Ty. He had nothing to do with their bad blood. It was cruel, and it made her blood boil at the thought. She was pretty sure her anger and vegance had showed in her eyes, when Ty asked her if she was okay. As soon as his hand touched her cheek, she calmed down a bit.

"I've been better, but are you alright?" she asked, her voice filled with concern. She looked him up and down several times just to make sure all his limbs were still attached and present. They were, and finally Zane could relax a bit.

A sense of guilt filled her as she realized that Ty felt as if she did't trust him. She didn't know what to say. She had never intended for him to get involved, and now he was in the thick of it. She rubbed her temples as the stress of the situation rose in her head. She really just wanted to put a sword thought that d**n priest's heart.

"I didn't want you to get involved. It was my business," she said to him softly, a slight twinge of sorrow in her tone.

She rose from the ground and unsheathed her sword. She approached the door and with as much strength as she could muster shouted the word, "Jierda!"

The metal doorburst from the hinges, Zane couldn't help but smile at her own strength. She took of down the stone halls only to come face to face with one of the men who had dragged her to the dungeon. With a swing of the sword she decapitated him.

"I hope that brings you closer to your god," she spat as she continued on.

Zane's eyes began to fill with the all too fimilar visions as she approached the chambers of the high priest. They were distracting, but she supressed them long enough to sense that the priest was alone. She placed her hand on the large wooden door, as she did it seemed that blood was pouring it's way through the cracks in between the boards. She took a deep breath before her eyes narrowed fiercely. It was time for this suffering to end.

"Jierda!" she shouted and the door splintered apart. She strode into the priest's chambers, proudly. She whispered a few words in the ancient language that forced the High Priest to hold his tongue. She smiled and strode up to him. Her face in front of his.

"By order of His Majesty, The King of Alagaesia, King Galbatorix. I, Zane Mora, Green Rider or the Empire and Servant of the King, take it upon myself to serve out your execution by his royal decree," she said darkly, a smug smile on her face. It was about time her position gave her power. She did not hesitate on moment, as she stabbed the man right through the throat. Blood spurting everywhere and completely drenching her. She simply stood there though, watching him die. A feeling of utter relief and happiness filled her. She was so overwhelmed that she fell to her knees, staring at the corpse of the priest.

[madge]

"I didn't want you to get involved. It was my business," Zane said, her voice soft. However, Ty stood up and walked over to the door. He turned around from her, pausing for a few brief seconds. As he faced her again, his bright blues eyes could be seen once more. "But you ARE my business. Loosing you, is not an option for me, do you understand that?" He stated, his voice filled with a mixture of love and anger. With that, he held his tongue and waited for her to open the door. The door flew open quickly with the sound of her ancient words, and he followed her down the dark hallway.

Ty kept his words to himself as he watched Zane destroy the crowd of men. They soon however, found the High Priest's chambers, and he followed behind zane closely as she used her magic to throw the door open. The high priestess sat there, grimacing at the riders. However, Zane would impale the man quickly enough, his corpse littering the ground. Ty decided to approach Zane, and quick pulled her up as he embraced her, his left hand falling to the back of her head as he gently ran his fingers through her hair. His heart pounded loud and vibrantly, no doubt caused by the earlier fear which he encountered when he realized she had gone missing. He closed his eyes as he kissed the top of her head. "Is it finally over Zane? Are you satisfied?" He asked, however his voice was warm.

He looked over to the priest's body, and turned away as his blood pooled on the ground. He was aware of Zane's fatigue, however it was to be expected. Both of them had yet to receive any proper rest, and with all of the spells being thrown around, he could only help but feel for her. After a few minutes, he broke the embrace, and lowered his right arm to the back of Zane's legs, his left hand on her back. He lifted her up in his arms, looking down to her with a bright smile. "Sleep, I'll get you home. " [/b]He whispered, now lowering his head as he attempted to kiss the green rider. It was over, but they still had work to accomplish in the city, hopefully news of their arrival wouldn't spread. Ty didn't care much though, because his first priority was getting zane home. He walked throughout the corridors, finally coming to the exit. After thirty minutes of walking, he found the house, and entered it. He once more, lowered his head as he nudged zane's cheek with his nose. "Hey, we're home" he whispered, not knowing if she was awake or not.

[Arwen of Gil'ead]

Zane just sat in the pool of blood for a moment, she made no movement. She just stared at the corpse. She was hoping that this act would finally cure her, that everything twisted in her mind would finally be free, the visions, the memories, and all the blood would be erased from her mind. But she knew that wasn't going to be the result, deep inside she knew that no matter what she did those things would remain in her mind, she felt so...hopeless.

She felt Ty embrace her and run his fingers through her hair. She leaned against his chest, she needed something to hold onto. The warmth of his arms and the beating of his heart, drove away any thoughts of her disease, she just focused on him and her love for him. She felt him kiss the top of her head and she let out a deep breath, as if trying to expel any negative thoughts with her breathing.

"It is finished," she said darkly, "But I will never be satisfied."

It was the dark truth of the situation, she never would forget her past until the day her disease disappeared. But she did feel better, she almost wanted to return to Uru'bean and thank the King for giving her the opportunity to heal herself partially. But she knew he would lose his control over her if she was fully healed.But she didn't mind, the King had helped her so much, she was forever grateful.

As Ty picked her up into his arms she wrapped her arms around his neck, nodding tiredly as he spoke to her. She felt a surge of energy as their lips met, as if everything was right in the world as they kissed. As they broke apart, she rested her head on his shoulder, closing her eyes though not sleeping. As they traveled back to the house, she just listened to his breathing, it was such a comforting thing to her, just to know he was alive and with her. That is all she wanted.

Zane opened her eyes as Ty announced they were back at the house and nudged her face gently. She lifted her head and kissed him, her lips lingering on his for what seemed like hours before breaking apart. She gently caressed his face and said, "Rest with me tonight. We will be safe for the night, and I want you near me."

She kissed him once more before resting her head back on his shoulder, she was so overwhelmed with the events of the night that she couldn't bare to be alone. She needed his comfort and worth.

[madge]

Before Ty could lift his head, he would be caught in a blissful kiss. He stood there for a few minutes, enjoying the solitude with Zane. Usually, there were two massive dragons watching the two. However, he had her to himself for the night. As they broke away, he smiled faintly. Zane had lifted her hand, caressing his face gently before saying "Rest with me tonight. We will be safe for the night, and I want you near me." She said softly. The two embraced in yet, another kiss and he nodded. "If it'll make you feel better."[/b] he commented, his bright eyes illuminating the room.

Ty looked around the room, a feeling of immense happiness bottling up inside of his inner being as felt the warmth from Zane. His skin was warm, and his eyes were back to their once youthful sky blue. He took a few steps forward, finally managing to find the staircase. He walked up slowly, making sure he grasp on Zane was sturdy and fit. Then he hiked the staircase, and walked around until he came upon the bedroom. With a gentle kick, he opened the door slowly. The bed was still made, and the sight alone was peaceful. He neared the bedding, laying Zane down with ease. His shirt was filthy, so he discarded it, now jumping into bed alongside Zane. He reached for the Green Rider's hand, and held onto it tightly. He threw the sheets back, and covered his lower body. He once more turned to Zane, kissing her cheek softly.

"Truly, you are a gift from the gods." Ty whispered, his eyes flickering with exhaustion. However, he wanted to watch the one he loved fall asleep. He threw himself on his back, and pulled Zane closer to him, his left hand on his chest as he held Zane's Right hand. He kissed her forehead, and hummed quietly. His body was quite muscular, but this was no doubt due to his training with the empire. His chest rose and lowered as he inhaled and exhaled.

As Ty lay there, he could help but think about his life. With Zane, everything was perfect. His worries were weightless, and his mind was clear. He turned his head, staring deeply into Zane's eyes, a wide smile breaking out across. "Why are you so darn beautiful?" He asked, his voice warm and comforting. He once more, kissed Zane, but this time it seemed to last longer. Seconds felt like minutes, minutes felt like hours, and hours felt like days. Her warm breath on his face, her beautiful eyes, and her sweet voice was all he needed to fall asleep. And he didn't know how much longer he could fight to stay awake. Still, he continued his kiss, his eyes closed peacefully as he held his lover.

[Arwen of Gil'ead]

Zane felt completely at home in his arms, as the climbed the stairs to the bedroom. She couldn't believe that someone like Ty could lover her so whole-heartedly. And she found it even stranger that she could love someone so whole-heartedly, she never thought it to be in her nature. It just wasn't her. But yet she knew that she loved him without limitation. She let out a sigh of content and closed her eyes.

Zane opened her eyes and smiled softly at Ty as he laid her down on the bed. She sat up and removed her sword and belt and pulled of her boots. She bit her lip, she had quite the delima. Her clothing was thoroughly soaked with blood. She had no desire to sleep in such clothes, but nor did she want to be left in just her under garments, but she figured at this point, there is nothing she could possible do to scare Ty away from her. Zane removed her soiled clothing until her undergarments remained. The green rider had a very lean muscled body who's skin was home to several scars and wounds of various times in her life. She crawled under the overs of the bed, quickly as if not wanting to be seen.

She felt Ty grab her hadn kiss her cheek as he joined her in the bed. She blushed as he complimented her. She had never thought about herself like that, but if Ty said it then must be true. She just laughed and smiled, cuddling closer to him, enjoying the warmth of his body and of his voice.

"Why are you so darn beautiful?" He asked.

"You flatter me, Ty," she whispered as their lips met once more. This kiss was longer than any of the ones before, and Zane enjoyed every moment of it. It was so perfert and pure, and yet so instinctual and natural. It seemed like she was meant to be with him. After awhile she brooke the kiss, but did not speak. She didn't want to ruin the moment, she just gazed into his loving eyes, before kissing him again, shorter this time but with the same amount of feeling. She could sense Ty's fatigue as she broke the kiss, she caressed his face, saying, "Sleep, my love."

[madge]

Ty fought with all of his will to stay, but the sense of warmth that he felt was an indescribable feeling. He almost shivered from the intensity of the situation. This had been the first time, that his mental barrier had actually allowed for his full emotion to flow through. He smiled, shifting his gaze up to the ceiling. He had missed himself, and he knew that part of him would soon be lost to the shadows once more, however he tossed that idea to the side, ignoring it.

"Sleep, my love" uttered Zane, her words comforting to the ears.

Ty looked away, now catching zane back in his sight. He looked deep into her eyes, kissing her before breaking apart again. "If you, If you say so." he managed to fight out, his words broken up. Sleep was pulling at his eyes, dragging them down constantly. His gaze flickered, before his eyes completely closed.

He lifted her hand to his lips, kissing it. He loved everything about Zane. He found her perfect in every way, and he wouldn't change a thing about her. His lips parted as he sang a quiet tune, his words involving Zane, and his love for her in the ancient language. However, his words would soon die down as he fell asleep. His grip loosened, and his breathing changed completely. He was in the world of his dreams.