Death

[madge]

The battle had raged on for what seemed like forever, however things had calmed down quite a bit. The sky was now growing dark, the smell of death heavy in the air. Animals avoided the battlefield, and citizens clung close to one another inside their homes. It was the battle of the Gods, Rider fighting Rider.

Xion flew off from the field, Ty sitting up right. His eyes never wavered, and they almost betrayed the appearance of a blood thirsty warrior. He looked up to the unrelenting sun, watching as it sunk in the horizon. His eyes hung low, a cool breeze flowing through his hair as he raised his palms to his gaze. He watched his hands, almost waiting for some sense of emotional relief to cross his mind. However, he was left alone, unable to care. There were very few things that he actually cared about, and as time progressed, time would take those from him as well. "Xion, how are your injuries, not to grave I hope?" He asked, his voice revealing hints of concern. The Red dragon was surprised, "was that emotion I just heard? Maybe he still cares for those who are close to him." [/color]He thought, a wave of relief now swept across the massive dragon. "Yes, don't worry about me youngling." He replied, the two now approaching the vast city.

Xion landed with grace, allowing Ty a moment to dismount the dragon. The two were standing on a rather large, sturdy rooftop. Ty decided to sit down, his feet out in front of him, his hands behind his back. He didn't understand who he was anymore, and it almost disturbed him. It was sad, but the rider now thought of himself as a tool, meant for the destruction of others. Was this his fate? To take the lives of others, serve the king, and have no free will of his own? It wouldn't matter anyway, because quite frankly, Ty didn't care what happened. However, his emotions were barely aroused when he thought of Zane's bright green eyes. For the first time since the start of the battle, a very faint smile would appear.

As much as Ty didn't want to admit, it felt good not caring. There weren't many things to hold him back from doing what -he- wanted. "Xion, do you think my emotions were holding me back? I can't tell if I enjoy this, dark eerie feeling that constantly lingers in my mind. I can't shake it, those images, they continue to appear in my mind." The dragon snorted, a cloud of smoke billowing out of his nostrils as he spoke. "No, they made you unique. I believe that we'll be able to rescue you from your mind soon enough, but it won't be with the empire. We'll have to wait, and plan. The elves are the only ones who could possibly understand how to cure your mental illness." Muttered Xion. The dragon turned his head, watching his rider with interest. "I see.." [/b]commented Ty, his eyes still low.

[Arwen of Gil'ead]

Calen’s wings flapped with fatigue. Zane could sense it, she could sense everything about him. She had healed his wounds but she knew that pain still lingered. She had used so much energy in the battle that she could not heal the wound that she recived to her side. The wound was bleeding profusely no matter how much pressure she put on it. She lifted her left hand to see that it was stained red. She let out a breathy sigh. If she was going to die she wished that she could of just died in the Battle. There was more honor in that.

Calen had offered her the rest of his energy, but she would rather find help than be stuck in the middle of the battlefield, with an unconscious dragon. She had begun to regret ever challenging the Rider of Old. She was no match for an elf, let alone a fully trained rider. Galbatorix did not train her well enough to do such a thing. Zane coughed and out came a small amount of blood.

“Ah D**n it,” she cursed rolling her eyes. She hated feeling this week. It destroyed her to feel so helpless. She could sense Calen’s panic at her injuries.

Zane, please, heal yourself...your life is fleeting,[/b][/color] Calen said to her, his always steady stoic voice, quivering.

The Green Rider just nodded, as she whispered the words of healing. She only slightly healed the wound, she didn’t have the energy to heal the rest. She looked around the landscape for a place to land. That’s when she saw a fimilar color red.

Xion, she though to herself. With Xion being there that meant Ty was there, and he could help her. But she hesitated. She didn’t want to appear weak infront of the other rider, even though their friendship was strong, she was still the female rider of the group and always underestimated. If she was the only one wounded, it would just prove her weakness.

Don’t be foolish, Zane, you need the help,[/b] [/color]the dragon growled, as he dived toward the red dragon and rider.

Zane lifted her hand again, the bleeding had stopped a little, but another fit of coughing hit her. And yet again there was blood. She wiped her mouth with her free hand, she figured that perhaps she may of ruptured a capillary or something in her lungs. Something that she could fix as soon as the energy was given to her.

As they approached Xion and Ty, Zane remembered how Murtagh had attacked the two. She felt bad for them, it had scared the life out of her when Ty had fallen out of the saddle. She was so distracted with worry that the elf had gotten her in the ribs. Zane was sure she had lost a lot of blood by now, but she had no way of knowing that was until they landed.

Calen landed next to the red dragon with a loud thud. Zane was about to clamber down when her vision became speckled with black. She paused all movement, as she felt weakness take over her bones. Her vision then faltered as she fell to the side of Calen landing weakly onto the hard ground. She tried to stand but couldn’t. She could no longer see, she had lost too much blood.

[madge]

Ty raised his head to the sky, the familiar sound of a dragon approaching. Ty pressed his hands against the ground as he lifted himself up. Something was wrong, and he could feel it in the air. The green rider was slouched over, and the Dragon's flight seemed lazy. Xion also noticed the change in the air, and lifted his head up, his eyes locked on Calen. The green dragon landed on the roof with a loud thud, the sound echoing out across the night. Ty's eyes widened with worry, which seemed quite rare seeing as Ty had lost access to his emotions. But perhaps it was the fact that the red rider had much love for the woman. Xion brushed against Ty's conscious. He was surprised, Ty's emotions were slowly leaking out, and the dragon knew why. "The amount of love he shares for her, it's the only reason to explain his abrupt change in mood. He's actually concerned, scared right now." The dragon thought. Xion knew that time was essential, and he began feeding Ty his energy.

"Zane..ZANE!" Ty yelled, as he ran full speed towards Calen. As she fell, Ty would throw himself on the ground, catching her in his arms as he slid across the roof on his back. He wrapped his arms Zane, waiting for his momentum to die down. After he stopped sliding, he soon sat up, Zane in his arms. He closed his eyes, and placed his hands on the woman's stomach. "Waíse heill!" He shouted, his magical energy draining as he repaired Zane's internal organs. Ty's clothing was covered in Zane's blood, however, soon the wound sealed itself. Ty lowered his lips to the rider's forehead, kissing her softly as a tear found itself escaping his eyes.

"Ty don't, I know what you're thinking." Xion roared, now standing up. Ty ignored him, and commenced with speaking the ancient language. "Lifa!" (Live) he shouted, his strength now draining tremendously. Xion had used up almost all of his magical energy, and now the feat was left to Ty. His strength drained fast, but he didn't care. As he continued the spell, he would hope that her blood levels would began balancing out, returning her to life from the brink of death. He finished his spell, and was left breathless. Sweat covered his brow and ran down his face. He hugged her body close to his, hoping that she would be alright. His magical energy was dangerously low, but if he needed to continue healing her, he would until death itself. "Zane, you can't die, because I...because..iet hjarta waise un ono!" He shouted, another tear running down his cheek. (My heart be with you, meaning he loves her) He lowered his head down to her chest, and closed his eyes. He wanted her to wake up, he would give any and everything he could to ensure that.

[Arwen of Gil'ead]

Calen's POV

Calen watched helplessly as his partner-of-mind-and-soul fell to the ground next to him in Ty's arms. The green dragon roared in distress as he felt his rider's life fleeting so quickly away. The emptiness was beginning to fill his mind and he felt so helpless.

Zane! Zane! Stay with me! Please! LIve! the dragon screamed at her fleeting mind. He let out another roar.

He was relieved as Ty healed her, kissing her forehead so gently. Calen touched his snout to his rider's forehead shortly after. But why wasn't she waking up? He looked at Ty, as if he knew the answer. He saw that the young rider was cover in the crimson blood of his partner. There was so much blood, so much. The dragon had never seen so much blood. It tore at his heart, now he understood how it felt to see his rider suffer. Now he understood.

Calen waited expectantly, for Zane to wake up. He wanted to offer the young rider his energy, but he had none to give. He felt so helpless that he couldn't help Zane, but was so grateful to Ty. He was simply shocked though, when the rider professed his love for her, in the ancient language no less. He had no idea what to do, for he felt Zane's mind just slowly beginning to come around. He knew she had not heard.

*******Zane's POV********

The void was such a scary place. It was just black, pure dark blackness. Zane felt weightless, as if she no longer exsisted, She felt Calen pulling her back into the world, she felt magic and life now coursing back into her, through her veins. She slowly felt life coming to her again. Then there was the feeling of falling, like she was falling back to earth. She just kept falling,and falling, and falling. Then she woke up.

Zane blinked a few times, Ty's head resting on her chest. His face seemed to have tear tracks on it. She took a deep breath, air had never tasted so good to her. She felt hot breath on her forehead.

Your alive! Calen exclaimed, humming with utter joy.

Zane was almost afraid to speak, not wanting it all to be an illusion. She lifted her hand stroked Ty's hair gently.

"Thank you, Ty, I owe you my life," she said, her voice shakey.

She looked over back at Calen, who looked at the two, a strange glint in his eye. Zane knew that look. He knew something, that she didn't. But at this point she was just relieved to be alive...and to wake up in Ty's arms.

[madge]

Ty continued resting his head on Zane's chest, a third tear falling from his eyes. He wasn't sobbing, but it was apparent that sorrow tore at his heart. However, he stopped breathing after he felt a few abrupt movements. It was Zane! She was breathing, a wide smile broke out across Ty's face as he pulled Zane closer to his body, his eyes still closed. "Thank you, Ty, I owe you my life," Zane commented, but Ty ignored her. "You don't owe me anything, you're life holds worth over my own in my eyes." He whispered. He felt her fingers running through his wavy brown hair. It comforted him, calmed him down. He was truly happy, and his emotions flared as they fought for release.

Ty didn't want to move, the constant stroking of his hair was too comforting. As he raised his head, he would find himself making eye contact with Zane, he couldn't smile any wider. He lowered his head, brushing his cheek against her own. He lifted his head slowly, but not before kissing her cheek softly. "Thank you, Thank you for living. Don't you ever scare me like that again." He mumbled.

Xion

(speaking ONLY to Calen)

"That's strange my friend. For the boy has lost every ounce of his emotions, yet when in the presence of this woman, he manages to find his happiness? It's soothing for me to know that there's still a chance for the child to return to his former self." Xion said, his voice proud and happy. The Dragon shifted his gaze from Calen, to Ty who held Zane. He hummed with happiness, and for a moment, all seemed well.
"I didn't think I'd ever see a smile on his face after Murtagh crushed his mind" Xion commented, anger in his voice. The dragon detested Murtagh for the pain he caused his rider. He wanted to impale Thorn, and cause Murtagh the pain of watching his loved one suffer. None the less, he decided to rest his head, exhausted from using up all of his energy.
(To Ty) "You did good young one, I'm very proud of you. you're one fourth clever, and three fourths fool." The dragon stated, chuckling.

Ty continued to stare into Zane's eyes, his eyes now returning to their usual bright color. Emotion poured out from the Red rider, and he couldn't help but feel that all was well. He knew for sure now, that he was in love with this woman. Just holding her made him feel at ease, made him feel at home. He questioned himself however, intimidated that the bond would work the same way as it did with Xion. If they were apart, would he feel the pain of their separation? He didn't know, but the thought frightened him. However, she was safe, and he had saved her life. It was around this time, that he noticed how intense his fatigue was, he wanted nothing more then to fall asleep. Without realizing that he still had his arms around Zane, he would fall back, Zane landing on top of him. His face flushed a bright red, however, he still had her in his arms. He looked up to her, his expression growing blank as surprise swelled up in his stomach.

[Arwen of Gil'ead]

Calen

Calen nodded at Xion, knowing what he meant. He had seen what Murtagh had done, but he had not known the full extent of it. The dragon felt a pang sadness, Xion. Nothing is owrse than watching your rider suffer mentally and there was nothing you could do, but be there to support and comfort.

Zane, feels safe with Ty. There is no one else who she trusts and cares for such much, The dragon paused in his speech observing the riders before them, I wouldn't worry about him to much, Xion. He is a very strong willed boy, he will overcome this. If not by himself, he will with help. The minds of two-leggeds are so fragile. I often wonder how they function.[/b][/color]

Calen crouched low to the ground, watching everything before him, resting his strength.

Zane's POV

Zane smiled at Ty, she had never felt so loved in her life. It almost made her weep, to see that he has been sheding whatever amount of tears over her. She couldn't understand how he could care for her so much. It mystfied her.

He loves you, Zane, Calen said to her softly, Almost as much as I do. His love for you is true, he would've died to save you.

Zane was about to say something when she felt Ty's lips touch her cheek. Her face immediately turned red, and she smiled more brightly than ever. She heard Calen humming with joyful laughter. He said something about not scaring him again.

"You were scared? I was scared!You try almost dying!" she said, smiling at him. She felt so much comfort and happiness in his arms. She never wanted to leave them. She still felt that everything could be taken from her in in a moment. She found herself getting as close as possible to Ty, not wanting to lose him.

Then she felt herself falling on top of him. She blushed, yet felt guilty that he had lost so much energy saving her. She didn't move to get up, but laid with him. She looked into his eyes, they were bright as ever. She smiled, even though se realized he was covered in her blood. But that didn't matter, both of them were alive and together.

[madge]

Ty allowed himself to lay there, Zane in his arms. He could feel her warmth, now looking into her eyes as he smiled once more. He threw his head back, closing his eyes as he tried to get a hold on his breath. Ty's chest rose after every breath, the a warm breeze now flowing through his hair. "Don't ever do that again, you hear me?" [/b]He said, almost laughing. He raised his left hand, pinky extended. "Promise me please?" [/b]He said, waiting for Zane to grab a hold of his finger. Once she did however, he would roll to the side, pulling her along with him. He lay on his right hip, and watched Zane with interest. He leaned in, in attempts of kissing Zane, his eyes once more closed. He would raise his left hand to her cheek, caressing it softly in his hold.

He broke away from the kiss after what felt like hours, a faint smile on his face as he watched the green rider. He could tear the image of her eyes from his mind, they were just..gorgeous in his eyes. "Tell me Zane, you had to pick the biggest dragon on that field to fight with?" He asked, his voice warm and caring. He joked with her, and moved his right hand to the ground as he rested his head on the roof tile. He was fighting off the struggles of sleep, but it felt so right knowing that he had Zane close to him. Without much thought, he found himself inching closer to Zane,his head tucked down close to Zane's neck, as he closed his eyes. Her body heat was all he needed to keep himself warm, and with that, he fell asleep.

----Xion's POV----

The dragon watched as his Rider fell asleep. The sight was soothing, and the timing was right on the dot. The sun had now buried itself in the horizon, and night had arrived. The dragon tilted his head in curiosity towards Zane, his brilliant red eyes gleaming with happiness. "Thank you for.. everything" The dragon said, his words directed towards Zane. The dragon bent his legs, lowering his head. He was just as fatigued as his rider. The revival of Zane had consumed too much of his energy, and he was awaiting the dreams of his slumber. His eyes were still opened however, and he hummed with satisfaction. The night was quiet for the most part, everyone was nestled in their beds, and all seemed well.

But there's a funny thing about peace, it never last.

[Arwen of Gil'ead]

Zane's face grew warm, as they laid together on the rooftop. It was so magical and unexplainable to her. She had out lived her death, only to be saved by the one human that she had fallen in loved with. She finally knew what those feelings for him was, love. She just laid their with him, giving him her pinky, and saying with a soft laugh, "I promise."

She couldn't laugh as they rolled over, staring into each other's eyes. He was handsome to her, his features were so masculine and strong compared to her's, and his eyes were so much more pure than hers. She her breath caught in her throat as they met in a sweet kiss, she was so surprised but yet she loved every moment of it. Her hands found their way into his soft hair. She never wanted to end the feeling.

But, alas, everything must end and their lips broke apart. But Zane looked at Ty, her eyes bright and smiling. She loved it, just when their eyes met. She felt so right being with him.

"I'm sorry, but I do love to take on a challenge," she said with a bright smiled.

She pulled herself closer to him as he rested his head in her neck. She smiled and stroked his hair softly, as she felt his breath change into a sleeping breath. She smiled and found herself humming happily, similar to how Calen hummed. She looked over at her green dragon who had curled on the roof nearby, his green belly rising and falling with his own slumber. She felt so much love for both Calen and Ty, she would never be able to survive losing either of them. It would kill her.

Zane felt the gently brushing of Xion's mind on hers, thanking her. She was confused, but did not press it. She knew that a dragon's and rider's business was their own, so she merely replied, Your welcome, red one.

She watched as the sun continued to set, a sense of great foreboding hit her. Their relationship was dangerous. They both could be in very grave trouble. It was a weakness, now. If someone controlled the one they controlled the other. She sighed, not wanting to think about it. She only wished that they could just be together untainted.

[madge]

Ty was fast asleep, his breathing faint. Every now and then, he would adjust his head slightly, his nose resting on Zane's neck softly. His breath was warm, his arms still wrapped around Zane's waist. His grip was firm, yet gentle. The many stars now appeared in the night sky, bathing the Rider's in light.

Below in the streets however, odd shadows would dance as creatures passed. There were five in total, and their cloaks were covering their faces. They moved gracefully, the only thing revealing their presence being the shadows. Brilliant gleaming weapons hung from their belts, and their scent betrayed the background of nobility. The figure leading, slowly came to a pause. He looked up to the massive roof in which the dragons and their riders were perched. He signaled to the others, and they began scaling the wall with ease. As they neared the top, they would approach, weaponry drawn. They completely surrounded the group, whether they were noticed or not. It wasn't long before a breeze would roll by, knocking off the hoods of the creatures.

Pointy ears were visible, and their faces were smooth. They had been Varden spies, seeking extra information. However, after stumbling upon two weakened riders, they couldn't help but take advantage of the situation. Xion kept his eyes closed, yet he sensed elves approach. He dove into Ty's mind, waking the man. Ty awoke, yet he made no movements. "Do you have the energy to fight them?" [/b]Xion asked, concerned. Ty didn't answer, instead he waited for them to draw closer. The five elves remained in their original position however, except for one. That elf bore golden armor, and his golden blonde hair fell to his shoulders. As he approached the Riders, he would lift his blade, ready to strike. Ty could feel his mind, and within seconds, he jumped up, thrusting his blade into the elf's throat. Blood sprayed out as the elf hit the roof with a dull thud, his body now rolling off of the roof.

Xion also opened his eyes, roaring loudly in attempts of alarming the others if they were not aware.

[Arwen of Gil'ead]

Zane had stayed awake, she feared if she fell asleep that she would never wake up. She would back into to the blackness of the void, never to see the light of day again. The thought made her quiver, she couldn't imagine leaving Calen and Ty, and even Xion, only to be thrust into the depths of the void. She loved them too much. She would die if anything happened to them. She couldn't help but giggle a bit, as Ty nuzzled her neck. She really did love him.

She brought her lips to his ear and whispered softly, "Iet hjarta waise un ono."

Suddenly, Zane and Calen, both lifted their heads in surprise. The smell, was undeniable. They smelt elf, and they listened closely and heard the gracefully padding of feat. Rider and dragon stood absolutely still. Not making a noise, or breathing a breath. She felt Ty, shift, he was awake, and no doubt aware of the situation. Her hand immediately went to her won sword as she waited.She sensed five of them, and their intentions were not good.

The golden haired, one approached them first, she was almost shocked at his beauty. He was almost as beautiful as the elf she had captured in Uru'Bean some weeks ago. She was even more surprised when Ty's blade went straight through the elves throat. Zane sensed the other elves approaching and she jumped up quickly drawing her sword. As Xion roared, so did Calen. The chorus was almost too eire to listen to. Another elf emerged this time, dark haired and she couldn't really tell it's gender. Zane and the dark haired elf's swords, met sparks flying. She didn't dare enter mental combat with the elf, but she managed to use the elf's agility against them. As the elf dodged one of her blows, Zane whipped the dagger from her boot and stabbed the elf iin it's exposed side. Zane knew she had hit the heart by the blood that pumped out of the wound. She stood there breathing, waiting for the next one to come her way.

[madge]

The dragons roared with anger, Ty's adrenaline now building after he watched the life of his victim's eyes dim. He turned, only to watch the green rider clean up a kill. Three enemies were left, however they chuckled darkly. The red rider would raise his sword, his eyes dark. He took his stance as he raised his mental barriers, signaling for Xion. The massive dragon roared as he threw his head upwards, then downwards as fire spewed forth, bathing the area where the elfs were last seen. Just as Ty had expected, the elves dodged, but little did they know, they fell right into Ty's trap. The human rider bolted off towards the elfs, slicing rapidly as one elf caught the full blunt of the attack. He let out a yell as blood seeped from his wound, his limbs becoming lifeless.

Now stood two elven warriors, however they both closed their eyes, almost standing completely frozen. They were attempting to crush the Rider's mind, as well as their dragon's. Ty remained still, his fortifications raised as high as possible. He reinforced his walls as hard as he could, and remained frozen. Xion had far less trouble, however he wasn't able to take much action while fighting off the accomplished magicians. Ty focused on one thought, and one thought alone. Those were Zane's bright green eyes, and they fueled him with energy as he fought to repel the invasion.