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Post by Elendrial Vanimedlë on Mar 8, 2007 3:51:39 GMT -5
Shaden landed in the opening among the forest. From now on, they would have to walk to Ellesmera. Elendrial dismounted and drew her sword. No matter how safe anyone said this place was, she did not believe them. She feared that now a days anything could happen, even in the elven territory.
The breeze felt good on her face as they walked among the trees. Normally, a place like this would be hot and humid but in this elven forest it was cool and quiet. The forest seemed to come alive as if by some type of magic. The trees seemed to sing, and the birds seemed to be in harmony with them.
What beautiful sounds. Don't you agree Shaden.
Shaden did not hear her thought because he was distracted by other things. Never in his life had he seen a place like this kind, yet it seemed vaguely familiar, as if he had been here before. The music of the forest sent him into a trance and he started to hum along with it. It was a beautiful song; something out of stories of old.
They song became louder as they got closer to Ellesmera. Thoughts poured into Elendrial's mind.
Will they except us especially because of my history? How will they react? Will they know? Of course they must though. I am from here.
She reassured herself as the dragon and rider walked into the city.
No one could be seen as they entered the city; no one except a figure in the distance, walking toward them. Elendrial moved near Shaden, waiting for the figure's response to the two of them.
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Post by Artemis Silverbow on Mar 11, 2007 13:40:26 GMT -5
Artemis sighed and closed her eyes. Her battalion had been put on watch duty today, and so far, absolutely nothing had happened. Yet, she reminded herself that she shouldn’t be complaining. Ever since her squad had arrived in the city three weeks ago, all of them had been bored out of their mind. Sitting and watching wasn’t their style. So when the Queen had asked them to serve as the watch, Artemis accepted. At least they would look useful while sitting and being bored out of their minds. So far, it had lived up to that reputation. Artemis had discovered that meditating was a very good time passing activity, and had been steadily improving at it as the hours dragged on.
A cracking branch spurred Artemis out of her trance-like state. Her head snapped towards the source of the sound. Two figures, hidden by trees, were approaching. If they were any louder the entire town would know by now she thought as she studied them. One looked humanoid, but the other obviously wasn’t. In fact, it looked more like an animal than anything else.
After a few minutes, Artemis was able to make out a little more detail. The humanoid was actually an elf about her age and looked a little on edge, while the animal was still unfamiliar. It seemed familiar; even though she was sure she had never seen it's like before. Artemis searched her memory until she realized where she had seen its form before - in books dealing with dragons. Her eyes grew wide. She motioned to her second in command to keep the troops put, then came out of her hiding place, bow in hand. She was going to meet a dragon and its rider - which was an honor, no doubt - but she still needed to be cautious. There was no telling their history or what side they were on.
She made her way toward them, staying in plain sight but keeping close to objects that she could dive behind if the pair proved hostile. "Atra esterní ono thelduin" she stated when she was close enough, testing to see if the visitor knew the ancient language.
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Post by Elendrial Vanimedlë on Mar 15, 2007 0:58:09 GMT -5
Elendrial quickly examined the figure approaching. It was an elf, a she elf who was around her age. The elf seemed to be some type of warrior, eager to know who Elendrial was. Elendrial replied to the elf's words:
"Atra du evarinya ono varda."
The other elf was testing her, testing her to see if she knew the language. Well that would be easy enough. It was the only language her father would speak to her in. Of course she knew others though, just because she lived with the ones who spoke them. Elendrial's heart was pounding now. If these people only knew who she was. She ended her thoughts there for fear that someone may be probing her mind.
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Post by Artemis Silverbow on Mar 15, 2007 17:32:38 GMT -5
"Un du evarínya ono varda" Artemis replied. After a quick laugh and a smile, she added, "And your accent's horrible, but we will work on that." in English. It was instantly apparent that she was not from the elven world, and had spent most her life in Alagaësia, somewhere in the central to south regions of the country.
"Greetings, fair dragon." the elf said as she bowed deeply. This was a very rare and special occasion. Something that would be celebrated for days. Another dragon and rider! Shadeslayer would have to be informed. Things were looking up for their cause! But the threat of espionage still hung over the heads of the elves. Artemis's smile dropped.
"It pains me deeply, but I must ask a favor of you. This war fought in the south is growing greater and more far reaching by the day. Both by your accent and the fact you are not known to us, I must ask if you will allow us to search your mind to be sure you are safe. I am aware this is an enormous embarrassment and dishonor to you, but it is now the order of the queen, may she live forever. It is only in the interest of both your safety once you enter the city and for all of her residents I assure you. I can do it myself if you would like." To ask such a thing of a dragon and his rider was such a...wrong... thing to do. But it must be done.
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Post by Elendrial Vanimedlë on Mar 16, 2007 10:30:31 GMT -5
(ooc - * and italics=Shaden talking (through mind). plain italics is just Elendrial thinking or talking through her mind.)
Elendrial started to worry. If they found out who her father was, if they knew, she would be band for life. Her heart felt like a drum beating deep inside her and her skin turned as cold as ice.
"Eka ai fricai un Shur'tugal! Must you read our minds? Shaden un eka weohnata neiat haina ono."
Her palms started to sweat and she seemed tense.
*It's okay little one. I am here. They will not harm you for if they touch a hair on your head, they will die before they can defend themselves.*
Shaden held his head high and proud and stretched out his wings as if to flaunt them.
*Why must you probe our minds young one? You are the same age as my rider, do you not share similar feelings. Feelings of fear and uncertainty. You and her are the same at heart. Do you not have any compassion? This girl has gone through far more than your mind could comprehend. Do not take offense for none is meant. We are here to be reunited not to fight.*
Elendrial heard not a word that Shaden spoke but just stood there waiting to see how the other elf would respond.
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Post by Artemis Silverbow on Mar 16, 2007 21:30:29 GMT -5
Artemis flinched. She had just been placed in the most awkward position - between orders and what she felt was right. She honestly didn't know what to do.
"This is out of my hands. If it was up to me, I would admit you now in full glory - the type you deserve. Yet I have strict orders that no one can enter the city without having their mind searched. But worry not, I know I can find a way around it, although it is going to take a bit of time. My father is one of the twenty-four advisers to the Queen; I'm sure some agreement can be reached. In the mean time, there's an outpost a short walk from here. It contains food, drink and a place for you to rest until I get back and you can be admitted into the city proper. It breaks my heart to do such a thing, but it must be done." Artemis took a deep sigh. "I am truly sorry" she ended in the Ancient Language. "I wish this was not so."
Turning, she sent up a strange, birdlike whistle. Twenty elves emerged from the trees. Artemis turned to her second in command. "Please escort these two to the Northern Outpost and wait for further orders. Do not let anyone else see them until I return. Understood?" He nodded briskly. Artemis turned back. "I am deeply sorry for this. But I promise you that I will return and you will be allowed in. There is no way they can deny a Dragon and his rider." With a bow, she took off at a sprint through the dense trees in the direction of the great elven city.
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Post by Elendrial Vanimedlë on Mar 17, 2007 10:23:15 GMT -5
Elendrial nodded to the elf and followed the others to the outpost. Food and water sounded nice, especially elven food. It was a treat for her when she was younger to even have the smallest piece of elven bread. She turned to Shaden.
What did you tell the elf that changed her mind? What did you say to her?
*Nothing little one. What's said is said and does not need to be discussed any further. Just enjoy the thought of eating unspoiled food and drinking fresh water.*
For the rest of the walk, Elendrial thought of the taste of cool water touching her dry lips. For the first time she noticed how parched she was and how there was no food in her stomach.
When they arrived, Elendrial had about had it. She was tired both physically and mentally. Not having food for a couple of days had weakened her tremendously. The aroma of juicy fruit and freshly baked bread filled the air and she quickly gobbled down what she was offered. Even though the food and drink overjoyed her, she feared the outcome of what might happen when the other elf returned.
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Post by Artemis Silverbow on Mar 18, 2007 11:06:16 GMT -5
Artemis slowed to a lope by the time the Queen's chamber was in view. After bowing respectively to the guards, she entered. Before her stretched a table sung out of the tree itself with 25 elves around it. One of them was her father, and one of them was the Queen. She bowed deeply. "I am deeply sorry that I must interrupt this session, but I bring news. Seven minutes ago, two dark shape approached from the south - one of which was a Dragon and the other his rider." Now, it is very unusual for a elf to look surprised, and it is very rare indeed for 25 of them to look that way at a time, especially when it's the Queen and her advisers. "Just to clarify," Artemis went on, ignoring the stunned looks, "the Dragon is not the green one. It is another that was previously unknown." Their jaws dropped even more. "I have them stationed at the Southern Watch tower for they would not let me search their minds. I felt it might be unwise to allow them in the city because they could easily be spies of the Empire - even their accent sounds like it comes from the region of the capital. That is why the decision to allow them entry is out of my hands, and is also why I am standing in front of you now." Artemis stood there quietly, waiting for them to 'snap out of it' as humans would say.
The Queen was the first to speak. "I wish to meet this Dragon and his rider. Please escort me to them." Artemis tried to argue that if the rider was a spy, this would put her life and the security of the country in the rider's hands, but she was silenced by a hand. "I know what you are going to say, that this is an unnecessary risk. But trust me, Artemis, I know what I am doing. Consider it the Rider's first test." The Queen smiled. With a sigh and a slight reluctance, Artemis replied "Yes, your majesty" and led her though the door on the way to meet the strangers.
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Post by Elendrial (Eragon Shadeslayer) on Mar 18, 2007 19:29:15 GMT -5
((Artemis, you cant powerplay the Queen. No one has made her...))
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Post by Artemis Silverbow on Mar 18, 2007 22:42:57 GMT -5
((OOC: Well, um... she's kinda important to the scene and without her, it would fall apart. So what do you suggest I do? BIC:))
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Post by Elendrial Vanimedlë on Mar 19, 2007 7:51:34 GMT -5
(( OOC: Eragon could you play the queen until someone plays her???))
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Post by Elendrial (Eragon Shadeslayer) on Mar 19, 2007 16:42:48 GMT -5
((I would, but at the moment I am very busy. Plus Artemis already has her little plot in mind, so she can play Islanzadi for the moment..))
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Post by Artemis Silverbow on Mar 19, 2007 20:20:28 GMT -5
((OOC: ok, if that's not violating any of the site rules, I will play her. Third person Limited perspective only though - I promise. So, Elendrial, your turn to post. BIC:))
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Post by Elendrial Vanimedlë on Mar 20, 2007 2:04:09 GMT -5
Elendrial refreshed now that her belly was full and her thirst was quenched. Her spirits had been resurrected as well because the fear of not being excepted was now gone. She turned to Shaden who had just gobbled down a whole basket of fruit. She laughed as she watched how the elves kept having to refill the basket to satisfy his hunger. What made her laugh even harder was when he told her he wanted meat and was wondering why they had none. She had to explain that the elves don't eat meat but that if they were excepted then Shaden could fly off and hunt for his food in the forest.
Elendrial looked back toward the way they had come. Her eyes fixed ahead as if looking for something.
When will that elf come?
She began to worry again and as soon as she started, she saw three figures in the distance. She stood realizing that it was the elf, some other elves and the queen, the queen was with them. Nervously, she straightened out her clothing and quickly fixed her hair. Her brother would always say that first impressions were everything. She stood there panting as if she had just gone on some long run, waiting there for what seemed like hours. What would the queen say?
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Post by Artemis Silverbow on Mar 20, 2007 17:44:50 GMT -5
Artemis followed only a step behind the queen. This whole situation made her a bit uncomfortable. She wanted nothing more than to trust the Dragon and his Rider unconditionally, but she continued to feel as if they were hiding... something. Now, to be taking the Queen directly to them didn't go over so well with her stomach. With a sigh, Artemis followed the queen into the outpost, not really knowing what to expect.
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Post by Elendrial Vanimedlë on Mar 21, 2007 6:54:14 GMT -5
Elendrial immediately fell to her knees in reverence as the elves entered the outpost. Shaden even turned and bowed to the queen. Elendrial feared that the queen would sense who she was. Her heart felt as if it was in her throat and her stomach was twisted in knots. She stayed there silently until the queen would tell her to rise. She looked up at the elf she had met earlier. She sensed that the girl was in a awkward position and just wished to be free from this.
We shouldn't have come. We will just mess everything up and surely no one will trust us even with the simplest of things.
*Patience dear one. The queen is different from what you think*
She put her head back down and silently waited her doom.
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Post by Artemis Silverbow on Mar 22, 2007 15:35:56 GMT -5
"Rise, Dragon and Rider" Artemis heard the queen say. "You have traveled far, and must be tired. We are having a room prepared for you right now. But in the mean time, tell us your story."
Artemis felt tense. She didn't know why, but there was something amiss about this whole situation. She watched everything with caution - another unknown Dragon Rider was too good to be true and must have some strings attached somewhere. She watched as the Queen went over to the young elf and helped her to her feet and began to talk to the dragon in muted tones. Artemis couldn't make out what was being said.
((OOC: If you want to add what the queen is saying, go right ahead. I have no idea at all. BIC:))
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Post by Elendrial Vanimedlë on Mar 23, 2007 9:07:28 GMT -5
(( OOC: Umm I think it is best if you do. I don't know what to put. Sorry.  )) Elendrial stood and looked up at the queen. She was more beautiful than Elendrial had expected. Elendrial turned to look at the other elf and realized that the elf seemed cautious and was ready for anything. Elendrial felt nervous again. If this elf felt tense around her, then how would the rest of the elves feel. She turned back to the queen to give her a true answer, although she did feel reluctant to do so. "I...My home is Helgrind or it was. I hated it there. I left after my father died, and I found a dragon egg. After he could fly and carry me, we came here." Her voice quivered as if she was guilty of something, yet she was. She was guilty of lying to the queen. Well not really lying but not telling the full truth. |
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Post by Artemis Silverbow on Mar 28, 2007 22:52:47 GMT -5
"Do you still have any ties that remain there? Any loyalties that you aren't telling me of?" The Queen asked. "I really want to believe you just on your word, but I have my people to look after. I know you can speak the ancient language, my escort here" she gestured to Artemis, "told me you could. So, if you assure me that you mean no harm to the elves, the Varden, or any other individual that opposes the King in the Ancient Language, then there is no reason to keep you out of the city." She gave the young girl a warm smile to reassure her.
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Artemis stood back and watched the two of them with critical eyes. She wanted nothing more than to trust the girl, but there was just something about her that gave Artemis a strange gut feeling. Like she wasn't telling the whole truth, that she was holding back information that could doom them all. Of course, she was out of hearing distance, but it had been a long time since her gut had lied. Just keep an eye on her - try to become her escort if you can she told herself. It simply came down to the fact that she trusted herself more than any of the other elves in this kind of situation. They all seemed smitten with the girl. Anyway, in the case that the new Dragon Rider turned out to be a traitor, Artemis wanted herself in the position to deal with it before any real damage could be done.
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Post by Elendrial Vanimedlë on Mar 29, 2007 6:52:19 GMT -5
Elendrial started to shake and her voice quivered when she spoke. She remembered the nickname her brother had given her, Verya, meaning bold. It was foolish of him to call her that yet he used to say, boldness does not mean do not be afraid, it is merely another expression for brave fear. To be completely brave and have no fear is foolish in itself. You learn to be brave when you are afraid. She straitened up a little after reminding herself of this. Every moment was a test, an small test that would prepare her for the final exam. Until that day came, she had to learn all she could.
"I do not have any alliances there, neither do I here. I serve neither Empire nor Varden. But alas I must confess for I can not hide it from you my dear queen; my father was Drone, servant of Galbatorix, a horrendous murderer, a dragon killer and yet a father that raised me and trained me in combat and magic. He is dead now; killed by a member of the Varden. I am afraid I do not know who to follow. Should I follow the very man that raised me and taught me everything I know, or should I follow the traitor who murdered him? I do not think like my father however. I am not greedy or have thirst for blood. Please my dear queen and my dear elf, Artemis, you must believe me on this."
She made sure to address Artemis, for she feared the elf would not trust her.
Shaden, do you think we will be welcomed here?
*All in good time little one, all in good time.*
Shaden was never one to speak much and when he did spoke it was wise and meaningful however, this time Elendrial did not think so.
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