Taured's Journal... With Varden's Imput

[Mali]

Day X

It’s been a while since I’ve had time to sit down, relax and reflect on things. That is, if ‘things’ is the appropriate word to explain exactly what I’m reflecting on. I started this job, if you could call it such, many decades ago. I’ve always had a strong sense of right and wrong, That is why I chose you Taured. I wanted someone who wasn’t searching for fame or glory and would become a rider to do so,

I know Varden, and I consider you my brother, you should know that. However, what I am thinking back on isn’t why you hatched for me. You remember how distraught I was when I entered the Font, don’t you? I noticed it, but it wasn’t that important at that very moment. Remember, we are required to search the souls of everyone who touches our eggs. Even though I have to admit that, I wasn’t anticipating being touched or even looked at. I had been in the back for such a long time . . . I hadn’t wanted to become a rider though. I had entered that Font knowing that the silence emitting from eggs was exactly what I needed to think.

Wasn’t your mother in trouble? Now you remember. I’m certainly glad that I have been able to live this way since you’ve hatched, but isn’t it strange? Think about it, I hadn’t intended to become a rider, the elders had pushed and hinted at their hope of it and yet it happened. I wanted to promote peace and to do good with my life. Have we? Have we promoted peace and done right from wrong?

I think so. I mean, what about that time that we found that wild dam . . . And you convinced me to stay and try to convince her to give up one of her eggs? How could I forget it? Of all people, I thought you would understand the difficulty and extreme danger of approaching a wild dragon.

Everything turned out well though. We returned with more than one egg, didn’t we? Right after she had only parted with one, we then found a nest of other wild dragons. Oh yes, I remember, and how our trip into the lions’ den made things better? You and I barely made it out of there with our lives! Yea? But we got the eggs! And you remember the praise we’d received for acquiring such delicate items, right? I thought you said you’d chosen me because I hadn’t sought fame and glory? . . . pfft.

It had been nice to finally receive praise though. I mean, we receive a message by hawk and are required to take off based on some lead that the rider’s council has acquired. I question how their leads have been in any way accurate. They stay in their positioned areas of Alagaësia and follow whatever rumors float around. Unlike us, they have no way of verifying whether the rumors have any truth to them. If it sounds appealing enough, then we receive a messenger hawk the next day.

I agree a bit there. I mean, it wasn’t the best of leads to take us into Du Weldenvarden on the hunch that there was a human with a supposed talent for magic. Wasn’t it on our way back from that trip that we found your nest of dragons? . . . I can’t quite remember if it was after that exact lead or not . . . But it still makes me question why I chose the council’s offer in the first place. If I had known that we would be take on a fair amount of ‘wild goose chases’, I might have fought in the war instead.

But we did fight in the war . . . Or am I mistaken? We didn’t fight Varden. We were the spies and the work dogs during the war. Sure, we encountered a fair amount of battlefields and fights, but we were never expressively included in the war. We did the council’s dirty work. And I wonder if that is worse than having blood on our hands.

But it hasn’t been all bad, right? You’re a better person because of it. And, without everything that happened, we wouldn’t be where we are right now, right? Travelling the world without a care. We don’t have perfect freedom Varden; remember when we receive a messenger hawk? Yes, but that’s just adventure calling! Haha, I guess you’re right. C’mon, we have another hawk coming in now.

I hope we’re headed someplace with good food . . .

[Mali]

Day XX

Well we’ve had an eventful week. You more than me, I mean, do you think I’m helpless? My scales may be smaller, but I’m still a dragon. Oh really? And does having wings mean something special for you?

What do you mean by that? Nothing offensive, but what you said to the bird. About us being strange creatures. Sorry you hatched for a strange creature like me. Pfft.

You know that’s not how I feel about you Taured. It’s just some of your customs and actions are strange. They were when I first hatched. I mean, you can have a broodmate, that’s just weird, Okay, what about being able to be laid over a thousand years ago, not hatching, and still being alive? I find that to be strange.

Let’s not get at each other’s throat here. This is just a friendly discussion, right? I guess, but you started it. Don’t stick your tongue out at me!

—silence—

So, what did you think of the battle? Was I good or what? You could use some practise with your swordsmanship. He’d have bested you if you didn’t use magic. I know, but I was trained to use both in combat. I know, I was there for training too, which was stupid if you ask me since I never learned anything watching you prance around,

Next topic. But will you help me with that? Since we are travelling an awful lot, I don’t exactly have a sparring partner. I guess, but do you know how hard it is for me to wield a sword? I don’t have opposable thumbs here, You know what I mean, how we usually spar. I promise to use a blunt sword so I can’t accidentally stab you this time.

I still state you did it purposely because you were losing, You know that isn’t true! I was moving into an upward thrust and you moved downward into it, it was an accident. Either way, how was the battle with Solomon?

You were a seven, although that muscle mass spell should bump you, your swordsmanship was shot, so no higher score.

What!? Seriously, a seven only? But you have to admit that the muscle mass was a great trick. I know my time spells to be the best, and thanks to you, I know my limits too. A HAHA HAHA, yes, I remember that. When I told you to go ahead with that spell when you were learning and you were incapacitated for the next week. that was mean, I hope you know that. Hehe, I did it on purpose.”

Yes! So you finally admitted to it. No I didn’t! I will never admit that, so you were jealous, weren’t you? Nuh uh, still jealous are we? Or are we in denial mode? Fine! I was jealous of your magic. All I can do is enhance your abilities. What’s the point in being a magical creature if I can’t use my own magic? I know buddy, it sucks. But just think, you have me to protect you. Do you want me to knock you off the saddle? I kid you Varden, you know that.

Yea, I know. What did the council want now? They were getting impatient about how long it was taking us to track down Solomon and wanted a report now whether we found him or not. They actually said that they were impatient? don’t sound so happy Varden, I’m paraphrasing. But I can see it now, with their stuffy faces, we’re impatient! Bring us the report nao! Haha! I can see it too!

So how would you summarize what we’ve found. I’d say that Solomon is a challenging opponent but a noble one. He has pride issues to be dealt with and his customs are a little strange in comparison, however, he isn’t someone to take lightly. We should try to get on good terms with him, he may be a valuable asset for the council. I agree, although I doubt he’d ever join the riders. He seems to deem all of us below him. I wonder what I would have to do to get him to remember my name. Hey, do you think if I asked, that he’d refer to me as dragon instead of wyvern? I’m not sure if he did or not, but you could always ask.

And don’t forget, we have to analyse the venom and know its properties. Maybe we should contact Josk Danta. You remember him right, brief meeting, but he’s that specialist with venoms and poisons. We could always ask Niko where he’s staying currently so we could deliver it to him. I don’t particularly trust our hawks.

What’s wrong with our hawks? You know, I’m the one that made the spell so that they’d always be able to find us no matter what. Oh, that’s not the problem. It’s the state that they bring things in. I mean, tattered from their claws, wet and blurred words thanks to the weather. Sorry I didn’t weather proof the spell. Ah, don’t worry, you’re forgiven.

We’re approaching Ilirea now, do you want to continue with our report or shall I give it on both our behalves? You can do it, I would rather not be forced into the small building if you ask me. Fine, but you have to start dinner once we get back, I’m starving. Deal.

[/blockquote][/blockquote]

[Mali]

Day XXX

Well that was interesting, wouldn’t you think? I mean, we found out about wyverns, their venom, which they have sacs of, as well as about the magic in Empire Nirvana. Is there anything else that you learned from Kaime that you haven’t told me about yet?

—silence—

Varden? Are you paying attention? I’m sorry, what were you talking about? I was thinking about using magic. I know, you’re excited at the idea of being able to use magic, but we should really be summarizing everything for our report for the council.

I don’t want to think about the council right now though. Can’t we put it off for a few days while I try to use magic? No, that would be neglectful and we could lose small tidbits of information if he left it to later.

But if we leave the magic to later, I may forget what I saw Nemesis Morona do. Varden, it’s not polite to whine. And you couldn’t forget even if you tried. You have a photographic memory. So stop whining and we shall get this over with. And then you can practice until sunrise if you desire.

Psht . . . fine, I guess we’ll get the meeting over with first. There’s a good boy. I thought I told you never to call me that since I’m a dragon after all, Oh right, sorry. Couldn’t help it, it just slipped out.

Now, back on topic. Nemesis Morona is a valuable asset to the rider’s council. He is knowledgeable and polite. He is like us, although I will have to word it differently for the council. He is reserved and thinks before acting. He doesn’t judge people based on looks or actions alone. Many of the people with him may return hostile feelings toward our kind at first, but will hopefully come to welcome us over time. What do you think about that?

—silence—

Varden! Sorry! I was thinking again. About how awesome it would be in a battle, you know, to be a dragon like the rest. But then! I use magic and everyone’s like ‘ohmygod! That dragon just used magic!’ right? And then I can teach the other dragons and we won’t be left out in training any more.

Seriously Varden, you’re a little too excited right now. If I were to let you continue thinking about this, eventually you’ll get to a point where you’ll be singing I feel so pretty or something along those lines.

But Taured, I do feel pretty. Stop laughing Varden, it’s not funny. Then why are you laughing too? Fine, but wipe that smirk off your face. We should be focusing on business.

Why are you so determined to ruin my good time? I’m not trying to ruin it, I just think that we should be focused on something else right now.

Why are you averting your eyes? Are you . . . possibly jealous that I might be able to do something that you can’t?

What!? That, that’s preposterous! Why would I be jealous of something like that?! Because you can’t use magic with just your mind yet, but if I can, then I’ve finally beaten you at something. That’s not the issue here. The issue is that we should be focusing on our report to the rider’s council.

—silence—

Uh huh, Fine, think whatever you want, but I will focus on the report, if you’d like to continue thinking about using magic. Really?! Yes, I guess you have a right to be so excited. You’ve never been able to before and may not even be able to now. I should let you have your fun while and if it lasts.

Was that a jab at my enthusiasm and how I should stop while I’m ahead? Why Varden, I didn’t know that you finally understood my hints. But no, you can still think about it, I won’t put you down. Thanks Taured. I do feel pretty though

[/blockquote][/blockquote]

[Mali]

Day XXXX

I can’t believe we had to see that! Seriously, I should wash my eyes out with soapy water. It wasn’t that bad, was it? We only watched until they started kissing...”
Yes! They were kissing! Gross. Taured, are you telling me you are grossed out by kissing?

—silence—

That’s not the point right now. We should be delivering our message to Solomon. The Siren had been dealt with. Then why don’t we head back there and interrupt their little make out session and tell him? He didn’t look like he was enjoying it that much. Varden, you don’t interrupt something like that. It’s just awkward. Besides, he’ll wonder how we tracked him down and there’s the female to deal with as well.

Oh yea, she would be hard to handle. I mean did you see what she did to Solomon? That must have really hurt. What do you mean? I don’t remember when she hurt him...

What? Don’t you remember when she kneed him? In his sensitive areas? Those are sensitive areas? Yes Varden, do we need to go over anatomy or something? No, I’m just saying, it didn’t look like it hurt all that much

—gives an incredulous look—

Varden, for your information, it hurts much more than you can imagine... Really? I guess I learn something every day.

Anyways, when will we be able to inform Solomon of the good news? I don’t know but shouldn’t we watch the woman? What for? Well, she is, aside from you, the only other person to get the best of Solomon. You make a very valid point there Varden. I think we shall trail her after their encounter is over. I’m not so dirty and impure of thought to go back and watch any further.

You’re just grossed out because they might be kissing and doing even more of your reproduction process. Varden, must you say that so lightly? Doesn’t it bother you that you almost witnessed such, intimate, actions of other people? I’ve seen you pick your nose if that’s anything similar... No Varden, it isn’t, and we shall never speak of that again. C’mon, let’s go find some place to stay for the night.

So, can I kick you in your sensitive areas? That way I’ll know how much pain it actually is? Hell No!

[/blockquote][/blockquote]

[Mali]

Day XXXXX

Hey Taured, this sucks. What are you talking about? Life. Are you trying to tell me that you think life sucks? What are you trying to say Varden? That you'd rather you were dead?

OH GOD NO! That's not what I meant at all! I mean this sucks, What do you mean by this? You know, living in a tent, on an island that was abandoned, where people hate us even more now... Oh. Right. Yea, it does suck, but what can we do about it?

We could start travelling again? You know that wouldn't be a bad idea, if it weren't for most humans and now most elves hating us riders. We could leave and continue our job, but we had enough problems before, what do you think it'll be like now?

I imagine a world full of rainbows and lollipops. What's a lollipop? I have no idea, but it sounds happy, doesn't it?

Varden, you know what things would really be like, don't you? Of course I do, but I can still imagine it, can't you? A world where we are all equal and there are no wars, and stuff like that. Too bad a world like that doesn't exist Varden.

—silence—

I can still hope, can't I? Of course you can, I still do. And maybe one day that world will exist, but right now, what can we really do? We could go visit Ace and Baldur. That would be fun. Fun for you that is.

What's wrong with that? You and Baldur have fun together, don't you? Not really. We mainly watch you and Ace do stupid things together and then shake our heads and discuss important topics. You mean push that stick up your ass even further? No Varden, and I don't think I have a stick up my ass. I can be fun.

—silence—

Varden? What? I was thinking of the fun things we've done before. Told you I could be fun. I initiated all of it. Oh...

But hey, we could go do something fun. Something you wouldn't mind doing this time. That sounds good, but where would we go? Anywhere you want Taured,

How about we go to— No, that isn't fun at all. Or how about— That's not really fun either... Well since you keep shooting down my suggestions, we could just stay here and sit in our tent, doing nothing.

Hey, Taured, What is it Varden? Weren't we supposed to be teachers to those human rider children?

—silence—

Oh shit, I forgot!

[/blockquote][/blockquote]