Unknown Happenings(Open)

[Nayeli]

(( TURIN RICHARDS ))

I glanced around, my brown eyes searched the mountainous area as I moved further and further up the ridge. The spine, by many, were called dangerous, but they were fun to work with and move through. Behind me was the large black horse that I rode most place, but this afternoon, I chose to let it walk behind me so I would not cause it to lame, but it carried most of my stuff. I did not wear my heavy armor, only a light leather armor that would protect me from most of the spine’s dangerous limbs and thorns. I had my sword clipped to my waist, inside my right boot was one dagger and hidden under the sleeve of my clothes was the second, which would give me some extra protection. On the saddle of my horse was a beautiful crafted bow with a bunch of arrows that I could use for hunting.

If my sister knew why I had come to the Spine, I would be the food for her soldiers, but that was why she would not learn of this. I had left early during the morning, when only a couple of guards were awake at the city gates. I had looked to be going south before I turned to the mountains. I had everything I needed, a tent to allow me to sleep, bedding, along with some flint to help myself get a fire started along with some extra arrow heads in case I needed to make some extra arrows while I was here. I figured I might find a dragon maybe, I had always wanted to speak to the riders without my sisters around. I had always liked them and maybe I would find one that would not kill me for being the nephew of the Broddering King.

Sure, I loved my Uncle, we were family, but I did not like him at all, he was a fool and an idiot. My sisters had seen the result of what his friend’s did, namely, that bitch Malandra. Nayeli had spoke about keeping her out of the castle, but I knew it would not happen, mostly because our Uncle enjoyed the woman’s company. I tried not to think about and trudged further up the Spine until I felt it was time to stop and I had luckily found an area to camp out in. As I pulled my horse to the side and tied it to a tree, but allowed it to move around so it could graze on what it could find. I had brought a little bit of food for the horse, but knew only to give it a little bit at a time and let it graze on the land around us.

After a hour, everything was set up, I had a good fire going, the tent was set up, the bed was ready and the horse was grazing on some moss not far from where I had tied it. I was leaning on my saddle, watching the flames as my stomach growled. I smiled, it looked like hunting time for me and I needed to move. I put my sword in the tent, hiding it under the bed perfectly and grabbed the arrows and bow. I moved away from my camp and headed into the spine, towards a place I had not been and I kept quite.

( WORD COUNT )

[/color] five. six. four.
( TAGGED )[/color] none
( STATUS )[/color] finished
( COMMENTS )[/color] first post with turin, alone. ^-^ WOULD LOVE A RIDER WHO WON'T KILL HIM!
[/size][/blockquote]

[Arizae]

The western edge of the world truly was a magnificent place. Here the earth felt old, and yet alive beneath your toes. This was as close she felt to home in a long while. It had the vibrant life of the forest near elves but it felt wild. An untamed and overgrown forest home for beasts and the elder creatures of the world it made Miri feel more alive. The spine of the world, truly the backbone of Alagaesia, and its trees may not be as tall but their cracked skin had the feel of age and wisdom. She pressed her hand to the rough bark, feeling the crooked edges; fingers gently brushing against the bloodied sap wound inflicted by some creature. Humming lightly she sprang away and wrenched her mind from the wonders of the Spine. After all, she had a mission to complete, and she should be quick about it lest Bloke end up lame for the rest of his life.

With the song still in her throat she turned her eyes to the forest floor, scanning for signs. The elevation was still too low here, she would not be able to find the root she needed. Sighing Miri tucked her hair behind her hair, held up her dress and began climbing higher into the mountains. Thankfully she had reminded herself to wear shoes this time. Normally constrictive things that made her clumsy, but despite her forest lore she would take no chances here. The Spine was truly wild, and it could become incredibly cold. Keeping her feet warm and dry would be incredibly important in such a situation.

Yet she had behaved foolishly, thinking this would be a quick jot into the mountains. Not a one day trip, no, if she was to reach the root of rumor she would need at least two days. Miri could only imagine the lecture her father would have given her for such a mishap. Thankfully he had recognized his daughter’s absentminded ways while she was still young and had prepared her for such mistakes. With a soft smile she flicked the tear drifting down her cheek away. Funny how thoughts of a dead father could bring grief even now among all this beauty and excitement. At least that farmer had been kind enough to watch out for Bloke and her cart. Then again he did owe her one for the balm she had given to his wife to help with the arthritic pains.

Miri gave a start, for all her observation she had let her mind get wrapped up in its own thoughts again, and only now with the glow of fire a short ways off did she begin to smell the ash. Shame, she should have been alerted to its presence minutes ago. As she was now any of the campers probably could have heard her frolicking about. Had she been taking care to remain quiet she might’ve had a chance, now…well now she should just make the best of the situation. Smiling she walked as she had before towards the fire. Making sure to make noise, but not be over loud. Never any good startling others brave enough to enter the Spine. One might think it odd to run into someone else in the Spine, considering the fact that visitors were few…but so were paths. She wasn’t dumb enough to blindly run into a forest she didn’t know. Sure, Miri may be able to find her way out, but that would take precious time and she had hoped to make this a quick trip.

As the campfire came within sight between the thick foliage she tried to spot the one that had made it. Didn’t look like anyone was there from where she was at. A horse…laden with armor and numerous supplies. Immediately she became more cautious. Some soldier stupid enough to leave fire unattended within this old forest was dumb enough to mistake her for a threat. Ears straining she thought she could hear the creak of leather, perhaps the owner of the campsite. Miri didn’t waste time trying to see, but called out instead.

“Greetings to the fire! Do you mind if I share the light in peace?”

Words :: 705
Tagged :: Turin Richards
Characters of Mine :: Mirimel Keshan
Muse :: Good, not bad. Wouldn’t mind rider interaction as well…[/blockquote]

[Nayeli]

(( TURIN RICHARDS ))

I had not had to go far from the flames, I could still see the glow and smell the scent of burning wood by time I saw the first deer of the night. The antler would come in handy and so would the hard hooves. I could use the skin as well to prepare for anything that I might need while in these dark, creepy, yet relaxing woods. I was tired of being surrounded by guards and soldiers, it was annoying since they always wanting to get drunk. I needed to get away and now was my time to get away and possible… Meet a dragon rider… I had my doubts that any would be foolish enough to show themselves to me, they were secretive, they did not converse much with humans. We were nothing to them, of course, we had also started more battles then we could finish. I had to push the thought from my head as I pulled the string back, my hand rested on my cheek as I stood still, looking down the shaft without a problem and letting the arrow go straight into the buck.

It tried to run, but the arrow had been spot on and had hit the buck right in the heart. It was down and I had my meal for the night, along with a couple of extra nights. I would smoke some to last for a few days while I was sleeping tonight, it would not be hard to smoke them if I kept them above the flame. I walked to the buck who gave me the death stare I had seen many of times in men. I pulled my bow out, swearing lightly as I noticed the arrow head had broken off. ”Guess I will have to get you in a bit.”

[/color] I said to myself, lifting the deer over my shoulder and moving back towards the fire slowly and quietly. As I did, my ears picked up the sound of movement and I stopped. I was unsure what was making the nose, since it did not sound like any animal, since they were most the time quieter in the twilight hours… No, it sounded like human from the way it moved, but as soon as I heard it, there was not a sound in the air. I took in a breath, holding it as I listened carefully.

I was close enough to see that my horse was looking towards the sound, his snorts easily heard before he lowered his head back to grazing. He still had some supplies on him, which I would need to take off since Camp was set up. I watched with interest as I heard movement and then a voice calling from the dark forest. ”Greetings to the fire! Do you mind if I share the light in peace?” A woman? In the Spine? I was surprised by this, but then again, my sister could handle herself in the spine, why not another. I smiled and shrugged the deer onto my shoulder a bit more and called back out to her. ”Aye, Company will be nice to have, Mi’Lady.”[/color] I said, the natural voice coming easily and my manners showing without a problem. I entered my own camp, putting the deer down near the fire and placing my bow and broken shaft next to my tent. I turned back towards the direction of the voice and moved towards my horse. Unloading the last of the supplies and patting the horse gentle. ”Eat boy… Rest… We will not be moving until tomorrow morning.”[/color] I said, gaining a snort of thanks I was sure, or so I hoped and then he returned to his grazing. I smiled at the horse and moved back towards the fire.

(Excuse the Powerplay, I want to try and keep it moving. Please recount everything if you would like.)
As she came into the light of the fire, I saw that she held dark dark, nearly black. It was long from what I could tell. I smoothed back my own long braided hair slightly, smiling towards the girl. I held brown hair and brown eyes, unlike either of my sisters, but I did not care to look like them, they were beautiful for their own good. I glanced her over, she was very pretty, which I did not see much of and she was strong from what I could tell. I motioned for her to take a seat on a log that was near the fire. ”Please, sit, Mi’Lady.”[/color] I said, as I pulled a large touch blanket from a bag and put it down on the ground next to the deer. I did not want anything of the deer going to waste and since I knew I would be out here for a while, I had brought my own stuff to skin it on.
[/blockquote]
( WORD COUNT )[/color] seven. nine. six.
( TAGGED )[/color] mirimel keshan
( STATUS )[/color] finished
( COMMENTS )[/color] thank you for joining. this post is still OPEN
[/size][/blockquote]

[Arizae]

The sun was drifting lower; the warm thermals of day were cooling, slowly disappearing as the light began its descent. Flying would turn to the breezes of night instead of the lifted soaring of day. With little thought to the matter he tilted his left wing a hair and twitched his tail to a new position. The calm speed of his soaring never faltered or quickened as he slowly drifted down and left, entering the lower cooler areas. The transition was seamless, and when he was pleased with his new altitude he adjusted the left wing ever so slightly, bringing his flight level and causing his flight to become even once more. A deep rumble of satisfaction emitted from his cavernous throat as his wings lifted up, than down for a single powerful stroke. Like a drum the sound of that powerful movement echoed through the air, the monstrous dragon did not have the skill of an owl when it came to silent flight. Ambush was not his way, and clearly not his intent during his lazy flight.

If this is peaceful I hope I heal quickly.

[/i]

Bitterness was in that stone voice, the fire was being suppressed, he had not fought since that day and it began to itch at him. He could feel the amusement from her mind filter into his own, but he was still annoyed. With a snort his wings beat once again, a stream of smoke following his disgruntlement. Quickly he pushed the ash and flame away as the sting entered his throat. The fire was within his gut, but it could not be unleashed in full fury, not yet. Healing was not complete, scar tissue had to be eradicated and yet allowed to grow lest his wound be torn anew. The source of his bitterness despite the numerous small hurts still peppering his scaled form. Deep sadness filtered his way now, pity for him…from her. Annoying but noted for its compassion, but he was happier to note the pride that came with it. Rashn’s wound was not one to be ashamed of, but one to wear honorably.

Calm little Guts, we will have plenty more battles. Enjoy the Spine while you can!

She was pleased to be here, well that was to be expected. It was quiet they could be alone and perhaps she could get along with healing. Anurin was loathe to send them on any serious missions, so here they were chasing butterflies. It annoyed him, but Almalexia was right about this. He was not at his best right now, and his confidence would be the end of him now in this wounded state. That black dragon had been reluctant to even let him come to the Spine! To think of it…fearing for him when it came to these measly parts. Rashn could’ve survived under these trees as a hatchling. However, he could not remain still within Ilirea, that city seemed small these days and utterly confining when he wanted to stretch his wings and fly beyond the borders of Alagaesia. Even Kamon had been getting restless after being ‘confined’ to the city after their last mission.

You know as well as I that…

Something new to the air, he needn’t say what it was; Kamon was already attentive, after nearly five hundred years of working together they shared information as easily as breathing. Rashn was picking up the scent of blood, faint, but definitely there. It made his blood swirl and his dead eyes ignite. The red dragon wanted something to test his teeth on, but after the space of a second his excitement dimmed. That was the scent of dear, no urgal, Ra’zac or human. Not smart to wish for a fight now, but he could, at the very least, take out some urgals right now without straining himself. He didn’t let the disappointment take over, rather he tilted both wings ever so slightly, and with a twitch of the tail he dove twenty feet further down until he was but yards from the tops of the trees. At this distance he could not pump his wings properly without scraping the trees, but he still had the momentum from the greater altitude to keep going, and now he was closer to the source.

The stench of horse is strong…hint of metal and there is ash. He could feel her in his mind as she nodded and held tighter to the saddle, Kamon dug her heels into the stirrups as she studied the smells as well. Even now he could see the images flash from her different perspective, and there she saw it, just after he had noted it. The flash of light hidden beneath the trees. Horseflesh, fire, blood, clear signs of a camp. Something that was worthy of investigation. Landing in the Spine, however, was…how to say it? A challenge? Yes perhaps that was a good word. Trees standing up like spears, their branches clawing for the more fragile membrane of his wings. This would have been much easier four hundred and fifty years ago.

I will go first then, you survey the area…I will have you with me anyway.[/i]

Before he could protest she simply unlashed herself from the saddle and jumped. The beginning of a roar rumbled in chest, but he calmed himself for her sake, the sound coming out as a low growl instead of crashing thunder. He could still feel her mind, see everything she did, clearer than ever before. The Eldunari she carried did have its advantages. To him it was still strange to be separated from his own consciousness. To be in two places at once, but it comforted him now as he watched her land softly on the branches of a tall tree and then bound down to the lower reaching ones with ease. She had a smile on her face, she was enjoying the wild taste that was the spine, but she was being careless now! What was she thinking jumping right into the ring of fire?!? Those people down there could mean her harm and he would have to wheel around to help her! This time it was involuntariy and he did not care, the fire stirred and rumbled and he let out a roar of anger. Directed more at Kamon, though also a warning for those she met with. Birds took flight from trees, and he could hear the thunder of hooves as deer fled.

All he needed to satisfy him was the fear in that young woman’s eyes by the fireside, she had just been sitting down, about to start up a lovely conversation with that soldier…and now she was curious, but frightened, a decent mix. Kamon stood grinning at the edge of it all, looking sideways at both the man and woman with a stern look on her face. Foolish and rash, she could have jumped into a vipers den…he would have no other rider.

((I was going to write in miri as well and make this better, but I have to leave for work right this second. Wanted to give you something to reply to though, it’s been long enough.))[/size][/blockquote]

[Nayeli]

(( TURIN RICHARDS ))

I looked over the deer, but my mind seemed to be somewhere else, something was with us, but I was not sure what it was. I looked up into the air, but since I did not see anything, I went back to starting my cutting of the deer. It was easier when they were hung in the trees, but I would deal with cutting it on the ground. I moved carefully and gently, as if I didn’t want to hurt the beast at my fingers, moving along the skin with my skinning dagger. I looked up at the woman who had joined me and smiled at her for a moment. ”So, what brings you to the Spine? I don’t see many women take the challenge of venturing into the spine.”

[/color] I said, not to offend her, but to show true admiration.

I believe women could do a lot, my sisters were key testimonies to that, which was something I was proud to have. I looked to the west, seeing the last rays of the sun through the tops of the trees as it descended below the mountain ridge. It would be cold soon, but that would be okay, I had my cloak, which I would be more then willing to lend to the woman and we had the fire. I glanced to the horse who was still tied, but something had his attention and my own at that. Something was here and I was not sure what yet. The wind seemed to pick up a little bit and I glanced into the darkening sky, wondering what was nearing us. Soon, the wind was picking up, but once again, I was not sure where it was coming from. I stood from my work, my knife dripped of blood slightly and I looked into the trees around me. I swore I heard something, the sound of rumbling, faint but there. I grasped my sword, bring it from the ground and pulling it from the sheath just as the roar came to my ears.

”Dragon?!”[/color] I thought to myself as I looked around, the birds flying and the few deer that had returned to the area were moving away and fast. My horse reared slightly, pulling on the strong rope that held him. I turned, running to his side and pulling him down to the ground, his feet missing my own by inches. ”Easy Boy… Calm Down.”[/color] I said to him, my voice was smooth and careful, my hand rubbed his neck, my other gripped my sword for protection. I looked past the flames and saw what seemed to be a woman, smiling at both him and the other woman. ”Who are you?”[/color] I looked into the sky for a moment, wondering what was watching us from above and then I looked back at her, still trying to settle the giant brute who was trying to move away. I let my hand rest on his neck, hoping my presences would calm him, which is did little by little.
[/blockquote]
( WORD COUNT )[/color] five. zero. five.
( TAGGED )[/color] mirimel keshan; kamon cosal; rashn
( STATUS )[/color] finished
( COMMENTS )[/color] it sucked!!! i'm so sorry!
[/size][/blockquote]

[Arizae]

Soldier or not the man was kind and pleasant. A difficult thing to find these days in such a war torn world. Funny finding him up here in the middle of the Spine as night descended. Pleasant not only in speech, but also to the eyes, a quality she could admire quietly. Seeing the body of the deer did remind her of her departed father. It was rare he returned home without one before his untimely death. For a moment it brought that grief, but thankfully that passed and she was left with only the warm memories. His stories came tumbling back into her head, and she could see herself easily falling into the telling of one as thanks to the kind soldier. Doubtless he had his own tales, if more grim and less fanciful than the fairytales her father spun. As her mind wandered he broke the silence and politely asked her what she was up to out in the spine. There was a hint of admiration in his voice, the Spine truly was a dangerous place, it was slightly foolhardy to come here. However, she did know her way away around a forest and did not see herself as an intruder, it was easy to blend in with the life within.

Smiling gently she met his eyes and spoke in her gentle tone, “The forest has always been more of a home to me than any city. My father taught me well and it’s easy to avoid danger when you are at peace with your surroundings.” It was difficult to describe actually, there were several times she had stumbled on dangerous creatures. Even when she was young and adventuring with her father, they had stumbled upon a bear with cubs, a dangerous place to be anytime. It was then that her father taught her his best trick, and that was simply to reach out to the creature you had offended and send peaceful thoughts. Somehow it calmed the animal, it didn’t work with everyone and her mother often said she didn’t quite have the knack for it, but Miri had caught on quite well. At times it almost felt like she could feel the thoughts of the creature in turn, but that was a silly fantasy.

At that point she realized it might be polite to help him with skinning, she knew more than most about it and didn’t mind the smell so much. However, something felt wrong in the wind. The birds were taking flight when they should be busy roosting within the trees. All around the forest seemed to be stirring instead of settling. Normally that meant a predator was about, one of those nocturnal creatures that loved to pluck its dinner from a deep sleep. It made her nerves go on edge, and without realizing it she began to look all around, listening carefully. Then she heard it, just once the powerful thrum of wings. That had been no bird. Immediately her eyes went skyward, but the sky was too dark, the trees too thick to spot anything but a glimpse of stars. The stars disappeared…her breath caught…and then they returned. Something incredibly large had passed, had it seen the fire?

The soldier was holding his sword, and it occurred to her for some odd reason that she did not know his name. And then a sound she had never heard before, a monstrous roar. What on earth was that? Could it really be that a dragon was here now? Best hope to the spirits that it wasn’t wild. Suddenly she was very glad that she had found herself in good company. No matter how many times she had been in a forest, meeting something like that was definitely frightening. The horses’ reaction was all she needed to know that some predator had come close. The soldier tried to calm the creature, but it didn’t occur to Miri that she should try her trick on the creature now; she was too shaken at the moment. She looked to the man to make sure everything was still all right, he was the one that was armed after all. What was he looking at?

Miri turned her head, and gave a start at the woman smiling back at her. She hadn’t heard a thing, and here stood an elf! Bloody quiet things they were never could get over how they moved like ghosts. The face…those ears…but why was her hair kept short? Elves loved their long hair, odd to see a male with short hair, much less a female. It was more normal to see them armed as this one was. Miri easily picked out the hilts of two curved short swords on the elf’s back, both with rubies fixed to the pommel. Armor as well, not the full heavy kind, but even that calm easy position spoke of confidence with those blades on her back. Miri couldn’t help but swallow heavily and try to conjure some words. After her father’s death dealing with elves had been…difficult. She was quick to notice that the elf wore gloves, not popular attire for many of their kind. But perhaps that helped when it came to fighting, that or…could it possibly be? Thankfully the soldier was able to conjure some confident words. Miri would let it stand at that. She felt rather useless at the moment, but her voice would be to shaky and weak at the moment. So she did her best to keep a watch and tried to look confident.

-------

Kamon wished she could help him more, truth was she exhausted even now. All the magic she had been weaving nonstop to heal the brute…even their reservoirs were depleted. The rubies on her twin swords were dim now, she left some there, but not near enough. Never before had she felt so weak. In all their years together they had never been so thoroughly whipped. All they had to claim from that fight was their lives and the sea snake was dead. There should have been rejoicing, perhaps a parade of sorts, but right now all she wanted was a month of sleep. Her dear Rashn would never admit it, but he was still in pain. His throat rasped eerily and there was little she could do to help. Immediately at least. With time her dear Guts would be back to his full strength, but it was frustrating and tiring now to need so much coddling.

So despite some harsh words from Anurin they had gone to patrol, take a break to take some easily flights and get out of that stuffy Ilirea. Rashn was going nuts sitting still, and she could feel herself with that same itch. That need to press on and fight despite their weakness, that need to do…something. Maybe now, with the smell of deer’s blood and a hint of steel and flame she could find someone to cross blades with. Funny how time slowed when you were falling towards earth…with a grin her mind switched back to her task at hand. Sharp eyes quickly picking out where she needed to land, Kamon positioned herself, let her gloved hands grasp the wispy top of a tree to slow herself down. The top bent slightly and her feet found purchase on the light branch. She moved quickly before her weight would break it. A light hop and she descended further, finding one branch, and then another as she dodged the clinging offshoots.

Then she could see the glow of the fire, could smell the fear from the horse, and she felt her hand go to the small of her back. So far it was the best place she had found to keep the Eldunari safe. She had carefully made a strong pouch for it, wove it together with spells and steel, than lashed it to the small of her back. Kamon could feel the weight of that precious red stone, its swirling depths the very consciousness of her dear Rashn. Right below her twin swords…his mind melded with hers, though he was slightly withdrawn at the moment. His strength was hers, and even though he was wheeling back around to fly over the area once more it felt as if he was standing right behind her. So with a grin she leapt once more, and landed soundlessly in front of the fire. The young woman to her left…the man right across the fire.

Kamon noted the bared steel, so Rashn’s roar had ruined her surpise…Thanks a lot you overgrown lizard…

[/i][/color] His hiss seemed to resonate within her own ear, Surprise is not our style…you haven’t even drawn your swords? I see now that the man threatens with steel! Teach him a lesson! Let me torch the woods behind him![/i][/color] Kamon smiled in spite of herself, finding his over enthusiasm entertaining to hear. Even more entertaining was the frustration that built as he knew she was laughing at him. They really had been within Ilirea too long, but she kept her swords sheathed, there was nothing to fear from the soldier, he was merely surprised and doing what any sane man would. Have you forgotten bleeding Guts? No fire for at least two more months. I don’t feel like healing your sorry self tonight.[/i][/color]

She could tell he wished to protest, but her emotions clearly stated their fun was over and she must take the situation into hand. The man had already gathered his courage and taken time to ask who she was. An interesting question to say the least. One that could be quite fun in answering. Though…sometimes being blunt was best. At least the horse was calming down. Perhaps she could reach to its mind, then again the skittish creatures didn’t seem to care for that when she was melded so closely to a dragon. It was like they could feel the mind of that predator. She had to check herself to not salivate when Rashn’s hunger transferred to her mind. Thankfully years of training kept that well in check. Best not get close to the horse either, the smell of dragon always seemed to drape around a rider.

“Who am I? Well that could be answered in several ways…”[/color] She smiled, trying to seem a bit friendly, but it came out a bit wolfish. Perhaps that Eldunari really was off-putting all her training…Rashn truly was closer than she was used too. She stepped closer to the fire, bringing herself nearer the man in turn. “but I will keep it simple.”[/color] Why was her hand twitching? Did she really have to consciously make herself not grab hold of her swords? Bloody Rashn! ENOUGH!!![/color][/b] She shouted mentally, accidently brushing the minds of both the man and woman. She had meant to broadcast only to Rashn, but her anger had made her…well over exaggerate a little bit. Bloody lizard had the nerve to feel content, though he had retreated more to himself now. Bloody Eldunari.

The wolfish grin became a bit sheepish as her left hand rubbed the back of her neck anxiously. Clearing her throat she looked to both of those she had intruded upon, really was rude to yell directly into someone’s head. “Sorry about that, he’ll behave now I’m sure…”[/color] She cleared her throat once more and quickly dropped her hand so as not to seem threatening. “Anyways…my name is Kamon. Kamon Cosal. Saw the fire, could smell the blood, and wanted to make sure everything was alright.”[/color] Of course she did forget to mention who she had shouted at and why she would be so concerned, but even riders could speak too quickly and become nervous after accidently shouting into your skull. [/size][/blockquote]

Words: 1977
Tagged :: Turin Richards
Status :: finished
Comments :: Better and less rushed than the last one, figuring out the Eldunari impact for fun right now. Also still getting their colors down, trying to make it readable.

[Nayeli]

(( TURIN RICHARDS ))

I found myself looking at the be young lady some as he carved into the deer without a problem. Even sitting down, I could tell she was tall for a woman, maybe about five foot, eight inches? Maybe Nine inches? I was not sure for sure. She held beautiful hips and a nice body, but I was a gentleman and even if I thought of those things, I would never voice them, only to my wife, which I did not even have. She seemed to have a warm, welcoming look about her. Her eyes were brown, I could tell even in the fire light before me and her hair was a deep brown, nearing black. I looked back at the deer, thinking back to some of my own memories. I did not need to get too wrapped up in this woman’s beautiful. I wondered about where she was from, since I knew she was not from Carvala, since I would have seen her before. She had to be from a small village or something, but I would have to ask a bit later. ”The forest has always been more of a home to me than any city. My father taught me well and it’s easy to avoid danger when you are at peace with your surroundings.” I nodded to her quickly.

”Sounds like a good man… It is good that you know how to take care of yourself, most woman do not, which is a shame.”

[/color] I said to her as I worked on the deer slowly. I had come to the Spine before, I did not fear the great mountains, the mighty forest, it was something that one had to learn and I had learned much of it. As I worked on the deer, I felt something and it seemed, she had too, which was good… We were both alert and that was beyond a good thing. The birds… They should have been roosting in their own nest, keeping their babies warm and the hawks and eagles, they should be cuddled together, keeping their mates warm during the night… But they were flying above our heads now. The deer were moving quickly from their bedding and I looked around, watching a few small does and their fawns moving quickly towards the darkness. As I heard the thunder like sound, I had a bad feeling… It sounded like wings, but I was not sure, the sound was deep and the wind was hitting me hard, even if it was only a big harder then the normal wind of the mountains.

My own eyes went to the clouds for a moment, though it was dark and hard to see anything up there, but I wanted to know what was there, I wanted to see what was going on. As I turned my head, I saw her standing there, a woman… An elf woman… My sword dropped slightly, knowing that in the back of my mind, I would not hold up against an elf. I would fight if I had to, but I was not stupid enough to try anything right now. I looked her over quickly, seeing her short hair and two hilts sticking from her back with two rubies in the hilts. Her armor was not thick, but it was still nice and it was probably strong enough to avoid being hurt in attack. I glanced to the girl with me, whom I had yet to even learn the name of, but I step to stand beside her now, looking back at my stallion who still held fear in his eyes, but he was calmer some.

I watched as she smiled at us and I wondered why she was standing there. I did not understand why she was looking at us, between me and the female that was with me. I did not know why, but I wanted to know why. Who was this woman, this elf before me? I did not have a reason to be angry with them, to brawl with them and make problems. I did not understand why my sister enjoyed fighting and keeping her anger with them, she had even said that fighting them would be the death of our kingdom, yet she did not trust them. I watched the woman, wondering when she would answer my own question. I glanced back at my stallion who was once again pulling against his rope. I backed up to touch him and calm him, which he did slightly and then I looked to the deer that was still on the ground… I needed to finish skinning it, but right now… It could wait.

”Who am I? Well that could be answered in several ways…” I gulped slightly, knowing that one reason I feared elves was because of their way to mess with words. I did not need them playing with my mind, but I had a feeling they would continue to do this for a while. ”but I will keep it simple.” I smiled… Nodding my head to her slowly for a moment. ”Much thanks to you, Mi’Lady.”[/color] I said to her simple, happy she was not going to mess with my mind. I did not need anyone messing with me, I did not want it. I watched her slightly, seeing what seemed to be her hand twitching. ”ENOUGH!!!” I jumped slightly at the sudden voice within my own head. I looked around for a moment and then looked at the elf woman before me. I did not understand who she was yelling at, did not understand why I heard her voice in my own head.

I watched her rub the back of her neck and I wondered what was wrong. I was a bit nervous, of course, I was in the presence of both a pretty woman and a elf and I needed to calm down some. Something was strange about this woman and I did not want to cause anything, especially trouble and danger to the woman. I looked around some, trying to check for other dangers. ”Sorry about that, he’ll behave now I’m sure…” I looked at her again, confused, wondering who she was talking about. ”Anyways…my name is Kamon. Kamon Cosal. Saw the fire, could smell the blood, and wanted to make sure everything was alright.” I thought over the name in my head, but I only knew it from hearing in passing. I looked to the woman beside me for a moment, the pretty woman. ”It is a pleasure, Kamon… I am Turin Richards, it is a Pleasure to met you… This is… Well, I am afraid that I rude to you, Mi’Lady.”[/color] I said, moving away to give her some space and giving a simple light bow, which was very small and did not go down far.
[/blockquote]
( WORD COUNT )[/color] one. one. three. five.
( TAGGED )[/color] mirimel keshan; kamon cosal; rashn
( STATUS )[/color] finished
( COMMENTS )[/color] sorry it took so long.
[/size][/blockquote]

[Arizae]

She had felt his ice cold eyes on her moments before, and for a moment she regretted the excitement they were going through now. It would have been pleasant to speak with the soldier alone. It had been awhile since she had been looked at as more than some kind of witch or healer. Men were normally quick to take advantage and about as civilized as pigs. This one had started out by actually calling her lady. It made her blush to think it. Certainly she was no lady, had no right to such a title, but it was pleasant to hear all the same. Perhaps she should correct, yes she would have to after things settled down. A girl raised by parents in the middle of a forest so near elves had no court upbringing. Miri would do fine, instead of lady. Turning her thoughts to more present manners she found her mind racing. This Kamon…things just did not fit correctly.

What was that?!? A scream within her head? It was the voice of that elf for sure, but that wasn’t directed at her…that much she knew. Miri could feel her ears ringing, yet she knew that the elf had not said a word out loud. The elf seemed slightly embarrassed now as well, though it was comforting to see that her hand did not stray towards the swords anymore. The eerie wolfish grin was gone, and if anything the elf seemed somewhat ashamed. She spoke quickly, something about being worried for them after all the weird smells. Could an elf really have senses that strong? The blood and fire yes…but who was this Kamon talking to when she screamed within her head? Thoughts of that mystery were dashed however as the soldier stepped back.

Then he introduced himself, and she felt her breath catch in her through. She barely noticed that he had tried to introduce her but still did not have her name. All she could hear ringing in her ears was that name…Turin Richards. Brother to Leiliani and Nayeli, but more importantly…nephew to the King. Miri was raised in a forest, sure, but she had been a part of the busy doings of Broddring for years now. Could this really be the Turin Richards? She could not imagine another trying to take the name. Everything pointed to it now, the fine steel he carried, the armor on the horse. The horse itself spoke of high nobility and wealth. Refuse to admit all she wanted, Miri of villages and forests was now between an armed elf and the nephew of a King.

Legs slightly shaky, an uncommon occurrence for her, she stood. She could feel her hands shake slightly, palms going sweaty. The young woman had been in many strange and terrifying situations before, but those she had known how to deal with. Everything here seemed so new and foreign. Casting her eyes down, she did her best impersonation of a curtsy towards Turin. Needless to say it was not the correct way to cursty, but her grace could be noted. Dancing legs her father always said, that’s what she had, but tonight the felt more like willows shaking and about to fall. “I am Mirimel Keshan, my Lord…” her voice shook as she tried to catch the eye of the elf as well, “and lady…Miri is what my father called me.” Oh why had she added that part? Foolish of her. Nicknames were for friends; one didn’t go out and say ‘be my friend nephew of the king’.

Moving her gaze to the side she could see the elf smirking. Was she that easy to read right now? Miri felt her face go red as the heat of blush filled her cheeks. To think she considered herself graceful, next to the way that elf moved she was a toad. Now seemed the perfect time to bid farewell and run off into the Spine, no matter the danger it was better than the embarrassment she felt here. Something itched at her however, and it was not that Turin was standing just feet away, or that this Kamon was an elf. It was the roar…it was the screaming in her head…and it was the way the elf seemed to ignore them. As if…with a stern look to her eye Miri’s stance became steady. There was no shake to her legs or twitch to her hands. She met the elf evenly, and spoke with confidence. “Who did you address when shouting in my head? Where did you come from? And why don’t you seem worried over that roar?”

She regretted the words as soon as they were spoken, and wanted to blush at that moment for having confronted the elf. That would be a mistake however, and she stayed strong in spite of the fear welling up within. If she was going to ask confident questions point blank, well she would have to back them up. Miri might not know her way around situations like these, and perhaps she would stumble, but she wasn't going to sit back and just let things happen.

-------------

Well aren't you embarassing.

[/i]

This is all your fault.[/i]

Kamon could hear his chortling laugh from where she was at, could imagine that glint in his eye as he raced overhead wings making quick work of the night air. Confound it all this was his fault. She was a rider, not some bumbling fool infront of two simple humans. She had been a rider for nearly five hundred years! That was five generations for humans, at least. A hard glint came to her eye as she remembered that fact, why should she apologize for shouting at them? Ah forget it. They were fine now, just confused. If she gave them some simple answers they would be fine.

She eyed the man carefully as he spoke in turn. Well, Kamon was slightly shorter than most female elves, so this man wasn't much taller. There was something about the way he held himself though...something that spoke more than soldier. Kamon kept her chin high however, that simple embarassment easily forgotten. Forget Rashn and his experimentation. She had to see how this man reacted and how he spoke. Slowly, yes there was question in his tone, or perhaps a need to hint for some...regal pace? Sod it all. The bloke knew how to bow, but he seemed ever so reluctant to give more than a slight courtesy. Stuffy human thought he was that much higher than a rider?

I have heard the name Turin Richards...[/i] the deep rumble of thought came across like low thunder in her mind. True interest, surprisingly, in the tone. ...and may I remind you, neither of them 'know' you are a rider[/i] If Kamon could have growled back at him she would have. She could tell he knew something important too, and the blighter was withholding it from her. Sadly she had to hand it to Rashn, his memory was considerably better than hers, near perfect actually. He hid it behind that bullheaded brutishness, but those early years of awkward growth had been years of study and memorization. Something he had kept, so he had heard the name Turin Richards had he?

It was than Kamon noticed that the girl was paying her now mind. No, the young woman was looking at Turin as if in shock. Obviously she knew the name, so it was important to humans was it? Had she bloody well found a criminal out hiding in the Spine? Wouldn't that make for some fun. Kamon could feel that wolfish grin returning, when the girl...this...Miri...actually curtsied. Scratch off criminal what in nine hells was some kind of important human doing out in the Spine? Nyx damn it all, Anurin would be furious if she ruined any of his plans.


Kamon was about to ask her own questions, find out who this Turin Richards was and why he was out gallavanting in the Spine with some doe eyed girl when that shaky little female decided to grow herself some backbone. Mouth slightly ajar she turned to stare at Miri. She was irritated now, and knew that she was being impolite by not explaining herself, but seriously that could have been done civilly. She already had a bullheaded dragon trying to tell her what to do flying over...

"RASHN!!! NO!!"[/color]

The rider flipped round to look behind faster than the eye could blink shouting out loud this time as she put out her hand as if to stop something. For a second Kamon looked quite silly, and then there was the sound of snapping. Trees groaned, bent and gave way with grumbling thunder and snaps of earsplitting proportions. As their great limbs gave way a monstrous form became clear behind them, driving them into the ground with the sheer force of its weight. Rashn's talons dug deep, the armor plating on his chest pushing past trees and breaking others as he descended slowly. Carefully he folded his wings, his tail lashing at his side to clear debris from where he would stand. The dragon clutched two great trunks beneath his feet, the top of one of those trees falling just short of Kamon.

The tall elf seemed small now, Rashn was not built like a serpant, and was perhaps the largest dragon among riders. Kamon had measured recently, and it was nearly fifty feet to the top of the red dragon's shoulder. The gashes on his neck were difficult to see within the firelight at first, but as Rashn brought his head lower it was easy to see the putrid flesh. Despite months of healing it seemed the wound was likely to start bleeding. All along Rashn's form scale were scuffed, bent and missing. Those broken scales still caught hold of the fires light, took it in and let it dance as his entire body seemed afire. As his head came low he hovered protectively near Kamon. Rashn would have liked to place his head between his rider and those meatbags, but there was simply no room. He contented himself by remaining right behind and slightly left, but his eyes warned those humans away, as if any would be foolish enough to do Kamon harm then.

Those deep red eyes were afire as he looked from Miri, and then to Turin. Satisfied for the moment he blinked slowly, and drew back slightly. Not before a heavy sigh nearly extinguished the fire and brought with it a cloud of smoke. That received a glare from Kamon however, the fire was close for the smoke to be so dark. Then his voice spoke to all in it's deep rumbling tones as if boulders were being ground together.

A rider need not worry over every stirring of her bonded.[/i][/color]

He spoke matter-of-factly as if Miri should have known this all along, after all, what else could it have been? Rashn could feel the frustration from Kamon, she was mad about the trees or something. As if it mattered. He would've had to retrieve her somehow before the night was over...and he had been utterly bored. Even dealing with this pinkish things was better than turning circles in air waiting for her to be done with it.

As for the shouting...she is somewhat rash, but apologies have already been made.[/i][/color] The word apology seemed to be spat out as if it wasn't needed, but he would keep his manners for now. And take the chance to make a stab at Kamon for her simple slip up. A day didn't go by that she didn't call him rash, so he took the chance when it pleased him. There were different matters at hand, however, and he quickly focused all his attention on Turin. A corner of his lip curled, long fangs shining clearly through the red of his scales.

That uncle of yours finally send you out here to die Richards?[/i][/color]

As if to emphasize a point he let the smoke curl from his nostrils on uncle, and with a quick jet of breath he sent it streaming towards Turin as he uttered Richards. Rashn knew full well the names of numerous important humans. If only to know who might be his enemy tomorrow. One could never be too prepared for battle.


[/blockquote]


Words: 2184
Tagged :: Turin Richards
Status :: Finished
Comments :: I feel like it rambled on and could have been two posts. Overall I'm happy with it, though I feel it's rough in spots and could use some shining.[/size]

[Nayeli]

(( TURIN RICHARDS ))

I was unsure if she had felt my brown eye gaze, but right now was not the place to be thinking about that, and I knew it. I wanted to speak with her some more, something about her had caught my attention and I was not sure what that was. Maybe it was her bravery, coming into the spine was not something many women did… Or maybe it was the beauty I was seeing on her, the beauty that only a true working woman would have. I had not seen her blush, of course, the fire light would hide that with ease, but I also was not paying attention, now that this elf was before me and something else too, but I was not sure. I wanted to know. The scream had nearly caused me to jump, but I had been trained to not show anything, fear or surprise.

Of course, elves could tell if there was fear in the air, at least, that is what I thought. They were smart, smarter then I was. Sure, I had spared against Darek, a elf who was vampire now, but that was different, he had wanted to speak to me about my sister and so far, I had not heard from him in a while and he had Awiti, my younger sister’s adopted sister. He was good and he had considered me good with the blade, so I was sure I could hold up to some extent, but this elf, something about her… It was different and I had to take my time to figure out what it was. As she spoke about things, I glanced to the woman beside me and then I introduced myself.

She knew who I was and I probably had just blown any thoughts of really getting to know her out of the way. She knew of my family, everyone knew of my family. I was the nephew of the King, the king who was pulling this kingdom to the ground and someone I wished would die honestly, but if she knew, I was out of luck probably. She might fear me, she would not want to get to close and it would drive me crazy. I hoped that maybe she would act some what normal now, that she would give me a chance to be a friend, but my eyes focused back on the elf.

I continued to glance at Miri for a moment, even if I did not know her name at the time. I watched as she did a curtsy and I smiled slightly. She did not have to do that and I would ask her not to after this was done. She held grace in those legs, I could see that without a problem, but she was not someone who did that a lot. ”I am Mirimel Keshan, my Lord…” I looked down for a moment and was about to say something when she continued on about something. ”and lady… Miri is what my father called me.” I smiled… It was pretty, a very pretty name and that much I would note mentally before I took a look at the elf for a moment. I saw that she was smirking for some odd reason, but I did not know why. I looked at Miri for a moment and then back at Kamon for a moment.

My mind was swarming with thoughts as I went over everything… Strange Wind… Roar… Elf… Screaming in the mind… What was going on? I was about to ask, but it seemed Miri was faster then myself. ”Who did you address when shouting in my head? Where did you come from? And why don’t you seem worried over the roar and strange winds?” I looked at the elf myself, wondering the same thing. I looked at her, wondering what she was thinking, wondering if what I saw was a blush and maybe some regret. I would have asked, but she had beat met to it and now, I had to figured out what would happen with the elf before me. What would she do.

I took into account everything that was going on… The elf was a bit shorter then me, but not by much, she was still tall, she was a elf and that much was a fact he took into account. I watched her carefully, taking in everything in, wanting to know what was going through her head, but I knew I would never find out. I did not mind taking my time, but something was off and it made me slightly nervous. As I bowed, it was not very… Well… Formal, it was mostly common, I did not like giving Formal bows, I hated being formal, I wanted things done and I did not want to be held up by the formal things that normally came with my sister. ”RASHN!!! NO!!" I saw the elf flip around quickly, saw something in her eyes that I did not know, that I did not like.

I heard the snapping of the trees, the neighing of the frightened horse behind me, the snapping hurt my ears slightly and I looked at the woman beside me. My sword, though lowered, shook slightly from nerves. I was normally not like this, I was strong, but something was not right and soon, I saw why… A large red dragon was now standing before the elf, my heart seemed to stop as I looked at the beast behind the woman, could barely believe my eyes. The beast held bulk and power, that much I could see without a problem. I could barely believe it, his head was huge and it made the elf look like a dwarf, it made him feel small and helpless. I gulped slightly, turning back as my horse reared, calling out loudly, I didn’t know how to settle him ate this point.

His scales flicked like fire in the fire lightly, it was beautiful and honestly I admired each bit about it. ”A rider need not worry over every stirring of her bonded.” A rider? I should have known… The sounds, the yelling… I should have known, why was my mind not thinking clearly! Had I been around the castle too long? Leilani needed me most of all, she was so fragile and after what had happened between her and Nayeli, I would not be surprised if anything else happened. ”As for the shouting... She is somewhat rash, but apologies have already been made.” I let my eyes glance to Miri for a moment and then I felt eyes on me and I turned back to look at the dragon. I gulped slightly, looking him dead in the eyes. ”That uncle of yours finally send you out here to die Richards?” I jumped back in order to avoid the flames and looked back at him. ”My uncle does not own me…”

[/color] I said to him, looking at him with hard eyes, fearless eyes. ”He may own this forsaken country, but he does not own me or my loyalty… I only stick around for my youngest sister.”[/color]
[/blockquote]
( WORD COUNT )[/color] one. one. eight. four.
( TAGGED )[/color] mirimel keshan; kamon cosal; rashn
( STATUS )[/color] finished
( COMMENTS )[/color] good post.
[/size][/blockquote]

[Arizae]

This was not the most comfortable position he could have chosen. Branches were grazing him everywhere, like annoying pieces of dirt stuck between his scales. What could be cleared by has tail was already gone, but there was plenty of smaller trees to take its place. Pestering bloody forest, this was why the Hadarac was better. A warm wonderful playground where you could find delightful thermals and bask in the heat all day. Nothing at all like these overgrown weeds blocking out the warmth of the sun. Wet and uncomfortable, also quite difficult to navigate on foot. Perhaps it had been enchanting when he was younger, a fun place where he could climb trees and dart between the shadows to ambush prey. No longer, now it was a twisted maze that he simply did not fit in. There would be no sneaking when you had to move trees from where they were rooted to make your way. Frustrating to be sure. Kamon didn’t even care about that however, she seemed happy that he felt claustrophobic and somewhat trapped within the forest. He could still feel her anger, she was still furious at him for his entrance. Best she get over it because he had been well and truly bored. Lately she had all the fun because he was still too ‘broken’ to go about ordinary business.

It’s true though, I can feel the burning pain in your throat. Feel like coughing on your own smoke again like some hatchling?

[/color][/i]

It is not my fault a bloody sea snake nearly took my neck in half![/color][/i]

Well stop making smoke rings for show when you can’t handle it![/color][/i]

Slowly his eye turned to glare at her, the entire red orb the size of Kamon’s head as it narrowed in anger. More frustration than anything. Rashn was not used to the feeling of weakness. It was as if here were seventy-five again and trapped within a body that outgrew him. This time he was stuck within a broken mess that refused to heal right…yet. The healers said he would be fine, perhaps within another six months. Nothing lasting, save giving up his damned soul to Kamon’s keeping. Rashn trusted his rider, but for some reason it seemed wrong to his wild blood to have some fleshling holding onto his very existence. Kamon was his trusted partner, the one that was with him through thick and thin. Her spells had woven, and rewoven more of his flesh than he could count. There was not a limb she had not repaired…but still. Perhaps, even now, he had more learning and trusting to come to terms with. It was just difficult when these small creatures acted so insolent. Just like this filthy thing that was accepted as ‘noble’ among little humans.

Rashn did not approve of humans, but had held his tongue for the sake of Bid’daum and Eragon. He held nothing but respect for them, but with them gone…it was difficult. This Broddring Kingdom was an infiltration, or rather an infestation. They had lost good riders and better dragons trying to protect these foolish humans. Fleeing from whatever horror held their own land, too weak to hold it and thinking this new place belonged to them. Rashn let a breath hazed with smoke come then, he deserved the twinge in his throat for being ignorant. Within the back of his mind memories itched, the spell of riders blocked some knowledge, but at times there were glimpses. That memory had flickered to humble him, and remind him that dragons had not been the first to Alagaesia either. Sod it all dragons had never asked for protection or help from the other races! Bloody Eragon had been the one to make that filthy treaty to make dragons bend knee to elves. They had been nothing before!

Slowly he brought the world back to focus, the red of his vision tinting the forest even now. The hue of the fire was deeper, somehow more vibrant, but he was letting rash emotions run his thoughts. A fault he had. Hadn’t hurt anything though. It was then he noticed the trunk beneath his foot and the earth beneath his opposite talons. There were deep trenches within the soil, and his claws had sunk deep into the tree. With a quick motion he withdrew his talons from the now dead organic thing. Sap coated the white of his talons like sticky blood. Thing had been doomed before. Trees didn’t feel pain, so yes. Nothing of value lost or hurt. Relative calm restored his glaring eye swerved from Kamon and focused on the petulant little human man. Selfish little thing. Caring only for his own lick of skin and that of his own kin. Too bad the creature had been quick, would’ve been nice to see it burn. If only a little bit.

“Anything that can make you react so strongly has some hold of you.”[/i][/color] Rashn snorted in answer, speaking to all present, and yet more to himself than anything. As if he was remembering some piece of advice taught him. Then he shifted his weight, and let bare his teeth in what could only be some grin. He could feel Kamon tense next to him. She knew that grin, and she was ready to spring into action lest Rashn decided to bite the small human in front of him. He had to agree with her reasoning however, Anurin would never let them away from Ilirea after such an action. Well, Anurin could try to keep him locked up, Almalexia may let him out for some times. She would understand the need to take out such a creature. “Even nobility has given up on its kingdom. No hope in its people or king. Didn’t I mention this the other day Kamon?[/i][/color]

She turned to look at him, but only frustration colored her face. His friend was still made at him. That did not make him hold back his low growl, the vibrations from it spreading through the ground.

“High time we did off with spineless creatures.”[/i][/color] He nearly snapped at Turin at spineless creatures, “I shall not risk my neck for those not willing to offer their own…not anymore.”[/i][/color] Rashn’s words held weight, and the deep growl backing them up was almost too low to hear. The putrid scar along his neck stood out visibly then, and it wasn’t from the glow of the fire but rather the heat of fire within the dragon himself that brought it to such a visible red.[/blockquote]

Words :: 1096
Status :: Finished
Tagged :: Turin Richards
Comments :: Muse wasn’t as good, but it will do. Skipped on Miri at the moment, wanted to focus more on the Turin, Rashn reaction and not have her interrupt. [/size]

[Nayeli]

645

(( TURIN RICHARDS ))

I was not sure what really to think of the dragon, he was rash, he was making judgment about me without getting to know me it seemed. I had always wanting to meet a dragon and here I was, face to face with one and I was scared out of my skin. I was not sure to stand or run, but I needed to think as quickly as I could. Miri looked just as… Well… Scared and seeing a woman scared made my own courage go up slightly. I was a protector, I loved my home and this land, this Kingdom was my home, even if my uncle was nothing more then an idiot. ”Anything that can make you react so strongly has some hold of you.” I narrowed my eyes slightly at the beast.

”If my uncle had a hold on me, I would actually listen to him… I only listen to those with some form of sense… He has none, which is why there is some talk among the family to rid the Kingdom of him.”

[/color] I said bluntly, looking dead into his eyes. I would not let this dragon make judgment on me. I spoke of things I had been asked not to speak of, but this was a rider, they deserved to know of what was going on. My uncle was a lunatic and he did not have a mind to run the country… My sister, she had the sound mind and she also had a mind open to thought and discussion… My uncle was too stupid to even grasp the word discussion.

”Even nobility has given up on its kingdom. No hope in its people or king. Didn’t I mention this the other day Kamon?” I looked at him calmly, or as calmly as I could. I looked at his rider, the small being in front of him and let out a sigh. ”I hold no hope in my uncle, the man is too insane to even know how to run a country, but the people have more sense then he does.”[/color] I said to him, not caring if it was outline to speak harshly to them or not, but I was not going to be pushed aside by anything. I was the son of a woman who had put up with more then her fair share, she had been forced into a marriage with my father and a man who actually like the king and had no faithfulness in his bones. My mother had spend more time in the guest bedroom then in her own bed because my father brought home whores and wretches.

”High time we did off with spineless creatures.” I moved back slightly, holding his eyes for a moment, watching him as he snapped at me. He did not like me, but he did not know me either. ”I shall not risk my neck for those not willing to offer their own…not anymore.” I huffed my own breath slightly, looking the dragon with hard eyes. My own courage was building slightly as I stood here looking him over. I could see what looked like a scar on his neck, but it seemed to slow slightly. I returned my gaze to his own eyes.

”You judge me before you get to know me.”[/color] I said to the dragon and looking at the rider for a moment. I lowered my blade and put it in it’s sheath, looking back at the dragon for a moment and then glancing at Miri. ”I have been trying for years to meet with a rider, but I never got that chance, my youngest sister did… But if you are going to judge me before you get to know me, then do what you want to do… Kill me.”[/color] I would not put up a fight, I just stood there looking at him.
[/blockquote]
( WORD COUNT )[/color] 0.645
( TAGGED )[/color] mirimel keshan; kamon cosal; rashn
( STATUS )[/color] finished
( COMMENTS )[/color] my post sucked! don't kill turin!
[/size][/blockquote]
[/quote]

[Arizae]

Rashn wanted to test the mettle of this man, perhaps see how one these high noble humans would react. Did they have any of the fire? That was why he had chosen Kamon after all. She had the will to fight against all odds for what she believed in. Fight until the last breath even against any horde of enemies, dragon or otherwise. The will was embedded in her gut, even if it was not the smartest way to go about things, but what did that matter. Most enemies would flee in the face of such fire, he had seen it when he used it himself. Now Rashn had seen many humans during his life time, but none had matched the fire of his Kamon. They had backed down even when he was a hatchling, not his Kamon. To this day she would fight him, though perhaps the situation had become different. Did this human hold a fraction of that? Was this Broddring worth helping at all?

Already the showing from this Turin was slightly better. The man was scared, Rashn could smell the fear on the air, could see the slight, but that was natural. All things feared, what you did after the fear was what mattered. So he watched closely as this Turin reacted to his words, took note as the noble’s eyes narrowed ever so slightly. Well, the boy was in denial of one thing. The human had misinterpreted his meaning as well. Turin had taken a philosophical meaning to be something of a physical one. Should he try to explain it? Better not to waste his time with it. Perhaps the human would understand later in life. The fact that Turin did not do as his uncle said, the fact that the man did not listen to the king, did not mean the king had no hold on the man. However, such a reaction, such passion and vehemence…the king had a mental hold on the boy, still affected things going on in his life. In that manner the king had hold of Turin. Well, that was all a bit more abstract, best not to bring it up. Rashn could be wrong after all, but seeing the narrowing of eyes…such emotion…no the king affected the boy. For better or worse.

The boy was standing up for himself now; it seemed Rashn had managed to ignite some anger. Worthless little fleshling that it was, did seem like it was trying to grow some backbone. After all, this one could hold some weight within Broddring. Anurin and the riders were concerned when it came to that nation, so naturally Rashn would have to deal with it as well. At least this one saw clearly, and confirmed the numerous rumors and stories of the king’s insanity. When family turned its back to a member it added weight to a rumor. Close enough to make it truth without seeing it for yourself. This Turin also had faith in his people, perhaps that meant they could have faith in him. Too early to see, this thing was like a child…at least…to his eyes it was. The years were stretching for Rashn, how many human lifetimes had he lived? When was a human no longer considered a child? Exactly how many years had this one lived? Curiosity hit him, and he wanted to ask, but he had a feeling Kamon held the answer. Well, she did pay more attention to what they were supposed to study sometimes…human culture among that.

Little creature was spry for a human. He could hear a faint chuckle in his head coming from Kamon. He ignored it, she was considered extremely fast among elves, and that was considerable. Comparing her to Turin would be…oh now he must not think on it. The situation was too heavy for him to join her mirth at the thought. Still, a quick human from what he could tell, and the man did hold the sword correctly and with a sense of familiarity. Rashn kept his own eyes narrowed, meeting the gaze of the human as it spoke. He searched for the fire, that hard gut that fought back, and he felt he was beginning to hear something. Though the next comment made him snort, the smoke coming involuntarily this time. A flash of pain lit his eyes for tenths of a second as the smoke bit into his throat. Besides the snort he did not make comment on the whole judging before knowing. The dragon looked on every creature negatively until it proved itself worthy of his respect. This man was being treated no differently than the oldest dragon Rashn had met…but he could practically feel the man tense and he did not want to interrupt the thought process, again he would offer no explanation.

Surprise came next as the boy sheathed his sword. Calm seemed to have overtaken the man, he was whining now. Hadn’t been able to meet a rider…never mind that he was talking to a dragon…not a rider. Insulting little vermin. He did not wish to speak with Rashn did he? Just wanted to talk with Kamon? Thought a dragon was simply a tool for elves to make them stronger? He was no beast! See a dragon, speak with a rider. It was always the same bloody story. The insult was indirect, but it stoked the fire within Rashn, and the next words did not help. Complaining, that was what he heard despite that calm little tone. Younger sister spoke with a rider did she? Important little noble boy was sad and disappointed that he had never spoken with a rider and now that he was talking to a dragon that wanted to roast his sorry flesh he was going to sheath his sword and give up. Perhaps Turin thought he was brave asking for death. No he was stupid! Where had the fight gone? Why was he so sad that he was ‘judged’ unfairly. An angry snarl writ on his face death did entered Rashn’s bloody eyes. Blood and flame was there, waiting to embrace the young man. The dragon could feel the fire stir in his gut did not suppress it this time, no he encouraged it, stirred it. This Turin would die! Not for the reasons the young man expected…but Rashn was more than happy to send this sorry excuse for meet off to whatever maker it believed in.


Kamon was choosing to stand by now, she would not bother him in his decision. She was agreeing with him now, damn the wishes of the council and keeping the peace with Broddring. Rashn felt the fire and called it forth, the heat built in his throat, a low glow emanating through his teeth. A whisper like death spoke to Turin’s mind then, “My pleasure…”

[/b][/color]

The fire rushed through his throat like lava, he opened his maw and steaming air issued forth milliseconds before the blaze, and it was in that moment he saw the young girl rush forth, that little Mirimel burst forth from the side, flew through the air and knocked into Turin. Too slow, as she collided with him he would burn them both to a crisp. A shame that she would sacrifice herself so as the two fell to the ground as one. He could hear Miri’s small voice shouting no off in the distance, could feel Kamon’s surprise, but all he focused on was the roar in his ear as liquid fire stroked his teeth.

It caught.

The wound seared in pain, Rashn curled his neck and wretched as fresh blood fell from his maw. Bits of fire dripped from his teeth, quickly dying as they hit the ground near the pair of humans. His retching did not cease, the flame he had called forth had been too strong…too volatile. Nearly the same flame he had used on the snake to end it…something he should have never used in his condition. The wound was open within his neck. He was choking on his own blood and trying desperately to cough it up even as he tried to clear the fire from his throat. Too late he had swallowed it, now he could feel the burn within his gut as he tried to suppress it. He retched again, white fangs stained red as blood mixed with fire poured forth to the ground. His body shuddered as it calmed the flame it had tried to expel. Neck quivering in pain he retched a final time…and then felt the quick soothing feeling of Kamon’s magic desperately weaving the vessels and muscles back into place within his neck.[/blockquote]

Words :: 1440
Status :: Finished
Tagged :: Turin Richards
Comments :: Not adding a Miri part because she kind of did her own thing within this post. Happy with this one, might have some mistakes within it, but I was happy with it while writing. Kept Rashn keeping in character with himself as well. He sure would have killed Turin, but obviously that wasn’t about to happen. Funny thing, I was originally planning this post to end differently with Rashn laughing about silly Turin…but it steered differently in writing it and I knew mr. red dragon would not have reacted that way. Think I’m finally understanding his character.[/size]