Daidrea was getting angry, but he did what he could to control himself. "Enough, I've wasted enough time." He ran off to leave. Mesaraih ttried to go after him but out of no where something landed in front of him. It was Glaedr.

Stop Mesaraih, dont provoke Daidrea when hes in that form. If you were to fight him he would kill you without hesitation. Calm yourself, all will be explained it time. Daidrea is doing what he thinks is right. Not just for Erais, but for Arden and you as well. Please, come back, Oromis wishes to speak with you.


OC:Sorry if it seems a little godmodding, but it was kinda against what I wanted to do next.

Erais began to feel awful, Daidrea was resorting to a side of him that she didn't want to ever see. He was stalling Galbatorix for time, but why would he just leave without saying good bye? "I feel as if it's too difficult. I just want to hide away and let the feelings just cease from happening, but I know they won't just go away. That would be the impossible achieved. How can I follow my heart, when my heart is torn in two?" Erais felt as though she could just burst. Life had gone from bad to worse, making do to extremely complicated.

She didn't say much after that and went to meditate on it. Sitting under a fairly small tree she tried to think of how she could possibly think of anything to help ease her choice. Nothing seemed to help however. It was like trying to choose which person you'd rather have as a leader; Galbatorix or his dragon. They both are so close to each other than it is an impossible choice. The two made her happy and that life was worth living for and not giving up on. Mesaraih had helped her with stealing Arden, but there was something about Daidrea that was mysterious and yet familiar that it drew her in.

How can one choose between which side of your heart is the better one? Is it possible to decide which kind of race you wanted to be? No, there wasn't a choice. One was the right one and one was right for someone else; but who could she cut from her life, who could she let go? Daidrea was working on distracting Galbatorix so she can train Arden with Oromis, but Mesaraih had a good heart and was constantly risking his life for her. Should she just go with one and see how it goes? Than see how it would go with the other one? Or take a chance and choose one blindly?

All she knew is that for now she would have to throw herself hard into training, so hard that she'd only have a mind for it, and always return to exhausted to think before sleeping. She quickly found Oromis. "I can't choose which one is better, all I can do now since Daidrea is giving us time, is to train constantly and put everything else away. I don't want to hear it, I just want to be pushed hard enough that my limits will be passed every day." Erais said determedly.

As the days turned into weeks Erais had no time for stray thoughts. Arden was starting to harden out and was becoming more and more of a friend than someone she felt compelled to watch over. During the few short breaks that they did have she would talk with him about few things. He understood her much more now and knew when to keep quiet about her problems. He was being worked hard and would go off with Glaedr while Erais was with Oromis. Some days they'd switch and Erais would be taught from Glaedr and Arden would be taught from Oromis, but that wasn't very often.

While Erais continued to push herself, she was glad to find that she was always to tired to think about Mesaraih and Oromis. She would find herself thinking about them sometimes, but never had enough to time to really think about them. She hadn't been able to have a proper saddle be made, and had decided against using one. Erais had found that while she trained with Arden as a whole, without the saddle she was more apart of Arden than she would be otherwise. Soon she was riding him with ease when they would to mock fights with Glaedr and Oromis. With more training she knew that she wouldn't even need a saddle.

Arden had grown considerably in the time frame, he was huge and quite easily towered over Erais. I know you haven't had much time to think about it, and I know you don't want to; but you need to decide. I've been talking with both Oromis and Glaedr when you go to sleep and they both agree and it's time for us to leave. Arden said to Erais as she was sitting in a tree, avoiding all thought. No Arden, we can't leave yet. We still need plenty of training. Her tone was almost scolding, but more than anything was sad. She had been able to come to a decision, and hated having to hurt one of them.

Oromis says we are trained enough, we need to travel around again. You need to see what's happened since we've started training. We will be fine and are more as one being than two seperate ones. Erais knew what Arden was telling her was true. After discussing with Oromis and taking counsel, they took a few days to prepare. Oromis had advised them to go find Daidrea, to make sure he was fine. And I need to tell him...I want Mesaraih to be happy, but I can't give him that. Erais felt terrible about her decision, but she knew that either way, the other would be hurt. She just wished that it wouldn't be this hard. Feeling terrible, Arden and her set out to try and find Daidrea.

After the weeks Mesaraih spent in confusion, Oromis told him the situation.

"I apologize for not explaining earlier, but I had to get Arden and Erais started as soon as possible."
"Daidrea meant no harm towards you or Erais, but that form of him makes him rather...well blunt."



Far away from what was happening in the elven capital, Daidrea was having problems of his own. The sound of blades clashing filled the air. He was still locked in battle with the emperor's apprentice, Murtagh. Although he wasnt as experienced as Daidrea, he was still putting up a good fight.

Daidrea was striking fast and was starting to build momentum. However, his opponent was able to keep up with his attacks. Annoyed Daidrea swiped at him with his blade launching another blast wave. He wasnt casting any spells, he was just throwing raw energy at him.
Murtagh was barely able to dodge it in time and in doing so he lost his balance, falling over. Daidrea took the chance and raised his sword towards him. But before he could, he grabbed some sand and threw it into Daidrea's eyes. It blinded him for a moment, and Murtagh quickly took his sword and stabbed into Daidrea's chest. Luckly it was just below his heart.

"Damn, I missed." Then he looked shocked, Daidrea was looking right at him eye to eye. Daidrea pulled up his sword and stabbed him in the stomach. Murtagh's dragon roared as he shared the pain. The dragon stepped in and slashed at Daidrea knocking him back. The dragon put Murtagh on his back and took flight.

Daidrea was still on the ground, bleeding badly. "Dammit.., he got away." He staggered to his feet, and attempted healing himself. "Not good...I used to much energy to heal myself completely. I can heal the flesh but it looks like there was poison on his blade." He sat back down trying to rest. "I wont be able to heal myself till morning, I just hope I'll last till then."

Daidrea walked inside the destroyed keep, finding a place to stay until he could recover. He sat down against a wall. He looked at a puddle next to him, seeing himself. His eyes were still dark and his skin has become pale. He looked away in anger. I need to last longer...just a little longer.

OC: Sorry if the spelling is off, dont remember the names off hand.

Arden flew at a safe height in the sky. Erais was able to pick up stray thoughts from townsfolk, trying to locate a trail that would lead to Daidrea. He had been on his own for quite a while and Erais was extremely worried and very stressed. The fool, he can't last long on his own. She thought to herself. Arden agreed, but only for her benefit. He knew that Daidrea was very capable at handling things himself. Finally after non stop searching she picked up on a few thought patterns directed towards some fiend who was running about wildly and killing most anyone who came in his path.

After that the trail was pretty straight. More and more thoughts flooded her mind about what had happened. Turns out he had caused a very big stir in the Empire. The flashing images from the few survivors scared her. She didn't know this person, he was scary and she was now afraid to find him. Deep in her mind she hoped that they didn't; but Oromis' words echoed in her mind and she knew she had to keep moving forward. He's fine Erais, he knows what he's doing. Arden said in an attempt to calm her.

She kept quiet, the wind brushing against her face gently as they flew at a low speed, it made it easier to pick up stray thoughts. Erais was glad this simple folk didn't know that their minds were being invaded, well sort of. Finally she found someone, a soldier, who was focused on the most current masacre that had only started a few hours ago. Fly fast Arden. Erais said, now knowing where he was. Through Arden she detected another rider and dragon ahead, fear seized her. It was Murtagh, Galbatorix's apprentice.

Finally they arrived and she was able to witness the aftermath for herself. Erais was horrified, she stared at everything in shock. Daidrea did this all on his own? Arden could feel fear sweep over her and doubt. Why had Oromis sent her to him when he was in his "darker" state? Taking a deep breath she let Arden go. They both knew someone would come to investigate and a foriegn dragon would cause them trouble. I'll stay close by if he is to far in and attacks you. Arden said as he disappeared in the sky.

Still fearful of what she might find, she went to investigate. From what she could tell, he had to still be here somewhere. After a while of looking around everywhere, she was able to sense something alive nearby. Daidrea? She asked timidly, the way she said it was so hesitant and cautious. Peeking into room after room she finally found him. He looked terrible. Though he was awake and she didn't want to approach him if he didn't recognize her, she didn't want to fight him. So she stood in the doorway uncertain. "Daidrea?" She asked again, waiting for him to respond. To Erais he looked frightfully different and she was terrified of him. It didn't matter if she had training and a dragon, he wasn't who she had seen before.

Erais felt a moment of relief, at least he knew who she was. "I don't care what you say. You're right, I probably shouldn't be here right now, but neither should you." She accused softly. Looking at him up and down, she assessed what kind of shape he was in. Looking more carefully she saw a spot right below his heart that didn't look quite right. Looking again she realized that whatever had stabbed him there had been poisoned. Ignoring her fear of him right now she ran over to his side.

"You look terrible," was her only response to his question. This might hurt, She told him right before she gently touched the area where he had been wounded. It seemed like he made attempts to heal himself, but hadn't been able to do it fully without more injury, so now it was in bad condition. "I'm here because Oromis sent for me to find you...and I'm on a personal errand anyway." The last bit was said quietly.

Erais had learned a lot from Oromis and Glaedr, much more than she had ever known before. Having been a dragon rider before had given her some advantages, but she was surprised to find out how little she had known. "Don't you dare even think of trying to cause more trouble. The state you're in, I'm surprised you were able to move at all." Her voice was light, in attempt to hide the small bit of fear that lingered in her mind. Saying a few spells, she did all she could for him right now. Luckily she was able to take the poison out, but not the affects that he'd have from fighting and taking battle wounds.

"I risk myself because I want to, I know that you are a good person. Don't let this, this thing take over you!" She almost shouted at him. "You can't just go and live your life like that!" She was going to say more, but he was gone. After a few moment Erais was very angry with him. "You idiot! You're throwing your life away!" She knew he couldn't hear her, but her anger at him was boiling up.

Standing up angry, she decided that if he wanted to throw his life away. Than so be it. All she was trying to do was help him, now he's heading off for suicide. "The stupid fool!" She muttered under her breath as she walked out of the keep. Erais had come here to let him know what her decision was. Of course it wouldn't have mattered and he probably would have gone off like this anyway. She knew she couldn't make Mesaraih happy, but she wanted to at least try. Though now at least she could have a clear conscience about it.

Kicking a small pebble with her boot, she heard the faint remains of someone yelling in pain. After a few moments she recognized who it was a her heart wrenched. "Mesaraih!" She whispered. Hoping she was going the right way, she went the direction she had heard his voice. Sure enough, after a while she found him. Face down on the ground he looked terrible. Erais was immediately on the ground next to him. "Mesaraih!" She said grabbing him by his shoulders and turning him over.

Erais tried in a vain attempt to get Mesaraih to snap out of it. It didn't work too well. "Mesaraih, I'm right here. Come on, you need to snap out of it! Please!" She pleaded with him, he wasn't looking to good. He seemed like he was in a terrible pain. Erais hadn't noticed another person come close. When he spoke, he sounded strange and slightly evil. She wasn't sure if he noticed her or not, but since he made to move to react to her.

Erais was able to stay out of detection until Mesaraih was finally able to snap from his reverie. With a sigh of relief she was glad to see him standing. Confused she stared at them, than was shocked to see them go in a full fledged battle. It took her a moment to realize what was going on. "What's going on?" She asked, not really expecting an answer, but it was still nice to voice her opinion. Should I come down? Arden asked worriedly. No, not yet...this might work out on it's own, but I doubt it. Erais told him.

Arden was worried for Erais as Mesaraih and the stranger fought. He didn't need to though, Erais was pretty much ignored. She wasn't sure if she should join in the battle or just wait. Whatever was going on was obviously just between the two, so she let them be. Watching them carefully they finally began to slow, and eventually stop. They both looked exhausted and neither one had any real damage, just exhaustion.

Erais was completely bewildered as he shouted at Mesaraih to get out of here and he won't be as lucky next time. What in the world is going on? She thought to herself. Arden was just as confused, but kept out of sight in the sky, so there wouldn't be any alarm. At least no more alarm then there already was. After a few minutes the stranger looked at her and she felt uncomfortable instantly. He looked a lot like Mesaraih which was a bit creepy, and she didn't like him looking at her. "Why are you staring? Didn't your mother ever teach you that it's rude?" She asked snappily.

Erais fell quiet, feeling a bit ashamed at how she had spoken to him. Arden was tired of being up in the sky and decided to come down, much to Erais' discomfort. This wouldn't go over well. Turning to Mesaraih, he looked broken. She wasn't sure how she could cheer him up right now, something was really bugging him and he just looked pained. Going over to him she put her hand on his arm. "Are you okay?" She asked softly. Arden stayed quiet off to the side, though he was very noticable because of his size.

The way Mesaraih questioned about Daidrea's where about's made her smile a little bit. "I actually have no idea, he left before I could tell him. He went on about saying to leave him alone because the rest of his life would be spent hunting Galbatorix." Erais said it slightly angry, he was being an idiot going off by himself like that. "I never got a chance to let him know my decision, but than again it wouldn't really have mattered I guess. He would probably have run off anyway, I just don't want him to get hurt." Erais finished her sentance abruptly.

"Who was that back there anyway?" She asked him as Arden came up behind them. He looked down at the two, Mesaraih still seemed sour and very upset. Though he knew his attitude would change soon. Very soon.

"Oh," Erais said quietly, not wanting for him to become more upset, so she didn't question him anymore about it. After a few moments he was very ill tempered and walked away. Erais felt a bit upset about it, but quickly followed him and caught him by the arm. "Aren't you curious at all?" She asked a bit angrily herself. He was starting to become a bit unreasonable in her book. He needs to calm down, he might do something he'll regret later. Arden said to her, and Erais agreed, but she was a bit mad at him right now.

Erais nearly rolled her eyes, but decided to refrain from it. "About this!" She said and kissed him fully on the mouth. After a few more moments she pulled away. "Even though I tried to not think while I was training with Oromis, you kept coming to mind everytime Arden did. It's because of you I've had another chance, because of you that I want to live, and because of you I'm not some cold hearted and brutal person. I really love you! I now know it, I didn't before, but I love you." Erais said slightly breathless with a smile.

Erais smiled as well. "Yes, that's quite obvious." She laughed a little. Arden grumbled slightly and decided to leave them alone. He took flight to the air so they could have some privacy. "I have to admit that you are quite the split person when you're jealous." Erais said a bit serious, she didn't exactly like that side of him, it kind of made him seem a bit evil. "I just don't want you to feel that way, I know I'm not much and I don't really deserve you, but I want you to be happy. Don't ever act like that again, please?" She said quietly.

Erais smiled kindly. "Thanks, that means a lot." She said rather softly. Erais wasn't sure how well that promise could be kept, but she knew that at least he was willing to try, and for that she was very grateful. "Actually, Arden and I aren't exactly going to train for a while. Oromis cut us loose for a while, so for now I guess we just cause trouble. Or go to the Varden again and see if they need anything done. Other than that, I do know that I want to stick with you for a while." Erais stopped, not sure if she should bring up a subject she wanted to get to know a little better.

"Please don't get mad at me, but why is Reik supposed to be dead?" She asked cautiously, not wanting to cause him discomfort or make him upset.

Erais frowned slightly. "I'm sorry, I shouldn't have asked." Her voice was quiet, she now regretted asking him. It seemed to be a rather touchy subject. Thinking about what he had told her, it seemed a curious thing for him to be alive. What was with this curse he had talked about? And why had he looked at her like that when he finally noticed her presence? Whoever he really was, she wasn't sure about him. He seemed to be truly good deep down, for he had let Mesaraih go; but what if they met him again, what would happen?

Erais really didn't know. "Either one is fine for me, but maybe you should have some rest. I don't think we should travel much right now since so much has happened right now." She stated simply. Arden you can come back now. Erais told him, smiling slightly to herself. He was very considerate, considering how he had been a few weeks ago she would have been surprised. Good, flying is great, but I'd rather sleep right now. Erais smiled again, he still was fixed on taking a frequent naps as he could manage. In a few moments the air around them picked up and Arden landed on the ground.

Erais agreed with him in her mind. It was peaceful, well as peaceful as it could get, for the moment. She couldn't help but let her mind wander as she sat down. She began to wonder what was going on with Daidrea, and if he was in trouble. Erais felt immensely guilty about her decision, and she wasn't sure why. Why did she let him go off and ruin his life? I feel terrible Arden, what if my choice was wrong? She asked him upset.

Erais either way the choice was right. Which ever way your heart takes you will always be the right path. So stop fretting, Daidrea is hard core and can take care of himself. Let him be, he chose his own fate. He told her comfortingly. As much as she wanted to let it go, she found she couldn't. If Daidrea was hurt or killed, she knew that she would forever feel guilty for it. Even though she was in love with Mesaraih, that didn't stop the few feelings she had for Daidrea.

As soon as Mesaraih said that Daidrea was in trouble, she felt terrible regret and a horrible feeling of shame settle in the pit of her stomach. Now she knew she shouldn't have left him to go on his own, she knew she should have gone after him to stop him, but she hadn't and now he was suffering for it. "Than we have to get there as fast as we can. He was using a rather fast speed, so the quickest way...is Arden." Erais remembered that she didn't have a saddle. "You better have extremely good balance, otherwise you'll fall."

I'll try to keep you both from falling. Arden assured her. No, we need to get there as fast as we can, you need to go as quick as possible. I fear this is all my fault. She told him. "Come on, lets go," She said to Mesaraih and climbed onto Arden, waited for Mesaraih. I hope he'll be able to hold himself together. She prayed silently to herself.

Daidrea's world was spinning. He imaged himself in his mind. Am I going to die? ..Why..why am I so..weak. Daidrea heard something from behind him. He turned around. It was a person in black robes and a large hood over its face.

It whispered, "Daidrea...you are not weak..not with me here. Let me help you, allow me to bestow you my full power..with it..no one will match you."
It reached out his hand towards him. "Do..you accept?"

Daidrea went over to him. He knelt. He didnt say anything but showed he agreed. The dark being placed his hand over his head. Dark chains surrounded him and bound him to the ground. Then it transvered into his body.

Back in reality Daidrea stopped his moans of agony. His wounds began to heal rapidly. He stood up. He was still facing away from Mesraih and the others being completely oblivious to his surroundings. Oddly he looked at himself. He began to laugh. His voice sounded as if two people were laughing instead of one. One was Daidrea's voice and the other was completely different. He stopped and realized there was people behind him. He turned. His appearance was different from before. His eyes were completely black and he had strange markings all over his body. He stood silently watching them.

Arden shot through the air as fast as he could, and boy was it fast. Erais was used to flying now, but her own balance was off set a few times, though luckily she stayed one. Finally he landed on the ground roughly to where Daidrea was. He was groaning in pain and seemed out of it. What in the world is going on? I shouldn't have let him go... Erais felt her stomach churn.

She lept off Arden and was going to go over to him, but his wounds were suddenly gone and than he was on his feet. She watched in terror as he looked at himself, as though waking up for the first time. Even though he looked the same from behind, Erais knew something terrible had happened. He let out a menacing laugh and Erais quickly shrank back in fear. "D-aidrea?" She stumbled over his name. He turned to look at them and she was brought over in fear.

Daidrea wasn't himself anymore, he had strange markings crossing over his whole body in a strange pattern. His laugh was dark and had to pitches to it. She opened her mouth to speak, but somehow her voice had been shut off. His eyes had turned solid black and he was completely unreconizable. Arden growled deeply in his chest and moved to stand in front of Erais. He knew that someone, or something had tampered with Daidrea's mind and now he wasn't who they had come to know. Leave here now, before I rip you to shreds. His voice boomed loudly in Daidrea's mind. He knew that if they weren't seperated soon, something terrible would happen that would scar Erais for a very long time.

Erais face had a glimmer of hope, but it was dashed away into bits as his eyes reverted back to the forebodding black. She was still fearful of him, but her curiosity was too great and soon her fear was shoved aside. "Yes, you do know me. Stop doing this!" She said a little upset. Though realizing that they'd have to fight him if they wanted any chance for him to come back. "No, I'm not leaving you. You don't know what you're doing. Throw this foolishness to the side or I've no choice!" She said painfully.

Arden growled threateningly as Erais walked out from behind him, now in full view of Daidrea. She knew that he wouldn't come back just like that, so she drew her sword, the sound seemed much louder in the silence. "I won't leave you, you need to fight this Daidrea, you can't let this control you!" The last bit was more screamed than just said.

What happened next was something that definatly surprised her. What? She asked herself. What in the world could possibly be going on? Her world had gone from terrible complication and confusion to total chaotic. Anger boiled up in her, and soon her temper was getting the better of her. "What the heck do you think you're doing? What did you do with Daidrea? What do you mean you're the dark part of him? Why in the world would he ever let you lock him away? And what do you mean what business do we have with you, you're the stupid idiot who's taken Daidrea! So don't you dare think you'll leave here unharmed!" All of what she said was more like screamed in Aerdiads face.

Arden was ticked off at the moment, this freak had the nerve to be rude to Erais. He let out a loud growl that made the few surrounding trees shudder. Let Daidrea go! He said to Aerdiad in a dark and threatening tone.

What Aerdiad had said had done the trick. Erais stood there for a moment, attempting to regain her cool, but it was long gone. Arden sensed that, but he was just as ticked off with Aerdiad, so he didn't bother to stop her. "How dare you say that!" She shouted right before she ran at him. It was so fast Erais nearly tripped over her own feet, but she regained her balance and shot her sword out at Aerdiad.

How could Daidrea have just given up?... So many questions along that line swam through her head as she was striking out at Aerdiad. Mean while Arden was trying to break through his mind defenses to see what was going on exactly with him, but his hold was probably stronger than Oromis'.

Erais side stung and she gasped in pain while she was on her knees. He was definately stronger than she had expected. When he gave Arden a mental shock it passed through into her own mind. Causing her more pain and paralyzing her temporarily. She wanted to scream at Aerdiad, her connection with Arden had run deeply so everything was shared, but she knew he was right about relying on their own strengths instead of each other.

Daidrea, what have you done? How could you have been so weak? She thought dully to herself as she could only watch him walk away, his words ringing in her ears. She wasn't planning on killing him, just killing that side of him. It took a few moments for her to regain control of her body again. Arden was on his feet and helped her to her own. "The nerve...we are strong enough..." She ran to get her sword and was in the process of going back to the keep, but stopped.

What if it's my fault...it can only be my fault. It's because of me that he let himself go. Why should I even try? He'll only reject me and laugh in my face...Daidrea gone... Everything began to spin around her and she fell to the ground. It was her fault. How else would he have disappeared. Arden began to retaliate her thoughts, she she shoved him out of her mind and refused to communicate with him. Erais told him to leave her alone and she ran from him. I'm a terrible person, I shouldn't have ever meddled in his life. I should have let him be. She thought as she ran, not realizing that her feet were taking her to the keep, but she didn't care. Erais just wanted to be left alone.

Erais' lungs burned and her legs ached. The keep was very far away, she hadn't realized how far out they had been. Deep in her mind she didn't care what was going to happen to her right now, but she knew that she needed to be alone. She had truly forgotten that Aerdiad had come this way. How could I have messed up everything so? She asked herself honestly.

Still running she never slowed, she sensed Arden was trying to follow her. Leave me alone! She shouted at him. It had startled him and he gave up following her. With a sad sigh she ran forward, unsure of anything in her life. It was starting to get dark as the sun had disappeared, but she kept running on, finally seeing the ruined keep in the distance. After a while she stopped at the edge, her sides heaving. Looking around she saw Aerdiad and her anger came back. "What are you doing here?" She said menacingly.

Erais was shocked to see Mesaraih come into the scene. Though she wasn't surprised. She stood still as they began to fight, she was completely unaware to what was going on as she delved into his mind. Erais searched through his mind, breaking through his defenses and trying to find Daidrea. Luckily Aerdiad was distracted enough for her to go into his mind. It took forever to sort through his murderous and horrible thoughts. She knew she was defenseless to anything that was happening outside her body.

Daidrea? She called out, her voice oddly distant and it echoed. Let me help you, tell me where you are. Let me in! She begged to the darkness, praying that he wasn't completely gone. Erais had to save him, it was her fault that he was this way, she just couldn't get over that fact.

Erais felt herself being thrown out from his mind. She fell to the ground in shock as a pulse had ran through her body, causing her to grow still for a moment. All she could do was listen to his hatefull words. She felt her anger grow inside as he talked poorly of Daidrea. He was a good man and Erais couldn't stand the thought of Aerdiad just saying he was nothing but weak. "He was not weak...he is not weak." She whispered quietly as the pain slowly disappeared. She felt more guilt as she came to realize again that this was truly her fault. Erais had an idea, but she knew it would only hurt Mesaraih terribly in the process.

Mesaraih, I need to let you go if we want any hope to save him. I'm sorry to do this to you, but he needs this right now. Please forgive me... She told to him quietly in her mind. "Daidrea was not ever weak. Love is not weak, it never is. Love is what binds us together, it's what gives us all hope. You don't get it Aerdiad. It's because of love that he was always stronger, but in his moment of doubt, and the feeling of rejection...That is why he let himself be chained up by you!" She shouted.

Erais picked up her sword and walked over to Aerdiad. She thrust her sword forward so it hit the ground right at his feet. "Daidrea I know you're in there, and you are being entirely foolish. I do love you, I love Mesaraih as well, but I love you. You are the only who'll ever really understand what it feels like. You kept me from creating someone like Aerdiad. I know you are strong, even though it may seem like Aerdiad is stronger, he's not. Please, please try and fight back. I don't know if you can hear me or not, and I know that Aerdiad will fight against you to try and kill us all, but you will always be much stronger than he is. Always..." She said, hoping against all she knew that she would be able to reach Daidrea.

Erais felt the strangest sensation as her mind left reality and she quickly found herself in a rather strange room. Looking around it took a moment for her vision to focus, when it did she saw Daidrea on the other side. He was chained up and his head was down. She gasped in horror. "Daidrea..." At first it was a whisper, but after a few attempts she ended up yelling his name. She moved to go to him, she tried running, but she was held back by some force. "Daidrea! Listen to me, you need to come back, we need you...I need you." She said the last part quietly, but loud enough to be heard. "Please!" She pleaded with him.

Erais ran over to Daidrea, she quickly knelt down next to him and took his face in her hands. "Daidrea, please, look at me." She said, her voice pained as he really didn't respond much. "Why are you giving up? I know you are strong, you've always been strong. You need to come back, please..." Her voice was so pathetic, even to her own ears, but anything to bring him back. "Please..." She let her voice trail away as she searched his blank and empty face for any sign...just any sign that showed he understood.

"Hey, come on. You are stronger, you don't need to apologize for something that you can defeat. Please, please fight this. I know you can. Daidrea you've done so much for me. I want to come back." Erais said while rubbing her hand against his cheek softly. She had gone him to speak, that was good right? "I've seen you fight till almost your death, I've seen you give up for a moment, but than come back harder than ever! You will not give up! I won't let you, so don't you dare think about leaving me!" She said sternly to him.

Erais softened and her eyes were no longer a blaze. "I want you to know that I love you, I want you to fight this for me. If you love me at all, you'll at least try." Her voice was barely above a whisper, but she was sure he had been able to hear her.

Erais felt relief wash over her as she realized that Aerdiad was gone; but she knew he was right. He would always be a part of Daidrea, but if he remembered who he was and what he fought for, than Aerdiad would never have power. He would always be the one chained up. Erais felt the same strange sensation and soon found herself opening her own eyes.

Looking around she saw Mesaraih who looked the complete opposite of what he had been when she had gone into Aerdiads mind. For a moment she felt a slight tingle of disappointment in her mind, but her attention fell to Daidrea.

Finally everything caught up, and she felt drained, so very drained. Her energy was low, but she was able to keep herself awake. Seeing that Daidrea had fallen to the ground, she went over to him. Looking to see if the markings were truly gone, she smiled seeing that they were. "See Aerdiad, he'll always be stronger than you." Erais whispered quietly, not knowing if he could hear, but didn't care. Daidrea was back.

"It seems as if we'll be okay now..." Erais' voice went faint as she felt herself fall to the ground, completely exhausted. Her energy was gone and she was drained of anything that she could use to stay awake. All she wanted to do was sleep. As she did fall asleep, a soft smile was spread across her face.

Erais hadn't really dreamt of anything, and that was extremely nice. After a while she began to stir. Opening her eyes she sat up and rubbed them gently, attempting to make them unblurry. Looking around she saw Mesaraih and felt sadened. Stretching out she noticed Daidrea who was eating as quietly as he could. "See, you are strong enough." She said with a smile and grabbed a piece of fruit from the small pile.

Erais was rather happy right now. Everything was fine again, for the moment. She tossed the remains of the fruit aside and drank some of the water that Mesaraih had brought. She lay down for a moment and shut her eyes, than realization dawned on her and she lept up. Her eyes were wide in slight panic as she looked around. Nothing...

Panic seized her as she quickly checked the surrounding area. Still nothing. Feeling extremely worried of what could have happened she widened her search a little bit more, still nothing. Erais quickly ran a little ways away, but still nothing. Running back towards camp she was rather frantic right now.

Erais was too distracted to notice anything strange in Mesaraih's voice. Her thoughts were pretty much focused on one thing right now. She let her mind reach out across the land in search, but she still came up empty. She huffed and sat down in a slight defeat. Where in the world could he be? She questioned herself silently. Erais decided to completely ignore Mesaraih right now, she wasn't in the mood for either of them right now, she was too panicked right now.

Erais sighed quietly and stood up. "Its Arden, I can't find him anywhere. Where the blazes did the dragon go?" She said the last part through gritted teeth, almost feeling annoyed. Yes she was emmensely worried and had no clue to where he could have gone, but she felt annoyed that he would just disappear like that without leaving any trace of himself...anywhere! "I told him to leave me alone, but this is a first. Sometimes I swear it's more of a babysitting job than being a rider." She said as her annoyance started to build up.

Erais knew that as soon as she found him she'd end up lecturing him about disappearing without a trace. After a while of useless search she returned back to where they had been. It didn't seem like he had been found yet. Sitting down for a moment to contemplate how far he could have gone, the soft thud vibrated through the ground. Arden walked out with a hazy expression. "Where in the world have you been? What were you possibly thinking!?" She yelled at him, speaking to him through her mind was out of the question, she was too mad.

Taking a nap...you're stupid emotions passed through and woke me up. I was going to come find you after I woke up. He grumbled, not liking the fact that he had been disterbed from his sleep. Erais could only stared at him wide eyed, she opened her mouth to say something. After a few moment a small giggle escaped her mouth. "You are truly one of a kind." She said while laughing softly. Arden was relieved to find that he wouldn't be yelled at more.

Erais continued to laugh lightly as Arden settled down to sleep. He was truly more of a kid than he was a dragon. Erais wondered if he knew it, but almost instantly knew that he didn't. If he did, he probably wouldn't be the way he was. Night began to fall and it was colder than she expected, much colder. Arden wasn't exactly going to wake up very soon to help light a fire, so Erais had to content herself with just wrapping her arms around herself.

"Its too cold," She complained quietly.

The cold air became even colder and it seemed as if the fire had ceased to give out any warmth. Clouds slowly covered the moon and it became very dark. "Darn mucky weather...can't give us a break...too cold..." She mumbled to herself, shivering slightly. "Things could not get anymore gloomy can they?" She asked a bit louder. The sound of thunder cracked across the sky and soon it was pouring rain so much that the fire was snuffed out within seconds.

"Stupid stupid stupid...I just had to say that...darn cold weather." Erais said, her mood turning sour. Now she was drenched from head to toe and looked like a wet cat. Her mood couldn't have really gotten worse as she tromped over to Arden. Right now he was just about the warmest thing. She curled up under one of his wings which were hanging in the air life a big leaf. "Too cold...too wet..." Her teeth chattered, making her words barely comprehendable.

Arden's eyes opened lazily and he glared at Erais. Her dull mood was rather annoying when one was trying to sleep. Erais, is there any way you can just be quiet. Just go to sleep, the weather won't bug you since you're obviously taking refuge under my wing. He told her upset and than faded back into sleep quickly. Erais decided to try and not be as foul, for Arden's sake.

Erais felt to restless, looking out she realized that Daidrea was still in the pouring rain. Feeling terrible for letting him be out there, she crawled out from Arden. "Its too cold out here...there's plenty of room under 'sleepy'. I don't wan't you to get sick." She had to half yell it over the thunder that split through the pouring rain.

The heat off of Arden's body was very pleasent, it made the rain more bearable. Erais looked at Daidrea with a slight frown. He was acting really weird, he wouldn't even face her. She was really confused with his behavour at the moment. "What is the matter? You haven't really talked to me since I woke up." She was worried, and it was starting to bug her that he was distant and wouldn't face her.

Erais let out a sigh. She did know...at least she was pretty sure she knew. "Daidrea..." She said trailing off, not sure where she was going to go with this. "I do love you, I really do...I'm just more confused than ever right now." Her voice was quiet and she looked to the falling rain as well. "I want you to know that I do love you."