Alvina flew over the great trees of the Du Weldenvarden. She was close to Ellesmera now and had gained entrance from the guardian. She was scared of seeing the Elves again. She didn't know how they would take her returning and without her rider at that. She also feared the resentment of the other Riders and their dragons. Would they think her too weak to protect her rider? Would they resent her for not dying along with her rider? These questions burned through her.
She had almost forgotten why she was returning in the first place. Then she felt the weight of her wings as she surged up over a tree the stuck out above the others and remembered that she needed rest. She thought of going to the Varden but dismissed that when thinking of the Dwarves. She had also considered the desert but she dismissed that wanting a place with food. So her thoughts had turned to the Elves. They had always loved dragon so she thought they still might except her. With a sigh she angled for the ground to land.
She landed still on the outskirts not wanting to trigger any of the wards that were up around the city. As she began to wander toward the city she drew attention of many Elves. A crowd grew around her and she shifted uncertain.

OOC: I'll participate in this. Except this time, I'll make a little twist...

The White Stag ran through the trees toward the all-too-familiar city of Ellesmera. He was beckoned by his good friend, Faefnir the Great, to retrieve a new dragon that had lost her Rider to Galbatorix and bring her to safety in Stronghold. Faefnir knew exactly where she was, and as such the Stag knew where she was. He skidded to a stop in Ellesmera and witnessed her landing from the brush. The crowd was gathering around her, and Faefnir instructed him to keep it top secret for fear of hinderance from the Empire or the elves. The Stag then came up with an ingenious plan. He slowly came out of the brush and presented himself in plain sight to the dragoness. Then he clopped his hooves and pretended like he was a real deer.

Alvina watch the elves, so many emotions turned in her mind. She was excited and scared most of all though. Once the elves took up song she relaxed slightly. They were glad to see they accepted her back. Something then caught her attention though there stood a deer. That was something she had forgotten about, that animals would walk freely inside the city. She grumbled to herself as she tried to remember the last time she had deer. It seemed like a life time, she normally just stole cows from the Empire. She sighed knowing that she couldn't hunt the deer inside Ellesmera. She gave the deer another look but on second glance she could tell this deer was more intelligent than the ones she remembered. Her eyes narrowed and she barely suppressed a growl. But took a step in its direction. The Elves didn't seem to take notice of the deer though and just continued in songs of rejoice.

The Stag pawed the ground and nodded his head at her. He still didn't say anything, but he made it obvious that he wanted her away from the city so they could speak in private. The Stag slowly turned towards the vast, ancient forest, keeping his eyes in contact with the dragoness.

Alvina growled loud enough for the Elves to hear this time. Quickly the songs stopped. She glared off at the Deer and raised her lip in a snarl. She then looked down on the Elves and snorted. Forgive me friends. The Elves seemed to accept that she was leaving but you never knew with Elves. They always hid their true emotions when they needed.
Alvina then walked off after the Deer. Once she caught up she pushed the ground up in front of the Deer making a barrier so it could go no further.
Now give me a good reason not to eat you for pulling me away from a time of rest? She asked the deer not bothering to be polite. She was annoyed that this inteligent animal wanted her to fallow him and not be with the Elves getting a little well deserved food and rest. She knew the animal was intelligent so she figured it would figure out a way to answer if it could understand her and if it couldn't well then she was going to have a small snack.

The White Stag was not surprised at all by the dragoness' statements. He imagined that she would not be very happy with him about pulling her away from food and rest. First of all, my dear dragoness, you could try eating me, but it would come to no avail. I can outrun you, and I'm immortal. So, attempting to eat me would not do you much good. Second, I am here because my good friend, Faefnir the Great, master of Stronghold and the Hadarac, King of the Dragon Fortress, and mate to Star gazer, wishes to take you in and adopt you into our family at the Fortress. He offers food, rest, the desert heat that will certainly revitalize your spirits, and plenty of open space to fly around. He asked me to bring you to Stronghold, where he and Lady Star gazer will accept you into the Fortress. He says don't feel rushed, stay as long as you wish in Ellesmera. But, he has requested that, if you want to do that, I need to stay with you for the duration of your stay.

Alvina was instently suspisious. She didn't remember a Faefnir from when she was younger. It also sounded like this Faefnir didn't want her to be with the Elves and she woundered why that was. She was half tempted to encase the immortal in iron. But she decided to ask more questions instead. Why doesn't Faefnir come and offer the invetation himself? And what is your name? She was suspisious of the Stag but would love to see anouther dragon and if this was her chance then she might take it.

To answer your first question, Faefnir is currently at a hatching ceremony. His twins are being born today at the Mountain. Second question, I go by no name in the tongues of dragon, elves, dwarves, and humans alike. I am simply the White Stag to you. Wish I could tell you more, but my real name is in no language you could understand. The White Stag wasn't as perceptive as Faefnir, but he could detect her feelings somewhat. He spoke the rest in the Ancient Language. Faefnir is a real dragon, and he doesn't want you to feel rushed about leaving. He just wants me to remain with you.

Alvina glared at the White Stag. She knew how important hatching ceremonies were so that calmed her suspicions a little. Questions kept on popping up in her head. So she asked to most practical. No one does anything without a purpose so why does Faefnir want me to come to his home Stag? Oh hope you don't mind me calling you Stag. She grinned down at the White Stag.

Nay, it's fine. The answer to your question is simple: your people are almost extinct, and he's worried about your safety. Being a wild dragon and all can be very dangerous in these dark times. Especially one that was once... The Stag decided not to say anymore, fearing this will drive the dragoness to tears and possibly not accompany him to Stronghold.

Alvina glared at the Stag. She didn't want to hear what he would have said but it annoyed her that he was right to be quiet. She stopped glaring as her thoughts drifted to her fallen rider. She remembered that even though they weren't as close as the other riders it was still a bond. She then forced herself to stop thinking of her rider before she broke down. She looked half amused at the Stag then, I am no wild dragon my little friend. I have a rider and he is waiting for me. She then turned and the wall of earth shot back into the ground. So Stag do the elves know of your presence here? She was slowly walking back toward Ellesmera.

OOC: Pass turn.

They technically know of my existance, as they know very well of Faefnir's existance, but they don't know I'm here at this exact moment in time.

Alvina nodded, she wasn't sure on what to make of the stag. She wished to know more about where she might be going in a day or two if she chose. How does Faefnir know so much about me? I don't believe he ever asked me anything about me. Alvina wanted to see another of her kind again but she also wondered how he knew so much. What made him special?

Anger then boiled in Alvina. She knew it wouldn't be right to say what she was going to say but she went ahead and said it anyway. Then why did he not protect my Rider? Why did Fen die while I lived? If he is all knowing he would have known that when my rider died I would live! Why did he let this happen if he is so powerful? She snaked her head around and glared at the White Stag.

The Stag got mildly offended by here statements, but he kept his temper in check and made sure his voice didn't raise. Because Faefnir is a dragon, not a god. He has no control over what Fate has in store for us, and he knew very well that, one way or the other, your Rider was going to be lost while you survived. Making him involved would only have made the loss all the harder to deal with, both for you and for him. He may be a wild dragon, my dear dragoness, but it pains him even more to feel a life extinguished, especially under the circumstances your Rider was murdered. Trust me, if he could, he would save every life in this land. But he can't. He is flesh and blood, just as you and I; he can't be everywhere at one time. I understand you're mad, but you also must understand that there was nothing Faefnir could do other than briefly delay the death of your Rider. He managed to keep his cool for his entire defense of Faefnir, and he awaited the dragoness' reply.

Alvina sighed and shook her head. She believed what the Stag said but still didn't want to listen not anymore at least. She began walking again trying to clear her mind of the one subject she never could clear it of, her rider. A question came to her mind then, Could Faefnir tell me how Fen died? Could he do that? She wanted to know this and if he could then there was nothing that would stop her from going with the Stag to meet Faefnir.

Alvina was tempted to fallow the Stag right then and there but her pride was to great so she kept walking. Stag I am staying with the Elves for the night. I might leave with you tomorrow. Would it be bad if the Elves knew what your plans were? Basically would they disagree? She asked the Stag as the approached the group of Elves who still stood there and waited.

Alvina grinned and said, Good. The Elves brought up a cheer but looked weary at Alvina as she aproched. She dipped her head in small unspoken apoligy and walked further into Ellesmera. There was anouther reason why she had come here besides rest, she had come to see the home of her rider again.

Occ:I'm running out of ideas already.....great

OOC: Give it time. I've got something in store. And pass turn.

The Stag simply walked behind the dragoness and bowed his head to the Elves looking at him. I forgot to ask, what is your name? Faefnir never told me that either.

Alvina turned her head to the Stag and said, Alvina. She then joined then passed through the crowed of Elves. She had to find the place where he had once been. It had been too long, she couldn't catch his scent anywhere after so long. She remembered visiting here often with Fen but he seemed even further from her in this place. She saw where they had slept so many times and forced herself to continue walking not wanting that many memories to come back.

OOC: Pass. It's not time yet.

She continued walking till she came to an Elf who blocked the path. His eyes were narrowed and he looked like a fierce warrior. Alvina recognized him right away, Fen's brother. She bowed her head in what most Elves would consider a great respect to be bowed to by a dragon but this Elf merely stood there glaring at Alvina. She reached for his mind to speak to him but the Elf lashed out at her mind as she touched his. Alvina staggered back a step but felt no anger toward this Elf.
"You have no right to return here. You have no right to live. You stole my brother and you are still not welcomed by his family." The Elf spoke in a husky voice, not a musical one that she had known most Elves to use.
All she could do was watch as the Elf turned his back on her and walked off clearly showing disrespect toward her.
She held back the waves of sadness that threatened to spill over, this wasn't the place for sadness.
She glanced around at the other Elves who all looked half ashamed and half angry.

OOC: Pass turn.

The Stag was extremely offended by the elf's behavior. As he turned around to walk away, the Stag tried to lighten up the situation. Want me to headbutt him?

Alvina looked back at the Stag and said in sadness, He has a point though and look some of the other Elves even agree. She turned her gaze to the Elves again the angry faces obviously angry at the Elf but those who were ashamed were half ashamed that they agreed with the Elf. She sighed and gazed back at the Elf who walked away, she remember when she first met Thied, Fen's brother, it was a happy meeting with much praise but once Fen died they hated her.

The Stag brushed his nose against Alvina's leg. Come now. Do not be troubled by their opinions of you. You loved your Rider, and you were a loyal dragon. You served Fen, and I am sure that in his final moments, he thought of you and he smiled, for you were loyal and mighty and a stalwart friend in his darkest hours. Pay no attention to them, for they can never know what kind of a bond you shared with him.

Alvina was half amused at what the Stag said. She remembered her bond with her rider, it was weak; she remembered the dark hours where she didn't fight with her rider. Guess Faefnir didn't tell you much about me or my rider. Well you are right on a few points but fuzzy on the details. With that said she continued walking through the great city of Ellesmera.

OOC: Pass

Occ: is it time yet??? lol

Ic: Alvina walked slowly into the main court yard were great feasts were held and sure enough there were already preparations for a feast. She spotted the queen on the far side but did no approach she staid by the entrance still not sure of whether or not she wanted to be here.

OOC: I would guess so. lol

The White Stag followed Alvina silently, and remained that way until he caught something out of the corner of his eye: a pale, translucent dragon staring at them from the trees. He beckoned with his hand to Alvina and the Stag. The Stag was suspicious, but figured the two of them could take whatever it was if it was hostile. He nudged Alvina's side with his horns, then gestured toward the dragon. Hey. I think that dragon in the trees there wants to speak to us.

Alvina looked at the dragon and her spirits rose. She had almost lost hope of seeing another of her kind but now she has news of a powerful dragon wanting to meet her and then this dragon who came from nowhere.
Alvina nodded with a grin at the Stag and walked over to the translucent dragon. Her tail twitched with excitement as she stood before another of her kind. But she was speechless also not knowing what to say, nor did she recognize the dragon.

The Stag warily followed her, preparing himself for anything. The mysterious dragon them to follow him, deep into the woods. If I may make a suggestion, I think we should be cautious of this one. He may be a trick.

Alvina was tempted to hit the Stag with her tail but she knew that he was right. Fine but this is my kind. My kin, I will take caution but not to the point of insult, so basically I will act myself Stag. She replied to the Stag beside her.
Alvina fallowed but kept magic ready to use just to make the Stag happy. She fallowed and grew annoyed they were quite a bit away from Ellesmera now.
Tell me your name! She growled with annoyance coming to a stop.

The mysterious dragon sighed and stopped walking. Then he turned around to face Alvina. This is the only thing I can say with telepathy: Listen to the trees and the wind. Soon after the cryptic message was delivered, the wind picked up drastically and swayed the great trees of Du Weldenvarden.

At first, the Stag was confused by the strange dragon's message, but it became all too clear what it meant. As soon as the wind started, the Stag's acute hearing could pick up a voice: soft, faint, like the dying wish of a long-lived human. He nudged Alvina in the side. Listen. The forest is speaking to us. The Stag then translated everything he heard to Alvina. "I am the spirit of The Guarding Forest. Listen carefully, Alvina, dragon to Fen, for I bear news and a task of absolute importance."

Alvina sighed and listened. When she heard what was said she growled. What task could you have for a rider less dragon? She glared at the dragon barring her teeth.

Occ;Yeah sorry about the shortness

"First of all, you have nothing to fear from me. I want to tell you something, then I'll let him take over from there." The dragon/forest spirit then turned around and moved to the side. Behind him was the form of Fen. He was in the same shape and form, but there was no color about him, and he appeared sad. He slowly walked toward Alvina with his arms open and said, "My dragon. How wonderful it is to see you again."

Alvina was dumbstruck but it only took a second before she was actually crying and that is something considering she is a dragon and all. Alvina stuck her head just inches in front of Fen. He looked unchanged but changed, it was odd. She felt great sadness and having seeing Fen again ripped open the wounds on her heart that weren't healed fully yet. But as long as Fen was there she would be okay.
Fen....Fen.... She was quiet speechless that the time but she mustered this, I missed you so much. I should have never of let you fight on your own. Alvina was completely broken down, seeing her rider again even just like this was almost to much for her to bare.

"Shhhh. It's alright, my good girl. You have no reason to blame yourself." Fen patted her nose, only to have it pass right through. He sighed and started shedding ghostly tears. "My sweet Alvina, if only I could touch you again."

Alvina looked up into his goast eyes, she tried to lay her head on his shoulder like she had done so many times but just gave up and held her head next to his.
Why? Was all she could muster to ask.

"That answer is simple, my beautiful dragon. I miss you." He sighed. "But we can have time to exchange love letters later. There is a task I must ask of you and your white friend here. It's very dangerous, especially to Faefnir himself. His life could be lost if you fail." The Stag perked his head up immediately. What do you mean? What could put him in danger? "It's simple. But what I'm about to tell you is top secret. Don't tell anybody of what I'm going to say."

Alvina shrunk as she heard that she was to be sent off on a task. She was to be sent off when she had a chance to see her rider, her friend, and the one she loved. She didn't feel any anger toward Fen for the task but accepted the fact that it was a duty to help her rider.
Fen what is our task? What do I have to do before I can "exchange love letters" with you? She did her best to hide her sadness for being sent on a task away from Fen, like she used to during training when she would train with the elder dragons away from Fen.

"There is great unrest in the Guarding Forest. An evil presence is here, what it is we know not. But it is infinitely stronger than any mere Shade, and it's starting to destroy parts of Du Weldenvarden in the North. It is slowly making its way south, and eventually it will swallow all of Du Weldenvarden. It is my suspician that it seeks to possess Faefnir and take hold of the great amount of energy, dark and light, within him. If it is to take this power from Faefnir, not only will it kill the last of the ancient dragons, but also possess enough power to enshroud Alagaesia in darkness. The task I send for you is to find this creature or whatever is causing this destruction, and destroy it before it reaches the desert. And Alvina, my love. I shall not be away from you. Watch." Then Fen disappeared, leaving an inconspicuous mist. The mist moved toward Alvina and gently entered her mind. Alvina? Can you hear me?

It felt good to feel the mind of her rider again, it brought back many memories. But Alvina could also think clear then she had in years. It was a sensational feeling.
Yes I can hear you. Its good to.... She let the thought die but her pleasure radiated from her mind. She was able to control herself enough to get down to business. Where are me and the Stag to go?

We traced the creature a few days ago about 500 meters north of Ellesmera. You will be able to tell where it has been and where it has not been based on the desolation you will find. I would suggest you use the Stag to guide you through the forest. He knows Du Weldenvarden better than any other living creature, and he can keep pace with you if you decide to go to the skies. Odds are, you will have to. I will be here for the duration of your quest, but only for your quest. After it is finished, I must leave you until we meet again. Stag, lead the way.

The Stag bowed his head and pawed the ground anxiously with his hoof. Follow me, Alvina. I can lead you safely through the forest. Then the Stag turned and started heading north.

Alvina took flight leaping in the air. She loved having Fen back in her head again even the much feeling him was enough, for now. Keep up on the ground Stag. Said Alvina.
Fen what happened? Why were you chosen after death to go on a quest? Her questions poored out like water from a fountain.

Occ: im running out of things to say.....lol Im going brain dead.

Fen chose to remain silent for the question. That knowledge could put her in further danger, not to mention that there was another purpose for this quest...

The Stag smirked at Alvina. Me try to keep up? You try to keep up. I'm much faster than you, although I may be bound to the ground. Then the Stag quickened his pace.