OOC:
I would prefer if only friends of Zeke and Ella would join this thread. Very light plot, so feel free to post what you want.

IC:
Hatching-

Johdzsia pushed and strained at her egg, the sudden urge to move and breathe nearly crushing every other previous thoughts. The small hatchling squeaked excitedly as the shell of her egg loosened and cracked. She forced her tiny muzzle out into the air and drew in a long breath. It felt amazingly good, this expansion of her lungs. Almost painful as she inhaled to the utter limit. After she exhaled the built up oxygen, she broke the remaining pieces of her egg. She blinked her teal-aquamarine eyes at the sudden burst of light. Her pupils narrowed to slits against the brightness, and squeaked in discomfort. After her eyes had fully adjusted, she looked around to take in her surroundings. A large, jutting rock yawned a little to her right. She instinctively scampered toward it, seeking shelter. She found that it went back several yards. The entrance was just big enough for her to squeeze through, but would be fine for the coming weeks once she inhanced a few things. Jia's stomach growled with hunger, making her jump. She laughed, the sound high pitched and relieved. She moved back out into the sun to hunt, and for the first time since her hatching, she looked at herself, surious as to what her scale color was. A gasp slipped out through her now open muzzle. Her hide was a glorious pale yellow-gold, with contrasting amethyst purple outlining each individual scale. Reflecting specs of light danced and shimmered on the surrounding rocks. Jia spun in a circle, watching with utter fascination as the spots glittered and swirled in a dizzying pattern. She smiled, revealing tiny needle sharp teeth, and concentrated on hunting for insects/rodents.

One Month Later-

Johdzsia curled more securely into herself as a shadow fell over her. The same threatening snarl howled just in front of her, moving to shield her even as she listened to the terrifying sound. The tiny hatchling looked up into eyes as dark as the night sky, but...the bottomless depths of those eyes were swimming with tears. She began to open her jaws to squeak a question in the dragon tongue, when a huge blood red draconic shape hurtled in from the side and blasted her protecter away. The little dragoness trembled as she watched the two dragons fight with flames curling around their exposed teeth and their talons glinting with crimson blood. Her head snapped around at a movement in the corner of her eye. The gigantic black dragon was now moving toward her. But it looked like the motion was forced; the black's claws dug into the ground in an attempt to halt her progress, and her neck scales bristled in dislike. Jia growled instinctively, raising her wings to make her appear larger....
And she woke up.
The young gold-amethyst dragoness's head shot up with a whimpered cry. Darkness greeted her brightly glowing eyes. She sighed and extinguished the light emitted from her irises. The same dream had been haunting her nights for weeks now, but this one had seemed especially vivid. Intuition told her that the ruby colored dragon meant her harm. She wasn't so sure about the big black female. And again, the feeling of kin from the big, colorless protector that stood before her in the beginning of the dream. She wearily laid her head back down onto her forepaws, too tired to fully ponder what she wanted to about the sleep-story. Her eyes began to close of their own accord when the sun peeked over the horizon and shone into her cave, shimmering across her face and managing to wake her up full. She lifted her head and yawned, flashing rows of her needle-sharp teeth. The little dragoness stood and stretched, flaring her still useless wings as she did so. The thin, damp membrane cracked slightly from dryness. Jia grumbled and padded over to her store of moisterizing herbs. She chewed some rose petals to a pulp, then ever so gently licked the extracted juices onto her cracked membrane with her barbed tongue. The sharp sting of raw flesh dulled to nothing as the rose juice took affect. She sighed in relief, then began to carefully rub the remaining pulp into her scales. She had learned, recently actually, that the petals of a rose were excellent to help developing dragonhide become harder and more lusterous in later years. After she had rubbed until the chewed rose petals were completely soaked into her scales, she moved over to her pool of water to clean off her claws and muzzle. Fully clean, she walked to her storage of dried bugs and rodents. Her head cocked to the side; only two rodents and four bugs remained. She would have to hunt again soon. Resigned, and trying to make her meager supply last longer, she only took one of the rodents. It was a large rat, but still skinny despite its size. It crunched dull between her teeth, and she had to take a drink of water so she didn't choke.
The rat took forever to get to her stomach, and when it did it made an aweful plunk sound. Johdzsia winced as her stomach roiled from another disatisfying meal. She sighed in resignation and climbed up to her sunning rock. The warmth had already heated the surface of her resting place. She circled once, then settled on her underbelly with her wings and limbs spread to soak up as much radiance as she could. Her eyes closed of their own accord, and she slipped into a bout of much needed sleep. A moment later Jia began to snore softly.
And the dream began again.

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

Zeke paused in mid-flight and cocked his head. What a strange sensation. It resembled when he had first hatched to tumble into the tender arms of his Rider. He closed his eyes and searched within himself for the odd feeling. He found it using his Heart Touch, a small pulsing orb of light that was anchored more closely to his heart than any of his friends. He knew he had never met this dragon, yet he felt closer to that beautiful glow than even his mate (OOC:I'm stationing this thread after Silver Tears, which is kind of sketchy since that thread hasn't been finished yet, but here I'll assume that he and Savania are now together) or adoptive brother, Ebony. He twisted in the air to investigate, his ice blue eyes brightly lit with curiosity. He examined the lovely pulse of life within him, trying to figure out where the dragon that was connected to this orb was in Alagaesia. He found that it was near Dras-Leona, at the base of Helgrind. He sped up his wingbeats, suddenly concerned. From the pureness of the light, the dragon was a new young one, at least a few weeks old. Helgrind was no place for a hatchling.

OOC:
Rough draft of this thread; Johdzsia, or Jia, is the younger brother of Zeke and daughter to Seluka and Zephor. Here is where they meet. Farther than that I'm still working on.

Zeke pondered how the new young one might be close to him. Zephorion had mentioned that he had a unhatched sister....But no. Times were hardly safe enough for a wild dragon to hatch. Still...He shook his head and pulled in his wings more. As the ground came up to gently greet him, he flared his wings briefly to ease his landing. The little one stirred on her sunning place, but otherwise did not react. Then her eyes blinked open, bleary with sleep, and she squeaked in surprise; not fear. As she did so, her eyes also lit up with green-gold light. He snorted, lighting up his own eyes. Peace little one. We won't harm you. I won't harm you. he murmured automatically. What was wrong with him? As he waited patiently, her eyes eventually dimmed. Zeke took a step forward, moving slowly so he didn't frighten her. This had to have been the first time she saw her own race. What is your name? he asked tenderly. The hatchling eyed him warily but without fear. She seemed unable to answer, but she quickly found her mental voice. My mother called me... she paused for a moment. Johdzsia. she murmured. At the sound of her name, Zeke's saddlebag vibrated. Seluka's Eldunarí was flashing vibrant colors of sapphire and emerald green. Jia? My little Jia? whispered his mother. Johdzsia's head shot up and her teal-aquamarine eyes zeroed in on the Heart right through the leather. The amethyst male took the Heart out carefully with his paw. The hatchling watched him with narrowed eyes. Why do you have my mother inside that jewel? and those words made him freeze. Was..was your mothers name...Seluka? he asked, just to be sure.

She nodded. Yes. was all she said, her gaze still riveted to the Eldunarí. Zeke's vision swirled before his eyes, as if he was going to pass out. He swayed in place, so he sat on his haunches to prevent himself from falling over. This couldn't be right. His sister should still be in the egg, safe from any danger that might come near her. He had thought that she would wait to hatch until Galbatorix was finished. Apparently he was wrong.

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

Johdzsia stood rigid with her eyes focused on the hard jewel with flashing sapphire blue and emerald green. Seluka reached out to touch her mind, and she welcomed the caress of her mother. This is what it had felt like in her egg. She was safe. But how had this amethyst male come across her mother? How did he knew Seluka? How did he know that that was her mother's name? She looked behind the amethyst and saw a starry dragoness. Who are you? And how did you come to know my mother? she asked with narrow eyes. The male seemed frozen, but finally his ice blue eyes, glowing gently like hers had been, came up to meet hers. I am Zeke Blindscale, and the gentle star dragoness behind me is Phalynx, dragon of the stars he said. He seemed unable to continue however. Jia stepped forward, concern emanating from her. Seluka purred in contenment within her mind, knowing something that she wasn't going to tell the dragoness.

OOC:
Gah, to fast. I wanted to go for a few pages, 3 at the least, of Zeke and Jia trying to figure out what they were to each other. Oh well.

OOC: lol it works fine this way. Maybe we should get more people. Like dark dragon and his lovely silver dragon Savania?

IC: Phal saw, and smelled, the resemblance between this tiny dragoness and Zeke as soon as she landed. She stayed behind the amethyst, letting him speak. This was his moment; she didn't want to interfere. There would be time for introductions later. The hatchling was a few weeks old, with light gold scales rimmed in amethyst. Her hide glittered with considerable health for one who had been living here; Phal realized that she had been taking good care of herself.

When Zeke glanced to Phal to introduce her, the starry dragoness bowed her head in greeting. She had been smiling warmly at the hatchling the whole time, hoping to convey her friendly nature. It is truly wonderful to meet you, Johdzsia, she said softly, her voice filled with warmth for the young dragon. She glanced at Zeke, sure he must realize by now who this was. Phal had a fairly poor sense of smell for a dragon, but even she could see the similarity in their scents.

OOC:
Maybe....

IC:
Zeke shook his head the tiniest amount, then cleared his throat. I know your mother...because she is my mother as well. Seluka Blindscale, mate to Zephor Blindscale. he whispered. The dragoness stilled with surprise. As soon as he said the words, he felt a sense of rightness settle over him. He stood and took one step toward Johdzsia. She was still frozen. Then, as if an unseen force had poked her in the flank, she darted forward and pressed her side into his foreleg. He crouched down, allowing her to burrow herself into his chest. A tender purr rolled up from his chest as he inhaled her scent, so like his. He nuzzled her gently, careful to avoid her fragile wings. Jia...I knew you existed, but I never knew I would find you so soon.... he whispered, tears of joy pooling in his eyes. His new found sister pressed closer, her entire frame trembling.

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

Johdzsia closed her eyes as tears streamed down her cheeks. She felt safer than she had even inside her egg, in her mother's arms. Her older brother's scales circled her in warmth. She sighed in content. And I knew that I was waiting for something to happen. I know now what I was waiting for. she murmured quietly.

Zeke placed his head beside Johdzsia's tiny body, huffing his warm breath over her. He felt her lift her head and nuzzle his jaw with her snout. He moved his head so he could eye her with one great ice blue iris. Where have you stayed for all this time? he murmured tenderly, an affectionate purr vibrating his chest and throat.

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

Johdzsia smiled and quickly darted away to her cave. It was much to small for all three dragons to be in together, but there was enough room for her, and for Zeke and Phalynx to at least insert their heads. She placed her forepaws on the raised portion of rock that she slept on. She had carved it with her soft talons for over five days. This is where I sleep. My food stores are over there, and any herbs that I find that help with anything go there. she said, pointing to each area with the tip of her tail. She cocked her head to the side as she noticed a plain spot on her brothers back. Probably sun bleach. She zipped over to her herbs and took one rose petal. She placed the petal in her mouth and sprang back to her brother, chewing as she did so. She leaped nimbly from his foreleg, shoulder, then his back. She padded down the length of his spine and paused at the bland area. It was next to a spike. She hastily licked the rose juices into some nearby cracked scales, then rubbed the pulp into the plain spot. Even as she watched the rose petal pulp brought back Zeke's multi-colored amethyst shimmer. Feeling satisfied with her work, she settled down on her belly at the juncture between his neck and shoulders with a small smile on her muzzle. Her brother had his head half turned toward her with pleased amazement on his face.

Johdzsia smiled in responce to Phalynx's words. She felt the vibation underneath her as her brother rumbled happily. She stood on Zeke's neck, her tail slowly waving from side to side.

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

Yes indeed, dear Phalynx. murmured Zeke, lifting his eyes to meet hers. You were like that to me. Before I knew my past, Ella was my supporter. And then I met you. Spunky, ambitious, eager for adventure and the chance to help others, you showed me to not despair. he chuckled then, his ice blue eyes flashing gently. You lived up to your name as dragon of the stars by lighting my path when I was lost. he said, turning as he spoke to nuzzle the gold-amethyst hatchling at the base of his neck. And now I also have another little torch to help me. he rumbled, smiling at his sister. She smiled in return and licked the tip of his snout.

Leanbrara ground her teeth in rage. She hated Galbatorix with every bone in her body. She hated him more than the whole of Alagaesia hated him. She wanted to rip his guts out and feed them to the birds. She probably could, if Shruikan wasn't obliged to protect his untruthful Rider. She wouldn't fight Shruikan, though. He'd already been hurt enough without her helping out. As the oath that Galbatorix had made her swear drove her forward, she locked her legs and refused to move. She couldn't hurt a hatchling! Even as a Black, she would never hurt a young dragon. It just wasn't in her nature. She shook her head in shame and sadness, a few tears falling from her navy blue eyes. I know that Phalynx. I don't have a choice this time. He made me swear with the most binding of oaths that I would return with the little one. He used my Name. she said, her talons turning the ground beneath her into soft mulch or gravel. She bared her teeth as she tried to resist the spell as it drove her even closer. Her voice was softer as she added. And he threatened to cut off my wings if I didn't. and she closed her eyes. I don't care. I can't. I can't hurt a young one. Its not who I am. she said as she struggled aginst the enchantment even harder. By now she was close enough to hear Zeke's roaring snarls.

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

Zeke stepped forward so Johdzsia was shielded underneath his belly. But he wasn't taking risks, not when Lean was four times bigger than himself. Little one, get inside your cave. he murmured to his sister, brushing the tip of his tail against her side. He sensed her scamper back, and breathed a sigh of relief. That sigh turned into a full out snarl as Lean came closer. He didn't notice that she was fighting, he only saw that she was coming closer. Closer to Jia. Anger gripped him and he barely kept himself from springing at the gigantic black dragoness. Black seethed across his normally amethyst hide and flecked through his ice blue eyes. He was past the point of hearing so he didn't notice a second pair of wings approaching from his left. By the time it registered in his brain, it was too late. Thorn slammed into his side, spinning him away from the cave's entrance. Unacceptable. With a deafening roar, Zeke wrestled with the younger red male. Although the red had been aged through arcane means, he was still technically a hatchling. A stranger in someone's house. The amethyst-black warrior pinned Thorn beneath him and was about to deal a stunning blow when the red used a move that was new to him. The younger male went completely limp under him, as if in surrender. His muscles relaxed, and before he quite knew what had happened, he was into the air. He slammed into the ground, which knocked the breath out of him, and stayed still as Thorn now pressed him down. He shook his head, disoriented. But he didn't dwell too long on it. Jia was in danger, and he'd be damned if Lean so much as breathed on her. He twisted his head around, his ice-black gaze hunting for any sign of his sister. Lean was closer than she had been a minute ago. And his sister was outside her cave. Absolutely unacceptable. With frightening ferocity, he kicked Thorn away from him and stood. Bloody furrows nearly covered his body. His color was solid black, including his eyes. He bellowed his rage and made to spring, but the red was back already. He nearly sat on Zeke to keep him in place. Jia! he roared.

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

Johdzsia watched with utter horror as her dream unfolded before her. She stood paralyzed as her brother, her protector, fought with the red male. Her head snapped back, just as it had in her dream, when she saw movement. The black dragoness, known as Lean, was moving toward her and Phalynx. She had stepped forward to stand beside the silver. She took a single step back as the female approached. But just like her dream, she was fighting. Jia's breathing hitched with sympathy. Her wings raised instinctively to make her appear larger. She started and jinxed to the side, nearly crashing into Phalynx, when her brother roared her name. She glanced at him, and was alarmed to see him pinned beneath the other male. Her vision pulsed red, but she bit her tongue to distract herself. She turned back to Lean.

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

Lean tried everything she could to stop her progress. Her tears were streaming relentlessly now. She shook her head in defeat. Kill me. she pleaded to Phalynx. Please just kill me. I can't-won't-hurt a young one, but neither can I return to Uru'baen without her, lest I never return to the sky. Just end this so I'll stop hurting everyone around me. she cried. Her eyes closed, but that didn't stop the flow of tears. And then a gentle voice said. Look at me. Her eyes flew open and locked with the young ones. A beautiful teal flecked with a bright green, they were glowing softly. Without really noticing, she stopped fighting, because the spell had suddenly stopped driving her forward.

OOC:
Umm...wow.lol That's all I have to say.

OOC:
Okay, now that dark has joined (yay), it shall be me, draco, and dark. In the order of joining.

IC:
Zeke's black eyes widened when they saw the steel-silver form of Savania. If anything harmed her he would rip it to unrecognizable slivers. With an infuriated roar, he struggled beneath Thorn futilely, but with his wings clamped down by the red's foreleg, he had no leverage to help him up. He drew in a sharp breath and blew it out in swirls of nearly white hot amethyst-black flames. Thorn bellowed in pain and rage, springing away to keep his hide intact. The black warrior flew to his feet and lunged at Lean, death as clear as day within the depths of his black eyes. Thorn cut across his path, slamming into his shoulder. He spun away and hit the side of Helgrind with a bone crunching thud! He fell to the ground and lay still, stunned from the jarring impact.

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

Johdzsia held Lean's gaze, not looking away even when her brother hit the rocks beside her cave. She shuffled forward a few steps, so she only stood a few yards in front of the dragoness. Her teal-aquamarine eyes glowed with a warm green-gold light. She padded forward a little farther. The gigantic black's legs folded, and she settled onto her stomach. The female's neck lowered onto the ground until her head hovered just in front of Jia. The navy blue eyes were gentle beyond compare. The gold-amethyst reared up onto her hind legs and placed her delicate forelegs on Lean's snout. The black made no move to harm her, just kept completely still with her dark eyes locked onto Jia's. The female's lids were half lowered in peaceful contentment.

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

Lean was astonished when her legs folded beneath her of their own accord, and she laid down on her stomach. Her neck stretched out and lowered until her head was on the ground just in front of the little one. She huffed softly in surprise when the gold-amethyst dragoness reared up and placed her forelegs onto her snout, but could not rustle up the will to make any other move. The tiny head rested on her muzzle, the beautiful teal-aquamarine eyes fixed on her navy blue ones. Here lids drooped half-way in content. When was the last time she had felt this peaceful? She released a breath, relaxing further.

OOC: lol I have been busy. But I shall reply now please forgive the lateness lol.

IC: Phal watched as Jia drew closer to Lean, the thin tendril of magic between them growing wider and more substantial. The little dragoness did not seem to be in any danger at the moment, so the silver decided to help her friend. Zeke was having some trouble with the pesky red dragon Thorn, and Phal didn't want him to get hurt. Besides, if Lean did snap out of the trance and catch Jia, the starry dragoness would catch her in seconds. She would keep one eye on the pair, ready to diverge from the fight and intercept Lean before she got the opportunity to take to the air or shapeshift.

Phalynx leapt for Thorn as he was going for Zeke. The growth-enhanced young dragon was bigger than she, so she got on his back and bit his neck briefly before jumping off again, leaving gashes at the bases of his wings and in the membrane with her hind claws. She twisted herself around and blasted him with starfire as she landed, all the while keeping some of her attention on Jia and Lean.

Zeke panted for several moments as silver-scale-Savania and star-scale-Phalynx delt with Thorn. After he caught his breath he surged to his feet. The two dragonesses were in line with each other. He beat his wings once to aid him as he sprang forward to the point. He stepped slightly to the side in front of steel-silver-Savania, his protective instincts flashing like strobes in his black eyes. Thorn was crouched to spring, smoke roiling from his nostrils and between his teeth. And abruptly, in a move that was almost invisible to the dragon eye, the red-shrike-dragon made a lunge for his mate. His blood soared above the clouds with rage. The red almost succeeded in his attempt to injure the silver, but the black male was faster. He blindsided Thorn with an outraged bellow and the savagery of a wild female dragon protecting her eggs. He was protecting his baby sister and his mate. The red flew a good hundred feet before finally thudding to the ground and sliding another twenty feet. Zeke made no move to approach the downed male, for if he did he might not be able to stop himself from tearing out the red's throat. He just crouched, his head weaving back and forth in warning. I tend to agree with Savania. Why don't you leave and slink back to your master before I make you. he snarled.

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

Johdzsia barely noticed all the noise around her. All she saw was the ancient dragoness in front of her; kind, gentle, doing the best with what she was given, and most of all, forgiving. With her pure spirit, Jia could see nothing but good in those that she meets. Like she was now. Phal was pure. Zeke was pure. The red male, Thorn, was pure. Lean was pure. Suddenly the gold-amethyst hatchling wanted to rest. Not even thinking about what she was doing, she nimbly sprang up onto the black dragoness's snout. She padded forward until she stood in between the two massive ivory-white horns that curved up and back from Lean's skull. She laid down on her stomach, head on her paws.
The black never moved a muscle.

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

Lean watched the little hatchling through slitted eyes. Even when she climbed onto her muzzle and settled down between her horns, she did not twitch. The break of eye contact did not bring back with it the irrisistable urge to take the fledging and fly back to Uru'baen. Contentment still flowed through her. She closed her navy blue eyes peacefully. But her peace was torn away when she heard a rage filled cry. Carefully, so she didn't dislodge the little one, she got to her feet. Her head slowly swung round to the battle. Her eyes glinted. She told the beautiful gold-amethyst hatchling to hold on. Once the little one was secure, she tensed the muscles in her hind-quarters and sprang. Not up, like she would if she were trying to take flight, but forward. Her bulk landed again with a loud boom. She was some twenty yards in front of Zeke...facing towards Thorn. Her lips were peeled back in a menacing snarl. Her navy blue eyes watched like a hawk as the red picked himself up from the ground; he held his right foreleg tucked close to his body, as though it might be broken. Her pupils narrowed, but her snarl did not falter. Go, Thorn. It is not worth you being hurt to help me. she said with an edge to her tone; she hoped that the enraged Zeke wouldn't misconstrue her words and attack.

OOC: [color=#40FF80:****]AAAAHHH!!!!!! Post number 4242!!!!! YES!!!!!

EDIT: and why are the colors not working?? [/color:****]

IC: [color=#40FF80:****]Phalynx darted forward and to the side as Thorn sprang at Savania but was intercepted by Zeke. She stayed in position in case the red tried anything else, but he was staying where he was for now, Zeke facing him angrily. Phal glanced back towards Lean and Jia when she caught movement out of the corner of her eye, and blinked in surprise as the tiny dragoness jumped onto the larger one's head. Lean promptly jumped towards the three dragons and in front of them, facing Zeke. Phal kept a close eye on Jia, ready to spring in case the ancient dragoness tried to take her or made any threatening moves. For the moment, her desire to steal away the hatchling seemed to have subsided, but Phal wouldn't be satisfied until Jia was well away from Lean.[/color:****]

OOC:
(There are no eggs inside the cave. It's just Phal, Jia, Zeke, and Lean.)

IC:
Lean stayed motionless as Thorn limped back. His wings flared, and he drove them down. He speechlessly took flight and headed back to Uru'baen with a quick glance back at her. She growled and turned to face Phalynx, Zeke, and the new silver dragoness. She lumbered forward a few yards and settled down on her stomach. Her eyelids dropped to half-way at once. She felt the tiny paws pad their way down her nose and jump the five feet to the ground. She breathed out gently onto the hatchling. Go to your brother and calm him, precious one. I will be fine now. she murmured to Jia. She turned her half-lidded gaze to the steel-silver-dragoness, but did not answer. She left that to Zeke.

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

Johdzsia smiled at Lean and tenderly nuzzled the black-scaled snout. She then turned and cautiously approached her brother, who's scales were still a dark shade of purple with his anger. She squeaked to gain his attention. His pitch black eyes-now streaked with veins of ice blue-flew to her teal/aquamarine ones. He relaxed instantly into her gaze. He sank to the ground even as his hide lightened to a healthy, glowing amethyst, and his eyes to a bright ice blue. He sighed, and smiled wanly at her. That is quite a power you have with your eyes, Jia. he rumbled, lifting his head. She grinned and settled down in between her brother's large paws.

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

Zeke huffed sharply. He left one eye warily on Lean as he turned to his mate. Nothing extraordinary, I would think. This beautiful little one here is my newly hatched sister, Johdzsia. Jia, this is Savania, my mate. You came in at a good time, Savania. Thorn was kicking my tail hard. he said with a smile. He shifted onto his side so he was more comfortable. He purred lovingly as Jia nestled closer to his chest. Her head slowly lowered until it rested on her crossed paws. Her eyes closed, and a soft snore showed that she was asleep. A small, tender smile spread across his muzzle as he watched his baby sister.

Zeke nodded slowly in agreement to Phalynx. He prummed softly in his chest as Savania settled beside him. Tenderly and with extreme caution, he picked up his baby sister in his jaws. He twisted around and gently placed her at the juncture between her neck and shoulders. She barely stirred; just enough to curl into a tighter ball, then she was still. The amethyst thought for a moment. The desert would be a good place, but harsh on a newborn dragonet. Perhaps...no, that's too far away. he said, shooting a glance at Phalynx and then away. He had been thinking of her valley, but it was clear across Alagaësia.

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

Lean lifted her head and opened her eyelids to stare at her cousin-by-mate. The star-silver was serious in her warning. She sighed. Do you remember when I helped Shyara, Shyra, Kit, Ecivres, You, Gornath, Na'ir, Sirius, and Zeke? Galbatorix wanted to kill you all, but I helped you get away. I took an oath, in the warehouse that you all sheltered in, and I did it in the Dragon Tongue. I said that as long as my family and the friends of family needed me or my powers, that I would help them. Like it or not, you are related to me, and you consider these three to be friends. That obliges me to aiding them. she said, her tone gentle. Her head lifted further. I think I can guess what Zeke was thinking, and Unity would have been a good idea, but it is a little far. Perhaps my home cave would be safer? she said, throwing at least one more option into the air.

Lean nodded in thanks to Phalynx, agreeing with what the star-silver said. It was reasonable enough. She turned to Savania. Quite well, surprisingly. The entrance is big enough for me to get in, but narrows down in the back. There is also an escape tunnel in the far, far recesses of the cave. I had to make sure that if it had to be used in the future, it would be very difficult for myself or Shruikan to follow any occupants of that cave. she said, and cast a wary eye briefly onto Phal. She shuddered in remembrance of when herself and Phalynx had first met; summary was is it wasn't a good first impression. She shook her head irritably and refocused on the present. We can make it there in an hour and a half if we hustle. she said, warily glancing up at the sky.

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

Zeke prummed in his chest. He dipped his head low to Lean. I thank you for giving the shelter of your home for my sister. he murmured to the ancient black dragoness. The female dipped her head in return, though not as deeply. Her eyes were riveted to the sleeping gold-amethyst-dragoness curled up in the juncture between his neck and shoulders. Anything for her. she murmured tenderly. The amethyst stood gingerly so he wouldn't dislodge the hatchling. He gazed around the small group. Are we going to Lean's cave, then? he asked, shifting uneasily from foot to foot. The clash with Thorn had made him jumpy.

Zeke nodded hastily to Phalynx before he nimbly jumped into the air. Jia stirred on his back, lifting her head slightly from his warm scales. Where are we going? she asked groggily, her teal-aquamarine eyes unfocused and blurry with sleep. He rumbled affectionately in his chest. A place where you can rest and not be disturbed with nightmares. he murmured gently. Go back to sleep, little one. I'll keep you from falling. he said comfortingly. The gold-amethyst hatchling nodded and lowered her head again, quickly falling back asleep.

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

Lean flew up with a few powerful thrusts of her large wings. She flapped up to the front to lead the way. She hovered briefly, waiting for everyone, then took off at a fast clip toward her cave. She wanted to get Johdzsia away from immediate danger as fast as possible. She'd deal with the repercussions later.

OOC:
*does a facepalm* I knew I was forgetting something! Go ahead and pass me, both of you, then we can get back to the order. Sorry!

Lean kept a steady, fast pace, barely slowing at all until she was within a quarter of a mile from her home. She twisted her head back to eye the rest of her party. We're close. About five minutes out. she said before turning back.

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

Zeke sighed in relief. His sister would be safe soon. Seluka was relieved too. I thought she was lost forever when Zephor and I lost her egg. she whispered into his mind. He prummed soothingly in his chest, but didn't respond.

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

Johdzsia stirred on her brother's back. She lifted her head drowsily, sleep still clinging to the edge of her conscience. She shook her head to clear it, then stood. Wind was whipping past either side of Zeke, thought not one wisp so much as touched her. She spread her wings a tiny bit and leaned out on Zeke's left, reveling in the luxurious feel of air beneath the membrane of her wings. She smiled and laughed, her teal-aquamarine eyes alight with joy. Zeke's body vibrated beneath her as he chuckled.

Johdzsia smiled proudly at Phalynx, her teal-aquamarine eyes shining. She looked down when Zeke began to descend.

- - - - - - - - - -

Lean flew down to her old home, memories from years long passed going through her mind. She landed at the entrance and stood aside to let them enter. Her eyes searched along the walls, searching for any differences. This was her original home cave, not Aeraldi's, she told herself. She took in a deep breath. She could still smell a hint of her mother's scent. Her navy blue eyes swung around to the others. [i]This is my original home. Welcome. she murmured, subdued.

- - - - - - - - - -

Zeke landed gingerly at the entrance and closed his wings so he could walk in. Jia sprang nimbly from his back, her wings spread to let her glide down and touch down gently. He smiled as she put her nose to the ground and sniffed around a few times. He settled down on his stomach against the wall as he watched his sister.

- - - - - - - - - -

Lean shifted from foot to foot, then cleared her throat. Is anyone hungry? I can hunt and bring some meat back... she offered, her voice trailing off.

Lean nodded solemnly. I will return shortly with some prey. she murmured, turning away from the entrance. She spread her wings out and took off to go hunt. Hopefully the prey was still as plentiful as it had been when she was growing up.

- - - - - - - - - -

Zeke laid his head down wearily, watching his younger sibling through slitted eyelids.

- - - - - - - - - -

Johdzsia finished her survey of the cave and bounced over to watch Phalynx land. Her teal-aquamarine eyes widened in awe as she watched the older silver dragoness touch down so gracefully on her forelegs and spring forward using her hindlegs. The hatchling's gold-amethyst scales glittered as she scampered over to Phal eagerly and twisted around in a circle once before settling on her haunches to look up at the silver. Can you teach me how to do that? she asked excitedly, her eyes shining.

Zeke chuckled, a deep, resonating sound. His ice blue eyes, unlit at the moment, glittered with humor. Savania, you've never really acted your age. Believe it or not, but when I first met you in that Prison, I thought you were closer to my age, perhaps older. Come to find out your actually much younger than me. And, my dear, I think you are just perfect the way you are. he rumbled affectionately.

- - - - - - - - - -

Johdzsia listened to Phalynx attentively, soaking in every bit of advice. After the silver finished, and had indicated the rock ledge that was perhaps two of her own dragon lengths above her. She studied it, noticing that other ledges, though much smaller than this one, were scattered around it. She growled and crouched low to the ground. She sprang up to the closest ledge. Her forepaws landed first on the solid rock, then she moved them up to reach for the next ledge and also leave room on the previous one for her hindpaws. To someone watching, as she continued up, it would seem like she was running up the cave wall. Soon the ledge she was ultimately aiming for was level with her snout. Her mind spun around for a way to reach it, since it had to be at least three of her dragon lengths to her left. She dimly noted a vertical ledge just above her on the right. She reached it in the next moment, and there was no more time for indecision. She sprang for it, twisted her body in an almost impossible angle, planted her paws firmly on the ledge, and pushed off. She stretched out parallel to the wall and waited, watching. The ledge she wanted was just in front of her now. She placed all four of her paws delicately on the stone as she continued to move forward. Her soft talons sank into the stone and swung her around to face the opposite direction, also stopping her momentum. She sat on her haunches and beamed at Phalynx, who she could now look in the eye because the ledge she now rested on was level with the silver's head. Her gold-amethyst scales glowed with pride, and her teal-aquamarine irises glittered. What should I do now? she asked, though she knew the general steps from Phal's earlier explanation.

Zeke rumbled and smiled at Savania. He watched her watch Jia, and noticed her expression turn slightly somber at some thought that had crossed her mind. He scooted closer and unfurled a wing to drape it over her comfortingly. What's wrong, love? he murmured tenderly, his ice blue eyes shining softly.

- - - - - - - - - -

Johdzsia smiled at Phal's compliment. Her teal-aquamarine eyes shone as she listened to the silver. She looked down over the edge to study the ledge that was one of her dragon lengths below her. She frowned and cocked her head to the side. Gripping the stone with her hind claws, she leaned down precariously to balance tediously on the ledge with her forelegs, making sure to keep her wings clamped shut. The gold-amethyst dragoness drew in a breath. In quick recession, she pushed with her hind legs and let her forelegs fall down to the ground. She felt the jolt pass through her body as she landed on her forelegs. Her hind legs came a moment later. Using the force of their landing, she sprang forward. The movement felt so natural, she was a little surprised. As Jia alighted from her leap, she trotted forward a few paces before she turned and padded back to Phalynx. How was that? she asked as she settled on her haunches.

Zeke crooned soothingly. No, I've never met Dsurion myself, but I have heard of him. I'm sorry that fate has chosen such a twisted and dark path for an innocent dragon. But don't despair; things may get better for him yet. he murmured comfortingly. He hummed softly as she leaned against him.

- - - - - - - - - -

Johdzsia nodded, a determined glint in her eye. She quickly climbed her way back to the high ledge. She looked down briefly, swallowed, and jumped forward. Instinct screamed at her to flare her wings, but she tamped down on it and simply fell toward the ground. The resulting jar that nearly knocked her off her forelegs when she touched down surprised her. Her hind paws came to the ground and she sprang forward. At the end of her leap, she turned, immensely pleased, and instantly scrambled back up to the high ledge to do it again.

Zeke smiled and couldn't help a chuckle. Cheer up, love. Anything can happen, as we know well, don't we? he said with a humorous twinkle in his eyes, deliberately teasing her to draw her away from her melancholy mood.

- - - - - - - - - -

Johdzsia kept practicing until her forelegs ached with the constant pounding it received. She took a quick breather to rest her burning lungs and muscles. She climbed up one last time and followed the routine she'd fallen into. But when she landed on the ground, she was perplexed. Had she done something wrong? She'd barely felt any jolt at all, surely that must mean she had alighted wrong. She padded over to Phalynx and gazed up at the silver. I barely felt any impact at all; is that right? she asked in a worried tone.

- - - - - - - - - -

Lean padded up to the entrance and laid down five slain black-tail deer. I found a large herd to the west of here. she explained, already turning to lay down, alone, outside the cave. Not only was she too large to fit inside, but she didn't think she'd be welcome into the current discussion, especially if it was private.

Zeke smiled, then stepped forward to the deer. He only took one, then retreated to his previous position.

- - - - - - - - - -

Jia nodded in understanding, then walked tiredly over to a smaller deer that laid slightly apart from the rest. She latched onto it with ferocity, her teal-aquamarine eyes gleaming with hunger. This was the first fresh meat she'd had in a long time. She half-dragged the carcass to a wall and settled down on her stomach, ripping into the warm meat with her small fangs and teeth.

Zeke grinned at Savania. He had to hide a laugh when the leg hit her snout. He covered it by baring his teeth and tearing into the belly of his deer.

- - - - - - - - - -

Lean glanced back with one navy blue iris. No danger that I sensed, Phalynx. We are safe at the moment. she murmured, then returned to gazing out at the landscape. It was so familiar, yet so changed and different.

- - - - - - - - - -

Jia licked her lips as she finished picking clean every bone. She laid the skeleton in a pile. She yawned sleepily and padded over to her brother. She curled against his warm belly and tucked her head under her tail. Her breathing deepened as she fell asleep.

Zeke finished his deer and set it on the same pile that his sister had made. He curled his tail protectively around Jia, then laid his head down on his paws. He wasn't exactly sleepy, but he was tired.

- - - - - - - - - -

Lean eyed Phalynx as the silver climbed over to a look-out spot. The ancient black dragoness hung her head, then laid it down on her paws. I'm sorry, Phalynx. she murmured quietly. For everything. Everything that I've done, the Empire as done...and I can't stop any of it. she closed her navy blue eyes. I meant it when I asked you to kill me earlier. Because Galbatorix used my Name, I will be inclined to take young Jia again. Its just a matter of time. I have no wish to bring her back with me. I have no wish to bring any dragon back with me to Uru'baen ever. When I again try to take her, I want you to do everything in your power to keep me away from her. I know you will anyway, but this I'm asking of you. Protect Johdzsia, even if you must kill to do so. she whispered.

Zeke woke slowly, as he always did now. First touch, then small, taste, and last of all his ability to hear. He lifted his head and yawned, still slightly groggy. He opened his eyes, thought it didn't change anything. He still saw the same black nothingness that derived from being blind. He shifted and felt the small ball of scales against his side. Jia. His sister. He swallowed the lump in his throat. She didn't deserve to have hatched like this, in the midst of danger.

- - - - - - - - - -

Lean had been awake all night, guarding over the young ones. She never left her post, simply laid on her belly, her navy blue eyes sweeping alertly across the landscape. She glanced back when Savania, then Zeke woke from their sleep. She had also been pondering Phalynx's words from the night before. She gazed long and hard at the little curled up hatchling. So innocent and small. Lee had the urge to take her away, but not to Uru'baen. No. She wanted to take Jia as far away from all this madness as she could. But she could not. Galbatorix would grow impatient after a few days, and she would have to return, with or without the little one. And she refused to think that it would be the former. She would sooner kill herself than lay a single talon on Jia.

Lean lifted her head and drew in a deep breath, scenting the air. She released it in a tired sigh, then got up and stretched. She shook herself, then gazed at the others. Jia was still asleep. Her expression softened as she watched the young hatchling. She shifted her navy blue irises to each dragon. How did you all sleep? she asked politely, laying back down on her stomach.

- - - - - - - - - -

Zeke shrugged. No worse than usual. he replied, then glanced down as Jia shifted her position. Her head came up just as her jaws parted into a huge yawn. She got to her paws and stretched like a cat, then sat on her haunches to lick clean her talons of dirt.

- - - - - - - - - -

Johdzsia cleaned in between the fingers of her paw, determined to make her hide look as healthy as possible. She glanced about as she preened, curious as to what she might have missed. Did I miss anything? she asked, pausing briefly in mid-lick before continuing.

Lean spoke up quickly. If you do intend on leaving, I will not be able to follow you to protect you. Galbatorix is probably already suspicious as to why I'm taking so long. He will only wait a few more days before he sends Shruikan out to see what I've been doing, and I think you'll agree with me when I say I'd rather Jia not meet my rather...ambitious...denmate. she said, and grimaced. She'd prefer it if the little hatchling never have to meet Shruikan at all.

- - - - - - - - - -

Zeke hesitated, taking Lean's words into consideration. He would not want to put the ancient black on the spot with Galbatorix; that would be a sorry way for him to show his gratitude for her help. She was risking her neck to protect Jia, and he would not let that go unrewarded. The amethyst sighed and was about to speak when his sister spoke up. I don't want to be hidden and shielded like a helpless dragonet. I survived for three weeks on my own, in apparently one of the most dangerous places in Alagaësia. chirped Jia, standing on all four paws. Her eyes were gleaming with determination. Zeke admired her courage and strength, but it made him uneasy to even think about her being in the midst of all the battles and missions he had to carry out with, and without, Ella.

- - - - - - - - - -

Johdzsia stamped her foot at her brother, her glittering teal-aquamarine trained on his ice blue ones. I can defend myself, well enough to stay out of trouble. I have a sensible head on my neck, Z. Let me use it. she entreated, finally looking down at the ground. She didn't catch the desperate look he shot at Phalynx.