About a week away. Well they could make good time if they rarely stopped, but was it worth risking no stops to get there safely? As they did take the few needed stops, it wasn't much of a rest. They were all on guard most of the time and it only seemed to make them more tired than rested up. It was hard as they had decided to take the most trecherous path, but soon it started to become less hazardous. Finally, exhausted and nearly half dead from straining themselves so much, they had made it to safety.

Though as soon as they went through the concealed entrance there were spears pointed at them. "What business do you have here?" A guard asked a bit unfriendly. They hadn't noticed Arden yet, so that was good, but they also hadn't noticed Mesaraih yet, so that might not be good. I'm just glad he's apart of the Varden, or they might not be so welcoming. Though this isn't much of a welcome. Erais thought to Arden who chuckled lightly in his mind.

Ooc - Hey, I'm really sorry I haven't been on for a few days, I got the flu Thursday and am finally starting to get over it. So sorry!

Ic -

Erais felt extremely relieved when they reconized him, it made it much easier than she thought it would be. Though as they were passing past the guards Arden walked up behind the two and instantly Erais and Mesaraih were shoved against opposite walls, apparently they knew Mesaraih's strength and put more guards around him. Arden was quickly bound together and a knife was brought to Erais' neck, incase anyone of them decided to do something rash.

"She's a Dragon Rider!" Hissed one of the guards. "I'm sorry Mesaraih, but she could well be a spy. Only those with Galbatorix are ever allowed an egg." Erais felt completely helpless because of what was happening. Maybe she had been wrong to come here, maybe she should have split paths with Mesaraih and returned to the dangerous high places in the mountains. No, don't think that! Mesaraih risked his life for you, he wouldn't betray you now. Her logical side said harshly.

Erais knew he wouldn't let them hurt her, but what were they against the Varden? "Take her and her dragon away to the prison." The captain said. "She isn't to be trusted, no matter what Mesaraih says." Erais couldn't be caged again, she hated that. Though it made no difference and soon she found herself alone in a cold cell, no clue where Arden was.

Being stuck in a small room with absolutely nothing to do was extremely agravating for her. She kept trying to spread her mind out to find Arden, but she was blocked by something. It was terrible, she knew she hadn't been in there very long, but already it fell like forever. After a while of trying to keep her wits about her, the door opened and Mesaraih with a women were standing in the door way.

"No! I won't be examined, find some other way, but I'd rather be stuck in that cell than that." Erais had no intentions of being examined, it was a huge violation in her book and she'd rather rot away than be put under terrible forms of scrutiny. "I'm trustworthy, but I will not let that happen. Where Arden?" She suddenly demanded. "Somewhere, where you can't see him. He'll be kept away even if you are proven trustworthy, just in case." Nasuada said a bit upset.

Erais was slightly shocked that they had locked her up again, but than again, she wasn't very surprised. For a few minutes she banged her fists on the door, screaming for them to let her out, or at least have contact with Arden. "I swear I'm not with the Empire!" She shouted through the door. "Than why not let us examine you to make sure you aren't with the Empire?" Nasuada said back, rather coldly I might add.

Erais was silent, she couldn't let that happen. It was her mind, she didn't want anyone else to know about what she had been through. Unless she wanted them to know. Hearing Mesaraih give out a threat, and than what Nasuada said next just wrenched at her heart. "Wait! I-" She paused, could she really let that happen? "I'll do it, just let Mesaraih alone." She pleaded. It was quiet for a moment, though Nasuada did reply. "Alright, but it will be done in a closed off room, and no one beside me and the examiner will be allowed with you." Erais was hoping that Mesaraih would be able to be with her at least...but having to do that all alone would scar her for life and be one of the most torterous things she'd have to go through.

Starting to think twice about her decision, she remembered why she was doing it in the first place.

"You may have been there since the egg hatched, but that doesn't mean you've been with her long enough to know that she isn't working with Galbatorix. For all we know she could be playing up to you just so she can look innocent." Nasuada said a bit annoyed. Yes she trusted Mesaraih, but not enough right now. He hadn't been around the Varden all the time like many of the other people that she knew she could trust. Though she knew he was trustworthy. "No, I'm afraid she has to be the one." She motioned for the guards to take Erais to the room.

Erais felt a bit trapped as she was led away from the two. After many turns and going down several halls. Finally they locked her in a completely dark room without no possible way out. Least we're safe...for now... Erais knew there were many things in her past, that if they were looked at the wrong way, would condemn her.

Erais felt relieved when she heard Mesaraih in her mind. When he talked however, she couldn't believe what he was saying. There are things that I do not even wish to see, but if you hide them, they will find out. That's too risky, I don't want to put you in any sort of danger. Erais told him, than shut her mind from him. She didn't want to risk anything right now, not especially when they were all at stake. The examiner started out slowly, starting from her most recent doings and going backwards.

After a short while he was bringing up unwanted memories. Erais had had her eyes shut tightly, but the further he delved into her past the more uneasy she became. Passing Erador's death had made her breathing labored and she was clenching her fists. Soon everything began to appear in front of her like a slide show. Her nightmare came up and she let out a whimper, but the examiner didn't relent at all. He kept diving further into her mind and more and more she felt exposed and broken.

The new memories that were coming steadily grew darker as she began to remember the horrid things that she had experianced by Galbatorix's hand. Finally it got too much and she let out a piercing scream of agony. The examiner was thrown out from her mind and she felt herself topple over before darkness consumed her and she felt Galbatorix take a hold over her mind. Making it impossible for her to wake up.

The examiner looked at Erais a bit curiously, he hadn't exactly ever been thrown out of someones mind before. "Well I can definately say she's gone a strong mind, she kicked me out near the end. Though she is trustworthy. She got quite a strange past, she's been a rider before her current dragon and she's killed quite a few shades. Rather remarkable, but I wouldn't cross her." He said in an almost fascinated voice. He was a bit jealous of her will power.

Erais had fallen into unconsciousness and didn't seem to look like she was about to wake up. The examiner explained this and had explained how he was getting to a rather dark patch in her mind she threw him out and that's when she passed out. "I don't think she'll be waking up for a long time, I didn't mean to do it though Nasuada, she did that on her own." He said humbly and respectfully.

The moment Erais had fallen from reality her mind didn't rest, at least not consciously. For a while she was wandering through a dark mist, barely able to see a few inches in front of her. She wasn't sure what it was, but something kept her moving forward, even though there was a chance she might walk off the edge of a cliff. What is this place? What am I doing here? She thought to herself, still walking in the dark.

Erais was unaware of what was going on, she hadn't felt the motion of being moved, and didn't feel Arden curl up next to her. After a while of just walking aimlessly about in the dark mist, she some something lit up ahead. All of the sudden she got the sensation of falling and soon she was standing in a room.

It was a rather curious thing, the room was a bit familiar. Walking around and looking at everything, she hadn't noticed someone come in the room. "I see you haven't heeded my warnings?" A rather cruel voice said. Erais whipped her whole body towards the sound of the voice, but only saw empty air. Instantly her vision went blank and she could feel shackles on her wrists and ankles.

"What do you want?" She cried in fear. A malicious laugh rang through the air in answer. In a moment she felt a finger slide against her face. "Oh Erais, I told you to come without running...but you didn't listen. Now he'll have to pay for your foolishness." His mouth was right next to her ear, only permitting her to hear his terrible words. Fear gripping Erais, she couldn't respond. After a few moments of silence there was a bright light flooding her vision. For a few second Mesaraih stood there, he just stood there.

Erais tried to call out to him, warn him, but he either couldn't hear her or didn't care. Galbatorix came up behind him, stabbing him right next to his heart. He screamed in agony and Erais yelled out to him. She couldn't free herself from the shackles. Galbatorix began to stick a varied assortment of dagger throughout his body. His screams echoed through her mind.

Still locked in her nightmare Erais began to talk in her sleep. She began to thrash about on the soft bed, so much that Arden was kicked out and he fell on the floor. Arden tried to climb back on, but Erais kept tossing about, not able to wake up and not able to break free.

This is what happens when you don't obey me... The words were spoken to her mind, in an evil laughter. Erais didn't know that this was a dream, she thought it was occuring for real.

Erais still felt trapped, her vision was closed off as well as her ears; but the sound of the agonized screams kept echoing through her mind. After a while, the weight on her arms and ankles melted away. Her senses no long felt shut off, but everything was still dark. Trying to open her eyes, they felt extremely heavy. Finally giving up on it she tried to move, but that didn't work either.

Finally she gave up on trying and just stayed immobile. She wasn't sure if she was awake or not, but having Galbatorix free of her mind was refreshing and she felt so much better. Minute after minute she was finally able to detect the faint glow of candle light over her eyes. Now she felt tired, being flat on her back became a little bit uncomfortable and so she rolled over. Not realizing that she was rather snug against Mesaraih before she fell asleep.

Erais hadn't been bothered anymore that night. She slept peacefully, and even though she was asleep, she felt the safety that she had grown accustomed to have when she was around Mesaraih. Sleeping straight through the night she woke up to find that Arden had fallen asleep on the floor. Looking the other way she saw Mesaraih who could have looked better. She was thoroughly shocked to see him there, but that soon left her and she just watched him.

He had already risked so much for her, even his life several times and she couldn't help but wonder why? Why was he helping her out? She hadn't really been able to experiance this kind of care before, so she wasn't sure how to react to it. "Why Mesaraih? Why do you care so much?" She asked his sleeping form quietly. Erais was content to just stay there without having to be any where or having to run for her life. It was nice to just be right there with Mesaraih and not move, just enjoying the moment.

Erais had watched him for a few moments before he woke up. She sat up with him and smiled. “I really can’t thank you enough for every time you’ve saved my skin; but thanks.” Her tone was light and today just felt rather good. What she had dreamt flooded back into her mind for a brief moment. She shivered slightly but threw it out the window. “I think I quite enjoying not having to run. Having nothing to do right now but rest is a rather nice thought. Don’t you think?” Erais asked him pleasantly.

Arden slept peacefully on the ground, curled up in a ball similiar to how a dog would next to a fire. Erais didn't want to spoil the moment, but some sort of strange and different feeling lurched at her stomach. She had a hunch at what it could be, but she didn't want to embarrass herself. Letting her mind just be blank for a moment, she closed her eyes, reveling in the current thought of having no threats and just pretending what it would be like to have no Empire or to have to always fight the evil.

Erais smiled, she knew exactly what he meant. "I know, I had a rather peaceful sleep last night. I haven't had one like that before in a very long time." She blushed lightly, realizing that she had spent almost all of it right next to Mesaraih. Smiling to herself though, she realized that was probably the reason why her dreams had been so pleasent. She stayed quiet right now, just enjoying the blissful moment of peace.

Looking at him sideways she studied his face, he seemed slightly upset about something, but relief was the most prominent feeling displayed on his face. Why do I care so much for him? That was one question she hadn't asked herself yet. Thinking about it and turning the question over in her mind and looking at it every way possible, she finally was able to connect the new feeling to it. Erais was rather shocked though, she hadn't exactly loved someone like that before. Is it love or is it just immense gratefulness? Now that was a hard question. No...I think I do love him... That was something that made Erais slightly uncomfortable. He probably didn't feel the same way. She felt slightly embarrassed and blushed, he had no reason to. She felt slightly depressed at the thought, so she quickly hid it away. Though the feeling never left and it was hard to not look at him since she know knew for sure.

Erais was thinking about what she had figured out, barely hearing Mesaraih. After a few moments she realized what he said and turned to him to reply. "I'm not exactly sure, now that I'm fairly safe in the Varden," She cringed slightly at the memory of what had happened. "I guess just training with Arden mostly until we can fight. Other than that I'm not so sure anymore." Her last words weren't directed to what she would do, she wasn't sure about anything right now.

Erais had always known what she had wanted and how she would get it. Though now that she finally knew that she did love Mesaraih, she wasn't sure. She was thinking that he couldn't ever love her back, she had put risk to his life to many times for her to expect him to love her back. Erais sighed unhappily.

Erais beginning to stress over about what she would do. She couldn't exactly just go right out and say it. "Oh, by the way Mesaraih, I love you." Yeah, that would be just great. She'd probably send him running for the hills, but it was starting to really bug her. Even if she had the courage to tell him, how could she do it? Just tell him so your thoughts will stop interupting my sleep. Arden's voice broke into her mind, she looked over at him and saw that he was staring at her with an annoyed expression.

Choosing to ignore him she looked over at Mesaraih who was extremely concentrated on something. It looked sort of painful, or at least Erais thought it did. "Something bugging you?" She asked him softly, still fighting herself inside her head whether or not she would tell him right now, if ever.

Erais frowned slightly. Something was really bugging him and since it was bugging him it was bugging her. She listened quietly, her face relaxed, but quickly turned surprised at his last statement. Everthing seemed to freeze and she couldn't get his words out of her head. He said he loved her, but how can he? Sure they had traveled together for a short time, and saved each other more than most companions did; but what could she have done for him to fall in love with her.

Everything slowly started working in her head again and she was speechless. This was a welcoming thing for Arden and he fell back to sleep, he'd rather have her like this than keeping him awake with her rather confusing thoughts. Erais just sat there, her mouth slack, not quite sure what to do. Could she say she loved him back? She knew she did, but he was the only one to crack her shell, but had he pulled her out of her shell for good?

Still staring at him stupidly the cogs in her mind began working double time and she was brought back to reality. "Oh..." It was all she could say at the moment. Taking a deep breath she knew if she didn't tell him now than she wouldn't ever be able too. "You're the only one who has been able to get this close to me before, actually no one has ever gotten this close. Mesaraih, I-" She stopped, taking a deep breath she continued, this was harder than she thought. "I love you too." As soon as it was out she smiled.

Erais was a bit shocked when Mesaraih started to squeeze the air out of her. She felt rather happy as well and hugged him back, though after a few minutes she couldn't breathe. "Mes-araih ca-n't b-re-athe." She struggled to say. Erais didn't really care, she was to happy right now, though breathing oxygen wouldn't be such a bad idea. Struggling out of his tight grip she laugh lightly and breathed in air. "Wow, if I knew I'd get that kind of reaction out of you, I would've told you a long time ago." Erais teased him.

Erais smiled. "I know, but I don't think you should have squeezed the life from me." Erais wasn't sure how this would work out between them, she knew what she wanted to do in her life right now, overthrow Galbatorix. How can she do that now when she was so tied up in love? She decided she didn't want to care about that right now. "I know, I don't think I could be happier right now." Erais felt amazing all over. On pure impulse she leaned in and kissed him, it was short and sweet, but she kissed him.

Ooc - I'm perfectly fine with it, it will cause some...mayhem...

Erais was comfortable right now. They didn't have to run right now, they didn't have to worry about anything right now. "I don't really know," She said truthfully. There was a commotion going on outside of the room and after a few moments a rather stout dwarf ran in panting. "Come quickly, you've been summoned to have an audience with Nasuada now. Master Daidrea has come." He said rather excitedly. Erais raised an eyebrow in confusion and swore she heard the dwarf say "if I can just get a glance of him, ooh Duran wouldn't believe me"

He had ran away quickly and Erais was completely confused. "What in the world?" She asked out loud. Arden we must go, Nasuada wants us. Erais woke Arden up. He growled in protest. Erais took Mesaraih's hand and they began there way to the meeting room. Arden was rather unhappy with having to wake up.

Erais stared at Mesaraih and almost laughed. "Of course I remember him...though I never knew that he was held in such a "High" honor." She said a bit amused. She couldn't imagine Daidrea being so thought of that just one glimpse would seem impossible. After a while of following the crowd (for most of them wanted to see the elf who was the cause of some unusual rumors) they came to the meeting room. After the guards were able to clear them through, Erais would have carried Arden, but he was rather big now, his head coming up to her elbows.

It had been hard to get through everyone into the room where rather important people were waiting. The three walked in, Arden still grumbling in his head about having to wake up. Erais looked around and saw the same Daidrea that she had fought with a little while ago. "Wow, so it is you." She said in fake surprise, her mood was definately more different from what she had been like around him. Arden growled over at Daidrea, feeling only slightly threatened by him. Arden be respectful, and polite. Erais scolded him and he quieted down.

Erais couldn't help but smiling at what he said. "I know, I didn't think it was likely, I was just out for revenge, but I suppose I have my hands full now." Erais gave him the same elf greeting in return and hugged him. She was certainly happy that he was alive and well. Well he at least seemed well enough, at least physically. Arden seemed a bit skeptical with Daidrea, well he was with most anyone at the moment. I do not care if I give you hope, I won't be much if I keep being distrubed from my sleep. He said grumpily, causing Erais had to laugh lightly at what he said.

"Yes, much has." Erais said slightly bashful and looked over at Mesaraih for a moment, becoming more aware that moment how nice it was holding his hand. It was bigger than hers, she had rather small hands for a fighter, but she like the slight roughness to his hands. "Yes, about that. One day I woke up and desided to upset Galbatorix for what he has done to me. Seriously." It really was a quick decision when she made it. "I was stealing Arden's egg and was about over took when Mesaraih came and saved me once again. After that we've been on the Empires most wanted list."

"After nearly being caught we came here. Than everything unfolded and here we are, standing face to face." She finished, remembering the horrible moment, her nightmares coming back to her. For a moment a flicker of fear crossed her face as the feeling of helplessness washed over her. He won't hurt you here. Arden said to her quietly, calming her back down and molding her fear into courage.

Erais chuckled as well, she was definately not a new dragon rider. The prospect of having to travel again in unsafe areas brought fear back into her. Instinctively her hand stiffened around Mesaraih's, she didn't want to go back out there. Even if she did, she definately wanted to have Mesaraih close. "I-I don't know." She said unsure. Erais we need to go, I need to grow stronger. Arden told her, sensing her fear he tried calming her. It didn't work though.

"Can we at least stay here for a little bit, we just got here after running straight through. I'm not ready for that kind of journey yet." Erais asked desperately, having to travel hard again was not on her list. She'd rather just stay with Mesaraih and do nothing for once. This was the first time, she didn't want to be doing anything but resting.

Erais didn't like making Daidrea upset, but she really didn't want to have to travel again at the moment. "I know, and I'm glad. I don't think I could take traveling like we've done in the past right now. I just want to rest." Erais said, feeling a bit tired. Now glad that they'd have some rest time, even if it wasn't too much, Erais wondered what they could do. "Now that we don't have to hurry off, what should we do?" She asked with a small smile, though still feeling a bit guilty for having Daidrea let them stay longer.

Erais wasn't sure what she wanted to do. "All I know is that I don't want to do any traveling right now, other than that I guess most anything else is okay." She said simply. "Lets just walk around for a while." Erais suggested after a few minutes of thought. Arden had left a little while ago and was enjoying the attention that the whole Varden was giving him. Everyone wanted to see the young dragon that had brought along a new hope. Don't let it go to your head, in a while you're going to have to train hard. Erais told him, not wanting him to become to arrogant.

Erais was enjoying just walking around now. It was nice to see normal people just walking about doing daily tasks. This must be what it should be like without Galbatorix. She thought to herself calmly. A few people would stop and stare for a few moments, but Erais chose to ignore it. "How could you doubt that? I've never been this happy in my life." She told Mesaraih in reply. "I'm just glad that I have had the chance to meet you, otherwise I don't think that I'd be here right now. You are truly me hero." She said gently with a soft smile.

Erais decided to not argue with him right now. She didn't really feel like she had saved his life, most of it had been impulsive, at least it was at first. So she stayed quiet, just smiling softly, enjoying the feeling. The days creeped by a bit slowly. Erais didn't mind, it was nice to just relax in the next days with Mesaraih and Arden. There were a few encounters with Daidrea and she talked with him often enough, but he seemed a bit distant.

Finally the agreed rest time was spent up. Arden was now towering over Erais, he was almost big enough to ride and Erais felt excited. She couldn't wait to be back in the sky. He had matured enough to start understanding the more important things and the whole matter of Galbatorix, though he still hated being interupted from his sleep. He was quite the talker and often engaged in coversations with almost anyone. It was very unusual for a dragon to be so open with anyone, but he liked learning about others views.

Erais woke up the morning that she'd have to leave. After packing up the little she had and getting provisions she left to go find Mesaraih, she wasn't sure if he'd come or not, and wasn't sure if she wanted him to come. Sure they had done a lot since they professed their love and were really comfortable with each other, but she was worried he might be a distraction. However, she decided if he did come, she'd like it and welcome it greatly.

Ooc - I hope that doesn't make me sound like I god moded, but I didn't want it to drag on forever.

Erais frowned at the thought. It wasn't exactly a welcome memory, in fact if it was up to her, she'd forget it gladly. "I don't know, it's just...nothing." Erais said, feeling a bit ashamed. She did give a small smile, she did know that he wouldn't let anything happen to her. "I'm going to go find Daidrea, let him know we're almost ready." Erais said after a few moments, still feeling a bit upset with herself.

It took her a while to find Daidrea. He sure knows how to hide, maybe I should take some tips from him. Erais thought amusedly to herself. He looked a bit lonely and she felt like it was her fault. She walked quietly over to him, sitting down on the ground next to him. "Hey," She said softly. "You don't seem like your self lately. Anything bugging you?" Erais asked kindly, smiling at him. She didn't like the thought of him being upset, she wasn't sure why, but he had saved her life just like Mesaraih a few times. "Stars are sure pretty at this time." She said quietly and looked at the sky.

Erais frowned, she knew that Daidrea was lying and something was really bothering him. He didn't look like he wanted to talk about it, so she decided to just let it go...for now. Daidrea turned away from her and she felt slightly rejected. "I've had plenty of rest for now, enough to cause me to get restless." She said, not really wanting to go hide in the small room she was staying right now.

Erais pursed her lips in annoyance as Mesaraih came up. Yes she loved him, but they'd been pretty inseperable the past week and she wanted a small breather. "Nothing, just enjoying fresh air." Her tone showed obvious annoyance. It felt slightly awkward at the moment and she wasn't sure if she should say anything to break it.

Erais rolled her eyes at Mesaraih's stupidity. Why in the world was he acting all jealous? It was unusual and she admitted to herself that she was relieved he left. Looking over at Daidrea she saw him wipe away something, than realized it was a tear. She was shocked, she didn't know what could have cause him to cry. Before she could ask him what in the world was going on with him lately, he left, muttering some excuse.

She felt a tug at her heart and was thoroughly confused. Erais sat there for a while, wondering what was going on in her life. She knew she loved Mesaraih, but there was some sort of feeling she had yet to decphir. Whatever it was she felt it towards Daidrea. My life seems so messed up right now than it should be. Erais thought to herself and left for bed. Waiting for someone to either wake her, or the sun...maybe even Arden, as he discovered he liked being up before the sun; and he wasn't quiet when he woke up.

Erais felt Daidrea enter her mind, she kept silent as he talked. She was to shocked to say anything back to him. Her mind reeled as she lay down on the small bed, Arden had grown too big to go into any of the immediate areas, so she was alone right now. What are you going to do? Arden asked her. What do you mean? She asked him confusedly. Just listen to your heart for a moment. He replied and left her mind.

Erais lay thinking for a long while, she had no idea what he meant. She thought for a while and came to a horrifying conclusion. How is that possible? She asked Arden, too confused. There have been many cases where someone is torn in two by love, maybe it's the fact that they are the only ones to have ever shown care for you. Maybe you love them because you find kindness in them and everything that makes them good. Arden told her.

It was late at night when Erais was able to realize what she had to do. Taking her pack she slipped out of her room and went to find Arden. "I think we've overstayed our time, we should head for Oromis." Erais said quietly. She was able to find a dwarf and told him to let Mesaraih and Daidrea that she left on her own.

I think I'm strong enough to fly part of the way. I'm sorry Erais. He said solemnly. The two were able to slip out unnoticed by the guards and started the long and dangerous road between here and Ellesmera. I'm so sorry Mesaraih...I'm sorry Daidrea. She thought upset. She didn't deserve even their friendship.

Erais has a feeling that they had probably left and were looking for her now. The sun was still low enough in the sky for the air to be chilly. Arden walked by her in quiet thought. She didn't want to be found, and for that she was taking the most trecherous route. There were many dangers on this road, from skilled robbers to natural traps in the ground. Mesaraih has picked up on us, Daidrea isn't too far behind. If you really want to let them be, we should fly now. Arden told her.

She thought for a few minutes and stopped, flying on Arden without a saddle would be risky. She knew how to do it, but she hadn't come to know Arden well enough to fly without one. It will be dangerous, especially since you haven't had much practice flying, but they both deserve someone better than me. She said. Climbing onto Arden, and making sure she was balanced enough, he took off. It was a bit sloppy at first and it took a moment for him to adjust to the extra weight. I just hope that Oromis will help us and not give us away. Erais thought to herself uneasy. She knew that Daidrea was close to him, well at least closer than she was to him. She hoped he'd help her.

So many wild thoughts ran through her head. Maybe she shouldn't have left, but she didn't want to hurt either of them. Arden was going a bit slow, since he wasn't used to flying, much less with Erais on his back. The sun was starting to reach it's high point in the sky and it burned her exposed skin. Go down, I think it be best we walk for a while. We might have better luck staying concealed. We don't know if the Empire is near by or not. Erais told Arden and he had a bit of a rough landing. Erais wasn't holding on and was thrown forward and into a bush.

Grunting she pulled herself free. "I think I might have broke something." She said rubbing her back, pulling a rather hefty piece of branch from behind her; it was split in two. They continued and soon Erais found herself on a familiar path that led to the elf city. Almost there. I hope that Oromis will help us. Erais said to herself. Arden agreed.

The day continued to wear one as the two came closer and closer to the city. Since the terrible fight many precautions had been taken and now it would be more difficult than ever to get inside the city. It was hot and Erais was tired, Arden was in a grumpy mood, because this was when he normally slept. Straight through the afternoon heat. The two weren't talking to each other because they knew they'd just make things worse, so it was an extremely quiet journey.

Erais knew they were making good time and was gladd for it. Normally it would tak a few days ride with a horse, but riding Arden ealier had completely cut that time considerably. Erais was still upset about her feelings towards the other two. Yes she loved Mesaraih...but now she was starting to fall in love with Daidrea. Why does life have to be so hard? She asked herself grumpily. Maybe she did just love one of them and she just felt it mirrored to the other. Which one though? She felt rather distressed. Finally she knew the city was only about an hour away.

Erais was finally able to make it to the city. It was definately much harder than it had been before. The elves were in a small bit of awe at seeing Arden. He was still a bit annoyed at not being able to have a nap. You need to get used to it, we'll be doing a lot of training and we won't have much extra time for anything. Much less sleeping. Erais told him agitated with his attitude.

Walking through the city she could still see some of the remains of the battle. The few faces she saw were solemn and distressed about what had happened. So many had turned against their own kind, now they were stressed and constantly checking each other incase. She greeted them politely and in the normal elvish tongue. Finally she came to Oromis' home and saw Glaedr out in the distance. Taking a breath she walked over to the hut and knocked on the door, not realizing that Daidrea had beat her here.

Erais bumped into Daidrea and fell to the floor. Looking up to see who it was her eyes widened. He knelt down next to her and spoke quietly. "No, it's not that...it's just..." Erais didn't know if she could say it aloud. She was so confused right now. "I should be the one sorry..." After saying that she heard something soft hitting the ground. Looking about she saw Mesaraih in wolf form. Even as a wolf he looked broken. Oh no! She groaned in her head. He took off and Erais quickly stood up.

"Mesaraih!" She shouted running out of the hut. Erais couldn't see him anywhere. His voice had been so pained. "It's not what you think it is." She could feel the tears welling up in her eyes. Darn this, I've become so emotional! She thought loudly at herself. Arden was grumbling quietly about how hard they were all making this. Her heart seized and her stomach felt uneasy. I can't stay here anymore... She thought and broke out in a run, not wanting to be seen crying. Erais had left Arden behind, he had been too shocked to follow.

Erais continued to run, what could she do now. Mesaraih thought that she loved Daidrea and not him, well he wasn't wrong; but... Daidrea was thinking we crossed the line, and he sort of did, but...
Her lungs began to ache as she ran from the city in haste. I should never have meddled with the affairs of them. She thought desperately to herself as she ran. After a while she had gone very far, hearing the sound of water she found a small waterfall and sat down by it. Tears splashing into the water as she hated herself more and more for messing up everything.

Erais' head snapped up when she heard Mesaraih's voice, it took her a moment to find him through her blurry tears. She couldn't find her voice in time to stop him, but decided to say what was nagging her. She wasn't sure if he was still there and could hear her or not, but she needed to get it off her chest. "I didn't choose him...I'm just confused right now. I do love you, at least I think I do; but when Daidrea came, I guess I was just vulnerable. I think I love him too, but I just don't know. I love you and I love him, I guess it's because I've never had that chance before."

She continued, starting to feel better as the words came away. "I've tried to think who I really love and who I just consider as something else...but I'm too confused to make out the head or tail of the situation. I know I don't deserve either of you, I'm just me. You both are much more than I could ever amount too. You've both saved me too many times for me to count. I just...I just don't know..." Erais finally finished, she looked at her reflextion. The person staring out at her was confused and scared, worried and afraid...that wasn't who she knew, but how could she be sure of herself when everything was changing?

Tears came to her eyes at what they had both said to her. It's unfair to either of them...why am I this way? Why am I so selfish? I should just leave them alone, they'll both be able to find the right person if I just step out of their lives. Erais had said to herself in her mind, but hadn't realized she had also spoken it aloud.

Erais felt a bit stupid being put on the spot light. Even more so when Mesaraih carried her back, but she felt emotionally exhausted and leaned her head against his shoulder. "I don't think they can be fixed," She said dejectedly. On her own feet now she finally realized how tired she really was. Physically she had travelled a far distance, and she had drained herself emotionally. Erais waited patiently for Daidrea to come out, feeling terrible for causing this whole mess. Stupid emotions, She thought to herself tiredly.

Erais wasn't in exactly a mood to talk about it right now. She was tired and just wanted to sleep, to the side in her mind she heard Arden give a full hearted agreement. Just go lay down, I'm sure they'll understand. He said from where he was lying down in the shade of a tree. I can't, that would be rude. She scolded back. Why do you care so much? About them thinking good of you? He asked her, his eyes penetrating hers.

I would think that obvious, but than again your life revolves around sleeping right now. Though you'll mature...sometimes I feel more like a babysitter than a rider. Erais said while stiffling a yawn. After a few moments Daidrea hadn't come out. Daidrea, are you okay? She asked very worried, she thought he would have been out here right now, but he wasn't. Maybe he had left, maybe she hurt him to deeply. The tickle of tears behind her eyes came and she scolded herself. She rubbed her eyes, forcing them away, and felt weak at the moment and in the current situation.

Erais felt so torn right now, and so confused. Though she was immensely grateful to Mesaraih right now. "Yes, later..." She said tiredly and walked over to where Arden was now asleep, she didn't want to be in the hut right now. What Daidrea had said nearly broke her heart. She was so upset with herself. On the one hand, Mesaraih was sweet and loving, he was caring and a very good person. He knew what he wanted and understood many things.

Though on the other, Daidrea understood her. She had gone so long without a dragon and without being human, that she knew he knew how that was. He was a bit more reserved than Mesaraih, but she found him to be very enjoyable company.

Erais decided she was too tired to think about it right now. If she chose one, than the other would suffer and be hurt greatly. With those conflicting thoughts, she fell into an uneasy sleep, partly wishing she hadn't come out of seclusion.

Erais hadn't been able to sleep at all. Her whole mind was shooting back and forth between which one. As the sun rose she watched it, she was more tired than ever and wished for a peace of mind and for what to do. Arden was still asleep, not bothering to come from it to comfort her. He was having a good enough dream. Erais didn't bother him, knowing he'd be grumpy all day if she woke him up.

She had decided to take a walk, try and clear her head. So she missed Daidrea leaving and Mesaraih following. I need to speak with Oromis. She thought to herself, he was probably the only one who could help her right now. Walking back quickly it took her a moment to find him, once she did she walked over to him distressed. "Oromis, I need your help. I don't know what I should do now, I need counsel." Her voice was desperate and she pleaded with him.