OCC: This is another one mainly for me and DS4.

Mirriana soared over the valley's northern meadow, watching as the gryphonlings played below. She was keeping an eye on her niece and nephew while Fletcher and Sevena hunted together elsewhere. This was Mirriana's usual hunting ground. She preferred the peace and quiet that it offered. Seeing no danger anywhere around, the female gryphon descended into the meadow and found a large slab of limestone to lie down on. It was on the side of a hill giving her a clear view of the youngsters below. Mir lied down and watched them continue to play.

Down below Tas dashed along among the tall weeds trying to lose his sister in a game of chase. Vena was fast but Tas was so far staying ahead of her.

Give up, slowpoke! I can outrun and outfly you any day of the week! he taunted his sister.

Vena scampered after Tas, her eyes determined to catch him. She paused in running though and tilted her head up, listening hard. Her ears twitched forward to hear better. She heard a faint rustling up ahead of Tas. She dismissed it as a snake and continued to chase her brother.

- - - - - - - - - -

Iaras settled into a low crouch, hidden in the trees. The little male youngling was heading straight for him. He would catch the male and give the message to the female, then knock her out with a screech. Verdun could handle sneaking up on Mirriana. That gryphon owed him a thing or two. He crouched lower, almost holding his breath so that the male could keep getting closer....

Tas could no nothing. He was filled with anger but he was afraid these strangers would hurt his aunt if he resisted anymore. What did they want though?

Several hours passed and Fletcher was growing worried. He knew the children were with Mirriana but it was unusual for her to be gone this long. "We should look int he northern meadow. That's where Mir likes to hunt. Maybe they're just staying late or something."

Iaras flew briskly to the ocean. Once he reached it and had been flying for another hour he turned sharply to the left. It would be perhaps be another two and a half or three hours until they saw the shores of Tenya.

- - - - - - - - - -

Sevena agreed and padded outside. She waited briefly for her mate, then spread her wings and took flight. She flew hastily to the northern field.

When she arrived, a distressed screech echoed from her beak before she could stop herself. She dove, ignoring any dangers that might still be around.

Vena laid very still on her side in the meadow, and at first glance she didn't see Mirriana or Tas.

Seva landed and ran to her daughter, her breathing erratic and panicked. Only when she had stopped beside Vena and could see that the obsidian's sides were lifting and lowering with the breath of life did she swallow back her fear and force herself to calm down.

The breeze picked up for a moment and she stiffened when she caught an fresh scent. Her pupils narrowed out of both anger and fear. How dare he intrude on their home!

She glanced back at Fletcher as she laid down beside her daughter to coax the gryphonling awake. Vena had been left for a reason; why?

Sevena nodded in agreement. Vena blinked her eyes open. She trembled for a moment then squared her shoulders. Yes. she murmured. Sevena backed away a few paces as her daughter stood and spread her wings. Emerald eyes sparkling with green fire looked up at her and Fletcher. No time. He's heading back to Tenya now with Mir and Tas; we have to go, now! squawked the gryphonling.

- - - - - - - - - -

Vena wobbled a bit but steadied herself; she had to convince her parents to go now.

[color=#FFBF00]As much as Fletcher wanted to go after them, he simply knew that was not an option. They couldn't just leave Vena behind in the meadow and she was in no condition to travel.

Fletcher scooped her up and took off, flying toward the monastery. "We'll go after them but first we need to get you some help." Fletcher replied to her insistence that they leave now.

Despite her protests he flew back to the monastery, arriving only minutes later.

When Fletcher landed, he looked to Violeta.

"Get Natagath! We have a serious situation on our hands! Iaras has Mir and Tas!"


Violeta snarled. He's dead! If I have to kill him myself, he's dead!

Natagath joined them as soon as Violeta relayed the news to him. He was carrying a new crossbow that he had built to replace his old one.

"Let me see her." Natagath said, referring to Vena.
She seemed alright, just a little shaken.

"Did he say what he wanted, Vena?" Fletcher asked his daughter.

[/color]

Vena shrugged away from Natagath a bit, impatient. We don't have time to check on me. she said stubbornly, emerald green eyes sparkling with angry fire. She turned to her father when her asked if Iaras had spoke at all about what he actually wanted. She shook her head. Don't know cause he didn't mention it. Don't really care. she griped. She ruffled her black plumage and looked at her mother. Can we go now, please? she asked, shifting from foot to foot. If she could get her talons on him he would have a reason to stay away from her and her brother. She hissed, flattening her ears in almost a playful manner at Violeta, but her words were anything but playful. Not if I get at him first. she retorted angrily. She didn't like anyone messing with her brother.

- - - - - - - - - -

Sevena rumbled at her daughter. You will not be going anywhere young lady. I will not have you anywhere near that monster. she said firmly.

Despite her stern tone, Vena's obsidian black feathers ruffled. And you can't stop me! snapped back the gryphonling. Sevena's eyes narrowed but Vena went on without pausing.

This Iaras person had the gall to come into my life and take my brother. Regardless of what he has done to you in the past, the wrongs that he has done now includes taking Tas, my brother, a wrong against me and Tas. I'm going, and I'm going to make sure that Iaras is sorry about interfering with our lives. she retorted sharply, emerald green eyes daring anyone to challenge her.

Sevena paused. Vena had a point. Finally she sighed. It seemed that her daughter held a similar to fire to her own. Very well. she said tiredly. Since we can't seem to sway you. We can leave as soon as you have rested for a bit and we are all ready for a long trip.

Vena grumbled at the arrangements, but she didn't really have any room to complain. Feathers still bristling, she reluctantly padded over to the nest that she usually used for Tas and herself and curled up. She laid her head down, shivering slightly. It was cold with her brother's warm body curled up beside hers. She got to her feet again and padded to her mother, who had laid down at her spot beside Fletcher. Vena nestled close to her mother, feeling a bit better with the comforting warmth. I can't sleep without Tas. she said sadly, laying her head down on her forelegs. In a few minutes she was asleep.

- - - - - - - - - -

Sevena sighed and laid down. She was getting ready to drift to sleep when she felt something settle against her. She opened her eyes and saw her daughter and smiled slightly, understanding. She laid a wing over Vena to soothe her, then looked up at Fletcher. If we can prove that Iaras has indeed taken Mir and Tas, and also find where they are hidden, this should go well. If not...we may have a problem on our hands. she said with a grumble, laying her head down to rest.

Fletcher sighed and took off after his mate since she was the only knew who knew where this place was. He followed close by her side.
We should tell Vena about Iaras. She'll find out soon enough anyway. Fletcher privately asked Sevena.

Natagath sat silently in the saddle on Violeta's back. His new crossbow was folded up and stuck in a pouch on the side of the saddle for easy access. It looked very similar to his old crossbow, with a lever action loading mechanism, five additional arrows in a detachable clip, and folding arms for easy storage. However, the crossbow also featured a tighter string for more powerful shots and a clear gem imbedded on the underside of the weapon. The gem stored energy which could be used in conjunction with the arrows.

As the elf rode along, he meditated on the situation. He knew Iaras was a dangerous opponent and this time they would be on his playing field as well.

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

Tas was locked in a cage down in a dark dungeon. He had no idea where he actually was because he had been blindfolded right after arriving at the mainland. He looked around the room he was in and saw mo windows or open doors. Even if there were any, it would do him no good because he was locked in a metal cage. Mirriana was nowhere to be seen. Apparently they were being separated to keep them from planning anything together.
I wonder what this creep wants with me. he thought to himself.

Since being locked in this cage, nobody had spoken to him. Tas's ears suddenly perked up as he heard someone approaching in the hallway outside.

Sevena nodded to Fletcher, though grimaced at the thought of it. I suppose your right. I had hoped I would never have to share the demons of the past with my children. But let's wait for her to wake; she's had a nasty shock. she murmured in reply to him.

Vena was curled into a tight ball on Sevena's back in between her wings, passed out cold in sleep. Suddenly she got an idea.

Flit, contact Sam quickly. She might not know about the situation and might want to help in some way. she said.

Samantha - or Sam for short - was an old friend of Fletcher's. An Ice/Water dragoness that had rescued Fletcher from a certain death a few months ago from a human called Agatha.

Seva's feathers bristled at the mere thought of the female human. So many enemies. she sighed and steered her thoughts away from that. She hoped that Queen Seenia was handling her three little ones well enough.

Maybe she and Fletcher could stop by on the way back home, let Tas and Vena play with Fkan, Setin, and Kesa so that they could have the opportunity to see other younglings like themselves. She smiled at the thought.

- - - - - - - - - -

Once he came to the correct door, Teak hesitantly opened it to let himself in. He winced at the conditions that the creature was being kept in; a metal cage. Just a cage, no nourishment, at least that he could see. Iaras must have forgotten in his hurry to get to other matters and hadn't had the time to check that the gryphonling was being taken proper care of. Tentatively he pushed a small bowl of water through the bars of the cage and held out some medium sized jerky meat strips. He held them out carefully through the bars of the cage, in case the youngling decided to be savage,"I brought some food if your hungry." he said quietly, his voice barely above a whisper. His ears flattened against his skull and he looked at the floor.

Sam snorted and got to her paws, already padding out to the ledge before he'd finished speaking. Fletcher, say no more. I'm already on my way. Wait for me at the Danthuanian coast, alright? I'll be there as fast as I can. she said, and dove into the water. With vigorous training she had become a lot more efficient in the water. She could be at Danthuania in almost half a day if she pushed herself to the maximum. And push she would. She swam faster than she'd ever gone before; she'd never met Tas, or Vena, but they were as much her friends as Fletcher and Sevena were.

- - - - - - - - - -

Teak was confused for a moment, then his ears perked up,"You speak of my Master, King Iaras." he said. His slitted snake-like green eyes brightened,"He is taking care of other matters at the moment, young gryphon. You are in the city of Zaflen, friend, in the country of Tenya." he pondered for a moment, his ears flicking back and forth. Truly, he thought it was cruel the way the poor gryphonling was being kept. He'd check on the older female when he could. "I'm Teak, bonded Tamen to Master King Iaras. You must be the Tas that Iaras has spoken of recently." he said, tilting his head. His golden furred mane rippled down his back at the movement. "If you like, I could ask Iaras if I could let you and the other one out for a tour of Zaflen. It would be under guard, but I'm sure Iaras would be willing." he said hesitantly. He wasn't sure if he spoke out of turn in assuming that his Master would agree. He shuffled from foot to foot, uncomfortable at the thought.

Fletcher agreed to stop and wait for Sam at the coast. That would give everyone time to rest while she caught up to them.

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Tas considered accepting the offer. It might present a chance for him to escape. He wasn't sure though. He also wanted a chance to get back at the "big dummy".

Is he always a big dummy? Tas said to Teak.

Then another thought crossed the gryphonling's mind. Where is my aunt?



OCC: I just got a funny idea.

Tas looked around the inside of the mostly empty room for something to occupy himself. A mischievous grin appeared on the gryphonling's face and he padded over to the wall and began etching a picture in the stone with his talons. It took him a couple minutes and when he was finished, the completed image looked like a badly drawn gryphon with its legs and wings ripped off and X's in its eyes. Had he been able to read and write yet, he would have included the words "BIG DUMMY" next to it. He loved his new pet name for Iaras. He had drawn it on the wall opposite the door so that it was immediately visible to whoever opened the door. Tas grinned at his completed masterpiece and returned to the cage to eat the food he had been brought.

Mirriana sat in the holding cell pondering her situation. She had not seen Iaras since being brought here. Her left eye was still almost swollen shut so far nobody had so much as checked up on her. It made Mir angry every time she thought about Tas though.

What kind of coward hides behind a child? she thought to herself.

Teak watched as Tas slowly drew the picture on the wall. He winced when it was completed; he would have to have that erased somehow so Iaras wouldn't see it. He sat down and leaned against the wall, watching the youngling. He smiled slightly, his slitted green eyes gleaming.

- - - - - - - - - -

Sam lifted from the water and beat her wings powerfully. Once she had landed she set about waiting for Fletcher and the others. She cleaned her scales, removing the loose ones and smoothing down the others so that she looked better than she had a bit ago. She was slightly bigger than when Fletcher had seen her last, though not much, maybe a foot or two taller at the shoulder. Her green fish-like scales gleamed with health. She stretched then curled into a ball to wait.

Fletcher sighed in relief when he saw Samantha waiting for them on the beach below. The gryphon circled around and landed. Violeta landed gently on the beach and padded over to the others.

"I see you didn't spare any time. Come on, we have no time to waste!" he said hurriedly.

"This is our daughter, Vena." Fletcher said, gesturing to the sleeping gryphonling riding on Sevena's back. He would have introduced her more formally but the urgency of the situation did not allow for any time to be wasted.

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Mirriana was curled up on the stone floor of her holding cell wishing there was a window she could see out of. She had no way of even knowing the time of day. Her ears perked up when she heard noises outside. There was the distinct clicking of talons on the floor outside and they were getting closer. The female gryphon scowled, hoping it was the brute that had tackled her in the air. She was eager to giving him a piece of her mind. Of course, she wouldn't have and qualms about giving it to Iaras either. They both deserved it. Mir stood up to face whoever it was.

Sam got to her paws when she heard wingbeats, looking up to see her old friend Fletcher. She waited patiently for him to land and come to her. She dipped her head briefly to Sevena, smiling at the young one on the female gryphons back. It is a pleasure to meet her. Rushing will not help, Fletcher. she said soothingly, rubbing her head against his shoulder. She paced to the ledge and spread her wings, looking back. But you are right. Come on. she said, and took off into the air. Sevena joined her quickly and took the lead. She turned to Fletcher so that Seva could concentrate on where to take them. Alright; what happened? Take a deep breath and tell me what you know. she said calmly, glancing at Vena quickly.

- - - - - - - - - -

Verdun approached the dungeon carefully, knowing that the female inside was going to be raging. He pushed the door open with his shoulder, letting light spill inside across the female. The dungeon guard ordered food and water for you and the youngling. he said quietly, not looking her in the eye. Even for one such as she, he was merely a servant. He kept his gaze down respectfully as he lowered the few slices of meat he had brought for her and the jug of water. He pushed the jug to her first, not really shielding himself from a blow if she were to deal one onto him. He had only acted to protect his King. He offered her the meat too, in case she was hungry. He turned and sat in the doorway with his back to her, shoulders hunched. Across his right flank was a red slash; fresh. He shifted, taking weight off his right leg to relieve the sting. Iaras had been irritated with him for botching the first attempt on the female.

Fletcher explained what had happened as best he could. Having not witnessed it himself though, he could not give many details. Truth be told, had he witnessed it himself, they wouldn't be going on this mission right now because the kidnapping would have been over before it started.

After giving his account, Fletcher stated, "Vena was the one who saw it. She knows more about what happened than any of us."

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Mir watched as the door opened. It was Verdun. She was fully prepared to give him hell for what he did but the gash on his side caught her attention. When Verdun spoke Mir did not respond. She just looked away. Iaras was a real bastard, even to his own minions. Now she really wanted to give that creep a piece of her mind and maybe a few scars to go with it. Mir pulled the meat and water closer and turned away from Verdun.

Sam thought to herself for a bit. Alright. Obviously he wants something, or he would have killed Mir, Vena, and Tas, instead of taking two of them and leaving the third to relay a message. If that is true then he won't actually hurt Mir or Tas, not yet. she soothed. She knew that that was what was bothering him so much. She turned to Vena and watched the youngling sleep for a while, then nodded to herself. It's alright. I'm sure she told you everything, so there is no need for me to ask her for other details. she said quietly.

- - - - - - - - - -

Verdun could see the contempt in her eyes as she turned her head away. He didn't mind really. He shifted again; his flank stung like no ones business.

Sam nodded in agreement and increased her wingbeats. She didn't know what Iaras was planning, why he had taken Tas and Mir, or what he wanted out of it. She just knew that she hated his guts.

- - - - - - - - - -

Verdun glanced back at the female, wincing as she yelled. His ears flattened to his skull and his feathers bristled uncomfortably. I was told to stay until you had finished. The dungeon keeper also said that if you wished it, I could let you out so you could stretch. I honestly don't know why Master Iaras ordered you and the youngling into a cage; they are much too cramped for you. he said with a disgruntled huff of breath. He looked around then, as if scared that Iaras might have overheard him. He ignored the second part of her yelling.

Mir scowled. She was not hungry and did not feel like eating, but there was no telling when her next meal would be. She reluctantly ate the food that had been brought to her.

Now leave me alone! she hissed irritable.

The female gryphon laid back down facing the opposite direction.

Tas explored the tiny room for a bit. There was nothing interesting though, just a couple of empty crates. The gryphonling let out a yawn and returned to the cage. He curled up in the cage and shut his eyes. Clearly this was going to be a boring stay. He hoped his parents showed up soon and gave the "big dummy" what for.

Verdun's ears pinned more against his skull when she told him to leave her alone. He approached her with his head lowered and gathered the water jug in his beak. Just before he left and shut the door he looked back at her. I will bring some herbs or an ointment later for that eye to help bring down the swelling. he murmured, then left and shut the door before she could retort.

- - - - - - - - - -

Teak closed the door to the cage and locked it, then took the bowl of water and left, closing the door shut quietly behind him so he didn't disturb the youngling.

- - - - - - - - - -

Sevena could see the coast in the distance, coming up fast. Tenya was a big country, nearly bigger than Alagaësia. She turned to her companions.

Things might have changed since I was here last a few months ago. Iaras might have defeated High King Tylon and now rules the entire country, I don't know. We shall just have to tread carefully. And Violeta, I stress that you must be doubly careful than any one of us, you two Natagath. Dragons are not native to my homeland, and neither are elves or humans. You might be under suspect if something happens, and I and Fletcher will have little power to stop anything. she warned.

It was very dangerous for a foreigner; Tenya gryphons tended to act first and think later, meaning that if it seemed as if Violeta or Natagath had caused offense, they would be imprisoned and/or put to death. She shivered at the thought.

"Well then we'll have to be careful then." Natagath said. "Perhaps we should all go directly to Iaras then and find out what he wants. We may be able to use it against him if we can get in contact with the high king."

Besides, we have a few tricks of our own if he tries to pull any funny business. Violeta added.


OCC: Short.

Natagath and Violeta both gazed at the coastline ahead. Another strange land lay ahead of them. Violeta did not like the lack of clouds. She was hoping to be able to approach the city from the clouds so as not to be seen. Plus, gryphons had such sharp eyes that trying to climb up to a higher altitude to fool anyone below into thinking that she was just a large bird would be useless. That trick only worked with humans and other two-leggeds.

Fletcher flew flew alongside Sevena, staring directly ahead. Iaras had attacked his family for the last time! Now he was going to pay!

Fletcher took a deep breath and tried to control his temper. Soon Zaflen came into view. It would have been an impressive sight had Fletcher not been so preoccupied with how he was going to rip its king limb from limb when he got the chance. He managed to control himself and landed next to Sevena, deciding to follow her lead.


Violeta descended and landed with a thud next to Fletcher and Sevena. She was not intimidated by the guards. At forty feet in length, she was four times their size and could take them with almost no effort. She decided to remain silent and let Sevena do the talking.

Violeta snorted and silently cursed the gryphon king, suppressing the urge to immediately blast him off his throne with a bolt of lightning for the smart alecky remark he made. She was highly offended by the the audacity of the remark. First the bastard kidnapped her friends, then forces everyone to travel all the way to his kingdom, and doesn't even have the manners to greet them properly.

Enough of this! What have you done with my son and my sister, you creep?! Fletcher snarled mentally to the king.

Fletcher's patients was wearing very thin at this point.

Vena pressed her side against the bars of the cage, grasping the paw he stuck through the bars to reach her. She crooned and stuck her small head through the bars, preening at his shoulder with her beak. No, not yet, but we will. If mom and dad don't, then I will. she said defiantly, glowering out the door to where she knew Iaras was.

- - - - - - - - - -

Iaras mulled over the suggestion in his mind. It would be temporary, until he could do something more with High King Tylon, but it would be a long temporary, which would give him time. Time that he needed. He sighed. It couldn't be permanent. Alagaësia is not our home. A few hundred might be willing to go, and we could take most of the youngling. And yes, your help would be appreciated. he said, dipping his head slightly. He felt a kindle of hope in his chest. Would he finally be able to do something to stop the suffering of his people? How long would it take to build a settlement, do you think?

Fletcher watched as Natagath and Iaras discussed business. As much as he despised Iaras, he couldn't turn his back on the suffering people here. Something had to be done.

It looks like we're staying then. Violeta commented.

Honestly it could be worse. she said to her friends. At least he cares about his people, which is more than I can say for Galbatorix. Still, that doesn't mean I like Iaras any better.

"Come on, let's go back to the throne room and wait." Fletcher said to everyone, starting off in that direction and trying to remember how to get there.

OCC: I've got a new character profile that needs approval.

Sevena nodded and looked up at her mate, following him back down to the cells. When she saw her son again she laid down beside the cage, allowing the warmth of her body to heat up the cold metal. She closed her eyes and purred loudly. I'm not moving from this spot. she murmured to Fletcher. I'll sleep right here beside Tas.

Vena heard her father's call and scampered down to the cells. She went into the room with her brother and clambered up onto her father's back so that she could see Tas. She purred comfortingly at him, then nestled against the cage on her father's back, closing her eyes and drifting into an uneasy sleep.

- - - - - - - - - -

Sevena laid beside her mate with her head resting across his shoulders, just next to Vena's much smaller head. She rumbled in her chest soothingly as her daughter fell asleep. She didn't sleep for the entire night, keeping guard over her mate, children, and sister-in-law.

OOC:
I swear I already posted in here. /:

IC:
Sevena went directly to the throne room, where Iaras, Teak, and Verdun were waiting to go. The gryphon king smiled when he saw Fela, and Seva might have sworn that she saw genuine warmth in his gaze, if she hadn't known better. She huffed a breath and eyed her mate.

True, though I'm reluctant to put them in danger as well. Natagath and Violeta have already been so kind to us. she replied with a mental sigh. Du Weldenvarden would be a good choice, perhaps. Didn't you say that that is where you met Sam? Maybe she can give us a pointer or two. she mused.

She knew that when they were finished with this whole thing, they would need to leave the monastery. Iaras knowing where they were, but more importantly, where her children were, was something that she would not tolerate.

Leverage. Verdun probably has a few vials of poison packed into those saddlepacks on his back. If Natagath or Violeta refuse to do something, Iaras can order Verdun to give Mir, you, or myself a dose of poison, that only Verdun has the cure to. That way, Natagath and Violeta will have no choice but to obey him, lest one of the three of us die from the poisoning. It is always his way of doing things; having a backup plan for the plan.