Ooc - Free for all

Ic -
Erais knew that this was an extremely stupid idea; but she felt she had to do this. It was very risky and she doubted she'd get out of there alive. The fact that she was going to attempt to still an egg right from Galbatorix's nose was complete suicide. Especially since the egg was guarded 24/7. Once again she asked herself why she was doing this. Always remembering that it was for the greater good, knowing one less rider on his side would be one more on the Varden's.

Erais blended in with the shadows, she looked up at the towering castle. She remembered perfectly where the egg was kept and the less traveled ways to get there. Taking a deep breath, she started to scale up the castles side. Now she was more than ever, grateful she had so much training in the mountain by herself.

Quickly jumping through a window and landing quietly, she looked around. It was one of the spare room that had yet for a purpose. Quietly walking out she began to make her way towards the heavily guarded room. Glad she hadn't encountered anyone, she looked down the last hall to where four guards stood in front of a heavy, heavy door.

Deciding that she would need some sort of distraction, she formed an illusion and sent it running down the hall. It wouldn't give her very much time, but it would hopefully give her enough. As two of the guards chased after it, she sent a rock to hit the heavy door. Once the other two were distracted, she quickly came up behind them both and snapped their necks.

Getting into the room would be harder than she thought. Looking at it, she could only imagine how many spells had been placed upon it for protection. Quickly deciphering as much as she could, she broke into the room and saw the egg was guarded by at least fifteen more guards.

Now realizing what she had actually gotten herself into, she began a mad fight for her life. Though while fighting, she had got herself close enough to take the egg unnoticed and had it tucked away deep in her cloak. Now all she had to do was fight her way out...

Erais felt the egg beginning to slip from where she had tucked it away. Taking it out before it could hit the ground, she held it tightly to her body while fighting off guards with her other hand. She hadn't noticed someone else join in the fight, only that the guards she was fighting had lessened slightly.

As she continued her fight through the guards, a few began a new approach and tried snatching the egg away from her. This was definately something she hadn't done before. As she continued to fend off the guards she bumped backs with someone. Not realizing who it was she whipped about to slay him, but something in the back of her mind told her not too. Not having enough time to fight with herself, she decided to leave whoever this was alone.

As she continued to fight, she knew that Galbatorix would be coming here himself...soon. She had to find a way out. Somewhere to get the egg in safety. She had no idea that the egg had cracked slightly as she held onto it against her side. "You'll never make it out of here alive girl!" One of the guards shouted. "I will!" She shouted back, though was starting to have her own doubts.

Erais slashed away at the guards, holding the egg carefully. She finally realized the person she had decided not to kill was helping her. He sounded a bit familiar as he spoke. "I can't leave you here," Erais blasted the soldiers back using magic. Quickly sheathing her sword while fumbling with the egg, so it wouldn't drop.

The soldiers were among the elite and were almost instantly back on their feet. Erais looked around and saw a blasted piece of the wall. Seeing that as the only current way out, she grabbed the person who had helped her and made a mad dash for the slimey and dark tunnel.

Erais held tightly onto his hand and rushed through the opening. After a few seconds of running through the tunnel, she heard Galbatorix. "Oh no," she said and ran harder, holding onto the egg with one hand, and pulling along the other person. A flash of light flew past her head. "I hate him," She said while running further into the tunnel.

Erais scowled at in the dark at him while she continued to run. She still had no idea who it was that she was dragging along. They had to get into the city before Galbatorix caught up with them. Erais didn't take notice to another crack forming in the egg shell. It was a slow process and only a chip of the egg shell fell to the ground.

She continued down the tunnel until she came into a fork. Not thinking about which one she should take or not, she ran quickly down the left one. Only to realize what she did and hoped it led out of there safely. "Just shut it and run." Erais moved faster, the slime on the walls was a bit gross, but she could live with it if it meant staying alive.

Erais still had little clue as to who this was. So when he told her to hurry up, she got a little bit enraged at him. She was very shocked when he had turned into a wolf and charged off. It startled her and her pace had faltered for a moment. Quickly she picked her pace up faster and moved into the light of the city. Once again, another small crack forming on the egg, though Erais was completely oblivious to it.

Erais followed him best she could and ran past guards. This was a stupid idea, but now she was grateful to have this help. She continued to run and barely was able to turn to the left. On the turn she slid a little bit and slammed into one of the poorly built shacks. Her shoulder now aching terribly, she followed the...well whatever he was.

Seeing the hole, she dived through it after the wolf, or human? Seeing the cover of the trees up ahead, she ran full sprint into them. She continued to zig zag as much as she could until she knew they would be safe for a while. She was panting extremely hard, her side hurt and her shoulder was in bad condition. "That was a stupid idea, but at least we came out victorious." She panted, another crack forming in the pale gray egg.

Erais stood speechless as whatever this thing was, turned back into a human form. He had his back to her, so she still was clueless as to it being him. Erais followed him, but kept her distance. Finally she actually paid attention to the egg and held it carefully in it's hands.

A part of her seemed to fill itself as she held the precious egg. Finally she noticed the cracked, and saw another slowly forming. She knew what it was, but denied it. "Yeah, I still have it," She said absently. Sitting by the water, she ran her hands over the egg, seeing many more cracks. "Oh, thanks by the way. Back there." Her eyes were transfixed on the egg, so her voice was a bit airy.

Erais barely heard Mesaraih moving about. The egg had her full attention. It had been so long since she had had any contact with a dragon. A few more cracks came, faster as well. Erais couldn't believe it, she didn't know any rider that was given a second chance with a dragon. There was one girl she had met a very long time ago who had had two dragons at the same time.

Erais' jaw nearly hit the ground as the egg shell fell away and the same sensation of the baby dragon bonding with it's rider swept through her. Her hand stung and realized that the mark intertwined itself with her old one. She was surprised that she had fallen backwards into the water. It wasn't very deep and the baby dragon had been knocked from her lap onto the ground. Erais brought her soaked head up from the water and stared at it with such childness that her old facade fell away.

Erais had forgotten she was in the water as she looked into the eyes of the baby dragon. They were like looking into a pool of dark water. It wasn't until Mesaraih had pulled her from the water and told her she might drown that she finally realized who it was. Realizing who it was, she looked away from the dragon and hugged him.

"Thank you so much Mesaraih." She said softly. Erais knew she wouldn't have had this chance again without him. After a while she let go of him, and looked at him. Now he was soaking wet, for the first time in a very long time, she laughed. "I think you'd look better wetter." She said with another laugh and shoved him over into the water.

The baby dragon chatted playfully at Mesaraih. It was rather small for a baby dragon, but the determination in it's eyes to "scare" Mesaraih away was admirable.

Erais couldn't help but feel so happy right now. She watched the baby with such excitement in her eyes that she felt like the world seemed extremely content right now. Turning back to him, she couldn't help but agree playfully. "Yeah, you do look better wetter." Erais giggled slightly, he kind of looked like a wet dog.

Erais looked back at the baby dragon fondly. He was a little thing, but he was already lodged fast in her heart. "Isn't he adorable?" She couldn't help but gush over him. Even if you rarely acted like a girl, it would show through on occasions, like right now. "I truly am indebted to you Mesaraih." Erais said and offered him her hand, smiling at him with the most genuine smile she could muster.

Erais watched him, her face growing slightly pink. "I don't know if I deserve him, but I'll do my best to keep him safe. Instead of fail like I did." She said a bit sadly. She looked up into his face as saw that it was a bit like her own. That only made her face grow more in color.

Erais had not opened up like this at all. The one person she had ever been really close to was Serias, her guardian, but she hadn't seen him in so long that she couldn't remember what he looked like.

Arden

The innocent voice lept into her mind. She looked down at the baby dragon realizing that she was communicating with him for the first time. Instantly his thoughts were now her own and her were his. "Arden, though I didn't give him his name." She said with a smile, looking at Arden as he played about with Rubya.

Erais had been watching Arden and missed the sound of the arrow. Though she didn't miss the fact that Mesaraih now had an arrow in his hand. Arden immediately ran towards Erais. She picked him up knowing how vulnerable he was right now. "Don't they ever take a holiday?" She asked venomously as she drew her sword.

Arden was small enough to fit in the folds on her cloak. Luckily this time Erais wouldn't have to catch him if he got loose. Already she could feel his tiny sharp claws cutting into her clothes. After fighting a few of the guards she realized with horror that Galbatorix would be here soon. "We can't let her get away, the egg hatched!" One of the guards shouted.

"We have to get out of here!" Erais shouted at Mesaraih, his hand bleeding.

Erais had been extremely surprised when Mesaraih had grabbed onto her and they had been thrown backwards a considerable distance. It took a moment for her to figure out what had gone on. Without thinking about the pain that it might cause him, she ripped the arrow from his hand and fitted it against her bow. Muttering a few words she shot the arrow straight back to where they had been.

From their viewpoint, a huge explosion erupted where the remaining guards stood. Looking around for a quick hiding place, Erais spotted some rocky hills. "Come on," She shouted at him and ran towards the large hills. The rocks were extremely unsteady, but this was her advantage. After so long on the rocky mountains, you can see patterns in the rocks. "Let's go," She pulled him across the rocks. After they had left one rock, it would fall away.

After a few moments she shifted a few rocks to find a small dug out hole that would be enough of a disguise. Climbing in while dragging Mesaraih behind her, she shifted the rocks back to look like no one had disturbed them at all.

Erais looked at him with a raised eyebrow. "Actually, yes I do. Because one, you don't make any attempt to not be dragged; and two, because you wouldn't last long on the rocks." She smirked as he hastily added that he had no hard feelings. After a moment or two Arden emerged from behind her.

He walked over to Mesaraih and sniffed him. After a few moments he began to tug at his boot. Just seeing him instantly made Erais happy again...and, well, nice. She watched amused as they waited till it was safe. "I'm not quite sure if he likes you or not yet. He definately likes your boot." She said good humorly with traces of a smile on her face.

Erais never though she'd be happy like this again. After so many horrible things had happened in her past, she wasn't sure she'd ever recover. After a while she realized that some couples would have a miracle child, but right now, all she knew was that Arden was her miracle right now. She peeked into his thoughts to see what he was thinking. What she did see made her laugh.

Watching as Arden played with the boot, she wondered how big he would get, and how fast he would grow. The worst part about having a baby dragon was that they could barely defend themselves. They needed constant care until they were able to return the friendship and loyalty. Studying his face, she realized how fierce his features were already.

Erais looked up from Arden and saw Mesaraih staring at them both. "I'm sorry if I was ever cold in the past, I doubt I'd ever apologize if Arden hadn't come along." She said solemly, but with a warm smile.

Erais moved to where Mesaraih was sitting against the rock. She sat next to him and sighed in relief as the sun began to set. Thinking back over to earlier that day, she could barely believe this had all happened in one day. I was foolish to think that I could make it out of there alive. If Mesaraih hadn't come, I'd be dead now. I owe him so much. She thought, not realizing that Arden had been able to hear it all.

It was a strange feeling having her mind full again. After a while Arden dragged the boot over and looked at her with a cute expression, as if to say 'Look what I caught?'. The boot was in terrible condition. "Sorry about that," she said a bit sheepishly as Arden curled up in the space between Mesaraih and Erais.

"Though still, it's not in so great condition now." She said, the boot had little cuts all over it. Erais stroked his head and thought about where they would go for safe refuge, now they were both wanted, and probably had a hefty price for their heads.

There were only a few safe places for them right now. The Varden. The elves, and Erais knew the mountains well enough that they'd be safe enough there. "As soon as it's dark enough, we need to leave, though traveling is extremely hard with a baby dragon. So I won't recommend you coming along, it will be extremely dangerous." The fact that he had helped her so much, she didn't expect him to want to come along.

"Well I care, I don't want to be responsible for anything that might happen to you. After all, you've been the closest thing I've had to a friend in so long that I'm surprised I can even remember what it's like." Erais said without thinking, after she realized what she had said and felt her face heat up slightly. She hadn't actually meant to say that out loud.

"Oh, the Varden." Her voice was quiet as she said it. "Well I don't supose I could stop you even if I wanted to. Though I do have some doubts about you knowing the mountains very well." The last bit was in attempts to save some of her dignity and return the mood back to its light state. Or as light as it could be, seeing as they were hiding in pretty much a hole from the Empire.

"Ah, but you've never exactly traveled with a baby dragon, have you?" She asked, though now knew she wouldn't be able to turn him down. She knew she needed the help, even if she didn't want to admit it. "Besides, I'm the experianced rider, remember? I've been taking care of myself for a long time." Erais was trying to convince herself more that she didn't need his company, but it wasn't working.

"Just so long as I don't have to cover your back all the time...than I suppose...you could come along." There it was, she had said it and already she was sure there was a slight chance she might regret it later. "Well with that in mind, what should we do while we wait for the cover of night?" She asked, glancing down at Arden who was fast asleep. His alabaster scales glistening in the bits of light that peaked through the rocks.

Erais shook her head. "No, it's not that...it's just I've traveled alone for so long that it will be very different for me. I mean, it has been way over a year since...well since I've been alone." She still couldn't really say it aloud. "I really do appreciate the fact that you'll come along, but even though I've softened, don't count on me to stay that way." She had been serious when she said that, but it was a light warning.

"Well I about we get to know each other better, since we'll be traveling together more." Erais suggested.

Erais listened to his story. It explained a lot, and also helped her know why he was the way he was. She had been curious about the wolf thing before, and if she hadn't witnessed it and heard from his own mouth as to why, she wouldn't have believed it. His past was slightly similar to hers, but it wasn't a noticable similarity.

After he finished, she watched him curiously as he struggled with hiding the fact that he wanted to say something else. "What is it you're not telling me?" Erais asked calmly, touching his arm, hoping it would help coax him on. "It's okay, you can tell me." She said quietly.

Erais listened carefully, her eyes grew wide as he came to an end. She opened her mouth, shut it and than opened it again. She wanted to say something to comfort him, in the end she bit her lip slightly. Not able to think of what she could possibly say to give him any sort of comfort. Leaning towards him, she wrapped her arms around him and hugged him gently. "I-I'm sorry." What else can you say?

Arden woke up from the movement. His eyes shown with some sort of emotion, he crawled into Mesaraih's lap and went back to sleeping.

Erais was solemn, what his father had done was inexcusable. She tenderly wiped his tears away. "Maybe it's because I know how it feels." Her voice had grown slightly shaky. She sat next to him, watching as the last bits of faint light passed through the rocks. In a few hours, it would be safe to move, but not yet. Even now she could hear the guards in the distance, searching the hills.

Usually she would be tense and hyperaware with what's going on, especially with guards searching for them. Though being around Mesaraih let her feel safe for the first time in a long time. She just sat quietly with him, watching Arden sleep peacefully. Taking a look into his mind she had to give a slight chuckle at what he was dreaming about.

Erais saw him harden his face. She had a few retorts, but knew she must have been like that. The silence was rather comfortable and it was warm enough that Erais began to feel tired. After a while of struggling to stay awake, she just gave up and shut her eyes, resting her head on the softest thing close by. Which happened to be Mesaraih's shoulder.

Erais opened her eyes, the sound of a maniackle laugh resounded against her ears. "You can run, but you can't hide?" The voice echoed through her mind as she realized with horror that it was Galbatorix's voice. "Besides, you find your way to me...you always do. Though this time I'll know you'll be coming." He laughed more, the sound of metal colliding with something living ran through the air. After a split second, she heard a voice screaming in pain. After a while it stopped and she realized who's voice it was.

Her eyes shot open and she screamed. Looking about frantically she realized that she was sitting in the dark, but was able to make out Mesaraih's outline. Without thinking she threw her arms around him. "You're alive..." She repeated over and over. The fear was still lodged in her mind, and she still couldn't get Galbatorix's threats out of her head.

Erais slowly calmed down as he rubbed his hand comfortingly on her back. He became ridged and a small sound escaped his mouth. The sound of metal weakly clanking against another piece of metal made her arms instinctively tighten around his body. Arden had become aroused and was defending the two as much as a little dragon could. Erais tried shaking Mesaraih awake, or to at least respond. He just was there unresponsive.

Shaking her head back and forth, she wouldn't believe that they had been caught. Grabbing him under the arms she began to drag him out of the dark hole and into the faint moonlight. Looking around she saw that there were a few guards about and two emerging from the hole. She looked about panicked. Arden had run over to her feet, getting under foot as he tried to find a safe place.

Looking about frantically she tried finding a way out. This isn't happening...this isn't happening... She could feel fear seize her whole body as she balanced Mesaraih, herself, and Arden on a rock. "We've finally caught you. So many people said you were dead, along with your horrible excuse of a dragon. Though here you are, standing before us. Which one of you did the egg hatch for?" The leader jeered at her.

Erais could barely move, she continued looking around for an escape. Looking down at Mesaraih, he wasn't moving and she saw the horrible gash in his neck. The guards started closing in. Arden was growling at them all, but his feeble attempts only made them laugh. "No! This won't happen again!" She screamed into the dark. Letting go of Mesaraih, she began to fight the guards.

Something unusual happened though, Arden sensed the need that Erais was going through, the desperation and fear that had succumbed her whole body. He began to feel a surge of something flow between them both.

Erais stood near Mesaraih defensively. "Aw, look at her. She likes him." A soldier taunted. Erais didn't take notice as a white light shot from her body and entered into Ardens. Arden was instantly rather huge and toward over everyone. He growled lowly and fought off the soldiers while Erais went over to Mesaraih. "Wake up, please, wake up." She said, tears rolling down her face.

She began transfering her energy into every healing spell she knew for his neck. "Wake up...you can't die...not now..." In such a short period of time she had begun to care for him very deeply.

Erais felt so relieved when he shot up and began attacking everyone. She looked around and saw a huge alabastor dragon fighting back the soldiers. After a moment a fear she realized it was Arden. What the-? She thought, how in the world had he magnified his size like that. Erais shook her head and stood up, already everyone was down and Mesaraih walked over to her. She smiled slightly, relieved. His hand felt very warm against her cheek.

Arden walked over to the two his features were extremely sharp and he had a face that looked like one from a nightmare. He was extremely scary to say in the least. Erais heart seized in panic as his neck split open again. He fell to the ground in pain. She watched in horror as he writhed in pain. Quickly bending down next to him, she tried once again to seal it up, but this time it opened back up.

Arden stood guard as Erais began to try her best to help him out. "No, you will not do this to me!" She said threateningly to Mesaraih as she continued her attempts at healing. Her energy was ebbing away, but it wasn't closing. Erais felt horrible that all that she was doing wasn't working. She pounded her fists against his chest dully, finally giving up and crying against him. "Wake up...wake up." She said quietly as slow tears rolled down her face.

Erais felt him stir underneath her. She brought her head up and saw him get up and stand. Holding the side of his neck that had been cut. What she did next surprised everyone, including herself. She slapped him, not too hard, though she almost wished it had been harder. "Don't ever scare me like that again!" A few stray tears kept falling down her face in the faint moonlight.

After a moment she walked over to him, hugging him. "You idiot, you should be more careful." She said in a sort of teasing way.

"I don't care...just so long as you're alive." She mumbled. Arden was rather fierce looking at the moment, even though he was rather relaxed right now. You really should be more careful, for all our sakes. Keep an eye on her until I can. He said to Mesaraih, and in that instant, whatever old magic that had kept him grown, disappeared and he was the same baby dragon again.

Arden ran over to the two and snapped at their ankles playfully. Erais looked down and was shocked to see baby Arden back. Remembering her previous nightmare, she shook slightly in fear. "We need to leave now." She said urgently, her voice pleading with Mesaraih. They had come so close tonight, she wans't ready to risk it again.

Erais was still rather shaken by the whole experiance. Her nightmare kept surfacing every time she shoved it back down. "I think we should head to the Varden, at least for right now." Erais said, shouldering her pack, she picked Arden up. "Yes, that's are best chance." They would have to stay in hard traveled places that were out of sight.

Erais was on constant watch. She was extremely nervous and the little disturbance made her jump. She did not want to have to go through all of that it again. Her mind was distracted, she didn't really pay attention to where they were going at the moment.

It was a bit of a hard journey. Arden couldn't keep up on his own, at least not for very long. So half of the time Erais was either carrying him in her arms or he was perched around her neck. Either way, baby dragons are not very light.

"Let's take a break." She said, her shoulder ached as she put Arden down. How is it that you would have been big enough to fly us, but now you've changed back into a baby and are extremely heavy? She asked Arden a bit ill tempered. Arden just looked at her confusedly, his aqua eyes shining like the stars that were starting to fade.

"How are you holding up?" Erais asked Mesaraih concerned as she walked over to him.

Erais agreed with him quietly. "I feel exactly the same way," she muttered to herself. Stretching her arms out, she sighed. "I'll be fine, I don't think you'd last long holding him in the condition you're already in. Though I won't deny I would have rather he was still grown." She looked down at Arden who was chasing a grasshopper.

"It's almost dawn, we should look for some cover soon. I don't doubt that the Empire will be spread out all over Alagaesia now. I don't think should risk going to any towns either, no matter how small." Her mind drifted back to earlier that night. She shuddered slightly. I never want to have that happen again. She thought dismally, turning her gaze up to the sky.

"Yeah, and find a better hiding spot." Erais said dully. Looking over at Mesaraih, she finally realized how much he had done for her. He had helped her break her old self, bringing back some of her old hopes and dreams as well. She was surprised at how much she cared for him, she hadn't really been so concerned for someone else in a very long time.

It will always be running and hiding, at least until Galbatorix is over thrown. But when will that be? Her thoughts were so troubled at the moment. She had so much to think about now, that it almost hurt. "You going to be okay? We are about to travel really hard." Erais was rather good at hiding now, she had become accustomed to being alone and taking the worst paths, that she hoped it wouldn't be so awful that Mesaraih would leave.

Now that they had decided to travel together, she didn't want to even think that he'd leave her alone. She felt too comfortable and safe with him, that she didn't want to feel alone again.

"You better, I don't think I'd be here right now." She said slightly teasingly, but behind it, she was completely serious. Deep in her mind she knew he had become her life line, along with Arden she was actually happy again. Of course it wasn't all fun and games, especially if you were wanted by everyone at the moment. Erais blushed lightly at his comment.

"It's hard to not be happy when you feel so alive." Going over to Arden, she picked him up once again and the small dragon nudged her face with his muzzle. "Come on, let's go. It will be hard to find a place that will keep us safe enough for rest...for something so small, his rather heavy." She said as Arden looked up at the sky, wondering at the faint stars.

Erais wasn't really paying attention to where she was walking, but looked in front of her enough to not stumble on something. After following Mesaraih for a few moments, she heard the sound of water and put Arden down. Walking next to the stream, she drank some of the water. Getting up from her knees she looked at Mesaraih as he tripped over a rock. "You should be more careful." She laughed quietly.

When he got frustrated at not being able to kick the rock, she laughed a bit harder. Though when he moved it to reveal a small latch she became serious and walked over to him. When it swung outward, she looked down as well. The room was dusty and looked a bit old. Curious, and without thinking she climbed down into it.

The floor gave way and she quickly grabbed onto one of the stray pieces of rope. After a few moments the rope still held. Her heart had nearly missed a beat from shock and surprise. The door was on the other side, and she had no way to get close enough to Mesaraih to help her. Finally after a few moments she heard the remains of the floor hit the bottom. She gulped, of course there was high chances of this being a trap, or at least have small traps to prevent unwanted people enetering.

Erais had felt the rope starting to rip, her heart thumped harder in her chest in fear. She saw Mesaraih jump in and freaked out. The rope was ripping and now Mesaraih jumped in blindly. Though so did she. Right as the piece of rope started to rip and she was about to start falling, she felt Mesaraih grip her by her waist and soon he was pulling her out.

As soon as she was she burried her face into his shoulder for a moment. Pulling away she felt a bit embarrassed. "Sorry," She mumbled and dropped her face to the ground. "From now on, no more jumping into strange underground rooms." She said, her voice shaky.

"What were you thinking though? What if that hadn't of worked?" She asked worriedly, her body was slightly shaky still. Her voice was still a bit off. She closed her eyes, trying to calm down. It was working, even more quickly with Mesaraih. Breathing deeply her heart rate started to slow and the panic slowly left her.

Arden walked over to a patch of grass and just lay down on it. Erais opened her eyes and looked over at him, he sort of reminded her of a puppy. "Well if I had fallen, than you shouldn't feel guilty. I'm the one who went down there blindly. I wouldn't have been able to get over it if you had fallen." Erais fell quiet. Her thoughts started to get jumbled again as so many different things entered her mind.

Erais' gaze snapped towards his, she looked him in his eyes, searching for what he meant exactly. "If you had fallen, I wouldn't have been able to get over it not just because I would have felt responsible." Even though she wasn't sure if he understood her or not, she couldn't break her eyes from his.

Erais listened to him and realized that a warm, gentle smile had formed. She couldn't bring herself to look away from him, even if had wanted to. "I thought that I'd live a life full of hate and revenge. Though I guess you could say that you've brought me back. I haven't exactly had someone like you in my life before..." She trailed off, her throat felt tight for a moment. "Thanks for not letting me die...more than once." She said with half a chuckle. Erais smiled at him again.

Erais felt herself beam in happiness when he kissed her on the cheek. Feeling rather better than she had in quite a very long time, she tapped his cheek lightly. "Than I guess we better stick together, since we seem to keep each other alive." Still feeling rather happy, she continued. "Now we've got two choices: leave and continue making our way to a better hiding spot. Or we can always figure out some way to get to that door and see what's behind it." Her eyes gleamed with the spark of adventure.

The sound of distant commotion instantly brought her back to the cruel reality she was living in, though looking over at Mesaraih she allowed herself a small smile. "I don't suppose we have a choice now. We need to get down there quick." In her mind she was worrying about Arden and Mesaraih right now, her thoughts were far from herself. She didn't want to lose either one of them now, and decided she was more than willing to give her life for them.

Looking around for something that could possibly help her get into the door, she found absolutely nothing. Having an idea she took Arden and leaned down into the open way. As soon as you hit solid ground, don't move. She thought to him. Don't move. He repeated back to her. Angling him so he would land through the door, she hauled him through the empty air. If only he could fly... It would be a huge help.

"Mesaraih, you need to go next." Erais said, standing back up.

Ooc - that's okay, but I've got no real idea as to what or where the door leads to, so most of that will be up to you.

Ic -
Erais felt her heart rench as the sound from her nightmare reverberated through her mind. She quickly casted a few spells and slipped through the dark just as the rock was placed over the hole again. After a moment of falling she felt herself land on something softer than what she expected. It took her a few moments, but she realized it was Mesaraih. "Sorry," She said quietly, not sure how he had landed since it was pitch black.

Erais just held onto him as they made it to the door. She wasn't sure if this had been a good idea, but it had been the only cover she could find. Holding his hand tightly they made their way through the dark hall way. Erais had a feeling they were walking straight into a trap, but the other exit was blocked off now. Where are you Arden? She asked, feeling something brush up against her she jumped slightly and stifled a scream. Here, he said, walking very close along side them.

"Why do I get the feeling we are walking straight into another trap?" She asked Mesaraih while walking closer to him.

Erais just stayed quiet, Arden was walking caustiously, sensing something was terribly wrong. The next room brought back the feeling of about to fall and she cringed. It wasn't exactly a happy memory. In her mind she knew they should turn back, but her curiosity overpowered it. As they opened the next door, light filtered through. Arden go back! She screamed in her mind. Before Arden had been seen he ran the opposite way as Erais had said. Discreetly she covered her hand.

Galbatorix stood in front of them, her nightmare flashed through her memory and she froze in fear. "Well, well, well. It seems we meet again." Erais could only stare at him wide eyed as he spoke. "Now what have you done with my dragon egg?" His voice was sickly sweet and Erais could feel her mind being probed. She quickly shut it off from him, her hand holding rather tightly onto Mesaraih's.

For a moment Erais had a slight fear that he was serious, though after a few moments it was cleared up and she felt relieved. As the wall of fire sprang up, she replied to Mesaraih. "You don't think I don't know that?" She asked just as several soldiers came up behind them blocking their exit, a few magicians started putting spells up on the door so that way was definately blocked off. Arden, where are you? Erais screamed frantically in her mind. Just as the last spells were cutting their exit off, he dashed into the room and dived towards Erais' feet.

"Ah, so he hatched for you did he?" Galbatorix laughed strangely. Erais knew the only way out was past him. She had to get Mesaraih and Arden out, guilt settled in her stomach as she felt responsible for this whole thing. I'll distract him best I can, get Arden out of here! Erais thought rather loudly to Mesaraih. After all, it was better her than him.

Erais felt a little bit relieved when he was leaving. Fighting Galbatorix was much more than she had expected, when Mesaraih grabbed her she nearly sliced him from instincts. He pushed her towards the exit and she looked at him frightened. "I won't leave you to him," Her voice was oddly strained, but realized that if one stayed behind, than the other might have a chance. If they both stayed...than she knew they wouldn't make it out of there alive. "You still have a life to live...I'm broken, get out of here." She said through clenched teeth.

She knew what had to happen, but she wasn't willing to accept it yet. "I will be broken if you die..." She moved forward when he was jabbed in the leg, Arden was hiding in the shadows, a bit terrified of what was going on. Galbatorix was steadily going at it faster and much more harder. "Just promise me we'll see each other again!" She said painfully, tears starting to well up in her eyes. There was little chance she'd see him again, and she knew it; but if he promised, than there was a chance.

Erais took one last look at him and ran. Arden was already far in front of her, he confirmed that the way was clear. After a little bit there was light filtering in. Breaking through she realized that it was finally the exit. Going out into the dim light she looked around, not sure where she was exactly, after a few moments she remember Galbatorix and that he might already be on her tail. Picking up Arden she ran as far away from the concealed entrance as she could. Seeing a very thick cluster of trees, she decided that was her best bet. I hope your alright Mesaraih. A few tears fell dow her face. Now she wished she had never made the risky attempt at getting Arden's egg.

Erais held onto Arden tightly, she was seized with fear. Erais heard a scream of pain and it brought back her nightmare. She began to shake and tears began to fall faster. She couldn't stand staying hidden when she knew that something had gone terribly wrong. Though if she didn't stay hidden, she might not live. So now it was a choice between saving her own skin, or risking it for Mesaraih.

After a few seconds thought, she knew she couldn't stay in hiding while he suffered. Jumping up from her hiding place she began running back the way she came. Arden followed her, already he had grown about twice his size somehow. As she whipped past the underbrush, cuts took form on her arms and face. Finally coming to a stop she saw him. He didn't look good and now she regreted her decision to leave him.

Running over to him before he could fall over, she held him upwards. "We're going to get out of here alive, I just need you to stay awake, okay? Don't leave me, we've come to far for you to just give up." Erais said sternly, but her voice was laced with concern and gentleness. With Arden supporting him on his left and Erais on his right, she began to make her way to the sound of rushing water.

After a while, she saw the river. It was about half a mile wide. It would definately give them distance and put Galbatorix off their trail, wherever he was. She set Mesaraih against a tree. "Stay awake okay?" Her voice was tender as she left him to find something to help them cross the river.

Erais hadn't really noticed his stomach wound, she was sure he'd be okay for a little while until he needed healing, but how long could he hold out with two wounds? Seeing him coming over to her, and began helping her she stopped. "No Mesaraih, it's my turn now. You'll give yourself too much exhaustion. Please, just rest." She leaned in and kissed him lightly on his cheek. "I won't let you die, not when we've come so close." After that she refused any help he wanted to give.

Finally she was able to rig together a rather poor looking raft, but at least it would hold. Arden had stayed fairly close by, his ears and eyes on the lookout while the other two were a bit off guard.

Erais knew they couldn't hide from Galbatorix on their own forever, soon they'd be caught. Well caught again. "We will live through this, though I think it would be best to get to the Varden now. How far is it from here?" It was their best bet, and hopefully the river would slow the Empire down. "When we get to safety, remind me to thank you, because I'd be just as dead without you. You won't get far with those." Erais pulled her strength together and healed his leg, she noticed his stomach and a sense of familiarity came over her.

Healing his stomach she felt like she had run for over a day, but at least they were in traveling condition now. "Let's go," Arden lifted his head after Erais said that.