Erais was struggling desperately to banish Reik from controlling her, but so far it wasn't working. She could only watch on as a third party and do nothing. She felt her body stop after a short time, for a moment she felt relief as she was able to gain a small amount of control back, it felt like it was over and Reik would leave her alone for now. Her sword clanged dully against the ground as she registered what Reik had spoken. No, she said weakly back. She wouldn't tell him, she couldn't. Now she wished more then ever that she didn't have any knowledge in the ancient language.

Erais shied back from Reik's tone. No Reik, please don't make me, she sobbed to him. There was no way she could just tell him how to kill Mesaraih, she'd rather die. Looking around blindly she felt a heavy force pin her harshly to the ground, the weight caused her to let go of her sword and a small sigh escaped. Erais you've blocked me out plenty of times, block him out! Arden screamed to her. I can't- Erais stopped as she felt she couldn't say anything more to him. This was frustrating, she had to fight him! But how? As long as Fenixeres held her down, he couldn't attack Mesaraih, but how long could she hold off in not telling him?

Don't try to struggle and tell me! he yelled at her. He started inflicting pain on her own body, hoping to get her to finally spit it out.

[color=#FF0000]Mesaraih got the sword Erais had dropped and kept it at his side. Then he walked over to her. "Erais," said. "Can you hear me? Can you talk to me?"color]

No! Erais was able to shout at Reik. She felt slightly stronger, but she didn't know if she could hold out for long. She squirmed under Fenixeres as pain shot through her. "Stop," she wheezed slightly as another wave a pain ran through her. Stop it Reik! Erais screamed at him desperately, the pain almost too unbearable.

Erais felt the pain start to crush her, coaxing her in the worst way to give in. Reik, please, Erais said weakly as another ripple of pain coarsed through her. She knew she could only stand it for a few more minutes, if it didn't stop, she knew she'd cave. You don't know what you're doing, her voice was frail as she talked through the pain. Getting an idea, she tried deflecting the pain, see if it would backfire on Reik. Maybe since she could feel his thoughts and emotions, maybe he could feel hers.

Erais breathed heavily as Reik let her go. She sat up and started to tremble slightly, her body ached and she feared Reik's words. She buried her face in her hands for a moment, "no, he's coming back though." Erais said, just glad she was left alone for now. The dark cloud lifted from her mind and she had full control again. She sighed heavily. "I don't know if I can do that again." Erais moaned slightly, the pain had been harsh, and left her body aching horribly.

"I'm not so sure, it would be for the best, but he could still work through me." Erais said, squinting her eyes for a moment. "I think I might be able to fight him though, I think that I had been able to deflect his pain back at him, I think. He had let me go after I had tried it." Erais looked up at Arden, he looked at her sadly. He has more possession over her right now then anything could be, sort of like having a hand puppet. Arden told Mesaraih worriedly.

Erais shook her head. "No, I think that would be more dangerous." She told him while looking between Fenixeres and Arden. "But if we plan on staying together, all of us need to stay alert. I tried warning you, but it came over too quickly, so I think that someone should keep an eye on me at all times, otherwise we can have a repeat of earlier." She shuddered slightly at the memory, she knew she couldn't handle killing him.

Erais looked up at Arden. I can, and I will do it gladly, but even the mightiest need to sleep. He told them, he could do a good job at it, but he wouldn't be able to watch her 24/7. "He's right, but I don't think it will be hard to figure out an alternative. I just hope Reik is wounded enough to leave me alone for a while. I don't think this is the curse he broke. Broken curses don't come back, even though the Shades dead, I believe he is once again responsible for this." Erais finally voiced her opinion.

Erais looked at Mesaraih confused for a moment, but went through the memories that she had from Reik. "Yeah, sort of...but if I'm seeing things right, I think there's a high chance you really are brothers." She said slowly, trying to digest the information. "That's probably why you two became friends quickly, and because you looked out for each other so willingly. It might have been the bond between you as brothers that helped keep you alive in certain situations, but I could be wrong." Erais said to him, not sure she had just created such a big opinion on it.

Erais reached her hand out and traced his face for a moment with her fingertips. "We might be able to use that against him, or for him, either way I don't think he know it yet. Unless of course he had been told, but I don't see that at all, though I'm sure I don't have access to all his memories." She told him gently and in comfort.

Erais retreated to her thoughts for a moment, try and explore the new places and thoughts in her mind. Arden retreated from her mind to let her explore it, after all it was a new area for her. He decided to stay next to her just incase she lost control again. Life will go on like it always has, we just have a new obsticle in our lives. That's all it is and we will concur it just like everything else. Arden told her before leaving her to her thoughts.

Erais looked up at Mesaraih to see a slightly goofy smile on his face. "Okay, other then being tired, what could have made you smile that way?" she asked him with a small laugh. She hadn't ever seen a smile like that before on him, it was more carefree, and the Mesaraih she knew was rarely carefree.

Erais stood up next to him. "Go back to sleep, you're still tired and after that strain, you need it." She told him slightly stern, but it was spoken for his well being. I'll watch her for now, see if I can unravel more of this odd mystery. I'm sure Reik will try again soon, he is much stronger with the evil burning inside of him. I'll take her away so Reik won't be able to see you exposed while in sleep. Arden told Mesaraih before walking over to Erais and signalling for her to climb onto his back.

Erais climbed onto Arden, even though Mesaraih was safely in the hold now, Arden didn't want to risk it. He knew that if he let her slip from him, that it would hurt her deeply if she did something to Mesaraih. Erais watched the sky as Arden soared to the other side of Farthen Dur, just as a precaution.

Erais had stayed with Arden in a secluded area all day, to terrified to be near Mesaraih right now. Now that she wasn't anywhere near him, she was able to realize more clearly what was really going on. She sat against Arden and just watched the shadows shorten and then lengthen again as the day seemed to draw to a close. Get sleep now Erais, I'll keep an eye on you, don't fear. He told her as her eyes slipped shut again, unwillingly as she was afraid to let herself be exposed to Reik's power again.

Erais felt her eyes shut more willingly, her whole body calling weakly at her for sleep. She didn't want to take the chance, but she was so tired. Arden unfortunately, had fallen asleep. Sometimes his love for naps weren't always the best thing. Erais knew that if she fell asleep, Reik could probably keep her asleep and still do damage. I just need to stay awake! She thought to herself sternly and snapped her eyes open. Within a few minutes she had lost the battle, she slumped to the side and her body welcomed the sleep, though her mind was terrified of it. At least I'm on the other side, I'm too far away from Mesaraih...right? she thought before she fell into a deep slumber.

Arden felt something pull him out of his sleep. He grumbled as any trace of sleepiness was washed away. What in the world made that happen? he asked himself as he looked down at Erais. She was asleep, but she still looked troubled and stressed out. Oh well, everything looks to be normal. He began to speak with himself. He decided to just watch her, to just keep an eye on her, after all, something was refusing to let him sleep now. He wondered faintly if it was something to do with Reik, but he let it go and kept on the alert.

Arden glanced back down at Erais, he felt suspicion rise up in him as she spoke. He had an ominous feeling about it. I would, you know that, but something won't let me go back to sleep. I don't get what it is but... something dawned on Arden and he glared at Erais for a moment before adopting a sleepy look. Well if you're sure, we all need sleep. He said more calmly and set his head back down against the ground and closed his eyes.

Arden refrained from responding to the rock hitting his eye. He delved secretly into the part of Erais' mind that she had a minimal control over and found her still uncscious in sleep. He felt like growling, but Reik might hear him. He's coming Fenixeres, but he can't know that you know. Erais isn't awake yet, so I think we should teach Reik a lesson. Arden communicated to Fenixeres while he leapt up into the air silently, disappearing into the dark sky. Keeping on eye on Erais as Reik was using her body to murder Mesaraih.

I'm not sure yet, but Reik will pay for putting all of us through so much. I think that we should just carry on for now and let him get dangerously close to Mesaraih before attacking him. I just hope Erais will forgive us for causing her physical pain. Arden said as he soared higher in the sky. Luckily Reik couldn't travel as fast as he normally could since he had to do everything through another person. Let him think he's got victory, then take it out right from underneath him. Arden said as revenge pulsed through his body.

Arden glided over to a fairly large boulder in the side of the mountain and pulled it out quietly. Lets see if we can scare him. As long as he's in Erais' body, I think she'll stay asleep, I hope she does. Arden said as he flew a little in front of what appeared to be Erais, but possessed by Reik. Making sure he was too high to be seen in the dark, he dropped the boulder and it smashed just out of reach of Reik. Bits darting everywhere and cutting into Erais' skin slightly.

Erais felt something slice into her skin, lodging itself painfully there. It was enough to jolt her awake. Wait Fenixeres, Erais woke, I want to see if she'll try fighting Reik before we do anything else. Arden stopped dropping the boulders, slightly upset that shards of rock had cut into her skin. Erais was instantly aware that once again Reik had control. Get out Reik, it was the first thing she said. It was more of a gut response to the feeling of having no control over her body instead of thinking about saying it.

Erais growled in her mind, she wasn't going to have the same scene repeat. She would much rather prefer Mesaraih know nothing of this, but that was probably unlikely. No! She said sternly and somehow managed to stop her body from walking towards the Dragonhold. I won't let you kill him! Erais shouted at Reik, she was sure that she couldn't hold him back forever, but hopefully long enough.

Because I will do everything I can against you from killing Mesaraih. I won't let him die because of this bizarre connection we have. Erais growled at him, angry with him. She was trying desperately to keep a hold on her body, but it was very slowly slipping away. It was taking so much concentration just to keep herself immobile. She began to wonder how he had so much control over her so easily.

Erais felt her control slip completely for a moment as Reik rambled on, very annoyingly, but it was working. Finally she screamed over his voice for a moment and it shut him up long enough for her to gain control again. Because Mesaraih means to much to me, I won't go down without a fight. Erais bit harshly back at him. To try and keep his annoying voice from her head, she began to hum extremely loudly in her head. It seemed that it had all ended up in who could annoy the other quickest.

Erais felt slightly proud at herself from hearing the slight annoyance in his voice. She nearly laughed, but caught herself in time. He has a life, and it wouldn't be condeming one soul to death, but two. I couldn't live with murdering him and Fenixeres. Make yourself useful and go after Galbatorix! She yelled at him so she wouldn't lose control again. She couldn't really move anywhere, Reik still had enough power, but she had enough of her own to keep herself from moving anywhere.

Erais was shocked to say in the least when Reik was gone, just gone. He was no where to be found and his annoying and rude remarks had left. She felt herself gain total control again, and as she did she collasped onto the ground out of shock. She hadn't expected him to have just left her like that. He had disappeared so quickly that it made her head spin. It was completely dark everywhere, but she was relishing the feeling of freedom. She sat on the ground, just happy to be her own person now, not caring when it would happen again, if it did ever happen again, which it would most likely happen again; but she found she didn't care. She had got through her him, at least on some level, so it was still possible to bring him back.

Arden had followed Fenixere's down, but kept quiet. Yes I'm fine, but he just left. It took me a moment to realize what had happened. He didn't linger at all, it happened so fast. I'm just feeling relieved that he left, and I'm grateful I could hold him off long enough for him to give up on Mesaraih for the moment. She told Fenixere, still quite happy with what had happened.

Arden brought his head down next to Erais and nudged her slightly. She looked up at him with a soft, but sorrowful smile. I'm fine, but its a strange feeling, that I can say. Erais told him comfortingly. I think I'll try to rest some more tonight, I'm sure Reik will leave us alone for a fair while. Erais stood up and began walking to the other side, just for precaution.

I don't know, but Reik is just as new to it, though he figured some of its functions out really quick. I don't think either of us have a clue as to how to break the connection, but I'm more then welcome towards ideas and input. Erais told Fenixeres. And please don't mention anything of it to Mesaraih, I don't want him worried. She said.

Erais didn't say anything as she lay down to sleep, her mind in a muddle. Mesaraih was stubborn, and she didn't want to go to sleep, and so far she didn't want to do much. Good night Arden. She said and fell to sleep.

Arden lay down next to Erais, she was already fast asleep. He hoped that the connection could be broken soon. The moon began to set long before he was able to sleep again, he worried about her, she was holding strong, but he knew that she couldn't handle everything forever. Life will return normal again, Arden told himself as his eyes slid shut.

Erais was felt herself being pulled out of her sleep. It took her a moment to register what Reik had said to her. I don't think it can, at least I don't know how. Reik, are you okay? Erais didn't particularly like Reik at the moment, but she still knew he was a good guy, just really far and deep down. She was sensing some discomfort and almost a slight twinge of pain cross to her.

Erais felt a few waves of pain pass through to her, and it hurt, no wonder Reik was having a difficult time. I don't know where to look, it's all just one immensely strong bond. Erais said slightly distressed. With a mental sigh she let the connection open up more to let his pain lessen on him and pass to her, it was the least she could do, even if he had manipulated her. We need to work together, and as hard as it is with us on conflicting sides, I think we can work it out. Erais said confidently, though doubting a little bit.

Erais let all her blocks down and let the pain flood through her body. It would hopefully help Reik as he looked. It was excruiatingly painful, she didn't know how he could stand it. She kept quiet though, not wanting to break his concentration. She had decided if there was no possible way to break right now, then she'd just deal with it. Her and Reik could come to some sort of agreement or something. In her mind, she knew that she'd have to leave Mesaraih eventually though.

Sorry Reik, but no. Erais told him with a grimace. It wasn't really that bad, if you concentrated really hard on something else, then sure, it wasn't too bad. Don't worry about me, take your time thinking before you make a decision. We can't know that breaking the connection would be a good thing, for all we know, it could turn out to be something much more terribly worse. She said in warning. She shuddered, it was hard to imagine something worse then this.

Erais had to block some of the pain back towards Reik so she'd be able to see properly. After seeing it she returned all the pain back to herself. I don't know, I don't care, but I don't have a good feeling about it. There was something about it that told her not to allow it, but it wasn't just her choice. The feeling seemed to mount as she spoke to Reik. Do what you think is best, she told him, fully respecting what he wanted.

Erais blocked the pain right after the bond was cleaved into two pieces. She had the odd sensation of being thrown into her own mind and the feeling of being locked away. Before she knew it something was advancing on her and within seconds she was battling for her life. It was much more difficult then all the battles with the Shade had ever been. He shouldn't have done that! She screamed in her mind as she tried to outrun death for now. The bond had been keeping them alive, that was obvious, but it seemed that if they were seperate, then they'd die. They had to be connected to live, at least for now. One thing was for sure, she knew she had to reforge the connection somehow; but how could she when they were on completely opposite ends and were way too far away to contact eachother?

Erais turned around knowing she couldn't outrun. Since the connection was so strong, could she still tap into it? Reik if you can hear me, we need to forge the bond again! Please! She cried out desperately. The thing was too strong against her. She just hoped Reik would be willing to help and do it.

Erais continued to dodge the strange creature, it was all she could do. The sounds it made would haunt her for a long time, they were creepy and sounded like voices that were twisted from her past. I don't know either, but I really don't want to die this way! She found herself shouting from the adrenaline that pumped through her veins. Just as the creature lunged at her, she hadn't moved in time and somehow her hand slipped through its chest and disappeared. She screamed as she felt her hand not exactly there. The creature had frozen completely, her hand stuck in the black mass of its body. I'm stuck! She told Reik and sent a feeble image of what had happened. She was surprised that they were still able to communicate, but just barely.

Erais shrieked slightly as something grabbed her hand, she cut it off as she saw Reik appear. "How in the world did that happen?" she asked him confused. "Never mind, we'll figure that out later. How do we get rid of them and cheat death?" she asked him while staring at the two beasts who made a strange sound together which shook her slightly.

Erais looked at him, then looked at the two creatures. She looked again, maybe it wouldn't be a bad idea. "Okay, but how do you suggest we do that?" she asked him, still trying to figure out how to do that. "I hope it won't cause the same effect."

Erais felt a panicky feeling wash over her, making it hard for her to keep from moving, she was sure it was the effects of the beasts. "Lets try the first one," she said slightly hysterical. The two beasts were advancing, making her panic shoot up, making it almost unbearable for her to stand still.

"Yes," Erais agreed with him. She looked at the two who were on either side of Reik and she quickly walked forward to them. As soon as she had come within inches of being able to touch them, her vision was shut off to complete darkness. She froze, to scared to move. "I can't see!" She said alarmed, feeling the hot breath of something on her neck. She swung around and tripped, not being able to see anything.

Some people say that if one of your senses is cut off, the others become more sharp and heightened. Most of the time that is true. Erais felt the ground tremble slightly from the battling. She shut her eyes and let her other senses flood outward. It seemed to open up and she stood up, letting her other senses guide her. Listening carefully she was able to pin point where the three were. From the strange sounds that the beasts were making, she could see their forms in her mind. "Reik!" She shouted, hoping this would work. "See if you can spot an small mark on one of the shoulders!"

Ooc - both, sorry I wasn't more clear.

"I don't know, but it sounds like it was the right thing." Erais said while trying to think of a solution. Something seemed odd about this picture, she knew what had to happen, but it was evading her carefully. "Wait!" She shouted after having an idea. "See if you could possibly get the bloods to mix!" She said quickly.

Light flooded Erais' vision as the two creatures disappeared. She sighed with relief as she saw the bond reforged. "Well now we know why we can't break it," she said with a shaky laugh. Even though she hadn't been able to visually see what had happened, from her other senses, it had been hard on Reik. "Now we are stuck with our old problems, but right now I'll take them. This is much better then trying to evade two creatures." She sighed with relief, but knew that trouble was still hanging around the bend.

Erais rubbed her sore neck, she looked up at Reik to see him gagging slightly. She raised an eye brow in confusion before a malicious voice began to speak. She felt a twinge of fear pour through her body as she watched Reik being succombed to pain. She didn't dare move, afraid of what was going on. Small pricks of pain rose through her body, she grimaced slightly, but Reik looked to be in much more pain. He couldn't do anything but suffer through it. Erais cringed as the pain went on for hours. Watching Reik, she saw his eyes turn black and murder passed through her body and she knew what had happened. Not again, she thought distressed as the invading feelings washed through her, taking her mind and body. She watched as Reik went unconscious from the pain, she could only wish that this wasn't happening again.

Erais sait there, puzzling over what they could do. The pain didn't bother her so much anymore, but Reik still looked like it was hurting him just as much, even though he was asleep. She tried shoving the murderous thoughts from her head as she thought. There has to be a way. Erais thought dismally.