"Well the fact that you saved us all from death...isn't that enough to be recognized as a hero?" She asked coyly. "Not really, you told me what to do, otherwise I was clueless. You're the one who figured everything out." Erais told him in a matter-of-fact tone. As they walked into the city limits, the few people around burst into whispers and a few ran off to let everyone know that Mesaraih was still alive, even though he had been missing this whole time.

Erais felt a small smile creep onto her face as she watched Mesaraih walk as casually as he could. She was sure most other men would be a bit pigheaded in this situation and call all the attention on themselves, but it seemed as if Mesaraih was doing the opposite. For that she was grateful, it made him much more different and set apart then most everyone else. It wasn't a bad thing, and she liked it.

Finally they came to a door with weary looking guards standing in front of it. Apparently everyone was worn from the long battle. They opened the doors for them, walking in a woman looked up from some charts and a relieved look came over her face. "We've all been worried sick about you Mesaraih, where have you been?" She asked him, not seeing Erais yet. Not sure what was really going on, Erais stepped back into the shadows.

Ooc - Sorry I didn't make that clearer. It's Nasuada. Sorry.

Erais just watched from the shadows. Mesaraih's words were a bit harsh towards the people in the room. Most of them seemed almost joyous at their victory against the Shade who was almost undoubtably with Galbatorix. "So while everyone was being brought in, including the dead. You'd rather be alone and sleep on the battle field than be able to be under the cities protection? What could you have been thinking? You were at high risk out there." The woman said angry, but not loudly. Her voice was almost impassive and she kept a cool appearance.

"You could have at least sent word!" She said irritated with him, her voice gaining a bit of volume to it. Erais stayed quiet where she was, wondering if she should intervene. "You are obviously well..." She was being a bit pointed and the way she was talking was starting to annoy Erais. "We can't have our newest dragon rider dying on us!" She continued, the others in the room watched in anticipation as to why Nasuada was so wound up about it. Though it was understanding, Mesaraih was a dragon rider, and those weren't exactly a common thing.

Nasuada had calmed herself down and was prepared for Mesaraih's outburst. "There were certainly plenty of people around for the first hour or two moving the injured and dead." She pointed out, her gaze almost piercing. "Well you heal fast...not a scratch on you, at least not from where I can see." She said sweeping over his attire. He really did look fine just a bit worn, at first. Looking closer he did looked battle worn and beat up quite a bit.

The small conflict going on between Mesaraih and Nasuada was making Erais feel a bit uncomfortable. She wasn't sure what was going on, so she quietly made her way to the door, exiting without being noticed. At least she hoped she wasn't noticed. She definately didn't want to end up in something like Mesaraih was stuck in at the currect moment.

"You could have at least assured us that you were still here. You weren't among the dead, or the living." Nasuada was still upset, but had regained her composure. "But please, we are trying to keep better tabs on the limited few dragon riders that we have been blessed with. Speaking on that note, shouldn't Fenixere's be with you right now? These early days are crucial towards the rider and dragon bonding more quickly." She raised an eyebrow in questioning.

Nasuada looked at him confusedly for a moment before dismissing her paranoia. "Well its good to know you're still with us. You're dismissed." Nasuada said and went back to the charts she was looking over before. "Oh, and check up on Reik for me. I haven't seen him around since when everyone first came back. Its nice to have an old friend back." She said, referring to the fact that Reik was pretty much the living dead.

Just outside, I don't exactly want to get in the middle of you sprawl. It didn't look to fun or comfortable. Erais spoke back to him. She was pretty much just outside the doors, she was perched on a rock, watching the people move about, starting to fall back into their old lives before the Shade.

Erais looked up when she heard Mesaraih's voice. "True, but that wouldn't have been much fun." She said with a crooked grin. "Though she assumes too much, I was there with you." Her face fell as she remembered the unpleasent memory. "Not something that she should talk so harshly to you about. You were dead, barely hanging on. The thread was so thin, that even one thought could have taken you away from me." She was upset now, having remembered what had happened; but she was glad he held on.

Erais smiled gently as she watched Fenixeres. She was immensely grateful to the little dragon. She laughed lightly as the rat disappeared in Fenixeres mouth. "Maybe he could give Arden some tips, obviously he has a hard time catching rats of his own." She said remembering what he was doing earlier. He was pretty much full grown and fierce, but he was definately more of a baby dragon than one that was grown. Erais was pretty sure most dragons his age and size weren't so childish.

Erais chuckled slightly. She fell silent and looked at him curiously. She wasn't sure what he was talking about. Finally she shook her head a bit upset, there were still many things she didn't understand. "No, not really..." She trailed off, seeing if she could remember, but nothing except the previous events came to mind. She still doesn't even know she's a rider. Arden broke into Mesaraih's mind. Erais was still completely oblivious to Arden's presence in her mind.

"No, no its fine, its just really weird not being able to remember." Erais quickly reassured him, not wanting him to become upset. "I'm just wondering if this is how my life will be from now on. I mean, will I never be able to remember anything else then what I've been able to recover? Or will it all come back eventually?" She thought outloud, in all honesty that was how she really felt.

"Oh well, if I'm supposed to remember, than I guess fate will allow it." She said and shrugged of the feelings and thoughts of never really knowing anything else again. Erais smiled at Mesaraih, he still looked a bit worn and tired from what had happened. "You feeling any better? I still think you should at least get checked over by a healer." She suggested.

Erais frowned slightly, she still thought he should at least be checked over, just to make sure that he was just sore. Arden could be seen high in the sky, just enjoying being in the air, Erais wished she could be as free as he was at that moment. "So when are you going to start basic training with Fenixeres?" She asked him.

Erais felt saddened, she knew she couldn't hang around with Mesaraih forever, he did have an obligation to Fenixeres. She was just sad that she'd have to be alone in the world, not really knowing what went on. At least she knew how to fight, that gave her much comfort. But I only went on to fight because I was threatened with my life. That was the only reason I got my memory of that back...or at least my instincts kicked in on what they already knew. She thought to herself, wondering if that could be applied to any other part of recalling her memories.

Erais felt a small and sad smile come to her face. "I'd be more of a distraction and only messing things up for you. We both know that eventually, we will have to go our seperate ways. You as a dragon rider have a lot of responsibilities on you shoulders now. I don't want to be in the way of you being able to help everyone instead of my selfishness." She said solemnly. Many sad thoughts ran through her head at that moment, she didn't want to leave him, but it was inevitable.

"I don't really want to go...but..." Erais trailed off, feeling torn between her obligation to let him stay more focused on his training, or be a little bit selfish and just be able to be with him. She frowned slightly, wishing her choice could be easier...maybe she would just stay. After all, where would she go if she left?

"Thanks," Erais said distantly as she went over the possibilities, looking for the smallest excuse to stay. There were plenty excuses for her to leave, but she searched desperately for a big enough excuse for staying. He could end up getting lonely...but... She thought to herself frustrated, knowing that wasn't enough of an excuse. Besides, Fenixeres would be with him almost the whole time. She now knew it would take quite a while to figure out a reason to stay with him, and she was glad Mesaraih was going to let her think it over.

Erais felt a strange emotion run through her mind, she wasn't sure because it had run through so fast, but for a split second she felt like killing something just because she could. It shocked her and she felt a ghost like presence settle over her mind, somehow she knew it was connected to the dead shade, her lost memories, and someone. She wasn't sure who it was, but there was someone out there that connected to her. Erais stood motionless, trying to figure out what was going on.

Her lost memories were connected to the Shade, that much she felt sure of, but it felt as though the Shades death did something horrible. She wondered if she should mention it to Mesaraih. "Um..." She stopped herself, wondering if she could phrase it, after all, she didn't even really know what was going on. "Something bad has happened," Erais finally whispered softly.

Erais felt troubled as Mesaraih had gotten a similiar feeling. It was irksome to know that even with the Shade gone, there were still things that were his fault. She followed after Mesaraih who was in the Dragonhold, she climbed her way up and walked over to him. The feeling that she was receiving from the place was starting to freak her out a little bit. "He's back, isn't he?" she asked him quietly, afraid of what might happen if he came back. But he left when he could have easily come for Mesaraih...wouldn't that mean there is still some small part of him fighting? She questioned herself.

Erais went over and rubbed his arm soothingly. She racked her mind for any sort of information that could possibly help. "Wait, didn't he say that he didn't think his curse could be taken away that easily? When you had stabbed him." She pointed out, not realizing that that memory had been there the whole time, she just hadn't realized it. "So there must be a seperate way to get him back...just a bit more difficult than stabbing him." Erais told him thoughtfully.

Apparently her memories were tied to Reik. All of her memories were back, but only because Reik was possessed again. She just didn't figure it out yet.

Erais frowned slightly, her thought had felt brilliant for a moment, but she agreed silently with him. It had sounded like something only Reik could accomplish on his own; or so it seemed. She felt shocked at Mesaraih's question, of course she didn't...did she? "I don't know, but I know I don't have the same lost feeling." She couldn't tell if she remembered or not, sure there were things that seemed more apparent in her mind, but was that remembering? "Ask me something, or test me in some way." She told him, not wanting to get her hopes up if she really didn't remember.

"Of course, why would you ask me a silly question like that?" Erais said like it was a very obvious thing. She stopped for a moment, realizing what that meant. Excitedly she hugged Mesaraih tightly, but the mechanics in her head started to turn and she pulled away from him, realizing something that might be the cold truth. Instantly her happy demeaner fell as her world crashed.

Erais looked at him with an upset expression, sure her mind had been clouded in worry for other things, but this was much worse than she could have thought. "I think my memories are tied with Reik. As long as he stays this way and not break his curse, than I'll keep them; but I fear the Shade did something completely unforgivable. Once Reik breaks his curse for good...my memories will be gone forever..." It sounded strange when she voiced it, it made it a reality, one that she didn't want to live in. They were stuck, either her memories or Reik being free.

Erais shook her head sadly, feeling dismayed. She didn't like seeing Mesaraih so upset, but she didn't want to loose her memories again. It had been an awful experiance that she'd rather not relive. "I don't think that would work, it would just be like reading someone else's life. I wouldn't be able to fit the pieces together." She looked at Mesaraih desperately.

Erais had to think as well, so she walked out of the Dragonhold to think herself. Reik and him were close, like brothers. She had only known Mesaraih for five or six months. Either way it would be a loss. It didn't seem like it would be possible to keep her memories and save Reik. Sighing, she decided what had to be done. Walking back to Mesaraih, she was quiet for a moment. "Mesaraih, it is very obvious that you two are like brothers. If I didn't know better, I'd say you were. He means a lot to you... I don't need my memories. I can always replace them with new ones, but someone like Reik can't be replaced." Her mind was already set and plans were forming in her head. Even if Mesaraih objected, she'd do it anyway.

"I think I should go after Reik, try and figure out what way his curse can be broken." Erais said, feeling a stab to her heart. She knew she could replace her memories, but that didn't mean she wanted to forget what she had now. Of course it was a hard past, one full of pain and suffering, but it is what made her the way she was. "I need to at least help him, for your sake." She said, feeling depressed, and hoping she wouldn't die in the process. After all, Mesaraih was the only one he had been ordered to kill...right?

"I have to. I can take care of myself, and you'll be busy training. Besides, the moment he sees you, you'll be at each others throats. Would you rather have someone hunting you down for the rest of your life? Or are you willing to let me go and try and help solve this problem?" She asked him, pleading for him to let her go. She knew it would be tough, but she needed him to let her go so she could help save Reik. Erais wouldn't stand aside when she felt confident that she could help save him.

Erais walked over to him and hugged him, truly realizing this might be the last time she might ever see him. "It's the least I could do, after all, the way I've seen you two together without this curse, it would be hard to not believe that your brothers." She said quietly, feeling the weight of what she was doing crash down on her shoulders. "Just train and keep focused, we'll need you soon Dragon Rider." Erais pulled away from him after speaking softly.

We need to go Arden, if we have any hope of catching up to Reik, we need to leave now. If there is any good left in him that has a piece of control, which I believe he does, than we might stand a chance at freeing him. Erais told him determined more than ever now. Arden knew he couldn't waver her, so he flew up to the Dragonhold and landed with a dull thud; letting them say good bye to each other.

Erais looked at him sadly and regretfully before mounting Arden. The cool night swept over like a blanket of comfort. The air smelled clean and gave her comfort as the sky darkened and they both reached their minds out for a path that Reik could have taken. They had both become very good at picking up loose bits of thoughts that created a trail to a person. Arden found Reik's, but it was few words and barely whispered. He travels fast, but luckily we'll be able to catch up to him. Arden said quietly and fly high above the city, finally clearing the extremely high mountain wall that proctected the city.

He shot down to the ground at a quick pace, knowing they'd have to split since there were many trees. He landed right before the trees got thick and the mountains too dangerous to fly close to. Keep safe, I'll stay close in mind. Arden said and lifted off. Erais began the hazerdous journey through the trees, searching for any small sign that could have signalled Reik being there.

Erais could sense him going faster and was finally able to find his lopsided path and broke into a fast run. Not bothering to stop to rest. Feeling that she was finally catching up. It was dark, but her keen eyes were able to pick up the small pieces of broken twigs or trodden on leaves. She was close, she could feel it. Let me help... She sent the thought out through the trees, not sure if he would hear it, and if so, wasn't sure if he'd be able to let her help.

Reik! Erais screamed in her mind sternly. I know I can help you, let me in. Mesaraih needs you back, you're his brother and I know he doesn't want to face you in battle again. Erais came to a stand still, the trail just cut off. She growled in frustration. Arden follow him, don't let him get away. Erais shouted at him agravated with Reik. She knew that Arden was big and strong enough to be able to pin Reik to the ground if he got the chance.

Arden shot off towards the mountain path that Reik had taken, informing Erais of his new direction so she could catch up and hopefully free him...but lose her memories in the process. I can't think about that right now. Erais said to herself sternly as she continued to run on the new path, hoping Reik wasn't too far gone. After all, she could feel her memories hanging on an edge, so the curse must be also.

Instead of responding she shut her mind off and began erasing any traces of her following with her mind, hoping that she'd catch up to him. Luckily the tunnel was just a tunnel and didn't branch off much. Reaching the other side Arden blocked the exit, making it to appear as a wall. Erais sprinted in the other end, glad to know that she had him cornered. She didn't care if she would be hurt in the process, she'd forget it all anyway. She just wanted to save Reik and give Mesaraih his friends back. Erais sensed him, but kept herself blocked off as she carefully advanced into the tunnel, hoping that he wouldn't do anything spontaneous.

The idiot is trying to hide, be careful, there are many loose rocks that could cave in at any moment besides the ones he's brought down. Arden told Erais quickly as she instantly slowed her pace, she looked around the dark as she continued forward. "I'll find you, and then you'll have to talk and let me help." Erais said outloud, not realizing that she was only a few feet away from where Reik was hiding. The only problem was, her tone was a bit too loud and the sound of more rocks falling got her attention. She looked up just in time to see some rocks fall over head, trapping her underneath them, she screamed in pain as they began to crush her body.

On top of her crushed body, Erais felt herself go into an unconscious state instantly when Reik hit her in the back of her head. Arden roared in anger as he felt Erais slip away. He lept to the sky and darted to the other end of the tunnel, coming just in time to land firmly ontop of Reik. He had him firmly pinned underneath him, there was no way that Reik could get out unless Arden let him go, even if he tried getting his sword. Arden was pretty much immune to fire, so that area was out for Reik. I'm not letting you up until you tell me how we can break this curse! He roared into Reik's head, his temper getting the better of him.

Arden growled deeply at him, his eyes flashing dangerously as Reik began to tread on dangerous ground. Just because he had a rider and was much more mellow than wild dragons, didn't mean that all of his instincts and tempers went away. There was only one word that could describe him at that moment, terrifying. You're lying, I can see it in your eyes! His voice was dark as his chest rumbled. I have a lot of force, either way I can force the information out, or you'll give it willingly. Erais is stubborn and won't give up until you're back. She doesn't like the idea of loosing her memories after you're freed, but she won't stop trying. Even if it kills her. Arden growled quietly again, every part of him was threatening and dangerous at this moment.

Erais opened her eyes, black spots clouding her vision and her head throbbed very painfully. Her headache was massive and she wondered where it came from. Almost instantly she remembered what was going on and jumped up, running for the entrance that wasn't blocked off. The only thing she could think of was Reik getting away.

Well I'm not moving, and it looks like Erais is up. Arden was a bit ticked off with Reik for hitting her in the head. He growled threateningly at Reik before Erais emerged from the tunnel quickly. She looked around confused and finally spotted Reik under Arden's talons. "That was rude!" She almost yelled, rubbing the bump on the back of her head where Reik had hit her. "Why won't you let me help you? You obviously aren't a tyrant since you haven't tried killing me, which means that the curse isn't completely holding over you. Also, I can feel my memories hanging on a balance, which does mean that there is a way to break your curse, so spill it!" Erais sat down after that, amazed she said it all in one breath.

Arden kept quiet, knowing Erais might have a slightly better chance at getting the information they needed, so he just kept Reik pinned against the ground. Erais walked over to them and sat on one of Arden's talons, not saying anything, just watching Reik. She wasn't going to say anything, she could feel certain memories slipping in and out. Erais didn't care right now, she just watched him, thinking of different ways that might possibly get him to speak, a few seemed like they could work. Though she was afraid some of them Mesaraih wouldn't exactly approve of.

Arden put more pressure on Reik as he tried struggling his way out. Erais didn't say anything, just looking at him as if he dared to try and get away. She knew it would probably drive him mad without any speaking, just staring at him. She watched him silently, not showing any emotions, just staring at him blankly. Erais knew he patience could extend if she was stubborn about it.

Erais watched Reik struggling, curious as to why he just wouldn't say what it was and be let go. Why was he being so hard and so unwilling to let them help? What could be so bad that he wouldn't let them help? Did he want to kill Mesaraih? Did he want to live a life full of that curse and always hunting Mesaraih? "So would you give up the chance to be free? You want to kill Mesaraih?" She finally asked, her voice barely noticeable.

"I highly doubt that, Mesaraih is like your brother. How could you think I could be worth more to Mesaraih than you are to him? You have known him longer, and I know that he would want you free!" She told him sternly, neither Arden or her were making any move to let him go. "I've screwed up big time and done a lot of things that have hurt Mesaraih, I want to do something for him. Reik let me help you!" Erais shouted the last part at him, wondering what could be so bad that he would go on hunting Mesaraih.

Erais' eyes flashed and instantly she was off Arden's talons, which were holding Reik, and had her hand over Reik's mouth. "Don't you dare say such things, I'm here because Mesaraih cares for you, you've been through a lot together and seem like brothers. I care for Mesaraih!" She shouted, not letting him get a word in edge wise, her hand muffling any sound from his mouth. "I swear if you don't let us help..." Erais searched her mind for something that might work, and she knew she had to stay with it. "I'll leave Mesaraih...do you realize how much that will hurt him?" Her voice was dark as her eyes pierced his.

It definately shocked Erais at what she had heard. That couldn't be the only way to free him, coud it? Erais I know what you're thinking, you're treading on dangerous ground. Arden told her, knowing her mind was running back and forth between decisions. But I wouldn't remember anything Arden...it can't be as painful if I don't remember, right? Erais asked, she had made a promise to Mesaraih to free Reik...but it would hurt him more than anything if she fulfilled it. "What if I told you I'd do it? What if I told you that the moment your curse is broken...all my memories will be gone?" She asked him, looking him in the eye and searching for some sort of emotion in them.

"No!" She reprimanded him sharply. "You have no idea what its like to live with no memories!" Erais was mad with him now. "I've had to live without them long enough to know that I do not want to ever travel down that path again, but when I saw Mesaraih after he knew what had happened..." she trailed off for a moment before coming back in a blaze. "I couldn't do nothing! The stupid Shade has done far too much damage, I'm here to erase it. I don't care what it is, I think I know what it is, I'm not afraid of death!" She prattled on.

"I've lived a life that's worth than dying! Have you ever lost a dragon! Have you ever lost yourself almost completely! Have you ever lost your memories!" She kept shouting, not bothering that she was a bit hysterical. "I've made my choice, Mesaraih knows that, he let me go to find you even when he knew it could be suicidel. Make yours. Be free or forever hunt your best friend." Erais was surprised at the force she used and how strong her voice had become as she had spoke.

"I know that!" She shouted at him, she only wanted him to know she hadn't been afraid to die, after all she thought that this was a death trap. Apparently it wasn't, but it would end up hurting. "You're not the one that get's it Reik!" She shouted at him. "I'm here because I love him, I don't care what I have to do, but whether you like it or not, I'm not leaving until I can help you!" Erais kept yelling at him. In her mind she knew what she would have to do, and Arden felt a ripple of pain from her. "Your fate isn't sealed until you give up hope," she said quietly, just loud enough for him to hear.

Erais looked at him, annoyed with his attitude. She bent down to his face, their noses almost touching. "What is it that I can't obivously give you?" She asked him, catching herself before she rolled her eyes at him. She searched his face for some sort of answer as to what was running through his head. Erais wasn't caught up in her emotions, she was caught up in not being able to fulfill her promise to Mesaraih.

"No," Erais whispered while staring at him, still really close and pretty much up in his face. "I don't care what it is or how long it takes, but I won't break my promise. Refuse all you want, but Arden and I are right where we want to be...but I doubt you are, so you'll crack first." Her tone was quiet, almost gentle, but she didn't realize it was. She wasn't paying attention to how close she had come to him, just concentrated on breaking the information. I have a very bad feeling about this Erais, please don't. Arden pleaded with her as he watched them. She ignored him, too stubborn to give up on her promise.

"Well yours isn't the only one!" Erais told him in slight rage. "I'm so messed up on so many wrong turns and decisions I wish I did or didn't make, I want to do this!" Erais told him, inside her mind where she refused Arden to go, she wanted to forget everything. She wanted to start over new, and this seemed like a good opportunity to do it. She could free Reik, keep her promise, and get a fresh start. As fresh as it could be at least. "Please," she was surprised that her voice almost seemed pleading as her eyes burned with want.

Erais fell quiet and moved away from him, after discovering how close she had been to him. Arden put more pressure on Reik as he struggled more, so much that it gave him barely enough room to breathe. Erais returned to sitting on Arden's talons which were holding Reik down. Her face became impassive and she just watched him blankly. Arden would growl occasionally. A bit annoyed with Reik's stubborness.

Erais watched him carefully, noticing that something had changed. She didn't know what it was, but something was different. Arden watched Reik warily, but didn't notice his slow movements as he carefully drew his sword. For some reason she could feel her memories get a better grip and stopped fading in and out. I don't think thats a good thing, she thought split moments before she found herself with Reik's blade pressed into her back. Arden roared angrily, but didn't move the pressure off of him. No Arden, I know what you're thinking about saying...we do have the upper hand...but... Erais thought to him quickly. The sword tip started to dig into her back and she let out a small sound of discomfort.

Arden, just let him go, Erais told him. He brought his head to eye level with Reik and gave him a deathly look. Fine, he growled. She pulled out of Reik's grip as soon as Arden had let him go, but before he ran off she grabbed his wrists. "You chose wrong," she told him quietly, extremely close to his face, making sure that Arden couldn't hear. "I know I can help, I'll always be here and following you...I won't go back to Mesaraih until you're free." Erais whispered to him quietly, starting him in the eye.