Felecia smiled and pointed to the midnight stone on the chain around her neck. Ebony was only 26, it is small. she said, her eyes warm.

- - - - - - - - - -

Ebony hummed softly within their minds, gently brushing Oceanus's in gratitude. Aye, I'm here. Perhaps not in the flesh, but in spirit, or soul, what have you, I am completely intact. he murmured. Avalon knows of this, dear Tobias, and do not be miffed with him for not sharing it. It is delicate information for a dragon to share, even to their own Riders. In our chests is a gem-like object that will remain thus until we die, where it will desolve with our bodies, unless we decide to disgorge it and give it to someone we trust completely. And only to someone that we know we can trust without a doubt, for by holding this part of us, you could control us to do the most vile or valiant things. Upon the moment of death, we can also decide to transfer our consciousness into the Eldunari, and live on. It is our Eldunari, our Heart of Hearts in the human tongue. New Riders were generally only told once their training was completely, to protect both parties. Some dragons, to impress their Riders, would Disgorge their Heart and give it to them. Or a Rider would ask their dragon to Disgorge it to show it off and brag to the younger Riders. This is dangerous, very dangerous. Our Eldunari is a very closely guarded secret. Not even the entire race of elves knows, only the select few we know we can trust without a doubt. he said, imitating a prum within their minds. Tobias and Avalon were young, but he knew the young pair would grasp the importance of this. While Toby might be energetic and high spirited, he knew when to get serious. Ebony's tone darkened as he continued. It is by dragons, also, that Galbatorix had his massive strength. He collected Eldunari and broke the minds of the dragons within them, bending them to his will, and so was able to draw upon them for power whenever he wished. How Eragon and Saphira were able to defeat him, I would love to hear that tale.

Toby frowned and sent a questioning thought at Avalon. He received a sensation in return, that of something large-feeling, hard, and heavy in the pit of the young dragon's chest. I understand Ebony, somewhat. I don't understand how a rock could hold the spirit of anyone, let alone a dragon, but I understand that's where you're at, Toby said, directing his thoughts at the stone Felecia had indicated. Now that he thought about it, she had never worn a necklace in the time that he had known her. I'm not mad that you didn't tell me, if it's as important as Ebony says, then it's going to stay right where it is, Toby said to Avalon, determining right then that he would never let the young dragon disgorge his Heart of Hearts.

Avalon prummed proudly at how well Tobias took the news. You are a wise young one, he said to his Rider, feeling the smile that spread across the boy's face at his words. He looked around them at the sky, which was starting to darken. So do you all plan to fly through the night to reach your goal? he asked curiously.

Raven looked the young Rider up and down, surprised at how calmly he had taken learning about the Eldunari. She had stalked around like a wounded cat for a week after Oceanis had told her; she'd been offended that her partner of heart had felt the need to keep such information from her, although she was well passed that now and appreciated that Oceanis had been so vigilant of her own safety.

She blinked, coming back to reality at Avalon's question. "At the rate we're going, we'll reach it by sundown tomorrow," she said, echoing her words from earlier, "However, if we pour the speed on and don't stop to rest tonight, we might make it in time to see the sun rise over it." She didn't want to push the young dragons, but the more she thought about it, the more the idea of seeing her new home in the light of a new day appealed to her.

What do you think, should we see what the younglings are made of, or let them rest the night? Oceanis asked the other three adult dragons. She liked the idea forming in Raven's mind as much as her Rider, but neither of them would go along with it if they felt the younger members of their group couldn't handle it.

Oceanis felt Sarai moving on her back and stilled her wings for one beat, allowing the hatchling to leap into the air. The cerulean roared with delight, picking her wingstroke back up, catching up the distance she had lost easily. Speed is important, but knowing how to manage your air is just as important! she laughed at the younger dragons. She pulled her wings in and flipped so she was speeding towards the ground. She fell for a few hundred feet, then shot her wings out again, catching a sudden, powerful thermal rising from the ground. She soared high into the sky on the warm air, using it's velocity with her own to overtake the others.

Looking back over her shoulder, she saw Gornath pull the same maneuver, but it wasn't quite as effective with his larger bulk. She could see the silvery hide of Avalon almost a half-mile behind herself and the others level with his neck.

Catch us if you can! Raven challenged, grinning broadly. She gripped a neckspike as Oceanis twirled through the air, a streamer of brilliant blue fire pouring from her massive jaws. The flames licked along her scales as she flew through them, lighting her up into one massive, glittering blue statue. Raven marveled at the beauty of the cerulean dragonness, then turned her attention back to the rest of the group.

It makes me indescribably happy to see young dragons in the open, having such fun. This is how the last hundred years should have been, she said to Oceanis, her heart bursting with happiness.

Don't slack off! We're not through just yet! Avalon roared loudly, his own searingly bright white flames flickering in his nostrils. He loved flying and he loved racing, though he had never had a proper opponent. He sized up the black-gold hatchling that had been riding on Oceanis's back. He could tell she was blind, though she didn't move like it in the air. You're right Tel, being blind isn't a handicap! he said to the other young male. He closed his eyes, flying blind and using only his other senses to guide him. He wobbled at first and Toby started to send him images, but Val growled playfully.

No, I want to try this, he told his Rider.

Toby arched an eyebrow at his friend, then chuckled. Alright then, but you're playing on their homefield advantage now. Let's show them how it's done! he said, grinning. He closed off the part of his mind that would show Avalon what he was seeing at the moment and leaned forward in the saddle, loving every minute of the race.

Oceanis looked up and saw the younger dragoness come spiraling down out of the sky like a black and gold comet. She laughed, watching Sarai plummet gracefully. Very well executed Sarai! Very well done! she laughed, increasing the beat of her wings as much as she could. She crept up slowly on the younger female, steadily closing the distance she had lost. But not quite far enough, she teased, bumping Sarai's hindpaw with her tail as she flew passed, slowing the beat of her wings.

Avalon frowned at Sarai's words, then pushed his unnerved thoughts about not being able to see to the back of his mind, following her advice. He allowed his other senses to come to the forefront of his mind. He heard something whistling as it fell through the sky and realized it was Sarai, diving down through the air, and then something larger pushing through the sky to catch up. When he heard Oceanis's words, he realized it was her. The young silver dragon grinned, his razor sharp teeth showing. Hold on tight Tobias! he said laughing eagerly.

He increased his speed to the point that his wings were almost blurred, straightening his neck and body until he was almost a straight line. His tail whipped through the air, steering his bulk through the sky. He felt Toby lean forward into the saddle, reducing the drag pulling at him. He kept his eyes tightly shut, feeling the wind whip passed the small scales on his snout. Don't either of you slack up! I'm just hitting my rhythm! he laughed as he passed the two dragonesses.

Toby sat up briefly as they passed Sarai and Oceanis, waving at them cheerily. See you two at the ocean! he said cheekily, laughing as he turned back around and settled into the saddle.

Raven watched Avalon pass them on Oceanis's right, her eyebrows arching slightly when she saw that the silver dragon's eyes were closed. Her eyebrows disappeared from sight, hidden in her hairline, when Tobias turned around and gave them his cheeky grin and wave. She narrowed her eyes, a mischievous smile playing around her lips. Sarai, Oceanis... Unless I'm mistaken, that was a challenge, she said, grinning fiercely.

OOC:
Sorry sorry sorry...blank...um..just skip me. >.>

Oceanis roared cheerfully, her eyes sparkling with energy. I think you are right, she said to her Rider, straightening out her body and pouring as much speed into her wings as she possibly could. Panting fiercely, her tongue hanging slightly out of her mouth, she slowly drew level with Avalon. When they were nose-to-nose she glanced over at him. The silver male had reopened his eyes and was watching her with surprise. You may be faster, but I'll never give up! she said, a fierce smile curling around her lips and showing her serrated fangs. They flew that way for awhile, neither one giving an inch to the other. Occasionally they would slow their pace so as not to leave the others too far behind, but in the end they would always end up streaking across the skies once again.

Raven leaned forward, her mind filled with awe for the determination her partner was showing. The cerulean dragoness closed the distance between herself and the younger silver dragon within minutes. Raven looked over and shot Toby a cheeky grin of her own. "Best respect your elders!" she called over the whistle of the wind. Their race continued like that for hours.

I must say, very impressive Oceanis, Avalon said, genuinely impressed. Not many dragons could keep up with him in the air when he was really pushing himself, let alone make up a distance deficit as large as the one she had. I think we are almost to the ocean he said, slacking off the pace. He flared his wings, dropping speed rapidly until he was circling lazily, waiting for the rest of their group to catch up. He chirruped cheerfully at their friends as they drew near.

Toby held on tightly when Avalon ditched his speed, gravity pulling him heavily down into the saddle. "That was great! I've never seen anybody keep pace with Avalon so easily!" he said excitedly to Raven. He eyed her cerulean partner with renewed appreciation. "She's full of surprises, isn't she?" he chuckled.

"You have no idea," Raven said, smiling mysteriously. She looked around their group as the rest caught up. "Toby's right, we're almost to the ocean," she said, pointing to the coast. The sky was darkening to the west, the sun slowly sinking below the horizon. She shook her head in disbelief. She couldn't believe the distance the two dragons had covered in their breakneck race. Raven looked back at their companions, checking for any sign of fatigue. "You lot should have stopped us, I didn't realize how hard they were pushing themselves," she said, shaking her head.

Shrugging her shoulders ruefully, she spread her hands in a conciliatory gesture. "Ah well, too late now I guess. Anyways, look there," she said, pointing to the north. The edge of the Spine was visible from where they circled in the air, as was a small cove.

The cove was protected on three sides by mountainous cliffs, the sides of which were so steep it would be entirely too dangerous for any but an elf or a creature of the air to explore them. One of the mountains, the one in the middle, looked like it had been hit with a giant hammer. Instead of ending in a sharp peak, it's top was a flat table, at least a mile across. Just looking at it, a person could almost see the dragons that at one time would have sunned themselves on the craggy surface.

The front of the cove was the most interesting feature, in Raven's opinion. A natural formation of rock extended all the way from the mountain on the left to the mountain on the right. It arched out several hundred feet in the middle into the ocean, creating a protected harbor. And directly in the middle of the rock wall was a triangular hole big enough for the new Empire's largest flagship to pass through with all of it's sails open.

Raven eyed the rock wall carefully. She could see ships in the harbor, but she hadn't been expecting anyone to meet her there. On the rock wall there were people pacing back and forth above the entrance to the harbor, keeping watch. She frowned, then merged her vision with Oceanis's so she could get a better look in the gathering dusk.

"Looks like we have visitors already," she said, startled. "Those ships are flying the flag of the Elves. The Council must have decided this was an important enough endeavor to send assistance, even without a new monarch in place. Well, they'll spot us soon enough, let's land and get some hot food in us," she added, slightly apprehensive.

OOC: Ack, this feels rushed, but I figured we ought to get there already. XD

Felecia lifted her wings and caught the wind to lift her off Anir's back to get a better look. She winced lightly as she saw the elven ships at their destination. The female elf sighed in resignation and glanced at Raven. A bonus of all these hands will be that the restorations go quicker and smoother. she offered to the female Rider. Anir trumpeted a welcome to the elven ships, making Felecia flinch from the volume. Tel rolled his eyes and slapped his sister on the rump. Sarai dove down from above, groaning. But elves are so polite and formal. It drives me insane. I want to be treated like me, not like some idol. said the black-gold with a scowl.

- - - - - - - - - - -

Jeta chirped and wheeled around in the air, excited. She'd had little contact with the elves since hatching. Her eyes whirled with eagerness and she dipped in front of Raven. Yes, food and then people! Lots of people! she squealed happily, twittering softly as she gazed over the ships, her eyes wide with delight. She loved being petted and praised, and there would be lots of hands and voices, it seemed, to do both of those things.

OOC:
Sorry took so long, life. @.@

OOC: That's alright

Raven looked over at Felecia with mournful eyes. She had been hoping for at least a few days of quiet before her father's people descended on them. The elves always seemed uneasy around her, like they didn't know how to treat her. On one hand, she was a half-breed, not exactly the most glamorous position to hold in their society; then on the other hand, she was a Rider for which they felt there was no higher honor or position. She sighed softly in frustration, preparing herself for the mental agony of dealing with elves.

"You don't suppose they'll let us go straight to our rooms and get some sleep first, do you? I don't know if I can deal with all the bowing and scraping, as well as the looks tonight," she muttered at Felecia out of the side of her mouth. She felt Oceanis reach out and embrace her mind, bolstering her confidence and drawing some of the anxiety away. She smiled and allowed a sense of gratitude to warm her mind and seep across their bond.

Oceanis crooned softly, sensing her Rider's agitation at having to deal with elves sooner than she had been prepared to. I'm sure they can be persuaded to let you rest before having to deal with anything of importance. At the most I think we will have to greet them and introduce our companions, she said hopefully. She was a little tired from her race with Avalon, as well as lifting all of those logs earlier. She settled into a slow circle over the enclosed harbor, spiraling down to the soft white sand of the beach below.

She landed with a muffled thud, grunting softly as she folded her wings, the joints and muscles feeling slightly stiff. Yes, I think a rest is definitely in order, she groaned privately to Raven. She felt her heart-bond's concern for her well-being and coughed a laugh. I'll be fine, it's just been awhile since someone challenged me like that, she said, moving out of the way so the other dragons would have plenty of space to land. She blinked in surprise as Avalon plowed into the still surf, Toby screeching with joy as they hit the water. I can't believe they're still so lively after that... she thought, shocked.

Well you know how crazy people are, Raven said privately, chuckling.

Avalon surfaced above the waves, dismayed that the water in the harbor wasn't quite as deep as he would have liked it to be. He shook vigorously in the water, sending salty spray flying in all directions and up onto his back where Toby was pressing warm, briny water out of his hair. That felt amazing after that flight! he said, mumbling appreciatively.

I know what you mean! It warmed me right up, Toby replied, unbuckling himself from the saddle and slipping off of Val's back into the water. A little too late he remember the knife strapped to his belt and the damage the water would do to it. Oh well, he thought, mentally shrugging. It wasn't likely that he would need a weapon for a long time now, anyways. He kicked slowly in the water, holding onto Val so he wouldn't slip under. Watching the water cautiously, he then looked up at the dark sky to watch the others come in to land.

Felecia shared the look with Raven, for she had some of the same consternation, except for different reasons. It was mostly why she holed up in her home and barred the door from visitors, family accepted. She dove to the ground and swung her legs down, stretching to accept the ground gently. Her wings beat steadily to lessen impact even more. Eventually all she felt when she actually touched was a little heavier than before. The female elf looked around, shifting aside to make room for the others. As she looked over her new surroundings, Jeta wheeled over to her and landed on her shoulder, balancing there and laying down with her tail wrapped around Felecia's neck for stability. Anir was the first to land, then Tel. Sarai was a little wary though.

- - - - - - - - - -

Sarai hesitated in landing. Unable to see where the ground was, it wouldn't be pretty. Smelling the water though, she knew that would be safe. With a bugle, she veered and dove into the water, shooting deep into its depths. After a few minutes of swimming she went completely still and just floated in place, wondering at the peace and quiet down here. Not completely quiet...water isn't earth, but it still moves, it still has life and growth within it. Sarai found she could sense in the water too, though it was much diluted than when on land. She couldn't sense every little thing, like the plant life on the bottom or every rock or every creature that moved down there. But up in the open water, she could sense the bigger fish when the moved. She looked up, knowing exactly where Avalon and Tobias were. She didn't know how, but she guessed it might be how a shark sensed its food. She shook her head and swam for the surfacing, heading in the vague direction of land. She exploded out of the water onto land, throwing water droplets everywhere. Her scales glittered with moisture before she shook herself, and even there there was a occasional droplet here and there. She huffed at arched her neck to look up at Raven. Are we going to wait for them to come to us, or us go to them? she asked, tilting her head.

OOC:
I should say so. O.o Again, sorry, Life. I got swamped with schoolwork and relationship....crap....to deal with, so SF kinda slipped from my mind for a while. @.@

IC:
Sarai blinked open her eyes and yawned, stretching out like a cat before her limbs relaxed once more. Felecia sat on a table, since there was no chair, watching her. Jeta lay curled up beside the black-gold's stomach, still asleep. From the circles under the female elf's eyes, and the sagging of her shoulders, the ex-Rider hadn't slept at all last night. Sarai lifted her head from her forepaws, startling Felecia and making her look away. She blinked at her two-legged friend. Why didn't you sleep? she asked quietly. Felecia stiffened at the question, glared at her, then turned and marched from the room, her spine straight and wings bristling slightly. Sarai blinked in surprised, then sighed and stood. Jeta trilled and lifted her head sleepily, then climbed up the black-gold's shoulder to curl up on her back and go back to sleep. Carefully the female stepped down from the bed and followed Felecia to maybe find the others and find out what would be happening now. She remembered that Raven had asked her to help with her powers, and Tel too.

Raven nodded in acknowledgement as Felecia entered the dining hall. If they had been among humans or dwarves she would have waved openly and invited her to join her at the head table, but they were not among humans or dwarves. She preferred not to draw more attention to herself than was to expected because of her position. A few minutes after Felecia entered, Sarai and Anir appeared. Raven narrowed her eyes suspiciously when she saw that the youngest Rider, Tobias, and his partner were not with them.

Oh please don't let them be hanging from the ceiling somewhere, playing with magic, she prayed silently. She had known them only a short time, but the thought of the those two off by themselves and unsupervised gave her a strong feeling of dread.

Oceanis picked her head up off of the floor, staring out at the room from behind Raven's chair. I'm sure they're fine. The elves would have sensed something if they had gotten themselves into trouble. Perhaps Avalon forced his Rider into the bathing chamber before he would let him come eat, she said calmly.

Raven chuckled dryly, "You think so? Because I certainly don't. Those two make me nervous. They're probably somewhere doing something they really shouldn't be." She shook her head and looked down at her plate, trying to concentrate on her breakfast and ignoring that nagging feeling at the back of her mind.

Somehow I don't think this is wise, Avalon said gravely, watching his Rider walk casually down the tunnel they had just discovered. Tobias' hair was wet and clinging to his head from the bath he had just taken. It had been as they were emerging from the room with the washing pool that Toby had slipped on the stone floor because of his bare, wet feet that they had found the secret entrance. He had thrown his hand out to catch himself on the wall and latched onto a lit torch. His weight had caused the torch to move, pulling it down a few inches like some sort of lever. The lever had caused a section of wall to slide to the side, revealing a passage behind the hidden door.

"Don't be such a worry wart. You're here with me and I've got my knife. What harm could we come to?" Toby said absentmindedly, staring at a tapestry hanging on the wall. It depicted a large green dragon breathing fire at a huge, centipede-like creature. There was a mountain behind the combatants. It had a flat top and bore a striking resemblance to the mountain where they were currently standing, so he assumed it was some ancient battle that had been fought here.

"Which dragon do you think that is? Do you reckon it's a Rider's dragon? What if that's how the Riders came to take this place as one of their bases? Like, you know, that dragon defeated the creature that lived here and so the Riders claimed it for themselves," he asked his partner.

Avalon slipped inside the tunnel to get a closer look at the tapestry. He cocked his head to the side and peered at the dragon. I'm not sure who that dragon is supposed to be. I don't recall our teacher mentioning any historic battles between a green dragon and a giant insect, he replied, mentally shrugging. Perhaps Felecia or Raven will know. We should go down to breakfast and ask them about it, he said, turning to leave.

As he was turning he felt one of the spikes on his tail catch on something, so without thinking he flicked his tail to get it loose. He heard something slide and then click just as his tail pulled free. Then the wall they had entered through closed. Uhoh, he said.

"Hey! Who turned out the lights?" Toby said, turning around blindly, stumbling in the darkness as he tried to find Avalon. A big, scaly snout bumped his chest, so he wrapped his arms around it and let Avalon deposit him on his back.

My tail caught on something and when I tried to pull it free the door closed. It must have been the lever for this side. Trouble is, I'm not sure what it was, so I don't know what to pull on to get us out of here. And you want to know something else?

"Oh there's something else besides you being inconveniently klutzy?" Toby said, sighing exasperatedly.

Yes, unfortunately. Haven't you tried to reach the others to come let us out yet?

"No, why?" he asked, frowning.

We're cut off. I can't feel the other's minds.

Raven glanced over at Sarai as the black-gold hatchling beckoned for her attention. Her mind went blank for just a moment after Sarai spoke, then the gears in her head started turning again and she felt a throbbing headache starting to form just behind her eyes. I get the feeling this isn't the last time those two will give me a headache, she sighed exasperatedly, leaning back in her seat and pinching the bridge of her nose between two fingers.

After a moment she sat up straight again and looked back at Sarai. "No, Oceanis and I will accompany you. I'm not worried about you not being able to take care of yourself, but I mean to have words with those two heathens when we get them out of whatever trouble they've found," she said grimly, standing. She started to walk towards the entrance of the dining hall, but before she had gone more than a few steps, Selfaeia appeared in front of her so suddenly that Raven in blinked in surprise, certain that the elf had just materialized from thin air.

"Excuse me Selfaeia, I was just on my way to rescue the apprentice fools," she said, making to step around the elf. She frowned when the elf stepped with her, blocking the way.

"I'm afraid that would not be wise, Shurt'ugal. Rest assured that we are already making an effort to find a way out for the young dragon and his Rider, you should remain here and finish your breakfast," she said with a smile.

Raven narrowed her eyes suspiciously. She knew enough about elves and their body language to see the barely noticeable air of strain about Selfaeia's smile. She crossed her arms, unimpressed, her yellow hazel eyes piercing the elf. "What aren't you telling me? Don't bother lying, I can tell you're hiding something," she said bluntly, not bothering to be courteous.

Selfaeia's own eyes narrowed, though with displeasure instead of suspicion.

She doesn't like it that I can read her so easily without even touching her mind, Raven observed; Oceanis rumbled softly beside her in agreement. The cerulean had noticed the same thing, through her partner's nose Raven could smell the disquiet on the elf.

"It really is nothing Shurt'ugal. The young ones have simply wandered into an area of the keep that hasn't been thoroughly... cleared. Rest assured, we'll have them out of there before they have time to run into anything," Selfaeia replied, trying to feign a nonchalant air.

Oceanis lowered her head until she was glaring at the elf through one menacingly bright eye. What do you mean, cleared? I thought the keep was safe, she growled, her teeth snapping together in displeasure. How much danger are those younglings in?

"Well I can't say for certain how much danger, but there is a chance they might see some... giant poisonous bugs," Selfaeia said weakly, wilting before the dragoness.

"Giant. Poisonous. Bugs. And you didn't see fit to inform me about the fact that my keep is infested before I let those boys wander off alone?!" Raven yelled, her composure gone in a flash. She knocked the other elf out of the way with one arm and sprinted down the hallway, holding the pommel of her sword to keep it from tangling in her legs as she ran.

"Sarai! Where did you sense them?" she asked the hatchling, skidding to a stop in the corridor where their rooms were.
_______________

Shouldn't we just stay put? I'm sure someone will have heard or noticed that door opening and closing. It's huge and not that quiet, Avalon asked, cautiously walking along the tunnel that had been concealed by the door. Toby had bumped his head against a torch on the wall as Avalon had been searching for whatever it was he had hit that had closed the door. With the little bit of light it provided he could see almost as clearly as if the hallway were flooded with sunlight.

Still, even with visibility this good the silver dragon felt a sense of unease. The dust on the ground was thick and felt gritty as it slipped between the scales of his paws and rubbed against his skin.

"Nah, there's no need. That can't have been the only way into this part of the mountain. We'll just keep walking until we either see daylight or feel a breeze on our faces. We can follow either of those to an exit," Toby said confidently. He was loving every minute of this. He had a feeling that nobody had walked through these tunnels in centuries. It was almost as exciting as if he had been the one who had discovered them.

"We shouldn't have to go very far anyways. Just hang a left at the first junction we come to and then another left after that should have us headed for the outer wall," he added. Just after he spoke he thought he heard something skittering along the floor just out of his sight, but since Avalon hadn't reacted he assumed it was just something Val had kicked and sent skidding across the ground.

OOC: Hope you're not scared of bugs