Ooc - Got bored, anyone is welcome.

Ic -

Erais and Arden had both decided to go into deep seclusion for personal training. They knew they were starting to slide and needed to get more fine tuned in their battle style. It was hard to be in seclusion with just one other being, so they had decided to take a break from each other. As far as Erais knew, Arden was off somewhere either hunting or taking a nap. Erais herself had traveled a few hours away from their camp.

It was well into the night, but she couldn't sleep. Her mind was wide awake and she couldn't stop thinking about so many things. She was perched high in one of the oldest trees on the mountain face. The wind was a light breeze for this time. The stars were out and much clearer than she had ever seen them. She felt exhausted mentally. Her life was more complicated than she had ever wished for it to be. If only Galbatorix would just disappear and let us live in peace. She said to herself.

Galbatorix had gone from bad to worse. Since his last egg was gone, he was a mad man. So many people had already suffered for hers and Arden sake. If only she was strong enough to take him down. Why aren't I strong enough? She questioned herself. Listening to the quiet emptiness of the night she remembered why she loved it up here. It was always peaceful...

The sound of distant voices trailed to her trained ears. Erais quickly climbed down the tree and followed the sound of voices. "Sometimes I don't get Galbatorix, why would anyone be out here? Especially rebels. There's nothing here but air and silence." One soldier said. Erais looked checked the perimeter to make sure that there weren't anyone else to hear them scream. There were only three soldiers. "But it is nice to know that we are out of harms way up here. I don't expect we'll be bothered, but it's nice to just kick back from his rule once in a while." The second one said while the other two agreed fully with them.

Erais was going to kill them, but they were just normal people pressured into Galbatorix's rule. Moving her hand away from her sword hilt, she decided to just watch over them. "I miss Carvahall, it'd be in full blood right about now." The third one sighed, they continued to talk about home and what would be going on. Erais felt pity for them, now more than ever she wished that Galbatorix was gone so that these simple men could live in peace. I'll protect them for a while, they don't deserve to die. They still are good at heart. Erais made a mental note to herself and let her mind wander about the surrounding rugged area's for any dangers. These soldiers had a right to be left in peace, they just missed home and were in as much danger and threat as her and Arden were.

Erais watched over the guards, content with just listening to their conversations and their talk about home. She felt immense pity for the poor fellows, they didn't deserve this life, but they seemed very happy to be here far away from Galbatorix. It was easy to see that even inside his own armies, the men hated him. Listening to the quiet of the night she heard a lone howl, and than a second joined it. For a moment they sounded very familiar. But what would Mesaraih and Rubya be doing all the way out here? Erais thought, she hadn't seen them for quite a while.

She dismissed the thought, there was probably no way that it was them. Though something settled in the pit of her stomach and she became very uneasy. She could sense something would happen, not sure if it would be a good something, or a terrible meeting. All the same she drew her sword quietly and kept alert, ready to protect these three men as much as she could. After all, they wanted a way out as well.

The sound of battle floated to her ears. She looked towards the guards and was relieved to see that they were still chatting aimlessly. Removing herself from the small group she made a wide route around them. Brushing past a few bushes and a having to duck under a few branches, she was finally nearing the sound of battle. Finally it stopped and she was fairly near. She came into view and quickly hid, she saw Mesaraih.

He is up here, but why? She asked herself confusedly, she wasn't sure if he knew she was there. Erais was shocked to see Reik there as well and listened quietly. It seemed as though whatever curse he had been under was gone. Trying to stay quiet she listened to them, deciding to leave so she wouldn't become known she turned to move, but tripped on a rock and fell backwards into the opening. Uh oh, she thought to herself, looking at the two with wide eyes.

Erais quickly got to her feet and brushed herself off, her face slightly red. "Oh, well when it's just you and your dragon constantly, it's kind of hard no to get annoyed with each other. So we decided to take a break from each other for a while. He's probably off sleeping somewhere, glad for the peace and quiet." She said with a soft chuckle. That was the one thing that had carried over from his growing, he still loved taking naps whenever he could.

"So...um...what are you doing here?" She asked a bit uncomfortable. Erais hadn't really expected to see him for a while. It's not that she didn't want to, she just knew that her and Arden had to take their training to a new level and couldn't have anyone else around. Erais side glanced at Reik, he made her rather curious. She wasn't sure what entirely was up with him and it made her even more curious about him.

"Hm, well that's not much." She said with a slight chuckle, but it disappeared when the sound of three arrows came to her ears. She had just enough time to see Rubya get pierced in between her eyes neck and her heart. Her face contorted into shock and slight rage as Mesaraih screamed out. Erais wasn't sure what to do as Mesaraih ran off to find the assailant. Go in peace... Erais said sadly to Rubya as she could see the life draining from her. Mesaraih was able to return just in time before she was gone.

Erais could feel the prickle of tears come to her eyes and felt immense remorse. Mesaraih was in pain and it was obvious. Erais forgot about Reik completely and walked over to Mesaraih who was furiously digging a grave with his bare hands. She wasn't sure if this was a good idea, to bother him in his pain, but she had to try. "Mesaraih...I'm so sorry." She said and forced him to stop digging for a moment, she gently wrapped her arms around him. She hoped it would give him some comfort as his dearest companion had passed away.

Erais could only watch Mesaraih in despair as he continued to dig the grave. She stood to the side and watched as the grave was finally big enough. He put Rubya in the grave, the pain that Erais could see only made her feel terrible since she knew that she couldn't do much to ease his pain. She watched as the words lit on top of the grave. Erais had an idea, and hoped it would help ease his pain. The fire couldn't last very long, but Erais knew that even though Arden wasn't there she could borrow some of his untapped magic.

Erais walked over to the words and set her hands over the top of the words, her hands glowed and the fiery words soon crystalized. Through the layer of crystal they would burn for as long as time kept turning. The fire would have lasted long, but now the words were permanent. You will be greatly missed Rubya, he will be very different without you. She said very sadly. Erais slowly walked over to Mesaraih and sat next to him. "It's not much, but at least she'll forever be remembered, and her name is forever etched in the earth." Erais said respectfully.

"Yes, but she would want you to be happy. She cared for you a lot, I've never seen such devotion before." Erais said, in an attempt to help ease his pain. Erais wasn't sure if he wanted to be alone right now or not. From what she understood, they had been together for a very long time. Erais looked up to see Reik, it was a joyous time, but now it had turned bitter-sweet. "Do you want to be left alone?" Her voice held concern, she didn't want him to do anything terrible. She wanted him to smile again, but she knew it would be a long time before that would happen.

Erais studied his face, to see what he really wanted. It took a moment, and she wasn't sure, but she decided to stay with him. She looked over at Reik, asking him silently to help her cheer him up. She knew that he probably wasn't in any mood to accept anything, but she wanted to try. Before she could say anything she looked at the stone, though realized what it was. "Mesaraih, you do know what that is don't you?" She asked him in slight awe.

Erais are you okay? Arden's voice entered her mind. No, but it's Mesaraih. She said sadly. I'm close enough, do you want me to come? He asked her, worried about what could have happened. Actually, I think that it would be best for now. As soon as her words had entered his mind he was landing. Turns out he was a whole lot closer than she thought he meant.

The small sound of a slight struggle hit Arden's sensitive ears, which passed through to Erais' mind. She looked down at the egg and her eyes grew wide. A smile split across her face and she looked up at Mesaraih who hadn't noticed. "Mesaraih!" She said excitedly, it almost sounded panicked. "Look!" Her voice had almost reached shouting point as she pointed at the hatching egg.

Erais' face lit up as the baby dragons face peeked outside. Arden looked at the baby dragon and his chest rumbled in greeting. The small little tyke. He laughed in Erais' mind. Remembering what Mesaraih had told her a long while ago she couldn't help but smile. "It sees as if fate decided to give you a second chance as well." She said while reaching out two fingers and stroked the top of the baby's head.

Welcome little one, you are most welcome in this dire time. He said to the red dragon with another rumble in his chest. "Red...that seems to be your color..." Erais said a little off handedly.

Erais smiled when she saw the Gedwey Ignasia form on his hand. Fate has been generous with you two. Arden told her and she couldn't help but agree with him. The rare few rarely got the chance at another dragon, but Erais knew that he deserved it. He hadn't even had the proper chance with his first dragon. "Fenixeres, it is quite strange." She said a bit confused. Well I'm glad to meet you Fenixeres. Erais told the dragon. After a few moments Erais remembered the three soldiers she had been watching over.

"I'll be right back...there's something I need to...check on." She said, not sure how Reik or Mesaraih, or Arden for that matter, would think about her protecting the soldiers. Quietly excusing herself she made her way back towards the small camp, only to find that they had been slaughtered. "Darn fools, they should know by now that talking about Galbatorix that way will only lead to death." An ugly Urgal said pulling a sword out of one of the bodies. Looking around carefully she realized that it was a small army near them. Someone, somehow had tipped Galbatorix off about something up here.

Erais had pulled her sword out before Mesaraih and Reik had shot fire into the midst of them. Arden had shot up into the air and out of sight, within seconds he was plumeting to the ground with such speed that the Urgals only noticed him after he had caused a mini earthquake, squashing several Urgals in the process. He roared in anger and the Urgals were too shocked to respond for a few moments. The battle wasn't very big and soon it was over, all the Urgals were dead except for one. Erais walked over to him, the look on his face was full of fear and terror. "Tell Galbatorix that his end is coming soon. His reign is over and soon he'll be nothing, no memory, no pity." She said and ripped the commanders patch off and shoved it to the Urgal which scurried away quickly.

Erais pulled her sword out of a nearby Urgal and walked over to the three men she had failed to protect. More than anything she felt regret, all they wanted was home and a free life, and now they would never have that. Silently she used magic to bury them and stuck their swords into the ground. It was a sign of respect and that they were of noble kin. "Soon Galbatorix will know what it feels like to be under his own rule, but it will hit him at ten fold." She said sadly and fell silent. She didn't feel much like talking right now. If she couldn't protect three men, than how could she ever be strong enough to take down Galbatorix?

Erais looked over at Fenixeres with a sad smile. If only they all had better lives. She walked a little ways away from them, dwelling in her mind. The sun was starting to slowly rise, the sky being colored a slight pink as it faded from black. So much hate, so much revenge...how can it end when so many people have grudges? She asked herself puzzled. The poor men had died just because they wanted out; but at least they weren't under Galbatorix's nose.

Arden looked at the reckage, he was humbled greatly by Fenixeres presence. Don't get to excited, enjoy this time while you can. I fear that you will see many hard battles, and many hardships are ahead of you. Arden knew the baby dragon didn't really understand what he had meant, but it felt good to at least know Fenixeres had heard him. He glanced over at Erais worriedly, she wasn't as hard core as she once was. She was dying inside. So much death was starting to get inside of her and hold tight along with the guilt.

Erais wasn't paying attention to anything as she watched the sky turn to purple, than finally it had turned soft blue. Her thoughts were depressing, so Arden let her be for now. He watched Reik and Mesaraih speak with one another. The smell of dead Urgals was very unpleasent. The faint sounds of voices barely registered in her ears, she felt something, like a ripping in her chest. It numbed her instead of caused pain. After a few moments the sound of someone shouting made everything disappear and she turned around.

Seeing the Shades was definately a shock. When did that happen? She asked herself, silently taking her sword to hand. Arden growled deeply in warning to the Shades. "Reik why would you ever think we'd leave you alone. You're pretty much stuck with us now, so try as you might we shan't leave." She said with a small laugh, new energy pulsing through her from some strange place.

Erais decided that the third Shade must be hers. The first Shade wasn't kidding when he said he was much stronger now. Erais had killed many Shades, but this one was pushing her limits. If we are to defeat them, then we need to work together Erais. You need to stop relying on yourself. You know you can trust me, so trust in me. Arden said while running forward. Erais knew he was right, so as he passed them she lept onto his back. He launched into the air and breathed fire towards the Shade. Unfortunately the Shade blocked it easily.

Erais sent a pulse towards him through the air, it hit him, distorting his awareness for a moment. Taking the chance Arden dived towards the Shade, Erais quickly slipped from his back onto his front claw. However the Shade had blocked her attack and she fell from Arden and hit the ground hard. The Shade laughed as she struggled to get up. The impact had broken her right shoulder, she kept from screaming out. Gently shifting the sword to her other hand, she smiled. "Do not think that I would use all my time to just train myself in sword play on one hand. I happen to do both quite well."

She began sending blow after blow while Arden would attack from above. It was hard, seeing as her shoulder was broken and she couldn't take to the sky, but they did do a few combined attacks. Nothing worked. She couldn't get close to his heart. "Come on, you are a pathetic excuse for a Shade, I was expecting more." Erais sneered at him, knowing she was entering dangerous ground. However she was quite clever at hiding her doubts and pains. She was attacking him without showing any fear or doubt, just confidence. That was one thing that the Shade didn't like, he wanted to see her face contort to fear and see the life leave her eyes.

Erais hacked away at the Shade, frustrated that she wasn't doing anything, not even off balancing him. She was determined to stay impassive and succeded. That was her only advantage right now. Throwing every attack she could think of she would dodge and than retailiate. Arden did his best, but it was no use. The Shade was too strong of course he didn't like having to fight off a dragon and rider, he still had the upper hand.

"Oh poor child, you wouldn't last long against Galbatorix like this. Tsk, tsk." He laughed coldly in her face, he succeded in agravating her, but she hid it so well he didn't know it affected her. That in turn made him mad and it made his moves choppy. Erais realized her only advantage and started to throw every single rude thing she could think of at him. "I can't believe what I'm seeing, you are so pathetically weak. I'm surprised that Galbatorix even lets you walk on the same ground he does..." It kept going on like that for a while.

Her broken shoulder began to burn and she decided to channel that as much as she could. Taking one last shot she plunged her sword towards his heart. The Shade moved backwards quickly, but Erais and run forward with him and his heart was pierced. Before he was gone he stabbed his own sword in her already broken shoulder. Erais let out a scream of pain as the Shade disappeared, it took a moment, but his blade disappeared with him. "That idiot fool!" She hissed as her shoulder felt like it was on fire.

Erais felt rage at the dead Shade for practically ruining her shoulder. Seeing the other to start to fall into defensive, she decided to help end this. Arden, help Mesaraih! Erais told him, she couldn't walk very far and Reik was the closest to her. Arden quickly combined his strength with Mesaraih so he'd have the upper hand and get rid of the blasted Shade. Erais winced as she walked, her shoulder killed. As soon as she was close enough she shot her blade out right before it would have pierced Reiks own heart.

"Didn't old Galby ever teach you to play nice, or at least pick on someone your own side?" Her voice strained as she asked. The Shade was very surprised to have to deflect two people now. Erais hoped that she'd be able to hold out long enough to help Reik. You need to go in for the kill soon, otherwise we'll both be at risk. Erais told him fiercly in his mind.

[Reik knew it was true. The Shade had to be defeated now. Doing some quick maneuvers, he nicked the Shade's sword aside then jumped forwards, stabbing the Shade in the heart. Then he heard the cold chuckle of the last Shade and somehow knew it had all been a trap.

Mesaraih was finally able to gain the upper hand as Arden helped him, but as the other Shade died, this remaining one got such an immense intake of power that Mesaraih felt himself breathing heavily every time he got near him. The Shade struck at Mesaraih, and as he raised his blade to block it, he was thrown backwards by the strength of the blow. This new Shade was far too powerful for him to destroy by himself. He thought he saw a dark shadow dash by, but he tucked away the suspicion at the edge of his mind, knowing he had to concentrate on the Shade.

Mesaraih. Erais thought in horror as the final Shade became extremely powerful. Ignoring her badly wounded shoulder she ran after the Shade, Arden had to retreat to the sky more than he could attack. This Shade was fast and quick minded. Erais threw all her strength into every blow she could muster. Her left arm began to ache and her right shoulder was starting to burn again. Erais paid no mind to the surrounding area, just the Shade. He had to be defeated, he just had to be.

Erais, you need to get out of here. You will lose use of your right arm if you continue to ignore it! Arden told her sternly and with great force as he bolted towards the ground again, managing to hit the Shade in the back with his heavy tail. It had done enough to upset him and Erais was able to jab her sword in his heart, though at the very last minute he moved so quickly that Erais stumbled forward. His own blade pierced Erais in her leg. She fell backwards, the pain in her leg was more powerful than her shoulder and quickly drowned out the other pain. "I would have expected more from a rider, even if they would be on the Vardens side. I'm very disappointed." He laughed coldly, causing Erais to lose her facade for a moment and a flicker of fear passed over her face.

Even seized by her pain Erais heard Mesaraih scream in her head to do it now. Taking her sword she stood up behind the Shade quickly and shoved her sword through his heart, her sword protruding from his chest. Shock flitted across his face as he disappeared. Erais dropped her sword and Arden came down from the sky. She looked at her leg, it burned terribly and she groaned in pain. Her shoulder had numbed, but she couldn't move it without breaking it further.

Arden lended as much strength as he dared while Erais attempted poorly at healing herself. Her leg was a success and the pain was gone instantly. Erais knew she would be pained slightly by it in the future, but that didn't matter. Her shoulder was broken and had been stabbed by two Shades, nothing she did was helping it. The pain slowly filtered back into existance and she let out a sharp gasp as it was more painful than she remembered.

Erais gave Mesaraih a grateful look as her shoulder healed up much more nicely than it would have otherwise. He quickly left, saying he'd be right back, so she didn't worry much. Erais leaned against Arden tired, three Shades before the sun had fully risen. I don't ever want to do that again. Erais told Arden, who agreed whole heartedly. Finally Mesaraih had come back with rather unsettling news.

"What!? What do you mean the same Shade?! I killed him, you both saw!" She said rather enraged that the same Shade which they had spent more energy and almost their lives, could still possibly be alive. "The fastest way right now is Arden, but that's if he goes alone..." Erais didn't want to risk him being spotted, but right now it seemed to be their only choice right now. "Though Fenixere is small enough to be teleported there without killing one of us." Erais suggested, she wasn't sure if Mesaraih would do it. After all the baby dragon didn't understand much right now and had just hatched. Could he hold onto a message and pass it on? Or better yet, could Mesaraih allow it?

Either way, it seemed as if one of the dragons was their only choice right now.

Erais felt a bit upset that Fenixere wanted to be the one sent, but transporting him was much safer than putting Arden in the Shades path. As soon as Fenixere had disappeared, Mesaraih told them he had to go to the Varden. It was kind of obvious that he would go, and since Reik was free that part was obvious too. Erais felt torn though, she wanted to stay in the mountains away from all of that again. The Shade was someone she definately didn't ever want to meet again.

Just think, we can surprise Nasuada at how much more strong we've become. Plus I think the attention would be good for you, you need to be around people Erais, not a grumpy dragon. He told her with slight humor in his voice. He wanted the adventure, his eyes glimmered with hope. Erais looked up at him than over to the other two. Why not? Erais said with a sigh and than gave a smile. "Well I guess adventure would be nice right now, after all he can become rather ornery at times. So count us in!" She said and got to her feet. Though meeting the Shade again wasn't at the top of her to-do list, it would be nice to be with people again.

Erais wasn't quite sure why she was going, but she felt like it would be good. Traveling through the mountains toward the Varden was harder than she thought. Sure she loved the mountains and knew practically every nook and cranny, but it was highly dangerous. Arden would be on the ground as much as possible, to make sure he wouldn't be spotted by unfriendly eyes, but it was hard since the path was usually to narrow for a dragon his size to walk across.

It was nice to be traveling with Mesaraih again, even if all was quiet. Reik was kind of like an added bonus. Erais hadn't traveled with others in such a long time that she wanted to talk with them, but wasn't sure what she could say. So she stayed quiet, but it felt a bit awkward.

Erais mind was elsewhere for a lot of the journey. She was pretty good at keeping up, not really having much trouble. "No, I'm fine, this pace is easy enough. Let's just work on getting there as fast as we can." She understood that Mesaraih might be a bit anxious. After all he had sent his dragon to the Varden after just hours of it hatching. That had to have caused him to use a lot of his courage. Erais knew she wouldn't have been able to do it, but than again Mesaraih was tougher.

Erais walked through the entrance, Arden behind her. He was getting almost to big to fit through the hidden entrance. The few people around were in awe of the large dragon. Erais rubbed her shoulder as it throbbed slightly. Few whispers spread quickly through the people. They went into Nasuada's study. Fenixeres was in the corner sleeping soundly. She smiled at the sight of him. Returning her attention to Nasuada, it sounded like what a Shade would do.

"With your permission Arden and I would like to investigate." Erais said to Nasuada, though she doubted they'd let her go. Arden wanted to see if he could find anything about the Shade, so that was why Erais volenteered them. Even though she did not want to go in search for him.

Erais cringed mentally. She was hoping that Nasuada said no, but hearing Arden's thoughts, well it helped her feel more eager to go. Finally they were dismissed and Erais walked out with Arden. She turned to Reik with a slight frown. "No, I do not. I would rather hide away right now, but mister Big Shot wants a hunt. So I guess I'm stuck with it." She said while glaring at Arden slightly. He decided to ignore her, just thinking of a rather good hunt. "He wouldn't stop pestering me on the way, so I told him if there was any sort of chance like this. I told him we'd take it." After that she muttered something that wasn't understanable.

"Yeah...I'll try..." She said and walked off with Arden. Hey, you're the one who said we'd do it. Arden told her, she seemed pretty uptight about it. Besides, we have nothing to be afraid of. He said and nudged her in the back in a comforting gesture. You don't get it, they said peopled had disappeared. That can only spell out trouble Arden. She said slightly annoyed with him, continuing to one of the caves that had the most suspected places of disappearances.

Yes, but you're a rider. We'll be fine. He said and fell quiet, knowing that he had given enough thought to keep Erais busy. Now at least she wouldn't be to upset about looking for the Shade. Soon they entered the cave. We'll be fine if we stay close. He said, Erais didn't respond. Soon they were too deep in the cave to be heared by anyone. "Why would you come alone? What happened to Reik and Mesaraih?" A voice sneered right next to her. She jumped, her eyes widening in fear slightly. Before Arden could do anything there was a knife at her throat.

"Go tell your little Varden friends to be ready soon, if they don't agree to negotiation, than she'll die. Along with you." He said with a cold laugh sending Arden away. Frantic Arden ran out through the cave, screaming through his mind for help.

Arden's mind was filled with desperate calls for help as he finally made it to the entrance to the tunnel. Mesaraih! I couldn't do anything, he's got Erais, and by the looks of it...a very big army. He couldn't help but feel like he had failed her. He had told her it would be fine, but now she could be getting hurt in the most extreme ways. He came out of nowhere, he wants a negotiation...he says she'll die if Nasuada doesn't agree to meet with him. You have to help! He screamed in Reik and Mesaraih's minds with quite a force.

"What could you possibly want?" Erais asked in fear as she felt her binds being tightened in the pitch dark. All that answered was a cold laugh, relishing in the fact that he had been able to cause her fear.

Anger poured through Arden and he finally thundered through the tunnel, seeing the three up ahead Erais didn't look good. Knowing that they wouldn't get out of there fast enough he grabbed Mesaraih who had Erais, and grabbed Reik. Quickly he launched himself in the other direction and soon they were out. He put them down quickly and looked at Erais. There was a dark spot on the side of her neck, and it was slowly spreading out. The Shade injected her with something! Arden let out an agonized roar, which shook nearby objects.

And only I have the antidote. The Shades voice echoed through the air. Fear and anger gripped Arden. His claws were slowly tearing up the earth as he felt helpless and angry with the Shade.

Mesaraih! That's suicide! Arden shouted after him. He wanted to run after him, but Erais was his biggest concern right now. Carefully he began to enter her mind, she was lost, and he couldn't find her. Arden decided to go through her recent memories, to see if he could find anything that would help.

"You wouldn't dare," Erais said boldly as the Shade was looking at a vial in his hand through candle light. "Oh I do...but do not fret, it won't kill you. It will only trap you in your mind. The Varden will go insane with trying to pull you out of it, or "wake" you if you want to call it that. There really isn't much of an anitidote, but I know what will pull you out of it. Though I doubt you'd want to risk it." He laughed coldly and walked over to Erais with the vial. "At least this will cause some up roar..." His voice trailed away as he forced the substance down her throat. Within minutes she was lost.

Arden let out a defening roar. Mesaraih, it's a trap!! He yelled, hoping that Mesaraih would hear him in time, before he was to far in the cave to get out. I'll kill him, I'll kill him. Arden repeated over and over, his anger turning to hatred at the thought of the Shade.

Arden had moved Erais to a more safer area, not letting anyone come close. He was lying down next to her, in a protective way. A few people had tried to approach them, but he growled at them. Nasuada had even tried to get close, but Arden told her to stay away. He was wallowing and his thoughts were depressing. He wasn't sure what happened to Mesaraih, so far there wasn't much sign of him. The fool thinks that it is so easy to confront the Shade...I wouldn't be surprised if he comes running back with his tail between his legs. He thought to himself in cold humor.

After a while he had noticed Erais had started to shiver slightly, as if she were cold. He moved closer to her, hiding her completely under his large frame. Arden had no idea what was going on in her head, he had tried to communicate with her, but it was as if she didn't even exist. Only her memories were available.

Erais opened one door, trying to get out of the endless maze. For a split second she could hear one quick thought from Arden, and she would think she was finally out; but only to realize there was another door, another path. Starting to get worried, she opened another door, door after door she was finally running. Instead of opening the door in front of her, she ran down the hall and up a few stairs. Finally opening another door, only to be confronted with a thousand more doors to choose from. Which in turn had thousands behind themselves. "I'm trapped!" She said to herself in panic.

Arden growled threateningly at Mesaraih. Don't come close, He snarled. After a few moments, making sure he wouldn't try anything he relaxed slightly. No change, I can only get into her memories. Otherwise her whole mind is completely blocked off. The Shade said there wasn't exactly a cure for it, but he didn't say anything either. That was all I could pull from her memory. He said, his chest still rumbling in threat.

Arden didn't care if he seemed overly protective. He let out a quiet growl. You can stay, but don't come any closer. His voice had a dark edge to it, in a creepy sort of way. Erais was his rider, they were like one soul split into two bodies, he wasn't about to throw caution to the wind and let something else happen to her.

Deep in her mind, Erais was frightened. Help me, She said desperately, knowing that she probably wouldn't be heard by anyone, but it helped her just by saying it.

Erais felt cold as she slid down against one wall. She had been running through the doors for what seemed like forever. It seemed useless to try and find her way out, it was obvious that that wasn't going to happen. Feeling beaten and useless she sighed, but ever so quietly a voice asked who was there. It startled her, even though the voice was faint and unreconizable she knew it was there. I need help. She called out as much as she could.

Erais heard the voice again, slightly stronger. Her mind was too clouded to recognize who it was. She became weary when they asked if it was her. She had no way to tell if they were someone she could trust or not. Erais was about to reply when something stopped her. Something had a hold on her mind and wasn't letting her give out any information about who she was. No, it was all she could say. Everything else had been tied up, it was the only words she could say, but it was said much more weakly than anything else she had already said.

Erais didn't hear a respond and felt terrible now. The only word she could seem to be able to say was no...there were a few scattered words she was able to hold onto, but when a thought came to mind they'd be blocked out. Still wallowing she heard a distinct voice scream through the air. It felt as if who ever it was was next to her ears. She quickly covered them. Whoever it was sounded so familiar, and she just about recognized them, but she couldn't fully remember who it was.

Even though the voice had been VERY loud, she knew it was coming from a far distance. Though whoever it was, was in her head along with her now. The thoughts of the Shade flooded her mind and she felt fear, so opting for the best decision, she didn't reply, just incase. I have to get out of here... she thought to herself, though since it was a though, and she was in her head. The words echoed through the many doors. Her voice sounded faint, and very unrecognizable. Quickly standing she began running through the doors again, trying to get out, away from who she thought was the Shade.

Erais continued running through random doors, up stairs and down them. Everything was so confusing. She started to pant, not knowing if she was getting farther away from them, or closer. The running gave her something to do other than think about what the Shade could do to her. She continued running, someone called out though. Erais stopped and listened to the thought, it was fuzzy and the name caused a flicker of recognition. Though she realized with horror that her memories were fading away fast, all she knew was that this Mesaraih could be the Shade. In fear she took up running again, going faster and running through more doors, taking the most random ones, in hopes of getting this person off her tail.

Erais could feel the person gaining on her. A few times she sensed a pair of eyes on her, but would only push herself faster. She ran through odd doors, not sure if she was going in circles or not. She just knew she had to go away. Running she knew that he was catching up. Pushing herself faster she burst through the doors, nearly ripping them off their hinges. Stay...away... She gasped as her lungs started to hurt. Seeing a different door ahead, she ran through it, only to find herself in a square room, her only way out was through the door she had come through. Her eyes frightened, she looked back, knowing that she only had a few minutes before he caught up. Not knowing that her memories were slipping through her fingers like water.

Erais turned around quickly, her eyes wide in deep fear. The question puzzled her slightly, why else would she run away, except to stay safe? "What do you want? Go away! Leave me alone!" She said, her voice shaking slightly as she backed up into the wall. Erais knew she was trapped, and there wasn't much she could do about it. She could try slipping past him, but that was doubtful.

Erais watched him carefully, calculating her chances of getting passed him and back out through the door. "What do you mean? Of course I don't recognize you, I've never seen you in my life. How can I trust you? How do I know you aren't the one who did this to me?" Erais asked him, her eyes darting towards the door again. Her thoughts running wildly, causing a slight hum in the background.

Erais looked at him frightfully. "Yes I know who I am!" She shot back...but after thinking for a few minutes, she couldn't recall anything. Erais wasn't sure why, she knew who she was, but not really. "How could I recognize someone I've never met?" She asked a little icily.

It took a moment, but Arden could hear Mesaraih's faint cry. After that he began to bombard Erais' mind, every kind of attack he could think of to get inside her head. He was about to give up when he felt himself being absorbed into her mind. Looking around all he saw was a dark mist. Where are you Mesaraih? There is only a dark mist. I agree it's strange, but how am I supposed to find you? He called into the dark.

Full of doors? All I see is a mist. Arden replied, he tried walking forward, only to get the feeling of being warped back to the same place. I can't go anywhere...Are you sure this is her mind? He asked him, not sure what was going on.

The way Mesaraih was beginning to talk was starting to freak out. She backed up into the wall. "Please, just leave me alone." She said quietly, almost pathetically. "I just want to get out of here." She pleaded weakly with him. Let me out. She said quietly.

Erais eyed him, still unsure who he was, but didn't know why he was so sincere. If he was the bad guy, than why would he seem so real about wanting to help her? Trying to decide whether or not to trust him, she felt something tug at the back of her mind. A small feeling of knowing that he was trustworthy, even though she couldn't remember who he was. "O-okay. I just want out." She stuttered slightly.

There's something in her mind, I don't know what, but it's causing us to see different parts of her mind. Be careful, she can easily disappear into another part of her mind and leave you stuck there. Try not to scare her off. Arden told Mesaraih wearily.

Erais looked at him for a moment before slowly following him. She didn't talk, still worried that he might be the bad guy, so she kept enough distance from him. After a while a dark mist started to form behind them, she stopped, curious as to what it might be. Finally it took shape and the Shade was in front of them. "Why are you following him Erais? He's the one who trapped you here. Follow me, I'll get you out of here." He said coyly holding his hand out, smirking slightly at Mesaraih. Erais looked between the two, confused and scared now.

Erais looked between the both of them, thoroughly confused. "How do I know you're not lying?" She asked Mesaraih hesitantly, but not making any move towards the Shade. The Shade just laughed to himself. "It helps me a whole great deal. The fact that Erais is a rider helps me a whole lot." His eyes were glowing with hatred. "Erais, he's the one who is lying. Come with me and I can get you out of here." He said to Erais.

What's going on?! Arden demanded as he felt a slight change in her mind.

Erais was still confused. On the one hand Mesaraih seemed familiar and trustworthy, but on the other, the Shade sounded very convincing. Who could she trust? Erais looked between the two, from Mesaraih's pleading face to the Shades out stretched hand. The stairs around them began to melt away, slowly being replaced by a light fog. She began to feel helpless, trying to figure out who was telling the truth. She needed some sort of assurance about which one was right. "How can I know which one of you is telling the truth?" Erais asked them.

SHADE! Arden's voice rang out in anger. The sheer volume of it blew the dark mist away and everything was sharp and clear. He looked a head to see the three. Erais! It's Mesaraih! Go with Mesaraih! He yelled, as he found he couldn't move from his place.

Erais thought she heard something, but when she tried to understand what it was, it went hazy. The Shade only grinned evilly, knowing that he was distorting Arden's voice and putting doubt in her. "Come now Erais, this boy," He emphasized boy. "Is lying. I've come to take you out. He's only come to confuse you further and make sure you never wake up." He motioned again with his hand. "Just take my hand and we'll be gone." He said while looking at her.

The Shade sounded very convincing, and real. Erais was very hesitant, but slowly, very slowly, started to raise her hand.

Erais faltered as Mesaraih had turned quite different, very quickly. The Shade growled at Mesaraih for messing things up. Erais was confused now, more than ever. Looking over to Mesaraih's face, he looked at her strangely for a moment before going back to the Shade. The look he gave her was so familiar, that it was on the tip of her mind, she could just barely remember. "You fool, she's been here long enough. I doubt she'll ever recover her memories again." The Shade laughed and than disappeared.

Erais tried to recall something, but she got nothing. Everything about Mesaraih seemed so familiar, but she couldn't remember exactly. After a few moments everything grew black. She's pulling out, Arden told Mesaraih. All three were brought out of her mind, and put back into reality. Erais' eyes fluttered open and she looked around confused.

Erais looked around for a moment, trying to remember where she was and how she got there. The sound of Mesaraih's voice brought her attention to him, she looked at him quizically. "Uh...no, am I supposed to?" She asked him, unsure of anything right now. Arden blinked his eyes slowly, glad to be back in reality. She doesn't even remember what happened in her head. Arden told Mesaraih after trying to see anything in her head. She's just confused, and slightly scared. She doesn't even know who I am. She isn't even acknowledging my presence. Anger pulsed through Arden as he spoke to Mesaraih. The Shade will pay for what he did...She doesn't remember ANYTHING. Only her name, and even that, it's just barely. He said, growling softly, but not so loud as to draw attention to himself.

Erais just looked at him a bit stupidly. She racked her brain, trying for any information that would hint to who this strange person was. Unfortunately, she got nothing, and that made her upset. Erais didn't like the feeling of not being able to recall anything. No, not yet. She tramatized enough right now just trying to remember something. Her thoughts are depressing, try not to let them get anymore depressing. I'm going to leave before she sees me, as much as it pains me to, I don't want to alarm her. Just try and see if you can trigger anything in her mind. Arden told Mesaraih.

It was lucky that Erais hadn't seen him yet, otherwise she might of had a panic attack. He carefully slipped away, well as much as he could without making noise. Though Erais didn't pay him any mind as she was to preoccupied with remembering. A moment, or a phrase that might trigger her memory. Please Mesaraih, I fear you might be the only one to help her right now. He said before cutting off and flying away.

Erais frowned slightly. Everything was gone, even her name was practically gone. It was hanging to her mind by a thread. "So am I doomed to just live forever as a nobody? Never to remember who I was, or what I did?" She asked quietly, despaired that the only person she could trust right now was this person. He had said that she should remember him, but nothing, not even one small memory of something he might have done or said. "What happened? Why do I have no memory?" Erais asked him, her eyes pleading with him for some sort of recognition.

Erais looked at him, the words that he was saying felt oddly familiar as she listened. Looking at him, she battled her mind and tried to pull something from nothing. Thinking for a moment for something dawned on her. A flashback, sort of. "Wait...I think...there was someone...someone had said that to me once...I think." She struggled as she was fighting to remember. "Whoever it was, was really sad. I think it might have been you, but I still don't know anything else. You were just really sad and said those exact words." Erais said, looking at him hopefully. She had remembered something.