Erais' eyes snapped open in surprise as she felt energy flow into her body, for a moment she glared at Mesaraih, but than it softened. "I push them away because I don't want to drag them down with me. This is my burden...it was my fault." Her voice cracked. "I'd rather be alone in this... I've been alone long enough to live with it." Erais wasn't as threatening as before, but the same effect was put into her words.

"I don't care if I'm alone or not, I want to be alone." She said a bit sadly, her face fell for a moment before it hardened again. "I can't except the fact, sorry Daidrea, but I won't...it would be admitting defeat." Erais didn't like her pride getting hurt like that.

Erais didn't move much as night settled in. Her mind was swirling around with so many jumbled and confused thoughts. She lay on the ground and looked up at the patches of stars visible through the empty spaces between the trees. What am I doing? Why do I have to act this way? Erais thought to herself as she gazed upon the stars. Why had I been so selfish? If I had only reconized when Erador and I couldn't hold up anymore, why hadn't I got us out of there?

She could feel the regret and guilt settle inside of her. Erais knew it was her fault, and that was probably why she was so cold and harsh towards everyone. Because they knew not the guilt of being the cause of your dragons death.

As Daidrea and Oromis continued their discussion, Glaedr had other business on his mind. He was looking towards Erais who seemed to be lost in thought. He walked over to her and sat not far beside her.

I must apologize for my rudeness earlier. I meant you no harm, but please do not do that again towards my partner. He's not just a retired rider or foolish old man. He has trained people to be dragon riders and is very wise. He can be blunt at times though. However it's something we have in common. Glaedr looked at the girl who seemed unmoved for what he just said. Almost at random, Glaedr asks, Who was your partner?

Even though Glaedr and Erais had both been rather rude to each other, Erais felt a peacefulness in his presence. It was enough to pull her from her thoughts and she responded apologetically. It was in fault as well. I shouldn't have disrespected either of you since you are both my elder, but I couldn't help it. I'm truly sorry and I do know better, but it's just that my pride gets in the way and I don't want help or comfort. I'll try not to be as harsh and rude as I was to you both in the future, but I can't promise anything Glaedr. I wish I could, but I can't. Erais felt a dull pain in her mind as he asked about Erador.

She just sat still for a long time as her mind ran through so many memories and hurts. Her eyes had dulled and she had become unresponsive, finally it seemed as if she wouldn't respond at all. Her name was Erador...it's my fault that she's gone... It was all she could manage. Erais was vaguely aware of Mesaraih walking around, but not straying very far.

Glaeder studied her face. You must understand Daidrea's words, he can be blunt at times but he speaks the truth. Distance, Time, Life, Death will never break the bond that you had with your companion. She continues to give power to you, maybe not in mind, but in your heart. The mind can be become twisted, tainted and false. But if your heart is strong enough, you will continue to bond with your partner. Do not think of painful memories of the past, but gaze towards the future with hope with your heart.

Even when your in the deepest darkness, you will truely never be alone, for your dragon is always with you. Glaedr looked towards outside where Daidrea and Oromis were still talking. Daidrea was once like you, he stopped and there was some strange rumbling in his chest which seemed to be some type of laugh or chuckle, he did have quite the temper when he was younger.

Glaedr became silent. When it happened...The Fall, Daidrea was abosolutly devistated. He became enraged and dark. He swore revenge on the ones who killed his dragon. Eventually he did kill the ones who did it, But even after that it was not enough for him. He went on a rampage of killing of many people. He brought much bloodshed, however then something unexpected happened. His connection with magic became severed and his bloodthirst had vanished and his mind was clear again. I cannot explain it myself, but I believe it was Elyrana who was resposible for what happened. I'm sure that she did not want her partner the way he was and become a mindless killing monster. For even through death, she is still connected with him. Although Daidreas power is diminished, it is not completely cut off. That power within him is still there, you saw it with your battles. Although he has the control over when to use it, that was only some of his power. In that form he can do things that are "unnatural." While we were training with him, Oromis and I saw the full extent of his ability and the result was somewhat shocking. He became completely transformed and became a dragon resembling Elyrana. Because of his condition, the magic used to such an extent nearly killed him. He was out for about two weeks.

The reason I'm telling you this is for two reasons. To know what your up against if he gets out of control and to support him, although his connection with Elyrana has not faltered, he himself is getting weaker. The effects put much toll on mind and body.

I'm sure the reason he wants to help you is that he does not anyone to follow his path. Do not give in to hopeless thoughts Erais, for it will consume you. And with that Glaedr gets up and walks away.

Erais listened quietly to what Glaedr said. It actually explained a lot and helped her understand Daidrea better. She hadn't ever imagined him to ever act up like that, he was too collected and had a coolness about him that didn't seem like he would ever be reckless or bloodthirsty. It also made her think, from her newly acquired information, it helped undo the knots from her past. As Glaedr left her, she couldn't stop her mind from reeling about. After a while of thinking, she pulled from her thoughts and realized that she was quite alone.

Standing up to look about, she felt extremely recovered now. She couldn't see Glaedr, Daidrea, Oromis, or Mesaraih anywhere. Where'd they go? She asked herself as she began to walk around. After a while, a rather large wolf came bounding into the area and after a few moments she realized it was Mesaraih. "What's going on?" Her voice betrayed a little bit of fear, for everything felt so wrong at the moment.

"They are already here?" Damn, this isnt good. None of us have completely recovered yet. My kind are strong but if shades are in that army they cannot hold out. Why is this happening..

Glaedr reappeared and walked towards the three of them. Young ones, I am going to lend you my strength. However, by doing this I will not be able to join you in battle, replenishing all three of you takes alot of energy, so I beg you, do not fail.

Glaedr breathed heavily on the 3 companions, they all felt regained strength and their injuries vanished. After he was done, Glaedr lied down to rest.

Oromis then headed over to them. "I must remain here with Glaedr and make sure nothing happens to him. I wish you all well, may your hearts triumph." As he walked over to Glaedr's side he said aloud, "Dont ask for it, go out and win it. Do that and you'll succeed."

Erais made a slight face of discomfort. "Well I wasn't expecting them that soon, but this will sure be fun." She said a bit happy, the anticipation of action made her just ache to join it instantly. Thank you Glaedr, we will not fail. Erais said respectfully and bowed slightly to the old dragon. She felt wide awake and ready to kick some Shades.

"Well either way, I'm ready for them. They can't try all they want, but they'll never be able to get past three of us and all the other elves." Erais said rather happily as she began to strap on her gear. She didn't exactly have armor, but when had that ever stopped her. "Let's go kick some Empire butt." Erais said excitedly.

Erais wouldn't have been able to get the excitement out of her system even if she wanted to, she was too happy to be fighting a fairly large battle. Finally I can get rid of those scum, or at least some of them. She thought with a smile. She waved to Oromir and Glaedr. "I don't think we'll fail, just stay away and we won't let them breach." Her tone was a little to happy about the prospect.

After gathering most of the elves, they waited patiently for the attack. "They may out number us in men, but they don't out number us in skill." Erais' voice rang throughout the air. She drew her sword, making it do a full circle at her side. Her body was tense from waiting, but her mind was on high alert in anticipation.

Erais pulled her gloves on while she waited. It was a bit nerve racking having to wait for the Empire to give their first attack. She looked over at Daidrea, with her new information about him, she was a bit worried for him. Would he be able to keep up with everyone? Standing silently they waited patiently. This was the first battle she had been in since losing Erador, she wasn't sure if she'd be able to handle it. Sighing she brought her eyes up and straight forward.

As everyone stayed silent, they could hear the dull sound of boots hitting the ground. At least they'd have the element of quietness. Everyone was equipped in light gear so they wouldn't make much sound. Soon Erais could see the Empire, most of them weren't very old, still young men. The elf city looked very different than it had many years ago when she had been here last. Now it looked like a fortress.

The Empire was clad heavily in armor. Well at least we'll be a bit faster. Erais thought to herself. The sound of a bow twang above signalled an arrow that hit one of the soldiers in the front; right in his neck, killing him instantly.

This was definately more than she had expected. The Empire actually had some skill. Erais was attempting to fight off five of the men from the Empire and an Urgal. Luckily there were no signs of Mages or Shades. Having her energy at its fullest was a nice thing to have. She hacked away at them, plowing through them, but they kept coming. Daidrea and Mesaraih weren't in sight at all. All she could see were the soldiers trying to drive her down. After a while she realized, all of the sudden, that Mesaraih was next to her. Relieved that she wasn't alone right now, she continued to hack away. Barely dodging fatal attacks.

Erais was panting heavily as they began to double. Soon she could hear the sound of elves being singalled out, realizing there were less then half that were still loyal to the Varden. What's going on? How can we fight them off now? She asked herself worriedly. Looking around while she fought she spotted Daidrea, and he didn't look like himself. He looked like he was enjoying all the blood spilt. Erais loved a good fight, but hated killing the poor men who were forced into the army and not there because they had wanted to be.

Remembering what Glaedr had said, she realized what was probably going to happen again. She couldn't let that happen, he might die from it! Erais began to cut down anyone in her path, making a slow way to Daidrea who seemed to struggle with control. Deep in her veins something stirred, a new light came to her and she felt stronger. The feeling of someone familiar, but gone came into her heart. She wasn't sure what it was, but it was helping her reach Daidrea faster. "You need to fight it Daidrea!" She shouted to him, knowing that she wouldn't get there as fast as she wanted to get.

Erais was struggling against the masses and soon had to stop and was quickly surrounded. Daidrea stop it right now! I know what's happening and Elyrana wouldn't approve of this, and would want you to stop! Erais said sternly to him through her mind, as she couldn't shout it to him. They began to over take her and she felt as if they'd never get rid of them. Than something unusual happened and a white aura faded in and out around her body. After a few moments anyone within feet burst into dust as she felt Erador's strength seep deep into her magic.

Finally able to have enough room, she ran over to Daidrea, hoping she wasn't too late. Hoping that he wouldn't go so far as to break himself.

Erais saw everything right before it happened, several elves were stabbed and while that was happening an Urgal came up from behind Daidrea, stabbing him through his chest. Her voice surprised her as she shrieked out in shock. The sound was so high pitched that the people around them had to cover up their ears.

Blasting through everyone she made it over where Mesaraih had taken him away. She was instantly over flooded by the swarms of men and Urgals. How could they win when they kept coming and most of the elves had turned? Erais felt so helpless as she continued to fight more than she could handle. There is always a chance if we have hope...even if its a fools hope. Erador's words echoed in her mind and she began to fight harder. What ever was going on, Erais knew it was coming from Erador as she was strengthened and continued to fight. Her stamina grew and she began to use magic, quickly starting to fight back the Empire along with less than half of the loyal elves.

Erais felt the air escape her as she saw Mesaraih stabbed in the chest. This can't be happening, I won't lose them, they've done more for me than I've done for myself. Erais thought bitterly. She was slightly relieved to see his wound starting to close up, but she was extremely worried. First Daidrea, now Mesaraih, was she next? Erais wasn't paying attention to the soldier as he was about to swing his axe down. So it surprised her when Daidrea came out of nowhere and took the blow. "Daidrea you can't be out here right now!" She yelled over the sounds of battle.

Erais kept shouting at him as he dove back into the throng of enemies. Becoming frantic, she began to fight again. Already they had suffered and she still hadn't been given any fatal wounds, which she was grateful for. Slowly, and after a long while the mass of men and Urgals were starting to shrink back. Now the remaining allies began to push them back out of the city. Erais felt relieved to see that they were almost safe, finally no more fighting.

Erais kept fighting, feeling her strength only waver slightly. The Empire was starting to feel fear, realizing that numbers didn't secure a victory. She was relieved to see the fear on their faces, or sensing their fear. Looking around Mesaraih looked better off than he was earlier. The elves were fine, each were fighting like three. Looking around again it took her a while to find Daidrea, once she did he didn't look well at all. Fear quickly instilled in her and she fought her way easily towards him. Daidrea you don't look good, you should have stayed with Oromis! She told him sternly. He looked like he was about to topple over. Quickly taking a spot next to him she began to fight everyone off, giving Daidrea a chance to get a breath.

Come on, we still need you. Just rest, I'll keep them away. She said while thrashing out at the men. One of the soldiers got dangerously close to striking her through her heart, but luckily her reflexs were quicker than his and he was down; Erais' dagger protruding from his own heart. I can't let the old fool die. Erais was refering to Daidrea, a bit pissed off at how he had acted. He looked like he was ready to give up.

Erais' strength was waning away fast. Daidrea and Mesaraih had fallen into their own combat against each other, frustrating Erais a little by it. "Stop fighting each other fools! Daidrea snap out of it!" She was angry right now and was taking it out on the people standing around here. After a while she had to throw full concentration into fighting. Erais had no idea what was going on with the other two, or where they are. All she knew was that she had to drive this insane enemy back where they came from.

She didn't notice Daidrea and Mesaraih gone as she continued to try and fight them back. Slowly, bit by bit, she was beginning to slow down. Erais had absolutely no warning as the sound of a sword swished through the air. The next thing she knew, there was a rather large sword gutting her. Her eyes went wide and she lost her grip on her sword. She had dodged every fatal wound until now. Trying to hold onto thought and figure out what had just happened, she felt angry. How dare they keep her from fighting them? With her bare hands she grabbed the sword hilt in her back and pulled it out, screaming in pain. Breathing heavily she didn't realize the enemy starting to retreat, knowing they lost.

Right now it was just her and this soldier. Anger burning through her and blood pouring from her wound, she found all her strength and plunged the soldiers own sword through his heart. "How dare you do that!" She hissed in his ear before he toppled over dead. As soon as he had fallen she looked down at her wound. She put her hand over her lower gut and felt the blood running through her fingers. Everything began spinning and she forgot how to function. "I'm...sorry..." She gasped before falling to the ground in pain, feeling her life slipping from her.

Erais had no sense of what was happening, all she felt was a terrible pain somewhere near her stomach. There seemed to be slight ease for a few minutes, but the pain kept coming full force. After a few minutes it became to much and her voice came to her knowledge. She let out an ear splitting scream that rang through out the whole forest, traveling to the battle ground.

Her eyes snapped open for a moment and she felt the affects of blood loss. All she saw was red, her head began to swim and a new wave of pain flooded over her. She let out another scream, tears began streaming down her face. No thoughts came to mind, just the acknowledgement of the fatal stab wound. Erais couldn't move, blood kept pouring out, and her life was slipping through her fingers like water. She just wanted the pain to end right now, it felt like hell.

The feeling of her life slipping away stopped, and as much as she could think about it, she guess that was good. Her wound had healed up, but the affects were lodged in her gut. She let out another scream, her eyes snapped open once again and all she saw was red in her eyes, except she saw the outline of someone very close. It looked a lot like Daidrea. Erais turned on her side and gasped for breath. The pain seized her once again and she let out another scream.

Everything else still seemed like a nightmare. Everything hurt and her head felt like splitting open. Her thoughts scattered quickly and she moaned in pain, clutching her stomach and head. Whatever it was, it caused her whole system to collapsed. Everything started to freak out, she wasn't sure if it was real or not.

After a few moments of pain, it vanished instantly. She slowly opened her eyes and took a shaky deep breath. Turning her head slightly she ached all over and could barely move. "You're still alive!" She said as excitedly as she could, meaning the both of them. After seeing all the wounds that all of them had received, she was a bit surprised to find all had survived the huge army that Galbatorix had sent. I'm just glad we all will live.

Erais felt tired and would have fussed over Daidrea falling over, but sleep quickly took her over as well. They had fought valiently and won, they would be safe here for quite a while since the Empire was weakened considerably. They had survived much more than Galbatorix would ever have to, or has. They had kept each other safe and sacrificed themselves for each other.

As she was drifting to sleep, the last thing she could remember thinking, I think I'll like having friends... Before her vain attempts to stay awake flew out the window and she slept right there on the hard ground. Content with knowing they had given the Empire a rather nasy bruise. They wouldn't be bothered for a while, that was something for sure.

Ooc - Daidrea, I'm pretty sure it's your turn now.

Patches of sun fell across the ground and eventually found Erais' face. The light coaxed her out of her well needed sleep and she slowly sat up, rubbing her eyes gently. It took a moment for them to become focused and not blurry, but when they did and she saw Daidrea awake, she smiled. "Well it turns out that numbers really don't win a battle." It was nice to know that small fact.

More than anything she was satisfied that Galbatorix will know. After all, he had sent his largest inforcement which was barely anything now. Just a small hand full of scared and beaten up men. Erais stood up and walked over to where Daidrea had gathered some food and fresh water. She drank some of the water, but left the food untouched. "It's nice to know that you're still alive. Though you should've stayed with Oromis. You were in no condition to fight the last time I saw you." She said rather seriously and very sternly.

"Well considering the fact that I'm completely whole and alive, rather well off actually. Though you need to find your self some common sense, otherwise next time you won't be as lucky; and you should also add better judgement to that list. Both are key for someones survival." Erais said a smile was obvious in her tone. She was definately glad to be alive at the moment, and not to have suffered any damage. Well at least not too much damage.

"How are you feeling? Since you obviously still need a reality check." Erais was in a strange mood, having a battle like that would surely do the trick.

Erais frowned, but didn't push Daidrea. She fell silent and it was a bit awkward for a few moments. Erais turned her head and saw that Mesaraih had woke up, and he wasn't looking to good. "You okay?" She asked worriedly when she saw the small amount of blood on his hand. He didn't reply, but said he would be right back.

"We've won this battle, but I fear that it is only the beginning." Erais said quietly. Something was nagging her and she knew that some horrible things were instore for them all in the future. It was a terrible feeling and she knew she couldn't avoid it, but decided not to let it show. So she quickly stowed it deep down, waiting for some quiet to think about it.