OC- This is not a cycle thread, anyone can post at anytime.

IC- Daidrea was jumping from tree to tree in Du Weldenvarden. It was early in the morning and it was misty out. Something disturbed him in his sleep and he was trying to figure out what it was. He has been uneasy lately since he has been away from Erais for a while, but he felt she could use the time for herself.

Hes been strangely on edge with himself lately, he felt his dark powers have been unnormally active. However he has had no trouble keeping them under control. As he was moving, he sensed something in the area that kept moving. He was unable to tell what it was, but he didnt like it.

Suddenly what he was tracking vanished. What in the world is going on? He leaned against a tree. Was his mind playing tricks on him? It wouldnt be the first time. Whatever it was, it meant something was going to happen.

Blasted over grown birds! Arden thought angrily as he attempted to dodge the horrible and mangled looking things that seemed to be Galbatorix's new favorite toy. It was almost as if he had fused an Urgal, Ra'zac, and Lethrblaka. It was the ugliest thing he had ever seen in his life, but it was definately too powerful without Erais. He felt a twinge of rage build inside as he loathed the ugly creature. I need help, Erais needs help. Arden thought as he had to dodge through the trees. At times he had to clear his existence for a few precious seconds in hopes of loosing the creature, but it took to much energy for it to have much of any effect.

Finally it seemed that he was far enough away from the strange camp that the beast gave up and left him be. He sighed mentally and crashed into the ground tired. Bloody bird! He roared after it crushed a tree on purpose. Normally he wasn't in such a terrible and fowl mood, but ever since they had captured Erais, its been torture for him trying to figure a way to get her back. At any moment they could slit her throat and end boths their lives. I need help, he thought again and let the thought leave the confines of his mind to reach any intelligible creature that could help him.

Arden instantly felt at peace, finally someone he knew he could trust. Funny you should ask that, Arden thought nervously as he tried to figure out where Daidrea was coming from, but he was too disoriented to pull himself together. I have no idea what the, thing is, but they are too much for a dragon on their own. I tried rescuing her, I really did try, but they are too strong and too many. It's a death trap! He shouted almost hysterical. Seperating a dragon from its rider for this long when one or the other was in peril caused huge amounts of stress and uneasiness. I can't contact her in any way, they are huge, ugly, and strong in magic defenses. He relayed an image of what the camp looked like and then sent an image of what one looked like up close. They were almost as big as when a dragon peaks its growth stage.

Erais groaned in protest as something was forced down her throat. The taste was foul and it felt like she was swallowing clotted blood. Her head throbbed painfully and she couldn't form any coherent thought. She gagged on the awful substance that she was being force fed, nearly throwing up, but every time she wanted to, her body wouldn't coperate. Her eyes cracked open and a group of twenty dark things, at least that's what they looked like to her, surrounded to fires. From what she thought she could gather, she figured she was chained to a rock, or something, she was completely sure.

I know, but...When they chased me away, they were force feeding her something. I don't know what, but I doubt it was far from sugar water. Arden said while sending a distorted image of what it looked like. He hadn't been able to see it clearly, but the smell alone had been enough to almost get himself captured. Be careful, I fear that we might get caught ourselves if we aren't careful. I can't go too close or I'll end up in the same state Erais is in, but I can link our minds for a short time. It should help you. Arden told him and let his mind merge with Daidrea's for the moment.

Arden was glad that Daidrea tossed the beast within his range, already the slight smell was making his head spin. What is that stuff? he asked Daidrea curiously as he launched at the beast. He dove his claws into the monters which cried in pain as its flesh was torn up. It tried to gash Arden in the sides, but none of it worked. Quickly Arden had taken his rage out on the creature and only a pile of shreds were left. Arden held his breath as he dove into the fight, distracting them as Daidrea went after Erais.

Erais was breathing shallowly, everything looked strange and twisted as a commotion was going on. The sounds were distorted and sounded like they were coming from very far away. Her breaths quickened and she looked panicked as a figure was walking towards her with a sword. Her voice was lost to her as she watched in fear as he came next to her. Slowly she couldn't think anymore and was going off of pure instinct as the chains were taken off of her in a rather brutal way, but she didn't feel a thing. He said something, but she couldn't make any sense of it. She felt very weak, but she had enough strength to inch away from him in fear. Her adrenaline was pumping through her veins too quickly and she began to hyperventilate from the stress.

Erais felt strength wash through her, but her mind was still clouded and her senses were still distorted. She looked at Daidrea in panic and tried to pull away from him. Everything looked so different, everything seemed to spin as she tried desperately to get away from Daidrea. "She doesn't know who you are." One of the beasts hissed out before Arden silenced him. Just grab her and lets go, I can't defeat them. I can only hold them back, come on. Arden told Daidrea while fighting the things off while they tried to get near.

Erais looked at Daidrea terrified before he knocked her out. Arden held back the beasts long enough for Daidrea to get out of the clearing before he followed him. The trees began to grow very dense as he went deeper into a large thicket. He had lost sight of Daidrea long ago, but was still able to follow the trail. It took a little while for him to manuver through the closely placed trees, but finally he came to a hut. It was very dark in the part of the forest, but he found it oddly comforting, it made a good cover. He was able to find a spot big enough for him to lay on the ground. Any idea what it was that they force feeded her? Arden asked Daidrea with a small bit of hope.

Arden put his head on the ground after Daidrea spoke. He wished he hadn't left her alone, and it wasn't even very long. He had flown up ahead just to see if he could find any land marks, and before he knew it, she was gone. Arden groaned and rolled onto his side as he fell into a state of depression. The darkness that surrounded the area was slightly comforting, and he hoped that Daidrea would be able to help her. If you keep your intentions in mind, I'm sure you won't lose control. Arden told him with a small glimmer of hope.

Arden grunted in agreement and kept his mind focused on the energy that was passing between him and Erais. He felt a slight change, barely even there, when Erais' energy dipped low for a moment before returning back to its steady pace. I think she's okay, her mind is starting to wake up. He told Daidrea relieved that Erais was starting to acknowledge her surroundings as she slowly woke up.

Erais' eyes fluttered open, and after a while she was able to keep them open. She looked around the dark hut, it was strange and unfamiliar as she studied the scarce amount of things in it. Apparently whoever lived here, didn't stay here often. She sat up and looked around, studying what was in the dark corners and found Daidrea. For a moment she was confused, all she could remember was the nasty feeling and flavor of that horrible stuff she was forced to digest. "Daidrea?" she asked unsure. Erais wondered if this was some sort of twisted dream, surely this wasn't real. The mental toture she had suffered was great and she was scared to believe that he was real.

"Yes I'm fine, though I do have to say I feel like throwing up," she said trying to get the gaging feeling to go away. "Are you okay?" Erais asked him worried, she stood up, a bit off balance, but went over to him quickly. He didn't look too good, she still kept expecting to wake up with the black beasts. Erais shuddered at the thought while feeling his forehead. "What happened?" she asked him curiously.

Erais was a bit shocked at what he had explained, she couldn't exactly remember it, but she could remember the feelings it had invoked in her. She had decided that she didn't want to go through that again. "I'm sorry you had to do that," Erais said, feeling foolish that she couldn't handle it and past it to Daidrea, even if she had been unconscious. She felt terrible for having him to take her beating for her, again. Erais felt like asking him more questions, but one, she felt slightly embarrassed that she hadn't been able to handle it, and two, he seemed extremely weak and tired now. "I guess you should get some rest now, let me help you over to the bed." Erais said kindly.

Erais watched him struggle for a moment before he fell back down. She couldn't help but chuckle. "Pride can be a terrible asset at times," she muttered to him softly and bent down to help him up. She had to use most of her strength in holding him up as they slowly made it over to the bed. In her opinion, she hadn't thought it was that far away. Carefully she let him use her for balance as he got on the bed. "Just sleep," she said and gave him a kiss on the cheek before leaving the hut to sit with Arden outside.

Ooc - Sorry if it was slight god-mode.

Arden was very pleased to see Erais up and looking healthy, she had a slight glow to herself. You seem a bit happy. Arden pointed out while looking at her. Yes I am, I don't know for sure, but I'm happy to be with Daidrea again. Erais said with a smile. She sat down next to him and leaned against his side, it had been hard for a while, but seeing Daidrea again helped renew her hopes. Where did he come from exactly? Erais asked Arden. So Arden explained and filled the holes in that Daidrea hadn't been able to. Ah, well I'm glad. She said in understanding.

Soon it was completely dark and Erais guessed the sun had either set, or was very close to setting. The darkness that shrouded them was slightly eerie and made her feel a bit uneasy. Soon she became restless and stood up to stretch. She let her mind wander for a while until she heard small movement in the hut. Quietly she walked back into the hut which seemed to be even more blacker then it was outside, if that was even possible. She had to squint, but she finally saw the outline of the bed. "Are you awake?" she asked lowly, so if he wasn't, she wouldn't be disturbing him.

Erais was curious as to what his dream was about, but didn't press him further. She tried to see further in the dark, but all she heard was a slight russling of blankets. Slowly she began to make her way toward the bed, stumbling every so often. "Yeah, I'm fine, it feels like it never happened, except the nasty feeling of trying to swallow that stuff." She made a sour face while sitting down next to him. "What is this place anyway?" she asked genuinely curious. It was too empty to be occupied, and if it was, it was rarely used.

Erais tried to make sense of his dream, but didn't have too much luck. She looked around the dark hut again, she could see the outline of a few items, but her eyes weren't accustomed to this kind of blackness. "Oh, I can see that." She said while turning back to him. She didn't know why, but he reminded her of a bird, always free, never in one place for too long, always moving. She felt concern for him as she remembered what he had done. "Are you okay?" it wasn't a question for his well being, it was more if he was able to keep the darkness in him locked up.

Erais was sure he was only giving her half the truth, but she decided to leave the topic alone. "Good, because I prefer you over Aerdiad any day." She said while wrapping her arms around his neck and resting her head on his shoulder. It was nice to be with him again, especially now that they didn't have to worry about anything at the doorstep, at least she was sure there was nothing to worry about. "I think I can say I'm truly grateful to those black beasts." Erais said softly.

Erais didn't take much notice that he didn't return the embrace, she was just focused on enjoying the moment. Knowing their lives, it could end at any moment. She was still very curious about him, he was very intriguing and even though he held so much to being an elf, he was so very different from the others. For one, the other elves hardly ever interacted with others, let alone get caught up in troubles outside there personal lives. The questions burned her tongue like a hot iron, but she didn't want to seem intrusive or nosy. So she kept quiet, trying to figure out why he was different.

Erais was slightly annoyed that he looked into her mind. "Most people would be either really angry or really offended if you did that." She said in an accusing way, but there was a slight smile in her voice when she spoke. "Ah, yes, it does make sense." Erais knew how much a dragon could affect someone. "Well I have to say I'm glad, otherwise I'd might not have met, or if I did, I wouldn't have become as close. At least I'm pretty sure I wouldn't have." She said a bit thoughtfully.

"You were already forgiven." Erais told him gently. Erais quickly turned away from him as the blanket slipped. She felt slightly embarrassed herself as she quickly stood up. "Okay, get some sleep." She said and left the hut quickly. Coming outside she breathed in the earthy air. Arden was already fast asleep, so she walked over to him and nestled inbetween his front claws which were giving off enough heat to keep her warm as she slipped into sleep.

Erais woke up when it was light enough to see beyond the trees. She had no idea what time it really was, but the forest looked peaceful as the trees seemed to be sleeping. Erais uncurled from her position and stood up to stretch, she looked around and the only thing that seemed out of place was the hut, and even then it looked like a part of the forest. It was a long while and she just watched the everything light up more. The slight sound of footsteps alerted her and she looked up to see Daidrea meditating. Instead of speaking with him right away, she left him alone, she needed to sort out her own thoughts.

After he finished meditating, Daidrea looked around. He saw Erais standing in the distance seemingly lost in thought. He decided to leave her be for the moment.
He went over to where Arden was who was lazily on his stomach yawning. Good morning, Arden.
He seemed tired and only had an eye on him instead of turning his whole head.


OC- Sorry for slight god-mod

Ooc - It's fine

Arden would rather be sleeping, but he kept half his mind awake. He lazily looked at Daidrea, barely moving from his current position. Yes, good morning, he said a bit sleepily. This is a very nice place for a nap, silence, not too much light, soft ground... Arden trailed off as just talking about it was already putting him more asleep then he already was. He shook his head, trying to not fall back into slumber. It was a dangerous thing you did, most aren't so fool hardy. Arden attempted at being stern, but his words were said slowly as his eyes slipped half shut.

When you absorbed so much dark energy, it could have done a lot of damage. Arden explained. He admired Daidrea for all the risks he took knowing perfectly well all the terrible outcomes. At least, he was sure Daidrea knew what the outcomes could be. He looked up at the thick canopy, it was much darker then the colors actually were. This was definately a place he'd like to be more often.

OC- Go ahead and read first.
Lol Erais if your wondering whats going on, reds gonna join us. Gonna get interesting again..

Ooc - No, go ahead, it's always better with three minds then just two. An interesting idea? Good!

OC- yes, basically I was telling Arden to watch Erais and for you even though I dont know its you, I went to try to find you.

Arden could sense something in the air as Daidrea told him to keep an eye out. Erais wasn't paying much attention to what was going on, she was more absorbed in her thoughts, trying to piece together what was going on with those odd black creatures. What were they exactly, did Galbatorix create them? Or were they some sort of sick mutation from all the other creatures he created. Finally giving up, she looked around, Daidrea was know where to be seen and she felt slightly alone. Mesaraih is here, Arden told her quietly. Erais became uneasy as she looked around. She didn't feel like confronting him, so she decided it was best to wait for Daidrea to come back.

Erais sat against the front of the hut, her heart was pounding painfully. She knew Mesaraih was here, somewhere around, and Daidrea wasn't around, so she felt a bit jumpy. Arden watched her carefully, not sure if she should be cutting pieces off of a stick with her knife. Erais continued to chip pieces off of the stick when she glanced up and saw Daidrea. Surprised the knife flew out of her hand and hit the closest tree trunk. It clinked dully to the ground as she dropped the twigs, her heart rate had shot up considerably.

Erais watched him as he sat down a few feet from her. She felt much more comfort from his presence, but her stomach went into a twist as she saw Mesaraih. Hello Mesaraih, Fenixeres. Arden said while walking over to the hut where Erais was. The faint like coming from the trees made it seem more eerie now then peaceful.

No, that would make the tension worse. Erais said while looking at him with a pleading look. "What brings you here?" she asked tentitively to Mesaraih while her stomach was erupting in butterflies. It took a lot of her self control to keep from fidgeting to much. Arden sensed her uneasiness as she tried to keep calm in the situation.

Remembering the horrid feeling of being in their camp, she shuddered at the memory. "Yes I was, but I don't ever want to have to face one of those things again," her hands shook slightly. "I don't know what they are, but they are far more stronger and difficult then anything else that Galbatorix has as an ally. Whether he created them or not, they are lethal." Erais said.

Erais couldn't help as her heart sunk. Could he really not stand being around her for this long. "Don't bother, they're already dead. There's nothing but disturbed dirt." She said slightly hurt while standing up and walking into the hut. She shut the door behind her and went over to the bed. Erais sat on it, feeling slightly rejected.

Erais sat for a long time, thinking over what had recently occured. She felt bad for how she had acted towards Mesaraih. Sure things were awkward and the situation was a bit strange, but past that, he'd been there a lot for her. She knew she wanted to stay friends with him, but she knew it might be hard. It wasn't easy over coming something like this, and on occasion, she sometimes wondered how different it would be if the roles were switched.

Sighing, she stood up from the bed. She slowly made her way to the door and opened it. Coming out of the hut, the atmosphere felt much more relaxed then when she had left. It looked like Daidrea and Mesaraih had been able to sort out feelings against each other, even if it they were few. "I'm sorry Mesaraih," she mumbled quietly, but loud enough to hear. "I'm sorry for acting that way to you, can you forgive me?" she asked him hopefully.

Erais let out the breath she hadn't realized she'd been holding. "Maybe we're both at fault," she said. Erais walked over to him and extended her hand. "I do want to be friends, so let see if even under these, eh, circumstances, try to stay friends." She said with a genuine smile as she held her hand out.

Erais hand tingled slightly from the contact of his hand. It was a very curious thing that caused her to look funny at Mesaraih for a moment before it was wiped away by a smile. "Good, I'll try as well. After all, it's not like we're on opposite sides. The only way we can triumph, is by being together in unity." Erais smiled gently. She let go of his hand, the small sensation gone instantly. She wondered slightly what it actually ment, but looking around, Daidrea was gone. Must've gone insides. She thought absently.

Erais' thoughts strayed slightly as she looked around the wooded area. A feeling of peace washed over her as she gazed at the green sereneness that flooded her. "So what contact did you have with the Black Beasts?" she tore her gaze from the green and focused on Mesaraih as she spoke. "I hope you weren't encamped with them as well, its not very pleasent." She said and made a face. The mood seemed lighter and she felt so much more lighter now that she was having another chance at being Mesaraih friend, hopefully repair some of the damage that had been caused.

"Six?" Erais asked him in unbelief. "Its a marvel you're still alive, let alone practically fine." She said in awe. Erais looked around. "I'm not sure, I've stayed mostly here and in the hut, but I'm sure Daidrea knows where one is. After all, this is his home." She told him. "What kind of liquid?" she asked him. "While I was, eh, in their camp, they forced this liquid substance down my throat. It makes you completely helpless, anything can happen to you in that time, and you can give little resitance; and you have no possible contact with your dragon." Erais shuddered, remembering the experiance.

"No, go ahead, you need some rest." Erais said quickly to reassure him. "I'm surprised you've been standing this long after an encounter with them. I'm glad you're okay, stay and rest." She told him before walking into the hut where Daidrea was. She looked around and saw him sitting in a chair. She quietly walked over to him and put her hand on his arm comfortingly. "What are you thinking?" he looked troubled, and she didn't like it when he was. "What's bothering you?" she asked gently.

Erais sighed softly. "You didn't steal me or anything from him, please understand that." She told him softly. "After everything that had happened, I...well, I feel like I can't live without you. Even though I do need to spend time alone, I know if I couldn't be with you, some part of me would die." Erais had no idea if she was being clear or not, but it was the best she could describe it.

Erais stood there confused after he went into his room. What had he meant by that? She felt warm from his kiss, but, what he had said had confused her. After a few contemplating moments, she followed after him. "What was that supposed to mean?" she asked him quietly while leaning against the door frame.

"No, I was just a bit confused. I know I wasn't very clear, but that's the best explanation I can give." Erais said while looking at him. "Don't be so sorry all the time Daidrea, not everything needs an apology. Most of the time people get it without it needing to be verbalized, but I'm glad that you can acknowledge a place where offence could be taken. Otherwise you'd be too proud, and if you were, I doubt I would've fallen for you." She said the last part with a smile.

Erais smiled softly. "And I'm very glad I met you." She embraced him back and was just enjoying the moment. It was times like these that she enjoyed the most. No conflict, no doubts, nothing. Just peace and security, well, security to a certain extent. Seeing how her life was now, she couldn't imagine what it would be like if everything was stripped away from her.

"Yes, that would be a very good idea." Erais said in agreement. She became slightly uncomfortable, but it was over ridden quickly. "Sure," she said with a soft smile. She reached her hand up and turned his face so he was looking at her. "Besides, you're much more pleasing then Arden in the morning." She said with a soft chuckle.