It was a sunny, but chilly day. Clouds carelessly rolled through the sky, and gulls circled above. The sea water was deep and cold, and Surda could be seen not two miles away. Kariana paddled furiously, but silently towards a costal town, dipping underneath every so often to avoid being spotted. She knew that it was easier to hide if she swum towards the shore, as people would easily see her if she were to fly there. A flash of movement on a high cliff caught her eye, and she slid underwater like a sea serpent, still watching warily.

OOC- feel free to join. Anybody? Hello...

Blaser was flying on Blade over from the island Parlim to Reavstone. The sun prevented him seeing properly but he noticed a small boat and someone paddling in it towards the coast of Surda. '' Blade fly down and let me investigate. They flew down and a great sea serpent suddenly flew up and bite Blades leg. '' Blade are you alright ''.
'' Need to land pain unbearable '' said Blade. He flew to the shore and Blaser healed the outside but he was still in pain

OOC- Ignore this post please, user no longer active- firetongue

"Thank you very much." said Beleg to the merchant.
"No sir, Thank you!"
He had just bought two new waterskins. He would need them for the long ride back home.

Beleg turned to his left to gaze out upon the ocean. As he scanned the sea he noticed an unnatural sparkle in the waters. He looked closer and saw that the sparkles were moving!

This is most unnatural thought Beleg. He moved closer to the docks, hoping to catch a better glimpse of waht it was.

When Beleg saw the dragon burst out of the water, he couldn't believe his eyes. He rubbed them several times to see if he was in a dream. When he realized he wasn't, he tore his axe out of its leather carrier and began to run. He ran till he couldnt run anymore, and by the time he got to th docks, the water was still and no dragon to be seen.

As he was turning to go back to the city, he noticed splotches of red in the water.

It seemed like forever that the dark blue dragon hovered over him. After about five minutes Beleg stretched out his hand in a gesture of peace and whispered "Friends?".

Beleg still couldnt believe his eyes. A dragon! A real - in the flesh- dragon.

Suddenly he could hear a voice. It seemed like it was from nowhere and everywhere. He looked up at the dragon and asked "Who do you serve, if not the king?".

"Wha-AHHHHHHHHHH!!" Yelled Beleg as the dragon took him by the leg and took him into the air.
"Bloody dragons" muttered Beleg.
"Where are you taking me?" Beleg asked, not knowing if the dragon could even hear him.
Just hold on said that voice again. That voice that came from nowhere and everywhere. When they landed on a small crag, outlooking the ocean, he very nearly took out his axe and cleaved her. ( not that it would do much good). He walked off about 50 paces and sat on a rock to think.

He could hear the dragon advancing behind him. He did not even want to think about what the dragon might be doing. He had heard plenty of stories of dragons surprising you and eating you alive. He shuddered at the thought. He also hoped that no one followed them from the docks.

The sun was going down and he was growing cold. He decided to try and get a pact made with the dragon.

"As you can see, I have no place to sleep, would you mind if I slept under your wing possible?". No, no, no, thats not what he wanted to ask. Too late-he would have to leave it at that.

"Beleg." He answered. He was beginning to grow agitated at that voice again, it was eery. Almost too eery.

He sat up against the dragon looking at the sun. That sun that was as beautiful as any dwarf woman. It made him think. It made him think about what he was doing in Surda at all. He then reallized he hadn't seen a sun for years. You didnt see them that often living in a mountain city.

"And what is your name, oh fair dragon?"

"Ever since I was a boy, I've had a dream of going to the Empire or Surda. Finally one of my dreams has come true." But he didn't dream of being carried away against his will by a dragon. As tbe sun set, he noticed her scales-he assumed it was a female at least- reflected the sun off and ended in a sparkle like light showering a fountain of water. This dragon must surely be old to have been "young" before Galbatorix's reign.

And with that, he snuggled up under her wing and drifted asleep.

OOC: I cnat think of anything...Anyone else is welcome to come in and join.

ooc: i would but this one seems like its one of those 2 people ones and it would be hard to join.

OOC: hmmmm... I think I've figured out a way to incorporate Faefnir and maybe the Stag this time around.
Faefnir flew low to the ground at a gentle pace, with the Stag trotting near him, making sure he didn't run too fast that the glorious golden dragon didn't catch him. Faefnir's keen eyes caught something on the horizon. Well, well, my friend. It looks like Kariana has finally decided to shelter someone other than herself. The Stag chuckled at this remark. Aye. Maybe she has decided to become bound to someone. And look at this! A dwarf, of all things! Never has this happened in all of the history of Alagaesia. Faefnir looked at his old friend. Should we meet this new Rider, old friend? The Stag put some thought into this. Absolutely. Let's see what this Rider is all about. So Faefnir increased his wing speed and the Stag started running next to him, anxious to meet yet another Rider.

Beleg could almost feel the heat inside of himself. The sun reflecting off Kariana's scales and entering what he liked to call his "cuddle hole", was heating it, and rapidly. As he was getting up himself, that bloody dragon got up and ruffled her wings. He wasn't happy. He picked himself up and looked over at the dragon to complain, when he noticed her looking at something. He himself couldn't see anything...yet.

"What is it?" He asked.

OOC: You guys skipped me? *sniff*

OC: ANOTHER dragon? How bad could things get? With Beleg's luck he would probably be given to them to be eaten. He had a bad feeling of this.

"How do you know my name?" wondered Beleg in amazement. He had never heard of a dragon doing this in either lore or legend. Unless! he was betrayed by Kariana. He got his axe out anyway, just in case.

OOC: pardon me.
Faefnir first focused his attention to the dwarf, who had just drawn his axe. He wasn't surprised by this at all. Things had always been strenuous between dragons and dwarves. Beleg, you don't need that. For I mean no harm to you. I hold allegience to none but myself. As for your question, I am the direct descendent of the Great Dragon, father of our race. I have been gifted with far-sightedness, so I see much in the present, past, and future. I hope with time, you can consider me as your friend. Then he focused his attention back to Kariana. Amazing. Mind if I journey with you two? These old bones could do with an adventure.

Beleg lowered his axe slightly. He had heard of these so-called "Gifted Dragons", but had never seen one in the flesh, nor met anyone who had. He had also heard that they needed food to keep up that ability. But, he was sure that those were only folktales, stories told around the campfire to scare little dwarves from wandering too far out of the city. Whatever the case, he was stuck here with two dragons and a horse.

"What do you want of me?" He asked, talking to either of them. He got out his miniature whetstone he carried with his axe and sat down on a rock to sharpen his axe. He always sharpened his axe when he was nervous.

Faefnir grinned at Kariana. Then he focused his attention to Beleg. Well, I would not know much about it. If there is something you think we want you to do, you should ask Kariana. She was the one who approached you in the first place. I just approached Kariana.
OOC: sorry it isn't longer. i couldn't do a whole lot with what i was given. also, remember that the White Stag is in this rp.

OOC: This is hard lol. And the "horse" i referred to in my post was the White Stag...its a horse to Beleg.

"I have asked Kariana and all she has told me was that she found me interesting." Said Beleg grudgingly. He didn't like to be dragged to less than fortunate circumstances.

He was growing weary of this island- if you could call it one. All it was was a rocky spit of land in the middle of the ocean a mile or two off the coast of Surda. He was longing for land again; somewhere where there was no water besides wells and rivers.

Faefnir eyed Beleg and Kariana. I don't really have much to do right now. Where we go is your call, Beleg.
OOC: sorry it isn't longer. couldn't work with what i was given.

OOC: Why would he be cut to pieces...?

OOC: axes, strife... think about it. the answer should be very clear.

OOC: ill try my best...

"Where would you suggest I go then? I have no-no-no fa...family, nothing but my......my axe, and my home." Beleg was starting to stutter. He could feel it. Creeping through his bones. He was thirsty and needed water. Nothing but salt water all around. He collapsed; through his vision he saw the..horse or whatever it was prancing to look at him.

Beleg suddenly felt strange. He knew it to be true, but couldnt explain it. It felt like he was being given new life. He suddenly bolted upright; grabbing something, anything to keep him upright. He took the wineskin and drank deeply, stopping only to catch his breath.

"Praise the gods!" Beleg yelled. He was so overjoyed he ran over and embraced the...horse and its dragon. A bloody dragon! When he realized what he was doing, he jumped back and let the expression on his face drip back to stone.

"Thank you...Faefnir was it? And your..horse. It was a very kind act of you and I give you my humblest thanks. I am ever in your debt. If you would take me back to Surda, I would be ever more in your debt." He sounded fake, but it must be done.

OOC: it wasnt your turn anyway

OOC: lol. I guess it's my turn.
Faefnir looked at Beleg and lowered his head slightly. I appreciate your humility. We shall be happy to take you back to Surda. I have business I must attend to in Aberon anyway. Oh, and I must ask you not call the Stag a "horse." He is mildly insulted that you would group him with lesser creatures only because you are small. Faefnir chuckled slightly. He looked at Kariana. Will you join us to Aberon, young one? Then he focused his attention back to Beleg. Would you prefer to ride on me or Kariana, or would you like stay with the Stag on ground, master dwarf? Faefnir awaited both of their responses.
OOC: also, I'm gonna have to leave early tomorrow for a camp I'm attending. Firetongue, can you rp in my place? Dont kill me or the Stag while I'm away.

OOC: Fronzz, where r u? It is ur turn.

OOC: I didnt wanna post till you came back...Ill post tomorrow, im really tired today.

OOC: okie dokie. we'll await ur turn tomorrow.

"Then lets be off with it," Said Beleg with a touch of disgruntlement. He went down to the rocks by which he slept the last night and picked up his gear. The axe, its leather holster, his clothes and finally the wineskin.

Climbing onto Kariana's back carefully, he looked back at the rocky crags below his feet and knew he would be feeling no remorse at leaving.

Clutching his things under his body and holding on tight to Kariana- what little there was to hold onto- they slowly slid into the waiting sky.

Beleg could hear the dragon talking to him, but he was too petrified to answer. Under his breath he murmured a few curses.

"When will this bloody ride be over?" Shouted Beleg over the beating wings. This was just not what dwarves were meant to do. Dwarves were meant to dig stone and build cities; not fly on dragons.

"Thanks the gods!" Shouted Beleg when he felt Kariana drifting down to land.

He could hear the dragons and the Stag chuckling, not sure if they wanted him to hear them or not.

"Where are we anyways?" wondered Beleg. HE wondered if even the dragons knew.

Beleg slipped off of the dragons back and got aquainted with his "Land legs". Oh how he loved those land legs.

He looked up at Kariana and gazed at the...beauty? of a dragon. Kariana was a dwarf to the great golden dragon beside her. He wondered if tehre were any more dragons out there. Or, rather, if there were any larger than the golden one, or as large, or smaller than Kariana. So many questions, but no time.

OOC: You figured it out, huh? xD

"You dragons can fly high enough in the sky to not be seen, yes?" Beleg was forming a plan. "If you can, you can leave me and The Stag to do the scouting through the populated areas, while you enjoy yourselves high in the air. I know Kariana wants to ask you some questions too, Faefnir." This was hopefully working, if it didn't, he would have to find another way to convince them that he wanted to be alone.

"Have you never heard of dwarves' great speed?" Asked Beleg, almost jokingly. Dwarves could run for great speed for 1 to 2 miles. Beyond that, he would need rest for at least 3 hours before he could continue running.

"If you don't let me, I will walk away and return home, no matter what the circumstance." Threatened Beleg.

Beleg just knew they were laughing at him. He didn't like it one bit. He didn't want magic to be used on him, it was like letting a woman into his bedchamber without him asking. This... this was not what he wanted.

OOC: Am i the decision maker? You CAN take me by my will...

OOC: we could, but dragons are sensible also. we don't wanna be rude.

OOC: This is boring...I cant do anything lol

OOC: you just said ur the decision maker! so, make the decisions!

Well, Ill pass then.

OOC: hallelujah! we're back!

Beleg stared in amazement at the transformation. He couldn't believe that magic did this. He had only heard of magic being wizards and witches putting spells on little kids to make them be quiet, but this, this was amazing.

"So am I riding you, Kariana?" Asked Beleg. He was almost positive he was, but he didn't want to offend her by jumping on her back and expecting her to prance around like a showhorse. "I, for one, can not wait to get out of this "suit". It makes me feel odd and un-dwarf-like". This was not going to go well.

OOC: Wasnt kariana turned into a horse?

OOC: nuh uh. the Stag was changed into a horse so Kariana can fly with me and ask me her questions. plus, it's easier to change deer into horses than dragons into horses. and Kariana and I have to hide when we are near populated areas, remember?

"So, can you talk?" Beleg asked his new mount. He thought it could, after all, it had given him water on that rock of an island. "How long have you been with Faefnir? It must be a strong bond for you to go everywhere with him." Beleg wanted some answers, but he didn't want to sound up front asking them all at once. So he just waited for the right moment when htey had gotten comfortable together. After all, how hard can riding a horse be.

Faefnir looked behind him as Kariana caught up with him. He decreased his speed to a more casual pace, then spoke to her. Now, you have some questions for me. Go ahead and ask them.

The Stag bowed his head to Beleg. Yes, I am quite intelligent. You can ask me anything. But first, you must know how to ride. Just ride me like you ride a Feldunost. Grip with your knees and hold onto my neck. Don't choke me though. As Beleg mounted up, the Stag answered his questions. Indeed, it is a strong bond between myself and Faefnir. We met in my home of Du Weldenvarden. We spent many hours together and we eventually became stalwart friends. 'Twas I who protected him during his long meditation. 'Twas I who stopped many fits of anger, which pretty much drive him insane. But you don't need to fear him, his tantrums are very rare and over the course of his long life, he has learned very well how to control his temper. He and I are the closest of friends and I wouldn't leave his side if all the gods forbade it.

I think I'll just pass

OOC: suit yourself. I guess it's my turn then.

Faefnir chuckled lightly. Kariana, I am a very special dragon. I am not all-knowing, but I do know much. I have a very special gift, far-sightedness. It allows me to see deep into my future and to other places. And yes, I can do magic at will, which I understand is a very rare occurance amongst our kin. I know you because I know all my kin. You have to thank my father for that. Or, should I say, our father. You see me, but I am not like an ordinary dragon. I am the direct descendant of the Great Dragon, father of our proud race. That is why I have all these powers. I can do things you could never imagine, Kariana. Magic and far-sightedness are the least of my capabilities. I can make my scales glow brightly. I can use ice and fire breath. I even came back from the dead one time. But like any other person, I do have a very dark side. I prefer not to go into details, but let's just say if I lose my temper, things become very dangerous around me. If pressed to it, I could even destroy Alagaesia. That is the measure of my strength, but it comes at an all too terrible price.

Beleg watched the dragons fly into the air until they became less than a speck.
"They're amazing aren't they?" Beleg wondered; partially to himself, partially to the Stag. "How long will I be riding you?" Beleg asked the Stag. He didnt want to ride him for too long, he wanted to be a dwarf again.

The Stag looked up at the two dragons, now high in the sky. Yes, they are quite amazing. As for how long you will be riding me, I'm pretty sure you have to stay this way until we reach Aberon. By then, it'll be safe enough for us to return to our original forms.

Faefnir thought over her question. I'd imagine your a fairly young dragon. It only makes sense you have never heard of me. First of all, I was born before the elves came here, but I was still young when they did land. Secondly, I have spent much of my life in hiding. I lived on my own for thousands of years, appearing where I chose to appear. Many people during the heyday of the Riders thought my appearance was a good omen and a sign of years of production and prospering. Only recently have i started taking an active role in events in Alagaesia. I had long known that the Fall was going to occur before it even happened. So I spent many years fashioning a secret fortress for myself and the Stag, which would serve as our lair during the dark ages. I will trust you with the information that it's located in the mountains of the Hadarac Desert. When Galbatorix finally did rise, myself and the Stag fled to the lair so that we may survive the Purge that occurred during Galbatorix's rise to power. I forced myself into a long meditation that has lasted 100 years. I knew it was the right thing to do, for the time wasn't right for me to appear again. It was right after the first of the new generation of Riders, Eragon, appeared that I broke my meditation. My appearance has drastically shaken the balance of power in Alagaesia. The Empire fears me, as do the Varden. Yet they do nothing because both know as long as they don't harm me or those close to me, they will not be destroyed.

Beleg had the feeling that everyone in the city was staring him, a dwarf the size of a man. This, of course, was not true. To them, he was just a weary traveler riding his horse through the streets.

"This riding hurts my backside," Muttered Beleg. Dwarves, or men in this matter, were not meant to ride horses, they were meant to ride Feldunost(not sure how to do the accent).

Faefnir knew this question would come up. He chose his answer very carefully. Because nothing can stop the passage of time. We can delay it, or perhaps even alter it to a small degree, but one can never change the future. Du Fryn Skulblaka would have happened whether those elves had hunted that dragon or not. The Riders would have still been created. The Fall would have still occurred. That is why I did nothing, for there is truly nothing I can do.

The Stag sensed Beleg's nervousness. Don't worry, master dwarf. Once we are out of the city, there will be a large expanse of wilderness between us and Aberon. I think once we get a safe distance outside, you can start walking again.