OOC: This RPG is open to all, but especially if you have a character that is a friend to Eroth, or Ara. This takes place directly after "The Escort".
IC:
Eroth roared happily. He and Ara had mated after having esaped from the clutches fo some evil monsters; the Lethre'blaka and to their joy, they had created an egg. The egg, Eroth placed in the same side cave that he had kept Syrca in. He had also mended the hole created by Leonitus when he got in and got to Syrca's egg. He had sealed it all up, except for a small hole in the celing, just large enough for a hand to get in, but not for the egg to get out. The hole served two purposes, it brought fresh air into the cave when the wind blre to the West, and it allowed the light of the sun to shine on the egg in the daytime, and sometimes, allowed the moonlight to shine in on the egg, and keep it warm, as well as cool in the evenings. He looked over t his mate who was sleeping soundly toward the back of the inner chambers of his home, beside the small secret entrance to the egg. The room the egg was in was not large enough for a dragon to get inside, but the dragon had enough room to get inside and heat, or cool the egg if need be.

Eroth had sent word to his sister, Syrca first, knowing that as a very young dragoness, she would be excited to see an egg, and her neice, shoudl the egg hatch. Then he asked Syrca to ask Leonitus to go about gathering their friends, as well as family to bring them to see the beautiful egg for themselves.

Leonitus walked annoyedly through the forest of Du Weldenvarden. He had been sent here by Eroth, well, Syrca through Eroth to find Keralin, Aelir, Hayren, and Taliear. It seemed that Eroth's new mate, Syrca's sister-in-law, Ara had lain an egg and that all of the "family" was to come to Eroth's home, well, more like fortress, but who was complaining, to see it. So, he walked.

OOC: For those of you don't know Marco is one of Galbatorix's name slaves and is mostly employed as an assassin.

Marco was content, the future seemed brighter than before, the air was cool on his face and best of all he was free. But it can't last, in a couple weeks I'll be back in Uru'baen and under Galbatorix's control. The thought could not sour Marco's good mood. He had been sent to Ceunon to recover from his ordeal. Marco recalled the lie he had spun for Galbatorix, he began his tale with how his troop had been repeatedly attacked and destroyed by a group of Lethreblaka. Naturally Marco had escaped to the forest where he met the magician Tarin who had teleported the scroll to Uru'baen. They were then attacked and tragically Tarin was killed but not before he had managed to tell Marco the location of the Lethre'blaka's lair. Marco then preceded to the lair to kill all nine Lethre'blaka within. It was a good lie because it was somewhat based on the truth, there was a similar number of Lethre'blaka but they were killed off over three or four fights and Marco had the help of the dragon Eroth in all of them. It had been several days since Marco had arrived in Ceunon, he had soon grown bored of the city and had ventured out into Du Weldenvarden. Marco has a passion for climbing so as soon as he saw the great trees he had wanted to reach their top. Currently he was perched on top of a tree on the western edge of the forest and watching a sunrise. Marco decided that he wanted to spend the two weeks among friends. He removed an enchanted rock from his black robe and used it to contact Eroth wondering were his friend would call home.

Eroth isn't usually this jumpy something must have happened. "Eroth don't worry I'm fine though you seem a little jumpy did something happen? The reason I'm calling is because I have two weeks recovery time ,which is an oversight on Galbatoirx's part considering I only need two days at most. I was wondering if I could come and spend the time at your house we didn't have to much time for conversation last time we met. The only problem is that I don't know where your house is. Could you give me directions. I'm currently on the western side of Du Weldenvarden.

While they had been speaking Marco had started to climb down the tree he was in, it was harder than usual as could only use one hand however Marco relished the challenge. As soon as he touched the ground Marco tightened his cloak so his equipment wouldn't bounce against his ribs when he was running. As soon as Eroth told Marco where to go he set-off at a run. The destination wasn't that far away, it would be long before sunset when he arrived but that was assuming nothing happened on the way.

Half an hour later Marco was still running when arrived he heard the sounds of a forge, he couldn't see any nearby buildings so continued running. Marco looked back to make sure that no-one was following him when he ran straight into a tree and was knocked back a few yards. Standing up he could only stare in surprise, in the clearing in-front of him was a large blue dragon. Marco's training immediately kicked-in and he stepped-back to give himself more room, his eyes were darting left and right looking for ways to escape and his hands had drawn out daggers and a smokescreen grenade...

Marco recognized Aelir immediately. Marco knew all about Aelir as Marco knew about all of the Empire's major enemies, he had been forced to read about them from files containing the Empire's information on it's enemies. Marco was tempted to run but a sudden thought stopped him. This was where Eroth told me to go, he must have some purpose in sending me here. If I get closer I may be able to overhear some useful information. Marco carefully started to move forward. As he neared the edge of the clearing he overheard Leonitus's challenge and stopped, he recognized the shouter from Eroth's description. It was suddenly very clear what Eroth's plan was, he wanted Marco to travel with these companions to Eroth's home. Marco sighed, he was unhappy with the plan, normally he would have followed the group through the forest. However as the entire group had dragons they could fly away at any moment and leave him behind he would have to introduce himself. Marco decided that planing his entrance was useless, he sheathed his daggers and walked into the clearing whistling loudly to announce his approach.

OOC: Aeraildi this post it to remind you it is your turn.

OOC: Thank you, but I know. The past couple of weeks have been pretty full on for me as I've had to study constantly.

Keralin's memories of Leonitus came swiftly after the reminder of that particular event. "Of course! How could I forget? Come on closer, I was about to start the forge up. What news do you bring?" He asked before he heard whistling in the distance. Not many Elves whistled so loudly, though it was usually a cheerful tune when it was heard.

Aelir relaxed at the mention of Leonitus approaching, though he knew who would come next. He ducked out of the way and hid as Syrca bounded up to the house and called out for his children to come out. He walked out close to Syrca with a smile and said loudly, I'm already down here.

Hayren and Taliear woke with the presence of another in their mind talking far too loudly for the morning. Taliear immediately recognized the voice as belonging to Syrca and dragged himself out of his bed of pillows in the wide space of the tree which was called his room. He didn't wait for Hayren as he could walk down the stairs just fine, beside he looked like he could use a minute to prepare himself for the day. Taliear always found that what the two-legs called 'morning face' was quite funny. He was always ready to wake and fly once again.
Taliear jumped out of the tree and glided down to Syrca, who was being crept upon by his father. Since he settled down he had become a small trickster, playing games with people. Taliear had to say he loved it.
Syrca, good to see you!

Hayren had no idea how Taliear managed to get out of bed so quickly, waking was so slow for him though he wished he could make it faster. Cold water was the best option for him though, which he used frequently. After splashing some water in his face from the basin in their home, Hayren got changed into his normal dress and ran down the stairs to greet Leonitus and Syrca himself.

No turning back now Marco thought as the human noticed his approach mind you that was the point of the whistle. Marco hadn't wanted to walk into the camp unannounced and get into a fight with all there, he would probably kill one or two of those gathered but it would be futile and he would lose such a confrontation.

Marco looked at the man "My name you will here soon enough, as for your second question if you are asking why I am whistling I am doing so to announce my approach, in my experience surprising groups of Dragons and dangerous armed individuals is rarely beneficial. However if you are asking why I am in travelling in these fair woods then my answer would be that I am visiting a friend" Marco stopped twenty feet away from the Leonitus, struggling to resist the instinct of arming himself while so close to so many potential enemies. "Human, if your name is Leonitus then I will tell my name and the friend I go to visit. However if you are not, then I have nothing more to say to you and only request that you leave me in peace to continue on my way."

Marco wasn't going to reveal his identity to anyone whoe didn't have to know and this seemed the quickest way to find out if the man was Leonitus. For his response to question Marco had dropped into a thick northern accent to help disguise himself.

OOC: sorry about long wait. Computer problems.

"Sorry about not telling you my name earlier but people and dragons have an annoying habit of remembering things they shouldn't and from my prospective the fewer people who know my name the better. The friend I am going to visit is a dragon called Eroth, I met him not to long ago, if you want to know the details I'm afraid you'll have to ask him I'm not known for my conversation. I am called Marco, if your wondering why I am here it is because this is the place that Eroth gave me directions to. I presume he wanted me to meet up with you and then for us to travel to him together, but I really don't mind if you just give me give me directions and let me run there instead." Marco had assumed a relaxed pose though his hand was still on his sword.

OOC: And sorry from me, been busy with studies.

Keralin just watched the new-comer and Leonitus' reaction.

Aelir kept an eye on the two younglings, enjoying their fight, and maintained his connection with Keralin.

Hayren just laughed as Syrca made her threat against him, "If you lose then I'll never hear the end of it from Taliear, how he beat his aunt Sycra."
Taliear just growled at the statement and, not realizing where Syrca was wrapping her tail around, was dragged to the ground. He flailed his claws around until he was sure he could grab a hold of Syrca's.

"Well that might pose a problem, I can't swear that oath even if I wanted to. I am already bound to someone via true name and that oath stops me from saying swearing protection to anyone else in the Ancient Language." Marco repeated the statement in the ancient language so they could be sure that he was telling the truth continuing in the same language "Currently I do not intend to cause Eroth, Ara or any of you any harm. Unless you have any other questions I am going to rest until you decide to depart."

OOC: Like I promised I'm here.
It would help if someone could tell me how Taliear is related to Syrca. xD

IC: Eriel smiled softly at Taliear as he grappled with Syrca.
For some reason or another, he had referred to her as his aunt and the elleth didn't know what to make of it.
She had been away from home too long, sent away several years back to conduct espionage missions on a certain camp at the south east border of Du Weldenvarden.
Thus she had very little knowledge of who mated with who, and who joined this or that family, and basically all things back home.
She had kept in contact with Keralin through both letters and scrying but tried to avoid communication with Hayren while she was on the front-lines.
"It would be better for all of us." Eriel would tell herself repeatedly. "Who knows what might befall him if the black one saw him through my scrying."

In any case, she was back now, and the espionage proved successful, with her company forcing the garrison back without any blood shed on their part.
Eriel continued to watch the little ones scuffling with great interest, and Emrhyst decided to poke out of her shell and see the world through her indlvarn's eyes, whimpering in delight as she saw Taliear getting pinned by Syrca.
That'll teach him to mess with girls. Emrhyst laughed to herself, forcing a smile to form on Eriel's face.

Soon though, she felt a new presence approach from the other side of the forest. She turned around and put an arrow to the string, aiming at the human with pinpoint precision.
The move itself was difficult enough to do on the ground, but the elleth had executed it on a tree branch. If not for some swift maneuvering on her part, she would've let fly with the arrow as soon as she saw the human's head pop out from behind a tree; as well as fallen off the branch.
'Just as well.' Eriel thought to herself, as the human seemed friendly enough.

Eriel watched for a few more minutes and put her fingers to her lips, letting out a high pitched bird call.
'I'm watching your back.' Eriel whispered softly into Keralin's mind, string still taut against her cheekbone.

OOC: Eroth is Aelir's older brother. Syrca is Aelir's younger sister. Eroth mated with Ara, producing an egg (Luna). Leonitus is Syrca's rider. Which makes Syrca sister-in-law to Emrhyst, sister to Aelir, and aunt to Taliear. This was all figured out in "Blood Brothers" in the Hadarac section. (BTW, your turn there, Aeraldi.) Also, Eriel, do your charries know mine? Or even better, do mine know yours?

IC:
Leonitus continued to look at the man and said, "Yes, that is something we will have to watch. However, we will go anyway. I am sure I can handle you, and if I cannot, I am sure that Keralin can." said Leonitus as he placedhis shield back across his back and held his battlaaxe in a more comfortable position. He said, "Lets go, you walk in front of me." said the man to Marco. He would not take any chances with Syrca's like potentially on the line. He said, "Syrca, if you want, you can fly with Taliear and Aelir. I am sure they would enjoy the company." said the man as he walked toward the Northwest, the place that Eroth's home was. It was about a two day walk to get there.

Syrca smiled at Leonitus, then leapt into the air.

"Fine I'll go in front, but you'll have to give me directions as I haven't got the slightest clue where Eroth lives." In truth Marco was happy to discover that his new 'friends' were so suspicious, it meant that he could be more relaxed as these 'allies' would be watching his back, if only for their own security. Twenty minutes or so after the walk had started Marco noticed a bird flying a mile overhead, as he bent his neck trying to get a better view he felt the forest floor give way underneath him. Marco tried to step back but it was too late, he was falling into the hidden pit from his brief glimpse he thought the pit was about 10 feet deep. On impact he heard a crack and guessed that he now had a broken arm this was soon followed by a thud as his head landed on a rock. Marco's vision reeled and he surrendered to the waiting darkness.

OOC: Again sorry for the late posts.

I know. Keralin said back to Eriel, feeling glad that she was back. As he descended that stairs he said to Aelir, who said to the rest, I'm ready, let's head off.

Aelir shuffled his wings, nudged Taliear to move and took off into the air. He was happy that his family had come to send word so that he and Syrca could talk. He had always believed he never had a sister or brother, but now that he did. The thought was still alien to him.

"I'll fly with Taliear if you don't mind." Hayren said, grabbing his own weapon, Sorrael. He climbed on top of Taliear and they jumped into the air, flying up to Aelir and Syrca. He was glad he didn't have to ask his father about whether or not he could come along anymore.

Keralin walked with Leonitus, who could very well be called a brother now, but that reunion was dampened by the appearance of Marco. It was a surprise then, when Marco disappeared from sight. It put Keralin onto high alert, keeping his senses alert, his swordsman habits kicking in. He immediately saw the hole in front of him then, how it was a hazard to his footing. He leaned over the edge of it, peering in gingerly, yet alert of a surprise attack. He didn't expect to see Marco at the bottom of the hole, unconscious.
"Well, I suppose that means that means we don't have to keep that much of an eye on him if he couldn't even spot a hole." Keralin said, preparing to use magic to life him out of the hole.

OOC: Wow... That's quite a lot of info to digest o.o

IC:"Ah..." Eriel sighed. "Probably should have told you about that pit." The elleth nudged Keralin mentally.
She silently placed the arrow back in its quiver and jumped off the high bough, catching a lower branch with her free hand then let go, dropping to the ground in front of the group, landing in a kneeling position.
She smiled at her mate and Aelir and pulled back her hood as she stood, revealing her light green irises.
"It's been awhile."

Marco continued to slip in and out of different dreams. One moment he was in Uru'baen being trained, the next his first kill, the next in a forest chasing someone.

OOC: skip Marco's unconscious.

Marco was getting more and more confused. At first his dreams were random then it was just his memories. Each memory more recent than the last, he went all the way through his training, his first mission, the deaths of seemingly countless others all killed by his hand, meeting Eroth the memories getting closer and closer to the present. Then all of sudden he was in the present watching himself being draped over Leonitus shoulder a strange woman talking to Keralin in the background, who was she?. All of a sudden his dreams jumped Marco was watching a figure, he guessed it was a man, watching the forest burn. Another jump and he was watching two figures climbing a rock wall in a desperate race to reach the top, what was so important? Marco had seen his past and then the present what was this then, the future? his future?

OOC: If you want to take control of Hayren and Taliear, tell me.

Aelir's face lightened up with the sound of Emrhyst's voice. And hello to you too, I've missed you as well. The presence of her mind was soothing to Aelir, though he'd never admit it.

"Too true Leonitus, should I heal Marco so you don't have to carry him?" Keralin offered, happy that his family was there with him.

Eriel!? Hayren and Taliear said together. Related somehow? Eriel is my mother! Hayren said with glee. He wanted dearly to go down and meet her, but they were making poor time anyway. He felt he should wait for an invitation before coming down, who knew what speed they were making?

OOC: Maybe not yet... I'll need to see how you've developed them so far.
Just a quick question though, how tall is Hayren now?

IC: Eriel just smiled as she heard Emrhyst and Aelir conversing.
She turned to Leonitus and nodded, her smile faltering as she caught sight of the wounded man. Striding over to him, the elleth couldn't help but shake her head in a mixture of emotions.
Mainly a deep disappointment that he could have fallen so easily into the pit.
"It wasn't even well covered." She managed to say softly.

Emrhyst purred softly as she extended her consciousness to envelope Aelir's
I've missed you. She said softly, nuzzling up against his mental presence.

OOC: I don't plan on having marco wake-up until they make camp or arrive at Eroth's so feel free to time-skip.

IC: Marco was still watching the two.... things climb the rock wall. One looked human but the other could have been anything. The two were both incredibly skilled climbers but the human was slightly ahead only because he probably started first. Then, as if Marco had seen everything he was supposed to see, the 'dream' disappeared and Marco was once again engulfed in darkness.

OOC: Pass, unless someone has something interesting they want the characters to talk about.

"Some people just aren't meant to walk around in Du Weldenvarden." Keralin said, walking along with Leonitus with an unconscious Marco on his back.

OOC: A pass post. If I may make a suggestion though, how about we set up camp, give our rogue a chance to steal the eldunari, (which will not happen, I assure you), then be on our way towards the mountain thing?

IC: Eriel just smiled. "Perhaps you're right. Now, where exactly are we going?"
She asked the group, an emotionless mask on her face.

OOC: Sorry, I know that the RPG isd somewhat slow at the moment. In my next post, everyone will arrive at Eroth's home. Also, Heiram cannot reveal himself now because his role in the story will be of more importance later.

IC:
Leonitus laughed at the elf's joke and walked on. Some, four hours later, he stopped. He looked around them, the trees were tall, and their limbs were broad. He said, "We might as wellcamp here for the night. We should get to Eroth's home about noon tomorrow, well walking, if on dragonback, we would get there in a matter of about two hours, but in any case, Keralin would you revive Marco, no sense in him not helping to get camp set up." said the northman as he sat the unconscious man down and walked into the surrounding forest to look for wood.

Syrca landed beside her rider as soon as he stopped. The trees were very tall, and their limbs were more than high enough for all the dragons to take off safely, and for Aelir to walk about comfortably. She, as soon as she landed walked over to the elf woman and stated at her. She asked, Who is that with you, I mean the eldunari. My name is Syrca, Leonitus' partner. said the dragoness as she bowed to the older elf, as well as the eldunari slightly.

Heiram sighed slightly when he saw that his targest were going to stop for the night. He was tired from his constant climbing, but his muscular body was more than strong enough to keep pace with them. He climbed high into the trees above the elves, human, and dragons and waited. He still had to follow them to get to the home of the dragon, that way he could rob all of them blind.

Marco felt something press against his mind and woke-up. Marco was still a bit dazed but he could tell that something was wrong and it wasn't the pain in his arm or the back of his head nor was it the fact that he was now in entirely different place and that hours had passed. He remembered falling into that poorly hidden pit and hitting the rock, they hadn't been attacked and nothing magical had happened so why could he now feel magic coursing through him. Wherever the magic was from it defiantly wasn't from himself, he had no ability to cast spells and was actually a bane to most magic. Something was putting a lot of effort into this spell and Marco didn't even no what it was doing. Almost as soon as Marco was aware of the magic it stopped. I wonder why anyone would want something from me that badly. Whoever it was they must be exhausted now. Marco looked and saw they had stopped to make camp with his arm broken he wouldn't be much help. He walked around the camp-site looking for a branch to make a splint out of.

OOC: Sorry bout the late post.

Keralin nodded, moving over to Marco and beginning the spell that would return Marco to consciousness. Immediately, Keralin felt nothing. Not a failed spell, but nothing at all, as if his energy was just being pushed away. He devoted more energy to the task, trying to push through whatever was blocking his spell, a ward perhaps, yet no matter how hard he tried he couldn't get through. He eventually stopped, though he used much of his energy trying.
What in the name of the Shadow Realm is going on here? He thought to himself.
"I can't do it." Keralin said, breathing heavily. "There's something stopping my spell and I don't know what it is. I guess he's unconscious until he wants to wake."
Keralin then helped to set up what tents he could.

Aelir lay down in the clearing, watching the rest as they set up the tents they didn't need. At least Keralin didn't have to set one up, he would have protected him and Eriel with his wing.

As Taliear descended, he was careful not to disturb the clearing so that the tents could be set up. Hayren, however, jumped off of Taliear's back and ran up to his mother and wrapped his arms around her. He was nearly as tall as her now, standing shorter by only a couple of fingers. "Mom! I've missed you!" He almost shouted, he hadn't seen her in a very long time.

Eriel smiled softly at Syrca. "It's nice to meet you, but I think it would be best if the eldunari spoke to you herself." She laughed.
Emrhyst laughed along as well. Hello Syrca, I am Emrhyst.
Eriel turned to look at her son with a start. "Hayren!" She exclaimed and hugged him tightly.
"How you have grown." She smiled down at the boy in front of her and ruffled his hair.
"My my, you're almost as tall as me now!"
Hayren grinned and puffed out his chest in pride. "Yes! I've grown quite a lot haven't I?" He laughed.
Eriel just smiled. "Yes yes, but don't forget, you won't grow much taller unless you exercise more." She laughed, remembering a time that now seemed not so long ago when Hayren was still a toddler playing with clay.
"So, show me what you can do with that thing dad made for you." The elleth stood back as Hayren retrieved his extremely shortened staff from his pack.
He raised it above his head and skillfully remade it into an intricate sword, then into the normal sized staff he uses.
Eriel patted his head. "Well done. Does dad know about the sword?"
Hayren shook his head. "I don't think so..."
"How about you go show him?" The elleth suggested with a twinkle in her eyes.

OOC: I'll leave it to you to respond for Hayren Aeraldi

OOC: Umm, Eriel, you completely ignored my post. Also, we will go up there after this post, sorry...

IC:
Leonitus sat down to rest after setting up camp for Marco, Syrca, and himself. He sighed and laid back on some soft moss that grew on the side of the tree. He looked at the young elf and his mother reuniting and sat. He said, "Well, I think that tomorrow, early, we will set out to go to Eroth's."

OOC: Au contraire, if you refer to Aeraldi's post, Aelir would be sheltering Eriel for the night as well, hence removing the need to set up camp.
Or was that not what you were referring to?

OOC: I think he was referring to Syrca asking Eriel about the Eldunari.

OOC: Ah-ha! alright I'll see if I can add it in...

Marco had found a suitable branch and wrapped it to his arm making a rough splint. The wound had mostly healed already and he estimated that by tomorrow he would be fully healed. Marco walked over to the camp and sat down next to Leonitus. "Anything important happen while I was knocked out." Since Marco could feel an additional mind he added "like any new people who have just suddenly joined the group? and since I'm asking questions do you know how powerful a magician Keralin is, could he cast a spell that would exhaust three dragons and it not have any visible effects because if he can't them I'm really worried."

OOC: Ohh! We have separate tents ehh? :3
Also, can we please not rush the night? A lot of plot development normally happens during that time you know, and just rushing to the house doesn't seem very natural.
It's all up to you really

IC: Eriel smiled softly and walked towards her tent when Keralin motioned to her. Maneuvering into the empty space, Eriel quickly took off her armor and weapons then set her stuff by the side. She lay down almost on instinct, ignoring the branch underneath the ground sheet.
The elleth gazed up at Keralin as he entered and smiled, keeping her eyes on him as he moved around the tent and dealt with the logistics. Once he lay down, Eriel was upon him. Her fingers slowly outlined his jaw and she rolled over to look at him, gazing deep into his eyes.
They had been kept apart for too long, as she slipped a hand under his tunic, Eriel decided that she wouldn't be denied.

*TIME SKIP!!*

OOC: PG13 enough Aeraldi?

OOC: PG13 enough for me thankyou, lol.

IC:
Leonitus looked at Marco and said, "The new one is, Eriel, but I will not tell any more about here, partially because I do not know much, and partially because I still do not ompletely trust you. About Keralin, he is stronger than you will ever know. He has done a lot of things, Eroth told em about them, he found out some time ago from some other people, and I found out from a draconian." said the northman as he once more leaned back against the tree and stared up at the stars high in the sky. He muttered something to himself and fell asleep.

Syrca came over to lay beside her rider and stared at the night sky. She was not tired at all, and it was a long night...

OOC: Do what you want with the night, I made the post with Syrca so that I would have something to do should you guys need more than one post for this particular night.

"You can fall asleep if you want dragon I'll keep watch, I would also call you by your name but I have no idea what that is. Something's not right here I wake-up to find someone is coursing magic through my veins and no one capable of supplying that amount of energy is anywhere around and my dreams are so mystical I might as well go to a fortune-teller. Why could this just be a simple relaxing break. Why I am telling you my problems it's not like you will even talk back." Marco threw a branch into the fire, he was aware that the dragon probably would speak back but it didn't really matter. With the fire still burning Macro sat down back against a tree to keep watch for the night.

OOC: Not really much to say

OOC: Two things; Yes its PG-13 enough, and second, I said Eriel and Keralin's Tent.

Keralin gave in to his own desires in the clutches of Eriel, enjoying the night that had been far too long removed.

Hayren and Taliear slept soundly, their dreams mingling in a familiar yet strange way.

--- I'm skipping, don't have much else to say ---

OOC: I meant Eriel and Keralin's and Hayren.


IC: Eriel collapsed onto Keralin, both their strength utterly spent. Her locks tumbled across her face in a curtain of crimson. Looking down at him, the elleth embraced him once more and fell asleep in his arms.

*time skip*

Eriel's eyelids fluttered open reluctantly as a sunbeam, struck her face crosswise. She clenched in instinct when she felt hands over her waist then relaxed when she saw Keralin just beginning to stir below her.
She smiled, taking in every contour of his face that the rising sun enhanced and refined.
Reluctantly, she extricated herself from his arms and dressed, stepping outside onto dew covered blades of grass. She looked around and opened her mind, smiling when the ever beautiful sensation of life itself filled her mind.

Syrca looked at the man oddly and said, My name is not "dragon" I am called Syrca, and I will call you Marco, also, how about we both stay up. I am not tired, and nothing is ever right, especially when you are with three riders, three elfs, on your way to a dragon's home. What did you expect? asked the dragon sarcastically.

OOC: Time Skip!!

IC:
Leonitus woke slightly late the next morning. He berated himself sliently for the mistake, but soon forgot it as he saw that all was well. He stood up and stretched, while at the same time yawning loudly. He then made his way through the surrounding forest somewhat disorentedly until he came to a small, ut cold stream, where he washed his face and sufficiently woke himself. The he trturned to camp. He walked over to the sleepinf Syrca and woke her. The young dragoness raised her head and blinked owlishly. She stood up and stretched like a cat and nudged the figure next to her, Marco and said, Get up sleepy head. You were suppost to help me stay awake. said the dragoness jokingly.

"I wasn't asleep, it just seemed foolish to keep watch with my eyes when I could do it with my mind, mindwatching is also very relaxing." Marco stretched and opened his eyes he had been unaware of the sun's slow rise and it now filled the sky. Overnight his arm appeared to have healed so he carefully removed the splint and flexed his arm everything appeared to be fine so he threw the splint away. Marco looked over at Leonitus and said "So you want the joy of going to wake-up Keralin and ,whose that new person, oh yeah, Eriel or do you want me to, thought I should warn you they'll be quite hostile to me. I can't really blame them even I wouldn't want to get woken up by me and I'm me." Marco checked all his weapons and equipment ,as he did every morning, while waiting for the man's reply.

Marco had just about finished his inspection of his weapons and collected the throwing knives that he thrown into a nearby tree. He had already eaten during the night, one of the empires lovely bread rolls with the twist it was filled with poison, this didn't bother Marco as he was immune to the poison and thought it added something to the taste. At some point I'll have to warn everyone not to eat my supplies. Marco got-up and followed Leonitus's trail he looked up and saw syrca fly-off. While observing this he was suddenly hit by a massive uncharacteristic headache. Marco groaned and continued along the trail.

Marco started to look back "apart from falling down a hole and waking up to find something inside my mind I'm fiiiiiii" Marco never finished the sentence, he couldn't control his mouth, he felt his eyes turn white. How can I feel that, what's happening, why I am losing control? Marco felt a presence enter and fill more and more of his mind. Marco began to put up defences but it made no difference like the problem was from within his mind. Desperate Marco tried to move an arm, a leg and in a final effort he tried to move anything at all, but he had totally lost control and now was totally at the mercy of whatever or whomever was within his mind, he couldn't even mind talk it was always blocked. The entire loss of control took less then a second whatever it was, it was very powerful

I am prisoner in my mind, how ironic considering how long I've been running from the past that's locked up here. Marco felt his mouth open and a voice that was not his own came out "you shall all die" then again, but much louder "YOU SHALL ALL DIE!". In his own mind Marco was cowering in terror, for he recognized the voice, it was Galbatorix.

From somewhere Marco found the strength to regain control of his arms and mouth, desperate to handicap his own body Marco punched with both arms into the closest tree shattering all the bones in both arms. "Run, he's.. too ...powerful!" Marco screamed struggling to get the words out. Suddenly Marco was on fire, he was stunned by the flames sudden appearance, too late Marco realized that it was a trick and Galbatorix regained control. Marco's mouth opened "YOU SHALL ALL BURN!" as Galbatorix said this he moved Marco's hand in arc and in a mile wide the circle the forest was suddenly aflame with Marco at the centre. Marco zoomed out his own body to watch the entire the event, he looked down to see his body watching the forest burn, and realized that it was the second time today he had seen that image.

OOC:Aeraldi it's your turn.

OOC: Sorry bout that. Also, Leonitus, Keralin is an elf.

"It's good to see you again Eroth!" Keralin said loudly. "This is my wife, Eriel. The one you sense with her is her dragon, Emrhyst." He waited for Aelir to come down with Taliear, but that was when Marco began to act extremely strangely. Then a voice that was extremely familiar spoke through Marco. Keralin was glad then he brought both swords and drew them both, standing in front of Hayren.
"Now would be a good time to make that sword again!" He said to him firmly.

Aelir descended to greet his brother, making sure his son was behind him all the way. When the forest was suddenly lit up like a flame that Aeraldi could make, he knew something was wrong. Taliear, move up! I'll get Hayren and the others. He linked his mind with Keralin, the memories telling him what happened.

OOC: Sorry, didn't think about that, *kicks self because he knows Erlie, Keralin, and Hayren are all elves*

IC:
Leonitus put his hands in front of his face as the fire was hurled from around Marco. He growled angrily and wheeled about in such a way as to bring his shield in front of himself. He then leapt with a yell in front of Syrca who had landed beside Eroth and blocked some of the fire with that. He pulled out his battleaxe and began to advance swiftly toward Marco. His anger aroused, and his battle instinct kicking in, he was too fast to be stopped by Syrca who leapt after him to try to stop the oncoming battle.

Syrca roared in a terriftyed fashion as the fire hurtled from Marco toward her and the others in all directions. Then she growled even more frightenedly when Leonitus ran from her toward Marco who was not talking like himself.

Eroth growled at Marco questioningly. He said, What is wrong with you, what happened we all know you cannot use magic, what happened, who are you, what happened to Marco?! asked the dragon when he saw the eyes of 'Marco'.

Heiram raised an eyebrow when he saw the fire hurtle in all directions from the human assassin (which he had determined by his own limited knowledge of the man) he hissed in a very ... excited fashon. He crawled from tree to tree high above the fire, as well as the other creatures and slunk about with the ease and ggrace of his kind. He was silent was he watched the beginnings of the battle.

OOC: Don't worry Galbatorix won't be with us for too long.
Trapped within his own mind with Galbatorix, Marco was able to gain a glimpse into madman's mind, he could just make out the surface thoughts, but these thankfully where all about the tyrant's current plan. It seemed that the events that were unfolding had been in the making for decades. Galbatorix had always wanted a way to attack the elves without having to go to Du Weldenvarden himself, the reason was simple if the elves should prove too powerful he could always retreat to his own body safe in Uru'baen. However the elves's arcane barrier had blocked all previous attempts, every time that he had attempted to take over the body of an agent in Du Weldenvarden he had failed because of it. When he was first told of Marco's abilities a brainwave had come to Galbatorix and he realized that Marco's own immunity to magic would allow his thoughts to penetrate the arcane barrier. Then the magic involved went beyond Marco's comprehension but it seemed that using Marco's true name Galbatorix had been able to attack his mind from the within and that he would be able to detect when Marco breached Du Weldenvarden's wards. Marco felt the focus of Galbatorix's consciousness shift to him, and a blast of energy sent Marco's consciousness back into his memories in which he was sealed by Galbatorix.

Galbatorix had been too busy up until then to deal with the pitiful but useful traitor. It had been some time since Galbatorix had last been in combat so he decided to play with his prey before killing it. Seeing the man coming foolishly charging towards him he had fashioned the air into a giant fist and punched the man the man back twenty yards into a tree. After quickly dealing with Marco Galbatorix enlarged the fist of air and extended it intending to grab the blue dragon before it could fly away.

OOC: to make this easier I'll use red for Galbatorix
Galbatorix was irritated, the man he thought he had knocked out had just got back-up, two or three enemies on the ground where advancing towards him and one of the fools was even attempting to have a mental duel with him. Whoever she was Galbatorix was sure that he would be able to overpower her with the support of hundreds of eldunari. With part of his will he launched a mental probe at her, intending to make her retreat behind her mental barriers for only a few seconds. He then gathered his resources and lifted up twenty or more of the trees that had fallen over and launched them, pointy ends first, at the helpless blue dragon. Just as the trees were about to slash through the dragon the magic propelling them was cut and they fell to the forest floor. Galbatorix tried to access the magic again but was blocked.

"GET OUT OF MY HEAD" Marco screamed both mentally and with his mouth.

With that Marco propelled Galbatorix out of his mind with a blast of pure energy, if truth be told it was part of the energy leftover by Galbatorix when Marco re-took control of his body. When Marco had been locked out of the present he realized that if he could somehow change his true name he would be able to blast Galbatorix out of his mind, especially considering the elven wards would already be doing half the job for him. The question then was how to change his true name. It was more luck than anything else, with nothing else to do Marco had begun replaying his memories over in his mind and quickly realized that he had never sworn anything to Galbatorix which involved his true name, which meant that every atrocity that he had ever committed had been of his own free will. This horrified Marco, it affected him deeply enough to question the very fabric of who he was and what he was doing with his life. Marco felt the change in his personality with every fibre of his being. Then all he had to do was wait until Galbatorix was distracted and step in and re-take control, which is what he did when Galbatoirx launched a mental probe at Eriel.

However now Marco faced a different problem, there was so much energy in his body he was burning up, his body had never intended to carry such a large amount of energy. Marco released all of Galbatorix's spells which were still feeding of his body and as a result compounded the problem. Marco had never been able to use magic, his resilience meant that even small spells required a stupidly large amount of energy however at the moment that wasn't a problem. Gathering his now huge strength he released a healing spell of immense energy which healed himself and all those around him for several miles and then for the third time that day he sunk into the dreary world of unconsciousness.

OOC: Unless you want to wait for Eriel to return you should probably be the one to gm her as you've known her characters for longer.

permission is here

OOC: I know, for now I'll have her just stay on Aelir's back. When something else happens then I'll take complete control.

Marco came around in time just to hear the end of Eroth's statement, and then leaned over and vomited. He felt very weak which probably was to be expected considering the fight he just been in and the energy he had expended to try and heal everyone. It was ironic that now he was dying due to lack of energy when only minutes before he was dying because he had too much energy. Reaching into his pocket Marco removed some of his emergency food supplies, the poison in them which was normally fatal was actually beneficial to Marco and gave him an almost immediate massive energy boost. Marco pushed himself of the ground and started walking towards Eroth. "Congratulations Eroth, I hope you and your family live a long happy life. Continuing with the good news, I am free, finally free." Marco could barely believe his good fortune, it seemed that it was going to be one of those rare moments he was happy, happy for himself and for his friend. Explanations would be required and debts would have to be repaid. For the moment, it was simply enough that he was free.

OOC: I think it's Aeraldi's turn. Unless you want Eriel to post before we continue. (I think she's back now.)

OOC: Sorry, forgot. I'll post now.

"You want to explain just what in the blazes just went on?!" Keralin demanded, unable to be happy with his brother's appearance. It amazed him at times just how close he felt to the other dragons due to his connection to Aelir. He didn't mind.

Aelir kept in the air, protecting Eriel and Hayren who sat on his back.

OOC: Seeing as Marco is now bound with ropes could I ask how he got to the cave mouth (ie: which dragon did he fly with) or is he still bound in the clearing?

OOC: I'll have Aelir grab him in his claws and lift him up if that's ok?

OOC:that's fine
IC: After Marco had been bound Aelir grabbed him and flew after Eroth, the flight was quick though Marco couldn't hear anything that was said with the wind blasting in his ear. " I think the elf is Eriel and with her is Hayren, but I don't really know them we only met a few days ago. As for why I'm bound I'm sure we'll get to that later."

OOC: short but there's not much for Marco to say or do.

OOC: Aeraldi I believe it's your turn.

OOC: I know sorry, been having a bit of trouble thinking of what comes next.

After Aelir let Hayren back onto Taliear and let Keralin back onto his back. Aelir took off soon after, grabbing Marco in his talons before following Eroth.

After they arrived and were stopped, Keralin spoke to Marco. "Be quiet or I will gag you." He regained his composure and spoke to the green dragon. "This one behind me is my wife, Eriel, and these are our children. I mean, the young Elf is mine and her's, his name is Hayren and the dragon is Aelir's son, his mother's body may not be with us, but she still lives. His name is Taliear."

"Good to meet you." Hayren said uneasy.

Eriel hung back and let Keralin do the talking. After all, he had already introduced them and hopefully sated the green dragoness temper.


Hayren looked to his mother for a second, unsure of how to react in this situation. When he saw Eriel not doing anything, he decided to do just that.
OOC: Pass.

Marco had to really concentrate to keep from laughing after Keralin threatened to gag him, they hadn't even checked to make sure he didn't have anything to free himself with like the eight knives in his chest, or his sword or the blades hidden in the sleeves of his robe and even if they had it would have been painfully easy to use Aelir's claws to break the rawhide straps during the flight, it seemed the group wasn't particular good at keeping captives. Marco swore two oath's in the ancient language one was the required oath and the over was a promise that he meant none present any harm. He then shook his arm and the daggers fell down his arm to rest on his wrist. Pushing up with one wrist and down with the other Marco manoeuvred the straps onto the knife edge and cut through them, he then bent down and repeated the exercise with his legs. With all limbs free and oath spoken Marco started into the cave.

When Marco saw the egg he stopped for a second, not out of shock but more out of respect for what the egg represented and the potential of the life inside. It brought it back from the dream-world he had been living in ever since he had been freed. Not trusting himself to speak, Marco murmured his congratulations and slipped deeper into the cave to find a dark and silent spot to think on what needed to be done.

OOC: sorry that I took so long to post, I recently have just completed 2 AS level exams, also, sorry it's short but I couldn't really think of something to suit Marco's personality.

OOC: I think this has almost happened each turn . Anyway Aeraldi it is your turn

OOC: Unless Aeraldi posts soon I think wel will be forced to skip him.

OOC: I think we'll have to skip Aeraldi this round he has multiple warnings, I think that means it's Eriel's turn.

OOC: Not so fast! I may not be moderator anymore, but I can still post!

"It's beautiful." Keralin said, stepping closer to have a better look. "Yours shined like this Aelir, as did yours Taliear." He looked at the two dragons that stood side by side. "May I place my hand on it?" He asked Ara.

Aye, but Taliear's was more beautiful. Aelir said, nudging Taliear. Especially when your mother held it. He enjoyed the happy memory without the sadness attached.

OOC: do either if you know what's happened to Leonitus?

Marco found a turn-off further in the cave too small for a dragon it was quiet and out of the way and was exactly what Marco was looking for. He sat down and began to sharpen his knives with one hand and eat some bread with the other. Marco had realized that Galbatorix couldn't afford to let him go, not with knowledge and skills he possessed, which meant that he would know have trackers after him. For as long as these trackers were alive he would be a threat to everyone around him. Marco needed to get away from the group, back-track and then pick-off the hunters one by one. He decided to leave as soon as the group was asleep. Marco lay by the side of the cave and fell-asleep knowing he would awake when darkness fell.

OOC: As much as I love raising my post count by getting post 3 times every round it is Aeraldi's turn again.