OOC: ILS made a very good point in his intro to Return of the Older Generation: Brisingr opened up a ton of new possibilities for the rps. As you can tell by my title, this rp will take advantage of some of those possibilities. I would like to keep this between Phal and those she already knows, mostly 'cause I'm lazy and I don't feel like typing introductions to a bunch of people. That's just a suggestion, though. You can join if you want to.

IC: A gray-black, swirling mass of clouds hung low over the horizon, presenting a threat that had yet to actually surface. Phalynx stooped low in flight, just above the dark-shadowed-ground. She glanced upwards as the storm rolled in from the plains to the north. Hopefully the storm won't inhibit my journey, she thought worriedly, trying to convince herself that the storm was purely normal. As she watched, the clouds blotted out the last rays of the weak-fading-sun, and cast the whole landscape in shadows reminiscent of twilight, only with less color.

Phal finally decided to take shelter. The coiling masses of clouds were the most threatening she had ever seen, even worse than the great-century-desert-storm that had erupted shortly after her hatching. Phal looked over the graying ground for a suitable place to spend the storm. She finally spotted a small pine forest covering a hillside in the otherwise bare plains. The ridge was a prominant feature rising from the low-flat-plains, and a river ran next to it. The pines ended on the ridge's side of the river, and there were none on the side next to the plains. Phal dove for the pines and landed on the other side of the river in between a cluster of five trees.

After drinking, Phal climbed to the top of the long-steep-ridge to watch the storm roll in. The wind-driven black wall was moving in even faster than she could have anticipated. I'm lucky this ridge and the pine forest was here, Phal thought, Even I couldn't fly straight in that storm.

Phalynx stood quietly on the ridge-top, gazing at the storm and wondering how such a thing was natural. Perhaps it wasn't. Phal wouldn't have been here on her own volition, but she had been in the area to scout for Galbatorix's troups, and then she heard something. Something that was in her mind. It felt to her like a call for help, something that was desperate to be saved. However, Phal only had enough time to tell what direction the call was coming from before it vanished. Phalynx was never one to ignore someone in need, and so she had ventured curiously west. West was the home of Galbatorix's evil-corrupted-empire, but Phal had still come. As she watched the towering mass approaching her, however, she began to have doubts in her judgement.

OOC: Why, certainly. Just so you know, I have a pretty cool plot thought up for this one. Also, I'd just like to encourage Phal's buddies to join. (Especially anyone from the "Royal Family") So go right ahead and post!

OOC:Thank you. I think I'll only have a dragon in here *thinks* I'll use Ebony *Felecia's dragon*. I will eventually do the dragon thought process, thingy, soon, but my brain is shot right now so I can't think straight.

IC"
Ebony flew over the ground, he looked up at the clouds.
That's going to be a problem later. he thought.
He looked ahead of him and thought he saw another dragon, he cocked his head. Ebony followed it all the way to Ur'baen. He flew up beside the other dragon and recognized it as Phal,"Well hello Phal, what are you doing in this evil place?" he asked. Then he heard a faint cry for help, he traced it and found that it was somewhere in the Ur'baen,"There's someone trapped in Ur'baen. Is that why you came here? You heard a cry for help." he said, stating a fact more than asking a question. Ebony said back to the person in trouble,"We heard you. My friend can sense magic energy, if you can, cast a spell and we will be able to find you easier." he looked at Phal,"I told he/she that you could see magic energy and to cast a spell so you could see where he/she is." he said,"I don't know if he/she heard me though."

OOC:Not the longest entry post I've ever done, but it should fit the bill. If you want me to edit something, pm me about it.

OOC:
I'll wait for draco to post before I do.

OOC: lol, the more the merrier

IC: Phal smiled when Fenirexes and Mesaraih joined them in the cavern. I'd be happier to welcome you, but the circumstances are not all that great. There's someone in trouble out there, but the storm will probably reach us before we can do anything. And not only that, Rimfax is behind the storm. He's going to attack us and who knows what else with it. It's lucky that you got into the cave. He probably would have attacked you too, she said, with a note of worry edging her voice.

Phal wondered what they should do. Perhaps there's a chance we can find Rimfax in the storm and fight him off before the storm grows too great to handle. Then we can try to rescue whoever it is that's in trouble, she told everyone, though she looked at Faefnir when she said it. Faefnir would know better than they how to deal with his "evil twin".

OOC: sorry for the double-post, but ILS or DragonSlayer4 please go.

Felena nuzzled her mate lovingly. I can take the pain away if you want, she said, her sapphire eyes expressing her worry for him. She turned to Mesaraih and Fenirexes,"Hello."

Ebony smiled through the pain. No my dear, there is no need, he said. He turned to the pair that came. Hello little ones, long time no see, he said, and smiled wolfishly.

OOC:
Really short.

Ebony shook off the last of the poison and growled. I will happily assist Phalynx. Galbatorix must have good reasons to hold him/her prisoner, for he doesn't waste time on people he deems unworthy to attention, he said. Ebony looked Feafnir in the eye and shuddered slightly. Those eyes could unnerve anyone. He licked his lips with his barbed tongue and asked. I was kind of wondering if I could join you in battle after myself and Phal return. My power in magic is great, and plus I have a secret talent that you might need, he said, and smiled mischievously. He looked at Mesaraih. How you help is up to Feafnir, though I recommend you help Felena in whatever Feafnir wants her to do, he said.

Felena hissed angrily,"Rimfax is the one that has been terrorizing Alagaesia." she said. She turned her sparkling light sapphire head to Feafnir,"I could aid you. I could shift to a dragon as large as you. Rimfax would probably tuck his tail and run the other way as fast as he could if he saw two Faefnir's." she said, and laughed.

Zeke flew toward Uru'baen with one thing on mind: To get his beloved Rider back. He went through his mind again what had happened: He had been having a bath in a lake with Ella as some Lethrblaka swooped down. He had been preoccupied with one as the other took Ella. By the time he had killed the first one, the second one was long gone with his Rider in it's claws. He'd been searching for two days and had finally found out where the Lethrblaka had taken Ella. He didn't see the storm that was coming, but he heard it, and felt it. He grumbled to himself as he realized that he couldn't continue flying unless he had a death wish. He landed in a large cave that had some friends of his in it. Feafnir, Phalynx, Ebony, Felena, fancy meeting you here, he said dryly. Zeke scowled angrily, his unseeing icy blue eyes flashed. Gah, of all the times a storm could start it had to be now! he exclaimed, his tail lashed, breaking some stone from the entrance of the cave.

OOC:
That's better.lol

OOC: Thank you DS4. Now we have someone to rescue.

IC: Phal nodded at what Faefnir said. That sounds like a good plan. We'll just have to be careful when the storm begins. Rimfax has probably found a way to make the storm go on without his help. Distracting him might not do anything to stop it. And I'm sure Mesaraih and Fenirexes could be of help either distracting Rimfax or rescuing whoever it is that needs help, Phal said.

Phal looked towards the cave entrance when Zeke arrived. What's wrong, Zeke, and where's Ella? she asked with concern.

Zeke snarled. A Lethrblaka took her to Uru'baen. Galbatorix holds her prisoner, and believe me when I find him he is dead! he said menacingly. The worst thing he could ever do is separate a dragon from his or her Rider. he said. Zeke sighed in frustration. I'm sorry, my temper is very short when I'm away from Ella for to long, and it's only been two days, maybe three. he exclaimed in dismay. He leaned against the cave wall. I've always been a complete mess away from Ella, ever since I was a hatchling. It's like a weakness I have. he said sadly. He lifted his head to stare at Feafnir and Phalynx. You two wouldn't understand, your not bonded to anyone. he shook his head, Being separated from the one your bonded with is like being separated from a part of your very being. Imagine a part of your soul leaving your body for a short amount of time, that's the best explanation that I can provide. he said.

Felena watched Zeke, she didn't understand his feelings, for she wasn't bonded.

Ebony closed his eyes in sympathy.

OOC:
Best that I could do.

OOC:
Could we get this going again? I was having fun, and plus I was really excited to have a chance to RP with Faefnir.

OOC: I'll post.

IC: Phal walked over to Zeke. Do not worry, Zeke. We'll help you rescue Ella. She's probably the one I heard calling for help, she said sympathetically.

Phalynx moved to the mouth of the cave, and gazed out at the darkening sky. She could hear thunder rolling in the distance, making the ground vibrate slightly. She stepped out a short distance, and immediately felt the wind as it brushed past her scales.

If everyone's agreed, then let's go, she said, turning to look back at her companions.

[color=#8000FF:****]Ebony looked at sliver-enchanting-dragoness-Phalynx. [i:****]Let's go,[/i:****] he said, and leaped off the cliff toward Urû'baen. He snarled at demented-evil-Rimfax, but turned his back on the fight. He knew without looking that blind-amethyst-Zeke was with them. Nothing would keep that dragon away from his Rider for longer than necessary if he could help it. [i:****]Can you feel Ella's mind, Zeke?[/i:****] he asked the blind-amethyst-dragon. [i:****]No, I can't feel her,[/i:****] Zeke replied. Ebony closed his golden eyes for a moment, then said, in the dragon tongue so that only Zeke and Phal could understand,"[b:****]Dragon Ancients of old, aid me and my companions in our quest with your formidable strength and wisdom.[/b:****] as the last syllable dropped from his tongue, massive energy entered his, Zeke's, and even Phal's body, more than enough to effectively double Faefnir's. [i:****]This energy will help us do many things beyond our normal strength. Your powers, Phal, will be even more powerful than they were. My power will only gain a little, since I'm already powerful without it. Your power, Zeke, will also be more powerful, what your power is, however, I don't know,[/i:****] he said. Though despite what he said, the amount of power that filled his veins was shocking. His wings faltered and he almost plummeted to the break-bone-ground, but he righted himself and sped forward fast as an arrow.[/color:****]

[color=#FF0000:****]Felena lowered her head and backed into the shadows to hide herself. She glanced at Mesaraih and Fenirexes. [i:****]Please Mesaraih, stay hidden. Follow Eb, Phal, and Zeke if you must, but stay away from Rimfax. Felecia would be heart broken if something happened to you,[/i:****] she said, then shifted into a huge golden dragon that looked [i:****]exactly[/i:****] like Faefnir, she even had the same eye color, maybe it was a little darker than his, but otherwise, the same. Felena leaped from the shadows and roared the ear drum deafening roar that it seemed only Faefnir could produce. With a challenging bellow to Rimfax, she flew into the air and blew a torrent of huge golden balls of flame down at him. [i:****]You thought one was a pain, try two![/i:****] she shouted at him. Felena snarled and started to lunge down at him to crush him into the earth, but she didn't. The physical fight was Faefnir's, not hers. She would interfere and help him only if he asked, or if he was struck down and needed her assistance to get back into the fight.[/color:****]

[color=#0000FF:****]A once beautiful elf with black blue waist length hair and sapphire eyes hung limply against the chains, her hair shielding her face from view like a veil. She had no strength left to fight. Galbatorix entered the room and chuckled,"Looks like I've finally broken your spirit. Now let's see if I can break your mind." he said, and a icy dagger exploded in between her eyes. She shrieked in pain and recoiled against the wall, throwing up the weak barriers to attempt to keep Galbatorix out of her mind. [i:****]You have no hope of resisting me, Rider Ella, or should I say, Brisingr Kveykva?[/i:****] he said into her mind, and her eyes widened with horror as the words stung her very soul and made her shudder. My true name? How did he find that? She would have to find out later. Ella started breathing heavily, and she licked her dry lips in an attempt to moisten them,"What evil thing will you have me do now that you know my true name?" she asked, her voice cracking from lack of water and speech. Galbatorix grinned,"You've not had water in some time have you not? Well, I shall fix that now. Guard, please release our guest and bring her some food and water." he said. The guard bowed and proffered a ring of skeleton keys. He picked out one and approached her cautiously. She looked deep into his eyes, pleeding without words to help her escape. He seemed to understand, because he gave her the most imperceptible nod, then a shake. It seemed he was trying to say,"Yes I'll help you, but not while I'm on duty, later." she said that she understood by blinking twice, and nodding her head a fraction of an inch. He unlocked the menacles and she dropped to the floor. Her knees buckled with her weight and she found herself leaning heavily on the guard,"Thank you." she whispered into his ear,"No problem miss. It's cruel what he does to people, believe me." he whispered back. He turned to Galbatorix, still supporting her,"My Lord, I would have some else get the food and water, I must support the Lady." he said. Galbatorix nodded,"Very well. I'll leave so she has some privacy. Oh, and have whoever you send for the meal to get her proper clothes for a woman. Women shouldn't be seen in leggings and tunics, they belong in formal dresses." he said, then left. Ella chuckled,"Formal? Ha, I haven't worn a dress since I was twenty-two." she said. The guard looked her straight in the eye,"How old are you exactly? You look early twenty's, but you can't really tell with looks with elves." he said. She smiled,"I turned thirty-five today." she said, just as the dress and meal arrived. The dress was a deep scarlet, with a deep open back that stopped near her mid-back and. The guard turned around as she took off her clothes and slipped on the dress. The bottom was flared around her ankles and moved like a rippling stream when she walked. When he turned around, his eyes nearly bugged out of his head as he looked her up and down,"Whoa, you, uh, look nice." he said, blushing crimson. She took the fresh bread from him and tore a piece off to nible on, wondering all the while about, how, when, where, and by whom she would be rescued, or escape. She hoped with all her might that it was the former.[/color:****]

OOC:
[color=#4040FF:****]Wow, I think I out did myself.lol[/color:****]

OOC: lol, nice post DS4.

IC: Phalynx roared as she rose into the churning heavens. It wasn't loud fearsome, but it hit a pure, clear, piercing note that sang with strange power. Lightning flashed and crackled through the sky as the storm grew ever stronger. The wind picked up, even as Faefnir charged at Rimfax. Phal looked at her brother-of-blood longingly, wanting to aide him in his fight. However, she knew that she was needed more by Ella, Zeke, and Ebony.

Phal felt the ancient power surge through her after Ebony called upon the Ancestral dragons to help them. She dropped for a few moments, letting the streams of energy run through her, until she suddenly lit up with power. Her scales began to flare with brilliant silver light, and it even began trailing off her in a glowing, streaking tail. Her eyes burned gold, and left a smaller trail of light. Phal looked for all the world like a comet, or a falling, burning star. Her view of the entire area was hightened into almost a maplike image inside her mind's-eye, and she could see everything.

Phal circled once around Fenirexes and Mesaraih when they joined the departing flight. Have you infiltrated Galbatorix's dungeons before now? she asked, wondering how much experience their group possessed.

Uru'baen came into normal view for the other dragons (Phal had been able to see it as soon as her powers were hieghtened). Phalynx bared her teeth, growling angrily. She could see every living thing in the city, and was already searching for the dungeons and prisoners. This is it, everyone. I've found us a point of entry. Ebony, if Felecia is meeting us, where? she said, figuring out the last part of the plan.

OOC:
Yeah, it does that every few hundred or dozen posts, idkw.

IC:
Ebony growled lowly. She said she'd meet us by the south gate, but she said she'd meet us where we can get to with the least amount of attention. he said. He shuddered as they drew closer to evil-castle-home-Galbatorix. It brought back several bad memories.

A young elf woman melted into the shadow of the castle, her midnight black cloak helped do that. She scanned her surroundings with her sapphire eyes making sure she was alone, then she touched her dragons mind. Ebony my dear, I'm at the south gate. From what I can see, there's no one around. So it should be safe to meet here. she said. A moment passed before he spoke. Alright, I told Phalynx. We'll be there in about ten or fifteen minutes. he said, then severed the connection.

Ella chewed slowly, wanting to draw the time out for as long as possible. When Galbatorix entered the room, however, she gulped down the last of her food and water, then faced him. He looked her up and down with a look of pleasure,"Ah, now that's proper attire for a woman." he said. She guessed he was looking at how nicely the dress accented her curves, and blushed light pink, hoping fervently that he didn't notice. He didn't seem to, for he said,"Brisingr Kveykva, follow me." hearing her true name sent tremors down her body. Having no choice, she followed him out of the room, but not before giving the guard a desperate look. He shrugged his shoulders slightly in helplessness and mouthed,"I can't do nothin', not with him here." Ella frowned and nodded, then turned and followed Galbatorix to wherever. He led her through many a hallway, then entered a different room. She cringed in horror as she saw it was filled with torture instruments. She tried to turn and run,"Oh no you don't Brisingr Kveykva, you stay right there." she froze, then turned back around to face him. He ordered a guard inside the room and told him to torture her until her spirit was fully broken,"But before you do, have her change clothes so that beautiful dress isn't ruined." he said, then left. Ella was shocked to see the same guard from the other room,"Here, I brought a worn tunic and trousers for you." he said, and handed them to her. She quickly changed. She could see the guard was reluctant as he led her to the leather straps that would hold her wrists and ankles to the wooden panel. She knew it was hard enough for him, so she let him bind her to the panel with out any struggle. She instinctively winced as he picked up the whip and cracked it before aiming it towards her. The whip cut easily through the tunic and sent her back on fire, her old wound didn't help. She bit her lip and tears sprang to her eyes, but she didn't make a single sound. The whip cracked again, and hit directly on the old scar. She released a blood curdling scream, it would of made even a Raz'ac flinch. She was breathing hard, sweat pouring off her back and sides. The salty sweat just made her back hurt more, and she whimpered. The guard had tears in his eyes as he cracked the whip again, hitting the old wound again. Ella screamed even louder. Another guard entered the room to see what was causing such a racket. When he saw her, his brow darkened,"Gag her so that she doesn't wake the whole castle, Barrack." he said, then left. Barrack silently picked up a long strip of cloth, wrapped it into a ball, and, as gently as he could, stuffed it into her mouth. Then he picked up another strip, and tied it around her head so she couldn't spit the gag out,"I'm sorry, but that man was my superior, if I disobey him, I'm dead." he said softly. Ella nodded her head weakly in understanding. She couldn't turn her head as the whip cracked. She arched her back in an attempt to lessen the pain, but to no avail. She whimpered through the gag. Five lashes. She heard the door open faintly, then, as if from far away, she heard a voice say,"I'll heal her back so you can continue torturing her." it said. She heard footsteps approaching her, and instinctively cringed. But the hand that touched her back was surprisingly gentle,"Are you alright?" it said, the voice sounding feminine, and gentle. Ella whimpered through the gag in answer, trying to say,"Yes I'm alright, but I won't hold for much longer." The unknown person seemed to understand,"Three dragons are coming here. One's a dark black, another is a deep amethyst, the third has a Rider, and is a bright red, the fourth is a sparkling silver, but not an ordinary silver. It seems to emit it's own light, like a shooting star." it said. Ella's eyes snapped open. Ebony, Zeke, Fenirexes, Mesaraih, and Phalynx! she thought with alarm.

Zeke searched with his mind for partner-of-mind-and-soul-Ella, but to no avail. She was either being shielded from him by someone else, or she was unconscience. He continued searching for her, then a very familiar mind brushed against his. Ella! he thought. Just as that thought formed, he roared in pain as almost unbearable pain laced against his back and along his wings. He plummeted toward the break-bone-ground, but righted himself just in time. He was breathing heavily, he flapped his wings with difficulty. Their torturing her, he panted, gasping for breath.

OOC: I can't think of anything to advance the fight between Faefnir and Rimfax, and it's too early to put them into the Shadow Realm. Pass.

OOC: hey, this is my first RP so dont hurt me oh, and im not the best speller...

Gavina, a human and her forest green dragon, Ciar flew higher then all. Flying around Galbatorix's towers, the pair searched for something. There they spotted a dragon, Zeke. Smiling wickedly, Gavina and Ciar desended upon the Riderless dragon.

OOC: Welcome to the rp, Gavina. Try to make your intro posts longer, alright? And make sure you know what's been going on. I hope you have fun! Oh, btw, I have plans for Galbatorix, and since Gavina is his daughter it's up to you as to whether or not she knows them.

IC: Phalynx and the others came quickly to the dark city. It's towers and buildings were all in perfect detail. Once we meet Felecia we'll try to sneak into the underground catacombs. I should be able to easily locate Ella, and I'll lead us there, the young dragoness said to the others in answer to Mesaraih's question.

Suddenly, she noticed a new heat signature, about even with the towers of Uru'baen. Somewhere behind them, a dragon and rider were emerging. Okay, it looks like we're not going to be able to sneak in. There is a dragon and rider coming from behind those towers! Phal cried. She frantically searched the catacombs with her sight for Ella, hoping to get the others inside safely. Alright. Get to the South Gates and join Felecia. Once there, get into the catacombs. Ella is in a room directly under that tower, she said, pointing at the tower she meant, There are several others in the room with her, so be careful. Just go and rescue Ella, I'll hold off this rider!

Phalynx dashed in to intercept the young male dragon and his rider before they could attack Zeke. Burning silver light still trailed from her scales in waves, and her eyes were flaring with gold light. Though she was small, her radiant appearance and immense wings were still a formidable sight. But if this rider worked for Galbatorix, she might know about Phal's powers. Galbatorix knew about Phal, and he knew what she could do.

What do you want, rider?! Phal said fiercely as she moved directly in front of the oncoming pair.

OOC: thanks. i dont know if i can write paragraphs though...

IC:Just before Gavina was in range to strike, a huge blinding creature came into view.

What is that?! Gavina thought, then she realized it was a dragon. Ciar saw her too.

Is that a female dragon? Ciar asked Gavina.

I think so, but why is she glowing? Gavina could feel her dragons awe for the she-dragon. I was always his dream to be father of his race. But not now, wielding Ciar around Gavina pulled out her green Rider sword. Thats when Gavina heard the dragons call.

Replying Gavina shouted mentally
I am protecting my fathers castle! Then as one, her and Ciar flung themselves towards the dragon named Phalynx. Just before they colided head on, Ciar spun so he was upside down and was going to attempt to attach himself to the belly of the smaller dragon.
This is the one my father wants.Gavina thought with a wicked grin.

OOC: Sorry to the others, but I simply must reply to this. Oh, and Gavina, if you have a lot to say you'll find it easy to type paragraphs, and you'll get better with time. I certainly wasn't as good as I am now when I started!

IC: Phal snarled. The daughter of Galbatorix! Who could have known he'd have a child... she thought. She saw the green dragon move in for the attack. The lithe dragoness twisted in the air and swooped to the other side of him as he tried to latch onto her belly. Phal's greatest physical attributes were her speed, agility, and flexibility in the air. There was no way she would be out-flown by another dragon. That was why she wanted to keep the air in the sky.

Phalynx dropped down suddenly, leaving a trail of silver light as she dove. She then pulled up and blasted starry fire at the underside of the male dragon, and sped away again. She would keep her attacks quick and light. Move! Get to Felecia and find Ella! she yelled to the others, hoping desperately that they would listen to her. She could keep this dragon and his rider occupied while the others rescued Ella. She was sure Galbatorix had plans for Ella and her friends, and probably Phal herself. She couldn't allow those plans to be followed through, though.

Ebony snarled. If you hurt Phal, your seriously going to regret it. That's a promise, he growled at the green-dragon, then sped away. Little one, we were attacked by a Dragon and Rider Phal stayed behind to preoccupy them. It seems that Galbatorix got another of his eggs to hatch. he said. Partner-of-mind-Felecia was silent for a moment, then. Alright. I've re-scoped the area, it's safe for you to land here. I've casted a single shield spell around Phalynx, just in case, she said, then severed from him. Ebony snaked his head from side to side, looking for his Rider. A flash of black-blue hair caught his eye, and he turned to look. Sure enough, there was partner-of-mind-Felecia, her black cloak melting into the shadows. He flared his wings and landed in front of her. Little one, he said warmly as she stepped forward and hugged his neck.

Zeke landed heavily next to warrior-friend-Ebony. His head and wings drooped, his muzzle nearly touched the ground. He was panting hard, and his breathe was ragged and labored. His eyes were closed, it seemed like he was squeezing them as tight as possible, but it didn't block out the pain. Zeke felt a cool, reassuring hand touch his muzzle, and he lifted his head slightly. Everything will be fine Zeke, you watch, said the comforting voice of Felecia. I hope your right, he said, then opened his now glowing icy blue eyes to see her face. His face looked fierce, and in that moment, he knew that everything would be fine, or close to it.

Felecia gestured inside and walked toward an entrance. She was quickly swallowed by darkness. She heard rather than felt the others following her. She opened her mind a tiny bit, only allowing friendly minds in like Zeke, Ebony, Mesaraih, Fenirexes, or luckily her sister, Ella.

OOC:
Went a little ahead of time.

OOC: lol, is it still too early for you to enter the shadow realm, ILS? I'd say quite a bit has happened...

IC: Phalynx was able to wrench her wings away, but she was too late to keep the evil rider from landing on her back. Ha! Galbatorix doesn't know who he's dealing with then, if he think's I'll comply so easily! I've dealt with far worse than you! she cried fiercely. Alright, time to show off a little, Phal thought eagerly.

The star-colored dragoness somersaulted backwards and away from the green dragon, kicking out her hind legs and lashing her tail to keep him from following. She let her body remain upside-down and she half fell/half flew into the towers of Uru'baen, still glowing like a star. She twisted around several times, and then spiralled, still twisting, around one of the taller towers.

Phal closed her wings and dropped into the narrow city streets, and then flared them open again and rose up. She smashed her back against one of the walls, hoping to dislodge the rider. If the human couldn't get out of the way, she would be crushed. Phal did this several more times, and then bolted up again.

Alright, see how long you can hang on! she shouted as she pounded upwards. The cloud-covered sky beckoned above. Phal made it to the cloud bank relatively quickly. She kept going up, lightning flashing with deadly beauty around her. Her scales had become slippery and wet with the moisture, and the electricity in the clouds was racing along her hide. Finally, the electricity let out its building charge in a massive bolt of lightning. Phal was still protected by the ancient magic and by Felecia's ward, which she had seen with her magic vision. However, the rider would not be unless she used magic.

Phal rose above the clouds and continued spiralling upwards to dazzling heights, though she still wasn't even half as high as she could go. Phal had flown higher than nearly every other dragon in existence. Even if the rider could save herself with magic, her dragon would not be able to follow Phalynx quite as high as she would go.

OOC: lol, my battle-posts are always long.

Laughing, Gavina hung on for the ride. This was going to be too easy. If Phal thought that she was weak, the dragon thought wrong. Gavina told Ciar just to be ready. Just as Gavina got done telling him that, Phal began trying to dislodge her. After the dragon rammed her back into a building, Gavina flashed a wicked grin.
You think that can hurt me?! Ha! Maybe my father shouldn't take you in. How, might I ask, do you think I could ever get hurt when my father uses his unlimited power to protect me?! Gavina cackeled to Phal. Grabbing tighter to one of the dragon's neck spikes, Gavina clung as Phal sky-rocketed to amazing heights. Once again, Gavina was protected by the amounts of spells Galbatorix cast on her.
To easy Gavina thought again.

Far below the cloud level, Ciar waited, and waited. How long can it possibly take for his partner-of-mind-and-heart-Gavina to get that glowing-she-dragon-Phalynx to surrender to her?
Just give up Phalynx, it would cause you less harm. Ciar casted into Phal's mind. If only he could fly that high things might be easier. Ciar only wished the other dragon would give in. Then once under Galbatorix's rule him and Phalynx might be able to bring back more dragons. There was just one thing no one knew, not even Gavina. He, Ciar, never gave any oath to the king that he would serve him and nobody else.

OOC: am i getting any better at this?

OOC:
Yes you are. Believe me, I posted nothing like this when I first started.

Were kinda all over the place. May I suggest an order? Draco, me, ILS, red, and Gavina. It's in the order that we joined the thread. Are we in agreement? It's your thread Draco, what do you think?

OOC: Gavina: You're getting quite nice, good work!
DS4: That sounds like an excellent order. I shall now post and start the Official Order, then! Yay! lol

IC: Phalynx felt relatively relaxed for one who was being ridden by the daughter of Galbatorix. Of course he would have many wards and spells around his daughter. They were probably even specific to Phal. However, he didn't know all of her powers, and that was what she was counting on.

I shall not give in, daughter of Galbatorix. Though I cannot harm you, because of your father, you cannot harm me either, she said. She didn't mention why, though. The human's physical attacks couldn't get past Phal's connection to the Ancient Magic, or Felecia's wards. Her magic attacks could be blocked by Phal's sight ability. So they were at a stalemate, for now.

Hmm, perhaps my sight will allow me to see a way past Galbatorix's spells? Phal thought. She turned her head around, watching the young human rider. She was already using her magic vision, as well as all the others. The wards of her father blanketed the girl in a tight, seemless seal. But was it completely invulnerable?

Phal continued her flight upwards. Soon, she had reached about three quarters of the highest point she had ever gone. She had figured out by now that she would bypass her earlier record because of the Ancient Magic, so she wasn't sure how much longer this would take.

The silver dragoness was at the same time examining Galbatorix's wards for a weakness. She knew that the power was coming from the Eldunari of deceased dragons, but could that flow be cut off? It could, but only when around Galbatorix himself. Phal wondered if she was strong enough to render Galbatorix even temporarily powerless, but that wasn't the goal now. She had to find a way to get past the girl's wards! She found a few weak spots in the magic of the first ward, and quickly removed it. Of course the first few would be easy to bypass, especially as they drew further away from the evil king himself. Hopefully one of the removed wards would actually prove useful.

Phal had now removed two more of the outer wards, but they were just precautionary, nonimportant ones. There were many more to go through, and they would get harder to dislodge as Phal progressed. Her ability to manipulate magic would be stretched to its very limits.

Phalynx was at the highest point she had ever gone, and still climbing. The air was unbelievably thin, and cold. If she wasn't being protected by the Ancient Magic, ice crystals would have begun to form in her bloodstream. This was getting risky, but Phal couldn't stop yet. She looked past her work on the human's wards briefly, seeing how high they truly were. The clouds now looked amazingly far below. The low sun seemed to be closer, and the sky was completely empty above them. It was eerily beautiful, in a way, and for a moment Phal could almost forget about the current threat to her safety and freedom.

I cannot be controlled easily, young one. Even now, your wards are falling one-by-one. Soon you will succumb to something, whether it be my flame or the lack of oxygen, Phal said warningly, her voice ringing with the threat.

OOC: And now it be your turn, DS4!

Felena could feel that something was wrong, but she didn't know what. Ebony, ask the Ancients to give me some energy! I'll need as much as possible to do what I need to do, she cried out to her mate through the jewel that linked them together. He must of heard her, for not even three seconds later, enormous energy entered her body. Even combining Phal's, Zeke's, Ebony's, Faefnir's, Mesaraih's, and Fenirexes's current energy levels together wouldn't be enough to fill the amount of energy she now had. My friends are in trouble. I'm going to help them, she said to Faefnir. Felena bellowed and beat her wings, steadily going faster and faster until neither the human nor elven eye could see her, perhaps a dragon could see her. With the Ancients help, she flew to her friends in five minutes flat. She sensed that her friends were inside the catacombs already, and that Phal was high in the sky with an enemy Rider on her back and a Riderless dragon hovering, waiting for it's Rider to come back down. Luckily, she was still in Faefnir's shape. Her golden scales seemed to emit their own light, making her glow, and her piercing blue eyes, so like Faefnir's, glared at the enemy dragon. Her ivory talons, teeth, and spikes glowed brightly. She came almost face to face with the enemy dragon, and snarled heavily, revealing her longer than normal fangs. I'm Felena, daughter of Deckelia, who was dragon to Reckona. I'm a wild dragon, mate to Ebony, who is dragon to Felecia. I can shape shift to any form I wish, at any time. If you are my enemy, then I suggest that you watch your tail carefully. If you have one bone in your body that has sense to listen to me, and not attack me, then call down your Rider and order that Ella be released. Now, she hissed, her blue eyes flashing. And don't try to deceive me. I'm one of those females that you definitely don't want to mess with lightly, she growled.

OOC:
Pass for the others. Your turn ILS.

OOC: Alright, this makes things interesting.

Faefnir was distracted for a moment with the appearance of a new dragon and Rider, both very young. Who on Alagaesia is this? He did not foresee this event, so Faefnir was caught completely off-guard. This distraction was enough to allow...

Rimfax to try to get into his shadow form and escape. The battle was not faring well for him, Faefnir's wards were simply too powerful for him to break through. Rimfax turned away from the massive golden dragon and started to fade. However...

Faefnir saw Rimfax trying to get away. Remembering his duty to Alagaesia, and that his sister-of-blood would be able to take care of herself, Faefnir launched at him using techniques his mate taught him. The pair collided just before Rimfax went into his shadow form. Using his minimal strength advantage due to the collision, Faefnir mumbled a long complicated phrase that transported both him and his nemesis into the Shadow Realm, where Rimfax could not pass into his shadow form and where Faefnir could more easily destroy him.

OOC: Go right ahead, voenth. Anyone can join!

OOC: voenth, you have to make your intro posts much longer than two lines. Introductions at least should be a couple paragraphs. (Also, I have a pretty clear idea of where I would prefer this thread to go, so don't add any radical changes alright? Much appreciated!)

OOC: 'Tis your turn, Gavina.

OOC: i tiz be here

Will you stop that?! Gavina screeched into Phal's mind. She could feel the layers of spells being removed. Rage building inside her because one mear dragon could defy her father's power took over.
Dont be so over confident young dragon. My father knows all of your secrets, how i do not know. As i speak, Glabatorix is giving me more energy. I can feel it. Gavina sneered at Phal. Just then Gavina's father spoke to her,
There is a spell I know. It will allow you to inflict physical pain to the dragon.
Say it, before even you are too weak to continue. I said.

Galbatorix said a long and complicated spell. Gavina had no idea if it worked or not. To test it, Gavina raised her Rider sword above her head and thrust it down with all her might.

Ciar turned to face Felena. In no mood for wounds, Ciar sent a snarl at the dragoness.
Then we are enemys. Even if I had the power to, Mad-King-Galbatorix will not listen. If my Rider wanted down, she cannot come. Your friend will most likely not come down until my Rider is gone. Even if I choose not to attack, I will be punished. Any move that displeases Galbatorix or his dragon, is pain for me and my Rider.

OOC: Mwahaha, my plan is falling into place! This is gonna be a long one...

IC: Phalynx cried out in shock and pain, feeling white-hot agony near her left shoulder-blade. Galbatorix's spell had managed to get through Felecia's wards, and the protection the Ancestors had been giving was finally wearing off.

Phal shut her eyes, holding off a pained roar. Her blood flowed out of the wound in rivers, tainting her starry scales with scarlett. She faltered, her wingbeats turning erratic and strained. But still Phal continued to glow with silver light, and she regained her place. She finally realized that there would only be one way to end this. There would be only one way, and Phal would have to risk her life to carry it out.

Phal's mind suddenly sharpened and took focus on two things. The first thing began immediately, as both the silver dragon and the rider were borne up at amazing speed. Phal was flying high, higher than would ever be safe for any creature, even a magical one.

Her conscious mind had suddenly took focus on a few of Gavina's specific wards. Three of her wards were designed to protect her from the lack of oxygen and the cold. Phal was attacking them now with all of her mental strength. Since Galbatorix would keep replacing them once she finished one, she was flying higher and higher, and out of the mad king's reach. Eventually, her plan would succeed.

Phal had soon reached heights no living thing had ever dreamt of going. The entire flight seemed eerily in slow motion, for it took an immense amount of time before the clouds below even looked remotely smaller. Still, the starry dragoness's wings beat a steady, climbing rythem. One of Gavina's wards fell, and Phal sped up. She didn't doubt that Gavina would try to stab her again; a possibly crippling blow.

The second of the three wards now crumbled, dissolving into the air with the rest of the wild magic. Gavina would have a very hard time breathing now, with only one ward remaining. Phal kept climbing; she was just a few miles away from being outside of Galbatorix's grasp. In fact, she could see his magic, and it was getting weaker and weaker. She could see where it ended.

Phal's breathing was heavily labored, and the blood flowing from her back wound was freezing immediately when it entered the cold air. As she flew higher, it only became more difficult. The young dragon gasped for air, choking. But she had to keep flying.

Phal's vision began to grow black around the edges, and her field of view was narrowing. She felt nauseous, and her dizziness almost prevented her from flying. The darkness was creeping in, pulling at her consciousness with gentle, comforting tendrils. Phal shook her head, desperate to clear it, but it could not be cleared. She couldn't breathe! Her heart raced in fear, fear of death. The darkness, she knew, was death, seeking to claim another victim.

Suddenly, the heavens seemed to part before them, and Phal could see the stars beyond, in a deepening blue sky. Their glittering presence comforted her, and she decided that the darkness wouldn't be so bad after all. At that very moment, Gavina's last ward broke apart, and Galbatorix couldn't reach far enough to fix it. Gavina would lose consciousness quickly, and possibly get frostbite.

Her task finished, Phal finally receded her mind from the battle against the blackness, and her vision dimmed. The dark closed in around her, and she was unaware of her sudden plummet from the sky.

To all those on the ground, it seemed as if the star that had been steadily rising into the sky had suddenly begun to fall, streaming a bright trail of light behind it. The star seemed to go out all at once, and the trail of light dissolved into the sky.

OOC: Excellent... all is going according to plan... oh, Phal's not dead, and I don't plan on killing her now, so don't worry.

Felena snarled at the green hatchling. Then why do you serve Galbatorix? He's the one that nearly made our race extinct in the first place, she said, half-growling. Felena's massive golden head whipped around in the sky, watching in horror as the silver star that was Phalynx plummet down toward the break-bone-ground. With a mighty heave of her wings, she surged upward. If you want to save your Rider, I would suggest that you help me slow Phal's descent so Gavina isn't crushed under the weight of a dragon when they hit the ground, she said to Ciar. Felena came level with silver-scaled-Phalynx, then she dove with the same speed as she angled under the small body. Slowly, she pulled up, decreasing Phal's descent until they hovered in the air, with the silver-dragoness draped over her massive back. She grunted with the effort of staying aloft, and hoped that Ciar would come to help her take the load, or at least come to get his Rider. She opened her wings into a large canopy and floated down lower. They were probably some two or three thousand feet up now, maybe more.

Felecia was stunned as Reik seemed to come from no where and attack Mesaraih. They were both swallowed up into...something. At Fenirexes' beckoning, the group followed, but not before she had placed her marked hand over the wounds on the red dragons belly and murmured the words for healing.

Ella was breathing very hard now. Forty lashes. That's how many she'd already had. But it wasn't just that that was making her breath hard. No, Zeke was near. She could feel it. She could feel him reaching out with his mind to touch hers, and he finally succeeded. A burst of color and energy entered her mind, making her gasp through the gag. Ella, where are you?! he exclaimed, his mind in hysterics. Zeke, friend of my heart, I'm in a torture room under one of the towers. There's a kind magician that heals my back every ten lashes, and the man that tortures me takes no pleasure in it. I've spoken to both of them through my mind and they've decided to help me escape. Stay where you are, the king has greater plans than you think, for all of us. He knows my true name, which makes me a potential threat to you, she said calmly. Zeke calmed down slightly, but not much. Oh little one, I can feel your every pain, your every flinch of agony, oh how I wish I could end it right now, he said, caressing her thoughts with his own. I know, but I must endure the pain a little longer, she assured him, Tell the others that they must not try to rescue me just yet, it's to dangerous and I think the king has a trap set up for you, she told him. She felt a dim acknowledgement from him, then. I've told them, he said. Good, now leave my mind and focus on keeping the others safe, she said firmly. She could sense his distress about severing from her, but he eventually did it. The lonliness that she felt after his absence was...astounishing. She hadn't noticed how..alone..it felt to be without her dragons comforting presence there in her mind.

OOC:
Dang, my imagination has been going wild for the last few days.lol

OOC: Your turn, ILS.

Faefnir began to tear at Rimfax's throat as soon as the pair jumped into the Shadow Realm.

OOC: Pass turn.

OOC: It's your turn, voenth.

OOC: voenth, if you don't post by Friday then I'm afraid we'll skip you.

OOC: Alright, then I suppose it's Red's turn.