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In Finding Freedom

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Fallen Elf Wise DragonRider Joined: December 10th, 2010, 11:37 pm Posts: 1015 Location: Everywhere and Anywhere Gender: Guy Affiliation: Dragonriders	In Finding Freedom OOC: Just for me and Saphirarox. If anyone else wishes to join, just PM the either of us. IC: Illusia sat back in the padded lawn chair, glancing towards the light blue sky. Clasping his hands together and placing them on the back of his head, he sighed exasperatedly. Things were so much more complicated now. It had been a couple of days since the events at the masquerade ball. As himself and many others had predicted, Galbatorix's plan had failed miserably. At first, things had went along dandy enough, until all of the fighting had begun. Apparently, some of the "miscreants" Galbatorix had invited somehow had learned of the plan in advance. Therefore, many of them didn't drink the inhibitor and still retained their magic capabilities. Furthermore, a few of them were Dragon Riders, whose dragons had arrived in their fiery glory once they learned of their respective partner's peril. To Galbatorix, the plan had ended in failure, but to Illusia, things could hardly be better. No one had died through the whole affair, and he had changed his true name! His desire to stop the plan and help Aero had changed a part of his true name, breaking his bonds to Galbatorix. Unfortunately, that didn't mean that he could just leave. No, not while Morpice was still bonded to the dark king. Also, he wanted to help Arston and Arturos break free of their bonds as well. In addition to that, Illusia had to pretend that he was still forcibly bonded to the king to prevent and arousing suspicion. As such, this was going to be a troublesome affair. He wouldn't be at it alone, however. No, he had brought back a. . .souvenir from the ball. She would aid him in freeing Arston, Arturos, and Morpice. Speaking of her, Illusia could recognize the silvery-blond hair that could only belong to two people that Illusia knew. Currently, this particular head of hair belonged to Aero, who had come back with Illusia upon hearing that her brother was under Galbatorix's unyielding control. He had helped her infiltrate the castle as a gardener. Standing to his full height, Illusia approached Aero inconspicuously. Stopping next to her, he mumbled in a whisper, "How goes the 'turning'?" She would recognize the term. It was an anomaly developed by Illusia and Aero to keep suspicion low. It referred to the process of changing one's true name. _________________ Good: Natsu and Erza Zereldn Hawke and Elisa Arcenis Nate Arka Neutral: Lakris and Sylverta Malazan Evil: Dedread Crugan Zar'rac Freohr Oracion
April 8th, 2012, 5:15 pm

Saphirarox Cycle Moderator Joined: June 5th, 2006, 4:56 am Posts: 5409 Location: North of here, south of there Gender: Girl Affiliation: Dragonriders Dragon: Melanthor	Re: In Finding Freedom Aero craned her head back to peer at Illusia's face, which was hovering several inches above her own. "How is it that my brother is a giant, yet I'm no taller than a gnat? I swear between the two of you, my neck is going to get stuck, and I'll forever be looking up at the sky," she asked, feigning indignance. After a moment of pretending to pout, she wrinkled her nose and looked back at the ground. "It goes slowly, but it goes. Finding me again has done a great deal to ease his mind and heart, but there is still much to be done to help them both. I've talked with him about my life since he was taken and tried to help him see I was fine and that he didn't let me down, but he's so stubborn in the belief that he failed me, I don't see how to make headway," she said pensively, inspecting the basket of freshly clipped roses she was carrying. "Between them, I don't doubt Arturos is the closest to succeeding. He finds joy in simply seeing the two of us together, since that's been Arston's dream since before he hatched. Dragons are extremely complicated creatures, but in some ways, they are the simplest of beings," she continued, absentmindedly plucking a red ant from one of the blood red petals. She bent at the waist and placed the ant on a bench beside them, then straightened and glanced up at Illusia's subdued eyes. "What about your own agenda? How is Morpice?" she asked him, stepping onto the path to head for the throne room. "Tell me quickly, Galbatorix has ordered all of the new gardeners to present themselves to him. I think he's going to test our knowledge to make sure we're qualified, God help the ones that fail." Arston walked casually down the hallway, looking through the windows into the garden beyond. He could see small groups of people throughout, laughing and talking as they walked along the paths of flowers and trees with their fresh green growth. The Rider was particularly interested in two people on the opposite side of the garden from himself. From this distance he could only make out their black and blonde hair, as well as the red from some flowers the blonde was carrying in a basket, but he knew who they were. What are you doing? Arturos asked, breaking the silence of his Rider's mind. Watching. What are you doing? he retorted, slightly defensively. I was napping, but your brooding woke me up, the green replied irritably. He broadened their connection so he could see through Arston's eyes, snorting when he realized who the Rider was watching. What, are you afraid he's going to spirit her off somewhere? Honestly, he's one of your best friends. I think he can be trusted to keep an eye on your sister while she is here. After all, didn't you agree to it, since it would be too dangerous for you to do it yourself? We don't want the king figuring out who she is, he continued, jumping to his feet and shaking vigorously. Yes I agreed to it, but at the time I didn't know they would have to be so cozy! Arston snapped. He stopped walking and grasped the bridge of his nose between two fingers, breathing hard. I just wish none of this was necessary. I feel like he's better equipped to protect her, which is hard to swallow after all these years of wishing I could see her again, he added lamely. Arturos nosed open the door to their quarters and headed for the source of his Rider's mind, closing the door with a swipe of his tail as he passed. Arston, I know this isn't what you want to hear, but until we change, he IS better equipped to protect her, Arturos said, loping along the broad hallway. After a minute he came upon his Rider leaning against the wall, a pained look on his face. The big green snorted and pushed his head against his pair bond's chest. I know, I know. Come on, let's go see what they're up to. With Illusia there, it shouldn't be a problem. After all, she's supposedly one of his servants, Arston said, scratching under one of the scales by Arturos's eye. I thought she was a gardener? Arturos said, humming contentedly at the scratching. She is, but I think she somehow managed to wrangle her way onto his wait staff. The easier to spend time with me, I think, Arston said, walking down the hall. Before long they exited the murky castle and were strolling across the grounds, Arturos's vivid green scales sending bright chinks of light all across the ground. "Hey you, mind if I drop in?" Arston called, acting as if he didn't even see Aero. _________________ You are most like SAPHIRA Like the majestic dragon, Saphira, you are brave and ferocious in battle but also deep in ancient wisdom. You think before flying headfirst into battle. You prefer the solitude of the wilderness to the populated cities of Alagaesia. SF Facebook Raven & Oceanis, Tobias & Avalon, Taren, Valora, Liam, Aero, Arston & Arturos, Jason, Lee & Melanthor, Silas, Asa & Naor, Darian, Illuna, Blake, Anastasia, Luka, Rok, Gwen, Ryker There's no such thing as sane, we're all crazy. Well hello Captain Obvious...Nice to meet you, I'm Lieutenant Sarcasm. >:) Something here doesn't make sense. Let's go and poke it with a stick. - The Doctor Amy: You threw the manual in a supernova? Why? Doctor: Because I disagreed with it! Now stop talking to me while I'm cross!
April 8th, 2012, 6:20 pm

Fallen Elf Wise DragonRider Joined: December 10th, 2010, 11:37 pm Posts: 1015 Location: Everywhere and Anywhere Gender: Guy Affiliation: Dragonriders	Re: In Finding Freedom "There's nothing fascinating about the ground anyway," Illusia replied, chuckling at her playful rant." Her explanation relating to Arston's progress in changing his true name made Illusia frown slightly. "You won't be able to change his mind about that. Not straight away at least. He'll probably need some time to come to terms with your appearance and all." Illusia smiled wryly towards the sky. "Even though I've been forced to do nearly everything I've done in the last hundred years, I still feel guilty about it. I imagine Arston is the same in that regard. All of us 'name servants' are." Arturos making more headway didn't surprise Illusia, for Morpice was making astounding progress as well. "It's funny: Morpice was always the more hopeful one out of the two of us. He was far more optimistic about his situation than I ever was, yet my true name changed first. . .He is making great progress. Since I'm free, he's all the more motivated to change his true name. As he is now, he believes that he is being a burden to my freedom. He isn't, but I didn't tell him that. He'll work harder to change his true name under that perspective." Realizing that he had rambled, Illusia waved Aero on towards the throne room. "Sorry, I didn't mean to keep you. Hurry and reach the king. He responds well to those who show up on time. Good luck," Illusia insisted. Illusia noticed the near blinding glint of Arturos's scales as the sunlight struck them. Illusia glanced over towards the approaching dragon, taking notice of Arston as well. Arston was pretending not to take notice of Aero, because if he showed interest in her, the king might be suspicious. Therefore, Illusia should do the same. "Of course not. Your presence is welcome anytime," Illusia responded with a small smile. "Apparently, Galbatorix is preparing to test the new gardeners to see if they're proficient enough for the job," Illusia explained. _________________ Good: Natsu and Erza Zereldn Hawke and Elisa Arcenis Nate Arka Neutral: Lakris and Sylverta Malazan Evil: Dedread Crugan Zar'rac Freohr Oracion
April 10th, 2012, 12:48 am

Saphirarox Cycle Moderator Joined: June 5th, 2006, 4:56 am Posts: 5409 Location: North of here, south of there Gender: Girl Affiliation: Dragonriders Dragon: Melanthor	Re: In Finding Freedom Aero laughed at Illusia's quick-witted reply, shaking her head. "Perhaps not to a giant like you, but to us normal people, the flowers and trees are very interesting," she retorted, tucking a rose into the button-hole of his jacket. She smoothed the lapel of his jacket pensively, listening as he spoke. When he finished, she sighed and nodded. "I suppose you're right. Would he still be my brother if he didn't feel guilty about such things? I guess not, though it pains me for him not to realize none of this was his fault," she said after a moment. She looked up at Illusia's face when he spoke of Morpice. She couldn't help but notice his normally dead eyes sparkled slightly when he talked about Morpice and his efforts to free himself. Aero blinked with surprise when Illusia apologized for keeping her. She looked up at the sky and yelped with surprise, she had less than five minutes to make it to the throne room. "Oh no! I'll see you later," she said hurriedly, tipping Illusia, and her brother who she now saw was approaching, a quick curtsy for anybody who was watching. She hated the useless manuever, but here at court, people would wonder why a servant would be allowed to get away without showing their master the proper respect. She held the curtsy for the appropriate amount of time, the lurched up and started jogging as quickly as she could for the throne room. As it was, she barely managed to slip inside the throne room doors before the guards closed them. She quickly took her place beside the other gardeners and stood straight, adjusting her skirt and blouse. She had just smoothed back some strands of hair that had escaped from her braid when Galbatorix entered the room. There was no need for Shruikan to enter, he had been there the entire time; as he was too large to move around very often, he spent most of his time in the throne room. Aero froze like a mouse that senses the nearby snake as Galbatorix's coal-black eyes swept their group. Her heart pounded thunderously as she imagined his eyes remained on her face longer than the rest, but she dismissed it, thinking it was her nerves. "Welcome my new friends. As you all know, we are here today to test your knowledge, to make sure that the plants of my humble abode are safe in your care. I would hate for any of them to fall sick or die, that would be rather unpleasant... for you," he said, piercing each of them with his gaze. Arston's heart stopped when Illusia told him about the test for his sister and the other newcomers. "Tell me you're kidding. Surely you could think of something to get her out of it, it's too dangerous for her to be that close to him! What if he decides to probe their minds, just for the fun of it?" he hissed, stepping close to Illusia's face. He twisted his head, following Aero's movements as she all but ran towards what he felt sure was her doom. He started to go after her, but was stopped by Arturos gently snagging his sleeve in his fangs. Calm down Arston, she is in no more danger than she already is simply by being in the castle. Galbatorix won't be looking for your long lost twin sister in a group of gardeners in his own castle. I doubt he even knows she's still alive. But you certainly will be giving the game away if you go charging into the throne room with both of them in there, Arturos said, jerking his Rider back into place in front of Illusia. "Yes, but what if he does realize something is wrong?" Arston said desperately, trying to tug his arm free. Galbatorix may be a fearsome opponent, but he is not omniscient. He may very well know something is wrong, but thanks to the war, he'll probably think it's the Varden about to make an attempt on his life. Just leave Aero be for now, she is not helpless, the green countered, his diamond-hard eyes scouring his Rider's face. After a moment Arston's body relaxed and Arturos released his arm. "So, Illusia, heard anymore about those fugitives we failed to capture at that party?" Arston asked, his face free of any of his anxiety. He smiled wryly at the satisfied snort Arturos sounded. _________________ You are most like SAPHIRA Like the majestic dragon, Saphira, you are brave and ferocious in battle but also deep in ancient wisdom. You think before flying headfirst into battle. You prefer the solitude of the wilderness to the populated cities of Alagaesia. SF Facebook Raven & Oceanis, Tobias & Avalon, Taren, Valora, Liam, Aero, Arston & Arturos, Jason, Lee & Melanthor, Silas, Asa & Naor, Darian, Illuna, Blake, Anastasia, Luka, Rok, Gwen, Ryker There's no such thing as sane, we're all crazy. Well hello Captain Obvious...Nice to meet you, I'm Lieutenant Sarcasm. >:) Something here doesn't make sense. Let's go and poke it with a stick. - The Doctor Amy: You threw the manual in a supernova? Why? Doctor: Because I disagreed with it! Now stop talking to me while I'm cross!
April 10th, 2012, 4:23 pm

Fallen Elf Wise DragonRider Joined: December 10th, 2010, 11:37 pm Posts: 1015 Location: Everywhere and Anywhere Gender: Guy Affiliation: Dragonriders	Re: In Finding Freedom OOC: Could've sworn I posted in this. >__< IC: "Good luck," Illusia said softly. He glanced towards Aero as she quickly maneuvered towards the throne room, just barely making it. He furrowed his eyebrows in slight confusion but otherwise remained stoic as Arston berated him for letting Aero come so close to the king. Arturos quickly stopped the rider and spoke a bit of reason into him. Arston continued to resist for a moment, but gave in after a moment. To try and aid Arturos in reassuring the rider, Illusia added, "Besides, trying to keep her from trying to fulfill her duties here at the castle would definitely make the king suspicious. And he's unlikely to search the mind of a gardener, at least not when he's still so absorbed in his research," Illusia added. Arston's question caused Illusia to smile at no one in particular as he thought back on the ball. "No, but after all of this is over, I think I'll visit each and every one of them personally and thank them for angering Galbatorix as much as they did. In my service here, I've rarely seen the king get that infuriated. In fact, it seems to be happening more and more lately," Illusia remarked. In the back of his mind, he felt the partner-of-his-soul contact him mentally. I just saw Aero enter the throne room; should I be worried? Morpice asked, a tinge of alarm in his tone. Nah, she's just trying to obtain that position as gardener. Nothing should go wrong, Illusia replied. He knew that, if something did happen, Arston would probably never forgive the artificial shade for letting it happen in the first place. Out of the corner of his eye, he noticed Morpice approaching from the sparring grounds. His black scales were glistening with sweat, and Illusia could tell by the dragon's weariness that it had been a tough round. To explain Illusia's silent question, Morpice grunted and projected his words so that Arston and Arturos could hear them as well, I just went toe-to-toe with Shruikan. Well, for about forty seconds. After that, he wiped me out. Illusia chuckled; Morpice was visually winded, and his soreness transferred over their shared connection. How fares things? Morpice asked, mostly to Arston and Arturos. _________________ Good: Natsu and Erza Zereldn Hawke and Elisa Arcenis Nate Arka Neutral: Lakris and Sylverta Malazan Evil: Dedread Crugan Zar'rac Freohr Oracion
April 12th, 2012, 10:57 pm

Saphirarox Cycle Moderator Joined: June 5th, 2006, 4:56 am Posts: 5409 Location: North of here, south of there Gender: Girl Affiliation: Dragonriders Dragon: Melanthor	Re: In Finding Freedom After all was said and done, Aero was the last gardener in the room, the rest Galbatorix had either dismissed on the spot, or ordered to leave and return to their duties. She was sweating slightly, he was asking tough questions about each of the plants under her care, demanding to know how she was feeding them or allowing this amount of sunlight to. "Such a pity. You would have made a wonderful servant for one of my underlings. One of the Riders perhaps, they tend to run through servants like no others, the poor things are terrified of the dragons you see. I've noticed Illusia seems to have taken an interest in you, he is the one that brought you here," Galbatorix said, apparently finished testing her knowledge. His black eyes bored into the youthful face before him; he snorted after a moment and looked away, lazily flicking his wrist at the door. "You may go, consider your position retained," he said. It was all Aero could do to curtsy and walk out the door. Once she was down the corridor a ways, she had to stop and collapse against the wall. I thought I was done for there for a moment. When he mentioned Illusia... He knows something. I don't know what or how much, but he knows, she thought to herself, exhaling a shaky breath. When she felt composed enough to continue, she turned towards a corridor that would lead her to the Blue Garden. Reaching out with her mind, she felt Illusia's mind, along with several others that belonged to the king's spellcasters. As soon as she felt his familiar presence, she shielded her mind and focused directly on him. Illusia, the king knows something. I'm not sure what, but he was just too... cool... with some of the things he said. We'll have to be more careful, he even mentioned you, she said, sharing her memory of the encounter. Arston nodded at Illusia and Arturo's words. "You're both right, I know that. It's just convincing myself of the truth that's causing me difficulty," he said to them. He smirked at the memory of the aftermath of the ball. "Yes, he was in a particularly fine lather over that one. I hope we can do it again soon," he said, chuckling. He waved casually to Morpice, who was in pretty decent shape, considering he had just gone a round with Shruikan, though he was still tired and worn-out looking. "Hello Morpice. You must have done well if he let you go after such a short bout," he said. Beside him Arturos dipped his head respectfully to the other dragon, acknowledging his accomplishment. The tall Rider frowned for a moment, thinking. They fare, not as well as I would have hoped, but they fare. I'm more worried about Aero, she should have been done with that ridiculous test of Galbatorix's by now, he said silently. No sooner had the thought formed in his mind, than he felt Aero's mind brush against his, then it was gone, obscured behind her mental walls as she conversed with Illusia. Again he felt a tug of annoyance in his gut that she would confide in his friend, but leave him out of the loop. She's telling him something she doesn't think I should know, I'll bet you anything, he said bitterly to Arturos. And judging from your reaction, she was right not to. It's probably no big deal, Illusia will tell us if it's important. She can't have her mind open to too many people, that makes it easier for someone to break into her mind while she's distracted, Arturos said, his voice full of the patience of a saint. _________________ You are most like SAPHIRA Like the majestic dragon, Saphira, you are brave and ferocious in battle but also deep in ancient wisdom. You think before flying headfirst into battle. You prefer the solitude of the wilderness to the populated cities of Alagaesia. SF Facebook Raven & Oceanis, Tobias & Avalon, Taren, Valora, Liam, Aero, Arston & Arturos, Jason, Lee & Melanthor, Silas, Asa & Naor, Darian, Illuna, Blake, Anastasia, Luka, Rok, Gwen, Ryker There's no such thing as sane, we're all crazy. Well hello Captain Obvious...Nice to meet you, I'm Lieutenant Sarcasm. >:) Something here doesn't make sense. Let's go and poke it with a stick. - The Doctor Amy: You threw the manual in a supernova? Why? Doctor: Because I disagreed with it! Now stop talking to me while I'm cross!
April 13th, 2012, 11:16 pm

Fallen Elf Wise DragonRider Joined: December 10th, 2010, 11:37 pm Posts: 1015 Location: Everywhere and Anywhere Gender: Guy Affiliation: Dragonriders	Re: In Finding Freedom Illusia felt a bit of alarm course through him, but he quelled it and kept a calm composure. He can't know much. If he knew that my true name had changed, then he would be on me immediately, so at least that bit of information is safe. He probably won't make much of the resemblance between you and Arston. . .Still, we will need to tread cautiously; like you said, he's being too cool about this. If Illusia knew Galbatorix at all, he knew that the king liked to play with his prey. Nothing else attracted Galbatorix's attention like a game of cat and mouse. And Galbatorix was the cat. He was always the cat. It's good that you passed. Things wouldn't have gone well otherwise, Illusia added. Morpice shrugged his bulky shoulders in a two-legged gesture. It seemed that he had something else to do. I'm not complaining though; I hate training with him. His extremely humongous size is much too big an obstacle to overcome. He felt a mildly familiar mind brush against his for a moment, then the contact vanished. He recognized it as Aero. It seemed that she wanted to converse solely with Illusia at the moment. Illusia sighed. "Aero made it. She seemed really tired though." Illusia noticed that Arston was a tad tense currently. "Arston, if you'd like, we could meet at the training grounds later this evening. It's been a while since we've had a good spar. Everyone will be there." _________________ Good: Natsu and Erza Zereldn Hawke and Elisa Arcenis Nate Arka Neutral: Lakris and Sylverta Malazan Evil: Dedread Crugan Zar'rac Freohr Oracion
April 15th, 2012, 10:32 pm

Saphirarox Cycle Moderator Joined: June 5th, 2006, 4:56 am Posts: 5409 Location: North of here, south of there Gender: Girl Affiliation: Dragonriders Dragon: Melanthor	Re: In Finding Freedom Aero mentally shuddered, agreeing wholeheartedly with Illusia when he mentioned her passing. She didn't want to think about what Galbatorix would have done if she had failed, but she had a pretty good idea that it would have made her wish she had been banished from the Palace service that the other failures. There are ways to fool a cat, but the hardest of all to fool is the battle-scarred tomcat, she said to him, feeling distinctly mouse-like. Opening her mind to her brother she said, Yes, everyone, picturing herself smiling. She felt his mind relax and a smile twitching about his lips. She backed out of both of their minds and headed towards her chambers to splash some water on her face. On the east wing of the palace, close to the dragon stable, Aero entered her room which she shared with another servant, though not one of Illusia's. Currently her roommate wasn't in and she had the place to herself, which she was thankful for. Splashing some water into the washbasin on her small desk, she wet a cloth and wiped it on the back of her neck and across her face before rinsing her hands in the water and drying herself with a towel. When she felt refreshed, she exited the room and started towards the sparring ground. Wonder what a behemoth like that could have to do, besides eating, sleeping, and slapping around his favorite toys: us, Arturos said to Morpice, twisting his neck to either side, taking in all the damage the big black had done to his friend. Not much, I would imagine. Trouble for someone for certain, Arston said, still smiling after the brief contact with his sister. "Sure, a nice sparring match sounds like exactly what I need right now," he said, smiling at Illusia and clapping him on the shoulder. "Now, are we allowing magic, or no magic?" he asked over his shoulder as he started for the training arena. _________________ You are most like SAPHIRA Like the majestic dragon, Saphira, you are brave and ferocious in battle but also deep in ancient wisdom. You think before flying headfirst into battle. You prefer the solitude of the wilderness to the populated cities of Alagaesia. SF Facebook Raven & Oceanis, Tobias & Avalon, Taren, Valora, Liam, Aero, Arston & Arturos, Jason, Lee & Melanthor, Silas, Asa & Naor, Darian, Illuna, Blake, Anastasia, Luka, Rok, Gwen, Ryker There's no such thing as sane, we're all crazy. Well hello Captain Obvious...Nice to meet you, I'm Lieutenant Sarcasm. >:) Something here doesn't make sense. Let's go and poke it with a stick. - The Doctor Amy: You threw the manual in a supernova? Why? Doctor: Because I disagreed with it! Now stop talking to me while I'm cross!
April 17th, 2012, 12:56 am

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In Finding Freedom

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