OC: This one is just for me, Saphirarox, GuardianAngel and gomenesigh.

IC:

The springtime sun was warm and pleasant and the whole valley seemed full of life. Fletcher was lying atop a boulder, sunning himself in the morning sunlight. Agatha had collected a sample of his blood for her "treatment" just yesterday in Gilead and so Fletcher was now free for another six months. Unfortunately Agatha had been in a rather bad mood when she collected the blood and the cut that it left on his left front leg had been particularly deep and vicious. Afterwards, Agatha's henchman had half hazardly treated the wound before sending the gryphon on his way. The wound was wrapped in a bloody bandage and it burned when Fletcher put weight on the leg.

Presently Fletcher rested his eagle-like head on his good leg, his injured leg dangling over the side of the rock. He was tempted to tear the bandag off so the wound could dry but that would just make it more susceptible to infection. The gryphon longed to be free again. He wanted freedom from the torment he had to face at Agatha's hands. Nobody seemed to appreciate him at all. He had few real friends in this world. What he needed was someone to travel with and share adventures with. It was so boring being alone all the time and life would be a little more worthwhile if he had a friend.

Avalon flapped his wings quickly, building up height for a dive. The silver male looked over his shoulder at his Rider, Tobias. You ready? He asked, grinning wolfishly at the young boy. Not waiting for a reply, he locked his slender wings to his back and started to plummet towards the earth.

"Yeeeeaaahhhhh!!!! Faster Val!" Tobias yelled at his partner, throwing his hands up in the air. He grabbed the straps holding his body onto the makeshift saddle as a gust of wind made Avalon wobble. The young Rider looked over his dragon's silver shoulder, taking in the scenery. A few hundred feet from the ground, Val flared his wings slightly, bringing them gently out of the dive. It was as he was winging his way back up into the air that Tobias saw something strange sunning on a rock. Wait Avalon, go back! What was that thing? He asked excitedly, red hair flopping around in the wind as he craned his head trying to see it again.

Val angled his wings into a lazy turn to face whatever it was Tobias had spotted. He faltered as he saw a creature he'd never seen before. Well, Toby, frankly I have no idea what that is. The young male said candidly, curiosity filling his voice. Let's go say hi!

He immediately picked up speed as he flew towards the stranger. As they got closer he could see that it was half-eagle, half-lion and had wings. Excellent! Somebody I can race! My name's Avalon and this is my Rider Tobias, what's your name? Val said, landing gently alongside the creature's perch. Totally unafraid, he stuck his silver snout over the creature and smelled his wings. The young dragon snorted when he smelled blood on the winged being. Toby, he's hurt, can you help him?

Toby slipped off Val's back when he said the stranger was injured. He bit his cheek when he saw the dirty bandage. "That must be a pretty bad wound to bleed that much. I'm not sure what I can do, I don't have any sort of medical training," he said looking from Val to the creature. "Or any sort of training," he muttered to himself, blue eyes studying the bandage pensively.

Caete was currently riding on Blanc's back, dozing off in the warmth of the day, his wings gently draped on either side of Blanc's back. He wasn't exactly tired, but he was so bored that he couldnt help but doze. He felt his hand clench and unclench in the soft fur of Blanc's neck.
After a while, Blanc noticed a dragon and a rider diving through the sky and watched with interest before bringing it to Caete's attention. Caete, there is a dragon. And a Rider. Shall we go closer to where they landed? Immediately Caete sat up and replied, "Yes of course. We might as well." He gave Blanc a pat as he sped up slightly to meet up with the dragon.

He watched as they walked around a large rock and saw a strange half-lion, half-eagle being. He heard the young boy speak about helping the creature. "I can heal that if you'd like." He jumped off of Blanc's back and floated to the ground. Watching the creature for an answer.

Tobias gasped as Fletcher ripped off his bandage, exposing deep cut. The cut itself was straight and neat, but it appeared to have a minor infection. Looking closer he could see scars similar to the fresh cut surrounding the wound. "What happened Fletcher? Who did this to you?" the boy asked, compassion filling his young voice. He gripped his dagger hilt in anger. Whoever would do such a thing needed to be dealt with. Val, he looks capable of taking care of himself, yet he has all of those scars. What do you make of it? he asked Avalon privately. The silver dragon snorted as he turned to inspect the wound.

While Avalon was collecting his thoughts, Tobias inspected the newcomers. The man with the wings looked to be quite a bit older than himself and was obviously a trained fighter. He can most likely use magic to. Tobias thought quietly. The irrepressible youngster inched over to the giant cat, fingers itching to pet the creature. His blue eyes were filled with awe as he got close enough to touch it's fure. He gently reached out with his right hand, the gedwey ignasia on the palm tingling, and touched it's side. He giggled with delight as he felt it's soft fur.

Val snorted with amusement as he looked around for Toby and saw him creeping over to the large cat standing by the winged-two-legger. Something about the two assured him that the boy was in no danger, so he turned his head toward the gryphon. He leaned over the wound smelling the air around it. I'm no doctor, but I do know the smell of bad meat when I smell it. This wound is infected, can you do anything about that? the silver said, opening his mind to include their new friends. His silvery-white eyes were calm and matter-of-fact as he watched Caete.

Toby giggled again as Blanc shoved his head against the boy's arm. He scooted back a bit so he wouldn't fall over and started scratching the large cat's white fur with both hands. "You sound like Avalon when he's pleased with himself," he remarked to the feline. Toby looked over at Caete as the angel, at least he looked like one, asked their names. "I'm Tobias, but you can call me Toby if you want. That big silver goof over there is my pair bond, Avalon," he answered, mischief sparkling in his eyes.

"A race, hunh? I don't think you want to do that. Val's the fastest dragon in Alagaesia," the boy said proudly. He patted Blanc one last time then trotted over to his dragon and mounted up. He grinned cockily and reached for the leg straps. The Rider paused and looked up as Val looked back over his shoulder at him.

Tobias! A race right now would not be fair. Fletcher has just been healed by Caete, perhaps we should wait a day, or a few hours at the least. the silver dragon admonished his young Rider, keeping his comments restricted to where only Tobias heard him. He looked back at Fletcher, Caete, and Blanc. And we may be too trusting, but we are young. That causes others who would wish us harm to underestimate us. We are not without a few tricks up our sleeves. He replied cryptically, humor coloring his voice and making his eyes sparkle.

Caete looked at Fletcher, "You truly needed the help." He gave the gryphon a friendly smile and grinned back at Toby and Val. He thought their antics were cute in a small child way. "A race, huh?" He stood looking at Fletcher, whom seemed determined. A glint in the gryphons eye made him think that he would not back down easily, even if he were hurt.

Blanc moved his way over to sit next to Caete, Caete, I like the boy. He said this only to Caete, who fought the urge to laugh. Of course you do, Caete, not many people have the gall to just walk up to you and pet you, even though you'd like it if they did. Keep in mind that it usually only happens in Du Weldenvarden and that's only because the Elves adore you. He was teasing his big friend and grinned when Caete nudged his leg with his nose.

"Well Fletcher, would you like to race?" He glanced at him, "Im fully willing to participate." He gave them another grin and shook his wings a little to stretch them.

See, Val? He's tough! And besides, he does have a point. He doesn't need his foot to fly. Let's go already! Tobias replied, practically bouncing in his seat from excitement. "And you would do well not to underestimate Avalon! He may be young, but his instincts in the air are excellent," Toby cheekily replied to Fletcher. "But how will Blanc keep up, Caete? He's the only one besides me that can't fly, and I'm riding Avalon," the boy asked.

Val snorted and spread his silver-scaled wings. They flashed brilliantly in the sunlight as he jumped into the air and swept them downward to gain height. I don't think you have to worry about Blanc, Toby. He's managed to keep up with Caete from wherever it is they came from, a short race shouldn't be too much trouble for him. The dragon said, gaining height the entire time. Within seconds he was two hundred feet in the air. Well, since this seems to be your home Fletcher, I'll let you choose the finish line.

Caete grinned, "I guarantee you that Blanc is faster than all three of us fliers. We think it has something to do with his species, although we dont know what that is either." He spread his wings and watched as Blanc stood next to him, stretching his legs out. Caete flared his wings out to full length, stretching them until he could feel them loosen up. He grinned at his opponents, ready for anything they could throw at him. He moved slightly, preparing himself for the take off.

Blanc watched as they all prepared themselves, noting the way they looked at each other, Besides Toby, I am not going to be racing. I'm simply going to keep up. He flicked his tail back and forth, ready to take off when Caete did.

Avalon roared and took off after the gryphon. His eyes focused in on Fletcher and then looked up at the finish line. Think we should go easy on him, Toby? Val asked humorously. His wingbeats picked up as the silver male drew up alongside Fletcher. He winked lazily at the gryphon, then soared into the lead on a tailwind he had sensed coming.

Not a chance! I warned him you were the fastest dragon in Alageasia, this is what he gets for dismissing you! Tobias laughed, waving cockily to Fletcher as Val flew past him. His longish red hair blew into his eyes as he looked over his shoulder for Caete.

Amateurs... Fletcher thought to himself as he let the others fly ahead. Instead of trying to catch up, the gryphon began climbing higher into the air. He leveled out and maintained his speed, remaining behind and above the others. He just had to wait for the opportune moment.



OCC: Sorry for the short post.

Toby grinned as he watched their opponents behind them. They probably thought the two of them were being reckless, but they hadn't seen anything yet. Avalon wasn't even trying!

The silver male yawned expansively and cocked his tail to the right as a sudden wind blew up on the left. He drifted sideways a few feet, but his forward motion was barely interrupted. The rocky finish line was about five miles away. Want to make this interesting you guys? He said to Fletcher and Caete, knowing Toby would hear the conversation. He sent a picture of his idea to the boy, feeling a delighted grin spread across his young face.

Caete leisurely watched the two young ones. What exactly is the interesting thing? he glanced back and Fletcher and watched him carefully. He sped up slightly moving a little more vertical to streamline himself against a tailwind he felt coming on.

OOC: Bleh short. Sorry.

"Well, Val and I thought that-"

Since the three of us are-

Such accomplished fliers-

Then we should shake it up-

A little. How about picking up-

Boulders from the hill and-

Carrying them back to where we started?

That would make it a test of not only speed, but-

"Strength and endurance as well."

What do y'all think? I can see why you wouldn't want to do it Fletcher. the silver male finished, not even noticing that he and his Rider had been speaking in turns.

Val roared in surprise and excitement as Fletcher dropped past him with the speed of an arrow. He immediately drew in his wings and angled his body until he was right alongside the gryphon. When his head was level with Fletcher's, Avalon drew his wings in all the way until he was no longer just dropping, but rather falling. It was a foolhardy move and not something a dragon would normally do, but Val wasn't a normal dragon. He was Tobias's dragon! He roared again as the weight of his body, which was heavier than Fletcher's, drew him toward the ground and the lead at an astonishing speed.

Toby, you'd better hold on. They are lighter than I am, so they can wait longer than me before they have to draw back or risk smashing into the ground. Which means I'm going to have to cut it close. Very close. Avalon said, eyes focused on the rocky ground below. He felt Tobias hook his feet further into the makeshift saddle and grab one of his neck spikes.

Tobias yelled in exhilaration as Avalon drew level with Fletcher, but he choked off his cry as the silver dragon drew his wings in completely. Though Val was controlling the fall with his neck and tail, it was still a little startling to be falling towards the ground at this height. Alrighty then, but don't do anything crazier than you've already done. This saddle isn't the most reliable on a good day. he said nonchalantly, even though his stomach was writhing from nerves.

The boy hunkered down further into his seat, then grabbed a neck spike in both hands and hid his face in the crook of his arm. He wasn't frightened of seeing the ground rushing up at them, but the last time Val had pulled out of a dive like this, he had nearly speared his right eye on his neck spikes. Just out of the corner of his eye, on the side not protected by his arm, Toby saw Caete flying smoothly beside Fletcher. I'm thinking he's got a few tricks up his sleeve as well. he commented to Avalon. He sent the dragon a picture of the angel, of how he seemed to not be trying at all.

"Look at him go!" Toby yelled in surprise as Fletcher shot past them. They were less than a hundred feet from the ground when Val had finally had to pull up or risk hitting the ground, and just when he opened his wings the gryphon had come shooting past them. The boy watched, blue eyes wide with awe, as the winged creature shot towards the ground. His small frame was rocked in it's seat as Val was buffeted slightly in the wind as he leveled out of his dive. As soon as he was steady, Avalon started back towards the ground quickly, but nowhere near as fast as before.

He's fast, that's for sure! Val replied, only a little bit jealous that he'd lost. They hadn't reached the finish line yet, but the only way he would beat the gryphon was suicide, so the young silver male had already conceded defeat. He lifted his head and cut loose a billowing torrent of blindingly bright silver fire, which he loosed away from their friends, so they wouldn't be hurt by the bright light. When he cut the stream of flames off, he roared in appreciation of the gryphon and angel's flying abilities.

That was amazing! So what do y'all want to do next? he asked, silvery-white eyes gleaming with anticipation and boundless energy.

"Yeah, what are we going to do next?" Toby asked, as Val came closer to the rocky terrain below.

OCC: Anyone wanna bring in a baddie?

Fletcher glanced over at Caete and as the angel like being came up alongside him, Fletcher grinned, or at least he would have if he had teeth. With a couple more powerful beats of his wings, the gryphon passed over the top of the hill and then spread his wings out, bringing himself to a dead stop in midair and plopping down gently on the ground.

It was so close between him and Caete that he honestly couldn't tell who had won. It did not matter though. he had outflown a dragon and so he was content with himself.

"What should we do now, you ask? I say we find something to eat. I'm hungry."

Toby whistled as he watched the contest come to an end. "I don't know about you Val, but I'm not sure who won that," he said aloud, looking from Caete to Fletcher. He jumped down as soon as Val's silver paws touched the ground. "I could go for some lunch right now. However, I'm not dumb enough to try and hunt for a dragon as big as Val, and you look like you could polish off quite a bit yourself, so excuse me while I go hunt a few rabbit for myself," Toby said to Fletcher, stringing his bow.

When his bow was ready he laid it to the side, then undid the knots holding the saddle on Val's shoulders and slid it off onto the ground. That done, he picked his bow up and marched quietly into the forest. "Want to come with me Caete, Blanc?" he called over his shoulder as he disappeared among the trees. His green tunic and brown pants faded perfectly into the green of the forest.

Val snorted in agreement with Toby as he alighted upon the ground, then prepared to take off again as the young boy slipped his saddle off. He won't be gone very long. Toby has become most adept at hunting since we bonded. However, it would put my mind at ease if he had company. Val said to their three companions. He conveniently left Tobias out of the loop, so the boy wouldn't hear the conversation. Fletcher, you can come with me if you like. he offered, lifting his saddle into a tree with his teeth.

He puffed smoke from his nostrils, then backed away from the tree and shook his wings out. In an impressive show of agility and power, he leaped twenty feet straight up into the air, without using his wings, before making his first downstroke. Gaining height quickly, he circled off on a direct tangent to Tobias's location. His silver eyes scanned the terrain below for a decent meal.


OOC: That sounds like fun. Just go easy on the little guys, they don't have much fighting experience.

Caete nodded to Toby, "Sure, I'll come with you." Blanc however, hovered behind.Sorry, Toby. I prefer to hunt alone.
When Caete followed Toby in the wood, gently melding with the leaves. He let his thoughts take over the conversation, to keep utmost quiet on the hunt, He doesn't mean to offend or anything. He simply prefers eating alone. It's something he usually does, unless he's concerned for me.

He felt around for his knife, pulling it out of his hidden holster. He rarely ate meat, because of his relation with the Elves, in fact he was simply eating meat this time because he'd ran out of bread and had yet to see any good vegetables and edible plants. He did make note to cut any if he saw them however.

OOC: Yeah that'd be cool. Who are our options though? I know I only have Aescix (who is also ironically a new character :p lol)

OCC: I'd bring in Lethira but she could easily PWN an inexperience dragon with no effort at all. Agatha has not been approved yet either and I don't think she'd fit into this RP.

Fletcher nodded and then took off with Val. He was impressed when the dragon leaped into the air. However, Fletcher saw no need to use such displays. He simply spread his wings and took off after the dragon. Like all gryphons, Fletcher had an excellent sense of smell. And being the size of a horse, Fletcher ate like one as well. Whatever he hunted, it would have to be pretty big. It had been quite a while since he had enjoyed venison.

Fletcher flew low over the trees, scanning the area for any sign of a good meal. He flew over a meadow and spotted a couple of deer down below.

I see lunch! We should be able to share one deer. I do not think I could eat a whole deer and I do not like letting food go to waste. he exclaimed mentally to Val. Fletcher dived toward the deer with deadly accuracy. They tried to run but they were no match for his speed. The gryphon caught one of the deer with his talons and with a quick snap of his beak he broke the doe's neck. The gryphon wasted no time in going to work. he made sure to leave some meat for his dragon companion though.

Avalon snorted in appreciation at the efficient way Fletcher killed the doe. He landed lightly on the ground beside him and pulled on the back half of the beast. You made the kill, so the best portion of the meat is yours. he said politely, settling down to the meal. The silver ripped at the meat voraciously as the gryphon ate his own meal.

Fletcher, I have a question. Val said hesitantly, pausing in the middle of his meal. I noticed you avoided Tobias's question about who gave you all of those scars. If there's somebody after you I would like to know. His life could be in danger from being around you. Not that he would abandon you if it was, but I could protect him better if I know. So I ask as a friend, who did that to you? he asked.

That's alright Caete. Most of the time Val doesn't like to eat around me. Maybe he's afraid I'll make fun of how much he eats. the boy said, following the angel's lead and communicating silently. He paused and inspected a print in the dirt beside them. His blue eyes looked up from the print to scan the area around the track. He smiled slightly as he spotted a broken stem a few feet away. I do believe we've found ourselves a wild hog, Mister Caete. They're mean and the meat smells something awful, but there's plenty of it. If we manage to bring it down, there will be enough meat to eat today, and smoke some for later meals.

The boy set off again, bare feet moving with a silence born of much practice. He was aware of Avalon already eating a kill and conversing with Fletcher, but he didn't pay much attention. The young male was muffling the conversation slightly, but it only helped Toby concentrate. He left the slight wall up between their minds and continued through the forest.

Caete was appalled for a moment, Toby had called him 'Mister Caete'. Now Toby, Im only 19. You dont have to call me Mister. That would have been my dad. He grinned and followed after the boy, prepared to fell a hog if needed. He kept his halberd ready at his back, between his wings, so it was easily accessible.

Blanc was stalking through a different part of the forest, he'd already smelled a young deer and was preparing to take it down. As soon as it came into view he sprinted towards it, opening his huge jaws, larger than a horses, and clenching down on the neck of the poor defenseless, small beast. He ate his meal and cleaned himself impeccably before leaving the shadows of the forest to find Avalon and Fletcher.

Tobias chuckled quietly at Caete's insistence that he not call him 'mister'. Alright then, but all old people look the same to me. He said cheekily, then flashed a grin at the angel and diappeared into the brush.

He stopped after a few feet to study the trail. From what he could tell, the hog was very close. The grin faded from his face as he knelt to inspect a track closely. I'd say the hog is very close. And if you look over there, the bark on that tree is still bleeding sap. He must have scratched it with a tusk. Somebody's feeling very agitated today.

Avalon studied the gryphon for a minute, then nodded and continued with his meal. Fletcher appeared to be an honest individual, so Val believed him when he said he was forbidden to tell. Swallowing the last bit of meat from a thigh bone, the silver dragon stood and licked his chops. He growled when he noticed blood marring the scales on his front paws. He lowered his head to clean them. I can sense Tobias in that direction. he said to Fletcher, flicking his left wing in a vague way. He and Caete are still hunting, so we may as well return to the hill until they are finished.

Caete gave Toby an annoyed look. I am most certainly not old. he grabbed his knife and kept it at the ready, already smelling the hog. He moved foreward just behind Toby, wanting to see the damage he could do with his bow.

Blanc began heading back towards the hill intently sniffing out the others, noticing that Caete was still hunting and avoided that path. He did however sniff out a hog along that route. He kept moving, knowing that Caete would be slightly disgruntled if he entered his mind. He came upon the hill and sat at the edge, waiting for the others.

Very well. Let's return to the hill then." Fletcher said as he took off.

It was getting late in the day. Fletcher had to admit that it had been a very very long time since he had had as much fun as he had today. The gryphon did not know what tomorrow would bring but he hoped it would be as good a day as this one was.

Fletcher flew toward the hill and landed gently at its peak. It offered a good view of the forest below and the view was enhanced by the blazing orange sunset that seemed to bathe the world in a warm orange glow.



OCC: Fallen Elf is joining too guys. Just wanted to let you know.

Toby grinned triumphantly as he crept silently along behind the hog they had been following. I hope you're fast, cause if I miss with this arrow, you're probably going to have to chase him. Or run away. Depends on the hog really. he said nonchalantly. Silently, he lifted his small bow and notched his best arrow. His blue eyes sighted along the shaft as he waited for the perfect moment to fire. He counted to three, then released the arrow between heartbeats. The arrow flew through the air, then landed just behind the hog's shoulder.

"That's probably the best shot I've ever made," he said excitedly, running up to the hog. He poked it with another arrow to make sure it was dead, then pulled out his dagger and started to clean the beast. When the hide was pulled back enough to expose a large piece of the haunch, he cut some off and handed it to the angel. "I'll make you a deal. I'm a horrible cook, so if you take care of dinner, I'll cut up the rest of the meat. What d'ya say?" he said, looking up at Caete.

Val flew silently alongside Fletcher, enjoying the quiet. He landed beside the gryphon when they arrived at the hill, then curled up in the last warm rays of the sun. His silver scales flashed brilliantly in the sunset as he turned his head to appreciate it. Hello Blanc. How was your hunt? he inquired politely, noticing for the first time that the cat had arrived.

OOC: Alrighty then Speaking of people joining, wasn't gome supposed to be in this one? I just remembered that. *facepalm*

OCC: Aw crud! I totally forgot. I think they forgot too. Anyway we've already reached the 4 person limit.

Does that mean I don't join, or that gome doesn't?

Yes, you can join. Gome didn't join and this RPs been going on for a while so I'm giving the spot away.

OOC: Hmm..alrighty then.

Dedread, let's go. It's getting late in the day, and if night falls before we exit the city, we're going to stage a scene leaving, Du reminded him.

Dedread had been stuffing stolen items from Gil'ead's markets into his pack, and it now was getting to the point to where it was weighing him down slightly. Is it really? Today was over quite quickly, I must say, and I haven't even visited the Weapon's shop, Dedread replied, surprised.

Tomorrow then, Du insisted.

Dedread complied and quickly exited Gil'ead, his pack full of stolen supplies from the large city and his eagle, Du, flying overhead. He had set up a camp near the forest a ways outside of the city, and had constantly berated himself for doing so instead of picking a comfortable house to "buy." He arrived at the forest a few hours later, and had walked alongside it to find his camp. As Du arrived a few minutes later he said, There's more than one person living out here, he warned, and motioned towards a hill. Being an eagle, Du had spotted the inhabitants there easily, but Dedread had to squint, even with his advanced eyesight, to make out a few forms, two near the same size, and one a bit larger than them. If it hadn't been for the evening sunlight, dim as it was, he wouldn't have noticed him.

Du contacted Dedread mentally and gave him a mental picture of what he saw, only much closer and detailed. Dedread had only recognized one of the creatures: a dragon. He growled with anxiousness. Study the other two's forms a little more, Du said. Dedread did so, but he had never seen beasts like them before. One was pure white and a little longer than a horse, and it was quite beautiful, but Dedread hardly cared for it's beauty, other than the fact that he had never seen a thing like it before.

The other was even more odd. It had the body of a lion, except for it's head and front claws. It had an eagle's make on it's head the claws of an eagle. It even had wings. You do realize, Du began, that if I can see them, and one is a dragon, that they can quite possibly see you? Du asked.

Dedread turned away but remained in his position, And? he asked, as if Du had pointed out the obvious and non-important. Du laughed mentally, Just making sure.

OCC: We can go on until something important happens. Just don't let it get too far ahead. That would make it my turn so I'll post later today. I really don't want to leave somebody behind though just because they haven't been on in a couple days.

IC:
Fletcher sat there silently letting the sun warm his body. It felt good to just enjoy the warm rays of sunlight. The gryphon turned to the others and said, "You know, I've had more fun today than I've had in a long time."

There had been few times in his life that Fletcher had bee happy. He had spent the majority of it serving as Agatha's personal assassin and enduring other horrors as her hands, something he detested with every fiber of his being. Meeting kind people like the ones he did today gave the gryphon hope. As he stared out across the land, Fletcher though he saw someone walking in the distance but he paid no mind. It was probably just somebody passing through. He didn't see any reason to get involved with every single stranger he encountered.

That must be a lonely life you lead. Avalon replied somberly. He stood up and faced the gryphon. But you have friends now, so it won't be that way anymore.

OOC: Bleh, short.

Avalon looked in the direction Fletcher had indicated. His eyes narrowed as he saw a small figure, a man maybe, sitting beside a fire. I agree, we can take no chances. Galbatorix hunts for more loyal Dragon Riders and we are right outside one of his outposts. Maybe we should find Caete and Tobias. It will be hard to land among those trees though.

Reaching toward to Tobias's mind, Val said, Fletcher spotted someone in the distance. We are moving away from the hill, so that we are not seen as well.

Tobias listened as Avalon told him about the stranger and sent him a mental image. "Someone is camped within range of the hill. Avalon, Fletcher, and Blanc are moving out so they aren't noticed," he spoke, small hands rapidly butchering the last of the meat. When it was all cut up, he wrapped it up in the hide and stuffed it in his pack.

"I don't think we should cook it just yet. I want to get back to Avalon in case this person did somehow see them and means them harm," Toby said, standing up and slinging the pack across his shoulders. That said, he strode off determinedly in the direction of his pair bond.

OOC: Alright guys im just gonna jump back in right here, im sorry ive been gone. My uncles in the hospital but I should be able to get on more often now.

Caete followed Toby quickly, matching his footsteps effortlessly and reaching out for Blanc's mind, Blanc, is it threatening? He moved around the trees that stood and their way and stepped in front of Toby, "Best to let me go ahead, little friend. That way we're sure your safe." He glanced around as they neared the edge of the forest, not too far from the Hill.

Blanc padded after Val and Fletcher quietly, glancing back around at the stranger, He seems to be discussing something with an eagle. I am not sure of his intent. Blanc could sense that Caete was nearing so he directed his thoughts to the others, Caete and Toby are near the edge of the forest, shall we go to there, or shall we go elsewhere? He kept glancing toward the strangers to try and see any indications that they had seen them.

Toby snorted in indignation as Caete moved in front of him. "I may be a kid, but I'm perfectly capable of taking care of myself," he retorted, running out from behind the angel. Keeping a steady pace he turned and started running backwards, shooting a cocky grin at Caete. "See? Perfectly capa-" Toby started to say, but he ended up yelping as his heel caught on a root and he fell over onto his butt. "Ow," he said sheepishly. He blue eyes looked at Caete through his disheveled red hair as his gaze unfocused slightly as Val contacted him to tell him the stranger was gone.

This doesn't feel right Val. Caete and I are right by the edge of the forest, we'll be there in a minute. Be ready to fly as soon as I break cover. Toby said, looking around uneasily. "Avalon says the stranger is gone. I don't like this, something's not right. Could you maybe ask Blanc to scope it out?" he asked Caete. Cautiously the boy crept towards the treeline. When he was a few feet from daylight, he took off in a dead run and didn't stop until he had vaulted onto Avalon's saddle.

As soon as Toby was seated on his back, Avalon lifted his silver wings and shot into the sky. He went up high quickly, so that he would appear to be a large bird to anyone on the ground. Where should we go Fletcher? You are the most familiar with the surrounding area. Preferably somewhere up high, like a cliff or some such, so we can see anyone coming for miles around. Val said, opening his mind to everyone in their group. He banked slightly so he was circling the clearing inside the shadow of a cloud. His silvery-white eyes picked out two eagles flying through the air below.

Dimly he was aware of something strange about the sight, but he was so focused on getting Tobias somewhere safe that he didn't really think about it.

The dragon had launched itself into the air, it's young rider in the saddle. They've already seen me, you know, so at least you should change the color of your shapeshift every so often as we follow them, Du advised.

I planned on it, Dedread replied swiftly and flapped his wings a few times. He had to do this very carefully. He knew the dragon would submit if he had the boy hostage, but the gryphon and the angel were going to be difficult to handle, and then there was the white animal.

OOC: Short, meh.

OCC: Ok, I don't know where GuardianAngel is so we're moving on.

IC:
Fletcher replied to Val, "Just follow me. There are many tall cliffs in the mountains that we can use but they're quite a ways off. Stay close to me."

The gryphon took off into the air, flying toward the high peaks of The Spine. The mountains were still pretty far away though. Fletcher climbed above the clouds. He was not paying attention to the eagles he had seen earlier. Eagles were not exactly uncommon in this area. he found it odd that two of them were flying together but Fletcher did not think it was anything to worry about. "If we stay up here' we'll just look like big birds to anyone on the ground!" he called to the others.

OOC: K, I'll god-mod Caete and Blanc until she gets back, but only to keep them with the rest of the group. Nothing special.

Avalon easily kept pace with Fletcher. Just before he flew through the layer of clouds above them, he glanced at the ground below and spotted a moving dot of white. I forgot about Blanc! I guess it'll have to be somewhat accessible by ground. I don't relish the though of having to fly him up and down. he said, gliding through the dark, wet interior of the clouds. He felt Toby shiver on his back. Why don't you put your cloak on? It wouldn't do for you to get sick. he said privately to his Rider.

Toby nodded in agreement, then grabbed his cloak from out of his packs and wrapped around it around as much of him as possible. He hated flying through layers of clouds, it always soaked him to the bone. Almost as soon as he had the cloak wrapped around himself, Val broke through into the sunshine. Toby felt the warm rays immediately start to heat him up.

You know something Avalon, those eagles. Was it just me or did they both look like males? There's no way two male eagles would be in the same airspace and not get territorial about it. Can you still see them? he said, then coughed slightly. All that running through the forest and then getting cold so quickly had given him a bit of a chill. He pulled the cloak in even tighter, then leaned forward against Val's warm scales. He looked dully over at Fletcher and Caete flying beside them. Tell you what, you tell the guys about it, and I'll take a nap. he said sleepily, closing his eyes.


Not to be impatient or anything, but how far are those cliffs exactly? Toby's not feeling so hot right now. I need to get him beside a fire and get him warm before he comes down with something. Val asked in a tight voice. Through their bond he could feel that Toby had fallen asleep, but it was a light, restless sleep.

Avalon followed Fletcher into the cave. Just before he entered, he turned his head and snapped some branches off the back of the trees. For firewood. he explained, gathering the broken branches into his mouth. He continued on into the cave, then crouched down on his belly. Toby, wake up little friend. Fletcher has brought us to a cave and you need to get warm. Here is some firewood. he said privately to the little Rider. When Toby's red head did not stir, Val gripped his tunic in his teeth and lifted him off his back. He lowered him to the floor between his paws.

Caete, can you build us a fire please? Nothing too large, we don't want the smoke to be seen. There is a flint and some tinder in the packs on my saddle. he asked the angel, watching Tobias closely.

Of course. Caete replied. He stepped forward and took the supplies from the packs. In no time flat he had a small but respectable fire blazing inside the cave. He sat beside the flames and surveyed the small group as Blanc trotted inside the cave. He leaned back against the white cat when the creature laid down behind him.

Toby loosened his grip on his cloak slightly as the warmth from the fire washed over him. He snorted in his sleep and scooted closer to Avalon's warm scales. He smiled as his pair bond breathed smoke onto him.

OOC: I guess I'll just have to jump in here. Im really sorry I keep dropping off the face of the earth. :/ stuffs happening in my life and I didnt expect that it would last for months... Well Im trying to post. Next weeks spring break so i'll definitely be on more. Sorry again... and in the case that im gone over the weekend, or for longer periods, I give Saph the permission to God Mod my charries and/or control their actions through posts.

IC: "There is another eagle now. Perhaps this is simply a large eagle territory?" He doubted his suggestion but couldn't help but hope that this was the case.He gently twisted his hands, moving to stand, "Val, after Toby is better, could you stand towards the back with him? No offense meant my large friend." He gave the dragon a small grin, seeing to it that Toby had a good seat next to the fire, he slipped to the edge of the cave, Blanc soon following after.
Caete hovered at the edge of the wall, hidden in a shadow. His large white friend crouched opposite of him along the other wall. Whispering, he told the others, "Blanc and I will cover the initial opening in case of attack or anything." He shuffled his feet, leaning against the rock wall to steady himself in a position that he could hold for a while.

No need to tell me twice, my scales are itching in anticipation. Whatever it is, it's way too close. Avalon said nervously. He eyed the opening of the cave, noting something small moving by the entrance. It was just a bug. The young silver curled his tail and neck around Tobias, holding his Rider tight against his warm scales. The boy moved restlessly, uncomfortable in the tight embrace. Val ignored his discomfort and continued to watch the entrance, silver flames flickering in his nostrils.

Fletcher settled down as the sky darkened outside. He was tired but he could still sense something dark and evil nearby. As a precaution, the gryphon placed a ward over the entrance of the cave and around his friends to warn him of any foreign presence that came near them. He silently placed one final ward around himself before laying his head down and drifting off to sleep.

OCC: Short post.

A few hours after dark Val stood up and carefully settled Toby against the ground close to the fire. I'll take next watch. he said to Caete. He walked slowly to the entrance so as not to wake anyone up.

Caete nodded to the dragon, pressing close to the side of the cave to make room for him to pass. He slid down the side and rested his head on his arm, gently snoozing.

OOC: Short blech

Avalon immediately went on the alert when the fire went out, but he thought the threat was outside and so was facing the entrance when Fletcher awoke. He turned his head to look at the gryphon, and roared in anger and surprise when he saw the dark figure standing over Tobias with a sword. The silver didn't even stop to think, he was on top of the man and tearing at him with his ivory fangs in the blink of an eye. He arched his neck and felt his belly start to rumble as a torrent of brilliant silver fire flew from his mouth at the intruder.

Toby immediately rolled over and was on his feet, reaching for his dagger, when he heard Avalon's first roar. He watched his dragon pair bond struggle with the intruder. The young Rider couldn't see whoever it was between Val's silver paws and flashing white talons. "Fletcher! Are you all right? Is this the only one?" he called to the gryphon, questions tumbling over each other in his haste.

OOC: *facepalm* I saved it as a draft for some reason.

In an instant Caete grabbed the back of the intruder and tossed him outside of the cave, following him out. "What are you here for?" He drew Heaven's Wrath and blocked the entrance with Blanc circling behind him.

"Toby, I think he's the only one." He kept his eyes locked to the figure. "You and Val stay in there, let Fletcher, Blanc and I handle this." He didnt want to hurt their feelings. But they were young, and he couldn't allow either of them to be caught.

OOC: Good one Saph. I've done that before :p

Avalon snarled as the man before them demanded his Heart of Hearts. You must be dumber than I gave you credit for if you think I'm going to give you my Heart. he growled at the man. The silver swept his tail around Toby and pulled the boy closer to him. He raised his wings in front of his Rider protectively. Val's head lowered toward the man as he hissed softly, the sound full of malice and deadly promise.

"I'll kill you before you take his Heart!" Toby vowed, blue eyes flashing with outrage at the man's presumption. "Tell me your name so I know who it is I have killed!" he snarled, pulling out his dagger. His icy gaze never wavered from the enemy's shadowy features as Val pulled him closer and raised his wings like a shield.

"As you can see, we all will not allow you to take his heart." Caete moved his feet, "And if you think I'm fast, you'd be surprised by some of the other people in my race." Caete gave the intruder a cold grin, spinning his double-handed halberd into his left hand. He listened as Toby grew angry, "Calm yourself little friends. Don't let him blind you." he looked the intruder in the eye, "I'd like to see you try to take us out." he shifted his legs apart ready to battle if necessary.

OOC: bleh short...

Tobias paused and looked at Caete when the angel warned him. Then he snarled in frustration and tried to step around Val, but his bond kept stepping in front of him. Avalon! Let me pass! he yelled at the silver. The young dragon just cocked his head at him and stepped in his path again.

No. Don't you remember how Galbatorix got hearts from bonded dragons? I won't let that happen to you! he said, determination glinting in his eyes. He snapped his head back around as the man lunged towards Caete and was slammed back by a rock. Before he could move again, Avalon whipped his tail around and put the razor sharp spikes against his throat. My Rider asked you a question, filth. Now, what is your name? he hissed, pressing his tail even tighter against the human's neck. A thin trickle of blood ran down the man's flesh. Val growled in agreement with Fletcher's comment.

Caete quickly jumped forward as the intruder flew backward. "Answer the boys question." He twirled his blade and set it against the intruders chest, near his heart. He looked the intruder in the eye and kept a close watch on his movements, knowing he could very well retaliate from this position.

OOC: Short sorry

Val roared as Dedread burned his tail. He backed away slightly, pushing Toby back with his wings, and snarled at the Shade. Yes I can set my friends and myself above you and call you fill, because we are not trying to steal an Eldunari, pond scum! he hissed defiantly at the intruder. He watched Dedread use magic to reclaim his sword, but was unimpressed. If you think you can get through me to Tobias, then just try it. he snarled quietly, whitish-silver eyes gleaming with menace and dark promise.

Toby tried to get around Val to attack the Shade when he burned the silver's tail, but his pair bond forced him back. "Let me go Val! He hurt you!" he screamed in rage, bloodlust filling his young eyes. He was aware of Fletcher talking to Dedread, but he was so focused on trying to stab the man that he didn't hear what the gryphon was saying.

Fletcher hissed angrily but there wasn't much he could do at the moment. He could not throw anything else at the shade without the risk of hitting Caete. So rather than interfere, he moved to put himself between the shade and Toby and Val.

Calm yourself, young one! he said to Toby. Making rash decisions will only make things worse!

OCC: Bah, short post!

Toby looked at Fletcher when the gryphon stepped in between him and the Shade. He reached out to Val's mind and felt that the dragon's tail was fine, the fire hadn't done more than the heat the scales up unpleasantly. He felt the anger drain out of him slowly. So that's what happens to a Rider when his pair bond is injured. he said to Avalon, shock coloring his voice.

"I'm fine Fletcher, go help Caete if you can," he said to the gryphon. He sheathed his dagger as proof, but kept his hand on the hilt in case he needed it.

No Tobias, that is not what normally happens. Our bond must be stronger than normal to cause such a reaction in you. Avalon said to his Rider, kindness in his eyes. He brushed the edge of his wing down the boy's arm, trying to comfort him. I guess our future enemies need to keep an eye on you, eh? he said in a joking tone. He turned his attention back to Dedread in time to see him launch himself at Caete. The silver growled quietly, there was nothing he could do from here without injuring Caete.