OOC: This is open Idk how exciting it's going to get though. Basically dark has the pleasure of tutoring Tobias and Avalon.

Tobias for the last time, use the Ancient Language for magic! You're not a dragon! Avalon yelled at the boy, pulling out of a steep dive with his young Rider clutched in his claws. The makeshift saddle Toby had made from some old quilts was falling through the sky a half-mile away. They had been flying along when Toby had gotten the bright idea to catch a cloud. Instead of using the Ancient Language, he had tried to control his magic without it.

Oh come on Val! How was I supposed to know it would slice up the saddle straps instead of catch the cloud! Toby retorted, blue eyes rebellious beneath his red hair. I've used magic without the Ancient Language before!

No, you tried to light a campfire with a small flame and summoned a lightning bolt instead!

Well it worked didn't it? It cooked dinner and lit the fire in a split second, mission accomplished.

Avalon closed his silver eyes and lifted his silver head towards the stars above, as if to pray to his ancestors for patience. No, mission NOT accomplished. If memory serves me correctly, the only thing left of that rabbit was a few charred bones. We seriously need to find you a teacher.

Well you need one to! I seem to remember a copse of trees going up in an inferno not even two days ago! he sniped back, sending a memory of Avalon's hiccuping episode to his partner.

Stilling his wings slightly, Val sank towards the surface of Leona Lake. He looked down at the boy clutched in his paws. You're right, I do need a teacher. As I am I don't have the skill to land with something in my front paws. he said mischievous glint in his eye and humor coloring his voice.

What are you talking about? You do it a- Toby started to say, then he screeched as Val's silver paws opened and dropped him into the icy water. He sank rapidly through the water, then when his senses returned, he turned and swam back to the surface. "Avalon! Get back here you great big silver oaf!" he yelled indignantly, watching the young male fly back up into the sky.

Suddenly Avalon turned back around and started flying towards the surface. Thinking he was coming to pick him up, Toby lifted his arms out of the water, treading water with his legs. When Avalon was a few feet from the lake surface Toby got a glimpse of his intentions from his mind. "Don't you dare!" he squealed, taking off for the shore. He had gone barely three feet when there was a humongous splash and an enormous tidal wave swamped him.

Glancing up from his midday nap, Equinox stared into the distance. He heard something, whatever it was it didn't sound threatening, but he decided it was best to investigate. Leaping into the air he unrolled his wings and soared towards the sound of the commotion. He hoped it was interesting, he hadn't had been doing much for the past few days, a pleasant surprise actually. He hoped to have some company though, the Resistance seemed like a good place to be, but he didn't feel like being there. With the temporary truce with Crimson there wasn't much of a need for the Resistance, though Equinox was sure one side would break it, most likely Crimson. With a sigh he stared with surprise in the distance as a dragon dove into the ocean, sending a massive wave at his rider. Intrigued, Equinox soared over to them. Both seemed relatively young, the human especially. Soaring in cirles around them he watched for a moment until he finally decided to land next to the human. It's nice to see a new rider around. Haven't seen many new ones recently. Anyway, I'm Equinox. Normally he wasn't so straight forward, but he he wanted at least to talk to someone.

OOC: Do you mind if I have another one of my characters enter Saph?

OOC: Not at all.

Avalon stared in disbelief as a green dragon, somewhat bigger than himself, landed on the lakeshore next to Tobias. The boy was coughing up some water he'd accidentally inhaled, but when the dragon landed, he almost choked again. Flipping upside down, Val swam down a ways into the water, then shot back up to the surface. When the upper half of his body cleared the water, he lifted his wings and hauled his body all the way out into the air. Lazily he flew over to the newcomer. Hi, nice to meet you Equinox. This is Tobias, my Rider. My name is Avalon. How many other Riders have you met? he said in a friendly tone.

Equinox seemed friendly enough, but he could be trying to lull them into letting their guard down. Surreptitiously, Avalon broadened his connection with Tobias's mind and prepared to fight.

"Ahhhh!" Tobias yelped as a green dragon landed seemingly from nowhere beside him. He continued to look on in shock as the dragon introduced himself. Toby unconciously backed up to stand next to Avalon when the silver landed behind him. He reached down casually and gripped his dagger hilt. "Yes, my name is Tobias and this is my pair bond Avalon. Why are you out this way Equinox? Val and I can fight as one, so being near Drahs Leona is no problem for us, but a lone dragon? It seems rather dangerous," he said when Avalon was finished speaking. He made no visual signs when he felt his dragon widening their connection. If Equinox attacked, it would be hard for him to defeat them with their minds joined.

Equinox couldn't help but smile at the pair. They were young and seemed relatively new to the world. It's nice to meet you two. As for why I'm this way, just felt like flying around. Want a break from the usual fighting Galbatorix, Crimson, and Demondred. You probably don't know of the last two, maybe a little of Crimson, but I suppose it doesn't matter. He glanced over towards Dras Leona, I've been up against forces worse than that cursed city. I've had my mind almost taken over, discovered ancient mysterious, un locked ancient puzzles, and other sorts. He lied down on the sand and stared at the two for a moment, Where are you from? I was hatched in Du Weldenvarden, but I don't often talk of my own past. He preferred to keep it that way, though it was well known by those who knew him well, he often didn't like to bring it up. He unconsciously flexed his mangled foot when he thought back to when he was a hatchling.

Sniffing the air for a moment, Incendia soared through the sky. She could see other dragons! She had been alone for a time. She did carry a few humans with her to another city, but they left about a day ago. Her father told her to try not to interact with humans and other two legs too much, but she couldn't help it, they were too slow and needed better ways for transportation. Gliding down, she noticed two dragons and a human. One she recognized, Father! she roared out and almost flew right into Equinox. Glancing up she stared at him.
With a smile Equinox nudged his daughter affectionately, What brings you here Incendia?
Not much really, I've been just flying around the empire. she replied with a grin. Glancing over she noticed the other two, Hi, I'm Incendia. she said.

Toby stifled a gasp as he noticed Equinox's mangled foot. His hand tightened around his dagger hilt until the knuckles showed white. Whoever did that had better hope I never meet them! he hissed at Avalon, blue eyes like chips of ice.

He smoothed the look on his face to a friendlier one when another dragon appeared. "Well met, Incendia. My name is Tobias and this is my pair bond Avalon. As I was about to tell your father, I do not know where I'm from, but I was raised in an orphanage run by a very cruel man. I escaped a few months ago and found Val's egg almost immediately after. He hatched after a couple of days, and that was... Almost six months ago, right Val?" he said, smiling up at the dark orange dragonness and her father. "And I've heard talk of those other fiends, but the one I truly wish to fight is that betrayer of my order and his twisted dragon," he added, his smile replaced with a look of anger and distaste.

Avalon bumped the bottom of his jaw against the top of Toby's head in a comforting way. Easy little friend, we need training before we can take anyone on. he said soothingly. Hello Incendia, today must be a good day for making new friends. We just met your father not ten minutes ago. he said. He looked from Toby to the other dragons, and got an idea.

Equinox, do you happen to know anyone that would be willing to take Toby and myself under their charge? He's raring to join the fight against the Empire, but I won't let him for fear he'd be injured. he said innocently, inspecting the claws on his left paw.

OOC: I'm thinking of bringing in another character, but I need to look and make sure he has enough acceptions first, k?

OOC: Yeah, that's fine Saph Sorry it took me so long, I was having writer's block lol

IC: Equinox glanced at Toby and Avalon for a moment. He thought of what Avalon asked. He had a few ideas of where they could go. Glancing at Incendia who seemed all to eager to get to know them more he said, If you want someone to train or teach you, I suggest the Dragon Fortress in the Beor's. My own mentor lives there as kind of the dragons. He's a great dragon and he should be able to help you well.
Why don't you father! Incendia said, You're a strong skilled dragon, you can help them.
Equinox sighed, everyone thought he had more skill than he really did, I suppose I could. If you want I could take you to a place to stay. It's not too far away. To Toby he said, We can help you in your fight against Galbatorix, but I warn you, we have other enemies than just him. He was thinking of the Resistance home base. He hoped the workers and soldiers had at least put up the walls of the castle by now, the city had been mostly made after the few years they were there. As Ebony and Felecia came down his thoughts were interrupted, Nice to see you two as well. How have you been doing? he asked them.

She gave a nod to Avalon and Toby. Glancing at Equinox for a moment as she spoke she replied to Avalon and Toby I'm pleased to meet both of you. I haven't seen many people over the past few days. As her father spoke to them she glanced up as Felicia came down. Looking to her and Ebony she said, Nice to meet you two.

Toby gasped as a winged elf descended from the sky and landed next to them. He looked on in awe as she greeted Equinox and Incendia, but could only stare in disbelief as she addressed him and Avalon. He stuttered a greeting and looked over at Avalon with an incredulous look on his face.

Close your mouth before something gross lands in it. And try to look a little less like a confused buffoon. Val teased. His silvery eyes sparkled with amusement as he turned to look at Felecia. Hello Felecia. I am Avalon, and this is my Rider Tobias. We are very pleased to meet you. You seem to be a friend of Equinox's so I guess there's no harm in telling you that he just agreed to be our tutor. he said, dipping his head politely at the elf. By the end of his greeting, his voice was amused and excited at the same time.

Arston coldly surveyed shabby rebel campsite that he and Arturos had routed just a few minutes earlier. He felt no pleasure in the slaughter he had been ordered to participate in, but he had no choice. I fear that if we do not break free soon, we never will. he said quietly to his dragon. The green male looked at him sharply, then houghed smoke in his face and nudged him on the arm.

Do not abandon hope so easily friend. With the knowledge we gained from that book, I feel that we are closer than ever. If anyone would know about the nature of true names, it would be the elves. And since the book was written by an elf, I choose to believe that she was right. All we have to do is change our base natures enough for our names to change as well. We know our names and their meanings, so it shouldn't be too difficult to change them. You will see your sister again. Arturos said comfortingly. He licked Arston on the arm with his barbed tongue, rattling the Rider's shining mail shirt.

He padded over to a burned out wagon and ripped the top off. The dragon snorted in surprise as a small child ran out from underneath it. And we can start by helping this child. he said, jumping over the wagon and cutting off the little one's escape route. Easy there youngling, we will not harm you. Get onto my back and we shall take you somewhere safe. he said soothingly. He swatted Arston with his tail as the man just stood there.

"Er, right, we will help you," he said half-heartedly. He looked off into the distance as Arturos continued to try and reassure the little boy. He had just turned his head to observe the blood pooling around one of his victims when he saw something moving through the sky. His head shot around and quickly found the object. "Arturos, look!" he hissed, sea green eyes flashing with intensity. He tracked the flying creature for a minute or more before he realized that it was not a dragon or large bird. It appeared to be a human or elf with wings.

Almost immediately he felt his oath to Galbatorix, the one that forced him to investigate such things, taking effect. He groaned and clenched his stomach as he fought the urge. Despite what he was telling his body to do, his feet moved towards Arturos. The emerald dragon was shaking his head slowly, obviously fighting his own oath. Before he knew it, Arston was sitting on the dragon's saddle and Arturos was preparing to take off. Without thought, Arston reached for the magic. Using a hasty spell, he pulled the lone child towards him. He tucked the boy onto the saddle in front of him, then tightened his grip on the saddle as Arturos leaped into the air.

A few minutes later he spotted what they were searching for. The winged creature was coming in for a landing next to three other dragons and a young boy. Arston groaned as he realized the boy must be one of the dragons Rider. Arturos tried to land, but their oaths forced them to apprehend Riders, and their dragons if possible.

Arston, I can't stop! Galbatorix can't have another Rider under his control! What do we do? he cried, emerald eyes wild with the effort of controlling himself.

"Roar! Let them know we're coming! If they defeat us in a fight, then we won't break our oath and we won't be able to take them back!" Arston replied. He reached forward with both hands and covered the child's ears. The boy looked around in bewilderment and fought him, almost falling off into the lake below. Arston grimaced as Arturos loosed a roar loud enough to be heard for miles around.

Felecia twisted her hand in front of her sternum in the greeting of the elves,"Myself and Ebony have been well, thank you." she said with a grin. She turned to Avalon as he introduced himself and his Rider, Tobias,"A pleasure to meet you, mighty Avalon, and your pair bond Tobias." she said, and flashed a smile at Tobias. Her ears pricked as she heard wingbeats. She didn't even look up, expecting that it was her companion. Come down, my- she began to say, but it was cut off by a roar that was not Ebony's. Her head jerked up and her eyes widened as she caught sight of a dragon and its Rider. Ebony, I need you! Now! she cried to him. He was much closer than she thought. A hurtling midnight blue shape plummeted down from above the approaching Pair, releasing his own challenging roar. Felecia unfurled her wings and drew her sword, Shadows,"Tobias, Avalon, Equinox, Incendia, prepare yourselves." she called calmly to the other, and set her feet.

- - - - - - - - - -

Ebony pulled in his wings and dove straight down toward the pair below him. His roar rang out powerfully, making ears close enough to hear it ring from its intensity. The dragon, he saw, was male with deep green scales, small, so probably somewhat young. The midnight blue warrior dragon slammed into the green, just enough to force it down but not so that any bones would brake. He beat his wings powerfully to force them to the ground, efficiently pinning them. His snarl was deep and especially menacing. He didn't like it when his Rider was in danger. My ears are very keen, young one. That roar was a warning, if ever I've heard one. he hissed, his left black eye and right gold eye gleaming dangerously. He eyed the boy that sat in front of the Rider, pupils narrowing, but glanced back at the Rider, switching his gaze from him to the dragon and back again. I am Ebony. Who are you? he growled.

Equinox snarlged as a roar sounded from above him. At once he reaided to shoot lightning as another dragon came towards them. Opining up his mind he made an electric shield around himself. Who goes there? he demanded Do you really think you can defeat all of us? Something seemed odd with the other dragon, but of what he couldn't be to sure. He shook his head, ever sense he gained knew abilites from the Temple of Thunder he could sense things better, but it didn't help that he didn't know what he was sensing. Maybe it would come with time. He glanced over at Incendia. She could protect herself, but as her father he couldn't help but want her to be protected and safe.

Incendia snarled as another dragon came towards them. Her mind was taken off it when Ebony flew down. She gave a small bow to Ebony then focused back to where the other was coming from.

Avalon snarled as a dark green dragon descended from the skies, a Rider on it's back. He hissed menacingly, that roar was in no way friendly. Whoever this was, they meant to attack. Toby, get on my back! he said urgently, blinding silver flames flickering around his muzzle.

Toby didn't hesitate, he vaulted from Val's left foreleg to his saddle. He hastily tied the leg-straps around his calves and pulled his dagger from his belt. Val, let's go help that other dragon! he called as a blue male dropped into the scene. Immediately the young male lifted his silver wings and arrowed into the sky. Just as they came onto the level of the blue male, the green enemy dipped down, then shot back up above them. Toby gasped at the creature's speed.

We were right, the boy is a Rider. Arston said to Arturos as the boy leaped onto the silver dragon's back. The silver was the smallest of the bunch, so he couldn't have been more than a few months old. Before he had time to note more than that, Arturos spun in the air to face a midnight blue dragon falling through the sky at him. His emerald jaws opened and released a torrent of green fire hot enough to melt steel on contact.

Indeed, but we should deal with this threat first. I'm going to dip down close to shore, drop the boy into the water so he is not harmed in the battle. the emerald male replied, eyeing the other male around his bright flames. He stilled his wingbeats for a moment and drifter closer to the lakeshore. There was a small splash as Arston used magic to deposit the boy gently into the waves.

Arturos roared again to distract his opponent from his Rider's actions, then shot up into the sky, quickly gaining height on the blue. He may look bulky and slow, but deceptively slow. Few dragons in Galbatorix's army could match Arturos's speed in the air. When he was stable again, Arturos saw the young silver had foolishly joined the battle. Why didn't you stay on the ground, you young fool? he cried in distress. If they beat the younglings, they would have no choice but to take them back to Uru'baen.

Ebony had to barrel roll to avoid being roasted by the green's flame, though his left shoulder was singed slightly from the heat. At the end of the barrel roll he unfurled his wings and hovered for a moment. True he'd seen many battles, and from the sight of the boy in front of the Rider, he guessed that the pair might have deposited the child so he was not harmed. He allowed them to drop off the boy, no more wishing to hurt the twoleg child than his own Rider. Once the Pair had shot back up into the sky, he followed, glancing back down at the silver dragon and his Rider. Stay out of this, young ones. he told them crisply, then turned and sped off anew. He felt Reona trying to break free. Come on Ebony let me out! I can help stop them! I recognize those two, though I can't remember their names; they serve Galbatorix, but not willingly. That roar that the dragon sent off the first time was a warning, so we would know they were near. cried the black male. The midnight blue hesitated. Could I detain them with a binding spell fueled with strength from the Ancients? he asked. This time Reona didn't reply with words, only sent strong feelings of agreement and acknowledgment. That meant yes. Ebony beat his wings anew as his black right eye and and gold left eye began to glow with an eerie power. Strength flowed into him, tingling along his veins, far surpassing the strength of any normal magic using dragon. The midnight blue dove into his magic,"Malthinae!" he roared aloud. The magic flung itself at the green dragon and its Rider, wrapping around them in a smothering blanket so they couldn't move.

- - - - - - - - - -

Felecia beat her wings and leapt into the air, brandishing her black sword in her right hand. Ever since she'd received her wings she had trained endlessly with them until them were almost as powerful as a young dragons. Now was no exception. Her furious wingbeats brought her to Avalon and Tobias within a few moments. Painful heat suffused her left shoulder, making her cry out sharply as the skin blistered and peeled away. She held her left arm close to her body, gasping. Her sapphire eyes were glittering angrily now. The Pair had hurt her partner. She looked up, still clutching her injured arm, to see her companion flying after them. Then his roar rang out, piercing her ears, and she recognized the spell used for binding. She glanced at Tobias and flew slightly closer so he could hear her,"Stay down here, Ebony has it in control for now." she said. A shudder went through her and she winced as it jostled her shoulder. She held her injured arm across her abdomen and brandished her blade in the other, prepared to help her partner-of-mind-and-soul if he needed or asked for it.

Equinox snarled as the dragon attacked him. He let the fire splatter against his lighting shield than released it, there was no need to keep it up for long. Diving into the air he shot lightning bolt after lightning bolt down towards Arston. Glancing at Tobais and Avalon he said, Stay of if you can. Watch what we do for now. True, they probably could have helped, but if they wanted him to teach them they would likely need some pointers in some areas. To Incendia he said Try to stay out as well. I know you want to fight, but you are too much like Savania. When she was young she thought she could take on everything also.
Incendia smirked and Equinox shook his head at his daughter. He knew exactly what she'd do, attack.

Though she understood why her father wanted her to stay out of this, she couldn't help but help them, especially to get this dragon slave of Galbatorix out of here. At once she flew up and stretched out her wings, letting herself turn invisible so none could see her. Flying down, she went below Arston and dove up at his underside.

OOC: Arston is the Rider, Arturos is his dragon.

IC:

They can't seriously expect us to stay out of this fight? Toby asked incredulously. He watched in amazement as the midnight blue dragon, who he assumed was Felecia's aforementioned partner, used magic to hold the enemy dragon and Rider in the air.

I'm sure they do, and since Equinox is now our master, we must obey him. Val replied, his loathing at sitting on the sidelines boiling across their link. The tip of his barbed tail flicked with interest when Incendia disappeared.

Arturos roared in defiance as more dragons joined the fight. He aimed a blistering torrent of fire at a green male, then smashed his thick tail into the beast's side. He flipped in the air to go for a small female, but she disappeared before he could grip her wing in his teeth. He heard Arston's sword whistle through the air and connect with something.

Then the blue male roared something strange and Arturos couldn't move, he was stuck in a pocket of air a few hundred feet above the lake and from the curses coming from above, Arston must have been likewise incapacitated. He could probably have broken free if he wanted to, but did not feel so inclined at the moment.

I am Arturos! Dragon name-slave of Galbatorix! Bow and submit to the servants of the true king! he bellowed with his mind. It was true that this was not the official mantra they were supposed to use, but he hoped the truth of the words would delay the hostilities for a time. He noticed grimly that the blue and the winged two-leg were injured on the same side. She must be his Rider. he noted to Arston. The green male noticed that the silver one and his Rider were hanging back. Apprentices maybe? he thought to himself before turning his attention back to the one's who seemed to be in charge.

"Release us, or face the cursed king's wrath!" Arston yelled, following Arturos's example and trying to relay the fact that they had attacked against their will. He noticed the blue dragon and winged female as soon as Arturos did. Must be. This is not good. he grimaced, feeling their oaths take on a fever pitch of insistence at the revelation. It felt as if the words they had spoken were branded across every inch of his body, burning him while he defied their orders.

Ebony peeled back his lips and snarled, his black right eye flashing. His left gold eye softened as they proclaimed being name-slaves. He swore loudly. Why didn't you just say so in the first place for god's sake? he hissed. Incendia, stop. Their not an immediate threat. he said. He muttered another spell and slowly lowered the Pair to the ground until they landed gently. He pulled in his wings and went down after them, glancing at the silver male with his multi-colored eyes. Greetings, young ones. I'm Ebony Silvertalon. he murmured kindly, smiling, then pulled in his wings and alighted. He landed awkwardly, limping forward a few steps.

- - - - - - - - - -

Felecia circled, still holding her arm close to her body. She made sure Ebony was alright, for the moment, gazed around the sky, then pulled in her wings and dove. Just as she was above to crash she swung her feet down and beat her wings hard three times to slow her velocity, stopping her momentarily so she hung in the air for a second before gravity took over and gently pulled or down to land. The subtle jolt of alighting jostled her arm, making her gasp and stumble forward. She set the point of her sword into the ground and leaned on it heavily. Her vivid sapphire eyes were as piercing as any blade as she glared at the green dragon,"I ought to skin you for hurting him. I would if you weren't name-slaves." she growled quietly, then turned and limped to her companion. He crooned anxiously, and with the comforting sound came relief as he healed her wound as well as his own. She smiled up at the midnight blue, patted his neck, then turned once more to the pair. Her wings were partially unfurled behind her, and with her hand on her now sheathed sword, she looked like a warrior. She eased her wings forward and draped them over her shoulders like a leathery brown cloak, hooking them together with the thumb talon.

Equinox stopped as Arturos annouced they were name slaves. Landing to the ground he replied, Galbatorix is no king! But I do kind of understand your perdicament. Similar to a mind slave though both types used by different tyrrants. To Ebony he replied, Calm down, Incendia just get's over enthusied.

As Ebony spoke Incendia turned visable again and flew next to the others. Glancing at the name slaved dragon she felt pity for him. It must be horrible to be a slave.

Val bobbed his head at Ebony as the big blue male introduced himself and landed next to the enemy Rider and dragon. Be careful Tobias, just because they say they are nameslaves means nothing. They could be waiting for us to drop our guard to attack. Stay on my back when I land. he cautioned his Rider. The silver male stilled his wings and landed gently on the ground a few yards away from the green male.

No need to tell me twice. Look at the size of him! And Ebony just held him in the air like it was nothing! Toby said in admiration.

"Equinox-ebrithil, is there anyway to break an oath such as theirs?" he asked their teacher quietly, watching the pair with compassion in his young eyes.

Arturos stared back at the winged Rider as she threatened him for hurting her pair bond. Our oaths force us to do such things. I am- he started to say, but his oaths choked him off before he could finish apologizing. He shook his head as if to get rid of flies, then looked at the group surrounding them. Because, our oaths force us to attack first and ask questions later when we see unknown Dragon Riders. All I could do was warn you of our approach. he replied to the blue male.

"We don't want your pity!" Arston snarled at the other green male. "Just get out of here or release us!" Under different circumstances these people may have been his friends, but their presence was causing him and Arturos pain for resisting their oaths. He refused to look at the young male dragon and his Rider, even though he could feel them watching him.

Ebony hissed, lashing his tail as he glared at the Emperial dragon and Rider. I can feel your straining against my spell. Truly, I do understand. Or, the majority of us. As for releasing you...Only when we figure out what to do with you. he said, and snorted.

- - - - - - - - - -

Felecia flared her wings and gazed at the Pair,"I know. I still will protect him, whether you meant to injure him or not." she said coolly. She turned and walked to the young silver male, looking up at Tobias on Avalon's back. She smiled and waved him down,"Have no fear, young one. My companion has them firmly held in place. They can not break free unless he is knocked unconscious." she said to them.

Equinox sighed at the enslaved dragon and rider and glanced over at Tobais and Avalon. It is possibly, but hard for the one enslaved. They have to tyr and change something inside themselves to make their name change. Sometimes slave are so corrupted that they don't want to be freed or think they should be enslaved. True, only some of Galbatorix's dragons were like that, he meant Demondred, but he doubted Tobais or Avalon knew of him and they were to young he thought to tell them.

Avalon looked down at the winged-two-leg-Rider and smiled slightly. Be that as it may, I'm sure you'll understand when I say that I would prefer Tobias to remain with me. he replied, then turned his head to Equinox. That sounds very difficult, and painful. he said somberly, sadness for the pair filling his voice.

Tobias looked down at Felecia as he spoke, but was too troubled by what Equinox had said to respond. He looked over at Arturos and his Rider. It was only too easy for him and Avalon to be put in their situation. This is the fate that awaits us if we were to ever be captured by Galbatorix's minions. he said privately to Avalon. The boy ignored Val's protests and stepped down off his back and walked over to the green male. He looked up at the Rider, a handsome young man with piercing blue-green eyes. "My name is Tobias, Rider of Avalon. What is your name? I would prefer to call you something else other than Galbatorix's name-slave," he said quietly, red hair flopping in his face, making him look even more innocent and vulnerable.

Arston looked down at the young boy, and stopped struggling against the dragon's magic. "My name is Arston, Rider of Arturos, Lieutenant and Name-slave to Galbatorix," he replied, looking into the boy's eyes. If only he'd had the chances this boy had. Then maybe Arturos and he would be free to befriend these people.

He looked down at the sword sheathed at his waist. "The only thing you can do with us is kill us or free us from Galbatorix's control. If you were to run, as soon as you released the magic, we would be compelled to follow and capture you," he said to the dragon holding them.

Felecia nodded in understanding, though had to hide a smile when Tobias stepped down anyway. She stayed close behind him, her wings partially flared and ready so she could grab the boy and protect him if she had to. She glanced at Equinox, then kept most of her attention on Arston and Arturos.

- - - - - - - - - -

Ebony tilted his head. Perhaps there is a way to free them outside of the conventional means. he said, broadcasting to Arston and Arturos could hear him as well. He turned to look at Equinox, though at the same time made sure that the spell holding the Pair stayed intact. Equinox, you remember Zeke, right? He can See the true names of others. If we could somehow get him here, perhaps he could Read Arston and Arturos and free them using their true names. We would need to talk him into it, though; he hates seeing anothers name and having that sort of power over another. he said, ruffling his wings.

Equinox nodded to Ebony, it would be difficult, Zeke could be anywhere. But still, that was likely their only option. Besides, he hadn't seen Zeke in awhile. That sounds like a good plan to me Ebony. How would we find Zeke though? If we have to leave then we'd likely have to take Arston and Arturos with us.

Tobias and I could go find this Zeke for you, ebrithil. Avalon said to Equinox, looking at his teacher.

"That sounds like a plan to me. Felecia and Ebony need to stay to contain them, and they could use your help. We're really the only two that are free to go," Tobias added. He tried in vain to hide his eagerness at what could possibly be a dangerous mission. The young Rider stared determinedly away from Incendia, afraid they might remember she was there and send her instead. I mean, it's not like we couldn't watch out for ourselves. he said to Val.

OOC:
@Dark; Is this thread, do you think, before or after 'New Lives', and before or after 'Fallen Brother'? Probably after 'New Lives' and before 'Fallen Brother'.

IC:
Ebony smiled at the young Pair. I thank you for your concern, though I think I can handle the spell on my own. So long as they don't try to struggle too much, I could keep it going for a few days at the least. Let Felecia go with you; she knows what Zeke looks like and where he might be. he advised. Perhaps around Du Fells Nangoroth is where he would be. he said.

- - - - - - - - - -

Felecia glared affectionately at Tobias,"Are you trying to get into trouble? No offense, Avalon, but your flashing silvery hide isn't exactly the most inconspicuous scale color I've ever seen. If Zeke is indeed at Du Fells Nangoroth, and I believe he might be, you would be completely vulnerable to attack, by anyone. You need at least one person with experience with you so one of you doesn't end up hurt or worse. Don't get angry at my words, I realize you've managed to survive to this point, but one of these days you won't be so lucky as you have been so far. I'm going with you." she said, partially unfurling her wings in preparation to leave. She glanced at Ebony. My love, are you sure you can keep them here for as long it would take us to get to Du Fells Nangoroth and back again? she asked. She heard his rumbling purr in his colossal chest. Yes my dear, I know I can, especially with the Ancient's helping me. Go with Avalon and Tobias; I will be fine with Equinox and Incendia here. he soothed. She nodded, then turned to Tobias and rose an eyebrow at him.

OOC: I'd say after New Lives and Before Fallen Brother. Does that sound fine with you?

Equinox waited for the others to finish speaking. When they did he thought it over and replied, I agree with Ebony, she should go with you two to make sure nothing bad happens. Listen to her though, for many dangers may be in those lands.
Can I go too? asked Incendia.
Equinox gave an amused growl at his daughter, No Incendia, I think you should stay here with us. Those three will be fine on their own. he replied.

Incendia almost pouted but forced herself not to. Anything interesting could happen here, besides, there was a lot they could learn from one of Galbatorix's dragons. Still, she couldn't help but pity the rider dragon pair. It would be horrible to be enslaved like them. Do you think Savania, Tel, Anir, Quasar, or Zeuk could be with him?
I'm sure they will. Savania and Zeke wouldn't likely let them from their sights. Equinox replied. Incendia gave an amused grin.

"Hey, we're not that helpless," Toby grumbled, frowning at the winged Rider. His indignation was short lived however, as Equinox announced they could go. "Excellent, then let's get started!" he crowed with excitement, a grin lighting up his face. The young Rider trotted over to his dragon and climbed onto the saddle. "Where should we look first though, Felecia?" he asked, looking from her to Equinox.

Impatient as always. Avalon snorted, bumping his Rider's head with a wing. Are you sure it's alright if Felecia comes with us? he asked Ebony. I know I hate being separated from Tobias, even if it's only because of all the trouble he gets into.


OOC: I'm not ready to have Arston and Arturos be free from Galbatorix yet, any ideas on how they're gonna bust loose from Ebony's spell?

OOC:
Well, they could join together and try to overwhelm him mentally. When he's using the power of the Ancient dragons as he is now to boost his magical strength, his mental defenses go down some and he becomes slightly vulnerable. He usually depends on Reona to protect his mind then, so maybe shoot an arrow or something at Ebony to distract both him and Reona physically, so then neither of them will be ready to defend against a mental attack. *takes a deep breath* Wow, that just tumbled right on out.lol

IC:
Ebony chuckled at Tobias's eagerness to be off, though his expression sobered a bit when Avalon asked if it truly was alright that Felecia go with them. The pain of separation doesn't fade with time, but she knows where Zeke might be, and so she must go. It is necessary. he said simply. He chuckled again at the silver males last words. Oh, Felecia can get into quite a bit of trouble. he said with a laugh. She bent to the ground and grabbed a rock, then chucked it at him. He batted it away with a paw and grinned. Well, you do. he said to her affectionately. She growled at him in exasperation,"Honestly, Eb, I can take care of myself." she muttered. He just laughed.

- - - - - - - - - -

Felecia griped at her companion for a while longer, her sapphire eyes twinkling with good humor, then spread her wings and crouched to push off from the ground and get airborne. She waited for Avalon to join her, gazed at Ebony longingly for a moment, then turned and flew away. He is right. The pain doesn't fade. But we are accustomed to it by now, we have been bonded for so long. she said to the silver male. She glanced at Tobias and smiled. As for where Zeke might be...I suppose he's at Du Fells Nangoroth, raising his hatchlings with his mate. We should get there in maybe...A half a day, if we push ourselves hard. she said, pursing her lips.

Equinox grinned at the young rider and dragon, You two can go, but don't cause too much trouble. He told them, glancing at Tobais for a moment who seemed very full of enthusiasm. To Ebony he said Do you think you can hold them for that long? We don't know how powerful they are.

OOC: Hmmm, I may come in with one of my own baddies if you don't mind Saph

Sorry, short post.

"Don't worry, we can handle ourselves, ebrithil," Toby yelled at his teacher as Avalon shot up from the ground. The silver departed so quickly that he left a dust cloud in his wake. The young boy yelled in excitement at being on yet another quest. He hadn't had this much fun since they left Caete and Fletcher weeks ago. Let's show Felecia what you can really do! he said to Val, tightening his grip on the saddle. He scooted back a bit, then leaned forward and grasped a neck spike between his hands.

Well if you're sure... Val said in a deceptively innocent tone. Without pause, he immediately gained speed, visible one moment, a blur the next. He spiraled and looped around the winged Rider, doing an aerial display. Suddenly he leveled off from a loop and shot forward as fast as he could, coming to a standstill a few hundred feet away. How's that for a five month old? he called to Felecia, grinning like a fox.

Arturos absently watched the young dragon and Rider playing in the air, expertly maneuvering in the airspace around the female Rider. Arston, are you blocked from using magic entirely? he said through the thinnest strand of their connection. With luck no one noticed the silent exchange.

Arston quietly tried to access the magic while the others were distracted by the silver and his Rider. No Arturos. I can reach just enough of it to cause a minor distraction. I'll wait until the youngsters are gone. Once they're out of sight the compulsion will be gone and we can do as we please. Here's the plan... he said to his bond.

OOC: Sure, dark. I just had an idea anyway for when Arston and Arturos escape. It's more of a who than a what really.

Felecia glanced back, smiling absently as the Pair showed off. However, when Avalon came out of the loop and shot forward briefly before pausing, she was no where to be seen. She chuckled, and the sound came from behind Tobias. She tapped his shoulder lightly,"Back here, young one." she said with a light laugh. If he turned around, he would see the winged elf standing on Avalon's back behind the saddle, her sapphire eyes glittering. Her smile widened,"You are very talented indeed, Avalon, but you need to work on being alert while your showing off, not before and/or after." she said warmly.

- - - - - - - - - -

Ebony grimaced at Equinox's question. If they don't struggle and without Reona's help? Perhaps two or three days. If they don't struggle and with Reona's help? Maybe I could push out a week. That should be enough time, either way, for Zeke to get here. he said with a shrug.

Equinox grinned up as they left. Glancing back around he decided to follow from a distance. Incendia decided to come a long but he told her to stay with him. We aren't going to go the full way with them, maybe trail them for some time. I want to make sure they don't come to harm. He said. Incendia nodded eagerly in reply. AS Ebony spoke he replied, Well let's hope we get help then. The sooner we find Zeke the better.

Incendia nodded brightly, You think Savania will be with him?
Most likely, she's still tending the hatchlings. Equinox laughed and Incendia watched him for a moment than focused on the others. Sometimes I think you learn to much from your aunt.
Incendia grinned.

Avalon almost fell out of the sky when Felecia spoke right behind him. How did you? That's incredible! Can you teach me how to do that? he said enthusiastically. He started forward again, at a more controlled pace.

Tobias turned around in the sadde so fast that he almost fell off when the winged Rider spoke. "Ah give him time Felecia. Pretty soon no one will be able to outfly him!" the boy said smugly, once he had recovered from the shock.

Just a little longer... Arturos said quietly. He could feel Arston's impatience at having to wait. The green male tensed briefly when the one called Equinox took off, apparently to follow the silver and the two Riders. Excellent! Now when they catch up to the others...

Felecia laughed at Avalon's reaction, and she smiled at Tobias's confidence in his companion. She crossed her arms over her chest, still standing behind Tobias on Avalon's back,"Lots of practice and training, dear Avalon." she said to the silver. Her sapphire eyes glittered at Tobias as she replied to the Rider,"Perhaps. Sadly, time is not on our side, at least not today. As for how I did that, when you looped around me I simply grabbed onto the base of your tail and held on, then stood and flew/walked up behind you once you stopped." she said, and chuckled.

- - - - - - - - - -

Ebony nodded as Equinox and Incendia left to partially follow the silver and two Riders, leaving him alone with Arturos and Arston. He looked at the Pair, tilting his head. How did you get tangled with Galbatorix anyway? Don't take this the wrong way, I know your both strong, but the King usually goes for the older, more magically powerful Dragons and Riders.

Equinox smirked at them as they spoke and about Tobais' confidence in Avalon. He did seem as if he'd be a fast dragon. After a few more moments he turned around. Both had much to learn and though it wasn't too important, he wanted to show them Alfin, which could outrun any flying dragon. To Incendia he said, Speaking of which, have you mastered spart yet?
Incendia shook her head, No, I still can't control it.
Equinox purred for a moment. You seem to have the same problem I had. You'll have to keep trying, you are improving through.
Incendia nodded and followed him back towards Ebony. Sorry about that, I just wanted to see if they were going well in the start.

Incendia landed on the ground and curled up, staring at the enslaved rider dragon pair. She watched them and Ebony for a moment. Yawning, she simply closed her eyes to let the sun reflect off her scales.

OOC: Who did Solstus just threaten?

"How did you not feel her grab onto your tail?" Tobias asked incredulously. He grabbed the spike in front of him as Val bucked slightly to knock Felecia loose. The boy giggled slightly at the prank. He looked forward in time to see the young dragon wink a whitish-silver eye at him. That was all it took to set Toby off, he laughed so hard that he would have fallen if he hadn't been strapped to the saddle.

Because I have no nerves in my spikes. I can't feel it when someone touches one, unless it tugs on the skin and scales around it. he retorted, straightening out once more. He twisted luxuriously in the warm sunshine and bugled happily. It felt good to be on a mission! Not to mention they were finally going to get some formal training upon their return. Speaking of training.... The silver looped backwards in an effort to spot his teacher. Equinox and Incendia were returning to Ebony, they were already many miles away from each other. It would appear that we are finally unaccompanied, aside from Felecia of course. he said privately to Tobias. He felt his own level of excitement rise as his Rider's emotions mixed with his.

Arston eyed the male dragon holding him in place. Deciding it would do no harm to answer, he obliged his captor. "If you must know, Arturos's egg was a secret family treasure for many generations. Many years before the Fall, an ancestor of mine saved the life of a dragon. To thank him, the dragon then gave the man an egg from his mate's nest. The egg, obviously, was Arturos. When I was younger, my grandfather entrusted me with the secret. That very day our house caught fire. My mother and grandfather were killed. As the sole heirs to our family fortune, Marcus Tabor knew that he only had to remove us, that is my twin and me, from the picture to get the money. We tried to flee before he could, and Aero did succeed in escaping, but I was not so lucky. I returned to the house for our last treasure and the Imperial soldiers captured me. Upon seeing the egg, Tabor sent it and me to Galbatorix. Not long after we arrived in Uru'baen, Arturos hatched. And as is the mad king's habit, he discovered our true names and forced us to serve him. I openly despise him however, but because of our strength he sends us on missions anyway. My only wish is to see my sister again," he replied quietly. Outwardly he looked saddened by the story, and he was, but he was also distracting the dragon from the arrows floating out of his quiver.

With not even a facial tick to betray the plan, Arston sent the arrows flying straight at their jailer. Now Arturos! he bellowed silently.

Immediately the green male opened his mouth and roared loud and long, distracting Equinox and Incendia. He looked off in the direction the young one's had gone and was relieved that they were no longer in sight. As he realized that, their oaths stopped trying to force them to capture the young dragon and Rider. For the moment anyway. He prayed they would never again cross paths with the pair, at least until he and Arston were free.

OOC:
I really honestly hate to say this, but I'm afraid Solstus being in this thread would mean Ebony is supposed to be dead (physically at least), since the Allatik War was a month before 'Uncharted Lands'. So either I need to sort of backtrack and say Ebony is in his Eldunarí, or...I don't know.

OOC:
No, mine.

IC:
Ebony listened to Arston speak, feeling anger at Galbatorix for destroying the life of yet one more innocent, and a dragon and Rider at that. It made his blood boil with rage. He should have known better than to become so engrossed. Watch it! shouted Reona in warning, and the midnight blue bellowed as the arrows pierced his flight membrane on his wings and a few lucky ones even managed to lodge themselves in the cracks between his scales. The roar from Arturos made his ears ring, and his connection to the Ancients fell to dust, releasing the Pair from their magical bindings.

- - - - - - - - - -

Felecia laughed and merely bent her knees when Avalon bucked to try and dislodge her from his back,"It will take a bit more than that to get me off." she told the silver male with a grin. When was the last time that she had had this much fun? Her grin widened as she realized it had been a long time. She stood with her arms crossed over her chest, smiling at Avalon and Tobias, when hornet sized areas of pain flashed abruptly all over her wings and a few over her shoulder and arm. The winged elf gasped and fell to her knees, clutching at her stinging shoulder. Somethings wrong. she said mentally to the Pair, her sapphire eyes clenching shut.

Arturos roared once more, then darted into the sky. He circled the midnight blue below them, glaring at him through his emerald eyes. I'm sorry Ebony. Perhaps one day we will be friends, but not today. he rumbled and turned to fly away. Without the dragon's Rider present, their oaths weren't forcing them to capture the dragon. Galbatorix was only interested in dragon and Rider pairs.

Avalon drew up in midair as he felt Felecia collapse on his back. What should we do? he asked uncertainly. If it were Tobias in danger, he knew he'd want to go back no matter what, but Felecia might choose to go on, no matter the consequences.

Toby yelped as first Felecia fell on top of him and then Val drew up suddenly. "Felecia? What's-" he started to ask in a bewildered tone, but then her mental voice reached him. He scowled and looked at Val, who had turned to look at them with one eye. We go back, that's what. The others may need our help.

OOC: I feel your pain dark.

Ebony cursed loudly in the Draconic Tongue, scowling up at the Pair. Perhaps, one day. Until that day comes, it appears we must be enemies. I am sorry. he said quietly. He sat on his haunches and inspected his numerous wounds. He couldn't heal them until the arrows were removed, and he couldn't do that himself. He sighed and resigned himself to waiting for his companion to return.

- - - - - - - - - -

Felecia grit her teeth against the pain, but managed to nod. Go with haste. I fear Arston and Arturos might have gotten away. she said. She looked up at Tobias. I can not fly on my own; would you mind if I rode on Avalon with you? she asked, wincing at the pain in her arm and wings.

Equinox passed around on the ground glancing into the sky. He felt on edge, something was going on. Looking over he saw Incendia lying on the ground with her head perked up into the air. What is it father? she asked.
Something happened. Stay here, I'll be back. He said and flew into the air after the other dragons.

Incendia lied her head back on the ground and took a deep breath in. Snorting, she simply yawned in annoyance. She wasn't allowed to go anywhere! Ok, she was, but her father was too protective at times. At once she stood up, someone or something was nearby.
"She's alone, get her." a voice said. Arrows flew through the air and she roared out as a few struck her wings an side. At once she felt power flowing through her, she squinted her eyes as more arrows struck her. A force blasted out and flames erupted, but to her dismay, her spark was nothing more than a faint ember. She snarled.
"Now since the green fool is away, we strike at the daughter." Crimson said, walking toward Incendia. She growled at him and stood up.
Do you really want to fight me Crimson? They'll be back soon enough.
Crimson laughed, "Oh Incendia, you simply do not understand. You see, I require more dragons, Dsurion is strong, but he is only one dragon."
You may not have gotten the announcement, but I will never join you you poor excuse for an elf! Incendia made to attack him, but roared in pain as electricty coursed through her body. She saw several soldiers running at her to tie her in chains. After, she blacked out.

Crimson watched as his soldiers begun to chain Incendia. He wasn't quite sure what he would do though. She almost a full grown dragon, and though he could take over her mind, he didn't want to fully break her yet. Perhapse he could use her to bargain with Equinox.

"Of course Felecia, just hang on tight," Toby replied, scooting forward a bit so she would have room. "What do we do if they did manage to escape? Their bonds will force them to try and capture us."

Avalon banked sharply to the right and they were one their way. He stretched out at flat in the air as he could, then moved his wings with more speed and force than ever before. The ground it had taken them almost half a day to cover was slipping past him in seconds. We fight. Alone you and I would not be able to defeat them, but we have Incendia, Equinox, Ebony, and Felecia to help us. So we will fight.

Not as sorry as I. Arturos replied to the midnight blue dragon as he flew away. Suddenly he heard a roar of pain, judging from how faint it was, it came from many miles away. It was a miracle he had even heard it. What should we do Arston? That was definitely a dragon. he said grimly. Chances were that it was the young male, and if they went to help, their oaths would take over again. Then again, they could be in serious trouble and Arturos would regret it if they got hurt.

Go check it out. However, if you see a flash of silver that looks like our young friend, turn around immediately. Don't even stop for a closer look. Arston replied, sighing quietly. How come nothing he ever did could be simple? There was always a twist or something they weren't told biting them in the bum.

"Felecia, wait! We should go together!" Toby yelled at she leaped off of Val's back. He scowled at her through a wisp of red hair that had flopped into his face. Avalon, follow her! Ebony can take care of himself if he's as strong as she says he is. the young Rider said to his pair bond.

I think not. Felecia can take care of herself, and she's as good as Equinox as our master right now and she gave us an order. So it's back to Ebony with us. We're going a roundabout way though. It's possible that Arturos heard that roar and he could be on his way to check it out now. If he sees us again, he'll have no choice but to attack, and we'll be on our own. Avalon replied, banking into a wide turn, so that they were coming at Ebony's location from a tangent. He ignored the grumbling noises coming from his back.

Up ahead Arston. Isn't that the young dragoness who went off with that green dragon? Arturos asked his Rider after they'd been flying for awhile. They were too far away for exact detail, but it looked like she was chained up. She's been captured, but not by the Empire. I don't see Galbatorix's symbol anywhere in that camp. What should we do?

Drop in and say hello, of course. This is obviously one of those cretins who seek to take over the throne of an already mad king. From what I've heard, they're worse than he is. We need to stop him from kidnapping that dragon. Arston replied, once more drawing his sword from it's sheath. He thought he saw a hint of silver in the sky far to their right, but he refused to turn and look. Arturos, is that winged female down there by any chance?

Arturos focused in on the camp once more. Now that they were closer, he could make out two figures standing before the dragoness. One appeared to have wings. Yes she is. I do not see the younglings though, so I'm going in anyway. With that he twisted his wings and went into a rolling dive, roaring and breathing fire the whole way. He was aiming straight for the man standing in front of the one named Felecia.

Crimson shot his hand out and made the flame simply halt as if hitting a shield. With a smirk he pulled out his sword, "You really think you can defeat me elf?" He smirked, "Leave Felicia, if you do not, I'll butcher your child like a pig!" he snarled. His gaze then went to Arturos, "Go back to your master. Galbatorix's tools are no use to me, unless you don't mind serving a new master." He shot a jet of ice at Felicia, then dove into Arturos' mind and attacked him.

Equinox's head flinched back as he heard a roar... Incendia! At once he snarled and ripped through the air, flying back to where his daughter was as fast as possible. His eyes glowed with outrage when he saw Incendia chained to the ground, and Crimson in front of her, with several of his soldiers. At once Equinox shot a bolt of lightning at him, but one of his pet mages blocked it.
Let he go Crimson! he shouted, flying down to him I am here.
Crimson turned back and laughed, he seemed in a trance at first, Equinox snarled, he must be attacking someone's mind. Even so, the dark elf was skilled enough to speak and attack a mind, "Equinox, you really should know not everything is about you." He smirked and raised his hand and shouted in the Ancient Language, "Air, swollen, drowned him!" At once Equinox could feel as the water in the air thickened so much he was floating in a massive bubble. He snarled and sent a shield of lighting around himself. It dissolved the bubble, but he could feel some of the side effects of the electricity. Opining his mind he said to Toby and Avalon, Don't come back right now, stay with Ebony.

Incendia glanced around as fighting broke out. She tried to break free, but it was useless. She sighed and watched her father and Felicia, hoping they got her out.

Avalon paused as Equinox spoke in his mind. Understood. What is going on over there? he replied. He could see from Equinox's mind that Incendia was in major trouble from someone, an old enemy of her father's, but that was all he could discern. The silver felt Toby in the back of his mind, picking through the few details he had learned.

Val! They need our help! Toby said, pounding on his shoulder. The growled in frustration when his partner ignored him and continued to fly back to Ebony. A few minutes later he saw a large, dark blue dot on the ground ahead of them. Felecia, Equinox, and Incendia are in a fight with someone, I don't know who. he said to the dragon, showing him a blurry image Avalon had gleaned from Equinox's message. He sat back in a sulky position as Val landed beside the other dragon.

We are not to be taken lightly, you fool. Arturos snarled at Crimson. He wasn't impressed by the elf's blocking his fire. We are among the strongest of the king's dragon and Rider pairs, and you will not defeat us! he roared, surging forward against the elf's mental attack. He felt Arston's mind join together with his. Their strength increased to an unbelievable level as they broadened their connection to it's strongest level. The emerald male roared a challenge as he landed upon the ground with an earth-shattering crash.

Distract him? We can do better than that. Arston replied to Felecia. He cut off contact with her and focused on Arturos. He felt strength pouring into his body as their connection reached it's strongest point. The Rider and his dragon roared as one, and he felt the ground as it touched their paws. He leaped off the dragon, his sword aimed straight for Crimson's heart. Arston's blue-green eyes were wild and ferocious with his dragon's rage, yet the calm and calculating side that was Arston was present as well. In this form they were almost unbeatable.

Felecia merely smiled as Arston replied to her. Good. I hope your doing it, then. she said, more to herself than to the Pair. She slashed at another chain that held Incendia down, reducing it to pieces. Incendia, how much can you move? I can't sever all the chains; tell me which ones are the most constricting to your movement, and I will break them for you, then you can destroy the others by standing. she said, standing with her back to Incendia to watch for any of Crimson's cronies.

- - - - - - - - - - -

Ebony looked up when he heard Tobias speak to him, and his eyes widened at the image that the young Rider showed him. He snarled angrily as the Pair alighted beside him. Crimson. he said darkly, his mult-colored eyes gleaming with subdued rage. The black eye pulsed as Reona spoke to him.
Ebony, let me out! I'm not bonded to Felecia like you are, even if I'm bonded to her through you, it's not the same. I can help the fight! You know Felecia could be hurt, possibly killed if she battles Crimson alone! he cried desperately. Ebony ignored him. Crimson is a traitorous elf. He can mind control others with an uncanny ease. I have nothing else pleasant to say about him. I'm glad you did not stay to fight him; one of you could have been fatally injured.
Dammit, Ebony, let me out! shouted the black male. Ebony sighed. I have another personality within me, although you could technically call him another mind within one body. He wants out, and he wants to help Felecia. His name is Reona abr Rauthr in the Ancient Language, meaning Reaper of Misfortune in the human tongue. Just Reona for short, though. he said with a slight smirk when he felt Reona bristle. I don't really want to let him out, though. If Arturos and Arston heard Incendia, they might have investigated. If Reona shows up in my body, regardless of his loose connection to Felecia, the oaths they have been forced to take might hinder the fight, and then we would have to fight three individual parties, all three of which are quite powerful.

Which way did they go when they escaped? Crimson is more or less in the same direction the three of us took when we left. If those two went that way, then they've definitely arrived at the fight by now. Avalon replied to Ebony. The silver wasn't quite sure how another consciousness could be inside the blue's mind, but he refrained from asking. Perhaps we should get under cover or something. Equinox commanded us to stay with you, but what if someone unfriendly comes along while we're all here by ourselves? You must be at least a little tired from holding Arston and Arturos like that.

"Avalon's right, we should find somewhere to lay low for now. The others will be able to find us using your bond with Felecia," Toby added, jumping down from Val's back for a quick drink from the lake. "That sounds kind of crowded for one head... How did he get in there?" the boy asked, a confused look on his young face. He ignored the exasperated snort from Avalon.

Arturos and Arston snarled as one at Crimson as another green dragon joined the fight. They hissed when they saw it was Tobias and Avalon's teacher. Together the pair crouched and prepared to launch themselves at the dark elf that was taunting them.

OOC:
You skipped darkie.

OOC: That's ok

Crimson watched the rider and dragon as they attacked him. With magic he leapt over the pair as Arston attacked him. Turning around, he blasted a jet of fire at him. "You think I worry about Galbatorix's pet dragons? That fool means nothing to me. All I never needed from him was his soldiers which I stole. And now, I'll to the same to you." He repelled their mental attack and stabbed at their minds with his own and launched a flaming wall of fire at their individual conscious, and their rider bond. "You will serve me. You will break your oaths with Galbatorix and serve me." he said, slashing again at their minds.

Incendia watched Felecia for a moment as she broke another chain. As she turned her back to her Incendia growled and made to stand up. The chains vibrated but eventually snapped and broke as she stood and snarled deeply at Crimson. As a few of his soldiers charged her and Felecia she leapt into the air and shot fire down toward them.

Equinox hissed at Crimson and as he fought Arston and Arturos. With a roar he shot down lighting bolts at Crimson. Crimson just had time to leap away, though part of his clothes were charred. He flew down and swatted at
Crimson. The dark elf leapt to the side and blasted a ball of ice at Equinox who just managed to duck away.

Ebony sighed. His black eye flashed gently, and he smiled at Avalon. A very little bit. I will explain my powers in full later, but for now I feel fine. he assured the silver. He arched an eyebrow at Tobias and purposefully glanced around; they were surrounding by mostly flat grassy plain with occasional hills. Lay low. Would you mind telling me where we might do that, exactly? If you know of a cave, one big enough for both of us dragons, great, but otherwise, he shrugged his massive shoulders. why bother? he said. His gold eye sparkled with humor. He began to answer, but Reona cut him off by speaking first.
Yes it does get crowded in here, mostly because this big lug never lets me out enough. he grumbled. As for how I became a part of him, well.... the black trailed off, then picked up his sentence quickly. I was originally controlled by Galbatorix as a Shadow Taint. I broke from him and now...Ebony and I have an understanding. he said simply, then fell silent.
Ebony snorted. Understanding. That's an understatement of the year, Reona. We agreed not to kill each other because the death of one of us would automatically kill the other. this he said to Tobias and Avalon. He winced when Reona jabbed at him for saying that. Do you really want out so bad? he asked the black.
God yes! You haven't let me out of this prison for nearly two months. Come on, let me breath some real air for once! he complained.
Ebony sighed briefly before looking up at the young Pair. Would you mind if I let him take control? I warn you, he can be blunt and rude but honestly he's really soft hearted. he got another jab for saying that, and had to chuckle.

OOC:
This is what Ebony's eyes look like, if you were wondering.

Equinox hissed at Galbatorix, he summoned a lightning shield around him and said, Crimson, you can't defeat us, you've tried before and failed. Why do you continue to try.
Crimson smirked and gripped something, it seemed like a seal. He shook his head. "Ah Equinox, as ignorant as ever. Come now, do you think you can defeat me? Only through help of others have you bested me, and I've bested even them."
Equinox snorted as Crimson gripped the seal, he recoiled as the dark elf begun to glow. Get out of the way! He grabbed Incendia and flew up with her and released her just in time for her to fly. She stared wide eyed at her father but as Equinox flew she followed. From Crimson a massive flame erupted, destroying everything between him and the two dragon. Equinox flew after the other dragons and riders.
"You flee from me! You fool, you cannot resist my power!" Crimson hissed into the sky.

Toby looked at Ebony for a moment when he promised to tell them of his powers later. "You know you don't have to if you don't want to, right?" he asked. "And no... I don't know of any caves around here," he said sheepishly. He supposed the dragons could hide in the lake, but that wouldn't do him any good. Their enemies had vision strong enough to pick him out from a mile away in this terrain, even without the giant sparkling beasts standing beside him.

The young Rider squinted up at Ebony. "You want me to try and take those out?" he asked, flicking a finger to gesture vaguely at the arrows piercing his hide.

I don't mind if you let him out, as long as he doesn't hurt Toby, Avalon said. Toby shrugged his shoulders. It didn't matter to him, it was Ebony's body. The blue-eyed boy chuckled at Reona's words. When Val had first started to talk, Toby had though he would go crazy. All of his life he had been used to the silence of his own mind, and suddenly he was filled with the thoughts and words of another being that was just starting to learn about the world.

_______________________

Their heads snapped around as the other green-male-sparkling-dragon roared at everyone to get out of the way. The small body-mind jumped on the back of the big body-mind and they raised their wings and leaped into the sky, nimbly dodging the blast the bad-elf created. They tilted their wings and did a sharp about-face, roaring wildly from their throats. The enemy's feeble mental attack did not phase them. Their minds were one, there was no where for the enemy to gain purchase. They thought as one, and the big body-mind's single-minded thought process kept the small body-mind's thoughts from wandering and allowing the bad-pointed-ear's access.

From the sides... We will take him from the sides, they said with their minds to the allies around them. The small body-mind jumped to the ground as the big body-mind swooped low. They rolled upright, drawing the green-sharp-metal as they also landed on the opposite side of the enemy. They charged at the same time, providing a distraction for the other's to come from the front and back.

The small body-mind raised the green-sharp-metal to attack even as the big body-mind raised the same paw to rend the elf with his white-bone-claw. Their paws moved with perfect synchronicity, moving at the same speed and angle. Their attack would slice the enemy in two.

Don't worry. My abilities aren't a great secret. Most of my friends know what it is. Ebony snorted and nodded at Avalon. You hear that, Reona? Behave, or Val might just hamstring you. And I wouldn't stop him for you, since you'd deserve it. he said, humming in his chest. Reona growled.
What do you think I am, Ebony, to intend harm on a hatchling? I'm not that coldhearted, not anymore. he sniffed, a bit offended. I believe that's your fault, you know. If we hadn't bonded I never would have softened up like I have. he griped.
Ebony grinned. I believe you would have, though it might have taken longer. he disagreed lightly. He blinked and looked at Toby, his right black eye glowing a bit with Reona's eagerness. Yes, that would be nice not to have the feeling of being pricked constantly. Hold on just a moment, so I can let Reona out before you start. he said. He closed his eyes and pulled his mind away from the forefront of his consciousness, letting Reona surge forward and take over his physical functions. It always felt strange, like he was in two places at once, before he settled into the back of Reona's mind to watch through the other male's eyes. Outside, Ebony's scales darkened to a pure black, his talons changed to snow white, as did the spikes lining his back and the tip of his tail. Reona took a deep breath and shook himself, unfurling his large wings to stretch them before settling them on his sides once more. He lifted his head and opened his eyes, looking around. The gold iris was startling against his black hide. He smiled wolfishly, but in a friendly way, at Tobias and Avalon. He lowered his head down to Toby's level, looking at him carefully. I am Reona. he said simply, still studying him. You have much potential. In your training with Equinox, and others, if you accept them, never settle for your best. Push yourself always until you achieve the height of your abilities and your power, and then push some more. But don't become hungry for power that you will do anything to get it. Then you will be corrupted. Keep your eagerness pure and untainted. he said, blinking slowly. He snorted his warm breath onto Toby's face, then shifted and laid down so that the twoleg could pull out some arrows that were stuck in his shoulder. If you would be so kind.... he said, both of his eyes twinkling.

- - - - - - - - - - -

Felecia slashed her sword down, cutting a human from the shoulder down his stomach to his pelvis. Blood gushed from the fatal wound and he toppled forward to the ground, gurgling a bit. The female elf looked around and saw that Equinox and Incendia were now in the air, and Arston and Arturos were attacking Crimson. She had heard their words, but hadn't registered them until now; We will attack from the sides. they had said. Her eyes widened as she noticed how synchronized they were. They must have joined together and now they fought as one. She grimaced as she tried to figure out what to do; fight with them, or escape now while she could. She looked up and grit her teeth. She was a Rider. She had never run from a battle before. She sprang forward with a wild battle cry, the fever of combat lighting up her sapphire eyes so they glittered and shone, full of life and vibrancy. She slashed her sword with one hand while lifting her hand and voicing a spell with the other, attacking Crimson from behind.