Diving down, Equinox did a corkscrew to avoid the terra bird. Bending upwards as it snapped at him, he released a torrent of fire onto it. It squawked as he drove it to the ground, frying its brains with electricity. Glancing around, he searched for others, but found no one chasing him. Perhaps he had managed to lead the other terra birds in the wrong direction. Sighing, he slowly descended to the ground towards a group of carts, horses, people, and carriages. Over the past few years he had grown into close friends with the nomads, even meeting a few nomadic dragons but with this group were only humans. Descending down he glanced over at the horses as they stopped for the night.
"Nice to see you again Equinox." said their leader, an elderly dark skinned man, he had led the nomads for years through the deserts, and had aided greatly to the Varden and Equinox's rebels against both Galbatorix and Crimson.
Nice to see you to Sheton, I hope I didn't cause you to stop.
"No," Sheton replied, "we were going to stop here anyway. We can recognize you from above well Equinox." he paused for a moment looked at the terra bird's corpse, "How is it in the empire? Were you chased by many of them?"
Only a few. I killed two and led the others the wrong way. Do you mind if I rest with the caravan for the night?
"Of course not. You are always welcomed on our eternal quest." Sheton replied. "Now my friend, I must go now and get the camp ready. Please enjoy yourself." He bowed down in a sign of respect to the dragon. Looking at them all Equinox gave a smile. He still remembered the time he feared all others and didn't trust anyone. Now, he wasn't at all hesitant of making friends.
"May peace follow you Equinox. And may you find your destination."
May peace follow you as well chief Sheton. And may you find the destination. he replied formally and watched as the chief walked off. Equinox sighed, perhapse he would stay here with the nomads for a while.

OOC: Mind if I join, dark?

OOC: Sweet. I'm gonna officially introduce Temias as a character in this one.

IC: Temias slept soundly, curled up amidst some very enormous boulders at the edge of a rocky outcropping. He didn't much care for the desert. It was too open and exposed, and far too bright during the day. Not to mention his coloration wasn't exactly inconspicuous in the sunlight. Right now, though, he was more comfortable. These rocks concealed him during the day, and he could travel more at night.

However, a very faint scuffling sound awoke him. Temias was a light sleeper; he had been trained to be. Dragons had many enemies, and couldn't afford to sleep deeply unless there was another on guard. The deep blue dragon lifted his head soundlessly, bright silver eyes searching and all senses on high alert. There it was again; it sounded like feathers flapping against the air. It was a large bird, larger than the rocs out east. Temias slowly stood and crept around a large rock, peering into the sky. It was at that moment that he was blasted by a piercing shriek that pounded agonizingly on his ear drums. The blue cried out in pain and clenched his paws around his head as he bent low to escape the pain. As the shriek was ending, he sensed the huge bird descending towards him, and he reacted in an instant.

The young dragon leapt forward and somersaulted, an extremely difficult move for a dragon. He jumped back to his feet and darted sideways into a crevice between rocks. Rather than stop and see where his enemy was, he twisted his body and darted into another crevice that led back the way he had come. He could see the gigantic bird descending towards the rocks and crevices, aiming more for the spot he had been, almost in slow motion. Temias tensed his back limbs and made one powerful leap up to the top of the enormous boulder, which was above his head, and sprang off it immediately. The blue's jump carried him just above the bird's back, where he twisted his neck and grabbed the huge neck in his jaws. Temias's powerful neck and back muscles worked as he twisted his body around, the bird's neck still gripped in his jaws and his forelimbs wrapped around its chest. As he twisted, he opened his wings and suddenly let go of the bird, sending it flying into the ground. Temias flapped his wings hard to stay in the air and let out a concentrated burst of flame over the raptor.

It had all ended in mere seconds. That was all it took for an enemy to kill you, so you had to know how to kill an enemy in even less time. As Temias hovered, panting as he caught his breath, he caught the scent of humans and another dragon in the distance.

OOC: Yeah, glad to see him in one now =) He comes from the east right?

IC: Equinox watched the nomads for a moment, the hatchlings -children was what humans called them if he remembered correctly- were running around playing games. It even made him laugh when he saw a few pretend to be dragons. He glanced up, wishing some nomadic dragons were here. Often they traveled with the human nomads, but they wondered their own just as well. He never got to know many as well as the humans though, the dragons often avoided outsiders. Still it was pleasant enough being here with the humans who seemed to think he was something of legends now. Funny how he told them about his fight with Crimson had summoned lighting storms and how he himself was born of lighting. It is odd to be the subject of myth that is currently being written down. Equinox laughed to himself. A few of the nomads even tried to paint him. He would have refused, but he didn't want to offend them. To his surprise, he smelt dragon. Quickly, he flew into the air, wondering if it was a nomad. To his surprise, he did in fact recognize the new comer. He wasn't a nomad, but a tribal dragon he met out east with Phal, Elcyon, Zeke, and Aeraldi. It had been the first time he met Temias, but the others seemed to have known him from before.
Temias. Equinox said to the dragon What brings you to the Hadarac Desert. he glanced the terra bird corpse way in the distance. He growled So I wasn't the only one bothered by those oversized pigeons. The nomads glanced up at Tamias, though friendly with dragons, they weren't trusing much of ones they didn't know.

OOC:
Oh, oh! Can I join too? (if yes I'll post after draco) (and no, I don't think I'll join with Zeke. Maybe Jia or Shaina. Or Keia...I've hardly used her at all....)

OOC: Mind if I join?

Equinox watched the nomads for a moment as they gave Temias and Jia a nervous look. To them he said They are not are enemies. They mean no harm. hte nomads gave him a look and motioned for him to land. Equinox led the other two to the ground and said to Jia, I am Equinox, nice to meat you. What brings you into the desert?
Yes, they are nomads. he replied to Temais. He glanced back at the nomads, he was unsure where they had actually came from. All he knew was that they were wandering the desert searching for their destination. What that meant though he had no idea As for where they came from I know little. Much of there history have been lost to them. Normally there are dragons with them, but the nomadic dragons often go on their own path. Most of them have orange or brown colored scales. He was unsure why, he assumed it must have something to do with the environment. Though he had seen a few white and gray scaled nomadic dragons, most where brown or orange. The bird is a terra bird, they are the smartest things in the world, but ages ago they did prey on dragons. Now they come from the islands of the west sea, though they had joined Crimson's forces, at least most of them have.
As he spoke to the two dragons one of the nomad's warriors walked up. He was a strong man and often brought back camel or lion for the nomads to eat. Glancing at the dragons he said, "We welcome you into are carravans dragons. May you find your destination and may you always find water and shade."
Equinox equaled the formality and asked What is it Garren, something seems to be worrying you.
He shook his head, "Not that Equinox, but a few humans are coming towards us. We sent people to greet them, but we worry they may be part of Crimson's forces."
Equinox shook his head, I doubt it, he's focusing is attention more to the north and east currently. They might just be lost travelers.

Crimson is my evil rider. Equinox replied to Temias. He shook his head, he supposed Crimson technically wasn't his rider anymore, Not too long ago my rider bond with him was severed by my friend Quasar, she sacrificed herself to separate us. Unfortunately we do, there are many evil people in this place. Crimson is one of them, right now he is setting up his empire in the north, at the Spine and into the Beor Mountains. Equinox glanced at the ground, letting a tear fall from his eye. Every time he mentioned that it made him sad, to think of Quasar and what she had done for him. To change the subject he focused back on the terra bird Yes, they all do. It's a trait their race has. It is likely they no about it. The nomadic dragons share legends with their hatchlings about the times when giant birds preyed on their ancestors. When Temias mentioned dragon scent Equinox looked around, it was likely nomadic dragons were nearby, they often visited with the human nomads. At Jia talking of it being a young one he said It smells like an egg to me. It was then he noticed the group of people not to far from them. Already the nomads headed towards them hoping to possibly trade.
Equinox was surprised to see the humans were afraid of them. Glancing at them he said I mean you know harm. Do you have a dragon egg with you? he asked.

Equinox snarled when the man called the hatchling an "it". Glaring at him he roared louder than he meant IT!!!! YOU CALL YOUR HATCHLING AN IT! Listen human, I don't care if you didn't want the dragon or not you will release it if you only plan on brining it torture and pain! The bond is not a curse, generally anyway. You call it an it? You wish you weren't bounded? Well you aren't the only one human. I was myself, my rider, if I can even call him that, forced me to hatch for him to gain power. You call your hatchling an it. Is that what you think? We are animals? If that is what give us or the nomads your hatchling! I won't stand for another dragon to go through the same hell I did. Equinox snarled even louder until finally one of the nomads went up to him, an elder.
"Equinox, please, I'm sure that is not what Nathen meant." Equinox glared at the elder but remained silent. The elder patted Equinox on the leg and said to Nathen, "If you are fleeing the empire and the chaos there you and your friends may stay with us for a time if you wish. And if you don't want your dragon we'll be happy to raise your hatchling for you." He glanced up as several more dragons flew towards them from a distance, "I was expecting them to arrive soon." A few nomadic dragons saw them on the ground and descended towards them.
As they saw Temias the dragons gave him a respectful bow one saying to all of them, May you all find your destinations. Than to the elder he said We found something in the distance, perhaps a few days ride for you humans.
The elder nodded, "We can talk later. First we must great our guests and welcome them into our shade if they wish."

Equinox snorted when Nathen spoke with Jia. He turned away from them, ignoring all of them, even the nomads as he walked back into the nomads camp. The human new little then about the power gained from having a dragon. True, Crimson was an elf and much older, but the magic that came to you from having a dragon was much greater. Not to mention Crimson had often used Equinox before he was thrown out as just a pool for energy to be taken. He wouldn't say anything though, he felt no need to tell his secrets to this human. Even more to add to his anger was Nathen thinking it was he who wanted the power. Equinox snorted again, power was the last think on his mind. Just what he wanted, fools to think he was some power hungry fool. There was a way to end the bondage, but he wouldn't tell Nathen. Mostly due to the fact it took Quasar's life when she broke his and Crimson's link. To the nomad elders he said Must you really grant him permission to your land. He is no worse than Crimson. It was a lie, Nathen hadn't tortured Elsa as Crimson did him. Maybe the human wasn't that bad, but if he didn't think the dragon was worth much than it didn't put much towards him in Equinox's mind. Glancing up into the sky he wished Elcyon, Eris, or Phal were here, they would likely be able to talk some sense into the human, or to him at least. Equinox snorted to himself, Eris talking sense, every since Quasar died Eris had been crazy. Eris... I wish there was something we could do for you. he said lowly to himself.
"Are you ok Equinox?" an elder asked. His name was Thom, one of the most elderly of the elders. His face etched with age.
I'm fine Thom. I just need to be alone.
"He doesn't seem like Crimson."
I know... it's just... you don't understand.
Thom glanced over at him and said kindly, "I may not, but I can help you Equinox. We are all with you against Crimson. We know what you went through."
Equinox stared down at his deformed leg. It may have been able to been healed with magic though it was old. Even so he didn't want it to be. It was a testament to Crimson's cruelty. Glancing into the air he said, When do you all make leave.
"We are going tomorrow, deep into the Hadarac. Are you to come?"
Equinox nodded, glancing back at the other dragons and Nathen He didn't bother with them. He never hated humans or elves or dwarves, but he could remember when he feared them. For some reason meeting Nathen brought what it was like to be that fearful back. He shivered at the thought.

Crimson observed the tracks on the ground, nomads were by. Ordering his forces onwards he went to track them. For the past few weeks he had been hunting the savages down. He Hadarac was his realm, and he'd subdue the nomads by force if need be. His terra bird scouts that went out only three returned, telling them that at least two dragons were seen, and one of them Equinox. Gripping his sword he ordered them onwards. The green fool would die soon, he would make sure of it. It was getting late in the day, so the nomads were likely to be getting down for the night.

Equinox glanced back towards Temias and gave a low snarl, though not to him He's like Crimson. Thinks all dragons are monsters or some sort. I can't tell if he cares or not for Elsa, but I know what it is like to be hated and despised because of one man's hatred. True, Nathen may not be as bad as Crimson, but it will just be hard for me to be around him. Not to mention when he's a fool and thinks I'm savage just because he reminds me of my evil rider.
Thom glanced at Equinox and said calmly, "Now my friend, there's no need to be agry about him. We can't deal with all the fools in the world. We have our own fool to deal with first."
Equinox snorted, and sighed. He liked the nomads, at times he thought of just living with him but couldn't, the outside world needed him. Crimson is more than a fool, he's a monster. Equinox snarled. He glanced up, something was odd.
"What it is?" asked Thom.
Someone's coming, he replied with a snort.

Crimson head forward with several of his mind slaves and those loyal to him without mind control. True there weren't too many, but it should be enough to take down a caravan of nomads. HE could see the outline of their caravan, with several dragons around them. None seemed to be nomadic dragons. One of them was green, he snarled, Equinox likely, he was the only green dragon Crimson knew that would come here. Walking forward he ordered his soldiers into a formation to strike the back of the caravan, Crimson would led just over twenty to face the fool dragons.

Equinox snarled when he realized it was Crimson leading the attack. Several of his soldiers had broken away and headed for the back of the carravan. To Thom he said, Get your warriors to the back. We should be able to handle those that are attacking the front.
Thom nodded, "I wish you luck Equinox. May peace follow you my friend."
May peace follow us all. Equinox replied. Soaring into the air he watched as the soldiers headed for them, Crimson himself ran ahead, seeing Equinox in the air. Quickly, he landed in front of his once rider, Crimson, leave this place. You have no reason to be here. You already control the desert!
Crimson smirked, pulling out his blade, "I come to hunt the nomads who resist me. Should I really explain myself to you Equinox? You will die, all of you will."
Crimson you have threatened me with death since the ver yday I hatched. Do you really think I fear you? he snarled, glaring at his evil rider.
Crimson smirked his face full of being ready to murder, "Your threat is meaningless to me. Equinox, before your bond with me was broke I could sense the fear in you. Now, step aside fool or die with the nomads."
You should know I'll never abandon my friends fiend!
Crimson at once blasted fire at him. Equinox leapt into the air and did a turn as the fire ball followed him. Quickly he blasted fire at it to make both flames dissipate. Crimson laughed as his men begun to fight those around him.

Jumping to the side Crimson dodged a lightning bolt Equinox shot at him. Glaring at him he used magic to make Equinox fall from the sky but the green dragon managed to avoid the blast. Glancing around at the others he didn't recognize them, it didn't matter though, they would all die soon enough.

Flying around, Equinox shot several lightning bolts, some at Crimson, and others at soldiers heading for the caravan. He knew the nomads would be destroyed if they attempted to fall back, so he would stay with them to the end. Snarling he dove down at Crimson who leapt using magic to make a small dust storm. Snarling, Equinox closed his eyes and focused on Crimson's movement. Snarling he leapt through the sand as it blew, Everyone duck for cover! he shouted and use small bolts of lightning into the friction of the sand making it electrically charged. At seeing the sheer energy inside the small storm, Crimson was forced to call it off. Glancing over, Crimson saw the other two dragons wrecking havoc. To the blue one he shouted in the Ancient Language, "Bring the dragon from the Sky!" Equinox tried to stop Crimson, but was too late. Instead he dove at him, trying to keep him away from the nomads.

"You really think the likes of you can defeat my Equinox? I will crush you, I will... destroy you."
Crimson, why did you come here? I want nothing to do with your plans any longer! he snarled. Though he still fought against him even since Quasar died he couldn't help but work less than he did against Crimson. He had to though, he knew he did.
Crimson laughed, pointing around at them all, "You may not, but I am determined to slay you Equinox."

OOC: lol Crimson's plan did not work. Temias is already on the ground (that's who you meant by "blue dragon" right?) lol

IC: Temias darted through the ranks of humans, picking them off one-by-one and occasionally letting loose a blast of fire to take out a group. He found it amusing that, despite his being much larger than them, he was more agile on the ground. His strikes were quicker than theirs, and his scales repelled the blows he could not dodge (save a few, which left long but shallow cuts on his flanks). He was killing two-leg after two-leg until he came to his first magic user. The mage shielded himself from the blue-black's flame, so Temias jumped around him, leaping to the side and striking with his tail. However, the magic-user dodged the blow with inhuman speed and sent a few fiery missiles hurtling towards the dragon. Temias ducked in time to avoid all but one, which seared the flesh on the back of his neck to a small degree. He growled and one of his wings unexpectedly snapped open, the thumb-spike impaling the human directly through the chest. Temias wrenched his wing shut immediately, causing the mage to be flung through the air and into a group of soldiers. With the rate at which the dragons were killing the enemy soldiers, and the fact that their leader was preoccupied with Equinox, they couldn't last much longer in an all-out assault.

OCC: Noted, and my post corrected

Snarling, Equinox leapt into the air. Seeing soldiers heading over towards where the women and children were he sent lightning bolts over to strike them, and aid the nomads in that area. Glancing back, he darted away from Crimson. Hopping the others could deal with his deranged rider. Snarling, he landed on the ground, blasting fire at enemy soldiers. He had seen larger attack forces, but still he doubted the nomads would have been able to handle them if there weren't dragons to aid them. Glancing up, he wondered why there weren't any nomadic dragons here. Normally they'd aid their human counterparts on the first sign when they were being attacked. Forcing the thought from his head, he focused on fighting those loyal to Crimson, along with his mind slaves.

At seeing Equinox head towards another part of the caravan, Crimson headed for the blue dragon. As he was preoccupied by fighting his soldiers, Crimson ran behind the dragon, and sliced into his leg, and leapt back before he would get hit by a counter attack. At a safe enough distance, he launched several fireballs at Temias.

Crimson smirked at Temais. Jumping away from his attacks he snarled, "A tribal dragon of the east. Tell me; is your kin just as barbaric as your nomadic brethren? You will die tribal dragon, and once Alagasia is mine I shall conquer your primitive lands." Using magic he leapt into the air and launched a massive array of icicles towards him. Waving his hand, he made it a mixture of fire ice.

Archers get to the top of the wagons and fire! Equinox ordered as he shot down one of Crimson's soldiers with lighting. Something odd seemed to be here though. It seemed as if Crimson's soldiers were just storming at them with no strategy, as if they were trying to distract them... Quickly glancing into the air, Equinox cringed at an ear piercing screech. Snarling he flew into the air and said out to all his allies Terra birds! A flock of terra birds are coming! Archers aim up! Temias, Jia fly towards the flock! They will destroy the nomads if they reach them.

Snarling as he wondered where the nomadic dragons were Equinox soared up towards the terra birds, flashing lightning bolts at them as they descended down towards the caravan. Glancing down, he knew the nomads were going to be overwhelmed on land if all the dragons were in the air. Still, if one dragon went to the ground they would be attacked by Crimson. But if two went to the ground the third would be overwhelmed by the birds. Snarling he shook his head. There had to be something he could do.
Equinox! Startled, he glanced down, it was Thom's voice. He was glad to hear the nomad elder was fine.
Yes Thom? What can I do?
We need one of you down here! There are too many! More have arrived from the east!
Snarling, Equinox glanced down, they would be overwhelmed. Snarling to himself he dove down and blasted lighting and fire at the enemy soldiers. What a fool he was! He had forgotten Crimson's tactical skill.
Glancing around, Equinox stared in horror as one of the wagons went into flames. He could hear the screams of women and children and those who couldn't fight inside. Roaring with rage, he dove down to kill the one's responsible.

"Brisingr!" Crimson shouted and a second wagon went into the flames. The nomads were struggling now. With the terra birds to hassle the dragons and archers the caravan would be destroyed. One by one he would force them to bow down to him or die by the sword. Watching he saw Equinox head for the first burning wagon. Crimson laughed. Equinox was a fool, always trying to help those who were in trouble. Snarling he blocked a sword from a nomadic warrior and forced him to the ground and stabbed him through the heart. Glancing up he smirked. No signs of the nomadic dragons.

Snarling, Equinox glanced at the terra birds, there were too many of them. He knew they wouldn't last long against the massive birds. Snarling to himself he flew around the caravan. The nomads and dragons wouldn't last much longer. They would have to retreat, but if they did, the birds would chase them down. Trying to think of something to do he landed by Crimson, hoping he could attack him and force them to flee.
Crimson! Leave us! You have no need to be here. Don't you already rule the desert?
"You are a fool Equinox. I do, but these nomads resist me, and must die. All of you shall parish."
Equinox snarled and glanced at his evil rider leaping at him, Equinox leapt out of the way. With his sword he swung it at him and blasted Equinox back with an energy blast. Snarling, Equinox begun to circle him and blasted lighting towards him which he deflected. Glancing up, he could see the birds were already surrounding both Jia and Temais. He glanced up at them and said through mind, You two might want to land. You won't last much longer against all of them.

Aaron glanced up, he could hear fighting. It seemed large birds were involved Terrabirds... Crimson! he said to himself. Leaping up he ordered his soldiers to position. The magic users were guarded by swordsmen, it would be they who would take on the birds since even arrows were much affective against them due to them being much larger than dragons. He had come to try and sweep some of Crimson's patrols out of the desert, but it seemed he had stumbled into a battle, a large one at that.
"All soldiers move out! Magic users prepare to fire at the birds! Swords men into the helix formation! Cavalry, charge when I give the order!" With that he led his forces towards the fighting. He glanced up, he could see a few dragons also. It seems Crimson stumbled upon a little bounty. To bad I'm going to shatter his hopes on killing them. he snarled to himself.

Glancing over at Temais Equinox replied to his earlier question, I'm not sure, it could work, but there is a chance the birds would chase them down. They normally eat dragon meat, but they wouldn't pass by a few humans. Glancing up, he heard something in the distance, he saw movement. Flying into the air, he noticed a small force headed towards them, the man at the lead looked familiar...
Flying towards him Equinox shouted out loudly, Aaron! Glad to see you here! Equinox dropped by him, hovering slightly above Aaron.
Smirking, Aaron said arrogantly, "Glad I arrived on time, looks like you all need help. Equinox, everything's going fine with us, don't worry. I just came to mop up some of Crimson's minions in the desert."
I hope you're right. We need your help. How's Ephidel, Eris, and Klentear?
"Eris is still crazy as usual, hard to deal with that man now. Poor Quasar... that wasn't what she had in mind for him. Curse Crimson and everything's he's done."
Nodding, Equinox roared out and the soldiers c heered, and charged into the flanks of Crimson's forces. Equinox himself flew into the air and tackled a terra bird from the sky.

Leading his forces onward, Aaron smirked as Equinox flew into the enemy forces. At least he was here, it was good to see someone he liked. Aaron smirked to himself, it was hard to get on his good list, and Equinox was one of the few that did. Swishing his sword through the sky, the cavalry charged into anotehr flank of Crimson's soldiers. Once they struck his ground forces Aaron shouted to the magic users, "Fire into the sky! I don't want a single one of those damned birds left up there!" At once, the magic users begun their barrage onto the terra birds.

after the hell he wentEquinox nodded to Temiss and flew towards Aaron who had just begun to combat with Crimson. He watched for a moment though was forced to dive away as a terrabird flew at him. Snarling, he leapt into the sky and tackled into the bird's side. As it snapped at him, he tore a chunk of flesh from its side and unleashed flames into him, and struck the bird down with lighting. Descending down, he landed next to Aaron and Crimson.
Leave Crimson! he snarled angrily, You have lost, there is no more need for you to lose any more soldiers or more lives to be spent.
Crimson let out a smirk and glanced at the nomads, several of them had died, but many more had lived. Equinox glared at him. He would not let Crimson destroyed them. These nomads had done nothing to him, not to mention they were Equinox's allies.

Glaring at his dragon, he knew the fool was right. Crimson sighed and said to his soldiers, "Fall back! There are to many!" Quickly he deflected a sword strike to his head aimed by Aaron, "I'll kill you two some other time. I didn't plan on dragons and your foolish rebellion to be here."
"Crimson," Aaron snarled, "You are nothing but a coward! You are a vulture."
Crimson laughed, "One day you will all die. Each of you, but for now I have other plans." Stalking away, he ordered his soldiers along with the terra birds on. At least he had killed some nomads. He would have stayed in killed Equinox and Aaron, but that didn't need to be. Not to mention he hadn't even wanted to attack them now, he was focused on taming the nomads.

Aaron watched as Crimson and his slaves left. Fools they all were, he would see Crimson dead some day, he was determened. But now he glared at his soldiers, "What are you wwaiting for! Attend to the injured!" he snapped at them. At once they went to help the injured soldiers and civilians. Nodding he turned to Equinox, "So tell me why you are here? When did Crimson arrive?"
I just happened to be flying this way. I wanted to see Thom and his fellow nomads and fortunately was able to aid them when Crimson attacked. He came about an hour or so before you arrived,
Aaron smirked, "Glad I was here then, else you would have been killed."
Equinox replied Come, I'll introduce you to everyone. They are probably wanting to know who you were. At least the nomads thought you were more of Crimson's soldiers. I don't know what the rest thought. Aaron smirked, Equinox always was calm and kind, weaknesses they could be at times, but Aaron had to admit he admired him, especially
though when he first hatched for Crimson.

Equinox smirked as Temais said it wasn't a clever response. Equinox shook his head, Crimson wasn't often known for his cleverness. Glancing around, his tail dropped slightly at the scene around him. He'd have to get the nomads to safety. True they had survived the attack, but he didn't feel right leaving them like this. Going over he and Aaron went to find Thom. He would have gone after Nathen with Jia and Temais, but this was more important. The old man approached when he saw them, he grumbled about being unable to fight. Back in his prime he was a great warrior.
"Thank you for helping us Equinox." he said with a small respectful bow, "And you too, may I ask your name?"
"Aaron. And be lucky I arrived, I doubt you could have lasted much longer."
Equinox gave Aaron a quick glare. The man's arrogance did annoy him at times, but there was nothing he could do about it.
Thom nodded and replied, "Crimson has often threatened us, but I never thought he would go so far to destroy us all." he gave a laugh, "I guess I shouldn't have thought so less of the fool! Ah well, at least we lived. Now, what are you all going to do now since we drove him off?"
Equinox took a moment to reply and said I'll stay with you for some time. There has to be a place where the caravan can be in peace.
Thom grimaced sadly and replied, "I doubt it in times like this, but thank you my friend."
"I will as well. You all may need my help, and I'm not about to travel all the way back out of this blazing desert!" Aaron snarled.

Aaron left the two once he said he would join. Heading over to the few burnt wagon like structures he quickly aided in getting anything salvageable into still remaining ones.

Making sure the nomads had everything under control, Equinox flew after Nathen, Jia, and Temias. As he flew towards them, he just caught the last thing Nathen had told the dragons. Landing next to him Equinox said If you do plan to stay with us than you must be careful. Crimson's minions are all around the Hadarac since they are trying to kill the nomads not loyal to him. Not only that, but it is also likely to find Galbatorix's minions. he paused for a second and glanced into the desert. It would be hard to escape the soldiers from Crimson and Galbatorix, but he had to get the nomads to safety It will likely be dangerous though, but it is good that you are choosing to come, not many make it out of the desert alive. True, a lot of that was because of Crimson, but he thought that everyone should be warned.

Equinox nodded, Crimson is a cause for a lot of the trouble here. If Galbatorix does die he'll likely be the most powerful to take the throne. I hate fighting, but I was more so dragged into having to fight my evil rider. I just hope we remain safe the rest of the way. he replied to Nathen. Glancing back to the caravan he said, We should get going. We will rest for the night and get heading into the desert again the next morning. Unless any of you object to traveling with the nomads? he said as he begun to fly back. He glanced back for the others and felt some pity for Nathen. He knew what it was like to fight when one didn't want to. Then again, he supposed no one really wanted to fight. Mostly to himself he said We fight to protect those who cannot defend themselves. At least that is why I fight.

Jia snorted and rolled her eyes, then spread her wings and leaped into the sky with a powerful thrust of her hindquarters. She surged up quickly, flying in a smallish circle above Nathen to watch for enemies.

OOC:
Sorry, short. >.<

Once they returned to the nomad camp Equinox went to find Thom and Aaron. Already guards were set up and camp fires were being put up as people begun to get some sleep. To Temias he said, Thank you Temias. Though I must warn you it is dangerous being my friend. Crimson swore that before he killed me he'd make sure each of my friends were dead. I appreciate you helping me. Glancing around Equinox found Aaron and Thom by one of the remaining fires. Flying over to them he landed next to Aaron and curled up with his head raised up and looking at the two.
"Glad to see you convinced that fool to come back." Aaron replied, "So Equinox what are your plans?"
It is up to Thom. I am not the leader of this carravan he is.
With an amused expression Thom replied, "But you are a dragon Equinox! You should know that we nomads revere your kind. Now, what do you wish."
Sighing Equinox replied, Is there anywhere we could go to escape Crimson's soldiers? We need to try and unify the nomads against him. Glancin at Thom for a moment he continued You're people have to Thom. Divined the nomads of the Hadarac stand no chance against Crimson or Galbatorix.
"I know," Thom replied grimly, "I just wish it wasn't so. We are a seperate people."
Before Equinox had a chance to reply Aaron cut in, "There is a city about two days away in the desert. We should go there."
Staring in amazement Equinox replied, How do you know that Aaron? If there was a city here the nomads would know about it.
"Its ancient," Aaron replied, "It was uncovered by a massive stand storm a few weeks ago. One of our terra birds just happened to pass over it. I know where it is."
That sounds as if its crazy enough to work. Do you object Thom? Equinox asked.
"I do," the nomad elder replied, "but I see the wisdom in your words. We shall go."
"Than its decided." Aaron replied, "We leave tomorrow at dawn." With that Aaron got up and walked towards his tent.

Glancing back for a moment Aaron continued on towards his soldiers. Their camp was positioned around the nomad caravan incase there was an attack at night. He'd doubted there would be, but it was better to be safe than sorry. Sitting down next to fire he took first shift for the night. He sighed, he hated the desert.

Elsa coiled up close against Jia and gave a toothy yawn. "I will try". She replyed to comforting her rider. Sleep came quickly as she was not intrested in the discussion between her older kin.

OCC: No muse at the moment

OOC: I suppose we'll have to time-skip to morning, then. I'll do it in my post.

IC: Temias watched briefly as Elsa seemed to become calmer. As Jia asked about her brother, he thought, remembering all that had happened with Zeke and also thinking of a way to tell Jia more without going complete against Zeke's wishes. Temias supposed he could tell Jia what had happened to him when Zeke was around. The first time your brother was with us, we were being captured by an evil magic-user. However, Zeke was able to help us, and we eventually escaped. I also know he was searching for his True Name on that journey, and I believe he found it. The second time he came, he was with Phalynx and another dragoness named Luna. The evil man who had been capturing us, Leurgan, had captured me, and the three of them rescued me and Leurgan was destroyed. Zeke got to do the honors, in that case, he replied with a smile. He didn't think he was revealing too much, just the basic story behind everything (and one any dragon could learn if they visited the Tribe).

After speaking about Zeke, Temias bid Jia goodnight and then left to find a nice spot outside the camp to sleep (he was still uneasy sleeping around so many two-legs). He also knew that he was a light, alert sleeper. He would be most useful a little way outside of camp. The blue-black curled up in the sand and quickly fell asleep.

Jia listened to Temias curiously, her eyes lighting up with pride for her older brother. She prummed softly once the midnight blue had finished. A warm feeling had spread within her chest, gentle and tingling. She knew it was pride. She curled up around Elsa, though she knew she wouldn't be able to sleep now. So she hummed. It was a lullaby that Zeke sang for her when she couldn't sleep.

OOC:
Sorry, writers block. >.<

Once the whole caravan was woken up, Equinox helped Thom and the other elders and workers of the caravan make sure everything was in order for the day's trip. He himself wasn't even sure where they were going, but the nomads seemed to know, they always did,. They were almost as good as any dragon at picking up the signs of their location for the stars, sun, moon, sky, and even the smallest b it of detail on the ground. It was really a shame both Galbatorix and Crimson were either trying to destroy or assimilate their culture. Flying over to the other dragons and Nathen Equinox said You are all free to do as you wish, but if you do go off be careful if you meet a nomadic dragon. Though they are friendly, hey don't trust non nomads easily since they have been attacked by both dragons with Crimson and Galbatorix. True, Crimson only had Dsurion, but that wasn't the point, Anyway, we leave now, make any last minute arrangements here. Glancing at all of them, Equinox knew they would likely come even if it was foolish, he himself probably shouldn't have staid here for long. Crimson would likely return sometime, but as he thought about it, the nomads would never give up their home. Equinox admired their bravery and sense of freedom, but even so against overwhelming odds even the most brave were fools. Still, they were safe now; there was no need to worry.

Observing the caravan as it readied to move on for the day, Aaron made sure each of his soldiers had enough water on them to drink for the day so they wouldn't have to take the monads water, even if that did mean drawing what little water the sand had to offer. "I want ten horsemen in front of the caravan to keep an eye out for any enemy soldiers. The rest of you, stay back behind it."
"Yes sir."
Fools they were to keep on going, this part of the desett could be deadly at times. True, most of the rouge nomads were killed off during Crimson's invasion, but there were still a few of them out there, mostly bandits now. At least he was here with soldiers of the resistance to protect them. Though the scorching heat would kill them if they didn't have enough water. At least the blasted wagons could do for shade. Staring into the sand he begun to wonder if what Equinox had told him weeks ago was right, that some time long in the past the desert was one a tropical paradise. Aaron snorted, he doubted it.

Equinox gave a snarl at Nathen's rudeness towards Jia, but didn't comment or head towards the human. He met fools before, but if he could put up with Aaron during his moments he was sure he could put up with Nathen. To Jia he said, Don't be to hard on him, focus more on Elsa to make sure she is fine. True, Nathen wasn't as bad as Crimson, but he still didn't think the human was that high up on the good rider list. Flying above the caravan, Equinox quickly glanced around in the air, no sighs of dragons. Flying back down towards the others he said, Did any of you see other dragons on your journeys? Something odd is going on, normally one of the nomadic dragons would have turned up by now... his voice drifted off, he caught a strange scent in a gust of wind, blood, dragon blood. Dragon hunters! he snarled. They were still likely miles away, but he knew they'd have to be careful. To Jia, Temais, and Elsa he said, Dragon hunters are in the distance, either them or terra birds, but neither way it will be good. Stay close to the caravan, they wouldn't bother us all hopefully. He knew Aaron's soldiers would also give them defense. He just hoped they wouldn't run into the hunters.

As they moved out Aaron rode up towards the front while his soldiers stayed in the back. He wanted to see what the elders were up to. Though he hated politics, he also hated not being caught up in recent events.

Equinox thought of what Temais said, hunting the dragons hunters would be dangerous, but then again, there likely wasn't an army of them. Or could there be? He only knew of the dragon hunters, not how many there were. But then again, if the nomadic dragons had been wiped out or close to being destroyed by them, the hunters could be a thing to worry of. Perhapse you're right. It wouldn't be good for them to follow us, especially if they have an army even half our size. To Thom and the other elders he said, Turn the caravan ten and a half degrees to the north, I can smell and sense dragon hunters in the distance.
Thom thought for a moment about this. Equinxo knew he would want to protect his people, but the nomads also revered dragons, "I'll help you, but what of the wome and children? Dragon hunters have been known to kill anyone who gets in the way of their prey."
I'll talk with Aaron, he'll likely leave a small guard with them as they go to this city. The warriors can come with us.
"Sounds good."
Equinox heard the last part of what Nathen said, he snorted, Humans and elves do not serve us, and neither do we serve them, we are equals, we protect each other and love each other and try to bring order to the world. Well, other than my poor excuse for a rider. With that, he flew off to speak with Aaron.

Glancing up with a smirk Aaron watched as Equinox flew down towards him, "What is it Equinox?" he demanded.
Dragon hunters are in the distance. Can you send some of the soldiers with us to go after them? Leave a few to protect the caravan.
Aaron nodded, "Ah another fight? Of course, I'm always itching to kill a few fools."
I'm glad to hear that, now, get your soldiers and come with me. he replied and flew back towards the others. Aaron simply shrugged as the dragon went back and ordered for a large chunk of his soldiers to advance to where the dragons and the warriors were gathering.