OOC: OK guys. The release of Brisingr has opened up many new opportunities, and the introduction of the Eldunari, or the dragon's heart of hearts, can spark many new characters and plots. I have already decided to bring one into the RPG, and he (or she) will be introduced in this topic. I'm going to have to ask that all the members of the royal family of the Dragon Fortress participate in this, so that means Star, Eriel, draco, and Aeraldi. But, I especially need draco, because this is going to be pivotal in the development of both of our characters. In the timeline, this is just after Hayren's birth.

Faefnir flew, gazing at the hard-flat-golden-plain that stretched for many miles in either direction. Since the release of Rimfax, he had been desiring aid from everyone he could find outside of the royal family. It was during his vigil at dawn that he had a hazy-red-ball-vision, something that could ensure victory against the black shadow dragon. But, the secret weapon against the menace of Alagaesia was buried deep in the mighty fortress of Uru'baen, where the Eldunari of the fell-mad-king Galbatorix were held hostage, enslaved to his dark whims. Faefnir received intelligence that at least one of the Eldunari of his parents, possibly his long-lost mother-of-womb-and-blood, was still alive deep-deep in the fortress of Galbatorix.

It had been three months since the evil-fearful-shadow Rimfax had escaped, and already he was causing widespread havoc, and not just to the point-ear-two-legs of the forest, but the short-two-legs of the mountains and the round-ear-two-legs of the plains. He was even making excursions into Faefnir's hot-endless-sandy domain and trying to find weaknesses in Stronghold. However, none were found, but the people's of Alagaesia had begun to fear Rimfax just as they admired Faefnir. Naturally, it was for this reason they had turned to him and the rest of the royal family, including his brother-of-heart Aeraldi, sister-of-blood Phalynx, and mate-of-mind-and-soul Star gazer, to rid the world of the evil menace.

He had mustered their aid, along with that of his friend Emrhyst and her Rider, Eriel. Despite her birth-of-hatchling, he desperately needed their mighty-play-of-sword-and-arrow to prevail over the mad-dark-king and his slave of a dragon, Shruikan. He looked below him and found the White Stag, his companion-of-eternity, running with ease to keep up with the flying dragons. He looked to his left, at the enchanted-silver-dragoness Phalynx, his half-sister. Tell me, young one. Are you excited to at last meet your mother after all these years? He recalled just a few weeks ago how she was mourning the death of the parents she never knew, and how she desperately needed the companionship beyond that of the royal family. I know you miss her terribly, and never had the chance to meet her while she was still alive. I wish to see her just as much as you, for the last time I saw them was during the Fall and that dark king Galbatorix cut them to pieces before my very eyes. It heartens me to know that our mother had the foresight and wisdom to transfer herself to her heart of hearts.

OOC: Yes, the Saphira alone segments of the book gave me the idea to have Faefnir think like that. They provide valuable information about how the mind of a dragon works. It would be wise, I think, of all the dragons in the RPG were able to think to themselves like this, to increase the reality of our characters. Of course, entirely optional since not everyone can comprehend how the dragon thought processes work, but Saphira's chapters still give us an extremely valuable glimpse into how a dragon thinks.

OOC: Very well, I shall join in this, but don't expect me to be on too often, I'm preparing for exams.

IC: Eriel stood in a clearing clad only in her undergarments, her left arm outstretched and her palm open upwards to the sky, she whispered, "Adurna, Risa."
Water from a nearby lake shot up and coalesced into a ball above the elf's hand. A gentle breeze formed around her, picking up the leaves around her gently before hurling them towards the hard forest ground.
Eriel noticed and manipulated the two elements then, forcing the wind inside the ball of water. She separated them for a second and forced the two elements together, the water and air mingling as one when the struck each other and exploding as Eriel lit a tiny inferno burning with the heat of the sun within the ball.
Now controlling three elements, the elf whispered under her breath, "Solus garjzla"
A bright halo of light formed around the still flying water. Time slowed as the elf forced them back together, forming a dragon breathing fire with light and air circling it's body. Eriel smiled to herself, pleased.
"Kveykva." Eriel whispered and sent a bolt of electricity through the water body of the dragon, making electricity flow through the water, vague patterns of the Gedway Ignasia visible.
Eriel laughed as the spell took a toll on her energy. "Do I add another element Emrhyst?" She asked her dragon who was standing behind her.
Why not? You have me here, as well as your sword which has two years worth of energy in it.
Eriel grinned. "Deloi, Risa." The earth rose out of the ground and formed a mini dragon beside it.
"Cute aren't they?" The elf asked her dragon absentmindedly.
Emrhyst grinned and nuzzled against her rider. Eriel smiled and released the earth then storing the remaining apparition in her sword, ready to summon at will.

OOC: Gah! Darn, I'm not going to get Brisingr until Saturday! I'm not going to reply again until I read it, that way I'll know what's going on. I'll probably start using that form once I read Brisingr. Please excuse the shortness of this intro post, as I'm not quite sure what's happening.

IC: Phal flew swiftly in her brother's wake, the air rushing past her in cooling torrents. She flapped up near Faefnir's massive head when he spoke. I am anticipating this event as an eagle chick anticipates its first flight. Which of course meant it was nearly impossible for me not to rush off as soon as I heard this, Phal said with a smile. She was speaking the truth; in fact, she was having difficulties restraining her excitement.

I cannot wait to meet my mother, Faefnir, Phal said, then paused anxiously, Do you think she'll approve of me, of who I am now? Phal knew it was ridiculous for her to think her mother wouldn't like her, but she couldn't suppress her worry.

OOC: OK. Let's wait for Star and Aeraldi to show up now, before we continue with this RP.

OOC: Sorry for posting earlier but I wanted to finish reading Brisingr before I read anything. Just finished it yesterday so I know what it all means now.

Aeraldi flew beside Keralin and Aelir, but whilst he didn't know the rider and dragon too well he knew that if Faefnir trusted him then he was a decent person. So how are you related to Faefnir then? He asked Aelir.
Aelir looked at the small dragon and felt his immense mind, ancient beyond his reckoning. He altered his flight so that Emrhyst's Twilight Sister shone. I'm related by being Ermhyst's mate, and through the Twilight Sisters.
I see, you must have done something of great importance.
It wasn't much really, as the way things go our travellings together made us closer, and soon we realised how far that attraction went. Now I don't know where I would be without them and I know Keralin agrees with me.
And do you think that there may be somone for me? Somewhere in the world?
The question caught Aelir off guard, for he had not thought Aeraldi was concerned about a subject like that in his current form. I... Aelir took a deep breath, ordering what he was going to say next. There is someone for you somewhere, of that I know. But of whom I have no clue, I am ashamed to say that I don't know you too well. Just keep looking and don't give up hope, Keralin did once and it almost cost him everything.
I understand. Aeraldi said.

Keralin looked to Eriel and her created creature, admiring the craftsmanship, and said, "It looks great Eriel."

OOC: Excellent. Just need Star now and we'll be all together

OOC: Hm... should we go on without her?

OOC: I'll send her a PM. If she doesn't respond in a few days, we'll continue without her.

OOC: lol sry about the delay guys, but I sorta forget about most of the Rp thread orders after my exams

IC: Eriel let out a laugh. "Surely Galbatorix won't appear alone. Shruiken, Murtagh and perhaps Thorn may appear with the dark prince." Emrhyst raised an eyebrow. Does it make any difference? We've stopped them before, can't we do it again? Eriel looked sidelong at her dragon. "I highly doubt they would have stopped training themselves especially after that defeat we dealt them years ago. In any case, we don't know where we will be fighting him, although I can bet it would be under a roof, much to Star's and your disadvantage Emrhyst." The dragon shuddered then rose up to her full height. Okay, so, everyone ready to fly?

I don't know if I can. Aeraldi admitted. I can never control it willingly, and if I could I don't know how long I could stand killing. That is more my other side's speciality.
And I would be happy to. Aeraldi said, trapped within the confines of their shared mind.
I will try though.

"My swords are at your service Faefnir, as always." Keralin said. As well as my claws and teeth. Aelir added. As Faefnir mentioned Rimfax Keralin immediately thought about his own dark past.
"Faefnir, I feel I must also tell your that Nilarek might show. He will see this as an opportunity to capture me as I will be bust fighting off not just waves of soldiers but also Galbatorix and whatever evil he has in store for us. He is devious and he might also use this to kill the rest of you. I hate to say it but he could succeed.

You have me remember, Aeraldi said with confidence. The last time I fought your nemesis he ran from me like a scared pup. He does have his vulnerabilities and we can use them. He tried to turn me once before and I will not allow myself to come under his control again. He said with ferocity.
Now if only you can keep that. Aeraldi said.
Yes, I will try.

OOC: You want to continue this I-L-S?

OOC: Yeah, sorry.

Faefnir nodded at Reb as she appeared on his mates back. He knew very well the conflict she was facing within herself, and touched a tender tendril of his mind against hers to offer solace and strength in her time of need. We are here, little one. You will be alright.

Faefnir saw the black-city-of-mad-king, Uru'baen, on the horizon. We are close, everyone. Get ready; this will not be easy.

OOC: Okay, so i guess I'll kill off Emrhyst here, no probs with the timeline or anything right?


IC: Eriel just smiled, feeling her dragon's eldunari that she fused with the emerald chainshirt that were was wearing to camouflage it. "When was it ever easy Faefnir?"
Emrhyst let out a grin and touched her mind to Reb, doubling the peaceful effect Faefnir was giving to her friend.
She let out a growl. Alright guys, are we ready? She bared her teeth.
Eriel's smiled disappeared as she frowned deep in concentration, making the light around them bounce around and placing wards of silence and another to hide their magical signatures. "Alright, wards are up."

Keralin put on his armor whilst on Aelir, preparing himself mentally as well as physically. Aelir took a deep breath and prepared himself for what would most likely become a war, them against the entire Empire.

Aeraldi nodded and prepared himself for what would be to come. He had thought heavily on the existance of his own Eldunari and whether what color it would be.
I'll stay as long as I can, so you can stay in your form for longer.
A good plan, I look forward to it.
And that will never stop disturbing me greatly. Aeraldi said, looking at Faefnir's back wonderng if he could land there without him noticing.
You know I'm going to do that one day. Aeraldi said with amusement.
That is a day I'm going to dread. He replied.

Remember Aelir, Keralin began, I'm here if you need me. I won't let anything bad happen to you, that I swear.
You have too little faith in my abilities. I may be younger than the rest, aside from Phalynx, but I know my way around a battlefield. I'll be fine.
And if you see him, Keralin sent an image of Nilarek, do NOT fight him. That power can easily corrupt.

OOC :Why are you killing her?
IC:Star Gazer prummed her agreement and then dove for the city, not much one for surprise attack feeling dishonest and then prayed to God that they all kept safe.

Reb slowly stood up on her dragon's back and then jumped off and let the air catch her as she fell. She began spinning, fire exploding in the air around her, creating a fire funnel around her, picking up range, becoming large.

Star Gazer watched Reb and began to spin in the air, cutting a diagonal path straight for her rider, planning an interception right before she hit the ground.

Reb felt weightless and free as she fell, burning an path to the ground, not burning herself or anyone else, she just had to phsych herself up for battle, get ready for anything.

Star Gazer was twenty feet from Reb when she dove under her, and Reb's feet softly touched her back, and then the fire was gone and Reb was once again sitting on Star Gazer's back.

OOC: It's your turn, ILS.

OOC: Ah, I guess it is. I always think there is somebody after Star lol.

Faefnir roared and arched downward toward the courtyard with Star gazer. As Reb reappeared on her back, Faefnir landed in the courtyard of Uru'baen and started to distract the soldiers coming from the barracks. Me and Star will deal with the barracks. Aelir, Aeraldi, you two take care of the wall and give Phalynx a clear sight into the fortress. Eriel, you and Emrhyst make sure she is not targeted by ANYONE. Even if Rimfax shows up... may the Father forbid that... make sure nobody gets close to her. I'm counting on you to keep my sister safe. Faefnir then saw out of the corner of his eye Galbatorix and Shruikan, with Murtagh and Thorn behind them, exit the citadel and charge toward him and Star gazer with a great host of men behind them. Aelir, Aeraldi, don't think about helping us. Keep the wall cleared! Faefnir then quickly told Star what to do. They are going to launch arrows at us. Galbatorix and Murtagh, and Shruikan and Thorn, will be unhindered by their wards, but the soldiers will be. When they are stunned, induce a blindness on them that we can remove when we are done here. I'll hold off Galbatorix and the others when you're saying the spell, and when you and Reb are ready, take Murtagh and Thorn. I'll deal with the King and Shruikan.

The hail of arrows came at them just as Faefnir was done relaying his instructions. He stepped in front of his mate and Reb and roared, stopping the arrows and causing the soldiers to rub their ears with the temporary deafness. Galbatorix and his unwilling slaves, as Faefnir said, continued running at them, the dragons roaring and the humans unsheathing their swords. Now, Faefnir nearly shouted at Reb and Star gazer as he roared the challenge response at the charging Riders and dragons. Faefnir did his best to hold all four of them off while Star regained her strength, sustaining many wounds to his battle-hardened scales because of them outnumbering him. He relayed a message to everybody in his party. Don't worry about me. Keep your mind set on your tasks.

OOC: Yeah, I think we might. She just disappeared after new years and hasn't come on since, at least to my knowledge. RiderEriel, if you're out there I am sorry.

OOC: Alrighty then, that makes it my turn.

IC: Phalynx pulled into a dive a little ways behind the others, not wanting to draw attention to herself. She allowed the golden glow that accompanied her sight powers radiate from her eyes, for she was already quite visible to the men below. She stopped, hovering beneath the walls of the fortress. Down here, she would be less noticeable.

Phal longed to help her family fight the men and the approaching evil riders, but she knew she had a different task. She began scanning the area, looking for a way in.

Okay. There are about three different ways into the area beneath Uru'baen that are near to us. One near this courtyard, reached either through a door to the right. That'll be guarded pretty heavily, I'd assume. Another one is directly beneath us, but we'd have to dig to get to it. The last one is on the other side of the wall, and it doesn't look guarded or hard to get to but it's the farthest away. All have fairly direct routes to the chambers we want to get to, as far as I can see, Phal said. She waited for the others to decide which to take.

OOC: Aeraldi, it's your turn.

OOC: Uh oh. My bad people! My Bad!

Aeraldi allowed the change to occur, the pain from ages past coursing through him. He knew how long he had to change and how high he had to be if the change was to occur in the air. He fell from the sky thrashing in agony, his scales turning black until the change was complete. Aeraldi flew back up and joined his mind with Aelir.

Aelir dove towards the wall taking in a deep breath. He circled around Aeraldi who also took a deep breath in. They timed their attack with each other, planning on burning the men on the walls with their breath while Keralin dealt with those who found cover. Both dragons then opened their maws wide and breathed fire upon the battlements, soldiers running as fast as they could to escape. Keralin jumped into the middle of the heat, using a spell to keep himself from being burnt to a crisp. As both dragons parted and went their separate ways Keralin started to search, although he didn't expect anyone to still be alive after that he still searched. He surprise was that out of all the soldiers only one man had stayed alive, although from the looks of him he wasn't going to be much longer. Keralin took pity on the man and walked over to him, his sword poised above him for a killing stroke.
"Mercy... Please!" The man cried.
"I cannot heal this and your wounds are too severe. I'm sorry." And with that Keralin dove his sword into the man, severing his link with life. He did feel slight remorse in taking this man's life but he knew he had to put it out of his mind if he was to keep sane.

Aeraldi breathed as long as he could, but this wall was massive. He had to take a second breath. Curse this small body! He said as he took a second breath, looking at Aelir with an almost envious eye. Still he turned around and continued his path along the wall, taking out his rage on those beneath him.

OOC: You can join in if you find a sensible way of joining in. This RP was kinda reserved for the Royal Family, but I have no objections to you joining.

OOC: So are we going to skip Eriel, seeing as she won't be back any time soon? Or will Aeraldi control her charries to some extent? Well, for now I'll just go.

IC: Phal examined each of the three entrances, trying to decide quickly which would be the best. Suddenly, she noticed the one to the right fill up with infrared signatures of soldiers. The wall also filled up quickly, replenishing itself despite Aeraldi, Aelir, and Keralin's efforts. Looks like there's only one option, then, Phal thought.

The silver dragoness flashed up and above the wall less than a second. As she darted up, she blasted Shruikan and Thorn with starfire, blinding them briefly to give Faefnir a little respite. She continued up until she was well above the entire city, and then let herself fall.

As Phalynx fell, she blasted out silvery flame, causing her to look very much like a comet. The fire was also protecting her from harm, as arrows were fired at the falling star and burned up. The whole move was too fast for either of the two evil dragons to attack her. Phal crashed into the courtyard, blowing a huge hole in the ground and opening the underground tunnel for the others. Alright everyone! It's ready when you are! she cried, climbing a little dizzily from the hole and shaking her head. She quickly took flight again, getting out of harm's way on the ground.

OOC: I'll get rid of Eriel's character, I'll play for her in this one.

Aelir and Aeraldi continued with their decimation of the soldiers on the wall. Keralin saw Eriel and Emrhyst fighting the soldiers on the ground, they were winning but they were under exteme pressure. Keralin watched Eriel was a moment, just enough to see Eriel sustain a sword slice her leg and opposite arm which rendered them useless. Emrhyst screamed in shared agony and breathed fire on the soldiers closest. Keralin's eyes widened in horror and he ran to Eriel, uncaring about the soldiers within his way. Eriel had healed herself but Keralin was still uneasy about her being here.
"Eriel, get out of here now!"
"I can handle myself, don't you worry." She said back.
"You were almost killed!" Keralin said, turning around and killing a few more soldiers that happened to get too close. "You cannot leave our child without a mother, I know he has other that will take care of him but he only has one mother. He needs you." Keralin looked at her with pleading eyes.
Eriel looked at Keralin and saw the endless devotion to her in his eyes. "I won't die, not here anyway." She said.
"I can't lose you and I can't raise this child on my own. Please, I need you to stay safe."
Eriel took one more look at Keralin and then decided. "Alright, I'll go for you." Eriel climbed onto Emrhyst and took a final look at Keralin. Emrhyst took a look at Aelir, then they took off and headed away as they could. Not looking back, for they knew if they did they would have stayed.
Keralin breathed a sigh of relief then returned to what he did best. Although he would never admit that to himself, he killed and killed again.

Aelir breathed his fire as long as he could, he even destroyed the wall whenever he had the chance. He hoped that it would slow down the never ending barrage of soldiers but all it did was make them fire even more arrows. They tore through his wings and bounced off his scales, minor distractions on their own but they were starting to build up. The pain was starting to distract him from other, more inportant tasks. Such as watching out for those he called his friends and family. He was almost too late to warn Keralin of the approaching evil. Aeraldi!! MOVE! He screamed as the familiar shade jumped up behind the strange blakc dragon.

Aeraldi turned just in time to dodge the blade that came flying through the air, aimed for his wing. The sword hit the ground and took out a chunk of rock, the empty void being filled with the shadows from the blade. You! I thought you weren't after me! Aeraldi said at the shade.
Apparantly, that isn't true. Aeraldi said as he looked deep into the eyes of Nilarek.

Nilarek smiled and drew back his blade, knowing that he now had a fight on his hands. "Oh you misunderstand me, I'm not after you but you are in my way!" His voice rising as he ended the sentence. He slashed his blade at Aeraldi who promptly dodged the attacks, using the agility his tiny body had. Aeraldi then jumped upwards, using the air to his advantage and swiped at Nilarek with his claws, using the power that came from his ancestry.
You know, now I could use your help in destroying this persistent shade!
I agree, this time that shade dies!
With that, both sides of Aeraldi united with their combined hatred of this being of pure evil. They breathed in and directed their wrath upon the shade, the flame expanding so that it was hundreds times larger than the dragon that breathed it.
Nilarek brought up his power and pushed the flames aside with the magic that was dormant in the world. After all, why use his power when this could be done simply. The hand he held out to split the flames to the sides of him began to cook with the heat of the flames, Nilarek pushed aside the pain because he knew that the dragon would have a few seconds after he finished breathing before he could do anything.

OOC: I'd like to keep this one going but I should let others have their turn

OOC: I meant, I could have kept writing with that one post. I should let other be able to post as well before continuing too far.

OOC: It's your turn, ILS.

Keralin felt Aelir's panic as his own and soon realised why. Nilarek. Why is he after Aeraldi? He wondered, He's after my body. Keralin disregarded that and hoped that Aeraldi's flame would killl the shade, he turned to defend the hole that was created in the ground whilst Aelir dealt with any archers that decided that the elf was an easy target.

Aeraldi breathed the flame as long as he could, but he was still tired from burning the battlements so he couldn't hold it for too long. When his flame stopped and he had to breathe in, Nilarek took his opportunity.
He let his hand drop beside him, to heal on it's own. His sword gripped tightly in his right hand. He charged at Aeraldi at that point, swinging his sword for a killing blow.
Aeraldi saw this and moved to defend, he hated this shade and everything he stood for. Aeraldi agreed, this was one being that had to be destroyed.
Nilarek sword came, shining in delight and seemed to anticipate it's kill by ringing softly.
Aeraldi moved just in time to grip the sword within his teeth. He stared at Nilarek with nothing but pure hatred. That was when Nilarek noticed the change in Aeraldi's eyes.Aeraldi's eyes were grey, his teeth growing longer with every second. Nothing could have prepared Nilarek for the sight he saw next.
Aeraldi grew immesely, his claws became like those of a normal dragon but so massive that they could have destroyed a large house just by pressing down upon it. He shattered Nilarek's with nothing but his jaw which was growing along with the rest of Aeraldi. He kept growing until he was larger than Faefnir, although not by much. It seemed that that was the largest a dragon could get, at least for now. Aeraldi roared in pleasure and anger and he looked down upon Nilarek with hatred.
Nilarek stared at the now massive dragon with fear, he never feared another being in his life. Not like the terror that ran through his very soul at this moment. Here he saw a being that could not only dissapate the spirits that he inhabited but also destroy them, so that he wouldn't exist anymore. He had no weapons to throw at the dragon, nothing that would affect it anyway. Or do I? He wondered. He did the only thing he could to buy time, he took Aeraldi's shadow which paralyzed both him and the dragon. He also took the knowledge from the mighty dragon.
"So mighty Aeraldi, I see you for what you are now. I can see everything." Nilarek said maliculously. "Would you like to know?" He hoped that he would have enough time to form a plan.
Aeraldi grimaced in pain as his shadow was taken from him but he soon righted himself. No, you cannot keep me here. I have felt pain far greater than this and I have pushed through it before. You are dead little shade. His voice boomed over the castle, sending courage into those he considered allies and fear into those he saw as enemies. He moved towards Nilarek with the intent of destroying the shade.
Nilarek saw his chance then, and his mind formulated a plan within the blink of an eye. He released Aeraldi's shadow and moved underneath him, for such a large dragon would be slow. He sprinted and reached for the hilt of his sword, although the sword itself was in pieces. He forced his energy into a blade of pure shadow and drove it into the belly of Aeraldi. It would soon spread a poison so devastating that it corrupted the being affect would become corrupted by its power. Now all that Nilarek had to do was wait until he could force the mighty beast under his control.
Aeraldi felt the blade pierce his scales and swiped Nilarek out from underneath him, then watched as the shade flew through the air into the courtyard. He could feel the sword still within his body, slowly seeping into his body. He did as only one other dragon he knew could do, he used the magic of dragons. Aeraldi removed the sword from his stomach and dispersed the shadows that made the sword so powerful. That was when the pain set in, a pain greater than none other. The pain of power.

Keralin watched as Aeraldi's fight with Nilarek took place, he could not believe that the shade would fight a dragon as large or as powerful as that. He watched as Nilarek conjured the sword from shadows and he suddenly knew what was going to happen for he had used that exact technique himself. He addressed Aelir directly, his voice stern and unyielding. Aelir, go to Aeraldi and make sure doesn't give into the poison within his veins. Tell him that if he does then Nilarek will have won the battle for he will have control of his body and power.
Aelir nodded and flew towards the large dragon while Keralin watched as Nilarek was batted towards him. Whether it was fate, a work of magic or even the work of some god, Nilarek landed near Keralin. Keralin walked towards the seriously injured shade and kicked him in the ribs as hard as he could. He felt a few of them break.
"How does the pain feel Nilarek?" He yelled, lifting the shade up and beating him across the face until the force of his blows were enough to knock him out of his hands. "How does it feel!?" He screamed.

OOC: draco, it's Faefnir's and Phal's turn. Do your job

OOC: Hey, it is. Sorry, this one hasn't been posted in a while so I didn't even notice. I shall post now, though.

Faefnir gazed around the walls, saddened by the sight of so many imprisoned dragons. He saw Phalynx fly over to one of the Eldunari. He put one claw over the stone to see if she was right. It is her. Now come, we must hurry and- he was cut off by a sudden roar as a shadowy form leaped out of hiding. Rimfax plunged into Faefnir and they fell to the floor of the chamber. Faefnir released a mighty roar and kicked Rimfax off of him. He stood up and faced his nemesis across the cavern. Phalynx, take Navarre and get out of here, he said, glancing up towards his sister-of-blood.

Phal flapped out of the way as her brother inspected the Eldunari for himself. She was almost overcome with the joy of having finally found her mother. She could now meet her, and talk to her, for the first time. Suddenly, a huge dark shape tackled Faefnir to the ground. Phal reeled back as they fell to the floor. Faefnir! she cried. The golden dragon told her to take the Eldunari and leave. Phal snorted. Like I'm going to leave now, she muttered. She knew that Navarre needed to be taken to safety, but she couldn't let her brother get trapped down here in a fight on his own. At any moment Galbatorix's minions could show up and increase the odds against them. Phal scooped up Navarre's Eldunari and held it tightly to her chest. She then flipped over and with a strong beat of her wings was above Rimfax and Faefnir.

OOC: The stone I had rolling for this one has been forgotten and I have no idea what I was leading to... Let's see if I can get this boulder rolling again.

"In that case all I have to do is avoid your precious swords until my spell works on that monstrous dragon over there, after which I will be unstoppable." Nilarek smiled.
"Unlikely," Keralin said, "what's most likely to happen is that dragon will reject you."
"I doubt it, I used that spell on a dragon of similar size once. He still serves me now, in the shadow realm."
Keralin flinched at the mention of that dragon, if that happened to Aeraldi as well... "In that case, I'll make sure that if he does turn he will not be giving his power to you!" He attacked Nilarek then, swinging his swords in a technique that he learned after being rid of Nilarek.


Aeraldi, however, was having trouble rejecting the power being offered to him. I can kill him with this, I can kill them all with this power!
But I cannot live with this power, If I accept it then I have to take everything else that comes with it... Including being controlled by Nilarek.
But if I use this power to kill him first, then there won't be anyone else that can stop me!
But will I be able to kill Nilarek? If he wants to give me this power, then how much more does he have? I...
I... Want this power....
I cannot accept this power... Not with what it entails...
Not with who I would be giving myself up to...
Pain, mind numbing pain came, it seemed as if Aeraldi was splitting himself again. Except that it just hurt, nothing more. Aeraldi roared in pain, releasing his flame. It was tinged with shadow.

Both Keralin and Nilarek stopped for a moment to watch Aeraldi and see what the result would be.
You know you want it, just take it. It will release your own power.
Don't take it! It's a choice, and you must make it yourself.
Aelir ducked under the flame of Aeraldi and rammed the huge dragon. Listen to me you great big oaf! He screamed It's your power, not his he is offering! It's a trick, it was always a trick!

Aeraldi felt the shadow, he felt it's power and wanted to give into it. It was so beautiful. He felt the strike of of smaller dragon, barely, but he heard the words as if he struck at his heart directly.
It's my power? He wondered, But my power is as nothing at this power. Aeraldi felt the power Nilarek was offering and the felt the power he had inside him already. They felt the same, exactly the same. It was his power. It was his own power that Nilarek was offering.
Nilarek!! He shouted. I will kill you for this trespass! Aeraldi looked down at Nilarek, his eyes ablaze with fury. He breathed out the shadow from his body and burnt them with his flame. The shade wasn't going to get that power back.

Nilarek ran, his plan had failed. He had to run, or they all would destroy him. He morphed his body into shadow, like Rimfax did, and moved as quickly as he could. Aeraldi was going to destroy him if he didn't move now.

Keralin watched in amazement as Aeraldi fought the shadows valiantly. He was so entranced by the dragon that he didn't notice when Nilarek ran. He cursed himself for being so careless, but at least that shade wouldn't bother them anymore.

OOC: I apologize, Star, but this is the best opportunity for me to get warmed up now that I'm back.

Rimfax roared loudly at his arch-nemesis as he managed to dodge his launch. Attempting to grab at the Eldunari of Navarre, Faefnir clobbed him in the head with a giant tail. Grunting, the black shadow roared furiously and turned to him, facing him full on. The two dragons circled each other, like male lions fighting for control of the pride. In the dragon language, Rimfax spoke. "You are weak, Great Son," he said with mockery in his voice. "By the time your petty attack has ended, I will feast on your bones in the Shadow Realm!" Than the Shadow Dragon roared and pounced at Faefnir.

Faefnir had just managed to ram his tail into the evil dragon's head before he got to Navarre. He looked at his mother, the light within glowing brighter as she became aware of the presence of her daughter and son. He shouted at Phalynx through telepathy. Phal, get Navarre out of here! Don't even think about trying to help, you get out of here with Mother! Faefnir knew deep within that his half-sister-of-blood would not listen to him, but it didn't hurt to try. Nudging Navarre out of the way, he faced his evil half and began to circle him like a true predator. The dragon-of-shadow-and-blood started to taunt Faefnir, but his evil side had been purged with Rimfax; they did nothing. Than Rimfax launched at Faefnir and the two dragons of equal size and strength began to fight for the survival of the Eldunari of Navarre.

OOC: Star hasn't been on in a while, so I don't think she'll mind too much.

IC: Phal snorted. As much as she respected her wise older brother and wanted to see her mother's Eldunari to safety, she would not leave him alone in such a perilous situation. We leave this place together or not at all, she said quietly, mostly to herself. Clutching the Eldunari tightly to her chest, Phal surged up above the two fighting dragons, sending a few silvery missiles of starfire shooting down towards Rimfax's back. Hopefully she could keep him distracted enough so that Faefnir would have an easier time getting the upper claw in their battle. Phal used her sight to gaze at the proceedings above, and saw that their family were all engaged in deadly battles of their own.