Erais didn't really acknowledge being moved, but the change in air and soft cool grass under her cheek helped heighten her awareness. She continued to cough weakly as the remains of smoke were lodged tightly deep in her lungs. She barely registered the fact that there was quite a bit of blood staining her hands from coughing too hard and too much. Erais was just glad to be out of the toxic fumes that made her defenseless and weak. She tried looking through her eyes, but they still stung from the smoke and were extremely watery, so she just let them close.

Erais' coughing fits were growing fewer and farther between, but that didn't stop them from coming back with a terrible strength. It was nice to breathe clean air again, and she just let the cool ground seep into her hot skin from the flames. Her eyes still stung a little, but she sensed someone close by...or maybe someones. "Hello?" She croaked out, her voice rough and torn up. She sounded terrible, even to her own ears, if she hadn't spoken the word, she wouldn't have been able to tell what she had said.

Erais burst into another fit of coughs, feeling a sticky wet substance land on her hand. She was finally able to calm down and start to breathe in the clean air again. It took her a moment to realize that there was a slight pressure on her legs. She cracked her eyes open, only to see a blury world. So she shut her eyes again. Hello? Erais asked with her mind, deciding that talking would be a bad idea.

Erais couldn't believe what she was hearing, she was sure her imagination was playing tricks on her. Daidrea's voice was real, it had to be. She couldn't respond, knowing she go into another fit of coughing. She felt him grab her shoulder than feeling her face. His touch, even though it was gentle, caused her to go into a fit of coughing, making more blood come up than before. No, its fine. You were able to stop him from killing me...thanks. Erais said to him as she was coughing terribly.

Erais listened to him, not trusting her own voice. Afraid what she would say would only be a harsh sound. Aerdiad got upset that he couldn't strike me, so he turned and walked away...I went in front of him...I kissed you. Erais told him through her mind, her whole body was just as cut off as his was, but not as worse.

Because it seemed to be the only way to get you back...but I did mean it. Erais told him, taking a fairly deep breath. She was still laying down against the ground, unable to make proper use of her body at the moment. It was sort of my fault that Aerdiad was able to take over...I'm sorry. I really should have listened to you...but I didn't and I'm sorry. Erais was still afraid to use her voice. Her throat hurt awfully and she wished that she hadn't run into the flames.

Erais was almost half asleep when Daidrea spoke. All she wanted was to put her weary body to rest. Same... She trailed off, hearing him say sleep was the only thing she needed to hear. She easily nodded off and was asleep, to tired to care for anything or anyone, just wanting to be asleep. She wanted to just sleep and let her worries just wash away with sleep.

Erais head pounded slightly as she was able to wake up. Her throat ached as well as her chest from having coughed so much previously. She got that cough sensation and jolted into a sitting position while coughing. It took a minute, but finally she was able to calm down. Looking at her hands, she was able to focus her eyes enough to see red and a darker red from the dried blood on it.

She lay back down her head pounding again, and worse. She really regretted going into the toxic fumes, otherwise she wouldn't be in this state. Erais let her mind see for her, since she couldn't with her eyes, least not properly. Daidrea was still next to her, and Mesaraih was leaning against a tree close by.

It was a while before Erais replied, but only because she didn't want to cough up more blood. "Yes...but I'd rather be asleep right now," She rasped. The ground was still pretty cool, and it felt good against her warm skin. "You okay?" She was finally able to choke out without coughing. Her whole body ached and she wished that she could just go to sleep and then wake up perfectly fine again.

"No, it was time for me to wake up anyway. I wouldn't be able to go back to sleep, even if I wanted to. I just want to not feel this horrible pain and ache." She said slowly, but it had been too much and she ended up in another coughing fit. "Ugh," she groaned quietly. "I'm sorry I left you behind, I wasn't thinking straight..." she trailed off before continuing more to herself than the other two. "...I don't think any of us were thinking straight yesterday..."

Erais moved her eyes over to Daidrea's face and shook her head as quickly as she dared. "No...you need your strength...I'll live..." She had to stop with another spurt of coughing. "I just wish I had been wiser and had covered my face up at least, that way I wouldn't have inhaled as much smoke." She said this much carefully and a lot more slowly so her throat wouldn't be irritated again.

Erais glared at Daidrea, but it wasn't how she normally glared. She was just a bit annoyed. It's not like I can't take care of myself. She thought to herself slightly bitter. She was grateful to find that she was breathing easier, and the urge to cough was less. "Thanks, but don't ever assume you can just do something like that!" Her tone was louder than she expected, but she didn't care. She wanted to get her point across to him.

"I forgive you...but I guess old habits die hard, I didn't mean to snap at you. I'm just not really used to having other people care." Erais said sincerely. She decided to try and sit up, see if she could do it on her own, it was okay for a while...but she had to lie back down soon after. She shut her eyes for a moment to see if she could find some sort of peace from the current happenings. It worked, but faded away slowly as the irritation came back to her throat. However, since Daidrea helped her a little, she could supress the urge for coughing.

"I understand, in any case we are both still weary so we should rest up more. The spell took out more than I expect so I'm going to sleep a while more. So should you."
Daidrea closed his eyes, he let sleep take him.

Erais lay back down against the ground, she hadn't realized how tired she had become again in that small instance where she had been awake. She was quickly out of it, but the last coherent thought that she could remember was focused on Mesaraih, extremely worried about him. Wondering how he was taking this all, she prayed silently that he wasn't hurting or she hadn't done something to make him any more upset than he had already been.

Erais was tired, but she woke up, very restless. Her eye sight could have been better, but she was glad she could at least see things clearly if they were fairly close. She sat up, Daidrea was still asleep, and she wished she was too; but she was too restless. Looking about she spotted Mesaraih still over by the same tree. The moon was out, but was falling into the pattern it took every night as it would start to set, making room in the sky for the sun.

"Mesaraih, are you okay? You've been quiet through this whole thing?" She croaked out, still a bit shocked at how bad her throat really was.

Erais looked at him worriedly, but knowing from past experiances of what could happen if she inquired. Does it sound that bad? She asked him, worried that it might be permanent damage. "If you want to try, but I doubt it will just go away, it feels like it will take a while for it to heal on its own." Her tone wasn't upset or anything, but she was concerned if it might be permanent. After all, she had coughed up a considerable amount of blood, her hands were stained as proof to it.

Erais looked down at her hands and quickly hid them behind her back. Almost instantaneously her throat was soothed and she was relieved. "Thanks," she muttered quietly. Erais decided to try and stand up. Sitting was easy so standing might work. At first she wanted to just lay back down on the cold ground, standing was strange and made the blood in her head pound painfully; but she stood anyway. Something seemed a bit off with Mesaraih. "What's going?" She didn't approach him, afraid it might upset him more. She wasn't positive she wanted to know, but in the end she decided she wanted to.

There was something in Mesaraih's tone that made her doubt him, but her attention was drawn to Daidrea when he stumbled into the forest for some food. It was a moment before he was back, but he didn't look like he was completely back to normal. She walked over to him, curious as to why he had blindfolded himself. "You okay? Anything I can help with?" She asked sitting next to him, her throat and lungs feeling immensely better from Mesaraih's help.

"Ah," she said understanding. Though it was a bit strange to see him eating blindfolded. Erais looked over at Mesaraih who seemed a bit sour. "I've tried talking to him, but he's lying and telling me he's fine. I don't get it. He's been a bit rude," she said quietly before standing up and walking over to Mesaraih. "You aren't being normal right now, spill it." She said sternly as she stood in front of him, piercing him with her gaze. She was a bit upset at his attitude right now.

OOC- lol i just noticed that now that i read it more carefully

Ooc - If you read it more carefully, she had walked over to where Mesaraih was and is speaking to him.

OOC- That's what I thought when I read it, but then Daidrea posted and I got confused. The "before" is probably what confused him.

Mesaraih turned towards her slowly. "How am I acting strange?" he asked her. In truth he knew why the question was asked, but if he told her his reasons, she would only get upset. There was no need for her to know. He did not waver as she pierced him with her gaze.

Ooc - Yeah, that was a bit confusing.

Ic -

Erais raised an eyebrow in question, wondering if he really was asking her that. She was sure she knew what was bothering him, and after hearing what Daidrea said, it was confirmed. She still wanted to hear it from his own mouth, she wanted him to be honest with her. "Mesaraih, please, just tell me." Erais pleaded, she understood, knowing she'd probably react the same way if she was in his situation.

"Because as much as it means to me for you to keep your promise...it means even more for you to be honest with me." Erais said calmly, not caring how he had been acting, she wanted him to be honest with her. The promise really didn't matter, and she knew that one day it would be tried and most likely broken. After all, its hard to keep a promise when the other persons heart is torn between two.

Erais smiled gently, knowing it must have been difficult for him to admit it outloud. "Yes, thank you." Her tone was soft and for a moment she seemed like a completely different person. "I hate this, and I know its hard on both of you; but we need to let it work out, if its meant to be than it will work. If not...than there is someone out there much better for you than me. Someone who wouldn't run towards the midst of the battle just to get rid of Galbatorix; someone who would stay with you and make you happy." Erais said, hoping it would comfort him, and she did believe what she was saying.

Erais knew she could never decide between the two. She wished that the day when one of them would step down never came. It would only leave mildly bitter feelings between them. They were both extrodinary, and she loved being around them both. "I just wish that this would be easier." Erais said off handedly.

Erais looked up when she saw Daidrea come back, seemingly a bit disoriented, but fine. She watched as he went and sat down against a nearby tree, using it as a support. Her throat still ached lightly and the pounding in her head was only faint now. Erais knew each of them wasn't thinking as clearly as they could be. Then again, so much had happened since she first met them. Well its good to see you alive, and Daidrea under control again. Arden said as landed on the ground softly. Yes, but life is still just as difficult as it has been. Erais told him wearily.

Arden stayed quiet most of the day, just relaxing in the heat of the sun as it hit his scales. Erais glanced over at Daidrea a few times, feeling a bit upset at him sitting alone. It felt nice to be able to just sit without worrying about something, but still, she wished that it didn't feel this uncomfortable. At least your not fighting...and at least Aerdiad's gone. Arden told her, wishing she'd stop complaining in her mind. True, but now it feels like Daidrea's being neglected...or however you see it. Erais told him, feeling bad that he was sitting alone.

Arden felt Erais' uneasiness as Daidrea staggered back into the forest. He got up off the ground, knowing that he wouldn't get any more rest, and it would be quieter around Daidrea. He slowly lumbered into the forest, helping Erais calm down and focus back on Mesaraih.

The more you do this and push her away, even if its just a light push, the more she'll worry. He said as Daidrea came into view. If you could hear the conflict and troublesome thoughts going on in her mind, than you'd think twice about your actions. He spoke to him, hoping he'd get it. Arden was starting to get sick and tired of listening to Erais' intrusive thoughts.

Arden watched him, not really understanding how love could be so complicated. If you loved someone and they loved you back, thats it, what possibly made it any more worse than it could. Arden's chest rumbled as he realized how it could get complicated, but not as complicated as they were making it. She loves you both, but if you both keep doing this, letting her spend time with the other, than beating yourself about it. It only hurts her and it confuses her. He felt a slight anger towards them both, they caused Erais to feel mixed emotions, which eventually passed to him.

Either way, if we are going to travel together to Ellesmera, both you and Mesaraih need to figure this out and stop hurting her. He said before walking back to where Erais and Mesaraih were still together.

Erais felt her gaze drawn to a spot behind her, there was Daidrea, back, and thankfully fine. Arden seemed more annoyed than ever, and the tension between them was making her nerves unstable. Erais felt her emotions start to rise up to the surface as Mesaraih spoke. She felt her world crashing to the ground, it was terrible, but it was completely necessary. She stood up, looking between Mesaraih and Daidrea. Either way it felt like a loss to her. Arden took to the sky, not able to take it anymore.

She only wished that this could've been so much easier...not this difficult. They had all gone through so much, she felt close to both of them, and loved them both almost painfully. Either way, she knew it would be a loss for her, even though it was still a sort of win.

Erais' eyes widened as she watched the two faced each other. She didn't want it to come down to this, these were two dear people she held close, but she knew it was the only way. She felt something bubble up inside her, not wanting to watch what happened, she covered her face in her hands and felt a small tear slide soundlessly down her face. Hoping that today wouldn't ruin many things.

Erais heard Daidrea scream in agony and whipped her face up to look at them fighting. The sound of clashing swords was either to handle, but she felt pain and agony ripple through her body as she saw Daidrea ready to keep fighting. They were both serious about this, she just wished that it was over and no one else would be hurt. She watched on as they fought, tears slipping down her face like rain on a quiet evening.

Erais watched in horror as the battle continued. She felt extremely helpless as they continued to fight, enemies for this moment. She felt anguish build inside her and she just couldn't sit there anymore and watch them fight. Daidrea looked horrible, silently she healed him, she didn't want to see either of them fighting with a wound. The bleeding was gone and so was the majority of his wound. I don't think I can take this anymore Arden... She told him in a pained voice. I think the end is coming soon, just stay strong just a little bit longer. Arden told her, hopefully comforting her.

He knew Mesaraih and Daidrea would fight to the death, but they wouldn't go that far. At least, he hoped they didn't. Seeing Erais in pain and the other two at each others necks just made him pity them all. They should do it in a more formal fasion and resolve it all, but he knew this was probably the only way it could be settled and maybe with some sort of closure.

Erais watched them as Daidrea tossed Mesaraih's sword aside, she felt a lurched as he stumbled back. The tears fell down her face as she realized they wouldn't be able to really beat each other. It would still come down to her, she knew deep down that it would be hurting the other but she knew which one she had to let go. All of you need to stop, Arden told them, he had been able to see the group of men that Daidrea had sensed earlier. Being so high in the sky he was concealed, but he saw them, and none of them had a chance against them. For one Arden knew the others were emotionally unbalanced and messed up, and the group marching towards them had several magicians.

Please, we need to work together if we are going to get out of here alive. All of you are too messed up right now, we might have enough time to get away. Arden told them urgently as he landed on the ground swiftly so he wouldn't be spotted. Erais looked at Daidrea and Mesaraih, feeling more torn up and hurting than ever. "Come on, we need to move." She said wiping her tears away, knowing she had to hold herself together just long enough to get to safety. "Lets move fast, please." She pleaded, her voice was a bit weak and she felt muddled up inside.

Arden gave a slight nod to Erais before lifting to the sky. I'll be watching their progress, if they get too close I can carry two of you to safety, and come back for the third. He told her before disappearing in the high points of the sky. Erais quickly gathered her things and ran to catch up with Daidrea, not realizing that she was sort of giving Mesaraih the cold shoulder. She finally came up next to him, slightly out of breath, but nothing came to her mind. Erais kept quiet, the silence was awkward and she knew if she spoke it would become even more so.

Erais walked silently next to Daidrea, just following him, unable to form coherent thoughts. She was glad that they were walking fast enough so she wouldn't have to talk to him. Her mind was jumbled and she was afraid to trust her mouth at the moment. The darkness that fell like a blanket helped ease her, she knew she'd have to face everything soon, but right now she just wanted to concentrate on getting out of harms way.

Arden kept as close as he dared, it was easy to tell that he was there if you were looking for it. The wind created by him that hit the trees in a gentle touch gave Erais some comfort that she wasn't alone right now. She knew she wasn't alone but the awkwardness between Daidrea and her was a bit unnerving for her. She'd just wait for him to speak, not having to guts to speak first.

Erais stopped suddenly as he did, she turned to look at him, studying his face in the falling darkness. She listened to him, feeling her throat start to tighten and the prickle of tears start to come, she didn't even know why. "I think..." She had to stop, afraid to use her voice, that it might betray her or something. "After all that I've been through with both you and Mesaraih, it just makes this so much more painful because I know I'll end up hurting one of you. You are both held so closely to my heart...that...if something bad happened to either of you one day...I just don't know..." Erais stopped, trying to figure out what she could say.

"I think that a lot has happened to you since we've met, we've been through a lot of similiar things and have been through a lot together. I know I just wouldn-" She was cut off with the sound of an arrow soaring through the air, on instinct she tried to move, and luckily it missed her heart and got her in the shoulder. "What the?" She asked, cursing slightly. The sound of more arrows coming through the air sent her into hyper drive. Arden! She yelled at him. I'm sorry Erais, they must know that I'm here, somehow that were able to cloak my eyes from what's really going on. Get out of there! He told her more urgently near the end.

Erais felt the pain sweep through her, but leave as Daidrea carefully healed her wound. She smiled weakly and gratefully at him. "Thanks," she muttered, feeling dazed and not completely there at the moment. Memories flashed through her mind of how it was living without Erador...living through another dragons death would kill her. "You don't think I don't know that?" Erais asked him as she stumbled while running. "Arden's safe as long as he's high in the sky, but yes, we do need to get out of here." She was able to pick her pace up and stop stumbling, though her mind felt clouded and she began to feel tired, immensely so. Her eyes were almost shutting of their own accord. "Need...move...hurry..." Erais was having trouble speaking while trying to concentrate on running.

Erais was ready to protest, she was perfectly capable to take care of herself. Inside her mind, she knew someone was draining her energy to the point of being unable to move and just sleep. Just keep moving, I fear they'll hit you next... Her words were slow as she transfered them to Daidrea's mind. Mesaraih! She suddenly screamed in her head, waking up instantly, but her body was to tired to respond. Find him... She said weakly as the last of her strength disappeared. Erais had gone out like a light, luckily Arden was too high in the sky to be affected, but he felt angry at what was happening. He knew it was too dangerous for him to risk going down, all he could do was pray Daidrea could keep her safe.