RDM RP Page #19
A mighty roar swallowed the night...the challenging reply Erador held for Zello'rox and Morac. Indeed their goals would've been to help stem the surge of Hert'zar into Sar'dan, but to behead the snake...the body would die. Luminous shockwaves cracked the earth and streets from where Erador took his landing, baring teeth and growling beastily. Every scale of the Light Dragon began to glow with intense and pure white light...Erindo
r being shilloeted in it as would come to the attention of his advisaries in front of his brother. "You just ruined my evening sir..." he began with a annoying tone of politeness.
"What of it?" Morac asked scoffingly as he left the back of his dragon. "What do you intend to do, Erador, dragon of Erindor? Kill me in exchange for Sar'dan's freedom of war? You shall only intensify such matters. If you fight me, you will die pitifully... An attempt so easily ended in vain and who shall be the victor? I shall be... and you... you will rot among the earth."
I challenge you, Erador, Zello'rox growled, bloody teeth bared. ACCEPT!
"Darlin', I accepted to a challenge before you even sluggisly thought it," Erador replied in a nearly bored tone, enjoying toying with Zello'rox a bit. "So how will you have it?" he asked in dracophone, "Fun and games? Or hardcore bodyslaming, personally I like to 'play' with my prey before I eat it..."
Erindor smiled, "Your sence of humor perseveres brilliantly, Great Erador," the rider remarked upon his brother's statements.
"Easy? Morac, nothing you're doing here is easy, you know that," Erindor said, drawing Valourne with flare. "Perhaps I should enlighten you to your hardships? Fight, or I shall cut out your tongue...amoung other things."
Morac bitterly laughed behind his lips in amusement. "You are interesting, Erindor...but that cannot save you from a destined fate. I will end your existance along with the rest of this pitiful settlement! Prepare... for a swift demise." He dimmed his dark blue eyes. "You should be proud of your last remark... It shows a bravery spent in vain... Think this..At least you didn't die with dishonor... That would be quite unlike you, Erindor."
Zello'rox laughed. Then let us play as you say, Erador! These pleasantries are tiresome... Let us fight! The dragon gave an earpiercing roar and left to the skies with rapidly pounding wings. When his black body reached the center of the moon, he turned, twisting his body in a spiral. He then flew down after Erador, only to bodyslam his foe ruthlessly.
Upon the colossal impact, Erador skidded under the force and his breath was forced from him...with a great deal of fire as he blew the hellish flare around the face of his foe before using Zello'rox as leverage to launch from the ground. His talons flashed sparks across the black dragon's scales, "Come catch me if you can..." the emerald dragon taunted back to his opponent...quickly gaining airspeed.
"You speak as if you wished to know me, I'm almost flattered," Erindor replied, mouthing, "good luck!" to Zello'rox simply to taunt him. "Now, like Zello'rox said...these pleasentires are tiresome. We cannot say who's fate is to come bitingly close to them tonight, but let words not decide who shall be the victor...only our minds and might."
Morac growled in impatience and attacked, putting all of his strength into the blade and his eyes set on the enemy.
Zello'rox roared angrily and chased after Erador. Do I sense fear? he scoffed.
"No, just playfulness!" Erador roared back with such vitality he seemed slightly juvenile. He circled out beyond Sar'dan and opened fire with dozens of firey projectiles. Erador need only flutter his tongue to lay waste a spectacular display of sizzling fire that lit up the night and the city below.
Sparks fled the edge of Morac's blade as it attempted to bite into the resilient Valourne which Erindor held plane out with both hands to stop the overapplied swing. His face was emotionless as his right leg sprang up and delivered an eager kick to Morac's mid-section before unlocking Valourne and swinging it about him as he transformed into a dervish.
Once Illatrius touched down on the overhang where the dark castle lay, she helped Malias down and Amrevar climbed off; then flew away, frustratedly. "Follow me... I will with you while we enter..." Amrevar said.
Malias nodded and followed close behind Amrevar into the castle.
Amrevar sadly watched the ground pass beneath his feet. "Malias I need you to make sure that I never leave the castle again. I already prepared for it... I just need you to lock me away..."
"Why do you wish for me to do such? Are you not capable of making changes to yourself? Does father have terrible control over you?" Malias sighed, he felt the pain in his body fight against him. He wished it would fade, but he had to endure.
Amrevar nodded. "Indeed, I cannot. I have no freedom, thus, I cannot live among the others... I am a dead being... Help me, Malias... You're the only one who can do this besides Erindor, but he is else where... I would of asked him as well..."
Malias forwned when he saw the chains of shackles upon the back wall. The throne wal gone and the gargantuan hole could be seen. "I am guessing... you intend on using the chains..?"
"Yes," Amrevar replied with despair as they reached the end of the throne room.
Tears flowed from both Amrevar and Malias’s eyes while the Elven lord chained the sorrowful Dark Lord to the back wall of Amrevar’s throne room. “Thank you…” Amrevar muttered faintly as he gazed at the floor. “I know this is for the best…I don’t want any visitors… if they come…they will be in danger…” He couldn’t hold back the tears, for he was more heartbroken then he was before Mavria returned to him…back before she died…for the second time. He turned his head towards the right side of the room, trying to avoid the eyes of his brother. “If I escape from this prison…please kill me…” he wept as he closed his eyes tightly in the pain. “And please take care of my son…”
Malias nodded as he stepped back, his eyes half closed showing great sympathy for his agonized brother. “I am sorry father had to choose you…” Malias peered at the floor, but then returned his gaze to the grieving Dark Lord with a shimmering tear.
“Don’t be…” Amrevar replied sadly. “I…am just glad…it wasn’t you…” The wings he kept back from view appeared upon his back in their shining dark purple splendor and folded around him to shield himself from Malias’s eyes.
“Farewell…” Malias said as he turned to head for the large castle doors of the kingdom.
“Farewell…” Amrevar said as he watched Malias leave the castle… Now he was alone to endure the torment his father’s spirit causes upon him…alone, away from all living beings to protect them from the sheer evil that controls him at will. “I longed to be like you, Malias…my world crumbles now… There is nothing anyone can do… I am now dead to the world…” He widespread his wings and folded them back, looking at the ground in deep sorrow. He watched as his tear shed, splashing to the cold, stone floor. His long and light blue hair fell over his shoulders when he let himself fall forward. Now loosely hanging from the chains, he continued to glance at the floor as memories consumed him with tears and regret. He watched as Malias tightly closed the doors, concealing the Dark Lord in pure darkness. He heard Malias mutter faint words; he knew Malias sealed the shut doors with light magic. It was impossible for his dark side to escape now and in that he felt relieved, for he feared that his dark form would break away from the somber prison to seek revenge upon those who placed him away. Amrevar hated himself for breathing in this condition. He wanted to be free of all ill tidings… Muttering silent words, he put himself into a long sleep so he wouldn’t have to go through the pains of the life he now had.
When the great doors were shut, Malias laid his hands on them; eyes closing. He poured all of his power into a mutter of words that caused a brilliant light to gleam. A gleam powerful enough to blind many. The light faded, thus, the castle was cieled. Walking away from the castle doors, tears fell from Malias’ eyes and the pain in his stomach from the first major injury he had made it even worse. “Illatrius,” Malias gasped, trying to take a hold of the pain. He held himself, doing his best to sustain his steps from falter. The sorrow for his brother made the pain worsen; it was the same pain that kept him nearly paralyzed on the bed in the infirmary nearly six months ago. Illatrius…please… I need you… Malias thought to her weakly. He severely coughed…blood seeped from the sides of his mouth. He still felt the anger within Illatrius…she was still angry with him and he knew she was too far away to hear him. Malias’ entire body grew weak…Soon he couldn’t hold himself up anymore and his knees gave way. “Illatrius…” he said again. He wasn’t capable of yelling for her, for every breath he took now was excruciatingly painful. Illatrius! He shouted in his mind to her, but there was still no answer. He could now feel her presence drawing near, but then it vanished as his senses were being lost. She had created a barrier around her mind to escape from arguments with him. He fell forward upon the ground, but turned himself over on his back with what strength he had left. Illatrius…don’t leave me here to die…It…it’s not like you… he thought to himself. He could barely think. Please… I need you more than ever…please…I…I beg of you… Illatrius…don’t keep me out…please… He coughed again. His body was becoming paralyzed with pain for the second time in his life. No… please no… Malias tried to speak aloud, but his voice was weak and he couldn’t understand a thing he even said. I can’t talk… please no…not now… no…no… Malias screamed in the pain, it was unbearable. He couldn’t move and his sight was becoming hazy and dark. “…Ugh…” He became choked up in utter horror, another tear streamed down the side of his face. No… The Lord of Sar’dan fell into the murk of fell unconsciousness.
Illatrius felt his pain and immediately came to his side. She regretted ever leaving him. “Malias!” She grabbed his body within her talons and lifted off into the air, her destination was the Sar’dan infirmary.
Theria woke up from her nap with a scream. "No!!" She was gasping heavily and tears flowed ceaseless from her grieving eyes.
"What happened?" Ar'rias asked with terrible concern for his rider. The dragon came to her side and wrapped his tail around her, wiping the specs of salty water from her eyes with the tip. "There, there..." He licked her face.
"Where's Papa!" She yelled, sadly.
"I'm not entirely sure... but... I believe that he attacked Sar'dan..." He could hear the shouts of mad beasts from his mother's cave. "Little one, stay here... I'm going to meet with my mother to see what is going on. Dear one, please stay here. Remain in the nest where it's warm."
Theria sniffed. "Okay..." she replied, nodding lightly.
Ar'rias licked her cheek again before he headed for the opening of the cave. He knew it was far too high for anyone to climb by themselves and they were far too occupied with the battle, so he had an assuring feeling that she would be safe. "Just incase... keep hidden." He dove down from the edge; his destination for Sar'dan. He almost ran into Illatrius. Worry rose when he saw the unconscious Malias in her grip. "What happened!"
A tear shed from her eyes. "It's all my fault!" she cried. I left him alone and, without my knowing it, Malias's pains returned! I fear for his life! It's all my fault!!"
"It's alright! Don't worry! We must reach the infirmary swiftly!" Ar'rias shouted in a rush. "I'll protect you on the way!"
"Thank you! Thank you, my child!" Illatrius thanked, happily. He wings pounded faster than ever and at last they arrived. After laying Malias gently on the ground, she landed, feeling chill rain fall from a black sky of woe. Illatrius picked her rider up by his shirt and set him in the sattle. "Now for the healers!"
Ar'rias nodded as he pushed open the doors with a calm swipe of his front talons. They both entered the infirmary. There, Ar'rias carefully picked up Malias and laid him on the floor. "Marthril! We need your aid! Malias is hurt!"
Growling, Morac vanished for a bit until he could push the pain from his mind by thinking of other things like: keeping his thoughts on the battle itself. He reappeared behind Erindor with a swinging sword, combining electrical black magic with the weapon.
Zello'rox darkly laughed when he dodged the fireballs; one hit his face, but he shook it off even though the pain slightly bothered him. "You little...!" The dragon drew back his neck and when he launched forward, he let out a stream of shadow electricity due to the mental link between his rider. Their thoughts were unusually the same. It was as if they were mental twins; their bond was tremendous.
Erador roared his reply attack, pure...white...searing lightning blinded the skies and forked to Zello'rox's magic attack where the two phenomena exploded in an atomic array of sound and light. The emerald dragon pounded through the flames, his maw venting violet and blue flames from the corners...eyes blazing emerald as he shot round after round. "I...AM...NOT...LITTLE!" Erador roared back in indignation, the bass from his voice rattling unsecured things on the ground below. This little outburst proceeded several dozen hellish projectiles...like shotgun blasts.
Erindor felt his mane of hair become charged with the energy behind him. The Rider spun to the ground in a crouch, again holding Valourne plane out, the electrically charged sword coming in devastating contact with his own weapon. Little white lights popped in his vision as his muscles screamed with discoordination before he rallied the powers and forced them as feedback against Morac's own magic. He pushed back Morac's blade and stood, back handing the Dark Lord with a steel studded gauntlet before drawing into a ready position again. "I...AM...NOT...LITTLE!" Erindor roared in unison with his brother (overcome with his dragon's sheer passion).
Zello'rox felt the pain of his enemies fire penetrate the scales of his chest and he roared in pain. Gaaaah!! I will kill you!!! He shook it off and headed for Erador, siezing hold of his neck with his teeth. Try attempting that again, worm!! There's no use now! Blood dripped from Zello'rox's wound. He knew that he had to end the battle soon or else he would die of blood loss.
Morac growled as he held his sword to the right of him, panting hard from exhaustion. Because of the mental bond with Zello'rox, whatever harmed the dragon, slightly harmed him. "I... will... not... lose..." He leaped into the air, grabbing the sword with both hands as he lifted it up above his head. It was to avoid Erindor's attack."Try blocking this, fool!!" Magic was combined with his weapon once more when he began to bring the sword down upon Erindor. "Ha!"
Erindor jumped back (the Dark Lord's blade tip cutting a fine line through his mid-trunk armour) and swung with all his might...veins and arteries bulging with tendons and knotted muscles. The edge of his sword caught the Dark Lord's own's trailing edge...sucessfully adding another several hundred pounds of force to Morac's already hideously powerful swing.
"Quit diluting yourself, git!" Erador replied triumphantly, driving with all his force his right wing over...thudding the air ominously with a great rumble of thunder as he torqued out of Zello'rox's bite. Warm blood streaked out over his damaged and brightly luminescing scales. He launched a final fireball broadside to Zello'rox before using his innate powers of being a Light Dragon and melted into the night.
"What!" Marthril shouted when he came around a corner. His face appeared dreadfully worried. He feared for his father so much. Healers, carrying a stretcher followed him hurriedly. They ran to Malias's aid. Marthril knelt beside Malias, taking his hand, looking for a sign of life. "He's alive," Marthril said with relief. "Take my father to one of the rooms. Tend to him there. I will meet you later." He helped them place Malias on the black stretcher and watched them carry his father away. He turned to Illatrius. "What happened?"
Illatrius sighed. "His pains returned... and I wasn't there... When I at last got to him... his mind had passed into stupor. I... I blame myself for being angry with him and leaving his side... It's all my fault."
"Hm..." Marthril folded his arms. "Well, he should awaken in a few hours..."
Illatrius looked him square in the eye. "If he was dead, I would be dead, thus, I wouldn't be here and Malias wouldn't be here. You didn't need to check his pulse," she jested. "I'm alive... he's alive. Understand, young one?"
Laughing, Marthril closed his eyes and sighed. "Indeed."
Coward! Zello'rox shouted angrily. Realizing, Erador was gone, he flew down to aid Morac. Prepare for an unexpected appearance of Erador! He vanished! I know not where he intends to reveal himself!
Of course! Keep you eyes open! Ignore my battle and pertain to yours, fool! Morac yelled out, keeping his full force onto the blade. He combined the blade with a wave of dark magic the snaked up through the sword, colliding with Erindor's.
"JIERDA!" Erindor bellowed the instant their weapons met. The blast of magic flashed down Valourne and tore the Dark Lord's sword away in the exact opposite velocity it had came from. The Rider took the opportunity at an opening to slash a lasceration from Morac's lower left obliques to his right upper pectoralis major. Perhaps only the armour was marred as Erindor drew away, winding up for another attack...sword glowing cherry red from the force of recent magic.
"You really aren't a skilled hunter are you? Just another mar on the honnorable name of dragons," Erador's anonymous voice echoed in Zello'rox's mind. The air thundered as balls of hell exploded over Zello'rox's back...proceeding the cannonball dive of an invisible however not inperceptable Erador. The Mighty Emerald dragon roared upon the titanic impact...his colossal body formed in a ball as it struck across Zello'rox's back.
Morac growled. Zello'rox! We have things to tend to! Vanish and leave for the Dark Castle! Now! "I hope you've enjoyed this... quarrel, Erindor. Sadly, I must end it, for I have... many plans to carry out. Many will result in the death of a close companion of yours... I take my leave, Erindor dragonrider..." Pain shot through his body not just because of the wound, but he use far too much energy. He vanished.
Zello'rox roared deeply in agony of his enemies attack. Very well, Morac! He turned his head to meet his foes eyes and it looked as if he grinned. We shall meet again! In black vapor, he disappeared and was blown away.
"I have not," Erindor replied to the bloody air, shrugging his shoulder to release a knot of tension as Valourne still rung with a pure humm of a vibration across his metallic span. He did as little as raise an eyebrow as the ground before him depressed by about a meter in the shape of draconian paws, "Hello, Erador...the rest of the city is in grave danger, so is Malias...take care of the city, I shall see to it that our own Great Lord does not fall victim to the atrocities seen yet tonight..."
"Need you say more? Damn you Erindor, I'm tired of being cut off from you, you'll have me to answer to when this is through, hopefully I can exhaust my fire breathing stocks by then..." the dragon growled back, allowing light to bounce off his scales naturally again as he appeared in the ruined street. His neck wound could be treated later...or would have to be as he plunged into the throng of Hert'zar...one could feel sorry for the beasts.
"Fight well, my brother," Erindor replied, sheathing Valourne and vanishing in a rotating crack of sound and light.
When Illatrius left the infirmary to leave for her cavern, Marthril came down the hallway and entered his father's chamber where he was tended to. "Is everything alright?" he asked his fellow healers.
"Yes... He should be well in a few."
Nasayla entered the room, sad-faced, with a glass of water. She laid it down upon the table by Malias's bed and sat down upon a chair. As she kissed him on the forehead she said, "Forgive me, my darling... for I was not here for you the many time before. Now I am, yet, I must leave. You sleep still, so I shall let you rest... Please fogive me...," she whispered, "I hope to again meet you in the peaceful world... Farewell." She stood up a moment later and walked to her son. "See to it that he is well taken care of, my son. I know that that is what you do best. I love you... remember that." filled with apprehension, she swiftly hugged and kissed her son and hurried out the door, heading for the main enterance.
Malias's eyes twitched and opened. He felt a cold breeze rush over him. His throut was dry, but needed help frm Marthril to obtain the water Nasayla left. His muscles were slightly paralyzed, so it was hard for him to move. Marthril aided his father with the water and set it back down onto the table. "Father," Marthril asked. "how are you feeling?"
Malias coughed. "A bit ill," he replied, "but I should be fine."
"Get your rest. You need it."
Malias nodded and closed his eyes; he fell asleep.
Zhenjai had noted her Rider's distress, and had flown to the entrance of the infirmary. Not wanting to disturb the healers work, she curled up outside the door, waiting for news.
Marthril stepped out from the room and sighed. Hello, Zhenjai, he greeted, warmly.
With a rushing whistle like that of wind against a protesting forest, Erindor appeared in the center of the infirmary in a rotating crack of sound and light. He smiled in the company of his fellows, "Quick greetings Marthril and Zhenjai," he said, bowing lightly to the latter. "I've words from Morac...he says he has many plans that will result in the death of a close companion of mine. There's plenty of options for that, but...er, Morac is not much to match against Erador, knows not of my mate...so that leaves my long term comrades, including Malias. I believe our Lord is in graver danger than simply chronic pain."
She snakes her scaly head around to look at Marthril, hearing his thoughts.
"What!?" Marthril felt a cold chill jolt through his spine. "That doesn't feel comforting at all... Morac only knows of Malias and Amrevar... I have to check on Father!" Marthril dashed into the room and sighed with a slight relief. All was well. For the moment...he thought.
"All may be well now, but if it were perfectly well, I would not be here right now," Erindor said, leaning against his sword just outside the private room. "The hordes of Hert'zar are being flushed from the streets, Erador is helping make sure of that." Erindor grimaced noticably when Erador took an injury to his wing. "...Doubley so now..."
"Good. I am glad the Hert'zar are diminishing I number... I don't know how long my father will have to lay like this...” Marthril answered with deep worry in his voice. “My guess is that he should be fine in a day or two… I am sure he will… I trust that he will.” Then he heard his father cough harshly behind him, Marthril’s eyes went wide open. It wasn’t an ordinary cough… He turned and looked upon his father in grief. Black blood was coughed out of his mouth and stained both his clothes and the sheet that covered him. Malias knew he was dying, so he lightly smiled after he watched his son wipe away the blood. “How could this happen…” Marthril knew what happened when he looked upon his father’s pale face, hope instantly left him. More blood was brought up and Marthril only wiped it away. “What’s…happening to you..?” Malias held on to his son’s wrist as he tried to look upon him, Marthril felt his father tremble.
“I…I shouldn’t…concern you…Marthril…Where…Where is Illatrius?” Malias asked when his smile faded. “I…I need to see her… She… Where is… also Nasayla?” He was so weak that he could barely blink, he felt so ill. He coughed again, choking on his own blood.
“Mother was nowhere to be found after she brought in your water… wait… she couldn’t have!?” Marthril was startled which only caused his greatest fears to worsen into tears of sorrow. “She poisoned you… Why would she do it..? Take him to see Illatrius! Quickly!” Marthril became enraged at the thought of his mother ever poisoning him… it was so unreal, for she loved Malias more than anything; there must have been someone else involved in the conspiracy, but he didn’t know who would do such a thing. No one would enter his mind… He thought Amrevar, but the Dark Lord was now sealed away within the castle of Mavenethar.
“Don’t…take me to see Illatrius yet…I…I have…yet to speak with Erindor…” Malias said and the healers halted in their swift steps to respect Malias’ wish.
At the mention of his name, a chill rippled through Erindor, replaced with resoloute clarity and warmth. Valourne gave off a harmonic ping every time its tip came down on the floor, the rider striding into the room in a fashion as if using the blade as a walking stick. The tall dragon man stood in in easy view of Malias' vision. "My Lord, my friend, Malias..." Erindor began, looking down at the sword pommel he held in both hands before him, almost as a third leg of sorts. He drew a breath and sent his head up proudly, "You wished to have words with me?"
Suddenly, a magnificent light that lit up the entire thrown room caused Amrevar to awaken; the light parted the shadows and not one bit of darkness lingered. From that light, came a beautiful Elf that resembled Mavria in every way, but she glowed in the most brilliant shine. The fading Dark Lord became so dumbfounded at the sight as he watched her come hither to him, he didn’t know what to say. The bright light dulled and only Mavria remained in her beautiful, sparkling gown. Amrevar thought he was seeing things until he heard his name being called from her harmonious voice, he couldn’t believe it. She ran to him while he stood upright and hugged him tightly with tears in her eyes; Amrevar held her close as he dried up her tears with a gentle wipe of his hand. “Don’t cry…” Amrevar told her quietly. “There is no need for tears, darling…”
“Yes there is!” she wept as tears strolled down the sides of her face. She was so overwhelmed by sorrow that she could barely speak; she was so hurt. “Tonight… is… you are gong to die… Nasayla is a witch… Don’t take the poison…”
Amrevar was startled while his eyes went wide with fear and looked down at her tear-filled face. “I… I have no choice…” he said, peering down at the floor. He didn’t know what to think at this point… If he took the poison, he would die knowing that he would soon be free of this dark world.
“Please don’t… I don’t want to see you suffer… I have been watching you ever since I…” Mavria fell silent for a moment. “I hated seeing you in pain after I was gone… I don’t want anything more horrible to happen to you… I don’t want you to die…”
“You don’t… you don’t understand… Mavria, listen to me…” Amrevar said as he laid his hands at her waist. “I have no choice at all… I… I am under the control of my father… If I become the monster he created me to be… and I escape this prison… I will kill… and I will be killed… If I take the poison, I will die… knowing that when death takes me… I shall no longer destroy innocent lives that are meant to live on… peacefully… I will be slain even if I don’t take the poison… Taking it… would end the slaughter… I dealt with something worse than poison so many times… Losing you…” Amrevar looked at her beautiful face and smiled, narrowing his eyes with hope. “I am just happy… that I will see you again… tonight… There’s no reason for me to live on…”
“But Amrevar…” she cried, trying her best to calm herself, but he hushed her.
“Don’t worry… I will be fine…I would rather be with you… than to face the world in this utter darkness my father wishes me to follow… I don’t want you to be alone any longer… I don’t want to be alone any longer… Please understand that…” Amrevar said softly to her, doing his best to sooth her. Then Mavria smiled in understanding and wrapped her arms around his neck.
“This is another reason why I loved you… I knew you weren’t like the person everyone thought you were… You are kind… loving… caring… You are not evil at all… It is your father who is to be blamed for all of this… not you…” Mavria replied when her sorrow passed away from her heart. They both closed their eyes and fervently kissed; she let go of him after the wonderful moment as she slowly stepped back and their lips parted. “I have to go…” she said when a lost tear gradually streamed down her face. “but I have one last thing to tell you… I do not mean to bring more grief… but… your brother Malias is… dying… “ Amrevar’s smile became a frown of anguish. “His water was poisoned… Nasayla… is Morac’s slave…”
“No...! Err… My brother!?” Amrevar said in slight anger; his eyes grew wide when he heard his brother Morac’s name. “Why would he kill us…? I thought he followed my mother’s path…”
“He betrayed her and Malias…” It was the only thing Mavria could say at this moment. “Farewell, darling…” she continued as she vanished in a glow of light and there was nothing left but the same silver that sparkled on her dress, slowly falling to the ground and vanished.
“Farewell…” Amrevar said faintly before he heard the castle doors slam open; he knew who was there and fear glittered in his eyes. The red of Morac's eyes gleamed brightly.; Light of the outside world nearly blinded Amrevar.
Malias gave a weak smile that faded when he coughed. "Yes... please come here."
Without hesitation, Erindor did so, sheathing Valourne before putting his hand on Malias' chest. He could feel the poison and battle damage ravage his body, there was nothing to be done than perhaps shield him from the pain; his hand developing a penetrating warmth. Erindor swallowed, "I am here..." he replied softly.
Malias gave a tired sigh. "I asked... this from my son, but... he declined for his... own dreams in which... I understand fully...So, I ask you this favor... Please, I need you to... take authority over...Sar'dan... I am no longer capable myself... and I know I shall not last... much longer than this.... I trust you with the city..." Malias let out a strained cough that caused a deep agony in his dying body. His breath became repressed until he was used to the pain. Blood rolled from the side of his mouth. Laying a shaking hand on Erindor's shoulder, he turned his half-dimmed eyes upon him. "Please accept this... There is no other who can take my place once I am gone..."
Erindor's shoulders fell, as if accepting a burden. He was silent for all the moments that Malias could spare with him, breathing deeply to control his flustered mind. "If this be your wish, then I shall honor it, my friend. It will be an honor to serve and lead Sar'dan as you have. Perhaps one day I shall acheive the masterful example you've sculpted. May one day, I will complete the dream that escaped your mortal grasp. I accept, Lord Malias of Sardan. It is with humility and great gratitude that I accept this. I shall do my finest..."
"Thank you..." Malias replied with a smile. "Now please... take me to see Illatrius...and take Theria to her father... something rave... is to happen to him..." The healers brought Malias outside to meet Illatrius; she was already there. She had felt his pain and had rushed here to get to his side. She wept for him and not for herself, even when she knew she was going to die. When the healers laid him next to her, she curled herself around him and nuzzled at his chest. “Little one…” she grieved. Her tears fell to the floor as she felt him grow weaker each long and somber moment she hated so much. She couldn’t bear to see him die. Malias opened his eyes as he laid his hand upon Illatrius’s scaley side, trying to feel her scales’ soft touch for one last time. Forgive me for leaving your side Illatrius said to him sadly.
I forgave you since the time you left… Malias thought to her weakly.
Thank you, little one…Illatrius nuzzled him for a second time, but instead of pulling a way again, she let him wrap his arms around her white and mauve snout.
I missed hearing you call me that…Malias grieved ceaseless tears for fear of losing her.
I know… that is why I said that… Illatrius grieved. I want to spend our last moment together…She watched his tears flow; each one seemed to stain her heart with a feeling of deep mourning.
So do I…I...Malias didn’t intend on letting go of her, he was so afraid. He coughed up more black blood, grieving the fact that she was dying with him.
I love you…little one… Illatrius said as she looked upon him with her weary, blue eyes.
I love you, Illatrius…Malias could no longer hold on to her, he was slipping forward and she was growing weaker, no longer able to keep him up. Life left Illatrius as her head fell to the ground and on top of her head was Malias; he felt her last breath leave into the chill air before death took him. His last breath joined that of his departed dragon and then all was silent.
“Father!” Marthril shouted with tears in his eyes as he hurried for his father. He laid Malias upon the wet ground; he couldn’t believe it was true… Feeling his forehead, grief struck him even harder… The Lord of Sar’dan was gone and there was nothing to bring him back. “No…”
Erindor stood as witness to the family's grief...the loss of father and friend. From his neck he took his necklet, pulling it off with a tug and slowly strode near Marthril and the bodies of Malias and Illatrius. His eyes stung at the sight, head bowed deeply before gazing at the fuzzy image of his hand...in it the necklet. "Stydja unin mor'ranr, Malias, Stydja unin mor'ranr, Illatrius," Erindor said with a steady, yet thick voice after Marthril had spent his shock, kneeling beside Malias and encircled his chilled neck with the silver necklet. "...Zar'roc...such misery..." Erindor lamented as he backed away. "Erador, forget the battle, come to us..."
"I already know," Erador crooned, making his appearance with grace; leaping over rubble, landing a dozen yards from the scene. Within him warbled a terrible cry...soft and tragic; audible emotion of grief. The emerald dragon, battle stricken and striated with injuries collapsed beside the fallen pair, rider and dragon. Erador nuzzled Illatrius almost hopefully, preening a few of her still warm scales. His attention turned to the prone Malias...another lamenting nicker welling up in his deep throat. Erador collected himself and stood, laying eyes upon the dead before looking heavenward, his neck snaking up in a great spire, maw opening to release an anguished cry.
His bellowed cry was that of the the dragon death chant...his sonorous voice starting from a low rumble of a symphony orchestra...to an everlasting mournful diapason as he sang to the sky. Wolves and foxes in the distance joined with his call...the oxbow moon just barely visible in the sky with the night's failing life.
As the chant of death echoed through the war ravaged city, Erindor raged to its steady tempo. The Dragon Rider tore his anguish out with sword, fist, and magic. Hert'zar were obliterated before him...masses of monster flesh piling up away in a wave as he purged the city, Sar'dan's army at his rear. Magic bit viciously into the monster's hides, Erindor's eyes filled with a hot determination...arcs of lightning snuffed lives in gory flashes of meat, bone, and blood. He pushed onward, to the very gates again of the great city and flushed the last Hert'zar companies out its damaged gates. Even with the masses, as Erindor and his army threw their heads heavenward and cried for victory, their voices could not drown out Erador's lament, which ruled the night.
Erador sang until the first embers of morning began to show themselves on the eastern horizon. His handsome voice fading like a chord from a string orchestra...he silenced the call at last...canines in the distance following suit as Erador lowered his neck and muzzle to the ground. "...Remember..."
From the early dawn lit rubble, Erindor mounted the ruins, mane of black hair sopping with persperation and enemy blood. He used a hand signal to stop the General only after the scene was visible to him, and most of the rest of Sar'dan's army. The Dragon Rider laid a gentle hand on Marthril's shoulder, warmth and support radiating through this simple contact. He looked into the man's eyes with silent words of sorrow, encouragement, and comfort. "The Hert'zar have been driven from Sar'dan...Erador and I must complete a wish of, M-Malias; he wished for Theria to be taken to her father." He paused and hung his head, kneeling beside Marthril, "Allow me to help you bring them into the castle..."
blinded by tears, Marthril replied. "Thank you..." He bowed his head wishing all this had never happened.
Suddenly, greatly pounding wings were heard close by. Ar'rias, teeth and mouth stained with Hert'zar blood, landed beside his mother. Tears swelled and he could not let out a word. Grief was too strong. He nudged her cheek; it was cold and lifeless. He let out a desperate cry and laid down beside her. "I suppose... my father is dead as well now..." he grieved.
Grief overwhelmed Zhenjai, her throat choaked with sorrow as she joined Erador in song. As the song died, and drifted off to the Heavens, she curled around her mother and her Rider, a crystal tear floating down onto her mother's flank. She softly crooned to her brother, giving warm comfort, although the air was heavy with sorrow.
"Thank you, Zhenjai..." Ar'rias thanked, but he was too choked up to further the conversation.
Marthril laid a hand on Zhenjai. "It's time to take them inside..." He peered up at the sky which was covered in dark clouds which sent down rain to cleanse the earth from a bloodsoaked war. "If what my father said was true of Amrevar... then we cannot bury them until..." He sighed. "I won't say it... Once the bodies are within the infirmary, Ar'rias must obtain his rider and along with," he turned towards Erindor and Erador, " you two... you all must go to the dark castle... as of my father's wishes..."
"We know," Erindor said, standing. The Rider drew a wavering breath, shrouding his emotions behind an iron curtain. "To the infirmary...if there are no objections," Erindor said softly.
"I will be able to carry Illatrius'..." Erador began, though his words became too feable to finish with, "body." The battle worn Emerald Dragon sidestepped to Illatrius and her grieving youngsters, "Excuse me," he began in draconian to the little ones, "let me help you take your mother to a safer place, will you let me?" Erador queried in draconian.
Ar'rias got to his feet with a tired sigh. "Of course... I will go fetch my rider..." With one last look to his mother, he lifted into the air an flew towards the den. Zhenjai, come with me...
Marthril gently laid his father's body over one shoulder carefully holding Malias with his other hand. He stepped into the infirmary, making his way down to his father's room. He didn't say a word from there.
"I'll be there for you!" Erador cried out in draconian to the dragonlings as they flew towards their den. It was an impulsive thing, suddenly feeling protective over the little ones. Erador looked to Illatrius with a sinking feeling in his great heart. With great care and strength, Erador used tail, wing, neck, and maw to take Illatrius upon his back. From there he strained to stand and walked under a mass greater than simply Illatrius, taking her to rest in momentary peace inside the infirmary.
Erindor follwed the progression in silence, his throat seized and the muscles of his visage battling to keep a straight face. With a shuddering breath, the Rider gently...silently broke down, shrouding himself by staying close to Erador.
As drop of rain, landed on her muzzle, and fell to the ground, Zhenjai looked to her Rider, seeing him walk through the doorway with his father. 'Of course.' She replied to An'rias in draconian tounge, and leaped into the air, flying after him; the air still thick.
Sighing, Ar'rias neared the cave with much sad thought on his mind. He did his best to keep tears from flowing, trying to shake the grief off. Images of his mother's last waking moments piled into his head and caused his strength to diminish slowly. When at last he landed on the cave's foot-long overhang, he stepped lightly into the den, shaking off water from his scales and wings. Smoke rose from his nostrils as he peered over at the nest where Theria laid peacefully by the nest. Relief gently rushed over him and he carefully strode over to his Rider's side. He nudged her and smiled when her eyes lightly opened. "Wake up, dear one," he said when his smile faded suddenly. Theria could sense the hint of sadness in his voice. "I... I have to take you to the infirmary... I have to let you know that... your Uncle Malias has..." He had to force himself to say the words, but broke when tears dripped to the floor, soaking with the rock. "fallen... and so has my mother Illatrius... I... I am sorry... Please... please come with me, Theria..."
Water of sorrow strolled from Theria's eyes as she sat up and blinked in slight confusion."What... what happened? How did he..." she cried.
Ar'rias nudged her again, allowing her to hug his neck for comfort. "I dare not say for your own good..." he sighed. "Would you allow me to fly you to Sar'dan?" Wiping the tears from her cheeks with the tip of his tail, he laid himself down.
Theria nodded and climbed onto Ar'rias's saddle. she could not breath well, overwhelmed with mourning.
Zhenjai sat at the overhang of the cave, waiting for her brother and his Rider, the rain dripping off her scales.
Ar'rias turned carefully and looked back at Theria. "If you get frightened... close your eyes and don't look down," he said as she strapped herself in. "For security you can wrap your arms around my neck if the saddle horn doesn't work." The young girl only nodded her head and leaned over to hug Ar'rias's long, scalely neck. "Okay then..." he continued. "We're ready..." He turned to Zhenjai. "Zhenjai... I have a favor to ask of you... Can you please watch over mother's eggs? They're defenseless...and if we leave... who knows what might happen to them..."
She nods and walks under the overhang of the cave. Zhenjai shakes off, her mass vibrating side to side, splattering rain onto the cavern's walls. She walks over, and coils herself around the eggs, ready to defend them if needed. 'Have a safe flight...' She speaks to them both.
Taking the utmost care, Erador gently rolled the body of the fallen Illatrius as near to her passed rider as he could muster. The battle haggard Emerald Beast strolled a few more strides before finding a suitable area to simply rest.
Erindor's eyes carefully studied Marthril for a few moments before going to Erador's chest and sat up against it. The smell of sweet, freshly spilled draconian blood muddled his senses and spiked concern for Erador. Alas, they would have to have words, as brothers...but until Theria and Ar'rias returned, there was simply nothing better to do than heal more than wounds to the flesh.
Thank you, Zhenjai... you...too... Sighing, Ar'rias lifted off out of the cave and flew towards the mourning city of Sar'dan. Once reached, he landed on the ground hither to the infirmary doors. He came inside, but didn't bother to shake the rain off. Ar'rias aided his Rider off his back, then led her to Malias's room. You may go inside if you like... be warned though... sorrow is soon to overwhelm you again."
Theria sighed, preparing herself for the worst before she would enter the room. She lightly pushed open the door, only to see Erindor and Erador with the lifeless bodies of Illatrius and her uncle. Will a sudden burst, she began to cry, dashing towards her uncle. She wrapped her arms around Malias's neck and began to sob harder, tears staining clothes.
With a somber sigh, Erindor moved deeper into the infirmary, made slightly uncomfortable by the teary moods hanging over those gathered 'round the fallen leader of Sar'dan. Finding what he was looking for (a flask of rejuvinate potion) he swallowed a mouthful and went back to Erador, watching Theria and others for any changes. The rider used energy from the potion to begin healing the slightly mangled Erador, who was watching the mourning family with dim, emerald eyes.
Marhtril sighed when he saw Erindor and peered down at the ground. "Forgive me for saying this so early, but you are going to have to take Theria to the Dark Castle immediately to see her father. I sense that something's not right there.
"It is no imposition," Erador replied, stifling a yawn whilst watching Erindor heal his wing membranes. "I may appear worn and weary, but rest assured...that is far from the case," the noble Emerald Dragon added, noticing a cut on Erindor's shoulder and began cleaning it with his gargantuan crimson tongue.
Zhenjai, now in the infirmary, gave Marthril a lick on the face, and curled tighter around his legs, trying to comfort her Rider.
"Hello, little one," Erador greeted the dragonling with great affection in his tired voice. He had always felt protective over any of the hatchlings of Illatrius, fatherly in many ways.
"As soon as Theria is ready, we shall be off," Erindor said in reply to Mathril's statement. The Rider stood and stretched, taking a large yawn before continuing with healing the greivous bite wounds on Erador's neck. He cursed Zello'rox for such a mar.
Turning her head, Zhenjai looked at Erador, then looked up at Marthril, a beam of light glinting off her muzzle scales. 'Should we go too?' Zhenjai asked. 'Theres nothing more that can be done...' Her voice quietly dropped off.
Marthril sighed. No... I don't believe we should go with... Besides, I have things I must tend to here before I do anything. You may go if you wish... I believe things have grown peaceful since the defeating of the Hert'zar...
Wiping tears from her eyes, Theria left the room. Noticing them, she looked her cousin and then to Erindor. "What are we to do?" she said trying not to cry. "And what about Papa? Wher is he? Is he alright?"
"That is my next duty, as one of the final decrees the late Lord Malias gave. Erador and I will take you to Morac. Strategically I'd only want one dragon in the air...flying into Shadow territory is simply asking for unfortune to fall upon us. It would be good to have no more of that tonight," the Rider replied to Theria, patting Erador on the neck where he had recently healed his brother. Waves of exhaustion poured forth in Erindor...a nap at the very least would be needed eventually.
Zhenjai nodded, licked Marthril on the ear 'As you wish. I shall go guard the eggs then...' She said, then lumbered out the door. She spread her wings and flapped them a few times feeling the air rush under her wings before looking toward the sky.
"Little one, would you prefer to join us? You are most able in flight already, I don't see any reason why not to have you join. It would be good experience," Erador said to Zhenjai with his mind. Erindor was simply being over cautious...he hoped.
Zhenjai looked back toward the door and said in mindspeach to Erador, 'If I could be of help, but otherwise there is none to watch the eggs.'
"The eggs will be fine, I made Erindor cast protective wards over the cavern after your hatching. Theria needs a close friend, stay with her in her time of mourning..." Erador replied.
'Okay,' Zhenjai said, folding her wings and walking back towards the door.
Erador lifted a wing invitingly, "Come rest, little one," he cooed in Draconian.
Zhenjai walks into the room and curls up, nose under tail tip, in an empty corner of the room.
Frowning, Erador locked his wing back at his side and stood, then sat sphynx like. "We all have our different ways of mourning, don't we, Erindor?" Erador asked his brother, the pair looking to Zhenjai briefly.
"Yes we do, Erador...yes we do..."
Erador frowned, "I meant that you can come rest here where its warm and safe," he said, feeling a little cold just watching Zhenjai in her little corner.
Taking the hint from the two brothers, Zhenjai crept from her corner toward the pair, and curled up along Erador's side, the warmth comforting her, suppressing some of her thoughts.
Covering most of Zhenjai with a wing, Erador curled about the little one protectively. For whatever reason he felt like a guardian to her and her siblings. "For whatever you may need, I'll always be there for you..." the Great Emerald Dragon crooned.
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