Training Day [Zkjt, Tiilyr, Thorn]

[Kite]

*Daran flies in on Salmissra's wings, delighting in the feeling. Salmissra was just old enough to consent to flying him and, to be frank, Daran absolutely loved it. The feeling her had when flying with his partner was nearing sex. Nearing, but not. He had to make that distinction. But it was sometimes lost, as he hasn't for a while...*

Not the point. Get on the point, Daran!

*Salmissra's thought came to Daran and woke him up from his thoughts. He looks around quickly, and sees that they are in a training arena for the local guard, except that it was empty. Of everything. It was mud, and usually with fighting men, training men. Not today, obviously. Today was a momentous occasion, actually. The newest three riders, himself, an elf named Za'lyyr, and a child elf named Endorin, whom Daran had seen before. They were all the biggest and brightest names in the Imperial forces. They were riders. They were to be taught by Thorn, who himself was not too much older than them. Maybe Shruiken and Galbatorix decided its easiest to learn through teaching. Whatever. He was more experienced than them, and that was important.

This had to be a mostly dragon rider-knowledge lesson. The three here were most likely weapons proficient, and the elves were very magically talented and touched. He wasn't worried about magic either, though. He was learning from his adopted sister, the elf Ava Vorandeer. So, logically, they had to learn the craft of dragonieering. He wondered why he was the first one here, then if it was the right day. He gets a feeling of amusement from Salmissra, who tells him through their connection that of course it was the right day, because she is too lazy to fly here with him if it wasnt. With his own inadequacy staved off, he just decided to wait and see when the others came. Hopefully, it would be soon. Wait was all he could do, so he slips off Salmissra and pats her lovingly, then pulls out his Kreigmessier, starting to practice a little, working out with it, stretching out, and seeing who comes.*

[zkjt]

Endorin

-And you better not make a fool of us on one of our first appearances together! I smiled slightly as I made my way through the Imperial castle, making my way down to the training ground where I and the other riders would be training with Thorn. I was slightly looking forward to it, but I could Feel Alaeyr's worry and anxiety.

Alaeyr had been busying himself by telling me everything I should NOT do, from offending Thorn, or showing his open hatred to the Empire. Like I already didn't know that, I had replied sarcastically. And now here we were, nearing where we had to be.

I had memorized the names of the new riders and their dragons. Galbatorix had not allowed much socializing, but I knew enough about each one. Daran and Salmissra: Daran being a former something or other in the army, and Salmissra being the biggest of the three dragons. I had heard that they weren't too bad, and that Daran wasn't too much of a jerk.

The other pair was:Za'lyyr and Jekarta. At the thought of them, my skin prickled and I felt Alaeyr's mind flare with a sudden outburst of anger. Za'lyyr was an elf, a traitor to his kind, serving Galbatorix willingly with his dragon Jekarta. On the rare occasion when I had seen them, they both appeared formidable, and Za'lyyr walked beside Galbatorix. The memory gave me a feeling of anger, which Alaeyr helped quench.

It won't do much help thinking about how much you hate them, Alaeyr said in my mind. I shivered. The idea of mental talking was still one I had yet to get used to, but nevertheless I enjoyed the idea of sharing thoughts and feelings with someone that I could never get closer to. I only hoped our relationship would hold.

I know but they still annoy me I said looking up to the dragon perched on my shoulders. Alaeyr was magnificent, yet still small. His scales were a deep gray, almost blackish looking, yet on his belly and lower jaw they acquired a lighter tone, like the clouds before a storm. As I looked at him, he looked down at me, his gray eyes blank, not revealing any thoughts or emotions. I smiled up at him, enjoying the company as we made our way to the arena.

Alaeyr

I knew that others were there the minute we got close enough. I could smell the scents, yet I didn't recognize them due to the fact I hadn't met any of the dragons. I alerted Endorin and he just shrugged and grumbled, not caring. But I cared. This was an important meeting, and to insult or antagonize any of the riders or their dragons would be a big mistake. Endorin was hot-headed, and would likely explode at Za'lyyr at only a slight provocation, and I knew it was up to me to make sure nothing bad happened.

When we got close enough, I knew who it was. Endorin, it's Daran and Salmissra. I said in his mind. He looked relieved to hear it had not been Za'lyyr or Jekarta who were there. I could tell from the milk chocolate color of her scales. Now remember- I began, hoping for a few last minute pointers, but Endorin shushed them away and advanced to meet the man.

Daran looked friendly at first, flashing a smile at the two of us. Salmissra glanced at Endorin, not paying much attention to him, and then focused her warm gaze on me. I held her gaze evenly, noticing how big she was. And then I saw the saddle and realized she was already flying with him. A jolt of envy flashed through me, but was quickly taken down by Endorin's comforting touch of my neck.

"Daran, Salmissra, a pleasure to meet you," Endorin's voice was cordial and formal, with not a hint of warmth. I turned my head to look down at him, ready to scold him, when I instead just looked away back at Daran and Salmissra, wondering if they would notice. I hoped they wouldn't.

[Tii]

Is there a point? [/i]

The voice was clear and poignant. Sometimes I still didn’t believe that I heard it. I didn’t believe that I’d always have this powerful voice echoing inside my head. Or that I’d be soaring through the air, feeling freer that I ever had… in my entire life. My life. Or so it could be termed. It was a random conglomeration of events that didn’t really amount to anything. There was a banishment. A lot of running. Learning. Getting strong. All until this man, this king, provided me with a reason. He showed me where the wrong lay, and what had been taken from me. That forest, the one that was irrevocably knit into my soul, had been taken from me. My people did not do anything for me. All they had done was take. Galbabtorix gave me everything. He took me in, called me one of his own, and now; he was the reason I had the greatest thing in my life. He was why the wind was whipping around me and I was viewing the world from on high, through a pale gold tint. Through the eyes of Jekarta.

This. This was redemption.

Yes. Galbatorix has asked that we go, so we will. We are a young pair, but of the riders, I am the most experienced. I have trained most of the Empire’s riders in magic, why not these?

Za’lyyr, you are inordinately humble.[/i]

I couldn’t help the smile that pulled at my lips. This was incredible. The magic was put to rest and my eyes were once again my own. My amazement would never end. Jekarta was beautiful. Her body was lean and powerful. She was a slim dragon, built for speed and maneuverability. We were so much alike. He scales were purer gold than anything I’d ever seen man make. From up in the thin air, they had more of a shine than ever. I turned my head to the side. Normally, wind would have made my hair batter around my face. Necessity had taken priority over routine though, so I’d cut my hair short. It was far more practical at the time. Jekarta’s wings were strong and the membrane was incredible. It was close to transparent, littered with shimmer. It was like the gold diamonds up in the tops of the Beor mountains had been crushed into nothing but dust and strewn across her.

You’re going to make me blush.[/i]

Sometimes I didn’t remember she was in my head.



-------------------------Jekarta-------------------------

I laughed to myself, the sound only in my mind and his. Za’lyyr was exactly what I was looking for. He was strong, smart, and had experience. He was useful and independent. He may have wanted a dragon, but he did not need one to survive. He could be on his own. Now, he didn’t need to though. He had me and I had him. There was no one else I would have rather bonded with. No one else was as good as Za’lyyr. He survived his king without falter, and I could already see his dedication to me would be as perfect and without question.

Come on. We need to get down there.

He couldn’t see it, but I’m sure my rider could feel the blatant emotion of my eyes rolling.

It’s pointless, I’m telling you. [/i]

Jekarta.

Another eye roll was given. I pretended to be indignant, but it didn’t last. As I dove towards the ground beneath us, I could feel the pure and utter excitement that echoed out of his body. It was pure joy, nothing tainting it. He was not afraid. He trusted me with his life. It hadn’t taken much convincing either. He’d jumped whole heartedly into our bond and I couldn’t help but do the same. We sped towards the training grounds in a straight dive. The air made so much noise. It was like music, the way it whistled and hit against out bodies. Za’lyyr was tight against my back and my wings were folded most of the way in. My wings snapped open as the ground approached. I was suddenly thankful for how study dragons were built. Any sort of material would have ripped at the strain against the speed and air. I’ll admit, the landing wasn’t all that stealthy though. I could see the chocolate body of one dragon, and two smaller beings. We landed at the center of the field and I could feel the air echo out around us and the slight shake of the ground. The impact was a little harder than I’d expected. I twisted my head back to see Za’lyyr, ensuring he had handed the jolt. He was already jumping from my back though, with ease and the poise. Damn him. The both of us scanned the others. I didn’t offer any words. Za’lyyr could do the talking, and so he did.

“Daran, Salmissra.” He nodded at them then looked at the other two. “Endorin, Alaeyr.” He was formal and put together, as he always was. Except with me. But that was different.

I’m telling you. This is pointless.

I could feel him rolling his eyes.[/size]

[.::Thorn::.]

Why he had agreed to this he would never know, but nonetheless Thorn soared above the training fields, waiting for his students to arrive. As he watched Daran and Salmissra fly into the center of the walled grounds he snorted a little. He had never met these Riders or their dragons but he was not looking forward to teaching three of them at once. He saw Endorin, the elf child and his small dragon arrive he laughed a little bit seeing the mighty Endorin who had stood up against him and his Rider at the Summit not a few weeks ago brought under his mercy. Galbatorix's words echoed in his mind. "You will pay if you kill any of them, keep that in mind beast." As Jekarta and Za’lyyr arrived he banked down out of the sky toward the ground and gave a few great pumps of his wings to give him some speed. He only wore his black ceremonial armor today as he did not expect any of the young dragons or their Riders to be able to harm him in any way.

As he neared the dirt he flapped his wings down to slow himself down before landing a little harder then he had wanted to creating a small cloud of dust. He settled down onto his legs before folding his wings. He let the dust settle before looking at his students specutivly. He took a deep breath and memorized their scents for a later use and growled a little at Endorin. He brushed the elf's mind and spoke. "Not so high and mighty now are we elf! Your in my world now so don't be so quick to mock me or any of the others here. You will regret it."He said before moving to face the others of the group. He touched all of their minds before speaking calmly yet forcefully."Good morning, I am Thorn, but for the duration of me instructing you, you will address me as ebrithil or master. Is that understood?"

[Kite]

*Daran hears the footsteps of an approaching dragon, and stops the simple exercises and turns to face the approaching pair. This was Endorin, Daran recognized. He had seen the young elf dragged into the thrice damned negotiations, and is surprised that he is on this side. He, Daran that is, saw the child... child? Daran did not know how old Endorin was, so he may just as well refer to him as Endorin...*

Tangent, Daran... Stop it!

Yes, dear...

*Daran continues on his train of thought. He saw Endorin by Islanzadi, but maybe in the bustle something happened. All that mattered was that he is here now. He smiles at Endorin, and speaks to him softly, and in a friendly manner. He didn't mind Endorin's formality, but Daran was one of those guys who didn't care to much for formality when among his peers.*

Hello Endorin. It is a pleasure to speak to you this time. And you Alaeyr, it is nice to meet you.

*Salmissra touches both of their minds politely, before projecting her words to them.*

Hello, Endorin. Hello Alaeyr. How fare things with you?

*As they finish their greetings to Endoin and Alaeyr, Za'lyyr and Jekarta join us, and Daran once again smiles, and nods to them.*

Hello Za'lyyr and Jekarta. How are you both?

*Salmissra greets them as well, but its fairly generic, just like the other time. Daran smiles to himself.

I think that there is no love lost between this little group...

You would probably not be wrong, Daran love.

Probably?

Yes. Probably.

Bah.

I love you too, Daran.

*Daran smiles softly, and just then, Thorn lands and starts his speech. Daran had met Thorn twice before, and will remember not to piss him off. To his first comments, Daran simply nods, and both him and Salmissra answer him.*

Yes, master.

Yes, master.

[zkjt]

Endorin

Ignoring Alaeyr's look, I peered into Daran's face, hoping for some sort of...hint, or anything that could show me what hid behind the face. All I saw was friendliness, and somehow, it made me disappointed. I realized that I would have like and excuse to be angry with the man.

Taking his hand when he held it out to me, I shook it gently, while Alaeyr leaned in toward Salmissra's face and hummed. And then I saw Daran's gaze focus on something behind me, and I turned right away, following his gaze. Flying toward us were Za'lyyr and Jekarta. I stiffened, and felt Alaeayr perk up on my shoulder. Turning from Daran, I faced the oncoming pair.

I hadn't known that Jekarta was big enough to be flying yet. This made me and Alaeyr the youngest pair. Endorin, please don't do anything rash.. I heard Alaeyr's voice only faintly in the back of my head, and even then I didn't heed his words. I could tell from his restrained voice, and the muscles twitching in his neck that he didn't like it anymore than I did. The only difference was that he was responsible, unlike me.

Jekarta was a magnificent gold color, and from the distance I was at, I could tell she was well-muscled. On her back was Za'lyyr, his black hair billowing around his shoulders. As he neared, I grew more anxious. An elf traitor! The very idea shook me. This elf served Galbatorix willingly, a man who extricated the dragons, and was now trying to bring them back for his own dark purposes. Oh wait, that's me. I frowned fingering the dagger at my belt. You wouldn't.. Alaeyr's anxious voice came to me again, snapping me out of my reverie. Smiling faintly at Alaeyr's worried tone I said, Alaeyr...I honestly don't know what I would or wouldn't do. Alaeyr was quiet then, as we both waited for the pair to approach.

Alaeyr

There they were, I thought to myself with a hint of anger. I of course, didn't show it, but I was fuming. Everything, our predicament, working with these traitors, it just wasn't fair. And now we had to train with these people. I sighed, and tightened my grip on Endorin's shoulder. I had to make sure he was under control.

Finally Za'lyyr and Jekarta were in front of us. Daran and Salmissra went forward to say hello, while Endorin held back. After Za'lyyr and Daran were done introducing each other, Za'lyyr turned his emerald gaze to us. "Endorin, Alaeyr" Endorin glared straight forward, completely ignoring Za'lyyr. I stretched my thin neck forward, peering into Za'lyyr face, then drawing back and snorting. Endorin turned away quickly, and at that moment, more wingbeats. Looking up, we saw Thorn.

He was huge, and I knew that Saphira was bigger, so I didn't know if I could imagine a bigger creature. As Thorn descended, his mind entered me and Endorin's and he spoke. "Not so high and mighty now are we elf! Your in my world now so don't be so quick to mock me or any of the others here. You will regret it." Endorin's anger flared, and I melted my mind into his to calm him. And then Thorn withdrew, and Endorin calmed, his face becoming tired, somewhat.

"Good morning, I am Thorn, but for the duration of me instructing you, you will address me as ebrithil or master. Is that understood?" My answer was almost instantaneous. Yes Master Endorin took somewhat longer, finally muttering under his breath, "Yes master" Oh gosh, this was going to be interesting.


OOC; I'm sorry for lateness and crappiness. SORRY!

[Tii]

Did he just say Master?[/i]

I flinched mentally. And I knew she would feel it. I couldn’t help the amusement that came with it. Thorn had brushed his mind over ours to communicate and that itself felt like it had been an invasion of everything. Jekarta and I were…private people. We interacted with one another and hardly at all with the outside world. We carried out orders and we did what we were supposed to but we did not socialize. I was a creature of habit before she’d hatched for me. I was lucky enough that she’d been more than happy to slip right into my daily life. We were so much alike…. It was incredible.

Jekarta, I’d like to point out that he far surpasses you in size.[/i]

Ah. Yes, there was the disdainful snort at the back of my mind.

I’d like to point out that it means little in my mind.[/i]

I could tell that much was true. I didn’t need to go poking around in her mind for it. Her thoughts were blatant and apparent. She wasn’t casting such a beautiful light on Thorn. In the time span of a sentence he’d managed to bring about a decent amount of negativity from her. I looked to the large red dragon and nodded once, but didn’t respond verbally. Jerkarta seemed pleased.

Try to be good, would you?[/i]

-----Jekarta----

Try to be good? I couldn’t hold back the small laugh that I knew would permeate his head. The bond still amazed me. I’d spent so much time alone until he’d come along and now…we were interlaced with each other and that would never change. I was him and he was me and we were one in the same. It was an odd mesh of power and vulnerability that somehow still felt good. Some how.

I craned my neck to the side, looking at Thorn evenly as the others all spouted off like they were told. Master. He would never be such. I watched as my Rider nodded. It was a diplomatic way about the situation, as was Za’lyyr’s specialty. His ability at reasoning and finding the middle ground was uncanny.

There’s a difference between submitting and yielding, Jekarta.[/i]

Yes, but I am too young to care.[/i]

There was the hint of a laugh brushing against my mind. I was glad he was amused. Smiles and laughs were not prevalent in his memories. I returned my attention to the large dragon, maintain silence as the others responded as he wished.

There must be another title, Great Dragon, because you are surely not my master.

I threw in a slight bow of the head.

Too much?[/i]
I’ll go ahead and say yes.[/i]
[/size]

[.::Thorn::.]

Thorn had been plesantly suprised when Endorin acknowleged him as master as he had been told. He had expected the young elf to oppose him and throw insults or at very least refuse to do as he was told. He was also pleased when Daran and Salmissra answered in kind, but he had never expected the level of insolence that he recieved to come from an Empire loyal dragon. He accepted her Riders nod of respect but when Jekerta spoke he nearly snapped the small female in half. He snarled at her and bared his teeth. He forced his way into her mind and simply let his rage flow through the link. "I may not be allowed to kill you hatchling! But that does not mean I cannot put you into a world of unimaginable pain! You will either choose to respect me or you will learn to respect me through pain! Make your choice now!" Thorn snapped his teeth shut inches from her face for added effect before relaxing slightly.

He turned to the other four and entered their minds less forcefully before he began to speak "Anybody else have anything smart to add? Good. Today I will be evaluating your skills so I know what I will need to focus on more. I will have to teach you more privately Alaeyr due to your size but we will work around that." He paused and looked at Jekerta again as if to say a preemptive shut up then returned his gaze to the others.

[Kite]

*Salmissra and Daran both twitch slightly at Thorn's response to Jekarta and Za'lyyr's response to him. They both seem like they are somewhat resistant to even calling him master for now. Daran pats Salmissra and transfers the thought over to her through the touch, as it is much safer*

You know... they seem very competent. Somehow, I think that Thorn would best them both, else the positions would be swapped, but very competent. Still, they seem too unwilling to serve... Might be a bad thing when you need to learn whats what.

*Salmissra rumbles quietly in agreement and they turn back to the red dragon infront of them, and listen to his description of what they are doing today, and then they both nod, and Daran quietly asks Thorn*

What do you need to do to test us, master?