Post by Lily on Jun 20, 2009 12:52:11 GMT -5
Ooc//Sorry this took so long for me to get up, guys. XP This isn't exactly the best of posts, but its...okay. Cam, I guess you're posting next?[/i] He spoke for the first time since the two departed from Aberon, reaching for Aviand's mind. I see it, little one,[/i] came the rumbling answer from his friend's mind. Ready yourself for whatever we may find there.[/i] David nodded. If the mission was so dangerous that they would be sent to complete it, he could never underestimate the Imperials in wait.
Bic//Huge masses of gray clouds rolled across the sky, and although it was noon, it seemed like evening. Torrents of rain had been whipping at the land all day and it had only just cleared enough for dragon flight. Despite that, the winds were very unpredictable that day, causing sudden downdrafts or buffeting currents of air. These were just a few of winter's curses that hindered David and Aviand as they made their way slowly to the ruined city of Cithrí on the borders of Surda. Riding dragon back was usually cold because of the height you usually flew at. This wintry weather didn't really help with that. David was sure that his insides was shivering from cold. Unless they too had gone completely numb like he was sure the rest of his body was. He didn't know what kept Aviand warm. Perhaps it had something to do with the fact he could breathe fire. For some reason, the dragon never seemed to get cold - or if he did, he didn't show it.
The two would not be flying that day had they not been setting off for an important mission. They were used to Cithrí being in constant trouble since it was so close to the border and so the Empire. However, they weren't used to being called over their to aid the city in fighting back. They assumed that the forces already gathered there would be able to put any Imperial invaders in their place. However, they had also heard that the Empire was planning to use the small city as a base for spies and soldiers so they could move closer to Aberon and the Varden (not to mention King Orrin). David guessed that the Varden wanted to eliminate these new forces quickly and since David and Aviand had been hanging around, they had been sent out. Besides, if the Empire heard that Cithrí was being guarded by Dragon Riders and their dragons, they might back off some. But that was only if the Varden was lucky. Either way, David and Aviand were to dispatch any soldiers or spies lurking there and return with any news for Nasuada. Because of this mission, the city being targeted by the Empire had been ordered to evacuate so it would be conveniently empty - except for Imperials. Those who remained knew well enough to stay out of their way.
The ground speeding below them was suddenly dotted with small signs of civilization. A farm here, a couple houses there. A few villages in the distance. David's face grew grim as he realized they were nearing their destination. He leaned forward in the saddle and glanced over Aviand's shoulder. The dragon was slowly losing altitude and slowing his speed drastically, so the land wasn't blurring anymore. David looked up ahead and saw the city itself. A huge, black smudge on the horizon. There it is.
Aviand touched down just outside the borders of the city as slowly and naturally as he could. Days like that could be a huge advantage to the pair since Aviand's light gray colouring helped him to blend in with the clouds already filling the sky. The only problem was his progressing growth was making it harder and harder for the two to camouflage. If anyone had spotted them arriving, they would have to resort to fighting. It was the reason they had come, but David still preferred to delay that part of the mission for as long as possible. For some reason, he had never enjoyed fighting unless the circumstances were extreme. For that case, he was glad of the adrenaline rush he had whenever he was.
This seems like the kind of place Imperials would use for a spy base, should they remain hidden,[/i] Aviand observed, interrupting David. The elf slid off Aviand's back easily, landing on the frozen earth with a thump before taking a good look around. The place was so close to the borders of Surda that it often got raided by Imperials - such as now. It was mostly in ruins, mainly because its citizens hardly bothered to clean up after a fight. Most had been evacuated to either Aberon or Lithgow where they would be safer. The few that had stayed behind had been ordered to leave anyways so David and Aviand would have a clear shot. Now all that was left was to clear the city of spies. Although Cithrí was near to useless for the Varden's forces, King Orrin still wanted to keep it under his control to show the Empire that they could defend their territory. But after seeing how bleak and in terrible shape it was, David didn't know if they should really waste their energy guarding it. It was in ruin after all and the Empire couldn't hope to accomplish much with it...except for the spy business.
I agree, it does seem ideal,[/i] David thought, echoing his partner. Now the only thing left to do is to find the foolish Imperials who think that and show them otherwise.[/i]
Whenever you are ready.[/i]
With Aviand a few paces behind, he made to take off into the city. The rundown houses dotting the outskirts were burnt; a clear sign that war had made its impression here like everywhere else. Somehow, he dreaded what he might find within the streets of the abandoned place. He never liked seeing the results of war no matter what was behind it. More scattered, broken lives lying before him, displayed as the effect of Galbatorix's greed for power. He sighed, then nodded almost to reassure himself before treading down the road with Aviand padding after him, his footfalls soft on the ground moistened by snow and rain. They had a mission to accomplish.[/blockquote][/size]