A Chance Meeting[Open]

[.::Thorn::.]

Servants ran up and down the halls of Uru'Baen castle tending to their masters whims and calls. But if one were to walk down the halls further and through a very ornately carved wooden door that glided silently on well oiled hinges you were hear the angry growls of a restless dragon. The particular beast making the noise was Thorn. The red creature lay on his cushion in the middle of a large room and glared at the door. Vowing to himself to light the next servant that walked through the door ablaze, or in a much similar thought he would just eat them out of boredom. He was sick of this sitting about waiting for orders! He wanted something to do other then sleep in a plush room all day long being waited on by servants all day. This was not the life of a dragon! This was the life of a pompous bureaucrat working for the king. He snorted angrily and stood to his full height and walking to the curtain that led outside. He dove through it and into the clear cool air. Roaring as he flew through the air, The simple pleasure of flying already calming his enraged mind.

Thorn came to rest in the main courtyard of the castle grounds. In his maw was a deer hanging limply from his large fangs, blood staining his otherwise pearl white claws showing the dragons activity. He began to tear into the animal with a fervor unseen from the creature for quite some time. He heard people, mostly the lords and ladies of the Kings court commenting on the brutish behavior of a Rider's dragon. His head rose and he came eye to eye with one of them. "Do you think that a dragon eats like one of your kind?! This is how we were made to eat. If you think me a brute for eating like this then come closer and feel my wrath, But otherwise shut up! You are disturbing my meal." He growled. punctuating the end of his speech with a deafening roar. Which had roused some of the Kings Guard. Thinking it was an attack by the Varden they rushed to meet their unseen attackers, But when they saw Thorn glaring at them they quickly retreated to what they had been doing before.

Thorn continued with his meal hoping that someone more civilized and knowledgeable in the ways of dragons would come and speak with him. Perhaps a Empire commander. They were trained around fighting against and with dragons and Thorn knew many of the Imperial commanders and liked a few of them. the others he found pompous and annoying. But alas it seemed he would have to settle for the children swarming around the red beast. For some odd reason children seemed to calm the dragon. no matter what mood he was in, He found them quite cute and easy to talk to despite the fact that they were so simply minded. They were always eager to learn and Thorn had no problem with teaching them things that he knew about.

[Ze Flying Wraithetti Monstress]

“Was ‘be discreet’ too murky for you? Did it sound too much like ‘draw as much attention as possible’?” The blank stare that followed reinforced the fact that good henchmen were much harder to come by nowadays. I placed my fingers on my forehead with a groan, rubbing at the smooth skin there and trying to avoid frowning. “You know what, my good gentlemen? Head on back to your quarters. I shall send for you later.” My lips tightened into a strained smile.

The three of them, gawking like imbeciles, took a few moments to realize that I had dismissed them. They stumbled off, giving me the entertainment of watching them try to move their bulky forms in their too-small slave uniforms. Well, country folk weren’t usually known for their brains, anyway. I glared at the sheaf of papers that they’d unceremoniously dumped into my hands, and figured that it was probably time for me to leave as well. With how those idiots had bungled their little robbery, it probably wouldn’t be long before the guards came asking questions. Normally, it wouldn’t be a problem for someone as beguiling as me, but the royal palace guards were totally unmovable. Either Galbatorix had enchanted them to resist women or they’d been picked for the job for having impossibly low sex drives. Pressing the papers to the golden brassiere on my chest- the only thing I had on my torso besides my long see-through black gloves- I left the shadows of the main gate and hurried back to my quarters as fast as my three-inch heels and common decency would let me.

I had to go around the main courtyard and towards the nobles’ manors, huge dark buildings that clung to the citadel walls, and make my way to the obscure wooden door that led to my basement. The door had a simple lock that any weakling could break open, which I unlocked with a simple magical command. I slipped inside, closing the door behind me and relocking it, and made my way down the gloomy stone stairs that led to my dungeons, and, eventually, my bedchambers. As far as I knew, I was the only noble who lived underground, but I didn’t mind. There wouldn’t be anything I hated more than being forced to rub shoulders with the prissy fops who made up most of the nobility.

Once I reached the bottom of all three flights of stairs, I smiled at the two guards who stood at attention by the massive iron door that led into the dungeons. They straightened when I appeared, and made no visible reaction when I greeted them with kisses. That had to be depressing, not being able to be seduced. One of them pulled at the iron handle, twisting it until the door swung open. I thanked the two of them with more kisses, and this time, I almost felt a shudder from one of them. Pleased from the reaction, I entered the darkness of my dungeons, wincing when the door slammed closed behind me. I muttered a weak spell to light the lanterns set up on the walls at intervals, and gazed around.

The first level of my dungeons were the virgin cells, where I kept new prisoners for a while until their bodies were heightened with terror up to the point where pain was the most sensitive for them. Currently, I had only four newbies- pickings were very sparse, much to my worry- and they began their rant of begging for release which was so annoyingly familiar to me now. Instead of silencing them with merciless beatings like I usually did, though, I chose to ignore them this time, instead moving on to the next levels that led to my bedroom. I passed the Screaming Crypts, where I studied the nature of sounds that people in pain made, the Incineration Pits, where I studied the effects of fire and heat on flesh, the Beast Pens, where my pet animals tore apart my victims for even more studies, my Failed Experiments room, where I threw away unimpressive pawns, and several other levels before I finally reached my bedroom, which also happened to be the highest room in the complex- it even had windows.

I sighed, leaning against the doorway as I gazed at the room. It was very large, with a massive double bed raised on a dais at the centre. Around it were smaller experiments like fetuses and dismembered body parts, as well as a number of shelves full of books and scrolls containing the results of my experiments. But the thing I immediately headed toward was the huge mirror set up in front of the bed. There was another on the ceiling above the bed, which proved amusing to look at whenever I provided bedroom entertainment for any visitors or particularly good-looking experiments. I stopped in front of the mirror, passing my hands over my body. Besides the gloves and the brassiere, a gold-plated piece that served as a kind of metal undergarment covered my behind as well as that secret area between my legs that men so adored. Stretching from my spiked heels to my waist were see-through black stockings matching the gloves. As for accessories, I had silver bangles around my wrists and neck, and finally a black top hat- usually worn by men- that sat on my head. I had curled my black hair and let it hang loose around my shoulders, while my lips had been glossed and my eyes outlined with kohl to make them stand out. All in all, I looked simply fabulous.

Once I was done preening and admiring myself, I seated myself at my ornate hardwood desk and studied the sheaves of paper. These particular papers, which the country boys had almost botched in stealing, happened to be love letters between Lord Kye and Lady Malena. The fact that I was so interested in them was because Lady Malena happened to be in jail for selling out to the Varden, while Lord Kye was one of Galbatorix’s most esteemed battle advisors. I planned on offering Lord Kye a little deal- in return for some of his personnel for my experimentation, I wouldn’t let his little secret out. Unfortunately, first I needed to get at Kye, who happened to be terrified of me and had strictly ordered his guards not to let me anywhere near him or his quarters, or even send messages to him. This, again, wouldn’t be a problem if said guards weren’t so aggravatingly chaste. I needed someone higher-ranking than both me and Kye to help me with that little problem.

All of a sudden, a deafening roar from outside nearly split my ears in half. I clapped my hands over them and glared at the north window, which was where it had come from. I got up from my desk and moved towards it, peering outside. This window faced the courtyard, so I had no experiments outside of it. Past the milling guards and slaves and nobles, I could see Thorn, one of those oversized flying lizards, feasting on a deer. I glanced around, but that gorgeous Rider of his, Murtagh, was nowhere to be seen. I watched Thorn eat with interest, and I suddenly wondered if dragons had any say in the palace. I left the window and hurried out of the bedroom, racing past the lower levels until I found my way back to the main dungeon door. Slipping past the guards, who looked a little surprised at my hurry and the fact that I didn’t greet them with kisses again, I raced up the stairs. Once I reached the tiny wooden door I stopped to catch my breath. Unlocking and opening it once again, I stepped into the coolness of autumn outside and shut the door behind me, relocking it. Thorn was about two hundred yards away, surrounded by children. Most of the adults gave him a wide berth. I moved casually towards him, taking my own sweet time in getting there.

Before I’d even reached him by fifty metres, I felt something brushing the edges of my mind, and Thorn whirled to face me, his jaws still dripping with blood. I smiled brightly as I approached, tipping my top hat to him.

“Hello, Thorn,” I said sweetly. Truth be told, I wasn’t quite sure how one dealt with flying reptiles, so I kept up a calm demeanour to avoid getting him angry. I ignored the children, some of which had stopped to stare at me with huge eyes. I smiled back at them. It had been a while since I’d done any experiments on a child, but since Thorn seemed to enjoy their company, I let those thoughts slide. I glanced back at him. “Murtagh out with Galbatorix today?”

Words;; 1471
Muse;; Bah.
Thoughts;; AAAAAAAAAAAH not great. Meh. I WANT MORE PEOPLES TO JOIN THIS THREAD!!![/size]

[.::Thorn::.]

The red beast glanced up to see a woman walking towards him and at once the children that had been sitting around him talking became silent and most had their eyes on her, But the thing he noticed about the children the most is their thoughts. They had gone from admiring the dragon to a sense of nervousness, like the woman was a threat to them. And that is what was bothering the dragon. He still had a bit of the deer left so he snapped it up in his jaws. The dark crimson fluid running between the lighter red scales on his muzzle giving them almost a black outline as the blood seeped into the cracks between the scales.

Then there was her voice. Something about it put Thorn on edge. It was not unkind but it was too sweet it seemed. It became abundantly apparent to Thorn that this woman had no idea how to speak to dragons, or she had no sense of fear of the creatures at all. He cracked a bone that was stuck between his teeth and stared at her for a few moments with his head cocked to one side. He reached into the woman's mind and began to answer her question. "What buisness is it of yours where my Rider is? And do not speak so sweetly to me, I am not a tame dog or a small child."He growled at the end of his comments to give them effect but he doubted it would do anything.

Thorn stared at the woman trying to decypher who she was, He knew she was probably someone high up in the command chain but he had no recolection of the woman at all. Hopefully she would tell him the answer to the question he asked. "What is it that you want? And who are you?"

[daesiggil]

Murtagh moved down the streets, thoughts still silent and hidden from everyone. He only looked up when he noticed something down the street Not normal. flashed through his mind and he sped up and shook his head briefly, briefly annoyed. He stopped when he saw Thorn and smiled briefly, then looked at the woman. His eyes narrowed and he stepped forwards, opening his mind finally to briefly stroke Thorn's to warn him of his presence "Why do you ask?" He spoke, finally making his presence to her known too.

He heard the last questions though and crossed his arms silently, pondering that question too Did she dare anything? He questioned, briefly feeling concern for his companion; yet slightly calmed that he didn't feel pain or any other negative emotions from the red dragon. He returns his attention back to the woman and felt a slight chill run over his spine. He didn't thrust her, not at all.

He didn't remember instantly where he had seen her before and frowns slightly "Do I know you from somewhere, perchance?" He questioned, curious again, yet beating himself mentally for admitting such a 'weakness'. He exhales slightly and presses his hand for a moment against the bridge of his nose as if warding of a headache.

His eyes pressed closed and he leaned against the front-paw of his dragon, yet if Thorn chose to move he would fall to the ground. He found the contact quite soothing, having needed to relax for a while now.

He played briefly with the sword at his side and continued gazing at the woman. He frowned a bit disgusted at her too revealing clothes and turned his head suddenly, gazing away, only looking at her from the corner of his eye-corner and then it was only out of cautiousness, not wanting be caught of guard if she suddenly decided to attack him.

[Ze Flying Wraithetti Monstress]

The mind of a dragon was an unusual thing. In fact, it was so unusual that I suddenly started to rethink getting Thorn to help me out with my dilemma. I could feel the red dragon pressing against my consciousness, which was how I was receiving the minute glimpses of his own mind, and it was so vast and confusing that I was sure that my husband Nagendra, who studied the mind, would have strapped down every dragon he could get his hands on and study them all for months on end. Thorn also pressed against my mind repeatedly, which was an odd feeling for me. I’d had several people go through my mind during the years I’d worked in Urû’baen, but the contents of what I thought about were usually so disturbing that they made a quick job of it, and rarely came back to investigate it again. I suddenly wished Nagendra was here. He would know how to place wards around my mind, but right now he was off at the coast, processing some captured Varden. It left my mind wide open to the dragon. I realized that his strongest thoughts were towards the safety of the children surrounding him. I wanted him to feel as comfortable as possible, so I turned to them- there were maybe seven or eight of them- and spoke to them.

“I’d like to talk with Thorn alone, please,” I said gently. “Run off to your parents.” A couple of them slipped off immediately, but a few lingered, unwilling to be parted from their beloved dragon. I beamed at them until they tottered off.

However, even when they were gone and safe from me, Thorn still didn’t seem to like my presence. I knew by word of mouth- and by watching his not-so-innocent frivolities in the courtyard on several occasions- that Thorn was an extremely volatile and untrusting creature. I kept up a calm air to avoid making him unleash his fury. Even if he didn’t eat me, severely irritating him would still ruin any chances I had of his helping me. He spoke once the children were gone, questioning why I’d bothered to go and ask him about his Rider, but before I could respond, a male voice interrupted me. I turned to see a tall figure with pained grey eyes and thick black hair standing by Thorn, a hand on his side. My smile suddenly wasn’t so strained. Murtagh was here! In answer to their questions, I rolled back my shoulders and looked at them from beneath my thick veil of black hair before speaking.

“There’s no need to be so guarded, honourable ones. Can’t dragons and Riders engage in simple conversation? I merely asked out of curiosity.” To Thorn, I said, “Forgive me, Thorn. I just wanted to strike a friendly tone with you, not treat you like an animal.”

Basic conversation was no stranger to me. Since infancy, I had been surrounded by nobility- well, there’d been a bit of a break in that when I’d run away from home- but I had nonetheless been raised into the lies, the deceit, and the scheming of the rich. Basic conversation was more drilled into me than the anatomy of the human body. I knew everything from extracting the deepest secrets of an unsuspecting victim to extortion. However, right now I just needed to soothe both Thorn and Murtagh’s tempers. Even without the tiny snatches about Murtagh that I received from Thorn’s constant probing, I could see in Murtagh’s eyes the exact same distrust, suspicion, and even… disgust? I blinked, and noticed his eyes on my outfit, but not in the lustful way that most men looked at me- he was looking at me like I was uncouth. That broke off my composure, and I was even confused for a moment. I simply didn’t understand when a man didn’t like me. It happened so rarely, and when it did, the men in question almost always died for it. Only Galbatorix had managed to stay out of my dungeons, for obvious reasons. I almost got angry, but then I remembered that Galbatorix had reined in Murtagh’s mind just like he had the royal guards. That was probably the only thing that kept me from wondering how to get him onto one of my operation tables. And Thorn’s constant watchfulness, of course. I focussed on answering their next questions, instead.

“I am Malandra Ramakrishna,” I said cheerily, “but you may call me Doctor Ramakrishna- or just Doctor, if my last name is too long for you. I came to work here after marrying Doctor Nagendra Ramakrishna to work as a scientist for King Galbatorix. I don’t usually leave the palace, but you may have heard of me.” I looked at the two of them in turn. “I’d just like to chat with the oh-so-famous Murtagh and Thorn. There’s no harm in small talk, is there?”

Words;; 822
Muse;; ACK. WEIRD.
Thoughts;; Was rushed by my parents soooo it's short and it ain't so good. -headdesk-[/size]

[.::Thorn::.]

Thorn glared at the woman as she spoke to him and his rider, though luckily for her Murtagh had shown up before he had snapped at Malandra. His hand on the dragons shoulder had seemed to soothe the already unsettled mind of Thorn. The children that had been there with him had also served the same effect on him, the only thing that calmed his mind more then flying, eating and sleeping was the physical and mental bond he shared with Murtagh. Though from the thoughts that he was getting from his companion he was feeling the same way about this woman. As she explained herself he highly doubted that she was simply a scientist. No, something about her made her seem much more sinister then that.

The dragon watched the woman out of the corner of his large sparkling red eye but kept his attention mostly on his Rider and watching his reaction to the womans clothing. He too felt the same way. Because as far as Thorn was concerned with the etiquette of human females and they way they dressed in public this particular creature was most certainly at least in his own mind improperly dressed for the occasion. It was also bothering Murtagh who seemed at least slightly disgusted by the woman's choice of dress.

Thorn spoke only to his Rider at this moment seeming to take no heed of Malandra's apologie for treating him as she had. "No she has not dared anything but I do not care for the way she is dressed, And from what I can tell you share my thoughts. Don't trust her and think carefully about what you say, she may be a magician." Thorn stood to his legs and walked up behind Murtagh so that his head was looking over the top of his Riders.

OOC: This is so bad!

[daesiggil]

"Pleased to meet you, Ramakrishna. He spoke, although the words didn't held any warmth too them. He tilts his head briefly as he hears the red dragon's comment and nods lightly I will.. He whispered back, eyes narrowing further but he nodded to her in acknowledgment "Ah, and indeed. He spoke, lightly "I have heard of you.." He ponders the rest of her words and nods slightly again No, there is no harm in that.. He looked briefly at the dragon She doesn't look like a simple scientist. He commented, unknowingly echoing Thorn's thoughts.

He looked bewildered for the slightest of seconds when Thorn moved, but relaxed again and folded his face in a neutral mask when it seemed that the dragon only repositioned himself. The hand around the hilt of his sword tightened briefly, before he forced it to relax and let it drop to his side. He felt still on an edge and brushed locks of black out of his face "But why should someone seek a rider and his dragon out for idly chatter?" He questioned again "I.." He stopped and shook his head, signaling that he wouldn't finish his sentence, before he changed his mind and did finish it "am afraid I do not know you well enough for such." It was maybe foolish to say so and it could be taken invitingly; but that was far from his mind now, very far.

The hand that hung to his side came up again to cross itself over his chest again, joining the other. His head was tilted slightly, his eyes back focused on her, observing intently. He didn't like to admit, but she seemed interesting, interesting and VERY dangerous. He shook his head faintly and waited for the responses he desired.

(OoC: Bah, don't worry... my posts aren't great either...)

[Ze Flying Wraithetti Monstress]

Murtagh, I decided, was just as cold as an iced lolly. Just like the royal guards I had had so much trouble with; he didn’t find my appearance at all interesting. Even Thorn seemed more intrigued by my physique, although it was more curiosity than anything else. At least, that’s what I thought. Reading reptilian expressions wasn’t one of my most skillful areas. I just returned his bloody gaze with a smile. Normally, I would have accompanied the smile with a pat on the nose, like I did with my pet crocodiles, but I somehow got the feeling that doing so would cost me an arm.

Then, Murtagh spoke. However, when he used my last name rather than my much-preferred title, I flinched as my dark eyes briefly flashed with rage. I struggled to control myself. I simply wasn’t used to being treated as a subordinate. Rider or not, Murtagh was still nearly half my age, which added to my temper. However, I managed to keep my face pleasant and just said, “Doctor, please. Not Ramakrishna,” before allowing him to continue speaking.

He chose his words extremely carefully. He mentioned having heard of me, but no look of horror or alarm spread across his face like most people did when they recognized me, so I guessed he didn’t know the exact details of my research. He also kept glancing at Thorn, and I knew they were exchanging thoughts, which I patiently waited through. They didn’t look at me again until Thorn suddenly swung his long crimson neck over Murtagh, so that his lower jaw hung only inches above his Rider’s head. It seemed I still hadn’t managed to calm them down enough to push forward my proposition. Once Murtagh had finished speaking, I rolled back my shoulders, choosing my own words with care. ‘Not know me well enough’? I doubted he’d implied a further relationship, but it still meant that he was at least intrigued by me. That was something, at least!

“Riders and dragons aren’t people you see every day,” I explained smoothly. “They intrigue me, much more so than these boorish nobles. In fact, let’s not stand around where they can all gawk at us like caged animals.”

I glanced around, past the congregation of slaves, guards, and the pigheaded nobles I’d just mentioned, looking for somewhere moderately private and empty. One of the verandas caught my attention- it was a large patio made for nobles to sit at and grow fat on roast turkey and gossip. A chair or two could be shifted and there’d be space for even Thorn to move around comfortably. But then, it was late afternoon and autumn, and it would be chilly. It made me realize that it actually was quite cold, and I grabbed my arms, feeling the tiny goose bumps along them. Changing my mind, I turned back to Murtagh and Thorn. “Let’s talk in the warmth of the Great Hall, shall we? It’s not near dinner yet, so the only botheration will be the kitchen slaves.”

I watched them expectantly for a moment, knowing I wouldn’t be turned down. It would be quite rude. The reassuring thought of that had me already turning and walking towards the enormous horn-hewn double doors leading into the palace proper by the time I heard an answer. There was a momentary pause- they were probably conversing with each other again- and I was then pleased to hear Thorn’s heavy footfalls as the two of them followed me.

At the doors, I beckoned to the guards to hold them open for us. They obliged, and I slipped past them into the warm dimness of the palace. To my left, an enormous, empty hallway stretched towards the other areas of the palace, while the right led to two smaller double doors that opened up into the Great Hall. I made for the doors, pushing them open.

I had never much cared for the Great Hall. It had one too many drunken idiots for my refined taste. It had black walls just like the rest of the palace, and was entirely barren except for a dozen long tables, a raised dais where Galbatorix himself feasted at his own private table. He’d never cared much for decoration, it seemed. In front of the dais was a fireplace, the main reason I’d decided to come here. It was so huge that it required entire trees to keep it burning. And, as I’d thought, it was still too early to be filled up- only a couple of lazy guards and scurrying kitchen servants were inside. I made my way through the Hall, my heels clicking rhythmically on the polished floor, and seated myself at one of the tables closest to the fireplace. I motioned for Murtagh to sit across from me. Thorn had a comfortable space right at the head of the table, so I didn’t bother directing him.

Once they were both settled, I said, “Now, what would help you know me well enough for idle chatter?” I asked it in a perfectly conversational voice, and yet kept a hinting undertone. I leaned forward, placing my chin in my hands. I stared at Murtagh’s impassive grey eyes with my own large black ones, hoping to prick past his barrier.

Words;; 881
Muse;; Good, but super rushed
Thoughts;; I wrote this FAST so it's not my best. Take your time with your replies, since it'll be a while until I can write up another one again. XP[/size]

[.::Thorn::.]

OOC: Dae could you please post, I just had my wisdom teeth removed and i cannot think of anything to say for this post. I will post the next time around.

Thanks

P.S. Ill make you a signature for Murtagh when i get my Photoshop running for doing this for me

[daesiggil]

He almost seemed aware of her thoughts and his eyes narrowed lightly, but that couldn't be possible. He wasn't a mind reader or anything. He continued to observe her as she smiled at Thorn, eyes narrowing even further Nope.. He thought to himself silently I really don't like her. His fingers curled up in a fist, almost as if he wanted to raise it and punch something or rather, someone with it.

He acknowledged that she rather be called doctor than by her last name Sensitive nerve much? He thought amused, this time not bothering to hide his thoughts from Thorn. He only felt something curl in his stomach when her eyes flashed with rage and he nearly stepped back, but locking his muscles prevented from doing so successfully.

He nodded carefully when she spoke again "So it would seem." He uttered underneath his breath Intrigue her? He questioned in his own mind again, but before he could ponder it further she had invited them to the great hall. His mouth already opened to decline, being rude be screwed, but she was walking of before he could do so, then with a small sigh he followed her, glancing at Thorn again, a frown over his brow.

He slipped between both gates too and followed her, wondering where she would seat herself, if she would do so. Most likely she would, standing for a while wouldn't be pleasant after all. He saw her seat himself and when she mentioned him forward he did so, briefly scowling though because he looked like a puppy that was eager to follow his master. He seated himself across from her but a bit too the side. He almost, almost had smiled when she said that they where gaping like caged animals, but who where the real animals here?

He gazed around slowly, taking in everything around him. His finger tapped on the wood underneath his hand in a bored gesture, only when she asked a question did his gaze shift back to her "What would, indeed?" He said, faint amusement sparking in the depths of his eyes before it settled back in their slight emotionless gaze. He spread his arms lightly, almost in a gesture to say 'well I'm here, now what do you want?' and tilted his head alongside "You can start.." He said lightly, after all. She was the one that wanted this talk after all.

[OoC: Not one of the best, but >.<..
Ps; Ah, the signature isn't needed, but thanks anyway~ ^^]