Hiding The Eggs

[Arthur Galbatorix]

It was just like most other days…well…at least most days since he became an elder…
Arthur Galbatorix Elder Rider, Son of the king of the land and 6th and second last of the Foresworn…(the kings own and most loyal dragon rider army) was once again busy looking for a suitable place to hide, once again, another of his precious dragon eggs.

For one second, he thinks that he had found a suitable place for his next egg and begins to smile…but no…a second later he realises that the egg just wouldn’t be safe there…
*** A bird might carry it away*** he thinks, slightly disappointed as he continues to look for another…better place.

A few meters away in a clearing near by…his pure white dragon, Diamond…or the White Jewel as she is called by the elves was waiting patiently for her rider to return.
She knew the importance of what he was doing…and she didn’t complain in the least.

***Just another egg….just another day*** she thinks to herself as she studies the landscape around her…keeping an eye out…or maybe two…
For any intruders who may be near by.

Slowly Arthur starts to walk back towards his faithful dragon.
Seeing him come, Diamond notices that he still carried the egg.
>>>I see you didn’t have much luck this time<<< she says to him telepathically.
“ No I didn’t” says Arthur…
Then telepathically he adds..>>>looks like this one will have to wait a little longer<<<
>>>So it seems<<< says Diamond back with a slight smile of amusement
>>>So it seems<<<

[Maenya Vanyali-Seithr]

Maenya stood a few meters away from the Dragon, watching just watching. She was hidden in the Shadows, waiting for the right moment. Her black hair swayed gently in the breeze but she made no other movement, still as a statue, no movement except for the slight rise and fall of her chest as she breathed. ***The dragon was beautiful*** she thought ***White as a diamond, and just as perfect***. Then she noticed the Dragon egg he (the Man) was holding. So here was another dragon carrier for the Varden. She knew that Gallbatorix wanted as many eggs as he could get, and she was supposed to get all the eggs she could, to fight for it. Maenya shook her head she didn't want to. But the knowledge of any torture she might get was enough to make her step out of the shadows. Five years was long enough of torture. She still bore the scars.

As soon as she stepped out of the Shadows she was visible. A elf lady, with long dark hair and dark Grey eyes. She had a feline almost catish grace to the way she stood. A leather belt was tied around the waist of a plain white tunic/dress. Attached to the belt was a long white sword. She waited for the Rider and/or its Dragon to notice her.

(Right you are with the Varden aren't you)[/color]

[Arthur Galbatorix]

OOC: I’m er..well…I’m the kings son…and I’m with the Varden…so yes…

BIC:

Arthur was standing right beside his dragon, just about to hop back into the saddle when a Elf appears near by…

>>> Elf 3 O’clock…Yellow stance (as in yellow alert) <<< he says to Diamond telepathically…his right hand already hovering over the hilt of his elder riders sword sword…"dragon sting"
With one swift movement Diamond twists her body around so that she could face the elf …ready to defend…but not attack at a moment notice…

(in the ancient language) Arthur mutters a few words (visibility hide us) and with a flash from his hand he and Diamond disappeared from site.

Quietly Arthur (who now had jumped into the saddle,) spoke to Diamond…>>>Quietly move away from here<<<

>>>Why are we hiding…its an Elf…not a human?<<< Diamond asks surprised by the over cautious use of magic.

>>>Don’t forget that I am still the kings son…we don’t want anyone to know what we…are up to…there is a chance that she hasn’t noticed who we are yet…I want to know who we are dealing with first…Elf or no Elf…I don’t want to anger my father just yet<<< says Arthur.

>>>As you wish ..your majesty<<< says diamond with a mocking voice.

>>>Oh and diamond<<< Says Arthur choosing to ignore the last comment from his dragon.
>>>Yes<<< says Diamond
>>>quickly please…I may be powerful but even I can’t keep this up for long<<<

>>>Of course<<< says Diamond becoming serious again and with that she slowly starts to move away…careful not no make a sound.

[Maenya Vanyali-Seithr]

Maenya watched silently as the Dragon adn Rider vanshed, she didn't even care not much she just looked bored. The wind was quiet, and so were the trees. She could hear the drago and it's rider, though she couldn't see them. 'Stop wasing my time please' shepaused her eyes as hard as steel. 'I'm just doing what I've been told to do, and have very small choice in the matter' Yes, like that was going to do anything. She frowned and followed the footsteps, watching the ground intently. The wind blew softly, she walked around trying to find where the dragon was, there the wind would be protected from her, so to speak. Maenya decided not, to use maic to make them visible, for one reason, the dragon and rider could share each others power, and as a Dragon rider would be a lot stronger than her. If she chose to fight, she would lose. no exceptions.Please could make yourself visible so we can talk.

[Arthur Galbatorix]

Hearing the Elf speak, Arthur changes his mind…he would not try to get away…not just yet.

She was after all an elf…at the very least he could listen to what she said…after all…listening didn’t mean being visible…

>>>All right we shall give her a chance..<<< he says to Diamond.
Diamond roles her eyes but that doesn’t really make much of a difference due to the fact that she is invisible.
>>>Always this pointless indecisiveness<<<she complains…
>>>I mean…you are the kings son and heir...<<<
>>>Until proven guilty of treason no one from the empire would be stupid …enough to attack you…if they did the king w….<<<

>>>I know …I know<<< says Arthur becoming annoyed…I just want to avoid stupid questions…

Getting equally annoyed Diamond answers with…
>>>Are you an egg guardian or not…if you are then act like one…<<<
>>>What is that supposed to mean<<< asks Arthur…changing from annoyed to angry.
>>>All I’m saying it to stop hiding and to become resourceful…you can do much more good when your visible…this hiding is driving me nuts…you are one of the most powerful riders in existence…only the king can rival you…and currently you are under his protection…Arthur, you are his son…<<<

>>>I know I am his son, Arthur says trying to keep calm…and that’s the reason why I’m being so cautious…do you want him to know what I have been up to for the past years?<<<

>>>Well no<<< says Diamond quietly…>>>it would be a little early…I’m just saying well…the more you act this way the sooner someone well tell tales of you… the famous disappearing rider shows himself again…that is bound make your father interested in you…and then he will find out about your treachery..<<<

>>>We would have a much better chance if we just acted normally…act like you are the kings son…its what he would expect anyway…you have nothing to fear from the Varden…and the imperials would obey every command you give…what could go wrong<<< he says trying to reason with her rider.

Arthur sighs …>>>all right I see what you mean…ok…no more running from danger…I am a elder…your right I should act like one…<<< he says

>>>I’m glad you agree<<< says Diamond content that the hiding was now over.

Turning back to the Elf Arthur makes himself and Diamond visible again…
Looking down at the Elf from his saddle he starts to speak:
“Very well Elf… I’ll listen to what you have to say…What is it you seek…or want?...and above all who are you and what side do you belong to?”

[Maenya Vanyali-Seithr]

Her face became a sad smile as he appeared. At last. 'I am Maenya, as for who's side I'm on, even I do not know' her face split into a small frown 'For the most part i am sworn to Gallbatorix the king' her eyes hardened and grew pained, she hated him for what he did to her family, what he did to her, and was only going to stay for as long as necessary. She wasn't going to let anyone know Gallbatorix didn't actually know her true name. 'For the other, well the' she paused and looked at him in the beginnings of a glare. Maenya didn't really trust anyone, least of all a stranger. 'Who's to say you won't betray me?' she muttered under her breath.

'What I want?' she said 'Or what i seek, I do not want but I seek it, a dragons egg' she paused to let the words sink in 'Not by own choice, I would rather go back to the time 100 years ago' her smile disappeared completely and no emotion appeared on her face. 'Why are you here Rider?' she asked 'And who are you, and your dragon? What do you seek?' Maenya wanted her family to be alive again, but that could never happen, would never happen, ever. Th thought always hit her hard every time she thought it. It was a memory that would never leave, the memory that had kept her going through torture, the thought of a deeper pain.

[Arthur Galbatorix]

Arthur listened solemnly to the elfs tail…***so… this elf was called Maenya …it sounded familiar…*** he thinks trying to remember who she could be.

***She is sworn to Galbatorix…ok….time to be extremely careful*** he continuous to think.

There weren’t many elves loyal to his father…***strange** he thinks.. ***Who could she be***

>>>I hope it was a good idea to show myself…shes with the empire<<< Arthur says to Diamond.
>>>So?…are you his son or not? <<< Diamond responds
Groaning inwardly (so that Maenya couldn’t see it) Arthur replies
>>>Okay…Okay!!!..I understand…just give me some time…I need to get used to this again<<< he says growing agitated again.

Arthur continuous to listen to what Maenya had to say…
'Who's to say you won't betray me?'

At this he smiles…
*** Here I am son of the king, second in command of the Empire …afraid that one of my very own Citizens…oh what an irony...she...they... should be afraid of me, not I of them*** he thinks to himself.

When Maenya was finished asking her questions Arthur…deciding to play along with his imperial identity starts to speak…
He would try to find out more about her, before he answers any of her questions…

“I am prince Arthurius Galbatorix…son of his majesty the king” he says in a voice of great influence.
Then swapping over into a commanding voice…
“Before I answer any of your questions answer this first”
” What do you mean by you are not sure what side your on” Arthur asks trying to get down to the matter at hand as quickly as possible….
“I command thee …if you value your life, speak swiftly” he orders…trying to sound as Galbatorish as possible, wondering how his father would have handled the situation.

***But then again …I guess father would most likely have killed her by know for treason had she said this to him…*** he thinks considering his fathers most likely actions.

Underneath him, Diamond growls and shows her enormous teeth… deciding to act along as well as she could... after all it had been her idea for Arthur to come out of hiding…though she didn’t like his commanding voice.

[Maenya Vanyali-Seithr]

Maenya glared at him and his commanding voice, he was obviously trying to sound like is father, he did look slightly like him, no wonder she had recognized him. 'I remember you' she said slowly 'You may remember me, it wasn't such a long time ago' she looked up sadly 'I don't believe you are with galbatorix, he never mentioned his second son was a guardian of dragon eggs' her face a small frown upon it. ***I do not wish to reveal myself to be a traitor*** she thought ***But if he is not with the King then he would not betray me*** Life wasn't very easy for a someone sworn to one side but wanted to be on another. 'If I value my life' she repeated after Arthur, 'I haven't valued my life since my family were murdered and I was tortured to an inch of my life!' she spat at him 'You're more like your father than you even realize!' she said glancing away into the trees. What she wouldn't give to die, but she was forbidden by the Varden and Galbatorix to kill herself. Maenya realized she might be able to get back at Galbatorix before she died, at that was nearly all she cared about.

[Arthur Galbatorix]

Arthur nearly grimaced when he heard Maenya say that he was more like his father…
***Well at least that part worked *** he thinks

Arthur was wondering whether he could somehow enter the elfs mind.
He really had to know the side she was on…***but she is an elf…and elves were known to be able to do magic…and so to detect others in their minds.*** he thinks to himself considering his options.

“You said that your family was tortured…by whom” he asks the elf…this time in a kind voice.
Arthur was sure that the Varden wouldn’t do such a thing…at least not to any elves…so there was a high chance that her parents were tortured by the Empire…in which case it was most likely under his father wishes…
If that were true then she would most likely have no love towards his father….

***At the very least she seems to be of the type most willing to join the Varden…if she had the chance…***
>>> I agree<<< says Diamond who had been listening to Arthurs thoughts…>>>if she turns out to be imperial we will just have to dispose of her…happens all the time in the Empire<<<
>>>Yes…we will have no choice…the question is…how will we know what side she is on<<<
>>>Your forgetting the secret lines which every Varden uses to identify each others when they are in deep under cover missions.<<< says Diamond
>>> No I haven’t…but if she isn’t part of the Varden she wouldn’t know it…and she may be a potential Varden recruit<<< says Arthur
>>>Doesn’t look like we have many options…do we?<<<…asks Diamond…>>>at the very least we will know whether she is a Varden operative<<<says Diamond
>>>True, <<< …>>>alright lets see<<< says Arthur
Knowing full well that what he says next wouldn’t make sense to a non Varden, Arthur looks back at Maenya and says a small verse…using human, elvish and Dwarfish words …in a particular order…then he waits…

*** Now we will know*** thinks Arthur as he waits for the expected reply…the counter verse of his little verse..which only a true Varden member would know.

>>>If she is Varden , we will have to protect her as long as she is with us<<< he says to Diamond…>>>if she is not…we shall see<<< he adds

[Maenya Vanyali-Seithr]

Maenya glanced at them. ***Why should they care*** she thought and closed her eyes. 'Gallbatorix had them murdered, I am only alive because I managed to make someone burst into flames by a thought' A small tear roled down her cheek and she wiped it away angrily. she hated showing weakness, it was a vunerable spot and someone could get through that vunerablility. As she was thinking of this Arthur said something quite strange 'Sorry?' she said confused, she didn't really understand what he had said and didn't know what to say.

She looked at them the confusion shpwing in her eyes. 'Am I suposed to say something' she asked quietly. She turned slightly glancing behind her. She sudenly knew she had made a mistake comming here. Behind her the woods were so think only a small animal or strong armoured being would be able to get through, might b able to get through.The dragon was blocking the only path out. She sighed, once again she had made things harder for her self.

[Arthur Galbatorix]

OCC: all right ...lets try something...drastic..: ;D

Arthur sighed when Maenya asked whether she was supposed to say something.
>>>Looks like she isn’t with the Varden<<<she says to Diamond…>>>D**m…that would have made things so much easier<<<
>>>So…do we kill her?<<< asks Diamond waiting for Arthurs orders.
>>NO!...I will not kill innocent people and least of all a potential Varden<<< he says in load telepathic voice..
>>If we do that then we will be no better then my father<<< he adds angrily.
.
>>>If we don’t do something she will most likely tell your father that she has seen you<<<says Diamond .
>>>You heard what she said…She saw you with a egg…what do you think would your father say to that<<<


Getting really agitated now Arthur takes another long look at Maenya…he was considering his next move.
Should he or should he not just ask her outright…
Should he or should he not just tell her who he really is…

She really did look sad….***she looks so sad*** he thinks…***no Elf should lead such a life*** he thinks to himself….
The more Arthur looked at her the more restless he became.
***Time for something drastic*** he thinks (this time keeping his thoughts away from Diamond.
Slowly he let himself grow angry...very angry...
Slowly he let years of hardship and anger spill over him

>>>Arthur…are you alright?<<< asked Diamond, who was becoming very alert...something was not right with her rider...he felt...strange.
Diamond could feel anger build up inside Arthur…great anger…years of anger…so much anger and frustration that Diamond looked at him in alarm.
>>Arthur?…<<< she asked again becoming worried…extremely worried.

“NO!...I HAVE HAD ENOUGH”… Arthur suddenly cries out making Diamond jump…
>>>What are you doing?<<< she asks him in alarm.
Bright white light was shimmering from Arthur and his face which had changed into a terrible serious, dangerous expression was suddenly glowing.

Diamond was now very worried…>>>ARTHUR!…answer me.<<< she cries out…she had never seen him like this before.

“Here I am a B***dy Dragon rider…one of the few capable of setting things right...and all I do is twiddle my thumbs while my father continuous to poison the land, torture and betray his own citizens and above all betrays his own family."

“I HAVE HAD ENOUGH!” he screams out with a terrible voice….”Father be d**ned!”…

Looking at Maenya with flaring fiery eyes (which had suddenly started glowing in a eerie red colour) he starts to speak.

“Speak Elf…what side are you really on…” he shouts out…
“What side do you wish to serve?”
“Why do you seek the egg?”
“Who sent you?”
“What do you know about me”
“What do you think of my father?”
What do you expect of me?”

“Answer me!!!” he adds in a dangerous voice ready to break the elf if he has to.

**It is now or never***...he thinks to himself...***Either I get...satisfactory answers of I kill her***

>>>Arthur<<< Diamond cries out in alarm and with a sudden movement she places herself between the two, protecting the elf from her own rider..
She had never seen him like this before.

>>>Calm yourself!<<<

***I should never have convinced him to act like the kings son*** she thought in dismay.
***If something happens it will have been my fault.***


>>>Arthur for the love of the Varden and the Elders..control yourself<<< she cries out again.

[Maenya Vanyali-Seithr]

Maenya stepped backward in surprise, mostly at the voice, the other at his glowing face. He continued on shouting seemingly at his father. Good his son wasn't a puppet of Gallbatorix's cruelty but she sensed if angered or if he had a change of heart, Arthur could be just as cruel as merciless, Maenya also sensed that he would kill and had already thought about doing so. 'To answer all those questions in full would take a very long time' Maenya said slowly, 'The side I am on, Gallbatorix, though I wish it not. He doesn't' Maenya took a deep breath and wondered if she could trust him, he didn't seem to like his father much, 'He doesn't know my true name, he thinks he does and he uses that to control me . . lets say I am a flaw in his Armour, I know many secrets of his and I will use them against him given the chance'

'I seek the egg because for one Gallbatorix sent me, and second if it hatched for me I would not be so alone in this world, you have no idea what is like to be well and truly alone. I have only ever seen five elves in my entire life, my sister my mother and father and the messenger elves that came sometimes to where we lived, I'm 121 already.' she paused to close her eyes and when she opened them again they were on the floor, as if she was disgusted with herself. 'I know very little about you, I haven't seen you many times, once or twice, you never noticed me, I'm good at hiding in shadows. Before you ask I will not tell your father you are a Guardian of Dragon Eggs'
'Your father is . . is the most evil and cruelest person I've ever met and ever will meet I suspect,' her eyes flashed, 'The only thing he actually likes is his Dragon which is as mean as they come'
'I only expect of you is to not tell your father that I have seen you, and failed to capture the dragon egg of 'someone'. If you do tell him, well I have already said before I am good at hiding in shadows, if he doesn't kill me that is' she glanced down at the floor again, but slowly her eyes traveled to his face, as he spoke the words 'Answer me' in a dangerous voice. 'I have answered, just to warn you the last person who tried to break into my mine died for the torment, I protect my privacy greatly' her voice implied that her mind was the only sanctuary where she could think what she really thought without it being overheard. Her voice was soft but danger was spilling over its sides like poison. She sat down on the branch of a tree and waited for an answer hugging her knees.

[Arthur Galbatorix]

The moment Arthur sees his own dragon rush to defend the unknown elf he looked startled.
That was one thing he hadn’t expected.
“Diamond” he says in a shocked voice...he hadn't expected this.
Diamond on the other hand just looks at him weakly.
She knew full well that if her rider decided to attack there wasn’t much she could do…
She was…is…after all bonded to him…and so if she were to hurt him in the elfs defence…she would also hurt herself too.>>>Please!...don’t…not yet<<< she says is a shaky desperate voice…
**Oh what have I become…a traitor to my own rider*** she thinks not happy at what she was doing…

>>>We will talk about this later<<< Arthur replies in a sad disappointed voice…then turning his attention back to the elf, Arthur listens to what she says.
What he hears makes him sigh in relief…
***Just what I hoped I would hear*** he thinks

After Maenya had finished speaking Arthur , could sense no deceit in the elf ,and choosing to trust her was now smiling.
“Well in that case we have no more to fear….” He says in a kind and pleasant voice.
His face had returned to normal, and the glow was slowly disappearing.

“On one account both of us agree”…” My dear old father…who unfortunately for us, had once plotted to kill me is a cruel, insidious, foul %$~#*£*$…,that he has proven”…he says with a small grin.

“Sorry about the …small…show… a few seconds ago…I had to find out what side you are on” he says , now back to his former…kind self.
“You must understand…I have an image to uphold…” he adds with a twinkle in his eyes.

Diamond just stood there…in awe…she couldn’t figure out what was happening…she didn’t understand the world at the moment.
Slowly she starts to move away from Maenya…

Arthur, happy that Diamond had returned to his side…continuous to speak…
“Do not fear I will never tell my father what you said about him…just as long as you stay quiet about me and Diamond”…
Pausing for a second Arhtur takes a look at his…(hopefully) new friend…
“ NOW!.. seeing that your intentions are...on the right path....Would you be willing to follow me…willingly” he asks…
“Maenya…would you like to join the Varden?” “I could arrange that if you wish to be one” he adds.…waiting for Maenyas surprised look….which he knew was bound to appear in some shape or form..
“Would you we willing and able to betray the king…now and join us?”

“Not what you expected is it?” he says after a short pause.

Beside him Diamond was feeling dizzy…she didn’t know what to think…a few seconds ago her rider had been a angry maniac…now all of a sudden he had changed into a gentle humorous individual.
The transformation had taken its toll on her...she had a lot to think about...

Arthur, feeling that his dragon was severely shaken and not feeling well, excuses himself from MAenya...
"Er..excuse me please for a ..well..a few minutes...I have something to ..take care of" he says..

Taking his leave from MAenya he walks over the Diamond..
>>>Are you ok? <<< he asks...just before Diamond starts to up choke...

Grimacing, and now worried, Arthur gives Diamond his full attention...leaving Maenya to herself.

[Maenya Vanyali-Seithr]

***What the hell is going on*** Maenya thought, the Dragon, Diamond was protecting her not her rider. That was slightly confusing, but dragons did have their own thoughts and opinions on things. They were after all a lot wiser than most men, and many elves. Then she got asked to join the Varden. That was a surprise but her face betrayed no emotion and was blank and calm, but such a proposition had left her face unguarded for a second, and a faint surprise and showed through. 'Of course I will stay quiet about you and Diamond, unless it is forced out of me by torture, in that case someone will have betrayed me!' ***But I don't necessarily mean you*** she added in her head.

'I would willingly betray the king, after all he's done to me' she let her comment hang, as her mind flicked back to the torture, what he had let his solders do to her. She shuddered and glanced at Arthur who seemed to be talking to his dragon. She didn't really trust anyone or anything anymore, at one time in her life she wouldn't have given a thought about running through long grass, or exploring caves, now in her mind something deadly and dangerous lurking unseen in the corner of her mind. But she liked this man, for some reason are another, and the beginnings of a small trust were beginning. She sincerely hoped for his and her own good he would not betray her.

[Arthur Galbatorix]

>>>Are you alright?<<< Arthur asks Diamond the moment he had excused himself from Maenya..>>>Am I alright?<<< Diamond blurts out, just before up choking again…>>>Do I look like it<<< he asks in a rough voice…
>>>What the hell was that all about…just a few seconds ago<<< she asks bluntly, looking back up at her rider.

>>>The same question I’d like to ask you<<< says Arthur thinking back to the fact that Diamond…his own Diamond had stood against him.

Sighing Arthur continuous to speak..
“No matter, no harm done”…
>>>I’m sorry that I didn’t tell you what I was doing…or rather what I was faking…but I couldn’t risk sending you a thought.<<< he says quietly.
>>>The chances that she might have been able to catch a word or two were just too great…I had to get her unprepared…<<< he adds.
…>>>And you sure helped along a bit<<< he adds , a smile suddenly appearing across his face.

>>>I see<<< says Diamond , now suddenly a little shamefaced…>>>I should have known better though<<<,she says no smile appearing on her face,…>>>I should have trusted you more<<< she adds.

>>>Ah don’t worry about it…we all make mistakes…and no harm done<<< says Arthur kindly…>>Lets forgive and forget<<< he adds.

>>>No!...lets not forget, forgive maybe…but not forget, <<<says Diamond in a stern scornful voice…>>>I nearly attacked you back there…I can’t forget this<<< she says in a angry voice…>>> if this happens again…<<< her voice trails off.

>>>Well lets make sure it doesn’t happen<<< says Arthur …>>>Agreed?<<< he asks.

>>>Agreed! <<< says Diamond then in a scolding voice…>>>But if you ever frighten me like that again…you’ll have to answer to me<<< she says scornfully.

At this remark Arthur smiles, >>>and if you ever stand against me again…you will only have yourself to blame,<<< he says smiling again.

At this Diamond only gave him a perplexed look..

Grinning slightly Arthur turns his attention back towards Maenya…who he hoped she was still there…
“ So where were we”..he asks trying to spot her where he had left her.
“Ah yes the Varden”…”Would you like to join?” he asks…as he turned around.