A new beginning

[Seris Bjartevarin]

OOC: Well, I could do that; but it wouldn't be very original, now, would it? I don't even like to copy names and things that I made up myself, much less use those of other people. Anyway, I like to make up new ones; it's good practice for my stories.. even though I've yet to finish one. *grins* No, I was thinking something along the lines of Sally.. or William.. that would work, right? *chuckles* No, I'm not serious, and I'm not going to steal one of yours. Anyway, Emerald or GoldenRod would hardly work for a black dragon. Plus, it would be like cheating or skipping out to use yours. I don't do cheating.

Actually, I had noticed that earlier. I had figured that you did it on purpose, since you rarely seem to do anything without a purpose, really. I have this really cool mental image of Diamond from your descriptions already, I just wonder how exactly your new dragon will be different...

Yes, that's very true, particularly since Seris knows precious little about mind protection at this point. Really, he could probably piece together pretty much everything eventually.. but it would take more work, and it would be easier for him to get to a given point that way.

BIC:

As Seris tore her thoughts from the dragon egg at her feet, she looked up to see Arthur with a strange smile on his face. Again. Did that man ever stop smiling, or using that calm, rational, instructor voice?

Seris felt like frowning when Arthur asked how he could make her trust him. ***Trust isn't something you make someone give,*** she thought coldly, her annoyance pushing her past the point of caring about whether or not he knew what she was thinking. ***You have to earn it; and he's not really the best at that, so far.***

Arthur continued on about persuading her, and then he mentioned the Ancient Language. At the words, a muscle in Seris's left arm twitched, though whether from some sort of emotional response or as a random nerve firing as an aftercurse the scar she bore on it, it was impossible to tell. Arthur probably couldn't even tell, because Seris herself didn't know.

It was rather coincidental timing, however, if it was pure chance, because the first thing that flew to mind when Arthur mentioned the Ancient Language was the cold hand of one of the Twins grasping her arm as he demanded she take an oath to the Varden before being allowed to leave on a scouting mission. It was the same mission, incidentally, after which they had probed her mind and which had given her such an aversion to those who entered her it. Next, bringing a bit of a light into her green eyes, was the memory of the Elf who had given her her name. While Seris knew more of the Ancient Language than this, having learned some -- mostly conversational -- from the Elves during their stay, these were the most important and most prevalent Ancient Language-related memories to her. They embodied both the good and the bad, and highlighted the line between those who used the Language as a tool to inflict pain and force allegiance and those to whom it was simply a part of who they were.

Perhaps it unnerved Seris a bit when Arthur repeated what little she knew of her mother in that level, logical tone, or perhaps she was simply weighing her words before she spoke them even though she knew that her temper and opinions were probably clear to Arthur already. At last, she began to speak slowly, and in a rather softer tone than before, as if the topic or either the Ancient Language or the mentioning of her mother had struck a chord inside:

"I am no magician, as you doubtless know by now. It is not considered priority in the Varden to teach the Ancient Language to children with no family to speak of and no aptitude for magic. I was brought up to fight, nothing more. What I know of it is little, and likely useless." Seris wasn't sure whether this was true or not, but she truly did see little value in what she did know of the Language, particularly in the sort of situation she was in now.

[??? (To be decided)]

OOC: well maybe it wouldn’t be very original…but it would still be a fitting name.
I think something with black or dark or shadow would be a good idea…
Anyway…I choose in the end so…
(I think two names would work just fine…first a normal name…like you know…Jiana Rita, Catherine , Cathy etc and then also a nickname (must have) such as Knight Shadow lol…. Hmmm I wonder if that would make you a dragon knight (not just a dragon rider… Lol

BIC:

Seeing that Seris was still unwilling to trust him Arthur falls silent for a while.
>>>What do you think Diamond?...I wonder…should I…<<<
Looking back at her rider Diamond tries to figure out what plan her rider might be hatching this time…
>>Should you what?<<< she asks.

>>>Hmmm…. Lets try this…<<<
Speaking to Seris again…(and picking up his sword at the same time)…
“Seris…your right…trust is earned not just given…and so more words are useless at this time....We shall leave now…its up to you…come with us as our guests…or you may travel on, on your own…with the egg if you wish”
“Ill give you a few minutes to decide”

This took Dimaond by surprise..>>>>Arthur!!<<<<
>>>Yes Diamond…is there something you wish to say?<<< Arthur says turning to face his dragon.
>>>Well yes…the egg?<<< Diamond says in a disbelieving voice…

>>>Och<<< says Arthur shrugging…>>>let her have it…she found it….if it hatches for her, she can keep it…if not…well…then we don’t really have to worry about her do we now?<<<

>>>I..I….I …..<<<Diamond starts to say dumb founded.
>>>You can’t believe what your hearing…I know<<< says Arthur, another mischievous smile appearing across his face.
>>>Well yes…<<<says Diamond, still not able to accept what she was just hearing.

>>> Go on Diamond…I feel you have a question you wish to ask me?<<< says Arthur.
Not wasting anymore time Diamond continues with:…
>>>We can’t just give a dragon egg to anybody you know…what if she brings it to the king…what if he finds out about us?<<<

Shaking his head Arthur, says:
>>>Diamond I’m surprised with you…after all the time we have been together, you have not yet managed to be prepared for ...well.. most situations…<<<
>>What?<<< says Diamond taken aback.
>>>What do you think have I been doing just now?<<< Arthur asks.
>>>Being reckless and talking nonsense?<<< Diamond answers back , annoyed.
Rolling his eyes, Arthur answers in a calm telepathic voice…>>>right…hmmm…..that too, but, most of all I have been gathering information about her…<<<

This time it was Diamonds turn to roll her eyes …but she didn’t say anything.

>>>While you were so busy worrying about cramps, and stiff legs from crouching, I was busy shifting through her memories and acquiring useful information about her<<< says Arthur.

>>>And<<< says Diamond now with clenched teeth.
>>>And… I found out that, not only is her mind weak and easy to break through, but I also found out that she is with the Varden…and with this she is worthy enough to be given a chance with the egg<<<
Growling slightly Diamond continues to listen.

>>>Further more ….<<<

>>>I get the point,<<< Diamond says now extremely annoyed

>>>Further more…<<<<

>>>I said I got the point!<<< says Daimond who was now standing stiff and extremely angry....she hated it when her ider was right, and she was acting stupid...

>>>The dragon in the egg has already started to make contact with her<<< he says totally undisturbed by his dragons sudden burst of emotions.

This stopped Diamond in her tracks…>>>Oh….er…did..it..choose her? <<<< she asks, now suddenly quiet again.
>>>Maybe…we shall see<<<says Arthur smugly, but kindly.

>>>But if this is true, we should stay here and watch over them, not leave them<<< says Diamond, now in a quiet and slightly shamed voice.

>>>And so we shall, but she won’t know about it….unless of course she joins us<<<

>>>I see <<< says Diamond in a somewhat sighing voice.

>>>May I get back to her now?<<< Arhtur asks sweetly

>>>yes yes go on,<<< says Diamond in that common exasperated voice (if she were a human she would most likely have waved him away too.)
>>>Relax Diamond<<< Says Arthur smiling just as he turns back to face Seris.
“ So have you made up your mind?...it can be fairly dangerous out here sometimes…nothing you can’t handle im sure…but ….”
…”Anyway what do you say?” he asks kindly, getting ready to mount Diamond.

[Seris Bjartevarin]

OOC: True. Sometimes it's better to be accurate than to be entirely original. After all, Thorn's name was probably derived from the same method, if you think about it.

Well, maybe. Or.. Hm.. Maybe we'll see. I'm willing to bet we'll come up with something, we seem to have this strange way of thinking alike sometimes.

Hehe, a Dragon Knight.. Reminds me of one of my favorite PlayStation games. The funny thing is that I could see Seris and the dragon in that game, which is kind of funny. ;D

BIC:

Whatever Seris had been expecting from Arthur, it certainly wasn't this. She resisted the urge to let her jaw drop or to crinkle her forehead, dumbfounded. For a split second, she wondered if he was serious, and then came the old notion of it somehow being a trick. Then her logic caught up with her amazement, and she immediately decided that both of these ideas were ludicrous. So what did that leave?

The nineteen-year-old watched him closely as he turned to look at his dragon, who seemed as surprised as Seris herself. Seris seemed to be trying to see past his strange, mysterious nature, though she felt no real hope of figuring out anything more. If he was a strong enough magician to read her mind and the type of person who could command a dragon, there was little hope of an orphan girl from the Varden with no magical talent ever being able to see through him if he didn't want her to.

At last, Arthur turned again and asked her answer; yet, all of a sudden, Seris wasn't sure what her answer was anymore. She wanted to know who this Arthur was and why he was there and a whole list of other questions; but she didn't know if it was worth the risk to find out. There was still every chance that he wouldn't tell her, anyway. Finally, Seris shifted her weight slightly to her left foot, thingyed her head to the side slightly, and stared him straight in the eyes. For once, there was more curiosity than distrust in her green eyes as she asked slowly, simply, and rather enigmatically, "Why?"

This seemed to be the beginning of all the questions she had: Why was he here? Why had he been with the egg? Why was he so eager to know so much about her that he would force his way into her mind? And, though she knew he couldn't answer it, Why had she wound up here, and in this position, in the first place?

OOC: Sorry it's so short, I have to get offline to wait for a call; my mother just took my dad to the hospital.

[Arthur Galbatorix]

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
OOC: Whats wrong with your father? …is he ok?
Hope everything’s alright..

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::

Well no matter what you come up with, I’m sure it will be a lot of fun..its not often that you get to choose a name…well think up a name …for a dragon…ps…remember..I may have already told you the gender of the dragon …but your character doesn’t know…
I am going to try to slowly introduce Arthur to you..how I’m not sure yet…but …
I am also going to try to make him your master…and trainer…should be fun…
Also…I am going to try to arrange a certain training session where you and eragon are in the same class together…that should be fun…
Whether you make it into a competition is up to you.
Any ideas, or things you would like to do let me know.

BIC:



Seeing that Serises distrust had broken down a bit and that he was close…very close to gaining ...well if not much, then at least a small amount of her trust, Arthur pauses for a second , one foot resting on Diamonds saddle the other still on the ground.
He could clearly see that she didn’t know what to think at the moment…***Time to continue…she is nearly ripe for the picking*** he thinks to himself.
Then Seris starts to ask her first question…”why?”
Though it wasn’t much, it was still significant…..Seris, even though she may not trust him …much…she had at least decided to give him a chance…small maybe, but still a chance…and she hadn’t dismissed him outright.

Taking his foot from the saddle again (much to Diamonds annoyance) he turns back towards Seris.
“Why?” …Why what? He says..deciding to play it nice and slow.

“If your asking why you should come…well…let me see…”
Simple…“So that you could join us…I’d enjoy the company…it can get quite lonely sometimes out here…its not often that we get to spend some time with another person, even less a beautiful lady like you ” he says with a little twinkle in his eyes.

“Also, I’d like to learn more about you…and I’m sure you about us …As the guardian of the dragon egg which you are carrying, it my duty to assess if your worthy to be a rider... its rider ….if you prove worthy...I could be of some help to you” he says kindly…”I am after all a rider myself“
“Thirdly, just like you…while I’m not a varden member …anymore (He adds in anymore on purpose) (with these words he also sounds a little sad), I still support them, and as such we should stick together…

(Arthur was sure that this would have an impact on Seris.)

“So what do you say…would you like to join me for the night...I know of a nice … hidden area…which is close by, where we could have a meal and a good nice talk.” (It’s actually a hidden cave in a cliff which can only be reached by dragon back and only known to dragon riders…and since there only are about 3 left…and Eragon doesn’t know about it….)
“Though I must blindfold you once we are closer… ” he adds. ..”sorry about that”

[Seris Bjartevarin]

OOC: Yeah, he's all right now; he came home about nine-thirty this morning. He has degenerating discs in his back, and it gives him a lot of trouble sometimes. His physical therapist isn't an MD, and he can't prescribe painkillers that really work, so Daddy goes to the hospital when it gets to where he can't stand it, and he gets shots and prescriptions and IVs and basically whatever else they can think of to run up the bill. It costs quite a bit in the long run, but they say it isn't bad enough for him to have surgery yet, so that's about all he can do in the meantime. Of course, it's quite nerve-wracking nonetheless, waiting up until three in the morning for a phone call... especially after my mother was in there for three weeks last year when they couldn't figure out what was wrong with her (turned out to be nothing more serious than her gallbladder and an infection, thankfully), part of which time I wasn't even allowed to see her. Needless to say, it makes you a little paranoid after a while.

Yes, I know. I've been wondering how Seris is going to figure it out exactly; probably the same way Eragon did -- trial and error -- because she definitely wouldn't come out and ask. Not quite her style.

Hm.. that should be interesting. Seris won't like it so much at first (like you haven't noticed that already ), but she'll adjust. At least, she should, depending on what exactly Arthur and Diamond do; she's definitely not entirely convinced yet. One of those things that come with being raised in a rebel group who is trained to be wary of those who could pose a threat. And I think Arthur certainly qualifies as one who could pose a threat.

BIC:

Arthur's voice at last changed from the monotonous, instructor voice, though Seris wasn't sure whether this was a good thing or a bad thing, or even which she preferred. Of course, she wasn't even sure what she was thinking at the moment, so that wasn't saying much. She only knew that she was very confused and very curious, but still more than a little cautious. Then again, she couldn't carry her caution much further. Either she had to trust Arthur, or she had to go now, and her curiosity was getting the better of her.

Then something like amusement flickered in Seris's green eyes at Arthur's comment about her being a beautiful lady. She wasn't exactly sure why he was trying to flatter her into making a decision; it wasn't likely to affect her that much, but there was a good chance that she might laugh at it. Fortunately, her current mixture of thoughts and emotions prevented that, but she still counted it very strange.

Suddenly another set of Arthur's words caught her attention. He had been Varden!? That was a strange thought. She should have heard of him before if he were Varden, shouldn't she? Then again, she was just a soldier; and soldiers were never told everything, for fear of leaking secrets to an enemy under diress. Precisely the same reason that she was so cautious with unknowns. She still couldn't be completely sure about Arthur, but he did seem to be sincere when he spoke. Of course, Seris knew that some people were simply very good actors -- particularly spies -- but yet she wanted to trust him.. though there was still the chill of one thought weighing on her mind: Could she truly trust even her own judgement after someone had been inside her head?

Yet, her own judgement was all that Seris had at the moment. She would either have to believe that her mind was still her own, or she would have to go live in the Empire somewhere, because she certainly couldn't return to the Varden. It was this notion that caused Seris's jaw to lock, and her decision was made. She felt like taking a deep breath, but she couldn't seem to make herself do that at the moment. Nonetheless, there was a light in her green eyes that even she couldn't hide. ***Well.. it's now or never,*** she thought bracingly.

The nineteen-year-old suddenly moved, stooping to pick up the polished black egg at her feet, and tucking it into the crook of her arm before again facing dragon and Rider. Three years before, Seris would have been biting her lip with the force of her decision as she faced Arthur, but now she stood straight and tall, piercing green eyes locked on his. Her voice was surprisingly level, though slightly softer than before, when she spoke at last, inclining her head gently as she did so: "As you wish."

[??? (To be decided)]

As Arthur had thought, his confession that he, Arthue, had been a Varden member, some time in his life, had made an impression on Seris.True she still doesn’t fully trust him, as it was to be expected, but at least she seemed to trust him a little bit.

***Good…nearly there*** he thinks with hope.
****The Varden could use another rider, and she could be that rider****
While Seris was still deliberating her current situation Diamond starts to speak again…
>>>You know Arthur, your right, her mind is fairly weak…even for a human…but I do feel that…given the right amount of training, she could become a powerful ally<<<

>>>Yes, that’s what I’m hoping<<< Arthur says back to Diamond.

>>>However<<<Diamond continuous to say, >>>someone would have to teach them…and I really don’t know who we could spare… presuming the hatchling chooses her that is …<<<<Diamond continues to say.

>>>I mean …your own master is too old for this type of work, and he really has deserved to spend his last days in peace, Oromis is busy teaching Eragon, and even if, he doesn’t have much time left either…not to mention that he doesn’t even know about us and our plans..<<<<
>>>And since we lost your friend some time ago, that really only leaves you and Alfabre.<<<

>>>That’s true,<<< says Arthur with a sigh…>>>Our ranks are spread thin…there are only three of us Elders left now…from what used to be 5 or so in the old days <<<

>>>Yes those were the days…5 Elders …1 grandmaster known as the eldest and his 4 praetors,…the white hand, they used to call themselves…one thumb and four fingers…only one is left now from the original group and that’s my master… …and soon even he will be gone too…<<< Arthur says sadly, a small tear appearing in his eyes. (which he quickly hides)


>>>5 secret elders led by the Eldest, unknown to everybody but Vreal and a select few...
16 ebrithils (masters) which were led by Vrael (Vrael was the 16th...and the elders could either have been part of them or totally separate). …and many others, all riders, sworn to keep the peace…until you know who came along to ruin it all<<<

This time Arthur gives a small sigh (which was audible) and for a second he had a sad face too which seemed to grown old with each passing second.
However, quickly realising what was happening, Arthur quickly comes back to the present….
>>>No...Diamond…since Alfabre is busy training someone else at the moment, it looks like I will have to take this next one myself<<<

Hearing this Diamond’s face lights up …>>>Really we are going to have a new apprentice?<<< she asks with anticipation…>>>it would be too good to be true<<<

>>>Whoa...hold it Diamond, she hasn’t been chosen yet<<< says Arthur who was very happy to see how eager his dragon was in the prospect up having a new apprentice.

>>>True…<<< says Diamond, becoming sober again…

Just around that moment Seris finally says "As you wish." Which makes Arthur jump…he had been busy talking to Diamond and had slightly lost track of Seris.

***As you wish…wh...oh… yes …of course..****

recovering instantly, Arthur gets back to business “Good , wonderful,” ….”now if you would please step this way” he says joyfully, motioning Seris to come closer.

Diamond, realising that she might actually have to carry Seris after all, and happy with the prospect of maybe having an apprentice call her master again after such a very long time (for her it’s the dragon), she begins to crouch again, eager to get back into the air.

“Please, make yourself comfortable in the saddle..” Arthur says to Seris, guiding her to where to put her feet as to mount Diamond safely.
“Be careful of the spikes…oh and don’t pull at those scales…Diamond won’t thank you for that…now will you Diamond” he says happily.
>>>You bet I won’t, <<< Diamond says giving a small growl as a reply, although at that moment she wouldn’t have cared if Seris had.

“I hope you like sitting in the back…as the rider…that’s me …always sits in the front…but then again that should only make you happier anyway…after all it’s much easier for you to keep an eye on me if you sit in the back".

>>>And much easier for her to stick a knife into your back too<<< says Diamond with a little bit of amusement which earned a grimace from Arthur.

>>>Now, now let’s not take it so far<<< he says becoming a little worried as he starts to search Seris’s mind for signs of potential betrayal.

OOC: lol…I can just picture Seris…how confused she must be, seeing Arthur and Diamond from being serious transform into two first two sad and then into two happy individuals.

[Seris Bjartevarin]

OOC: Yeah, that's very true. I have absolutely no clue what I would think in the given situation. Thankfully, though, Seris is slightly more predictable. At least, she is to me.

BIC:

Seris's right eyebrow twitched slightly in amusement as Arthur jumped, though she was still rather confused with him and the dragon, particularly since they seemed to go from one emotion to the next as if practicing for an acting job: Sad, tired, happy... As if the entire situation weren't strange enough. She did become a little doubtful as to whether or not she had made the correct decision, however, when Arthur brought her closer to the dragon and began with instruction after instruction -- though, at least this time, he avoided the monotone teaching voice.

Arthur told her to sit behind him, and though she was still doubtful about her decision and especially about him, she did so. At least it was true that she could watch him closer that way.. although, granted, it would make little difference in the end, anyway, if they were on a flying dragon at the time. She would be dead either way; the difference was that, this way, she would get to se it coming. Joy.

Then something clicked in Seris's mind and she closed her eyes for a moment and tilted her head to the side, as if listening to something far away. Not from a distance, but from a triggered memory, a gentle woman's voice spoke in the nineteen-year-old's head. Your mother was a strong woman, my dear; she did not die because she was weak or afraid. If your father had already died at the hands of the Empire, she and you would have been next. She did all that she could to get you to safety. She did not leave you, Seris; she saved you.

Seris didn't know why exactly this particular memory of a conversation with one of the Varden's healers who had worked with Ryana that fateful night had flashed to her mind, but she didn't really care very much at the moment. The mind was a bizarre thing, hard to figure out even under normal circumstances, and the nineteen-year-old was in no mood to try to do so at the moment. For a moment, deep sorrow and regret washed over her, but then was overcome by a firm determination to end the war and set it right. It wouldn't bring her parents back, she knew, but it might help others from being dealt the same hand. With this, her mind returned to the present and to the choice that she had just made, though there was a darker color in her green eyes now and they now carried a different sort of gleam.

[??? (To be decided)]

OOC: prepare to experience a few surprises …I have something up my sleeve which should be extremely…enjoyable…hehehe…Oh..and….
Hang on tight!!! Hahaha
BIC:

Arthur could sense that he was letting down his guard slightly, but at that moment he didn’t really care.
Besides…he would know the moment his guest was about to try something foolish.
As for his demeanor…well…it would do him some good to soften up a bit anyway.
Checking that Seris was alright he starts to strap Seris into her seat…
“Hope you don’t mind…trust me…its safer that way…unless you are used to flying I’d say there is a high chance that you will fall out of the seat if I don’t strap you in tight” he says to Seris kindly.
***And it will also allow me to do a few spins too without having to worry about you …and anyway…I’d like to see if you can enjoy…or rather handle flying…at its extreme *** he thinks smugly to himself.
Happy that Seris was strapped in tight, he takes the dragon egg from her before she could even do or say anything and puts it into a pouch which was tightened to Diamonds left Flank.
“It will be safer there too” he says as he closes the pouch and secures it tightly…then with one jump he nimbly jumps into the saddle into his usual place.
”We don’t want it to fall out of your hands, do we?” he says now grinning heavily...a small flare could now be seen appearing in his eyes.
It was as if a fire was beginning to appear in them…and slowly they also turned from their normal colour to a fiery red. (Visually)
(Arthur was now using Dragon sight)

“Hang on tight” he says in a voice of total control and domination (even though Seris was also securely fastened on to Diamond and couldn’t fall of/ out anyway.) >>>Diamond, show us what you can do<<< he says his grin widening…>>>make it wild<<<
>>>As you wish…hang on to your lunch<<< says Diamond taking Arthur words literally and at that direct moment Diamond’s two massive wings unfold and with a massive gust of wind from her wings, she rises into the air.
Realising a loud roar, Diamond shoots off into the air and into an extremely steep climb….picking up speed with every second and with an immense g-force pressure.
Ten seconds later and after countless twists they were a kilometer high up in the air…and only then did diamond level off in the air.
“ Well that was fun” says Arthur though even he was feeling a little shaken (which is saying something)
(They had just traveled one kilometer straight up into the air in just about 10 seconds…from a complete stand still …not fun…)

Knowing that Seris really couldn’t be feeling well at the moment (he wasn’t even ) Arthur, prepares to look back at Seris…but he waits until Diamond slows down first.
Meanwhile Diamond who had been busy picking up speed …only this time she is flying straight across the sky…and not up anymore…slows down until they were only gliding…
>>>That’s as slow as I can go<<< she says finally…>>>Hope it’s slow enough<<<
>>>Is she ok<<< she asks smugly, though not unkindly…
>>>Don’t know…lets see <<< says Arthur, and he turns around to take a look…
A second later…Arthur gasps…Serises eyes had turned red…totally red…
Immediately, automatically, without thinking he creates multiple barriers in his mind...and holds his hand ready to cast some protective magic...

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
OOC: Lets take a look from the hatchlings perspective ...shall we?
Hope you don’t mind a few extras which I have included.
BIC:

After its brief encounter with Arthur in Serises mind, the little hatchling had been too afraid to attempt it again.
***That person, whoever it was, was so strong…if it hadn’t stopped when it did, I would have …well…I would have lost control for sure…***
***What power*** thinks the little dragon, still in awe…
*** My mother never told me…or warned me about this...power*** she continuous to think
***I wonder why it…he stopped though*** was her next thought…she was sure the life form…this person was male…his voice had been male.
***My, oh my, only another dragon could have had so much power, but that was no dragon… ***
Just then it dawned on to her…**** that was a rider…of course…***
***Wait...so that means I was just in contact with a rider…and with that he would already be taken***…
***But…then again…that wasn’t his mind I was just in….and besides I’m positive that mind wasn’t male but female….***

About that moment the dragon egg was being put into the pouch.

***So there is still hope ….*** the little dragon thinks.

Building up enough courage, the dragon re-enters Serises mind.

At that direct moment the dragon starts to feel its air leaving its lungs in a rush. (As Diamond starts to climb)
***What the %$~~ is happening*** the dragon thinks, beginning to panic slightly…she had been totally taken by surprise.
***Arrrghhh*** she thinks just as she realises a huge squeal…
She was being pushed to the ground with such force that she couldn’t move a muscle and it was as if all of her air was being pressed out of her…
Needless to say, she was extremely grateful (though not happy) that she had never eaten anything yet…
The next 10 seconds where probably the worst ten seconds of her life.
Using every bit of self control which she possessed she does her best to stay calm…finally it was over.
Now extremely shaken the dragon re-enters Serises mind with immense force (enough to give a huge headache).
She was pissed now…
*** I want to know what just happened*** she thinks angrily, not caring who’s mind she had just entered… and at that moment she (forcefully) takes (partial) control of Serises senses.

OOC: hope you don’t mind this.
BIC:

At that moment Serises eyes change from her usual colour to a deep fiery red…

What the dragon saw took her by surprise…***OH*****Oh my*** she thinks for the first time seeing outside of her egg…right through Serises own eyes.

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
OOC:…ok I think its time I explained what just happened
The dragon has taken partial control over Serises senses…not body.
Unlike Arthur, who is only using Diamonds sight...the dragon is using all of Serises senses to gather information…
The dragon can see what Seris sees, hear what she sees...even smell and taste what she smells and tastes …however she has no direct control over Seris and as such she can not talk or make Seris do things…she has no superhuman strength.
Seris is still in total command of her body.
Also, Seris now has dragon sight and dragon hearing abilities as well as dragon smell and taste…but nothing more.

(Should be a huge experience for Seris…not to mention the huge headache)

[Seris Bjartevarin]

OOC: *grins* You're certainly pulling out all the stops, aren't you? Of course, I wouldn't expect any less; you have a strong imagination, to say the very least. It makes for a very interesting RP -- and of course I don't mind. It will be interesting to try to reply to all of this; but I live for new and challenging scenarios. That's why I always make my characters different from myself. (Well, that.. and it's more fun that way. )

BIC:

It was a very confusing thing at times, Seris thought, trying to decide the best course of actions. She still wasn't sure whether she was making the right decision, but there was certainly no backing out of it now, as Arthur was strapping her legs into the saddle on Diamond's back. ***Goodbye, rock and hard place... Hello, frying pan to fire.*** she thought dryly as Arthur took his seat. ***Might as well quit second-guessing yourself now, Seris; there's not much you can do about it now.***

Then suddenly they were moving forward with such force that Seris thought her skin was slipping off her face. Her eyes couldn't keep up, her braid was whipping behind her with such force that it felt like it must pull her hair out, and her stomach didn't seem to move at all through the twists and turns, resulting in the feeling that she had left it far behind. Finally, Diamond leveled out in the air, and Seris blinked several times in rapid succession in an attempt to return some semblance of liquid to her dry green eyes, as well as to try to focus her vision.

Yet just as her eyes began to focus, they changed again, and this time everything seemed so vibrant and colorful that it almost hurt to look. ***What the --*** she thought, bewildered, but then she closed her eyes tightly and stifled a groan as it felt like her head split in two. When she opened them, if anything, the intensity of her vision had intensified, and between the flight and the headache and the strange eyesight, Seris suddenly felt slightly nauseous.

***This can't have all be caused by riding a dragon,*** she thought, utterly confused. ***Magic!?*** she guessed, her heart beating faster, hoping that Arthur wasn't messing with her head now that he had her so far away from the ground. However, just then he turned around, and he looked just about as shocked as she did. If she had been paying attention, Seris would have noticed this; but at the moment, the only thing she could concentrate on was the strange new vivid world around her, and the fact that it felt like someone with a pretty powerful arm had just stuck a cleaver into the top of her head.

[??? (To be decided)]

OOC: hmm your thinking of the hobbit aren’t you { hello frying pan to fire}

I have something else planned, which should also be very interesting….(once we are in the cave)

For now lets battle hehehe
BIC:


Arthur studies Seris carefully for the next minute, watching her for any signs of magic…
If there was one thing he hadn’t expected it was this…
***This can’t be right…she doesn’t know how to use magic…what’s happening*** he thinks wildly looking for an answer…
Then his eyes widen in recognition as he realises that Seris was in pain…
” By all the sacred dragons…a dragon is using her “ he says out loud as he realises what was happening.

“Got to help her” he says out loud.
Underneath him Diamond had become extremely alert…
>>>Yes this is not good…not good at all you got to help her quickly...before the dragon takes total control over her<<< she says in a hurry.
>>>Total control? What do you mean?<<< Arthur asks for the first time a little anxious…and for once he wasn’t sure of what was happening.
All of his experiences had suddenly gone out of the window…this had never happened before…
>>>Diamond…what’s happening….has this happened before…what must I do?<<< he says realising that he was not in control anymore.

>>>This is extremely rare…. and has not happened for many thousand years…in fact the last time this happened was back in ancient times when you humans didn’t exist for us dragons yet<<< Diamond says also a little anxious.
Hearing this sent shivers down Arthurs spine...of all the things he had been expecting this was not one of them…

Doing his best to stay calm (using magic to do so too) >>>> Ok…what am I dealing with…what’s happening<<< he asks in a calm and controlled voice…

>>>Due to an automatic defense, brought open by great distress, a dragon has just taken partial control over Seris…by that I mean the dragon is using Serises sight and all other senses...most likely just to gather information , such as to see what has just happened..but we can't be sure....Arthur be extremely careful…It may just be trying to protect itself ....but....what ever you do….remember…Seris is now connected to the dragon if you hurt one you also hurt the other....<<<

Arthur swears as he hears all of this…>>>And...what must I do…<<< he asks already fearing the answer…

>>>You must enter Serises mind ...alone ..I can’t help you in any way nor can I do it myself…only another human can do this… and you must single handidly fight with the dragon for the rights over Serises mind…...or if thats not possible you must at least find a way to close the link between the dragon and Seris<<<
>>>WHAT…<<<says Arthur …who was now feeling sick…he had expected something bad…but this …
>>>But...But…Diamond….I have no real chance against a dragon on my own<<< he says now very worried…
>>>Never the less you must try and quickly before it takes total control over Seris<<<
>>Total control?....what do you mean<<< asks Arthur , though he already knew…(for the first time his emotions were getting the better of him.
Realising this he used magic again to calm down…
>>>I mean just that…total control…Life, body, mind and if you like soul…<<<
At these words Arthur feels queasy…>>>what about if I loose the battle…<<< he says quietly and defeated…
>>>In that case I will join the battle and together we will try to rescue you..<<< says Diamond calmly.
>>>I thought you said you can’t do that<<< Arthur says , his hopes rising again…
>>>I can’t if we want to save Seris…once I enter …I fear then that’s it for Seris <<<

Arthur closes his eyes in dismay…
>>>Oh and Arthur…don’t tell Seris about this…she must not know what we are planning… <<<
“What…I can’t just…I have to...she has a right to know” says Arthur surprised…forgetting to speak telepathically.
>>>Arthur…get going…we don’t have much time and don’t tell her<<< says Diamond in a voice which held no room or mistakes…Serises life is in your hands….

Arthur bites his lip as he turns back to face Seris…he was very afraid about what he was about to do next…
Closing his mind, to does his best to relax, then…he enters Serises mind…to do battle…to win or loose…

(at that moment his body becomes lifeless and he collapses.)
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
The moment, Arthur enters Seris mind, he nearly looses control there and then…what ever he had been expecting, it was not this…
Unlike his previous mind reading experiences, this was totally different…and unlike his previous mind battles this one was of a different type altogether…everything was totally different to what he had experienced so far…he was learning how to battle, while battling…in the real thing…without any previous training.
For the next moment he struggles to adjust…then finally after what felt like hours he starts to push forward.
***d**n, any normal rider would have fallen right there and then…*** he thinks dismayed at how difficult everything was…

From the outside, Diamond who had now landed, begins to watch Arthurs lifeless body anxiously, she knew she was of no use to Arthur at the moment…she couldn’t even reach him…(She had lost all connection to him) so she had to rely on what she saw to tell her how the battle was going…and it wasn’t anything which made her happy.***hang on Arthur, you can do it*** she thinks anxiously as she continuous to watch.
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

Inside Serises mind, Arthur was busy pushing through one barrier after another…unlike his previous experiences inside Serises mind, this time it was extremely difficult and everything he did, required him to give it everything he had and to be extremely careful using every bit of his experience…he knew that the smallest mistake could be fatal….for Seris…if he lost then that was it…

Finally be breaks through another barrier (he had lost count …or rather he was too busy to count) and enters directly into the dragons mind.
(he leaves Serises mind and hops into the dragons mind.)

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

The dragon was looking around in amazement (through Serises eyes) when Arthur collapses and enters Series mind.
The moment that happened the dragon also realised it.
**Oh no you don’t** she thinks and immediately she creates countless defenses to fight off the intruder.
Using every bit of power she could muster she tries to force the new presence out again…
For the first few minutes it looked like as if she was about to succeed but then the presence starts to gain the upper hand.
***Who and what are you*** the dragon thinks, taken aback …***what is happening… ****she thinks startled.
Immediately she starts to use every bit of reserve power which she could muster to regain the upper hand.
OOC:
(Please note: all this time Seris would be feeling and noticing what is happening...as she too would be participating in this battle as a separate presence …and her headache would also be increasing with every second)
BIC:
But no matter how much she tried to hold of the attacker, the dragon was slowly but surely being pushed back.
Then the presence entered her own mind.

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
If Arthur thought battling in Serises mind was difficult, it was nothing compared to battling inside the dragons mind…unlike the last time he had encountered the dragon, this time was totally different…
Last time it was easy…as easy as slicing through butter with a knife…this time it was painfully difficult…
For the first moment or two Arthur continued to push forward, steadily gaining ground, but then the battle changed.

***I am too tired*** he realises in dismay…*** got to disconnect the two from each others*** he thinks desperately.

The battle was beginning to take a turn for the worse…
Then he notices Series own presence……
Using telepathy he asks this new presence (which he knew was Serises real presence) for help
>>>Seris…I know you can hear me…please…help me…I need your help….I can’t hold on much longer… <<<
>>>I can’t do this and close the link between you and the dragon by myself…I will need your help…<<< he sends to Seris desperately ..he was know being slowly but surely driven back out of the dragon mind.

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

Outside Diamond was becoming increasingly more anxious more agitated, she could tell from Arthurs body that he was loosing the battle…
His skin was going white and sweat was appearing all over him.
***Hang on Arthur, just close the connection*** she thinks desperately…
She hated being useless…but she knew she could do nothing but wait…

OOC: Ok…I think that’s enough for you to get started with…have fun lol

Notice how I said and didn't use telepathy..eg..( “What…I can’t just…I have to...she has a right to know” )...use this to your advantage

Hmmm interesting ..hard to believe that this dragon is to be your future companion...isn't it...

[/color]

[Seris Bjartevarin]

... Maybe... But what's wrong with that? So I'm completely a little addicted to Tolkien. That's not a federal crime -- and, if it is.. I blame Tolkien for writing it in the first place!

Ooh, you and your hints.. You'll drive me batty before the end of this thread. I can't figure out what you're plotting (I'm not a mind-reader), and I'm itching to know what happens next...

Yes, it will be very interesting to see how the dragon goes from all of this to choosing Seris. Although I suppose I can see a few possibilities...

Oh, and sorry that I wasn't on yesterday. Josh's mom's pinning ceremony (she just became an RN) was last night, and I didn't get home until almost midnight because it was in Chattanooga. We didn't even eat until after ten. That's about the latest that I've ever eaten in my life. XD

BIC:

Seris was still trying to figure out what was going on, though the fact that she was slightly disoriented didn't help, when suddenly a voice spoke. It took her a few seconds to realize that it was Arthur, and a few seconds more to register that he seemed.. worried. Then she finally deciphered what he had said, and she became slightly more coherent for a moment, though it was very hard to remain so.

***Dragon?*** she wondered, forcing herself to think logically despite the splitting headache and nausea. ***But if he didn't know.. and it wasn't his dragon.. what other.. dragon.. is there..?*** With that, she closed her eyes as tightly as she could against a new wave of pain in her head, and a new bout of nausea from the combined influences of the headache, the constant motion, and the prevalent brightness that the world now held.

Yet, for some reason, Seris felt as if she had to keep her eyes open. It might have been her own stubborn will, or perhaps the dragon was beginning to have more of an influence over her as time went on, but a moment later, she again found herself staring at the vivid world and trying to decide whether time was passing extremely fast or in slow motion. Or was time even passing? Arthur and Diamond certainly didn't seem to be showing any sign of movement or reaction.. but perhaps her mind was playing tricks on her. Maybe there was nothing strange at all. Everything was so confusing...

As if from very far away, Arthur spoke again; and, again, it took Seris a moment to figure out exactly what had been said. Even then, it seemed a little choppy. She couldn't tell if he had spoken the words that way, or if she just missed a few. ***She.. Is the dragon a she? Or is she.. me?*** Seris found herself able to think clearly for a moment, as her nausea subsided -- or perhaps was just unnoticeable because of the intensity of the pain in her head. ***Know.. what? What else is he hiding?***

Then Arthur suddenly went limp in front of her, and Seris felt a new and mounting pressure inside her head. What was wrong with him, and what was wrong with her? Was her own mind rebelling against her? Why did her head seem to be bursting? Clenching her teeth, she braced herself against the pain like she would against an oncoming storm.. and time passed torturously slowly, if it passed at all.

Suddenly a voice -- Arthur's voice -- spoke, and spoke her name. Seris's eyes were now clenched shut, along with her fists and jaw. She wasn't certain how she heard it, because it certainly hadn't come from Arthur's direction.. and then she realized that it didn't come from outside at all, but from her own mind.

***Help.. you?*** she thought slowly, struggling to think clearly through the pain and the confusion. Then Seris at last comprehended the rest of his words, and somehow her mind seemed to be shocked into its proper functioning as a bolt of fear shot up her spine -- though she wasn't entirely sure why. Perhaps it had something to do with the fact that Arthur, who had seemed so all-powerful to her at first, was asking for her help.

At last, steeling herself to keep her concentration and not even noticing the fact that her fingernails were now digging the blood out of her palms, Seris thought earnestly, hoping that Arthur could hear her like had had earlier: ***What must I do?***

[??? (To be decided)]

Ooh, you and your hints.. You'll drive me batty before the end of this thread. I can't figure out what you're plotting (I'm not a mind-reader), and I'm itching to know what happens next...

Ah… I always aim to please…keeping people thinking and excited can be so much fun…and that’s what its all about…

BIC:

For the next moment or two, Arthur (who was now struggling against the dragon, had completely changed his strategy from an offensive one, to a completely defensive one.
It was now clear to him that he couldn’t win…not in the dragons home ground.
In Serises mind he may have had a chance…but in the dragons mind…unthinkable.

For another few seconds it seemed that the dragon would overwhelm him but then Arthur manages to ‘nearly’ create a standstill…
Now neither side was gaining or losing much ground…but for how long.
*** I can’t keep this up for long*** Arthur thinks desperately…but he would not accept defeat…it just wasn’t an option.
Again the dragon strikes against his weakening defensive barriers which he had created with such force that the lifeless body in the real words gives a little jerk.

Seeing this Diamond has to do her best to stop herself from jumping right into the battle to come to her riders ‘rescue’.
She could see that the dragon was practically torturing her rider with every attack.
Again and again Arthur’s body gives out a jerk and every time Diamond just stops herself in time …
***Think about Seris….remember Seris…*** she continuously reminds herself every time.

Just then Arthur begins to think that there is no way to win…and that it might be better to regroup in Serises own mind, where he knew he at least had a chance..(even know he doesn’t consider defeat as an option) he finally hears Serises voice as if from far away.
***What must I do?***

Hearing Seris as if from the depths of insanity, Arthur nearly looses the battle there and then…not because the dragon had scored a decisive stroke …or because he was just too tired (although this was a problem anyway), but because of the joy and relief which he felt as he heard Serises voice…which had made him loose concentration for a split second.

At that direct moment Diamond nearly flipped as Arthur’s body made its largest leap yet…nearly out of her saddle.
***Arthur!*** she practically screamed and at that moment her mind had nearly entered the dragons one… …but she managed to stop herself just in time…now even she was sweating fiercely.

Arthur’s brief lack of concentration had cost him dearly…
In that precise moment the dragon had managed to break though dozens of his barriers as if they had only been made out of Swiss cheese…in a classical domino effect…they had had so many holes in them that it had been almost laughable.
Arthur had only just managed to halt the stampede right at the border of the dragons mind to Series mind.
Gasping (mentally) from the onslaught (and realising that he had nearly lost) Arthur starts to speak with Series presence.

“Series..)))puff puff((( (he was exhausted) You must )))Puff puff…BANG ..gasp((( (the dragon had scored another hit on Arthurs crumbling barrier) . ..quickly…I don’t know how…but you must find…)))Bang(((….ow…find a way )))Kaboom(((…(another barrier had broke to bits) to close your mind from its…the dragons” he says now extremely weakened by the dragons relentless attacks.
“Quickly…before it’s too late…” he says just before the dragon breaks through another barrier.
“I’m too weak to do it”…
“Go!!!”
Arthur was now practically on his last leg…he was giving the dragon everything he had…
***If only I could just hang on a little bit longer*** he thinks desperately…
***If only Seris can find a way...***

[Seris Bjartevarin]

OOC: Ah, fun for you.. but I can't figure out what you're plotting.. and it's not fair! No, I'm not really that juvenile.. I'm just really happy, that's all.

BIC:

For a few agonizing moments, Seris wasn't sure that Arthur could hear her; but she didn't know anything about telepathy, and even if she did, she wasn't a magician. So if he couldn't hear her, what exactly could she do about it? Then at last Arthur's voice came back, and she felt like breathing a sigh of relief.

Although her relief didn't last long. Seris noted very quickly this time that there was a lot of strain in Arthur's voice, and he seemed to be struggling to speak and concentrate at the same time. She found herself feeling very worried, which seemed extremely strange as, not long ago, she had been convinced that he was out to kill her.

What he said sent another shiver up her spine, which probably actually helped in allowing her to keep thinking clearly. ***WHAT!?*** she thought incredulously, completely shocked by what he was asking of her; for a moment, she even forgot about her headache, though she was reminded when the word reverberated inside her head and caused her to wince.

A moment later, Seris went on in a more level, but still utterly perplexed voice: ***But.. I don't even.. How am I supposed to.. I don't understand.*** She wasn't entirely sure which point it was more important to communicate at the moment; his request had caught her completely off guard. Didn't he realize that she knew virtually nothing about what he had asked her to do?

She did all that she could. The words came suddenly and, again, completely unbidden, as if they were trying to remind Seris of something. Then a new and fierce determination came into the nineteen-year-old, the kind that would ordinarily be associated with the cracking of her neck, the locking of her jaw, and the narrowing of her eyes as she readied herself to fight.

***All that she could,*** Seris thought bracingly, inspired despite herself, though she still had no idea what she was doing. ***You'll never succeed if you never try. Augh, now I sound like an instructor.***

Despite the fact that her head pulsed with pain every time one of Arthur's barriers took a hit, Seris's stubborn will kept her concentration in check this time. She still didn't know what exactly she was supposed to do, so she first focused on Arthur and what he was doing. Maybe she could make barriers like that? If she could, the dragon would find it a lot harder to go after both of them at once.. hopefully... but there was still the problem of how to do it. So, she looked to Arthur again, and this time tried to figure out how he was doing what he was, tried to figure out how to duplicate it herself...

[??? (To be decided)]

For the next few minutes Arthur gave the dragon his full concentration…he practically blocked out all other thoughts irrelevant to the battle but one other from his mind…the fact that he had to keep a thought open for Seris, in case she needed help…or better still in case she somehow would succeed…in which case he would just have to know.

However even so , even with all of his control… a stray thought of dought would occasionally stray right in…
***What if she doesn’t find a way..***
*** What if she doesn’t have enough strength***
***What if the Dragon overpowers her…if I hardly have enough strength...and I’m fully trained…then how can I possibly expect her to do it…*** he wonders

Just at that moment Serises own words backed up his own thoughts…***But.. I don't even.. how am I supposed to.. I don't understand.***

“You have to try” were Arthurs words of reply…”If you don’t you die”..”if…what..what the…?”
At that direct moment a part of the dragons presence had somehow shifted away from his and was now concentrating somewhere else…on something else…but what….

***What the ##~~@@!! Is happening now*** Arthur thinks suddenly totally surprised and taken off guard as a lot of pressure is lifted from him (not that he was about to complain about it)

***What is the dragon doing…why…would…oh…no!***
He suddenly realises with dismay that the dragon had found out about Serises presence and that it was also attacking her now.

***But if she doesn’t know how to do anything against it…then…she doesn’t have a chance…***>>SERIS!<<< He practically shouts out in alarm.

It was at this direct moment that Arthur decided…or understood what he had to do…
He would have to sacrifice himself to save Seris…it was the only way.

OOC: WOW!!!....now this is extreme
BIC:

“Seris…get out of here and into your mind while you still can…quick…the dragon has spotted you and is coming….tell Diamond that I’m sorry , tell her to take care of you...trust her...listen to her....and if she can tell her to seek out… the w......t.…... o…...”(If gets very difficult to understand a word at this point) and he said no more.

Arthur had taken his remaining strength, had forsaken his remaining barriers and had rushed right into the dragons mind…totally taking it by surprise…
With an alarming cry of attack only heard by those who know there is no return he barges forward …tearing everything which came into his path with him….right into the inner realms of the dragons mind.
The dragon realising what was happening, also screams out...though this time in total dismay and leaving Serises presence alone...it rushes in after him…

OOC: This next part is explained from a 3rd person perspective (just for you only Seris...(this is what you would be experiencing next) hope its ok...if I'm taking this too far tell me...)
BIC:

For the next minute or two there was complete silence then…a huge flash of bright white light…followed by a brief vision of two enormous multicolored entities of light crashing into each others with incredible force....once, twice...three times...and then… nothing…complete and total darkness…
The only thing which could be heard was the continuous sound of a heart beat...beating loudly at a steady pace...
This continues for a minute, then... another vision, again of the two entities battling it out in a fierce battle, crashing into each other with such force, that sparks flew whenever they collided. (obviously the fierce battle between Arthur and the dragon)

This lasts for about 1 more minute, then one of the light entities disappears with another flash of light ... at which point everything turns black again (with the heart beat sound)....
This time it lasts for another 10 seconds or so...
Finally the darkness disappears and the next thing which can be seen is the dragon (Diamond)....looking down at Arthur's lifeless body..with a worried expression on her face.

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

Diamond was watching Arthurs body when it suddenly turned snow white..(as in snow white and the dwarfs ..fast asleep in a death like state..but not dead..)
*** Arthur ..Arthur…***>>>.ARTHUR<<< she screams out…
>>>NO!<<<
With out another moments hesitation she finally tries to enter Serises mind…but…she couldn’t…
***But…what...why*** she thinks starting to panic

>>>Arthur what have you done<<< she asks desperately

Just then she realises that Serises eyes had returned to their normal color…she had come back…the dragon was no longer possessing her.
Turning to face her she finds it extremely difficult to control herself…
>>> Tell me what has just happened<<< >>NOW<<< she screams at her using telepathy to communicate with her. (she also snaps her jaws at her too).
>>>Make it quick<<< she adds, with a lot of spit flying out of her mouth and all over Seris.
(she only just avoids spraying her with flames)
Diamond clearly is in a lot of distress at the moment.

OOC:
(Remember if Arthur dies so does she (so her distress is understandable)…which also means if she is still alive….get the point…good!)

ps..this is the first time Diamond speaks to Seris...until know she has been quiet...just what you would expect from an animal....does Seris know how intelligent dragons are?...or does she think of them as well just animals...until know that is...

[Seris Bjartevarin]

OOC: Wow.. talk about drama. Remind me again what people need TVs for? ;D Just pick up a mouse and come here; it's way better than watching pre-programmed junk on a flat box. Hehe, I don't particularly care for TVs anyway (unless there's a game hooked up to it, of course), but.. it's the point of the thing.

*lol* Yeah, like I thought you would kill off Arthur! I'm not that gullible, or that dense. No, it's perfectly fine that you put in that bit.. actually, it's probably better, because otherwise I wouldn't have been entirely certain what it was supposed to look like. Although I have to think of something else to write instead of a visual description now.. but I'll come up with something, I'm good at improvising.

BIC:

Though she was not certain what to do, Seris was determined to try. After all, it was better to die trying than to sit calmly and wait for the end. Anyway, Seris never had enough self-control to watch doom and destruction come too close, and now that she could think somewhat clearly, she certainly wasn't going to give up, even if it just meant delaying the inevitable. When it all boiled down to it, she was a soldier, and she had a duty to defend herself as well, because defending herself was defending the Varden. Arthur, of course, figured into the equation, as well; if he was willing to fight for her, even if he had entered her mind and tried to do so without letting her know, she wasn't going to give up on him, either. So, there was only one question: could she learn what she had to fast enough, and well enough? If she were a magician, she would have had more faith -- but, then again, if she were a magician, she probably wouldn't have been in this position to start with because she would have been taught long ago.

Seris was just beginning to wonder if she had figured it out somewhat, for she felt something like an aura of power rising before her, when Arthur suddenly shouted her name with such force that she almost jumped and certainly lost all concentration. ***The dragon -- now!?*** she thought frantically, trying to resume what she had just been doing but failing miserably as her heartbeat raced. Then Arthur went on, and she froze completely, not entirely able to believe what she thought she had heard.

There was nothing that she could do if he was going to try something dangerous like this, but Seris still wished that she could. She didn't like having people protect her normally, and when it could possibly come down to life or death, she certainly didn't. She was a grown woman, a soldier, and it was her mind; but, nonetheless, he was a Dragon Rider, and there was no way that she could stop him.

Her head pounded worse with every second as Rider and Dragon battled it out.. and then there was a bright flash of light, which if anything increased her headache because she was very photosensitive at the moment. Finally, the darkness faded, and Seris found herself looking blearily at Diamond, and.. Arthur.

He didn't seem to be moving, and looked as pale as death. She didn't think he was, though, because she had been told that the lives of Riders and the Dragons who chose them were linked.. and Diamond was still very much alive... In fact, as she was realizing this, Diamond demonstrated just how very alive -- and ticked -- she in fact was.

There was a sound like an explosion as a voice shouted in Seris's head, causing her to wince with a mixture of shock, fear, and pain from her still-throbbing head. At first, she had thought it was actually the dragon resuming battle, but then she realized that if it were, she would be in an entirely different situation about the same time that she realized it was words that were being spoken so loudly and fiercely inside her mind. A dragon had never spoken to her directly before, but as Seris gazed, transfixed and astonished, at Diamond's bared, pointed fangs, she was entirely certain that their voices weren't normally this loud or this harsh. "I don't -- I'm not sure --" she began uncertainly, and then the dragon demanded that she be out with it quickly, and so she tried to make herself put words together at the same time that she was reordering her thoughts.

"I -- I really don't know what happened at first," Seris said at last, shakily but honestly. "It was after you started to fly -- my head" -- here she winced as if to illustrate her point, or perhaps simply because her words reminded her of the fact that her head still throbbed -- "started hurting, and I thought it might have been from flying, but then everything started to look strange..." Seris trailed off and purposefully omitted the fact that she had thought Arthur was using magic on her as she went on, "Then Arthur turned around, and then he stopped moving, so I thought that something had happened to him, too..."

She was slowly losing her focus as she stared into Diamond's fierce eyes. The dragon looked as if she wanted to bite the girl's head off and be done with it, and Seris wouldn't be particularly surprised if she did. In fact, she felt guilty enough that she probably wouldn't have cared. "Then -- well, I don't know very well what happened after that. I'll try to explain, though," she added quickly, in case the dragon decided to get angrier at her uncertainty, even though Diamond didn't really look like she could get much angrier. "There were a lot of thuds and bangs and shaking, and my head just kept hurting worse. Then Arthur started talking in my head, but it was kind of hard to understand, because I couldn't focus on anything really well just then."

Seris paused here for breath, and as she did so she dropped her gaze a little and her green eyes fixed on Arthur again. Though she looked back to Diamond quickly, when she continued speaking, her voice had changed slightly, now ladened down with something like sorrow or regret. "He said that he needed me to help him, but I didn't know exactly what he wanted me to do. I -- I don't know about magic and telepathy and things like that. So I just tried to do what he was doing, and I think maybe it worked a little, but then he yelled at me and -- and I forgot what I was doing for a minute.

"He said that the dragon had found me, and -- and to go back fast.. and..." Here she faltered and looked away for a moment, trying to remember all that he had said and to decipher what had been so mixed up. "He said to tell you sorry," Seris said softly, looking back at the dragon with only sorrow in her eyes now, "and he said to take care of me..." It was a mark of how confused and pained Seris was that she repeated this without adding a comment of her own about taking care of herself. "He told me to trust you, and to listen to you.. and then.. I'm not sure about the rest..." She thought hard for a moment before adding uncertainly, "I think it was something about.. if you could do it, to look for someone.. or something..."

She trailed off again for a moment before going on, as if recalling blurred memories from a dream: "Then he wasn't talking anymore.. and I could see these two bright lights that were all different colors.. I'm not really sure what exactly happened then, because every time they moved, my head hurt so much that I couldn't think straight.. but then there was a bright flash.. and then it was dark.. and then I saw you." Seris knew that her story had been anything but short, but she would rather try to explain now than from even foggier memories later -- and if the dragon wanted to roast her alive, she was probably going to do so, anyway.