A/N: This one should be interesting. I'm planning on posting a chapter every couple reviews, so I can make changes to them if needed, based upon the criticism I get.
Oh, and a big thanks to Mnementh from the DuShu 2 boards for hi editing skills.
Alex
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Where am I?
The elf struggled to move, but found that his body wouldn't react to his commands. He was dead, but his soul had not yet departed to the afterlife. Nothing could be seen or heard except his own thoughts. He was alone.
"No you are not"
The elf expanded what was left of his mind to see who or what had spoken to him, but found nothing.
Who are you?
"I am the soul of the Du Weldenvarden. I have come to tell you that two ancient shades have cursed dragonkind long ago. Two dragon hatchlings unknowingly hold the shades souls, and when they die, the shades will be reborn. Your friend is one of those dragons, and as for the other… what became of her has been lost many years ago.
I do not wish for my brother to endure such a fate he shuddered, thinking of what his already tortured friend would be like if he was forced to live on without his rider, forced to watch the world get destroyed through the shades eyes…
"Then preserve what life is left in his limbs. There is a spell that will keep him in a near-dead state, while his body recovers from the injuries. However, there is a grave cost. You will have to sacrifice your soul. If you do that, you will be truly dead, and cannot go to the afterlife."
I will do it. The ultimate sacrifice for my one and only true friend. I hope you will understand, dear brother…
And so the elven rider sacrificed his very soul to ensure the ancient shade would not walk the plane of the living. However, the cursed dragon doesn't know what will happen if he is killed…