Disclaimer: If you've seen it somewhere else, I don't own it.
Hope you all enjoyed your Thankgiving!
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Nasuada made her way through the Varden camp with her accompanying Nighthawks in tow. It had been almost a full day since Ryan had been chosen as the new dragon rider and had somehow overwhelmed and injured an elf during a mental defense test.
Why can't one day go by without some large problem rearing its head? she thought with a scowl. Blödhgarm said little about the incident when he reported it to Nasuada the previous evening, only that one of his brethren was injured and would be unable to carry out her duties for an unspecified period of time. Nasuada had asked what had occurred, but Blödhgarm brushed her off by saying that it was an elven matter. Since then she hadn't seen hide nor hair of the elves, or Ryan for that matter.
What could Ryan possibly have done to provoke the elves in such a way? He has only been here for under a week and he's already become as much of a headache as Eragon! Nasuada sighed as she arrived at the tents set aside for the elven spellcasters. Four stood outside Blödhgarm's tent, their steady gaze watching the crowd go about their daily business.
Nasuada approached them, "Where is Blödhgarm? I must speak with him."
"He is inside, Lady Nasuada, but he asked that he not be disturbed.", one of the elves replied, his voice insistent.
"I need speak with him regardless. He must explain to me what happened at the training fields yesterday and how badly one of you is injured. It is his and your duty to train and protect Ryan, you all promised me this. So unless you wish to explain to me what happened and why Ryan hasn't been seen since last night, I need to speak with Blödhgarm." Nasuada demanded, in a tone that would broker no argument
The elf closed his eyes for a moment and sighed, then darted inside. He returned a moment later and spoke, "Blödhgarm has agreed to see you."
Nasuada bushed past the elf and entered the tent to find an elf woman lying on a cot along the then wall. Blödhgarm sat closely by, his eyes displaying the weariness that his body would not allow him to show. "Lady Nasuada.", he mumbled in greeting.
"What happened yesterday, Blödhgarm? The report you provided me spoke practically nothing of what occurred. Also, Ryan has not been seen since late last night. Could you kindly fill in the blanks for me, master elf?" Nasuada said in a clipped tone. The elf's head wearily turned towards her for a moment before returning back to his supporting hands. Blödhgarm looked as if he could collapse at any moment.
"I asked Yamula, the one you see before you, to administer test Ryan's mental defenses, as I reported yesterday. However, I…I thought that her devotion to duty would supersede her dislike of your people. I misjudged her. From what I was able to observe, she ripped through Ryan's mind, as if she had something to prove, and somehow Ryan was able to retaliate and force her out, only after wiping her memories of whatever occurred shortly after she began to lose."
"What exactly did she do? Why would you let someone with prejudice against humans administer a test to a new human rider?"
"From what I gathered from her memories shortly before they were deleted, she tried to access something of great value to Ryan and whatever it was caused Ryan to take very drastic measures to protect it. As for why I let her do it…I thought that, with my supervision, she would do her duty and nothing more." Blödhgarm glanced over at Yamula, "After all, she is one of the most proficient elves in the art of mental warfare. I never thought she would try what she did."
"Why did she do it, Blödhgarm? What caused her to attempt such a thing?", Nasuada responded, curiosity creeping into her voice.
"She has lost much, Lady Nasuada. She is young, only a century and a half old. Her father was a Rider during the Fall, one of the elders if I recall correctly; Galbatorix was personally responsible for his death. Her mother accompanied King Evandar's army to retake Illirea after the Forsworn's victory over the Riders. She died in the ensuing battle, also fallen to the black king's blade. She had two older brothers as well, both also died during the Fall or immediately afterward in the resulting battles. Every single member of her family has died because of the king's actions. She has disliked humans passionately since then.", Blödhgarm paused for a moment to take a deep breath, "My family and I adopted her once we found out what had occurred. We have watched over her ever since."
"I believe some resentment is understandable, Blödhgarm, yet even if what you told me is true, such behavior is inexcusable regardless.", Nasuada's voice softened for a moment as she looked at the fallen elf, "I also cannot hold Ryan accountable for what he has done. I would have done the same if someone attacked me in such a way."
"I understand, Lady Nasuada."
"How is she?" Nasuada continued, her face turning back to Blödhgarm.
"She will live," Blödhgarm replied, his tone saddened, "but what Ryan did may have caused some permanent damage to her mind. I have not found any yet, but that does not mean that it is not there. We try to avoid such crude methods for just that reason, too much collateral damage can be done if one does not possess proper training."
"Did you find any indication of what she found, or how Ryan overcame her?"
"I found little: one small stretch of combat with her guards against a single serpentine figure the likes of which I have never seen, and a vengeful mental voice that said this," Blödhgarm's brow furrowed in concentration for a moment, "'you were a fool to challenge that which you do not understand, elf. We know of things you can only imagine.'", Blödhgarm paused for a moment and added, "The voice cuts out for a moment before continuing, 'Nothing you have can stand against us. You strayed where you were not welcome; you have committed the one sin that we shall never forgive. Our mind is our own, our knowledge belongs to us, and your people cannot understand it. Our people shall defend that knowledge, to the death if need be, from any who follow evil's path.'"
"What does that mean? Ryan isn't human?", Nasuada said with a shocked expression.
"No, in a mental world people can create any sort of creature one can imagine, although it is extremely difficult to do so. I believe that the voice belonged to a creature that Ryan created, thus, it was referring to itself and its brethren when it spoke."
"But what does the pause in the voice mean?"
"It means that there was something in what the creature said that Ryan did not want us to hear.", Blödhgarm's eyes hardened as he spoke. "Are you sure he can be trusted, Lady Nasuada?"
"I am sure, master elf.", Nasuada replied with confidence.
The elf's eyes fell, "Very well then, perhaps I should speak with Ryan…clear up any misunderstandings that occurred between us."
"I believe that would be an excellent idea," Nasuada said with a smile, "as I said before though, no one has seen him since late last night. I would greatly appreciate it if you could find him."
The elf smiled at her for a moment, "Of course, Lady Nasuada."
"I take my leave then.", Nasuada exited the tent, motioning her guards to follow as she turned and walked back to her tent. A smile was still present on her face as she thought, One crisis averted, now if only all of them were this easy.
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I tried to walk together
But the night was growing dark
Thought you were beside me
But I reached and you were gone
Sometimes I hear you calling
From some lost and distant shore
I hear you crying softly for the way it was before
Where are you now?
Are you lost?
Will I find you again?
Are you alone?
Are you afraid?
Are you searching for me?
Why did you go? I had to stay
Now I'm reaching for you
Will you wait? will you wait?
Will I see you again?
The lines seemed to resonate with Ryan as he sat on top of a forested hill outside the Varden, where he had remained since early that morning. His eyes stared out into the distance, observing the rolling countryside and beautiful blue sky. Samanya resided in his lap and had only recently awoken from yet another nap, giving Ryan a sense of companionship the likes of which he had never felt. The words continued:
You took it with you when you left
These scars are just a trace
Now it wanders lost and wounded
This heart that I misplaced
Where are you now?
Are you lost?
Will I find you again?
Are you alone?
Are you afraid?
Are you searching for me?
Why did you go? I had to stay
Now I'm reaching for you
Will you wait? will you wait?
Will I see you again?
No matter how much we try to fit in, Samanya, we shall always stand apart. Ryan said to his companion. This knowledge is as much a curse as it is a blessing, Ryan looked down at Samanya's glittering form, I am lost, young one. We bear a great burden; one no one else can share, a burden that shall define our very lives here. I am yours, Samanya, never let me forget it. I do not know how all of this shall end or even if we shall survive this, but perhaps, even if the worst occurs, we can make a difference.
A tendril of understanding touched his mind. Samanya climbed up his chest and nuzzled him, trying to provide as much comfort as she could.
Ryan smiled at her, Thanks for trying, Samanya, but I think this is something that I must overcome on my own. A solemn expression returned to his features, I was the one who lost so much and it is I who must let it go. I don't know if I can return, but even if that is the case, I cannot until the Black King falls. I cannot return knowing that the Galbatorix could follow and bring harm to my world.
An odd grin came over Samanya's face as she looked up at him and chirped insistently. An image of a book appeared in his head. Samanya had learned to use that image to ask if Ryan could tell her a story from his world. He had told quite a few since the early morning, and since he knew much about history, it was mostly history that he told her. Samanya seemed to be an avid learner, absorbing the information her provided like a sponge as he spoke. A smile grew on Ryan's face, even reaching his previously dark eyes.
"Oh…all right," he said. Hmm…what would be a good story… Ryan pondered this for a moment before coming upon one. "Have I ever told your about the Battle of Thermopylae?", he asked.
Samanya shook her head.
"The battle took place many centuries ago in a place called Greece, between the hundred-thousand strong army of the Persian Empire and the seven thousand strong Greek army lead by three hundred Spartans and their king, Leonidas. The Spartans were the greatest soldiers in the world at the time, trained from birth never to retreat, never to surrender. They were taught that death on the battlefield was the greatest sacrifice one could achieve in his life."
Ryan continued with his story, explaining how the Greek army held Thermopylae Pass of nearly three days against the massive Persian army. How, in the end, they were betrayed by a greedy sheepherder. How Leonidas and his Spartans, along with many other soldiers from other Greek states, stayed behind to grant the others time to escape. How, even with their deaths, their sacrifice led to the Persians defeat and the preservation of the cradle of the western world.
"Let their example remind you that, even through the greatest trials and sacrifices, that you can succeed in any goal that you hold dear." Ryan paused for a moment as he stared into Samanya's eyes, his face regaining its previously solemn expression as he added, "Samanya promise me that no matter the odds, no matter the hardships, that you will never leave me." Ryan's eyes were pleading, almost tearful as the prospect of being alone in Alagëasia overwhelmed him.
A chirp met his question as Samanya rubbed up against him. A feeling of understanding and love passed through their bond.
Ryan's dark mood lifted as he stood and said with a smile, "I'll take that as a yes." "Come on, we better head back to camp. Nasuada is probably having a heart attack over where we've disappeared to."
Ryan crouched down as Samanya climbed up on his shoulders. He took one last glance at the horizon and land around him before turning back towards the camp, only to spot Blödhgarm walking towards him.
He probably wants to talk about what happened yesterday. Ryan thought. The elf walked up to him and did not even acknowledge Ryan's presence as he passed. Blödhgarm stared out, seeming to be admiring the view. If he thinks I'm going to apologize, he's got another thing coming. Ryan thought with a small frown.
The elf's head turned slightly back to him, "Beautiful day is it not?"
"Yes, it is." Ryan replied with a guarded expression on his features. Samanya stared intently at Blödhgarm, seeming to observe him for any threat he might pose.
"In times like these it seems that simple things, like the appreciation for nature's beauty, is one of the first things to leave us. Life always throws us an abundance of gifts, maybe small, maybe ones we do not like, but they are gifts nonetheless. Yamula and I lost sight of that, and I wish to apologize for my actions and hers. What she did was inexcusable and I was wrong to criticize you for preserving that which is rightfully yours. I ask for your forgiveness."
Ryan seemed stunned for a moment at the elf's words before responding, "You are forgiven, Blödhgarm. It looked to me like you too were close. I probably would have done the same if it was a dear friend of mine." Ryan's voice changed to a curious tone as he asked, "How close are you two anyway?"
Blödhgarm's expression was one of relief as he answered, "My family adopted her when she was young. All of her family died during the fall of the Riders; she has become like a sister to me." Blödhgarm seemed to glaze over as he lost himself in a memory, however he soon snapped out of it and moved next to Ryan, "Now come, Nasuada worries over where you have been and I would not like to keep her that way."
Ryan smiled, "Of course, lead the way." Blödhgarm started down the hill as Ryan followed and asked, "How is Yamula, by the way?"
"Physically she is fine, however, I do not know if what you did damaged her mind. We shall see when she wakes up." Ryan nodded at the words as the entrance to the camp came up. They entered and weaved through the mass of tents and Varden, one with much more ease than other.
"I hate crowds," Ryan grumbled.
Blödhgarm laughed, "I do not much like them myself, however, I try not to run into every obstacle in my path, unlike another person I know."
"Glad I can at least serve as your entertainment." The elves' tents came into view, four of them still guarding the entrance to Blödhgarm's.
Blödhgarm spoke to one as he passed to enter it, "Inform Nasuada that Ryan is here with us." The elf nodded and trotted off. Blödhgarm turned to Ryan, "Come, if you are experienced enough to defeat an elf, then you are knowledgeable enough to assist me in attempting to find any damage your attack caused." Ryan motioned for Blödhgarm to lead the way and they both entered. All remained as it was before Blödhgarm left. "Please take a seat.", he said. Ryan did so and looked at the elf expectantly as Samanya jumped off Ryan's shoulder and onto Yamula's cot, staring inquisitively at the fallen elf. "Now stretch your mind out towards her, look for any tears or holes within it."
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Ryan and Blödhgarm entered Yamula's mind, only light and dark resided within it. The two sides looked to be warring between each other for dominion over the clear surface they found themselves on. "Follow me, we must go deeper in.", Blödhgarm said as he motioned for Ryan to follow. Blödhgarm jumped off the edge of the clear platform.
"You have got to be kidding me," Ryan said to himself before jumping off after the elf. The next "realm" was made up only of images and thoughts, memories, and Blödhgarm spoke once more, "Look for any that may seem damaged or clouded by darkness, that means that they are partially erased or blocked."
"Alright," Ryan responded. Blödhgarm nodded and wandered off into the forest of information, leaving Ryan to his own devices. Great, Ryan thought, how am I even supposed to fix them if I find them? He sighed began to check each image as they came along. After what felt like the thousandth image, Ryan found one that showed promise. The picture was shrouded in a twisting tendril of darkness that covered the entire image beneath. This must be it, Ryan mumbled to himself. Ryan tried to touch it, only to recoil as what felt like an electric shock traveled through him as he made contact.
Well, that obviously won't work. he mused. Suddenly, he noticed Samanya's consciousness standing next to him, her green glow illuminating the area around her much like his own blue color. A gentle tug pulled at them. Ryan touched the dark orb again, this time with Samanya's snout as well. Light coursed through them, their pulsing glow pouring into the darkness. The sphere remained black for a moment, then it grew lighter, tendrils of green and blue light roped around it.
An odd urge to speak passed through Ryan and he added, "Se iet garjzla ma'mor onr manin." The orb shattered as something began to shift around them, light burst forth through the darkness. Ryan immediately ran over to Samanya and grabbed her as he returned them to their minds.
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Ryan opened his eyes to find Blödhgarm looking up at him expectantly. "Did you find anything?", he asked.
"Yes…and I think I somehow fixed it.", Ryan responded, his voice containing some apprehension. How did I know what to say? he thought, I certainly don't have a dictionary of the ancient language memorized so how come I knew that? Ryan stared at the elf woman on the bed as he breathing began to quicken. Her eyes fluttered for a moment and Blödhgarm was immediately at her side.
"Are you alright, Yamula? How do you feel?", the elf seemed to not be able to speak fast enough.
"Uh…I feel like I got trampled by a horse.", Yamula mumbled.
She moved to sit up as Blödhgarm helped her, "Easy…easy…take it slowly."
"I may have a massive headache, Blödhgarm, but I am not a cripple so, please, do not coddle me like one.", the she-elf chided. She glanced at her surroundings until her eyes fell upon Ryan's form and the little green dragon hatchling who watched her from his lap. She turned to Blödhgarm and asked, "What is he doing here."
"He agreed to help me heal you," came Blödhgarm's curt reply, "and since you are apparently feeling better…Why did you try and take over his mind?" Blödhgarm's voice sounded neutral…almost, as one could hear an undertone of anger beneath it.
Yamula's eyes dropped at his words, "My anger got in the way of my duty. I know it should not have, but…that small taste of retribution was too tempting."
"You know that is not an excuse.", Blödhgarm's tone grew gentler, "You tried to tarnish the most precious sanctum of any creature. I am glad you did not succeed, otherwise I am not sure what I would have done."
"I would have killed her.", Ryan suddenly added in a matter-of-fact tone.
"And how would you have managed that, child?", Yamula asked, arrogance dripping from her tone.
"Yamula that is…!"
Ryan raised his hand and interrupted Blödhgarm, "No…if she wishes to know, I will tell her." Ryan pulled his pistol out of his holster and took out the magazine, displaying the 9mm rounds inside for Yamula to see. "These are standard 9mm pistol rounds, when fired the tips of these things act like miniature arrows and travels at around 1,258 feet per second. Even with your wards, elf, it would only take me one or two rounds to kill you." Ryan's eyes began to glow once more, "And I always keep a round in the chamber, Yamula, so do not test me." Samanya growled at the elf, or at least…she did the hatchling version of a growl.
Blödhgarm seemed stunned at Ryan's words, "Where exactly did that weapon come from?"
"It was my father's actually. I cannot say too much more about it. I only know the most basic information about it. He could have told you more.", Ryan's anger seemed to simmer down a bit at the question.
"It is alright…now…what am I going to do with the both of you," Blödhgarm looked between the two before him as he thought of an appropriate punishment, suddenly a smirk appeared on his face.
Something tells me that I am not going to like this. Ryan thought worriedly.
"You," he told Yamula, "shall become his", he pointed at Ryan, "personal bodyguard during his time here. Wherever he goes, you go. Whenever he eats, you do. If Ryan needs training, you shall teach him. Am I understood?" Both elf and dragon rider stared dumbstruck at the elf.
"Blödhgarm, I…", Yamula began.
She was immediately cut off by Ryan's yell, "ARE YOU INSANE!"
Yamula looked at the Rider for a moment before concurring, "Not how I would have put it, but the meaning is the same. I would not advise this, Blödhgarm, we would tear each other apart by day's end."
"And personally I…"
Whatever, Ryan was about to say died in his throat as Blödhgarm raised his hands to silence them, "I will broker no argument on this matter. You," he pointed at Yamula, "need to let go of your anger of humans if we are to do our job effectively, and you," he pointed at Ryan, "could not find a better teacher in the arts of magic and the mind. I will still supervise your sessions, and maybe teach a few sword fighting techniques, but otherwise you shall train each other in the areas that you lack."
Yamula warily glanced at her new "charge" before responding, "If it is what you wish, I know I could not persuade you otherwise."
Great…I can't ever see this possibly going wrong, Ryan subtly shook his head and rubbed his face, this is the best idea I've ever heard.
"Now go," Blödhgarm ordered, "move Ryan's things over to the tent set next to Eragon's and enjoy the rest of your evenings, for tomorrow both of you start your training in earnest." The two odd companions stood at once, Samanya climbing onto Ryan's shoulder, and left.
Once they had traveled a good distance away Yamula stopped him and spoke, "Look, I don't like you, and you don't like me, so stay out of my way and I shall stay out of yours, understand?"
"Oh, I understand perfectly." Ryan added with an innocent smile. Oh, I take it back…this will be fantastic. He continued on, an odd grin present on his face as they moved his things and prepared for the day to come.
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Se iet garjzla ma'mor onr manin: May my light unlock your memory
Hoped you all liked it. I finally got done with the more "introductory" stuff, finally!
R&R!