Disclaimer: If you've seen it somewhere else, I don't own it.
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The black of nothingness defined the reality the Traveler found himself in, a reality without form or existence. The sounds of outside world ceased inside this place where only the silent whispers of memory ruled. The Traveler's eyes drew towards a ghostly presence, drifting around in the darkness, seemingly moving without any direction or purpose, cloaked in a dim blue halo and appearing to be without shape or mind. The Traveler stood before it, entranced by the odd entity's ghastly beauty. The blue presence floated closer to him, as if detecting his existence in its isolation. Slowly it drew closer until the Traveler could reach it with his hands.
An arm outstretched…
The blue light bending around his arm, giving only the slightest resistance to his intrusion…
A flash of emotions…mourning…sadness…loss…
The small images of memories resting at his fingertips, all curving away from him…
All except for one, which flowed towards him…
A flash…then…
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The world changed around the Traveler, morphing into a large white and grey colored room. The room looked bare except for a long table with several chairs placed around it. Twelve humanoid figures stood before the Traveler, each arrayed in front of the chair chosen for them, six for each side. The humanoids' bodies were covered in beautiful white and gold trimmed armor with helmets fully covering their faces and red capes that fell to their knees. They stood with an obvious military bearing about them, standing as if waiting for someone or something. One chair, however, remained empty at the head of the table.
"Room! Ten Hut!", one of them suddenly cried. The entirety of the room instantly snapped into a rigged posture, hands curled at their sides.
"At ease!", another voice ordered. The Traveler looked over to the source. Three figures stood in front of a door, which had escaped his earlier inspection. The one at the front looked much like the others standing around the table except for his bearing, which gave the impression of him being someone well respected or of high position, and the purple cape on his back instead of the others' blue, the other two, however, stunned the Traveler. It was the same sapphire and emerald covered figures from his previous dream. Their figure was just as he remembered them, their presence familiar in a strange yet comforting way. He looked over them one last time in detail…then it hit him…he had seen another that looked almost exactly like them before! Though for the life of him he could not remember where. The Traveler decided to call the two Blue and Green for the moment, identifying them by the color of their armor.
Those at the table immediately sat down as the three new entrants walked to the head of the table, where the humanoid of the group immediately sat.
"What do you have to report?", the man at the head of the table asked.
"Tymeria and Ramoron have been purged as per your orders, however, seven other colonies have been attacked by the enemy,the attacks were again accompanied by an overwhelming mass of ships and bodies. The colonial defense forces there have simply been drowned in the massive tide of the enemy assault." one of the other figures said, his tone sounding businesslike yet containing a hint of concealed sorrow.
"Is there any hope of evacuating them?", the head figure asked, sounding as if he already knew the answer.
"The settlements are already in the full grip of the enemy. It is highly unlikely that any will survive the next day or two.", came the other's somber reply.
"Order the 7th, 9th, and 10th fleets dispatched to cleanse those colonies…" the head man began his gaze solemnly drifting to the others around the table, "there is nothing more we can do for those trapped there, we can only end their agony."
"Sir," the other man replied, sadly nodding his head.
"Continue with your report."
The man looked back down at a small screen in his hand, "The 3rd fleet has been destroyed and the 4th has suffered very heavy losses while fighting to stop the assaults on Serrice and Mytur, the colonies fell, but the fleets were able to deny them to the enemy before retreating with the survivors. The 4th's commander is asking for permission to pull back to Harmony in order to regroup with the 2nd fleet there."
"Permission granted.", came the deadpanned reply before the head man asked, "How many of their ships were taken by the enemy?"
"Over a third, sir."
The man looked down at his hands for a moment before taking a deep breath and looking back up, "I believe I should temper these tragedies with a little good news." The man gestured to Blue next to him, "The Neomorphs have agreed to commit more of their numbers to assist us in our fight"
"How many can we expect?", another voice at the table asked.
"Two million of my warriors are leaving our world as we speak. They should arrive within the next day or two.", Blue answered in a deep and wise sounding tone. The entire table nodded at his words.
"I mean no disrespect sir," one of them began, "but there are simply too few Neomorphs and too many of the enemy, sir. The Neomorphs cannot be everywhere at once and wherever they are not, is where the enemy is. The enemy has already cut their way through most of the outer defense belt and has practically taken over the Far Colonies. I believe that this board must prepare alternative plans for the eventuality that we cannot defeat this foe conventionally. We must begin to search for another to continue the duty that was left to us and find a way to destroy the enemy forces, even if it may require our lives. The peoples under our care must be protected at any cost!"
"Ha! You actually think that the enemy will breach the middle defense belt! I assure you that there is no chance that the enemy can get past our fleets on station there. The outer belts were weak and undermanned, nothing like what the enemy will face when they hit our middle belt", another answered in an arrogant tone.
"Your fleets have yet to be able to prevent the enemy from landing anywhere they choose, Admiral, even where the fleet was much stronger than many places in the middle belt!", the man turned to the rest and continued with determination, "The enemy is adapting and learning at a frightening rate! We must take the appropriate measures to prepare for the inevitability that they get past your fleets and take the larger colonies laying behind them!" the man shouted at them.
"General, I believe you overestimate their chances.", the admiral replied.
"And you underestimate their tactics and adaptability!", the general yelled. The room promptly erupted in a flurry of yelling and arguments as those who supported each position battled it out across the table. The three at the head of the table remained silent as they watched the seen before them.
The head man raised his hand and the entire room fell silent instantly as he began to speak, "General Matiah is correct. We must prepare for the worst. We must uphold the duty that we inherited from those who came before our people." He looked at Matiah, "Do whatever you deem necessary, General. The full resources of our nation are at your disposal. I hereby place you in command of the middle defense belt. Hold the enemy there as long as you can."
"I'll do my best, sir."
"Admiral Yeram."
"Yes sir?", Yeram replied, his tone changing from one of arrogance to respect in an instant.
"You shall act as General Matiah's naval liaison, but you shall follow his orders, understood? Keep the enemy at bay for as long as you can. We must have time for our scientists to find a solution to our troubles."
"It shall be done, but sir, what is the status report from the science teams?"
"They report that little progress has been made. The enemy's biology is unlike anything our scientists have ever encountered or imagined. They are continuing to work on a solution, however, I would not expect any good results any time soon."
"Understood, sir", the admiral responded, his tone changing to one of resignation.
"Any other questions?", the head man said, his gaze shifting in between the faces of those present.
"No, sir!", came the unified reply.
"Good." The leader looked over those present one last time before continuing, "You are all dismissed. Return to your commands. Do what must be done." The entire group stood at once after he concluded and left the room, the head man accompanied them as well, casting a questioning glance at Blue and Green who still stood in their places. The two nodded at him in reassurance before the man left, leaving only them and the Traveler present. They then turned towards the Traveler, as if staring into his very soul. Their eyes changed and began to glow their respective colors.
Blue spoke, his voice one of wisdom and yet one burdened by memory, "So preceded the deaths of billions, the destruction of a great empire, and the eradication of the innocence we hoped to preserve…"
Blue stopped for a moment with Green picking up immediately where he left off, her distinctively strong and feminine tone contrasting with the one beside her, "…we fought to save as many as we could, but it was never enough…"
The two switched again, "…the enemy's continued to advance relentlessly, their hunger for blood insatiable. The more they took, the more dangerous they became…"
"…until all hope was lost and our power was insufficient… even then we fought on regardless, to stem the living tide, to buy our allies the time to save as many as they could, while we tried to create a plan to preserve the home we held so dear and our blood brothers who resided there." Green finished.
Finally they both spoke simultaneously," A sacrifice given, a secret hidden, all to preserve that which we swore to defend and those we held dear to our hearts. For even as the world we strived for crumbled around us, we stood firm, believing that, even as darkness fell, dawn would eventually come, if not for us, then for the ones we left behind…"
The room seemed to warp as they finished, dissipating into an unnatural darkness that appeared outside. The Traveler fell as the floor disappeared under his feet, slamming him back into reality…
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Ryan from his bed with a gasp, struggling to breathe as the final effects of the dream wore off. His hand rested on his chest, grasping his shirt as his heart thudded wildly below it. Ryan glanced around, hoping that none of the elven guards had noticed his sudden awakening. He sighed with relief as he detected no tell tale stomping of feet that would herald an elf's approach. He turned his gaze to Samanya on the ground next to his cot…
…only to find that the normally steel grey colored symbol on her chest was glowing emerald green. The light flickered before his eyes for a moment before going out completely, leaving the easily recognizable grey symbol behind.
What the hell? Ryan thought, astonished. Is Samanya the one responsible for these visions? Is she the reason for all these strange voices and my abilities? Ryan stumbled over these thoughts while he glanced through the tent flap and into the outside air. Darkness still cloaked the outside world in twilight. The first small glimpses of sunlight allowing for enough light to dimly see one's surroundings.
This entire situation makes no sense! Ryan exclaimed in frustration, Why am I even here in the first place? I already know that the story will end well, so why am I even here? What could possibly be important enough that I should be snatched from a life that I was perfectly content with and be dropped right in the middle of a war? What purpose does it serve? What end does it accomplish? Ryan's thoughts screeched to a halt as he felt his other half begin to wake up. Ryan looked over to Samanya once more and found her eyelids moving slightly. He inspected her more closely and found that she had grown even more during the night, her length now appearing to equal his height, with her wings draped lazily against her side, while her beautiful sage scales glimmered in the morning twilight. With a final yawn and a quick stretch, Samanya's shining emerald eyes opened and stared back at him.
"Good morning", Ryan. she said, his neck arching upwards as she moved over to nuzzle him affectionately.
"Good morning, Samanya. How are you feeling this morning?", came Ryan's response, his voice still revealing some fragments of the emotions his dream elicited.
"I feel quite well, I certainly feel bigger than I used to be.", Samanya said, glancing over her body all the while.
"You certainly are growing quickly, Samanya. Personally, I think that this is a little ridiculous."
Samanya chuckled at her Rider's comment before responding, "At least this way I'll soon be big enough to keep you out of trouble…and give you a piece of my mind if you ever pull something like what you did yesterday again."
Ryan smiled, "I'll be sure to inform you if anything comes up in the future…"
"And before you make me forget…what happened just before I woke up, Ryan? You sound distressed, even though I know you are trying to hide it. What's wrong?", Samanya asked in a concerned tone.
"Was I that obvious?", Ryan asked, trying halfheartedly to change the subject.
"Don't change the subject, besides, it is like trying to hide something from half of your soul…it simply won't happen. Now, what's wrong?", Samanya responded, her face and tone completely serious.
Ryan hesitated for a moment before answering, "I had another dream, Samanya."
"What do you mean?"
"Another one with those two colored beings I told you about."
"Really…what happened?", Samanya asked with curiosity. Ryan opened up his mind completely to her. He showed her the memory of the dream that he had, what had occurred, what Blue and Green had said, and what he had observed from the entire meeting. Meanwhile, Samanya's consciousness sat idly by as she watched the dream's events flow by and silently listened to all her Rider said of what he thought of entire thing.
"There's no way that was just a dream, Samanya, it was way too real and vivid to be just a dream.", Ryan said as the memory came to an end. "Also, those two beings acted as if they knew I was there, as if they could see me and I felt like I knew them somewhere. I don't know what it all means, but I can only assume that it has something to do with the reason why I was brought here."
"I agree with what you have said," Samanya responded, her tone displaying her intrigue over the dream's events, "these dreams must be occurring for some purpose, considering that it is practically impossible for you to have two dreams, with two of the same beings inside, so close together and acting as if they can actually interact with you."
"Oh…and there was one more thing. That symbol on your chest…", Ryan began.
"What about it?", Samanya replied.
"…it was glowing green when I woke up.", Ryan finished.
"What!", Samanya screamed in surprise, quickly twisting her head around to stare at the grey symbol on her chest. "B..but…but that makes no sense unless…", she stammered, looking back up her Rider, "you think that I have something to do with this?"
"Maybe, but it's also possible that whatever gave you that mark is also causing these dreams. Anything odd happen to you lately?" Samanya closed her eyes for a moment as she rifled through her memories for anything suspicious.
"No, nothing odd has occurred…", Samanya said after a few moments. Ryan was about to say something else before she quickly added something to her statement, a slightly amused smirk on her face all the while, "On the upside, our lives certainly won't become dull any time soon."
"Very true," Ryan responded, adding his own grin to hers. The tent flap suddenly rustled as the pair turned to see who the intruder was. Yamula stood just inside the tent, her arms crossed and her face showing no emotion.
"Get up, we leave in an hour. All our supplies have been loaded on horses at the north entrance and all I am waiting on is Captian Mariv's men to finish the preparations and yourself, so the sooner you get moving, the sooner we can leave.", Yamula said in monotone, though a hint of irritation made itself known.
"Fine, anything else you wish to grace us with, Yamula?", Ryan said sarcastically.
"No, get moving you're burning daylight.", Yamula responded with a dismissive tone before quickly exiting.
"Well she certainly is in a good mood this morning.", Samanya commented, earning a few chuckles from Ryan. Ryan got out of his bed with a sigh and grabbed a change of clothes. After dressing, he quickly strapped his sword and pistol to his waist. Meanwhile, Samanya walked over to the tent's entrance, sticking her head out into the morning air beyond as she observed the relative stillness of the camp compared to the daytime. The feeling relaxed her, flowing over her link and into Ryan, who reciprocated by sending a feeling of contentment right back to her.
Samanya turned her head back into the tent as her Rider finished changing and said almost dreamily, "I wish it could always be like this, peaceful and without a care. I feel as if I could just lose myself in the stillness."
"Someday, Samanya, I promise you, someday.", Ryan replied with a smile.
"I'll hold you to that."
"I hope you do because we are definitely going to need it by the end of this journey.", Ryan responded with a weak forced laugh. The two left soon after, with Ryan and Samanya walking side by side through the many stretches of tents and wagons. They quickly snatched up some of the first breakfast food from the kitchen tents, who had only started preparing meals a few minutes before and giving the two a couple pieces of crusty bread and cheese for Ryan and several slices of fresh meat for Samanya. The pair ate as fast as they could before heading to the northern entrance to the camp, with only scattered flickers of candles and the slight glimpses of dawn to light their way. The early morning air hung in a peaceful silence, only occasionally interrupted by isolated snoring or the creaking of cots.
Without the normally ever present crowds to hinder them, Ryan and Samanya arrived at the small, wooden, rickety gate that marked the northern entrance into the camp rather easily. The clanging of metal and silent cursing of men met their arrival as the pair came upon the sight of twenty-one figures finishing the packing for their long journey. Horses were saddled, packs strapped to them, food and water stored away for future use. The entire operation looked like a small nightmare of organization to Ryan, however, somehow it seemed like everything had a certain place and all assembled knew it. Three others stood close by, standing in their own group and watching the entire endeavor finally come to fruition.
The first was the easily recognizable shape of Saphira, her scales somehow still shining radiantly in the almost nonexistent light. Another stood next to her, leaning with his hand resting on her side, leaving no doubt as to the individual's identity. The other was a mystery to Ryan until Samanya spoke up.
"It smells like Blödhgarm.", she said, sensing her Rider's question. Ryan sent an acknowledgement through their link and walked over to them, Samanya walking beside him.
"I'm surprised to see you came.", Ryan said with a light tone, speaking to the one at Saphira's side. "I thought Samanya and I might have scared you off with that stunt we pulled earlier."
"Regardless of how Saphira and I feel about the matter," came Eragon's unmistakable tone, "you are still one of the only Riders left in Alagaësia. Also, Saphira and I trust you both enough to believe that you have the best intentions. Besides…", the Rider glanced over at Saphira for a moment, who was currently having her own talk with Samanya, "…it's kind of hard to argue with a dragon."
Ryan smirked, "Amen."
Eragon chuckled at the response before adding, "When you get to Ellesméra tell your teacher that I will be coming to see them as soon as the dwarves have chosen their new king."
"Why after?", Ryan asked, feigning ignorance.
"Because Nasuada thought that the Varden should have a representative present to watch over the proceedings and apparently she thought that I would be the best candidate.", Eragon replied, showing some irritation and sadness in his words.
"When do you leave?"
"Three days from now, enough time to rest up some and do a couple things that must be accomplished before I go."
"I understand. I'll make sure to pass the message along when I see them. I wish you luck on your trip, Eragon.", Ryan said, stretching out his hand.
Eragon looked at the limb for a moment and spoke, "And to you as well, Ryan. May your journey be swift and without peril." Eragon reached outward to grab Ryan's forearm to complete the Alagaësian custom but Ryan grasped the hand with his own as it tried to pass by. Ryan turned Eragon's grip, clutching the fellow Rider's hand in a firm yet gentle hold.
"This is how we do it where I come from.", Ryan explained. Eragon mouthed a silent 'Oh' before Ryan shook his hand once before letting go. The Blue Rider stepped away making room for Blödhgarm who had walked over next to the two of them.
"Even if you and my adopted sister may be at odds, Ryan Williamsson," Blödhgarm began, his tone serious and concerned, "I ask that you keep her an eye on her as much as you can, even if she may not like it. She is prone to attempt to do things beyond her means and I would not like to hear that she has lost more than some pride due to her own foolishness."
"I will try my best, Blödhgarm ëlda.", Ryan replied sincerely.
"See that you do, who knows…Yamula might even learn a thing or two from you over the course of your journey.", Blödhgarm said with a slight smile.
"I would have to see it to believe it.", Ryan said, doubting that such a thing would ever occur in his lifetime.
"So would I.", Blödhgarm added. A small snippet of laughter escaped the small group as the time to leave neared.
"Pardon me sirs," said a Varden soldier as he approached the group, "but we are prepared to leave and Miss Yamula wants to go as soon as possible."
Ryan turned to the man, "Thank you…", he said not knowing the man's name.
"Burell, Burell Harkinsson, sir.", the man replied.
"Thank you for informing me, Burell, tell Yamula that Samanya and I will be join her in a moment.", Ryan said.
"Aye, sir.", Burell said before scampering of back to his fellows.
Ryan turned back to look at Blödhgarm and Eragon one last time before adding solemnly, "It appears that this is good bye then. I wish you both luck." The two nodded at him in farewell.
"Too you as well, Ryan.", Blödhgarm added as the Rider turned to walk away. A small nod met his words as Ryan stepped away, glancing over to find Samanya nodding to something that Saphira had said before turning to join him. The older dragon stared into his eyes, shining sapphire blue meeting darker navy blue ones.
"Keep safe Fire-Eyes and look out for Samanya, for without her you will find that life is hardly worth living.", came Saphira's soft and gentle words.
"I will.", Ryan responded. No more words were spoken as Ryan approached his group, grabbed the proffered reins of a chestnut colored horse from one of the soldiers and swiftly mounted it, thanking God that his family had owned a horse farm and taught him how to ride when he was younger. Yamula trotted up past him on her own horse and stopped next to Blödhgarm. They exchanged a few quiet words before Blödhgarm stepped away.
"Let us go," Yamula began, glancing back at the rest of them, "we are losing sunlight and I would like to have made quite some distance by the end of today." Ryan sighed in annoyance at her words as Yamula started off, the rest of the group following. They passed the open gate into the open plains beyond, accompanied by the stomping of their horses' hooves. Samanya ran beside them at her own unique pace, her movements graceful yet powerful as she tried to stay as close to her Rider as she could. With one last backward glance at the camp, Ryan turned forwards, where the first golden rays of sunlight made their presence known in the sky…
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So…we're finally off to Ellesméra. (Finally…eh?)
A/N: I'm giving hints as to who the 'enemy' in the visions are in the writing, someone message me if you figure it out. I do have to say that I don't think my hints are too subtle but who knows?
R&R please, let me know how you all think the story is going. I may have planned the major story events, but any other ideas you all could suggest would be great. Thanks.