The Riders' Rebellion (Scarsmate and DH)

[Dark Huntress]

[*oh my goodness-I'm going to hyperventilate! Be prepared for an adorable look in Zaq's head! Eep! Actually, I'm just going to do the guy's thoughts <3]

Zaq felt her move, concerned for a moment she was going to stand or roll away, but he exhaled deeply the moment she burrowed back into him. His. She was his right now and he didn't want to go back to anything before that. The back and forth verbal sparring with Rhinnëa, which he both hated and loved, the teasing of Eyulf, whom he secretly envied because he would rather voice and act on his feelings than hide them, and the painful reminder that everyone else could find love and friendship except him. Even his sister.

No, he didn't want to let go of the beautiful girl in his arms. Not only would he be letting to of her, but everything else that kept his easy smile on his face and the teasing words on his lips. With disconcerting ease, he eased his arms around her waist once more and tightened them around her, locking her snuggly against him. He liked that feeling, the feeling that maybe, just maybe, she felt safe and comfortable there, and the way her breath was hot, even through his shirt.

One word echoed through his mind again: his. He didn't even try to hide it.

*£*

Eyulf's swarthy brow furrowed as Rhinnëa pushed herself to her feet and stalked off. The slight wrinkles turned to a dark frown as she paced by the tree line, muttering quietly. He knew he couldn't break the barrier she subconsciously placed around her mind, but he also knew he could hear her even from this distance.

"Ugh...no! I will not be bullied into this by my own...just because everyone else...," only a few broken sentence fragments caught his ears. He huffed then tensed as Rhinnëa swung her head towards Gweir, her expression pinched and pained.

"I would rather let the King rule for Eternity than let that-that werewolf touch me," she hissed suddenly. His eyebrows shot up. Such vehemence. Suddenly the emerald eyes swung towards him.

Instead if the anger he expected, pain filled them. "I-I meant to say that privately," she stumbled.

"That wasn't said privately," he replied, not bothering to hide the agitation in his voice. "But it was said well, Elf." She turned pale, the skin tightening around her face, then turned and darted into the woods.

[Scars Mate]

[LONG POST AHEAD, INSPIRED BY YOURS]

River opened one eye upon hearing the distressed voice that came from Rhinnëa.

What- she began, only to be abruptly cut off.

Stay out of it. There's nothing you could do, Lyrea explained, not harshly, but firmly.

What's going on? She insisted, pushing into her dragon's mind.

Rhinnëa and Eyulf. Lyrea quickly replayed the scene for Rivera, who's creased brow became more and more furrowed the further along she got.

Ah. She was silent as the Lyrea quickly ended the conversation, leaving Rivera to ponder what she had seen and heard.

After some serious consideration, she decided to simply ignore it until her friend brought it up. It was, after all, none of her business. She instead became acutely aware of the strong arms around her, causing a lurching feeling in the pit of her stomach.

What was she doing? She thought desperately. Caring- more caring was what she had now signed herself up for. Why did she have to fall for him? She loved enough people in the world, and now there was Rhinnëa and Gweir-

She caught herself. Did she love him? Or was she just confusing that with caring? Oh, God, she thought. But she did, she did care for Zaq, no matter how much she denied it. But he cares for me too, right? That, she wasn't sure. Couldn't she just work it out later? Perhaps when she wasn't in his arms. And she couldn't complain- she was happy there.

You just can't face your own emotions, she told herself. And this was true. Could you hurt him, just to save yourself from a possibly non-existent threat of having your heart ripped out?

She sighed deeply, inhaling his smell without even realising. No, was her answer. She couldn't do that. Just- don't get attached. Enough people have died for you. As soon as the thought entered her mind, she whittled off the list-

Mother.
Father.
T-

No! She wouldn't say his name, or the others. But she couldn't help it. Tylas. And many others she knew, and far many more she didn't. People who loved her, or she loved, died.

Would you really push him away? Whispered Lyrea, sensing the fear of her rider. Just because others have sacrificed their lives for you?

I don't know, choked out Rivera. I can't understand what I feel. I- I care for him, but he'll get hurt-

No. Give it a chance. Rivera was quiet for a time, before answering:

I suppose I have to. I can hardly ignore my feelings, right?

Exactly, Lyrea agreed.

[Dark Huntress]

Zaq breathed deeply. Rivera smelled good, really, really good, which was part of the reason he buried his face in her hair again. The other part was because once this moment was passed, there probably wouldn't be another. Not for a long time at least. He made a grumbling noise at the thought, but pushed back from Rivera nonetheless. "Do you think we should leave soon?" He asked quietly.

Lingering nearly invisibly in the woods, Rhinnëa paced fluidly back and forth. Eachother of her hands cupped one of her elbows and a dark, frustrated frown pinched her features. Why had she just lost it and said that out loud? Deep down she knew she didn't mean it, but she still felt the need to defend herself from Gweir's nagging logic. She ran her fingers through the silvery-blonde hair at her temples. She would never get Eyulf's expression out of her head. The clamped full lips, angular jaw nearly unperceptively hard, and the only real key to what he'd thought was the pleading in his brown eyes.

And the coldness in his voice as he'd said 'Elf'.

Rhinnea whirled around on the heel of her boots and stomped forward. Why in Algäesia did she care? She flushed at the possibility and stole quietly out of the dappled shadows into the waning light of Aeidail. She beckoned Eyulf over to her and he stood obediently. Too obediently. The way he remained kind to he was rather disconcerting.

"I'm very sorry about that," she said softly, biting the words out over her pride. "Gweir jut gets to me sometimes..." His head dipped in acknowledgement and she wrapped her arms around herself.

"This doesn't change anything between us," he said in a low voice and she tilted her head questioningly. "You still hate me and I still really, really like you." Her eyebrows shot up in alarm, yet she was glad he wasn't mad at her.

"You don't even know me."

"So? You hate me and you don't know me. Why I can't I love you without knowing you?"

She stared at him as he turned and walked off. Holy shhhh, she sucked in a breath before casting about wildly to reach Rivera. Did you hear that?!

[Scars Mate]

Rivera sat bolt upright, whacking Zaq in the nose as she did. She only had time to give him an apologetic glance before she heaved herself up from the floor, brushing off crumbs of dirt from her leggings. Unfortunately, the effects off the healing had not entirely worn off, causing her to lurch dangerously to the side, catching herself on a tree.

Phew, she thought. That was a close one. She straightened up, punching back her shoulders, and strode towards Rhinnëa purposely without a second glance towards Zaq, though she felt some guilt due to that. She turned her gold eye onto Eyulf, who was standing a far distance from them.

'Well,' Rivera said matter-of-factly, 'you've dug yourself into a hole, haven't you?' She turned to her friend, a sad sort of expression on her face. 'It's said elves have a way with words,' she said quietly, looking down at her clasped hands, and then back up. 'And that's true. But never when we need it, right?' She said the last bit with a sorrowful expression, with something underneath.

You couldn't have stopped his death, Lyrea murmured.

If I had talked- lied about where he was- he'd still be alive! She cried, and out of instinct turned quickly away from Rhinnëa to hide her tears. She pressed the heels of her hands into her eyes, effectively stopping any tears, before turning back to face her and look measuredly around.

'It's not very day someone gets a declaration of love. And, if it doesn't sound too rude, I don't think you feel the same way. Now, that is,' she amended. 'Theoretically, in time, but elves don't exactly love that quickly-'

She broke off, aware she was babbling.

[Dark Huntress]

Rhinnëa placed a slender hand on Rivera's arm. "It only bothers me because," she sighed, "well, he does kind of have a point. If you are intent on feeling strongly about someone, why not give them the benefit of the doubt? It's just, that seems reasonable and I've been my whole life wrong then." She scrunched up he face before smoothing her shirt and giving Rivera a quirky smile.

"So," she began, sounding much less serious. "Did you sleep well?"

--

Eyulf raised his eyebrows as Zaq stomped over, disturbing Gweir and making him raise his head to glare at him. "That dragon does not like me," Zaq remarked, giving Gwier a wary glance as he snorted the affirmative. Eyulf grinned.

"Maybe if you would not antagonize his Rider," he suggested. Zaq shrugged and sat back on the ground.

"She doesn't mind..much. You antagonize her more."

"It may seem that way, but I know she hates you for playing with Rivera. She won't forgive for that anytime soon, believe me." Eyulf's lips twitched, obviously fighting a smile.

Zaq scowled darkly. "I do not play with Rivera. Everything is real. I play with Rhinnëa 'cuz she's so on edge."

[Scars Mate]

Rivera flushed, dropping her gaze shyly.

'Well, yeah, I did, I guess.' She looked back up at Rhinnëa, and grinned, her eyes twinkling. 'I'm just not sure-' she stopped, not sure how to explain what she felt to her friend. 'Umm...' Self consciously, she brushed a lock of brown hair behind her ear, seeming to back away from the topic.

You can tell her, Lyrea said, not unkindly.

I know, it's just HOW to tell her. Rivera sighed, rubbing her arms.

'I'm just not that good with- relationships,' she grimaced slightly. 'I mean, most of the people I get close to die, because I'm a rider-' she bit her tongue, halting her flow of words. She could end up spilling something nasty, or something she didn't want anyone to hear. 'I mean, you know that, ' she finished lamely, scratching her neck.

---

'I hope he doesn't irritate her too much,' Eldárwen said factually. 'There's every chance he will.'

Nellas gave her a sideways glance. 'Why?'

Eldárwen shrugged, picking at her boot strings. 'Rivera is probably the best thing that's happened to him. If he mucks it up, I'm going after her and explaining why she should stick with him.' Nellas laughed.

'I really hope Zaq doesn't do anything to annoy her too, otherwise we'll all end up standing around a pile of ashes.' She gestured to Lyrea, who was dozing a few feet away.

'I don't think he will,' Eldárwen decided, crossing her arms.

'Well, I have a funny feeling Rivera is going to be the difficult one. She has- problems when it comes to caring about people.' At her friends questioning look, Nellas elaborated. 'She doesn't like it- it makes her uncomfortable, but not because she doesn't like it. She's convinced they'll die because of her.'

'Ah,' Eldárwen said, frowning.

'Yeah.'

[Dark Huntress]

[Sorry bout the long reply time. i accidentally logged out and was having trouble remembering my password since itd been so long XD]

Rhinnëa squeezed Rivera's hand gently. "At least you are good at opening up. I can barely do that. Yet, I already love you and Gweir," she crushed her in a surprisingly strong embrace, given her willowy frame, before her expression grew sober. "The worse part, I suppose, is knowing that our lives aren't our own, that our feelings don't matter when it comes down to it. Algäesia comes first and until it and inhabitants are safe, we are unable to do anything other than protect and defend it."

Rhinnëa's dark lashes fanned across her cheeks as she looked at the ground. She'd told herself that so often that it'd become ingrained in her memory, a further hindrance to her forming any romantic connection, beside Gweir's approval and the danger of her being a Rider.

I am a gift, Gweir had reminded her once, being a Rider is a gift. Do not make it into a burden or an excuse. Was she doing that, she wondered before glancing up at Rivera.

"People close to us do have a way of turning up dead, huh? Don't worry about Zaq, he's good with a blade. Remember?" An unbidden smile tugged at her lips when she recalled her and Zaq's tussle. Oh! If she'd only known how they would continue that fight with words.

As if on cue, Zaq called across the clearing. "Do wolves make comfy pillows, Rhinnëa?"

Her ears tilted back in annoyance and she tossed him an irritated look. "Does Rivera's hair?" She retorted, mentally apologizing to her friend.

"Yeah, it does actually. Made me want to stuff a pillow with it or just keep her tucked under my arm for when I wanted to take a nap." He grinned at Rivera as Eyulf laughed quietly.

Rhinnëa smothered a smirk, feeling oddly triumphant. "Shouldn't we be on our way again?" The question was voiced with unveiled disgust. Her rear was not cherishing the idea of the uncomfortable saddle.

That's too bad, Zaq teased. I believe Eyulf is quite partial to your behind.

[Scars Mate]

Rivera raised a delicate eyebrow, before turning to her sister and Eldárwen and calling:

'Come on! You've chatted enough, it's time to get moving.' The elves could catch up with us soon, if they bothered to follow and see if their dirty plans had worked.

Don't you worry about them, Lyrea said smoothly, lifting her head so that it rose about 20 feet above the ground. We'll sort them out. Rivera smiled inwardly, amused, yet again, at her dragon's antics.

Nellas appeared at her elbow. 'Do you wanna go in the middle? Or would you rather be at the front?' Rivera bit her lip, pondering her choice. Which would be safer?

'I'll go at the front,' she decided. A gust of wind caused strands of her hair to fly into her face, meaning she had to spit some out. Without saying a word, Nellas handed her sister some stretchy string to tie up her unruly hair. She did so with a quiet 'thanks', tugging it back into a low ponytail at the nape if her neck. With it away from her face, her different eyes were prominent (and slightly unnerving). The shape of her face was also more obvious too- she looked more elven, without her thick hair obscuring the fact. Her ears also appeared more pointed, despite only having a slightly tapered end, nothing compared to full elves.

'You look....' Nellas let her sentence trail off.

'I know,' Rivera mumbled, scratching her face as if she could hide behind it.

'Lets go, then,' Eldárwen said, starting towards Lyrea. The others followed, standing by Lyrea as Rivera checked over their bags.

[Dark Huntress]

[Read most of first part only if you're interested in a little of Rhinnëa and Eyulf's past {LAME!!!} ]

"Come on, boys." Rhinnëa re-saddled Gweir, nimble fingers readjusting straps and tying knots. She took the few packs that held her blankets and anything else soft and tied them up against the hollow at the base of Gweir's neck.

What are you doing? He asked suddenly.

You'll see. Is it uncomfortable? I can take them down if you like.

It's fine, he replied before redirecting his sight and conscience towards Lyre. Apparently he couldn't stand to be separated for more than a handful of moments.

Rhinnëa let a grin slip onto her face as she felt his satisfaction emanating from his mind, before climbing onto the front of the saddle and sitting backwards so that her back was against the saddlebags on Gweir's neck and she would face whoever sat behind her.

"Come," she ordered Eyulf lightly, patting the saddle.

"What are you doing?" He asked warily as he pulled himself up onto the saddle and shifted into a comfortable position. She tied a strap around her waist.

I'm less inclined to hate someone if I know more about them. We are going to talk. She gave Zaq an arm up then refaced Eyulf. Surprise tinged with suspicion comprised his expression.

She gave him an innocent look, then held on to the saddle as Gweir took off. Once they were smoothly in the air, she turned more fully to Eyulf, a mischievous twinkle in her green eyes. I have several questions: what exactly is it like being half-animal? Why did a witch curse you? And why exactly did you want to go to Surda?

He cocked a brow. Talkative aren't we? Ummmm...it's not that different except you get very tempting urges to kill people or bite them and the heightened senses are a little annoying. Well, he fingered the hem of his tunic, A long while ago, only a year of two, it just seems longer, I was the son of a nobleman in Surda and was one of the most arrogant, inconsiderate people in the country. I pissed off the wrong person. Now, I'm looking for the witch so she will remove the curse.

Eyulf? A jerk? Rhinnëa couldn't picture it. She frowned at the last part however. Why? It makes you powerful, practically indestructible, and extends your lifetime. Say, you fell in love with an elf-

I have.

Rhinnëa colored fiercely before continuing, -if you are in live with an elf and you're human, you will only have eighty or so years with her at most. If you remain a werewolf, you'll have millennia.

True, he replied slowly. I'll make you a deal: if you fall in love with me by the time we kick the King off of his throne, I'll stay cursed.

Deal. Rhinnëa tucked a strand of hair behind her ear and slowly brought her eyes up to his his, which shone with amusement. It's your turn. I'm out of questions, mostly.

Where do you come from? Why are you a Shadeslayer? Have you ever been in love?

You came up with those quickly. I come from a small village barely inside of Du Weldenvarden that was placed by a very small river that fed from Isenstar lake. Well, I killed a Shade, isn't that how it works, Eyulf Shadeslayer? And no...never will be either if I have any say. Actually, I'm in love with Gweir. The closest thing is an elf that kept trying to turn my head. He got himself killed and I took to patrolling the borders of elvish territory.

Eyulf gave her an unimpressed look. I was looking more for the description of your fight with the Shade and you must have been really young when that guy...you know. He crossed his arms and looked around, obviously irritated by the idea that he wasn't the first guy to try to coax this elf.

Oh. She looked up, holding her fingers into a low, white cloud. I was twelve at the time, I'd become a Rider nearly two years before. Llauriél was a little over twenty, a hunter from another nearby village. He used to spar with me and whenever I decided not to spend almost every second cramming my head with knowledge and training, we'd lay down by the river banks and talk or read to each other. It was perfection, until the day he told me he loved me and he'd wait until I was old enough. I was so startled, I called Gweir and we flew away for an hour or two. When I came back, the village was burning and several Ra'zac, led by a Shade, were lining elves up and slaughtering them, trying to find me, her expression grew tight and controlled, they killed Llauriél and Gweir and I demolished them. I became a Shadeslayer and began hunting Ra'zac.

She drew her knees up against herself, albeit with difficulty in the tight space. I guess we're all caught up then?

Eyulf openly battled with himself before slipping on a wry grin. Do you still hate me?

I do feel strangely less inclined to dislike you, but I do have a hard time picturing you as a spoiled brat. With that thy launched into easy conversation.

*£*

Only a few minutes into Rhinnëa and Eyulf's private mental conversation, Zaq was bored out of his gourd. Normally he would annoy Rhinnëa, but right now both she and Eyulf might destroy him so he decided not to.

Finally, he cast his sea green eyes on Rivera. Sleep well? he asked impishly.

Gweir turned to glare at him and he shrugged. "It's a reasonable question." For some reason, though, the dragon didn't seem to agree.

Feel better? he attempted and was relieved to find that Gweir did not try to eye-murder him.

[Scars Mate]

Rivera pursed her lips, trying not to smile. After having gotten in to Lyrea's saddle, positioned at the front, and lifting off, she had heard the majority of Rhinnëa and Eyulf's conversation. I'm glad they're getting on, she thought, relived somewhat.

Much, she said carefully to Zaq. She was grateful for Gweir intervening- how she would have answered Zaq's first question was beyond her. And yourself?

Instantly, she regretted her question. Although she got bored on journeys, trying to keep up a conversation with Zaq without getting deep- or, rather, deeper than she would have liked- was inevitable. Oh well, she thought. He'll ask about your past anyway, better get it done and over with.

---

So what was it like? Eldárwen asked interestedly.

I don't really remember it, but it was nice. Everyone helped each other. Sometimes I miss it, Nellas answered with a sigh, casting her mind back to the quaint little village she had once lived in. I mean, that may not really be how it was, but it's how I saw it- of course, now I see the world for what it is, she added sourly. Eldárwen nodded in agreement.

I guess I know what you mean. Sometimes, I really wish I didn't, you know?

Whoa! Lyrea called to them. Those are far too dark thoughts for people of your age to be thinking. Stay off of that please.

Nellas giggled, and leant over to lightly pat Lyrea's side. Okay.

Well, um, what do we do? Eldárwen asked, looking aimlessly around.

Play a game? Suggested Nellas, a sort of grimace on her face.

Okay, then.