The Riders' Rebellion (Scarsmate and DH)

[Dark Huntress]

Zaq pulled the collar of his tunic up over his head. Oh, yay. Water. He wrinkled his nose as he looked up at the silvery sky. The wrinkle of his nose turned into a dark scowl as Rhinnëa tossed a blanket over Eyulf and herself. The sound of fist meeting flesh sounded and he heard a cheerful giggle, obviously Rhinnëa's. "That's just wrong you two!" He called.

A rather course square of cloth thudded into his face. When he pulled it around himself, he saw two more blankets shoot to Nellas and Rivera. That was rude, Rhinnëa snapped with much less venom than Zaq anticipated. And presuming. He rolled his eyes.

Yeah, yeah, whatever. He waved her away and cast his eyes back towards Rivera. He tapped his nose. "You have a little bit of water on your nose." A half-smile creased his face, "It's really cute."

[Scars Mate]

Rivera's hand instantly went up to her nose, wiping away the droplet.

'It's not cute,' she said in an irritated voice, but more endearing than anything else. She wrapped the blanket tightly around herself, burrowing into the thick, warm protection. She glanced back behind her and saw Nellas and Eldárwen were doing the same. They were huddled together, both wearing matching grins. They had plenty of space, and yet were pressed tightly against each other. Rivera was about to ask why they were so squashed, when Nellas whispered something into Eldárwen's ear, causing them both to collapse into fits of giggles.

Rivera chuckled to herself, looking through the rain out across the land they were flying above. It wasn't as peaceful as she had hoped; her gaze was interrupted more than once by abnormally large droplets falling on her before she gave up. After a few seconds more, she realised that it was Nellas doing it. She feigned obliviousness, until she had accumulated enough water to hit the girls, and it did. They shouted out in surprise and annoyance, much to Rivera's amusement.

'Serves you right,' she told them. 'No more,' she added. 'We're wet enough as it is.'

[Dark Huntress]

"Aw," Zaq gave her a hurt look, "I liked that droplet. I named it Bob." He grinned at her. He grunted as Eyulf elbowed him in the gut. "Aw, man! What the hell was that for?"

"Sorry, Rhinnëa told me to. She also says to leave Rivera and to be nice." Eyulf shrugged as Zaq narrowed his green eyes. "Hey, don't kill the messenger."

"Whatever."

Rhinnëa peeked back at him. "Unless Rivera is okay with it, I'd prefer if you'd leave her alone." She elbowed Eyulf in the ribs as he pulled her against them, but quickly reconsidered as Gweir dipped, caught by a draft. He quickly returned to Lyrea's side, but Zaq, it seemed, was permanently scarred.

[Scars Mate]

I'm fine with it, Rivera told both Zaq and Rhinnëa defensively, but it sounded like she was lying. She wasn't- not at all, but suddenly her previous fears had crept up on her, and she wanted nothing to do with Zaq, if not for her sake, for his.

Break it off while you can, she said to herself, but her heart yearned- literally yearned- to be with Zaq. If you care for him, you'll leave him alone. He doesn't need you to drag him to the depths of hell.. She was right- she had done many bad, bad things by anyone's perspective, and didn't want him- or anyone else in their company- to be hurt. Images flashed before her eyes;

Flames, creeping up the houses, cottages and offices, her sister clutching her at her side. It was her doing- the screams of terror and agony, the stench of death filling the air, the dead people, her dead friends, Tylas-

'I know what you're thinking about,' Nellas said in a low voice through the rain, 'but it wasn't your fault. And it still isn't.' When she had turned away, Rivera shook her head. It was, it was her fault, she had lied to Nellas to save her own sanity, and she hadn't been there when she set the first flame-

With pure hate that scared her even now. If she could reduce a whole town to ashes, what would she do with so little people? When her angry side came out, the demon, she was not herself- one of the pure problems with being a hybrid. There was always a glitch in the DNA, and this was hers- vivid, anger, nothing else, that consumed her- or did it? She had been herself, and yet let- MADE- all those people die. And she hated herself either way- whether it was her fault of her genetic makeup. Which was, coincidentally why the elves hated her. And sparked her leaving.

SHUT UP! She yelled at her self, frustrated. She sighed, her posture melting away as she slumped forward into Lyrea's neck.

Do not think of it, the dragon commanded. You batter yourself far too much. It was not you.

But it was, she whispered sadly to herself. It was, but it wasn't. It wasn't, but it was.

[Dark Huntress]

Rhinnëa broke through Rivera's defenses. No, she said firmly. I will not let you say these terrible things about yourself and punish yourself this way-I would be a terrible friend if I did. I'm afraid I'm already not a very good one, but-Just. Stop. Those people that have died for me and you did not die for us.

She cocked her head, Well, a few may have, but most died protecting our future and position. She lifted her sharp chin up, adopting the regal air of a queen. And you know what? You can't push anyone away because the danger it may put them-you have no right! And you know what?! No matter how had you try, Zaq and I are here to stay. Whether you like it or not.

She shot Rivera a determined grin, Now, shut up on that and talk to him. Because we both know you want to. I did it, it's your turn.

[Scars Mate]

Rivera opened her mouth to protest, but thought better of it. There was no arguing, and maybe Rhinnëa was right- it was their choice. But Zaq should know the truth. She was about to ask Rhinnëa how to start up her conversation again, until she realised she had asked for enough, and it was certainly something she had to do alone. It was her conversation.

Sorry about that, she said uncomfortably to Zaq. I have- a problem. She scowled. Well, that sounded fantastic! She said sarcastically.

This is not going well, she thoughtful herself. Might as well watch him lose all interest in you, she said, resigning herself for the worst.

[Dark Huntress]

[Random Eyulf and Rhinnea...sorry, didn't have much for Zaq]

Zaq raised a golden eyebrow in amusement. A problem? How interesting...what kind of problem? Hopefully, the kind that I can help? He accompanied the suggestive statement with a wink.

*£*

Rhinnëa beamed at Rivera before reaching back and poking Eyulf playfully in the ribs. A smile quirked her lips as she felt his muscles tense underneath her fingertip. So...Surda? What's it like? She glanced over his shoulder.

Crowded cities. Fresh-aired estates. Pretty women, he grinned as she scowled. Well, there weren't that many pretty women. Just a few few. And a couple barmaids.

The scowl darkened as Rhinnëa scooted away from him. I'm sure you would know, she replied sourly.

"Maybe..." His brown eyes sparkle with unloosed laughter as she glared back at him. Well, c'mon, I wasn't a monk!

She scooted a little further away and sighed primly. I know. And I don't care.

Don't be like that. I had to hear about the elf. She squeaked as he wrapped his muscled arms arms around her and slid her back against him, resting his head in her hair. She scooted away again, this time holding onto one of Gweir's spikes in preparation and tossing her hair.

"Yes, whatever." She folded her arms and sighed, blocking her mind from his. "I didn't want to know that about Surda."

He pulled her back against him once more, Then what did you want to know.

Why you won't leave me alone.

That has nothing to do with Surda. Let go.

No.

[Scars Mate]

Uh... Rivera said uncertainly, not sure how to start. No one can really help. It's because- well, because I'm a hybrid, but- and I just get- I can't control it- She faltered. How could she tell him? How could she expect him to stay with her if found out. He wouldn't. But he had to know.

Maybe you should wait until we have landed, and can talk to him face to face? I know you don't have much confidence when it comes to confessing things- an image of Rivera lying about who broke the vase in the palace appeared Lyrea's mind- but if he sees your face- not that he will break if off with you, if you allowed him to have anything- he will be more inclined to understand. We will be landing in about half a day, that is enough time to think of an explanation, Lyrea added, before returning to Gweir. Her kind words stuck in Rivera's head.

Can I tell you when we land? She asked Zaq shyly. She could feel the desperation at the back of her mind, threatening to spill over. Please, PLEASE say yes, she thought to herself.

[Dark Huntress]

Yeah...he trailed off, then frowned as if debating whether or not to add anything. He decided to. You know you can tell me anything, Rivera. Especially if you lose control on a full moon and eat people. He directed the comment towards Eyulf who stiffened.

I don't lose control. And I DON'T eat people I like. You better watch out, though.

Zaq gave Rivera a crooked grin. I'm such a wonderful conversationalist, aren't I? Never picking controversial topics.

[Scars Mate]

Rivera chuckled despite herself, though it sounded somewhat forced.

It's ok, she told Zaq. I don't eat people.

It's so much worse, she thought. and I definitely lose control. They were, finally out of the rain, but it did little to lift her spirits. They were still above a large stretch of land, spanning out in all directions.

I hope we land soon. Actually, I don't, she muttered, mainly to Lyrea.