It was late into the afternoon when Faolin came into her private quarters. Despite their many arguments, Islanzadi had insisted the group stay in Ellesmera, and use a few rooms in Tialdari Hall, for a brief period of rest. Of course, Islanzadi had not given the invitation herself; Arya's mother had not spoken to her daughter in close to seventy years. So the task had fallen to Dathedr, and he carried it out with considerable aplomb.
They had finished touring the elf kingdoms, and no Rider had touched the egg. It was disappointing, but not unexpected. Arya had come to the point where she almost believed a Rider would never appear. Still, it was her duty, and she would not hesitate to treat it as such.
"Arya, it is time we left for the Varden. Our stay here has been long, and we needs must not prolong it," Faolin murmured in the ancient language, after the traditional greeting had been observed.
"You are correct. We have dithered here longer than needed. I will speak with Dathedr today, and by tomorrow morning we will be well on our way," Araya sighed wearily.
"Arya..." Faolin hesitated for a moment before going on, "It is not right that you should bear the burden of your mother's anger. Is there no way you can make peace? The yawe is-"
"There is nothing more that can be said. Go find Glenwing and begin gathering supplies. We must be ready to leave," ordered Arya sharply, her cheeks suffused with blood.
After Faolin had left, Arya tiredly sank into a chair nearby. The room let in a strong ray of sunlight, but still she felt cold. That was badly handled. I must be more polite to him. It is not Faolin's fault that my mother is so stubborn. If he leaves this expedition because he is angry with me, and I am forced to continue with Glenwing... No! I cannot bear the thought.
Arya found Dathedr strolling along a path in the Hall. He greeted her rather coolly, and Arya suspected her mother for that.
"Dathedr, it is time we returned the egg to the Varden. If it does not come back soon, they will believe it missing."
Dathedr's delicate nose wrinkled in distaste. "What does it matter if they worry? The Varden cannot quarrel with us if the egg stays slightly longer than agreed. Surely it would be better if the elves had a longer time with it? After all, a human Rider would be... unfortunate, to say the least."
Coldly Arya replied, "The agreement clearly states how long it shall stay and will stay for. It would be unjust of us to delay the time. The egg has not hatched for an elf, so we pass it on to the humans. If you could convey those feelings to my mother as well, I would much appreciate it. In the meantime, Glenwing, Faolin and I will be gathering our belongings, and we will leave on the morrow... With or without anyone's consent."
His eyes narrowing slightly, Dathedr said, "You have lived a long time with the humans, if you forget such a simple courtesy as discretion. However, I will relay your words to Queen Islanzadi, and you shall be allowed to leave, with as much supplies as possible.
Arya smiled thinly and responded, "As it should be, Dathedr. May the stars watch over you."
Later that night, Arya lay in bed, desperately attempting to sleep. But his face kept crowding her mind. He was handsome, with shining black hair, bright eyes and a smooth, pointed face. Nevertheless, it was not Faolin's body that had entranced her throughout the years. His mind was extraordinarily sharp, and he understood her in a way no one else did. Faolin alone supported her choice to bear the yawe.
Deep in thought, Arya finally succumbed to sleep, just as the first weak rays of the sun began to appear. In too short a time, she woke to find Glenwing gently shaking her shoulder. It was a testimony to her weariness that he had entered the room with no awareness on her part.
Silently the two walked to where Faolin waited with their supplies and three pure white horses. Glenwing donned his helm and grabbed his spear and dagger while Faolin readied his sword in its sheath and looked over his bow and arrows. Arya also arranged her sword in the sheath until it was comfortable and carefully slung her bow and quiver over her back; making sure the egg was settled in the pouch she carried at the same time.
Faolin and Arya gazed at each other longingly for a brief moment before turning to greet their steeds. Arya's horse, Vodvir, accepted her willingly, but she noticed Glenwing's mount seemed displeased by the choice.
"Glenwing, switch with Faolin. I believe your horse is somewhat disenchanted with you," she laughed.
Good naturedly he agreed, and soon the trio was on their way. Arya saw several elves melting into the trees, but none turned to bid them goodbye. Frustration and anger stirred within her heart. Was it fair that she should be punished for giving up everything and accepting the yawe? But you didn't give up everything, a voice whispered. You still have Faolin.
Many hours of silence reigned as the horses carefully but swiftly picked their way through the trees. The elves were lost in thought. Arya and Faolin undoubtedly contemplated each other, while Glenwing mused on their treatment in Ellesmera. The steeds passed the boundaries of Ellesmera shortly after dusk fell, but the elves made no comment. In this way they departed from their home yet again, and all three hearts were saddened by it.