A Rider in Azeroth
Chapter One: Dreams of Dragons
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He had dreamed vividly before. Mostly of Arya in the dungeons which he later found out was a form of magic from the elves. But this? It was almost as if he was actually here…where ever that was. Lush vegetation surrounded him more primal looking than the elegant forests of Ellesmera. Magic poured off the surrounding area, though it was unlike that of the magic he was used to. As he was looking around an unfamiliar presence washed over him. A voice that spoke of gentle and nature accompanied it.
"Greetings Rider. Do not be alarmed."
As these words came over him an image appeared in the middle of the patch of forest. A great ethereal dragon graced his eyes. Bigger than Glaedr by several times the Dragon looked to be sleeping. As he reached out with his mind he was instantly met with the immense power that radiated off it. It felt as though nature itself was radiating off her presence. As he was trying to catalogue what it meant the voice stated again.
"Tell me Rider what do you sense from me?"
It took him a few minutes to come up with a response. Even then he was hesitant. "I feel as though you are the incarnation of Nature itself. The feeling I get is that nature is your domain, and you ally."
The green dragon before him chuckled in a singsong voice "Very good young Rider. You may call me Ysera the Dreamer. May I enquire as to what your name is?"
"It is Eragon Shadeslayer Dragoness Ysera."
"Such polite manners! It is good to see young ones with such. Tell me your story Eragon. I am sure it is an interesting one."
He took a deep breath before he started to tell his story. How he was simply hunting in the Spine when Saphira's egg first appeared. How, not knowing its true nature he had tried to sell it to support his family. From there he began to tell her of the first few months of Saphira's life and the precautions he had to take around Carvahall to keep her a secret. At some points Ysera would interrupt him to ask him a question about the interactions between him and Saphira. She was genially curious about their relationship, but let him continue nevertheless.
From there he talked of how the empire's servants found out about Saphira and the atrocities committed against his uncle in their search for her. Of his escape and subsequent return to the farm to find his uncle near death. While the pain was still like pushing a dagger in his heart the comforting rumble from the Dragoness helped ease him to continue. From there he talked of his escape with Brom. From the making of a saddle to the first few weeks of travel and subsequent discoveries that were made therein.
Ysera continued to ask about the nature of his magic and of Saphira. It was genuine curiosity he thought from the tone of her voice. AS he continued with their arrival in Tierm a subtle shift began in the surrounding area. Before he could think on this Ysera spoke again.
"Fear not young Rider. We will have plenty of time for your story later. For now you are needed in the land of the awakened. Go and I will patiently await your return."
Before he could speak he opened his eyes to the roof of his dwelling in Ellesmera. Blinking way the morning sun he made to get ready when Saphira made her presence known. She was worried when she couldn't feel his mind in the waning hours of the morning, but put her mind to rest by sharing what he had dreamed about. While she began to process this he went through his morning routine, though his mind was just as occupied with the dream form the night. Never had he seen such as dragon from text or memories from his teachers. The fact that Ysera seemed to be able to control the raging tempest that was her power was perplexing as well.
It was as he was coming out of the washroom that Saphira began to converse with him after going through the images.
"I am not sure you should be conversing with this Ysera Eragon."
"It is not like I planned to talk with a dragon in my dreams."
"I know. But I still think we should tell Oromis and Glaedr about this, maybe even show them what you saw."
For some reason he was hesitant to tell the two elders about this. The Dragon he had met was nothing but kind in listening and not continually prodding him for answers like most people had after he had become a Rider. She had listened with rapt attention just for the sake of curiosity. As he was considering this a wave of emotions came off Saphira, worry and a little bit of anger at the thought of keeping this away form. Bringing his hands in front of him in a universal sign of surrender he agreed to tell their teachers. AS he made the final parts of his morning routine he was running over how to tell the two elder rider and Dragon exactly what he had seen.
Ellesmera
Honestly he should have expected the reaction from both Oromis and Glaedr. Immediately after telling them of what had happened they had both become furious and spouting questions a league a minute. After assuring that the wards in place to prevent people from scrying him were still in effect they calmed down somewhat, but not entirely. It was Oromis that finally broke the awkward silence that had settled with the small group.
"What exactly happened in the dream Eragon?"
"I believe I can show you master."
"Then please do."
Calling up the memories as they appeared as crystal clear as the time he was having the dream. The power that he had sensed was distributed to each of the three receiving the dream. After watching it play out Eragon felt a mental strain from recalling it up, but chalked that up due to the length of the memory in question. Opening his eyes he saw Oromis in a look of utter bewilderment as Glaedr was silent but rumbling in contemplation. After another few minutes Oromis left them to retrieve a scroll from the many that resided in the little house. As Eragon waited for his teacher Glaedr's voice came back to speak with both Rider and dragon.
"It is not the first time Ysera has graced a Rider with her presence. It has been many years since she has appeared in the dreams of Riders, but she is known to us. She is an enigma, unlike any dragon we have ever come across. For her to reach out to you….it is either idle curiosity or something else. We have never been able to exactly pinpoint what she wants."
"Is Eragon in any danger from her?"
Glaedr chuckled "No little one. For whatever reason she merely wants to speak to the Rider in question. She has only been seen in dreams. Thus I believe her name of Ysera the Dreamer."
"As Glaedr has said" said Oromis as he returned with an ornate scroll "Ysera is an enigma to even the elder Riders of before. This scroll contains all that we have been able to glean form those that have been in her presence. We will also need to inform the queen of your interaction with her."
"May I ask why Master?" asked Eragon hesitantly.
Letting out a rather loud sigh Oromis regarded Eragon with pity. "The few Riders that have been graced with Ysera's presence are supposedly blessed by the spirit of nature themselves. You can imagine the reaction we, the elves, have to such a thing."
"Isn't his training more important than celebrating him?" asked Saphira, her anger slowly making its way up.
"It is. That is why we will be telling her together. But not now. For now we need to get some training done. I suggest you read that scroll before you fall asleep tonight. It may give your insight into who you are dealing with exactly."
It was later that night that Arya came and asked him what had happened. Knowing he would eventually have this conversation he told her the same thing he had told Oromis and Glaedr. After telling and showing her the dream she was silent for a few minutes, at which he went back to reading about Ysera. From what he was able to glean the Dragoness always asked questions about who they were, what their dragon was and many other things. From what he read none of them had been asked to share their story with her, which was…odd to the young Rider. AS he was nearing the end Arya spoke up, catching his attention.
"I agree with Oromis on the issue of telling the queen. You need to be focused on training more than celebration.
"Mine and Saphira's thoughts exactly."
"You are taking this better than I would have expected."
"When I first met here I was scared. But after settling down it felt….peaceful for better lack of words. It is hard to explain without having been there. Well as much as someone can be there for their dreams I guess."
"Is there no way to ward against her?"
"No. From the descriptions of accounts that Oromis gave me even the strongest wards were easily shattered by her." Though there was one account of another person coming with them as one slept and another was reading their mind to help find something."
"Oh?"
Not noticing the tone of voice that Arya used he continued "Yes. From what the account says it was by pure accident that both appeared in this dream realm she is thought to exist. It is hard to imagine the magic that must go into it."
"Indeed. Eragon?"
The tone of Arya's voice finally caught Eragon's attention from the scroll in his hands. As he looked up to the elf in question he was met with determination in her eyes. After thinking what could cause that look he realized what he hoped she was not thinking. Turning his thoughts to Saphira he quickly threw the idea he hoped to all of Ellesmera Arya was not considering.
"I would honestly not be against her going with you to this Dreamscape as it had been called."
"Saphira" Groaned Eragon internally.
"We know next to nothing about this Dragon Eragon. From what you have read no amount of wards have been able to stop her from talking to who she wants. I would feel better if you took someone with you. Even if she has to be connected to your mind for it to work."
"I-"
"Please Eragon. If nothing else for this for me."
"All right Saphira."
"Thank you little one"
Bringing his attention back to the room and elf sitting in it he regarded Arya as he actually considered what she actually wanted. Before he could she caught him off guard.
"You should not meet her again without someone there Eragon."
"From what I read any dragon that tries to come with its rider is met with haze before they eventually wake up."
"You are no fool Eragon. You know what I am talking about."
Letting out a sigh he returned the elf's gaze. In the ancient language he said "I do not know what waits if I bring another. It is a spiritual experience if nothing else. But if you are willing I would be grateful for the company."
As she gave an affirmative nod re resigned himself to an uneasy night. With Arya skimming his thoughts he slept into the embrace of sleep more quickly than he would have thought.
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Though it had only been a day he missed the surrounding nature and Dragon. As he slowly took in his surrounding he noticed that Arya was already up and had a look of frustration on her.
"Ah there you are. I welcome you back to my humble dwelling Rider."
"Thank you Dragoness Ysera."
"Now I believe introductions are in order. Would you please tell me who this lady is?"
Moving forward Eragon politely gestured towards Arya, though he was sure there would be a lecture about properly introducing someone after this.
"This is Arya Drottningu, The elven ambassador to the Varden and dwarves."
"I welcome you to my sanctuary Lady Drottningu. If I may ask why you have accompanied our young Rider?"
"To ensure Eragon's safety Dragoness Ysera." Arya replied in the Ancient Language. After giving her response something shifted in the area around them again. Looking at the Dragon before him one of her eyes was opened, staring straight into the elf before her. Arya became unsettled, which was something that Eragon had not seen in well….ever. AS he was about to say something the Dragon regarded the elf with more staring as she talked.
"Ah the Ancient Language. Would you like to know something dear? Your ancient Language may not be able to lie, but the intention of the soul does. In this Dreamscape, called the emerald dream in my lands, our base emotions become the stronger than the words we speak. Speak what you truthfully want dear, I will not hold it against you."
Before Eragon could wonder what was going on Arya approached the still open eye of the Great dragon before them. As Arya began talking Eragon's blood ran cold as she talked with her anger coming out more and more.
"What reason do you have in conversing with Eragon? Why now after so many years? You had spoken to Riders before the fall. Why not warn them of Galbatorix? Of anything?!"
Eragon was actually scared for the moment. He had never seen Arya display this much pure emotion before. As he looked at the Dragon he couldn't tell if the lack of emotion was a bad or good thing. After several moments both man and elf heard a great sigh emit from the Dragon. What came next left both of them stunned.
"The Dragonflights of Azeroth did not truly know of you until recent years. Our world is in the middle of a tumultuous time, though pockets of peace have been found here and there. It is only within the last year we have been able to turn our sight to our brothers and sisters on Alagaesia. Do you think we are heartless beasts Arya Drottningu? We felt more pain than you can possibly imagine when we learned what had befallen all of them. It is for that reason we have contacted Eragon and Saphira with a proposition."
Eragon perked up at this "Wait if you are talking to Saphira where she is?"
"She is conversing with my sister, Alexstraza. Fear not young Rider you will know of what they spoke about in the morning. Now as I was saying." A great green eye centered again on the elf, who was frozen in fear "you may have felt the death of the Dragons and their Riders but you are no dragon. To see so many of our kind slaughtered it is no small feat to whisk away Saphira and Glaedr from this place to ensure they survive. But we have seen you fight for what you truly believe in Eragon, and are willing to help end this madness that is Galbatorix."
"And how do you propose to do this?" asked Arya hesitantly.
"Eragon and Saphira would come to Azeroth. She cannot wield her magic properly and Eragon needs to be healed of this curse the Shade Durza has put upon him. I and my brothers and sisters are more than qualified to do these things." Instantly words of rebuttal were forming on Arya's lips. They were silenced when the eye that had been watching her narrowed as if in anger. "Or do you have some way to fulfill both of these things little elf?" Is so please share with the rest of us."
After a minute of strained silence the dragoness began to speak again. ""I thought as much. On Azeroth both Saphira and Eragon can become more than they ever could under the tutelage of a dying order. But now I have to ask you to leave, as this next part is for Eragon only."
AS the dragoness was saying this Eragon notices that Arya was fading away. Somehow he knew that when he woke up there would be hell to pay for what had happened. Putting that to the side he turned back to Ysera, waiting for what she had to tell him.
"Please express my apologies when you wake Eragon. We are pressed for time and I need to finish this. What I have said is true Eragon. WE can heal that curse that Durza has placed on you. You are needed at full strength, as is Saphira. In two days a portal will appear on the cliff where your teacher resides. A human mage that goes by the name Khadgar will come through."
"Is there any way to tell he is truly as you say?"
Ask him what a raven looks like. You will have your answer. Our time is at an end Eragon. The choice is yours now. I hope to see you again."
As her voice was receding back into nothingness he slowly slipped into consciousness, noting the angry glare of the elf still in the room. Before he could speak Saphira entered his bond, nervous and exited at the same time.
"Eragon what do you think?"
I took a moment before he could respond. After it he replied with confidence and assurance for her.
"I don't think we can pass up this chance. I think we need to do this. Not just for us, but so we can be better fighters for Alagaesia. And for you to actually be able to wield magic as well."
"There is more Eragon. The one that talked to me, Alexstraza, told me that they would be able to heal you of Durza's curse. I would go with these people just for that."
"As would I. But I believe we are going to have a hard time convincing our masters and Arya that we are going."
"I will leave that to you little one." Saphira said chuckling as they brought their attention back to the world around them. And to one angry he tried to get his mind together to say something He heard a distinct hint of anger come from the elven princess as she spoke.
"Whatever the dragon propositioned you Eragon and you Saphira it is not worth it. Are you going to abandon Alagaesia in its hour of need? When you need to learn from Oromis and Glaedr what it means to be Riders?"
"Arya I can't be a full Rider as long as this curse still exists. And if Saphira can wield her magic? How can we not accept this offer?"
"So you have made your decision?"
Eragon looked to where Saphira had poked her head in. At her slight nod he looked back to Arya, who had grown angrier by the second. "We have."
Ellesmera
The two days leading up to the supposed meeting were by far the longest of Eragon and Saphira's life. So many arguments had been made over this, starting with Arya and ending with no one happy except perhaps Saphira. She was excited to see her sisters, as he discovered Alexstraza had said. It did nothing to quell their teacher's anger towards their decision. It was the appointed day of their meeting with this Khadgar that Oromis and Glaedr had brought most of those that Eragon trusted in one final attempt to talk him out of this.
"You have a duty to not only the Riders" began Oromis "but to all people who want to be free from Galbatorix's control."
"Even if what they say is true at what cost will it take to heal you. How much time will it take to teach Saphira?" added Glaedr.
"Saphira and I am ready to make those sacrifices. I am done discussing my choices Masters. We will do what we need to. We need allies. We need to be prepared. I cannot do that with the curse ailing me from even the simplest of tasks."
"I feel your pain truly. But there is another way."
"How master? If there is a way why have the elves not performed it on Eragon? Instead you tell him to master it, when in fact it is breaking him more each and every day."
"These things cannot be rushed Saphira. The curse is more complex than we-"
"They are excuses. Alexstraza has told me of their magic, how it heals even the most potent of curses. She has shown me! Would you deny my Rider the right to be at full health?"
"No little one. But you are too conflicted about this to make a decision. You are not in the right mind to make these sort of decisions."
"I don't think there is ever a right time to make decisions like this master Glaedr. But Saphira has shared with me what she was shown. They can be trusted. They will not belittle me for being a human. Something that I have had no end of trouble with others in the city. Our decision is final masters. We need to do this."
"I see. We will not stop you."
At this both the elven rider and Dragon stepped off to the side, allowing Arya and Orik their chance at dissuading the two. Arya was in her travel attire, odd thought Eragon, while Orik was wearing his weapons and armor. They looked ready for an actual battel. Not one of verbal threats and he was about to comment on their choice of wardrobe a disturbance in the air started in front of them. It started out slow at first before the full might of the magic hit everyone in the immediate area. As the disturbance formed into an oval a grand city could be seen from the oval. As the people looked on in cautious amazement an elderly man steped out, dusting himself off and muttering something about 'gnomes' and 'portals'. As he took stock of who was actually around him he straitened up and approached the assembled people. As he stood before Eragon he gave a small smirk as he introduced himself.
"Greeting Eragon Shadeslayer and Saphira Brightscales. I believe you were expecting me. Archmage Khadgar at your service."
"What does a Raven look like?" asked Saphira before anyone could interrupt. At this the man before them transformed into a raven stunning all of the gathered people, dragon or not. As the man turned back into a human he shook off stray feathers that had clung onto bits of his clothes. Each of the magic users noticed that he didn't use any words of the Ancient Language. More like he just summoned up the power from memory. Glaedr was the first to regain his voice.
"How can you do this Arch mage?"
"A very complicated process from start to finish I assure you. However, we are limited for time as is. I'm here to hear your decision before I return. What is it?" As he regarded the rider and dragon before him.
"We are ready."
"Excellent. Now let's see about giving Saphira a form where she can go through the portal."
"What do you mean?" asked Saphira hesitantly.
"Nothing complicated. Just a little-"
"ENOUGH!"
All eyes turned towards Arya, surprised at the outburst from the usually calm elf. She marched towards the elderly man, but Eragon and Saphira were surprised when he didn't shrink back from the fury of the elf. "Eragon you cannot possible trust this man just after meeting him. What if this is all a ploy to get you in Galbatorix's clutches? You cannot go with him."
"They thought this might happen. Just a moment." At this Khadgar shot a small ball of magic into the portal. After a few tense minutes another man came through, though he was far different than the human mage.
Tall and muscular, but with the defined features of a man and elf. Blue hair adorned his head, but the most noticeable things were his eyes and mind. Just a light skim and Eragon recoiled, as if he had shocked himself with magic. Saphira's reaction was even more pronounced. She eyed the newcomer with awe and respect. Even Glaedr could sense that this was not a normal man.
"I told you it would be an exciting day Kalec."
"And you don't fail to disappoint my friend. Now what exactly do you need from me?"
"I believe just showing them your true form will suffice."
At this the man named Kalec stepped a few feet away from the rest of the group. Each person felt a great surge of magic emanating from him. Then as suddenly as it stated a great blue Dragon appeared where Kalec had just been.
"Let me reintroduce myself. I am Kalegos of the Blue Dragonflight. I assume this is proof enough of our goodwill?"
"You are…a Dragon?" asked Arya in wonder. Eragon was Grateful she had asked the question that was on everyone's mind. At this Kalecgos chuckled in a way only a dragon could.
"What gave it away? The wings?"
"You are really a dragon." Stated Saphira in the same awe that was radiating off her. As Kalecgos brought his head down to the smaller Dragon she and Eragon could feel the warmth and care coming off of his voice.
"Hello to you little one. Alexstraza has told us a lot about you. It is a pleasure to finally meet you."
Before she could respond he reverted back to his human form, rolling his shoulders as if a muscle was locked in his shoulder. "Not that this isn't fun" As he turned his gaze to the rest of the assembled group "But we must really be off. IF anyone wants to come with us they are welcome to come. Now Saphira I need you to stay still while I cast the magic that will allow you though the portal easily."
As Khadgar and Kalec worked on casting the magic Eragon looked towards Arya and Orik. After sending a mental message asking what they were here for both of his friends replied that they were coming with him. Silently he was grateful for while these new people and Dragons seemed friendly, he was put at ease to have a bit of home coming with him.
"And done! Now we must really be off. And oh keep a mirror by you. Well set up a communication between here and Dalaran as soon as we can."
At this both the Archmage and dragon went back through the portal. Eragon took a last look at the assembled faces, nnoticing that Arya and Orik where making htier way to the portal already. He said one last goodbye to their masters then both Rider and Dragon followed their friends through the portal before them."
AS the portal closed behind Eragon and Saphira Oromis let out a rather tired sigh. There could be no denying that these people that had come to help Eragon and Saphira could do more than he and Glaedr could ever do. It was still a hard thing to swallow and allow them to go with the dragon and arch mage. AS he settled in his seat next to Glaedr the dragon sent feeling of reassurance at the Choice the young Rider and Dragon had taken. As he closed his eyes at the exhaustion that seemed to accompany him every day a whisper of words skimmed his mind, belaying the power hidden behind the speaker.
"Worry not dear Rider. They are under the Protection of the Dragonflights. Rest knowing, they are safe."
"I…Thank you. I assume you are Ysera the Dreamer?"
"Indeed I am. Be at peace. They will grow and come back with allies and maturity with them."
As quickly as the presence came it left. Oromis leaned back in his chair, feeling the surrounding nature as he contemplated the trails that awaited the young Rider and dragon.
Greetings everyone. Welcome to the fist chapter of A Rider in Azeroth. Looking back it seems i rushed this chapter a bit. But it was a blast to write nevertheless. As i said before in my other story, Guardians of the Effect, I will be laying the groundwork for new stories later this year. Thank you all for the reading and look forward to our Rider and dragon coming to new revelations and powers
Light guide you
Sandewrpally