A/N: You know how when most of us writers read a book—or watch a series on television—you kind of get this wicked idea that it'd be really, really cool to spin it your own way? And so, therefore, after the constant reading of Eragon and Eldest out of pure boredom, this somehow spawned.

Gwendolyn is an OC, and has no part in either books, as with Adela (her handmaid), and a few other random characters that may or may not emerge. Also, I ask that you wipe some things from your mind to grasp the concept of the story: Islanzadí, Queen of Ellesméra, has two daughters, one of them Arya and one of them Gwendolyn. Thus, we start from both the first and second book.

Alas, before we continue, I'd like to point out that for the first fair few chapters it's just planning for me, and so when we near the end, I'll be able to have a bit of fun with it. Therefore, lean back, have a drink…and enjoy.

Gwendolyn ran her hands slowly through her hair and looked blankly into the unlit fire. Ellesméra was unusually cold. The windows of her bedchamber smashed against each other angrily. Outside, the sky was black and the wind howled like it had never before. Elves and animals alike succumbed, and those who were still outside fought their way back home. Gwendolyn made her way over to the windows and shut them.

There was a slight tapping on the door and Adela emerged, bowing politely. "Lady Gwendolyn, the Queen wishes to speak with you—she says it is urgent."

Gwendolyn was silent for a moment, though did not turn away from the window. "And yet she could not walk such a short way to tell me this herself?"

Adela shook her head. "No, Lady. The Queen is busy, though she sounds distressed."

Gwendolyn nodded and turned from the window, exiting her bedchamber as Adela followed closely behind. Without a second glance, she walked briskly past the guards as they opened a door embedded in a wall of saplings, revealing a room of trees and what appeared to be an entire assembly of elf lords and ladies. Islanzadí muttered something to the elves and within a swift movement they stood up from their chairs and exited the room.

Gwendolyn bowed her head. "You wished to speak to me, Mother."

Islanzadí managed a smile. "Sit, my daughter."

Gwendolyn did as she was told, placing herself in a nearby chair. As Islanzadí sent for mead and bread, a jolt of fear rushed through Gwendolyn's body. It would take something serious, if not unimaginable for an entire assembly to gather this night.

Adela came in with four slices of bread and butter and two cups of mead on a tray, set them down and with a bow hastily left the room. There was silence.

"I am sorry I could not come to you myself…as you could see I was somewhat occupied." Islanzadí said softly, watching as her daughter took a sip of mead to rid her dry throat.

Gwendolyn nodded thoughtfully. "I understand."

Islanzadí attempted a small smile, though it diminished as soon as it appeared. "I fear that Arya has gone missing while transporting one of the dragon eggs from Tronjheim to one of our elven cities, Osilon. While we cannot do much about the situation, I agree that under the circumstances it is best to withdraw our warriors from the Varden."

Gwendolyn had to force the mead down her throat, wanting very much to send the contents inside her mouth spraying across the room. "What do you mean you cannot do much about the situation? Send your men to find her! For goodness sake Mother, she is your daughter, and my sister! I'm sure the Varden are willing to help—if the egg has been taken…"

Islanzadí raised a shaking hand, revealing how distraught she really was. "Hush, Gwendolyn. It is because of them that Arya is in this predicament. I will have no further contact with the Varden. That, at least, is certain."

Gwendolyn was silent for a moment. "The Varden do not know, do they?"

"I have dispatched a messenger to tell the Varden, for I believe they have the right to know. After that we will have nothing to do with them." Islanzadí replied. "A few of our soldiers discovered Arya's steed, as well as her guards Fäolin and Glenwing slain along with a few Urgals. Arya and the egg, however, are missing."

Gwendolyn put her mead down and steadied her hand. "If Arya and the egg are missing…do you think it has something to do with the Empire?"

Islanzadí stood up. "Perhaps. Now we have settled that, there is another matter I wish to speak with you about. You must understand the measures this situation has caused me to take, Gwendolyn. I'm afraid that, while we are left in the dark, I must forbid you to see Murtagh."

This time Gwendolyn stood up, the two cups of mead struggling to stay upright as she bumped the table. "Beg my pardon, Mother,but I fail to see what Murtagh has to do with this."

"Murtagh has everything to do with this. You know I do not accept him, and as long as I live he will not set foot in Ellesméra, and there are reasons for that. Murtagh, no matter whether he has taken the path of good or evil, is still very much a threat to our civilization." Islanzadí explained. "For all we know he could have decided to join King Galbatorix and you are but a tool he can use to gather information."

Gwendolyn's face burned a shade of red. "Why must a man's father determine the actions of his son?"

Islanzadí almost looked desperate. "My daughter, I did not mean to insult you. A mere mortal such as Murtagh would follow you blindly through the darkness if it meant he could see your face once more. But know this: because you and Arya are both my daughters, my actions very much determine who you are, and more importantly, who people see you as." She took a breath and cupped Gwendolyn's cheek with her hand, "I know I cannot forbid you never to see him again. I can only hope for your sake that when this war ends, Murtagh will have proved himself as an ally, and one worthy of royalty so beautiful."

Gwendolyn faltered. "I—"

"I would not ask this of you if it were not necessary, Gwendolyn." Islanzadí said quickly, afraid her voice might betray her emotions.

Gwendolyn bowed her head, hiding her face from plain view. "For you, my Mother."

Islanzadí slumped down in her chair with relief, opening her mouth to say something when Gwendolyn rushed from the room. Once in the privacy of her own bedchamber, she shed tears for Arya, herself and Ellesméra, Adela silently entering the room and holding her as she wept.