Chapter 1
"Farewell", whispered Eragon, his voice trembling in an effort to keep his emotions in check.
"Farewell", said Arya, and turned away to call Firnen before he could see the tears that were threatening to spill over. She knew she must leave now or she never would. Just as Firnen swept her up into the moonlit sky, she stole one last backward glance at Eragon.
He was staring up at her,his grief and distress painted plainly across his whipped back,letting the tears flow freely down her face,the wind pushing the them back leaving shining horizontal streaks across her cheeks. She thought she would be at peace after Galbatorix was defeated, but she was feeling worse than ever. Eragon ,her most trusted friend and companion was leaving Alagaesia to train the next generation of dragon riders. Her heart ached as she realised she might never see him again. With the death of her mother in the battle of Urubaen, the tremendous responsibility of ruling the elves had fallen upon her. She dreaded the though of having to sit in one place and attend to the needs and requirements of her people day after day.
Just then, the first light of dawn inched over the horizon ,the trees of Ellesmera casting large shadows .The delicate tendrils of light crept over the forest as carefully as a spider stepping over its web. Arya gazed, awestruck ,her sorrow temporarily forgotten .In all her years of existence, Arya had seen numerous remarkable wonders and had witnessed inexplicable events, but the simple beauty of a sunrise never failed to amaze her.
"Isn't it beautiful?" Arya asked.
"As you are." Firnen replied.
A small smile tugged at her lips as reminisced of when Eragon had said the very same.
The Massive Trees of Tialdari Hall came into view and Arya felt the familiar sense of weightlessness as Firnen began his descent. After they landed, Arya slid off Firnen and braced herself for the tedious day ahead.