Of Western Shores
Chapter I – Prophecy
"Lady Aleesia! Tell us of how Elenwyr was founded again!" a young golden hair elfing called from the group of younglings gathered around the chair of a beautiful elven maiden. The younglings all agreed eagerly, wishing to hear the tale of Eragon Shadeslayer and Saphira Brightscales and the founding of Elenwyr, the elf maiden cast a warm smile down at the group of children, all of them from the three races that inhabited the island.
"Again? Will you never tire of that story?" Aleesia chuckled as the children shook their heads, eagerly waiting for her to start the tale once more. She shook her head gently, her white-gold hair moving like water as she did so. "Very well, and then you must return home, it is getting late after all" she spoke softly, before reaching behind her and gently picking up the large book from the nearby desk, carefully opening the first page before resting the book on her lap. "Our story begins at the last bend of the river" she began.
Eragon Shadeslayer and Saphira Brightscales and their crew of elves sailed east, towards the great unknown ocean beyond, it is said that the great hero of Alaegasia only looked back once at the land of his birth, the bittersweet farewell heavy on his troubled heart. As he turned eastward however, he felt the pain slowly but surely ebbed away, as though something far out on the horizon called to him, sparking the rider's wanderlust. They sailed for nearly three weeks, the bond of the rider, dragon and elven companions growing closer with each rise and fall of the sun, further quelling the pain the in young Eragon's heart as he sailed further from home. It was then on the fourth week of sailing that they saw it on the horizon, the solitary peak of Elenwyr in all of its wonderous beauty. Heartened by the first sign of soil ground the ship and its crew cast full sail and carved through the waves, eager to investigate the growing landmass.
Eragon Shadeslayer was the first of them to step onto the warm white sands of the island, he marvelled at its majesty as he spread his mind in all directions, feeling only wildlife inhabiting the land, there were no people or cities. It was as if the land had been made for their arrival.
The western coast stretched for leagues of beautiful white sandy beaches which met the glittering sapphire ocean, further inland was sprawling meadows of flowers of every colour you could imagine, which of course led to the wonderous great forest that covered the centre of the island and the foothills of its solitary peak. The bark of the trees was white and silver, the foliage of the canopy golden echoing the colours of an eternal summer. Beneath the great trees was a carpet of greenery and forest flowers, home to many woodland dwelling creatures, from the mouse to the great elk, the birds of the trees and the fish of the brooks and rivers. The north, east and south of the island were sheltered with high cliffs, the only passages being three passes on the eastern shore, the island was perfect for the new order, and was named Elenwyr by the first settlers.
Before long two eggs were sent back to Alaegasia, one of the purest gold and the other white as snow. These eggs chose elven twins who had fought in the rider war against the mad king, they were Eylerion a masterful elven warrior who had fought for centuries for his people, and his sister Aleesia who was the keenest of archers among her race and a handmaiden for Arya Queen of the Elves mother before she was slain. The golden egg hatched to be a male named Celerith and chose Eylerion as his rider, the white egg bearing a dragoness named Khalida who bonded with Aleesia, upon the binding of the new riders Eragon summon for them to sail to Elenwyr to complete their riders training. He did not have to teach them the ways of sword and magic, only how to strengthen the bond between a rider and their dragon, the dragonlings on the other hand, had much to learn from the mighty and majestic queen of the skies herself.
Along with the two new riders, Lord Eragon invited a small group of dwarves, men and a select group of urgals to travel to Elenwyr to settle, they would be the foundation of the new realm. The elves made their homes within the golden wood and the western shores of the island, building the great cities of Felwithe, Menegroth and Tor-Elleth as well as smaller villages in-between. They were the most numbered of Elenwyr, with most elves growing tired and sombre in Alaegasia as their long memories reminded them of the tragic history of that nation. The dwarves settled in the northern cliffs, carving great cities into the faces of these cliffs. The cities were a marvel of engineering and one could gaze out at the ocean from within any point of the great caverns, Novagod was the largest of the holds of the dwarves, supplying main of the realms metals and stones, arms and armour alike. The humans of Elenwyr were not so many and settled into a peaceful existence in the southern parts of the isle, content with living a simplistic life compared to the grandeurs of the elves and dwarves as they tended to sprawling fields of golden wheat and orchards of fruits. The urgals were grateful for the invitation to the realm that they offered to settle the mountain passes and keep their eyes eastward, watching for anything that would approach.
It was one hundred years later when another egg was hatched. This time to a dwarf by the name of Bimbal, a kind soul who oft was found at the ale during a festival. His dragon was the colour of midnight and named Naethiruim, whereas Bimbal was small in size, his dragon was anything but. It was when the first tragic event befell the fair and peaceful nation of Elenwyr since its founding.
Tensions between the empire and Surda grew as the two ruling parties engorged themselves in a trade war, this came to a boiling point when a noblewoman of Surda was assaulted and forced upon at the border between the new empire and Surda. The empire was accused with committing the crime and compensation and the perpetrators responsible were sent for, the empire however refused, citing that Surda had staged the event as an excuse to stir already fraying relations. Word of the political strife had roused Lord Eragon from his absence and he sought to return to the land of his birth for the first time in a century, feeling that his reputation would cause both ruling parties to listen. Bimbal accompanied the leader of the riders to the diplomatic talks along with Orik, high king of the dwarves who was troubled with the prospect of war occurring on his borders. Accusations were flung from both sides despite Lord Eragon's mediation, it was at this moment when it happened, amongst the yelling and posturing the arrow of an assassin struck, its owner unknown but its target struck no less. Young Bimbal had valiantly shielded Eragon before the arrow could strike. It is said that Lord Eragon's anguish was so profound at the loss of his charge that even the air and ground about him changed, growing cold and unforgiving.
It was from that day and Elenwyr refused to send aid to either the empire or Surdam holding the death of one of their own and the attempt on the leader of the orders life against them. High king Orik himself having witnessed the death of the dwarven rider, lost his will to rule and remain in Alaegasia and was welcomed to return with Eragon to Elenwyr, never to be seen by the people of Alaegasia since. All attempts for the leaders of Alaegasia to contact Elenwyr from the empire or Surda were rejected, with the island of the riders being hidden by a veil of sea mists, the only way of finding Elenwyr was to be granted passage. Only four times since that fateful day has passage been granted.
On the second century since Eragon first departed his home, a new rider was brought forth, a kull by the name of Nar-Gazoth and his earthen coloured dragon Tirramond. Much to the surprise of the island inhabitants, the kull was perhaps one of the gentlest souls they had ever seen. He was seen often in the great forest, tending to the wounded or sick creatures of the woodland, even the animals of the island saw him as friend, causing many to ponder their former judgment of the kull and urgal race.
It was on the two-hundredth and fiftieth year that Eragon granted passage to an old friend and former teacher from Ellesmera, an elf by the name of Vanir, a noble warrior during the war and at the time was the foreign emissary for the elven queen. Upon arrival to our fair realm the elf found his heart settle for the beautiful peace that surrounded the realm, with Lord Eragon's permission he was granted leave to stay and serves as advisor and confidant to the leader of the riders. It was Vanir who documented the differences between the elves of Du Weldenvarden and Elenwyr, where his kin from the west were not bound by oaths of marriage and children where few, elves of Elenwyr had adopted marriage from the human and dwarven cultures and elven children were being born at a rate never seen before.
The elves where not the only race affected by the influences of others. The dwarves, a naturally long-lived race became immortal like the elves, Orik himself was into his fourth century. The human population saw an increase to their life expectancy also, the cause of this change to each race has never been proven and remains a mystery even to this day.
We near the end of our tale as the last known rider was brought to our realm naught but a decade ago, a young boy of no more than five summers was bonded with a grey male dragon named Urgost. The boy named Tristan was, but a human orphan found on the streets of Illera, he merely touched the stone as the guards were passing by, taking it to the capital, he is the youngest of the order and the last rider an egg has hatched for, the remaining eggs lay silent and still, awaiting the right individual to bond with.
"Is it true that Lord Eragon is sad my lady?" asked an elven girl, causing Aleesia to tilt her head slightly in confusion at the child's question.
"How do you mean my dear?" she asked kindly.
"They said Lord Eragon defeated the king using a spell to make him feel all the pain he had caused to others. Some say he was changed that day, sad even" the little girl explained, all the other children turned to look to Aleesia, who was at a loss for words on what to say.
"Lord Eragon is not sad little ones" came a deep voice from the door of the classroom. The children all turned suddenly to the source of the voice, one Aleesia knew so very well. Her brother Eylerion leaned against the door frame, wearing his finest golden tunic and black breeches, he gently pushed himself from the frame and stepped into the room. "He is just a very busy man, and men like him have a lot of responsibilities to manage, it makes them appear sad and upset, but I assure you all, he is very well" he finished with a warm smile.
"I believe your parents will be looking for you all soon, gather your things and be ready to go" Aleesia spoke as she closed the book and placed it on her desk. She glanced over to her brother who sent her a look, suggesting he wanted to speak about something. The children all gathered their books and quills and began filing out of the room, each bond for their own dwellings, leaving Aleesia with her brother as she began putting various books and scrolls away.
"I am glad you still enjoy teaching the younglings, they seem to love you very much my dear sister" Eylerion started, his hands clasped behind his back as he observed the room. She had always been fond of the young, having never had any children of her own it helped sooth over the missing part of her life she had always wanted, and would have had, had fate not been so cruel. "Will you be coming to the midsummers feast?" he asked. She looked up over her shoulder and smiled gently, nodding before putting the last of her scrolls away neatly.
"Which maiden has caught your eye this year my wonderful brother" she chimed, using the word wonderful with a hint of mirth. Eylerion was very handsome, even by elven standards and his deeds only added to his allure, he had his pick of the elven ladies and as much as he dismissed the pleasure it brought him, Aleesia knew well enough her brother loved the attention. His smile grew at her words.
"You imply I have a guest this evening, what if I purpose to go alone this year? Its been nearly three hundred years now, I believe I can attend festivities without a lady at my arm" he started, a quick glance from Aleesia caused him to pause for a moment. "Lady Yela, she was most insistent" he quipped.
"I am sure she had to strongarm you into it, how valiant a fight you must have displayed" replied the she elf as she made to leave the room to make herself ready.
"You have grown very fond of him, haven't you?" Eylerion spoke suddenly as she moved passed him. She stopped suddenly and turned her shoulders to face her brother, who was staring out of the little window of the classroom.
"I know not of what you speak, or of whom" she replied.
"You may take me for a fool if you think I am so blind to what is right in front of me" the light tone in his voice had gone, his tone almost that of a captain issuing orders to his men. She turned to face him fully now. "I am aware of what you feel, speak freely with me Aleesia".
"I did not think you would approve, of my feelings for him" she replied, somewhat hopeful her twin would not press the matter or make it difficult. He turned his head and looked into her ice blue eyes, his own steely coloured gaze not wavering.
"You are right I do not" he simply replied.
"You think them not worthy?" she spoke, her voice laced with agitation, despite the cool appearance of her exterior.
"No of course not, he is fair and noble, wise and strong" Eylerion began but was cut of by her.
"So it is I you think not worthy enough?" she snapped. Her fingers flexed as she felt a soothing presence slip into her mind and temporarily calming her heart.
"You are worthy of anyone, and few are worthy of you. No, my sweet sister" he said as he stepped forward towards her, his eyes showing only concern. He took her hands gently unto his own and stared down at them, he had always been protective of her, ever since their parents had passed in the war, he had took it upon himself to be her protector. "His heart is torn Aleesia, his soul damaged by his experiences. I would not see you hurt, even if by accident" he said softly.
"Do you not think that it is my choice brother? To love is to risk pain, you know I know of this. I thought I had lost everything that day in Uru'baen, please do not be another wall in my way to finding some peace" she whispered, her eyes stung with rising tears as she took her hands from his and lay one atop his knuckle. "Now, I must get ready for the feast. As must you" she finished and slipped from the room.
…
"Hold still Tristan, I'll end up pricking you otherwise" Nar-Gazoth scolded as he tried to pin a broach to Tristan's tunic, his large hands struggling with the pin clasp. The young boy of fifteen held his breath and stood still as the kull finally managed to lock the pin in place, stepping back to admire his work. Nar stood nearly two foot taller than Tristan as he studied him one last time. "There, you will be the most handsome man at the feast" the kull said with cheer in this voice. Eragon had charged with Nar-Gazoth to take Tristan as a ward of sought, citing his kind nature would bring the boy out of his shell, and also help the kull learn the common tongue more easily.
"Lord Eylerion will be there, as will Vanir and Master Eragon. They are worlds more handsome than I Nar and you know this" Tristan replied as he inspected himself in the mirror. He worn a light grey tunic with black breeches and boots, his hair was swept back and tied into a small ponytail at the back.
"Everyone is handsome or beautiful in their own way young one, you would be wise not to compare yourself to harshly with others. Everyone has something different, what you have they may lack. Always remember that" Nar-Gazoth spoke gently, lowering himself to his knee, allowing the young man to look at him straight on. The kull looked at the young man like a father would look at a son, the younger rider becoming almost like one to him. He felt the presence of Tirramond in the back of his mind, his approval and agreement flowing through him.
"I know, thank you" replied the younger rider. "Do you think Rose will be at the feast?" Nar-Gazoth chuckled, a young human girl had caught his eye at the last feast, since then the boy was smitten and would blush any time he saw her.
"I'm sure she will Tristan, do you think you will have the courage to speak to her this time?" the kull ask kindly, courting for humans was considerably different from his own race, who paired on strength. The human culture was strange to him, it was almost a dance, both partners swirling around each other, one bold move to early could cause the dance to falter so the timing had to be just right. Elves were even more fickle, and the kull had no desire to try and learn the complex mating process of those people.
"What if she doesn't know me or is not even interested. Can you imagine the embarrassment Nar!" Tristan exclaimed as they made to leave the older riders quarters. The kull let out a booming laugh at the young man and his insecurities, Tristan looking modified at his mirth to his plight.
"What if she does and is young one, come we must not be late" Nar-Gazoth chuckled and began walking towards their horses. The dragons were hunting and would join their riders later in the evening, so Nar-Gazoth walked to his own mount, who for a horse was huge, it turned its large eyes to its rider and nickered in greeting as it moved to nuzzle the large kull. Nar gently patted its smooth chestnut skin and pressed his head to its own. "Hello my old friend" he chimed. Tristan had already pulled himself up onto his grey and white spotted steed and waited quietly for the kull to do the same. Once Nar had pulled himself into his large saddle the two riders urged their steeds into a canter as they followed the woodland path towards the city of Menegroth which lay at the heart of the great golden forest of Elenwyr. The trail was busy with elves and men, with many dwarves coming down from the north, the energy was thrumming within the woodland at the anticipation of the midsummers feast, the normally stoic faces of the elves were jovial and bright, the human population seemed that much brighter and the dwarves celebrated as they always have and would, with casks of ale.
"Look Nar, the fireflies come" Tristan spoke in wonderment, true enough the forest began to twinkle in an amber light as thousands of fireflies floated among the canopy of the trees, enhanced by the setting sun that cast a hue of beautiful colours across the realm. As they rode the revellers who travelled beside them lowered their heads in respect, both riders returned the gestures and placed their hands over their chests before extending it outwards again in acknowledgement. Nar-Gazoth observed the young rider on his left, his mind wandering to when the boy was placed unto his care.
Nar-Gazoth knelt in silent meditation in the glade that he had called home, the small clearing in the great golden forest home to a few elves who had accepted him into their small community. Small and beautifully designed houses were nestled within the clearing and around the small stream and trickled through it. As his mind was searching the surrounding forest, he felt a familiar presence approach him slowly.
"It is Lord Eragon's wish that you take care of the boy, he feels your gentle manner will be a calming influence on him" Vanir spoke softly, his hand resting lightly on the back of a young human boy no older than five summers. Nar-Gazoth studied the child who was clutching a grey dragon hatchling tightly to his chest, his eyes wide and darting around at his surroundings, noting that he must be an imposing figure to one so small he gently lowered himself to his knees, still from this position he was much taller than the boy.
"What is your name child?" he asked gently, his common tongue was still not perfect, but he knew well enough and was far more proficient that his kin. The young rider seemed fearful of his deep voice and shrank back a little, only for Vanir to gently press his hand to his back.
"It is ok little one, Nar-Gazoth is a dragon rider like you. You can learn much from him" Vanir said gently. At the mention of being a dragon rider the boy turned his brown eyes to the large kull, the expression of wonderment clear in his orbs.
"You have a dragon too?" he asked.
"I do, his name is Tirramond, would you like to meet him?" replied Nar, smiling when the boy nodded slowly, his dragon chirping and smelling the air. The kull reached out his mind and felt the partner of his heart and mind heed his summons. "Come to me little one, Tirramond is very large, I wouldn't you to fall" he spoke and held out his hand, after a brief pause the young rider took it gently and held on. Shortly after the trees began to sway and creak as a powerful gust of wind swept over the canopy, before a large shadow hindered the sun's rays. Nar watched as the boy stared up in awe as the great earthen coloured dragon gently landed with a dull thud in the glade clearing, Tirramond lowered his great head and turned so his great brown eye could observe the little rider and dragon.
"Hello little ones, I am Tirramond, partner of Nar-Gazoth the tall. Who, might you be" came the deep rumbling thoughts of the dragon.
"Tri - Tristan, and this is Urgost" Tristan replied as his dragonling squirmed in his arms and lept to the ground. Urgost craned his neck and attempted to sniff the huge dragon above him. Tirramond lowered his snout and nudged the hatchling, who in response tried to leap up and nip his chin, earning a rumble from the elder dragon. "He has spirit, he will grow into a fine dragon young Tristan" the dragon finished.
Nar-Gazoth had tended and raised Tristan in the small glade he called home, teaching him about all the animals that dwelt within the forest and the island beyond, explaining the complex balance of its ecosystem. Tirramond took to mentoring the young Urgost under the guidance of Saphira herself, in a way Nar-Gazoth did view the boy as a son, perhaps Eragon knew that he had felt a little isolated without the company of his kin, whether his leader knew or not, he was grateful for the last decade he had raising the boy. Taking his mind away from the memories of past years he noted that the crowds walking the forest paths were becoming busier as they grew closer to Menegroth, the great city of the golden wood. The kull scanned the crowd, noting a few familiar faces from his village, though he was seeking out his fellow riders in the form of Eylerion and Aleesia, glancing to his left he noted Tristan appearing to do the same.
"Nar over there!" Tristan called over the excited chatter of the crowds. The kull looked up to where the young rider was pointing, and sure enough he saw the elven twins in the distance, astride two white steeds, their silver blonde hair perfectly groomed and flowing down their shoulders and back. Tristan was very fond of Aleesia, who had taken to mothering him whenever Nar-Gazoth was away and Eylerion saw to his mastery of the sword, the elf being perhaps the greatest warrior with a sword the kull had ever seen. He caught the gaze of the male elf and nodded his head from over the crowds, Nar watched as Eylerion leaned over to his sister and nodded in their direction, Aleesia turning around at that moment and once her eyes found the kull and boy, her radiant smile broke across her face.
"Come Tristan, let us join them" the kull said gently and nudged his steed forward. The two elven riders trotted over, their steeds snorting as they reached Nar-Gazoth and Tristan whilst their riders exchanged the traditional greeting that had taken root in Elenwyr, placing one's hand on their chest and extending it outwards.
"It is wonderful to see you both here this fine evening" Nar spoke kindly.
"Indeed, it is a pleasure to see you both here also, the night is warm and the attendance many, I foresee a pleasurable evening" Eylerion replied with a small smile.
"No lady to accompany you this year?" Tristan asked innocently from his horse, earning a chuckle from Aleesia who glanced at her brother with amusement.
"It appears I have gained somewhat of a reputation, I am meeting with Lady Yela at Menegroth" Eylerion replied with a hint of amusement.
"It is good to maintain an air of consistency, Tristan himself is smitten with a young lady, perhaps you could give him some advice Eylerion" Nar-Gazoth spoke, a wide smile growing on his lips when he saw the horror cross the young Tristan's face.
"Is this the young Rose you speak so much off?" Aleesia asked kindly, gently laying her had on Tristan's shoulder. Before Tristan could answer however, the sound of bells rang out across the forest, signalling the start of the midsummer feast and that the opening ceremony would begin shortly.
"We can't be having the riders of Elenwyr be late, now can we?" Eylerion said, turning his steed about and moving to a trot, headed in the direction of the city. It was not long before the group of riders had reached the gates of Menegroth, the great cities gates were made from the silver wood of the forests surrounding it and the city was encased in white marbled walls inlaid with accents of sapphire blue. A great river flowed around Menegroth acting as an additional shield for the circular city, with the only ways into the city were the four gates situated in the north, east, south and west of the city. The gathering crowds of men, elves and dwarves all headed deeper into Menegroth, towards the centre of the city were the main staging area of the festival was being held, the white buildings were overflowing with foliage and floral displays. The city was the capital of the island realm, and the first created when Eragon and the first settlers arrived on Elenwyr.
Nar-Gazoth and his fellow riders dismounted their horses and handed the reigns to the guards who were posted at the edge of the central plaza. The kull observed the thousands of people who gathered around the plaza gardens, enjoying food, wine, music and dance. Overlooking the revellers was the central tower of the city, it reached high above the city and could be seen from any point in the forest surrounding it, sapphire banners draped down from the tower, signalling that it was the home of the leader of the rider order. The music suddenly ceased as the tower doors swung open gently and the crowd fell silent, the four riders gently gliding through the crowds to get a better vantage point.
All eyes watched as the leader of the riders stepped forth from the tower, wearing a pure white tunic accented with silver patterning and grey form fitting breeches and matching knee-high boots. Lord Eragon appeared to everyone present an elf, any resemblances to his human origins were gone, he was tall and slender, his long brown hair was smooth and straight, falling down just below the centre of his shoulder blades.
"Welcome everyone to the midsummer feast, we are celebrating the third century of such a celebration and it heartens me to see so many in attendance. Now, go enjoy the evening's festivities, I look to see many of you throughout the night" He spoke, his voice calm and deep, his gaze briefly drifting over the four riders in the crowd, his gaze lingering on one of them for a moment longer, or so it seemed. The crowd cheered before returning to their drinks and conversations.
"Come Tristan, let us get you a drink. Before you seek your lady friend" Eylerion spoke before the four riders slipped into the crowd.
...
What do you think, do I carry on or leave the idea?