Jaden stood, hidden by the leaves of the bush she was in, watching the young rider drinking from the river. The wind caught her black hair, sweeping it off her face. A dragon roared overhead as the rider turned around towards Jaden's hiding spot.
If she ran now she could get away quickly, she knew the forests of Du Weldenvarden well as she'd lived here long enough. She turned to run, only to come face-to-face with a magnificent blue dragon. The rider stepped forward and grabbed her arm. He was young, only in his first year of manhood. His grip was strong and it hurt.
"Why are you watching me?" his voice was harsh, yet at the same time, soft underneath. Jaden winced, "I was passing when I saw you. Human's don't usually venture into our forests!" The boy noticed a pendant around her neck; it bore the mark of the Elven Queen. He loosened his grip and she yanked her hand back, rubbing her red arm. "You have a strong grip", she said, placing a hand on her hip. He took her in. The dark, brown leather trousers, the lighter brown tunic and the boots. Her black hair was pulled back in a loose ponytail; the strands that hung down were being blown about in the wind. He finally met the elves bright blue eyes and nodded.
Jaden looked, warily at the hand he stuck out, "I am Eragon", and she took it, "Jaden". He smiled, inwardly nodding, "And that is Saphira". She turned to face the dragon and bowed, "Well met Saphira", the dragon nodded, "You are, I must say, a fabulous creature". Saphira nudged Jaden's hand, welcoming a new friend. A rustle came behind them. Jaden spun around, a hand on the hilt of her sword, which hung over her lower back. A figure appeared, "Jaden! Where have you been?" The Elven guard demanded. The younger elf shrugged, "Here and there, why?" "The Queen and your father wish your presence".
Jaden sighed; shaking her head, "If they still wish me to join the court then they have another thing co…" she trailed off, her eyes resting on a beautiful jade coloured stone lying on the forest floor. She picked it up and pocketed it swiftly. She reluctantly followed the guard, "Wait!" she ran back to the rider, and "I would be honoured if you would accompany me?" Eragon looked at Saphira, "Yes, we would be happy to".
The Elven city was magnificent in Eragon's eyes; Jaden was being led, like a prisoner, towards the castle. The huge, beautifully carved oak doors swung open as if by magic. They were led into the main hall where Jaden was thrown in front of a panel; she straightened with a determined look on her face.
"My daughter", a male elf spoke. His auburn hair hung over the collar of his forest green and silver robes, "Your running tires me, why don't you join us?" Jaden did not speak. It was, Eragon thought, as if this had happened before. "You're of noble blood, your place is here not fighting for the Varden". Murmurs swept through the hall, yet still, the young elf stayed silent. The elder elf was clearly loosing his patience, "Jaden!" he'd snapped at last, Jaden smiled. "You will do as you're told, you unthankful parasite!" Jaden laughed, "Thank you father, but you mistake me for an Urgal!" she felt her pocket shake, "I will return in a moment", and with that she ran out the door.
Her boots padded against the marble floor as she reached her chamber. She withdrew the stone and placed it on her bed. It began to shake and crack. A bright light caused her to cover her eyes and, when at last it had subsided, there, where the stone once lay, sat a baby dragon!