AUTHOR'S NOTE: First things first, I don't own the Inheritance Cycle but I do possess my plot and any additional character and places. Just to let you know, it contains EragonXIslanzadí pairing and what may be considered slash if you're an EragonXArya shipper. I decided that since there were way too many of the latter and far too few of the former, I would write one myself and, hopefully, get a few more similar fanfics out there. Please do take note also that this fanfic is not rated 'M' without good reason. There may be some *ahem* sex scenes or battle violence, as Eragon still has to defeat the Dark King. So kids (if any of you are kids or underage and reading this), don't say I didn't warn you! No offence!

Well, now that I got that over I can finally proceed with the actual story. I hope you like it!

CHAPTER ONE: Comfort

As if Mother Nature herself mourned the death of the fallen Dragon and Rider, thick raindrops fell in torrents from the darkened heavens. The woods surrounding the Gil'ead were shrouded with clouds of mist which rendered the place an all-together very eerie feel.

Eragon Shadeslayer shivered and wrapped his azure cloak tighter about him as he watched the most tragic scene he had witness, save perhaps for Brom's death, unfold before his very eyes. A host of elves had gathered out here in the woods were Oromis and Glaedr had fallen.

The last Dragon Rider and his Bond had been slain at the hand of Galbatorix through his puppet Rider Murtagh. A hot wave of anger surged within Eragon at the memory but he wrestled with it and subdued it. It was not Murtagh's fault that he had to kill his mentors. He knew that! Then why did he feel so confused?

Eragon sighed and shook his head, combing a hand through his tousled brown hair. His gloomy brown eyes surveyed the wide clearing where the funeral was taking place. Nearly the entire elf army had gathered in these woods, as many as could fit had come. Queen Islanzadí herself was in the glade and was currently kneeling before the fallen Rider and Dragon, paying her respects.

For some odd reason, Eragon's breath caught in his throat when he saw her. Lush black hair cascaded down her back and shoulders contrasting sharply with her pale white skin now only further enhanced due to the dismal atmosphere. Her face was wet with tears and her back was hunched over.

Wracking sobs echoed throughout the forest as she mourned the death and Eragon's heart went out to her. The queen had always been his friend and ally in spite of fierce opposition from other elves such as Vanir who only had a change of heart after the Blood-Oath Ceremony. If there was ever a time when he could repay the kindness she bestowed upon him, it would be now.

With that thought in mind and nothing more, Eragon voiced his proposal to Saphira, mentally of course, who immediately agreed. Islanzadí had naught a shoulder to cry on since King Evander passed away into the Void. While Eragon could never replace the grand monarch, he could offer the elf queen some support in this trying time, some comfort.

Taking a deep breath, he strode across the clearing from where he stood. Ignoring all the other elves and the hushed whispers that rippled across those gathered here, he knelt down beside Islanzadí and wrapped and offered his condolences in the Ancient Language. Much to his surprise, the elf queen turned to him with a weak smile.

A faint glimmer of hope flickered in her eyes and Eragon did his best to smile reassuringly at her. But Islanzadí lost her smile just as quickly and gave a loud, strangled groan. All the elves silenced immediately and their fears were quieted and replaced with sorrow. Islanzadí did something then that thoroughly bewildered Eragon who wasn't used to seeing such a display of emotion from the elves before.

Islanzadí gave a small shudder and wrapped her arms around Eragon, burying her head in his shoulder. Eragon flinched from the unexpected contact and glanced around warily at the other elves, all of which wore stunned expressions on their face. A few, however, looked only a little shocked at first but the emotion was then changed to something close to amusement as they waited to see how Eragon would handle this...awkward situation.

Eragon searched for Arya but she was not present in the clearing as she had gone off alone in the woods for a time of closure. He was almost grateful for that as he knew her reaction would be none to kind to see this event take place. Not knowing what else to do, Eragon sighed and relaxed his body, putting an arm around the elf queen while holding her hand with his free one.

Eragon and Islanzadí passed the rest of the day in this position. Many an elf came and went but they lingered still, mourning the death of the Rider and Dragon.

To Be Continued...

Author's Note: That's it for now! Sorry the chapter's so short but I couldn't think of much else to write. If any of you have any ideas for later chapters, I would enjoy hearing your feedback. Rest assured though, as I do have a general plot-line for this story but it's slightly vague at parts.

Mainly, I need fillers and, of course, pointers on how to best go about a romance between an Elf Queen and Dragon Rider. Also, while I hate to admit it, I'm not very good at writing stuff about girls not to mention a female elf woman. So if there any girls out there who have some words of wisdom for me out there, I'd like to hear your advice!

Well, bye for now!