Author's Note: So, this was a story I wrote a long time ago and originally had on another site but got fed up with their finicky submission requirements and abandoned it. Updates may be few and far in between but let me know, via review if you're interested in more of this. I'm quite fond of it myself and wind rider (sampai jumpa, my friend!) actually wrote a brilliant fic that borrows some elements from this original. Enjoy!
I watched the dragon sail just over the tree tops before diving into the clearing. I heard the soft leathery sounds of Saphira(as this dragon was rumored to be named) folding her wings. In my excitement, I nearly jumped on top of Vanir as he passed under the tree.
"Seyda, a gown is hardly the proper clothing for tree-climbing." He grumbled, hiding his surprise at my sudden landing. I laughed and elbowed him in the ribs. He was jealous of this rider, he had always boasted about becoming one himself.
"Come, Vanir! You must not be so depressed! There is a dragon rider abroad these days, the world is not half as horrible as it seems!" He sighed, reluctantly allowing me to lead the way. I took his hand and pulled him along one of the curving paths that lead to the place where Saphira had landed, keeping my eye out for its rider. I could see him now, some handsome, rogue elf lord, our knight in shining armor! It was a rumor that he had killed a Shade. He must have been extremely powerful for that, everyone said. Saphira was magnificent; blue scales! It was everything we'd ever hoped for!! And Arya was alive and well. How I had missed her!
I saw them then, Saphira, Arya, and some scrawny human beside the dragon. What could he be doing here? I tensed, and my heart pounded as I struggled to restrain myself from rushing out to greet them. Vanir spoke and echoed my thoughts.
"Who is that mortal?" He pushed by me, trying to get a better look. The boy was broad shouldered, thin, with a untidy mop of brown hair. His skin was the deep golden tan of a farmer and the only hint that this pathetic little child could be a warrior was sword at his waist. I saw Vanir's face fall and his lip curl in a snarl of disgust.
"A human." He spat the word from his mouth like it was lethal poison. I could feel my heart sink in my chest, my head still denying the truth I knew resided in that word. A human Rider.
I saw the youngling turn his head and look at me, waving gaily in my direction. I waved back slowly, leaning against a tree and willing myself not to give in to the tears that threatened to spill from my eyes. I sang very softly as he passed, more to myself then to him. Or even his dragon.
"The days have gone down, can you not see?
Into the west, as a bird from the nest.
Evening is falling, evening has fallen again.
Golden light, tree in glen."
It petered out meekly, and I shut my mouth, worrying my bottom lip with my teeth. Tears spilled down my cheeks now, but I hid them from view. I couldn't help but think that even a dwarf rider would have been better received. And where was Brom? It had been so long since I had seen him, the kindly old sod. But where was he now? Two others were also missing, those who had ridden out with Arya. One had been very close to her, Faolin. I called to Arya with my mind, trying to keep the sadness from my voice.Arya? Where is the rider? Where is Brom? I called gently, but, in my heart of hearts, I knew. I just didn't want to acknowledge his passing. I saw Arya's face change as she received the message.
You should speak with Eragon, he is the rider and would be better able to tell the tale. She spoke quietly, her voice subdued. I changed the subject quickly.
She spoke quietly, her voice subdued. I changed the subject quickly.
Nari and Liafen are with you though? I asked hopefully, it had been such a long time since I had seen my brothers.
Yes, come and greet them. Or is all here still formality? She teased, smiling at me. I cried out then, putting on a brave face for my brothers.
"Nari? Liafen?" I called, smiling. They caught sight of me and their faces lit up. They ran over and I was lifted from my feet by Nari, and spun around in a most mortifying manner. I gave him a sharp swat and hissed my annoyance.
"Ah, young svit-kona, let me see you. A dress? How did uncle manage to get you to wear that, I wonder?" Nari laughed, setting me back down again. I shot him a glare, the effect of which was ruined by my large grin. I quickly wiped the tears from my eyes before they could catch sight of them and beamed at each.
"Don't be stupid, Nari, I wear gowns…occasionally." I said evasively. "So? The boy is the rider then?"
"Yes, would you like to meet him?" Came the enthusiastic reply. How about not? I thought a little bitterly, biting my lip. Where did he get off being so happy? He looked like Galbatorix had just choked on a drumstick and suffered a very painful death.
Liafen looked in to my eyes and read the hurt there, frowning to himself. He placed a hand on Nari's shoulder and there was a silent exchange of looks between the two. Nari kneeled down and looked up at me, face anguished.
"What's wrong, Seyda? If Vanir's gone and depressed you I'll wring his filthy little neck." I opened my mouth to reason with him, but couldn't get a word in edgewise. "I told you he was a impetuous, little urgal! I'll give him something to mope about, proud twit. I'll-" Nari went on, scowling.
"BROTHER!!" I shouted over his threats, but he was no longer listening. I rolled my eyes and sighed, giving him a despairing look. He had hated Vanir ever since he realized the liking the elf had taken to me. Liafen had stalked Vanir for the better part of three years, never leaving the poor elf alone for a second. This was one of many factors that had contributed to my almost nonexistent relationships, every immortal male in Du Weldenvarden lived in constant fear that if they even so much as gave me a sideways glance they would end up getting their heads chewed off by Liafen and Nari. I glared at my two brothers and snapped a little more forcefully then necessary.
"NARI!! Listen to me, brother. I am troubled by a little thing and it has absolutely nothing to do with any elf men, I assure you." I sighed and watched him let out a breath.
"Well, then. What's bothering you?" He asked lightly, smiling again. I couldn't tell him, it would make me burst into tears, reinforcing the fact that I was still very young among my people. I needed a excuse, without actually lying to him.
"I-" I began uncertainly, searching desperately for ideas. "I was disappointed that…" I was at a loss for words for a moment. Nari nodded impatiently, and I mumbled something incoherently in a anxious bid for more time. "-that you two were not back sooner!" I said brightly, smiling and hoping they would believe me.
"We will do our best to make it up to you, little one." Liafen smiled and took my hand. "Let us go meet Argetlam. I think that you shall find him quite to your liking."
Somehow, brother, I doubt you understand the extenuating circumstances. But I followed the two anyway, meanwhile searching for Vanir. I secretly knew he wouldn't want to join in the nights festivities, and I didn't blame him, celebrating the death of our race as we knew it appealed no more to me then it did to him. But I would hold my tongue, speak only when it was most desired, and vent my frustrations later. It took me a moment to realize that I was being guided towards the Rider, exactly the place where I wished not to go. I tried to pull away but I was already come within sight and earshot. Wonderful, just wonderful.
As Nari introduced me, I remained stock still, fighting the urge to walk up and scream at the child who stood before me. He was so young, so oblivious. So ill-suited to the task before him, I fought away the tears of guilt that started to spill from my eyes. I am sorry, Mother, Father. Doom has come upon us in these dark days, I could not avenge your death. Nor could Alagaesia even provide us with a champion worthy of his title. Forgive me. I was startled from my reverie by the sound of his voice.
"-evaryina ono Varda, Seyda elda of the Twilight House." He finished, fingers pressed to his lips. I cast my gaze on him, trying to keep the words pleasant and sweet on my lips.
"And to you, Argetlam." You poisonous, vile, little, urgal. He smiled at me, while Saphira was preoccupied with another elf who had come to speak with her. "I hear that you killed a shade, milord. That was certainly a noble and difficult deed?" I questioned politely. The Shade must have been half dead, missing a leg and blind in one eye for this puny human to have managed to kill it. At least that gave us some hope, that Galbatorix was desperate enough to recruit crippled Shades for his army.
"Uh…I didn't plan to kill anything, I mean, I hadn't planned to slay a Shade. I-" He started to stumble over his words and I felt my lip twitch at the corners, my facial features threatening to curl into a snarl. We were all doomed. Doomed, I tell you. Take me out to the archery range and shoot me now.Greetings, Seyda. Came Saphira's strongly feminine voice in my mind. I changed my thoughts abruptly and welcomed her into my mind.Greetings, Bjartskullar, I am honored by your presence. And I was being very sincere, I was honored by her presence. I was even thrilled by it. She was absolutely gorgeous, sleek and more beautiful then any creature I had ever seen before. She sensed my appreciation, which was more heartfelt then any words could describe.
"May I?" I asked aloud, surveying her claws and wingspan. She seemed to nod and spread her wings a little. Her claws were sharp and long, just as beautiful as I had ever imagined. I could already judge by the broadness of her bone and the slightness of the joints that she was a strong, supple flier. Her head held the strong, beautiful resemblance of her kin and I was struck by the sudden memory of my mothers dragon, who had been a dark shade of purple and had had the same female presence. And then, the sad realization that Simbelmine had out lived my mother, if only by a month. I could feel the tears prick my eyes and I looked away, I couldn't bear it.Seyda? Saphira asked in my mind, alarmed. I was touched by her concern, I barely knew her and she was already worried about me.Farewell, Saphira, Eragon. I slipped away quietly, going unnoticed even by Arya as I made my way to the Archers range.