Disclaimer
I do not own any characters created by Christopher Paolini, except for any OC's. Full credit goes to him for his amazing Inheritance Cycle!
Chapter 2 – Late Arrivals
Clattering on the flagstones below rang out as the horses in the streets intertwined with the pedestrians. The alleyways were bustling with the citizens of Ileria, out of their homes for the afternoon and with a level of anticipation that was unrivalled throughout the year. With only a mere six hours until the egg hatching ceremony was to commence, preparations were still to be made in regards to the feasts that would take place following the event.
High above the sprawling city, the queen of Ilirea leant on the ornate balcony of her chambers, her nerves rising with each passing minute. Although her excitement had reached a paramount level in the lead up to the momentous ceremony, the counsel was still awaiting the arrival of two essential parties. Arya and Fírnen were yet to enter the city, causing her a great deal of anxiety. It was Arya who carried with her the Dragon eggs that would be the centre point of the evening's ceremony. Without them, people would have travelled many miles for nothing. However, in the back of her mind, Nasuada knew that Arya would not leave her and the people of Ileria in the lurch.
On top of this, Nasuada was still expecting the arrival of the Urgal ambassador whom she was sure would be eager to honour his auspicious role. In light of this, Nasuada was aware that she had not been informed of the Urgal's name. She was eager to learn the nature of their candidate, however in order for that to happen they would need to first arrive!
The rest of the candidates had reached Ileria sometime in the previous day and had been settled into the city to await the commencement of the ceremony. From the far reaches of Du Weldenvarden, an Elven warrior by the name of Berail had travelled on horseback from Sílthrim. Arriving late the previous afternoon, Nasuada had made his acquaintance. She was surprised by his friendly mannerisms. Never before had she known an elf to be quite so joyful. In the past those she had much to do with usually kept to themselves and were very straightforward with their actions. Berail however, seemed different.
Earlier that morning, the Dwarven candidate Kûndor had stumbled through the gates of Ileria, his exertions of the last week and a half having taken a heavy toll on the stocky little man. His knotted brown beard was indeed unkempt, a fact that was surely dismaying him. Preferring to make the journey on foot rather than be condemned to the saddle for the duration of the trip, Kûndor had made the trip from Farthen Dur. Nasuada had been delighted to meet Kûndor. In a way, the dwarf reminded her very much of their King Orik. As a member of the Dûrgrimst Ingeitum, Orik had spoken highly of his ambassador when they had conversed last. A gruff sense of humour was seemed to never be too far away whenever she was speaking with him.
Nasuada was well aware of the sinking sun as half of it disappeared below the furthest walls of the city. Around Ileria, the guards were already lighting the street lamps which she watched light up one by one across the city. The candidates had been given lodging on the lower levels of the castle, and although the living arrangements were rather well put together, the visitor preferred to spend their time outside. Even the human candidate selected by Nasuada herself was frequently in the courtyard. Nasuada had put much consideration into choosing her ambassador, and after a long while consorting with the other counsel members, she had reached a decision. She looked down at the ground some thirty feet below and a thin smile crept onto her face. A girl by the name of Lorena was leaning on the stone wall beside the keep, chatting idly to a pair of guards. What could she say, the girl knew what she was doing.
She observed Lorena, a womanly figure and long blonde hair falling around her shoulders, the front held back by a decorative pin. From a distance, Lorena did not look like much however Nasuada knew just how valuable the girl was. In the Battle of Urû'baen, Lorena had fought voraciously, joining the Varden in there campaign. Since then, Nasuada had come to hold Lorena in the highest of esteems, in time even respecting her advice. She could think of no one more deserving to take part in the sacred ceremony.
"My Queen, the guards send word of an Urgal at the gates. They request that you join them," spoke a voice from behind her.
Nasuada spun around almost too eagerly to see Captain Garven standing in the doorway to her chambers. "An Urgal you say Captain? Escort me at once," Nasuada said, holding the hem of her dress and inch from the ground.
Captain Garven dipped his head in a gesture of respect, inviting her to exit the chamber with him. Nasuada needed no invitation and hurried out of the chamber, Garven following close behind.
Fírnen beat his wings furiously, they two would have to continue at this pace if they were to make it to Ilirea and the ceremony on time. The pair had overslept that morning, Arya and Fírnen both needed the extra rest but they were not kicking themselves for the mistake. Queen Nasuada tolerated many things but tardiness was not one of them. She would not look lightly upon the Queen of the Elves and her Dragon arriving late whilst the whole ceremony relied on the Dragon Eggs witch they carried.
Arya Opened her mind to the dragon eggs that floated magically behind them, unseen and unfelt. Their fresh nubile minds so eager to see the work outside their crystalline eggs. The prospect of new dragon riders excited Arya immensely, a feeling that flowed over her mental connection with the partner of her hearts. Fírnen longed to meet a mate to replace the one he had lost in Saphira and was eager to meet new dragons. The two he shared a nest with back in Ellesmera were both male and while he enjoyed their company, there was something that he missed about having female companionship.
In the next five hours, the tall grey walls that protected the outer city of Ileria would come into view and then It was another half hour until they would arrive at the centre of the city where the ceremony would take place.
Hunger no longer bothered Fírnen but fatigue and exhaustion threatened to overtake him with every flap of his brilliant emerald wings. The hare that Arya created had sufficiently filled him and managed to quell his hunger but had done little in the way of providing him with energy, something that he desperately needed at the moment.
Arya could feel her Dragon's weakness and alarm and fed him the remaining energy she had stored in the pommel of her sword. Támerlein had served her well since she had acquired it and she hoped that there was enough energy stored in it still to serve her well once more. As the mass of energy rushed into Fírnen's aching and weary body, alleviating it of all of his previous aches and ailments.
Ahh that feels so much better, thank you little one. He stated thankfully
The rest of the trip seemed to fly buy, with renewed strength the leagues passed under Fírnen's bulk with ease and soon the tall walls of Ilirea came into view over the horizon. Motivated even further by the sight, Fírnen flew harder and faster than before and the city grew increasingly closer each minute.
Reaching the end of the corridor, Nasuada met Farica her hand maid, carrying a tray of wine and fruits. "My Lady?" she asked in puzzlement at her Queen hurrying along the corridor.
Nasuada brushed past her, "The final ambassador has arrived, I shall return later to my quarters before the ceremony."
Farica watched her and the Captain continue around the corner and out of sight, still in a slight daze.
The Queen and her Captain walked wordlessly through the castle, descending numerous flights of stairs and travelling along more corridors than Nasuada deemed necessary. As she skipped down the twisting staircase that emerged into the entrance hall of her castle, Nasuada made her way across the ruby red carpet that blanketed the floor and to the arching door frame where the rest of her Nighthawks awaited. The elite guards acknowledged her with the inclination of their heads, Urgal, Dwarf and Human's alike. "Where is our guest?" Nasuada asked, her hands smoothing the creases on her dress.
The right most Urgal guard spoke directly to her, "The ambassador of the Urgralgra is awaiting your audience in the courtyard."
The guard need say no more as Nasuada turned on her heel and crossed to the side door leading from the entrance hall out to the courtyard. The Nighthawks followed her closely. As she reached the door, Nasuada raised a hand to halt their step. "Thank you, I can handle it from here," Nasuada said flatly.
"My Queen!" the guards spoke in unison.
In the past ten years the guards had learnt to respect their Queens privacy and she had learned to accept that they were a permanent addition to her everyday life.
She thanked them again and exited through the door and out into the fading sunlight of the courtyard. Nasuada certainly didn't have to search for the Urgal ambassador for standing in front of her, was a towering Kull. Her eyes opened wide with shock, the Kull certainly was bigger than she was expecting. However physically, he was an impressive candidate to say the least.
"Welcome to Ileria friend! I have long anticipated your arrival." Nasuada said strongly, striking her most noble pose.
The massive specimen before her dropped to one knee, his right hand clenched in a fist and held across his heart. "It is a privilege Lady Nightstalker," the Kull said, his voice impossibly deep.
"Arise, please. What is your name?" Nasuada asked, eyeing the Kull inch by inch.
"I am Thrulghar of the Bolvek Tribe, son of war chief Gharzvog," he said, rocking back onto his haunches and then up to his feet once more.
The Kull was at least three and half feet taller than Nasuada, his horns some of the largest she had ever seen. Thrulghar noticed a look of recognition wash over the tiny queen. "Your father is Nar Gharzvog? This is indeed a welcome surprise Thrulghar, your father is an honourable ram."
"Many thanks Lady Nightstalker, the stories he has told me have inspired me," Thrulghar said sincerely.
Nasuada's lips split into a wide grin, "Such flattery, it's wonderful to finally meet you! And just in time might I add. Was your journey a smooth one?"
Thrulghar's lips turned up into a smile, his pointed teeth exposed. "It was long, but not beyond my reach," Thrulghar said.
Nasuada nodded, "I can see this. Anyhow, it's good to have you in Ileria. I best show you to your quarters there are still many preparations to be made for this evening…"
As she spoke, a shadow from above blocked out the late afternoon sun. Glancing up, Nasuada witnessed the bulk of Fírnen as he passed overhead baring the elven Queen on his muscular back. Thank the gods! Nasuada said to herself, an invisible weight dropping from within her as relief flooded over her.
Nasuada turned her attention back to Thrulghar who was gazing in awe as the green dragon passed overhead. Slowly his focus returned back to Nasuada. "Shall I show you to your quarters now Thrulghar?" she asked politely.
Thrulghar nodded, dipping his horns, "Thank you Lady Nightstalker, I would like some rest before the ceremony."
Nasuada understood, he had travelled an enormous distance to be there for the ceremony, and on foot none the less. With the swirl of her dress, Nasuada turned and lead Gharzvog's son back into the castle. As he reached the door, the Kull had to bend his knees drastically and tilt his head sideways to allow his massive horns to fit through the frame. Nasuada walked equal with Thrulghar, her Nighthawks following the pair. Retracing her steps by ascending the twisting staircase, Nasuada passed through the open double doors at the top of the stairs. Following a hallway lined with fine works of art, Thrulghar had to do his best to avoid knocking them from the walls as he walked. At the end of the hallway, Nasuada paused and opened yet another double door. This time she did not enter, instead she turned to Thrulghar. "I have had this room prepared for you Thrulghar; I trust that you will be comfortable here. If you should need to eat then I will have guards posted outside your room, feel free to ask of them what you will."
Thrulghar put a hand on the Queen's shoulder, the Nighthawks immediately tensing at his gesture. "Thank you Lady Nightstalker, this is most pleasing," Thrulghar said, trying his best to be proper.
Nasuada smiled at his attempts. "I shall meet you in front of the castle when the trumpets have sounded 4 times. Until then, rest will Thrulghar."
With that the Queen left him to his own devices, the Nighthawks hurrying along behind her. The rest appealed greatly to him, of that he was sure.
Here's chapter 2, hope you find this one as good as the last, remember to review! It really helps me out, and that way I can see what you guys want to read about :D
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