Blazerules34: People seem to like this story so far. Yay! Thanks to all the reviews!
Jenna stared at her reflection in the lake. Fire red hair, tree-leaf green eyes. With a sigh, she turned away. Time to get going.
Galbatorix was dead, two years ago now. The Dragon Rider Eragon had killed him. Now Jenna was sixteen, almost seventeen. She and Jaslina had traveled all across Alagaesia in search of a hiding place. It was strange to not need to hide anymore.
The two are now headed to the Capital of Ilirea to participate in the Dragon Egg search. At least, that's what the two women called it. The elf ambassador had brought a new egg to the human world, and Jenna was determined to put her past life behind her and start a new one.
"Jenna!" Jaslina called from back in the safety of the forest. "Coming!" Jenna yelled back. Jaslina is now twenty six years old, when ten years ago, she was sixteen. Sixteen, caring for a six year old. Jaslina was as beautiful as ever. And Jenna, too, was as beautiful as Jaslina with her fire-hair and forest-eyes.
Jenna headed back to where Jaslina was. Jaslina held up another outfit for her to try on. Jenna grumbled and turned her back, undressing. When all her over garments were off, she put on the dress. It was green, clinging to her body, and Jenna pulled the bottom up for effect. Spinning back to Jaslina, she hoped this one was it.
It was. Jaslina squealed and lunged forward, hugging the younger girl. "You're going to ruin the dress!" She laughed. "You look lovely," Jaslina said fondly. Jenna smiled. "Thank you. Now, let's go." She said and both began to walk.
"It's a nice day out," Jenna said as they walked out from underneath the canopy of trees, to the path to the gates. IIirea was beautiful in the distance; Nasuada had done well in building it back to its former glory. Or really, Queen Nasuada had done well. People were so happy Galbatorix was gone they helped fix the city without much complaining.
The women walked without talking to the main entrance, knowing how important today was. It could change both of their lives; give them a home, money, food. Protection from most evil doers. They both knew not to get to hopeful though. Many people try to get this chance, and only one succeeds each time.
And that one isn't always human, either. Dwarf, Urgal, Elf, and human. Yes, it has been done. The race's all cooperate, and while the occasional spat occurs, the Elves are always able to contain it.
But Jenna can't help but be excited. Who wouldn't? She wanted to have the egg hatch for her so badly, it was insane. She clutched the silver dagger Jaslina had given her so many years ago; she had named it Fortis, and she now had practice in using it as well.
Though she had never taken another's life, she had certainly used Fortis to harm someone else. She always felt incredibly guilty in doing so, but what had to be done had to be done. She never got over it, and always, always, had some amount of guilt inside of her, kept bottled up for Jaslina's sake.
Both girls straightened up self-consciously as they stopped before the gate, where two guards stood. "And who are you?" One asked in a deep voice. Jenna lifted her head. "Jenna Yennivivesdaughter, hoping to take part in the dragon's egg search." She said boldly. The guard who had spoken nodded and looked over at Jaslina.
"I am her caretaker," She answered. It was all that was needed. "Do any of ye have weapons on yerself?" The other guard asked with an accent. Jaslina nodded and showed them the bow and arrow set. Jenna held up Fortis, blade down. Both guards whistled in appreciation. "What's the name of yer blade?" The second guard asked.
"Fortis," Jenna responded quietly. Upon looks of confusion from the two men, she explained further. "It means strong in another old, lost, language." She added and the guards nodded and let the two pass. Jaslina and Jenna both started walking, searching for an inn in which they could stay the next night or two.
They found one and entered, paying the owner a few crowns they had made by doing work. Jaslina, once they reached their room, locked the door and set the bags the two of them carried down on the floor. The room was nice enough; the bedding smelled clean, everything was dust-free. It was money well spent.
Jaslina and Jenna knew that the ceremony would start at sunhigh, and it was almost sunhigh now. Jenna wiped her face with a wet rag and then put Fortis into her boot. Jaslina left her bow and arrows behind, although she put the key into her waist pocket. It would be bad if they lost it.
The girls hurried out of the inn and started towards the castle, where the ceremony would take place. Both girls were speed-walking in their hurry to get there. Finally, they made it safely into the palace walls. Many people were already inside, either to watch or participate. Hopefully, it wouldn't take long though.
A man handed her a piece of paper and told her that if she wanted to participate, she would have to sign in. Jenna did so, grateful that Jaslina had made her learn all of the regular skills a merchant would need. The servant looked surprised, and she allowed herself a grin.
A hush fell over the room as a squire stepped forward. "Queen Nasuada," He said and stepped back. Nasuada was a pretty woman, and did well at being Queen. The people of the country loved her. Everyone bowed in respect, and Nasuada smiled.
Then a pretty Elf woman appeared. She dropped onto her knee, bowing her leg. "Queen Nasuada, Vinr Älfakyn," It was Arya, Queen of the Elves. "Atra du evarínya ono varda, Däthedr-vodhr." Nasuada spoke, and Arya rose. She spoke the saying as well, and the two smiled at each other. Nasuada then stepped forward.
"Greetings, my citizens. Today we are here for another chance at a human Rider. Queen Arya would take you to her city, Ellesméra, and train you before sending you on your way to Dragon Rider Eragon, across the sea. " Nasuada said, looking around the room that was deathly quiet. "Let us begin," She said, as she and Arya took a seat and a servant began calling name's.
It was a long process, and the guests had no seats. Nasuada had protested against that earlier, but Arya had pointed out that there wasn't enough room for seats. The people would have to make due.
"Jenna Yennivivesdaughter," The servant called. Jenna hurried forward, and then slowed down once she reached the stairs. Finally she could see what was happening. All she knew was that each person called would come onto the stage, kneel before the beautiful purple dragon egg, place a hand on it, and say a few words.
Jenna bowed to Arya and Nasuada, and both nodded for her to continue. Jenna took a deep breath, let it out, and kneeled. She placed a shaking hand onto the egg, surprised at the texture of it. It was smooth, yet faceted at the same time. It was warm as well, as if the dragon inside was aware of what was happening. Jenna knew it was.
"Please," She whispered to the egg, closing her eyes. "Please, hatch for me." And Jenna felt it move. Just a little shake, but Arya caught the movement and stood, coming and kneeling next to Jenna. She smiled kindly at the girl. "Speak to the egg again," She commanded in a beautiful voice.
"My name is Jenna, little one. I wish to know you." Jenna heeded Arya's command, and the egg cracked. An awed hush fell over the crowd, who had gotten bored and had been talking earlier. Jaslina's eyes shone with hope.
Nasuada, too, came over and knelt on the other side of Jenna, and in a motherly way, wrapped an arm around the girl's shoulders. "Keep talking, it will help," Nasuada insisted. Jenna kept her palm on the egg. "Come one out," Jenna said, smiling. An icy burst of energy burst out of the egg and onto Jenna, leaving the gedwëy ignasia on her right hand. Jenna gasped, but didn't remove her hand.
A giant crack appeared on the side of the egg and a strangled choke sounded from inside. The egg broke, and Jenna was almost sad that the egg was broken. But the dragon inside came out, standing proud and tall before Jenna. It was very small. Jenna smiled.
"Hail, Shur'tugal Jenna!" The Queens said in synchronization.
Blazerules34: Yes, I am going to take time out of my life and post translations. Thanks for reading, and I love you all. If anyone would like to make a cover image for this story, of Jenna in her green dress kneeling next to the Dragon egg, please let me know!
Vinr Älfakyn: Friend of the Elves
Atra du evarínya ono varda, Däthedr-vodhr: May the stars watch over you, honored Däthedr
Gedwëy ignasia: Shining palm, sign of the Riders
Shur'tugal: Dragon Rider