"Do or die, You'll never make me.
Because the world will never take my heart"
My Chemical Romance, Welcome to the Black Parade
A tendril of thought rang in Nasuada's mind. It had been about six months since her dragon had hatched, and in said time she witnessed the incredible growth. Her dragon, who took the name Procella, had quickly become her best friend. The silver reptile had an uncanny ability to tell what was worrying Nasuada before she herself knew, and responded with comforting advice. The dragon herself had an optimistically negative view on the world, yet she was invaluable source of solace as Nasuada dealt with the staggering consequences of being a Rider. In that meeting, she had explained as calmly as possible that she could no longer be the Queen of Alagaesia, because she was now a Dragon Rider, and the people wouldn't be too keen on having another immortal monarch. Yes, she understood what it meant to abdicate the throne, and yes, she did have someone in mind. No, she would not reveal who it was right now. However, she did have a plan, thank you very much. She would stay in power for a few months, to give her dragon time to mature safely clandestinely, and then she would tell her people. No, she would not reconsider leaving the throne. Just because her people might say they wanted her as a Queen, after a while, they would start to resent her. Jormundur was the first to agree with her, after her handmaiden Felicia, of course. Her childhood mentor seemed proud she of the plan she had made, and told her that he knew her father would be too, as she showed not only the ability to take power from the tyrannical, but also give up power for the greater good. Angela cackled, saying what a show she was up for. The rest disagreed, and attempted to convince her to change her mind.
Nasuada sighed, rolling out of bed, and went to greet Procella, who was waiting for her in the specially designed dragon bed. The fine designs that had been carved into the wood, once resembling a garden in full bloom, had long been scratched off with the rubbing of scales, especially since Procella insisted on cleaning her scales every morning and night.
Stumbling sleepily to her washroom, Nasuada began to mentally prepare herself for the day. Today would be the day she told her people she would no longer be Queen. She would be going on a journey with her dragon, with the purpose of travelling to Eragon's dragon stronghold in the islands. However, Nasuada had a secret reason for leaving also. Procella argued with her at first, reminding Nasuada of the reasons he had left, but in the end agreed to help her find Murtagh. What she would say to him, well, she had no idea. She hadn't allowed herself to think that far, since she didn't even know if he could be found. If he wanted to be found.
A knock on the door interrupted her musings. "My lady, Arya Shadeslayer has requested you meet her to break fast in her room."
"Thank you. I shall be there shortly" Nasuada called out, pulling on a dress and some shoes. She knew exactly what the elf wanted. She was going to advise her against going after the red rider, and Nasuada was going to politely disregard her warnings. The elf would then mention how she managed to rule her people while also being a dragon rider, and Nasuada would respond by reminding her that humans did not have the same capacities as elves did, both in lifespan and patience.
Might as well get this over with, she thought as she approached the elf's door. Knocking, she entered.
It is all right, Procella consoled her, you have your reasons to disagree, and I understand that this journey is very important to you. You must find your partner-of-heart-and-mind. That should be reason enough for anyone. We must only hope that the journey is not in vain.
Comforted, Nasuada stepped into the room. Arya was at the window, conversing, it seemed, to Firnen. As Nasuada entered, she turned around.
"Sit," she said, gesturing to a table with various pastries, "You need to eat. Today is very important." Nasuada sat, and reached automatically to a roll. She waited for the lecture, staring at the elf when it didn't come.
"You expect me to tell you I think you are doing the wrong thing, don't you." Arya spoke finally. She sat across from the soon-to-be ex-queen. "And I can't blame you. I have not been supportive, as you know, because I don't see the point in your futile venture."
"However," she continued over Nasuada's protests, "I see that you are determined to follow your plan, and so I have decided to help you." She took off one of the various silver bangles adorning her wrist. "I imbued this with magic, so that you can contact me or Firnen if you need to." Nasuada took the gift, speechless. She was surprised that her friend finally came around and even gave her a token of support.
"I.. Thank you, Arya. This means a lot to me. More than you can believe" Arya smiled fondly, and both enjoyed a moment of peaceful silence, then the elf jumped up out of her seat.
"Time to get ready. You still need to address the people."
"Right," Nasuada agreed, "And Arya," The elf turned expectantly, "I want you to know that I think of you as one of my closest friends, and that I will see you again. He won't hurt me. I know it. " she said, referring to Murtagh. Again. She thought to herself silently, remembering not only the physical pain he put her through, but the emotional pain as well.
Arya's eyes softened, as she responded "Aye, and I you. And know that if he even tries to, I will be there to put him in his place, although I darasay you won't need any help." Nasuada grinned, feeling much better than she had that morning. How could she not, as she had finally managed to convince her closest friends of her plan. All that was left was following through, possibly the hardest part.
Nasuada walked to the podium, where she could see her loyal subjects sprawled everywhere to hear what she had to say. Their eager, proud faces almost shattered her heart. How far they had come from the years of oppression and torment. And who was to say that it couldn't continue. With a rider Queen, surely there was nothing that would be able to threaten her country. Nothing, that is, but herself, she forcibly remembered, steeling herself for the announcement.
"My people. My loyal, humble, strong, caring people" she called out, voice magically amplified. "I stand before you, as proud as anyone can be, because you deserve the truth. You have suffered greatly at the hands of a terrible ruler, an immortal ruler. And now, I come to tell you all that it is time to have a new ruler, lest history repeat itself." The crown was silent, solemnly listening to their queen's farewell speech. Nature herself seemed to acknowledge the severity of the situation, and silenced her children the wind and the trees in order to pay respects to the newest Dragon Rider.
"And so I present to you your new king, Lord Jormundur of the Varden. I assure you that you are in good hands." Nasuada finished. She exhaled, closing her eyes with a sigh. The stillness pertained as the people registered her words. Then the applause started. She looked up, surprised. Their faces were shining with pride at their lady, at her love for them, at her ability to always do the best for them despite the pain it caused her. Nasuada smiled, and began the abdication ceremony.
Slipping into the shadows, Nasuada called to Procella. The crowning ceremony for Jormundur was followed by hours of revelry, as all major events are. Nasuada was relieved that all had gone smoothly, but she was eager to begin her search for her red rider. So, as planned, Nasuada slipped away once the cover of darkness blanketed the city.
AN: I am so sorry, guys. I have no idea how it ended up all crazy. Thanks to the people that pointed out the awful format, so that I could fix it. Also thanks to the reviews. They mean so much to me, that people actually read this, and that they like it enough to comment on it. XD
