Oh this is brilliant! Arion called as she beat her wings against the strong breeze. Haliya held onto her dragon's neck spikes, grinning as Arion span over, Haliya squealed Arion! The dragon laughed before spinning the right way up, the girl closed her eyes and smiled before looking down to the ground, We're so high! I hope Izemic's okay!

He will be he's an elf! Arion replied, beginning her descent towards the ground. As the pair went down through the clouds, Haliya caught sight of the elf and the two horses galloping beneath them.

Arion landed on the ground, Haliya dismounting as Izemic trotted up next to them. "You two looked very graceful up there" he commented, Haliya beamed, "I'm getting the hang of it now, thanks to the new dragon saddle, much more comfy!"

"I'm glad you like it." Izemic smiled gently

"How far till we reach Ellesméra Izemic?" Haliya asked.

"Not too far, just through Du Weldenvarden, from then on we must speak in the ancient language." He replied, she nodded

"I guessed as much."

"It will not take long." Izemic said, beginning to speak in the language. Haliya nodded, mounting her black horse, Arion leaping off into the sky. "We may meet someone on the way. I hope we do, it's someone I wish for you both to meet."

Who is it? Arion asked in Haliya's mind who relayed the question. "Ah Arion, that is for me to know and you to wonder." Haliya heard a growl inside her mind, curiosity stirring but she did not inquire as Haliya knew she'd get the same treatment. She hoped it was someone important. Putting her hood up she said goodbye to Arion who went to disappear till nightfall, urging her horse to walk, Haliya rode next to Izemic, brushing up on her vocabulary of the ancient language to pass the time.

They walked on until night had fallen indefinitely. Haliya called Arion, sending image of where they were, You help Haliya.. trees.. great indication of where you are!

Just look for our fire. Haliya grumbled back as she rolled her eyes. She watched as Izemic returned with firewood, setting it on the ground. Muttering the word, the wood caught a flame and began to burn nicely. The pair ate their dinner before relaxing. Suddenly, Haliya felt a mass force smash against her mind barriers. Haliya's eyes flew open as she fought against the force. It was so strong. Arion! Help!

I'm a bit busy! Arion replied, sending an image of a huge shadow flying in the silhouette of the moon. Haliya recognised the shape immediately. It was a dragon. Haliya continued to be battered at her mind. A thought flickered inside her mind. Trusting her instincts, she let her mind barriers drop, projecting memories of herself, Izemic and Arion. She watched through Arion as the other dragon ceased attack. A smile curled onto Haliya's lips as she knew who it now was. "Eka fricai un Shur'tugal!" she called. A boy about a year older than herself stepped through the thickets. Eragon. "I did not know there was another.. How did you acquire an egg?" he looked from Haliya to Izemic before recognising the pointy ears. "Atra esterní ono thelduin" he said in the ancient language, inclining his head in a bowing manner. "Mor'ranr lífa unin hjarta onr" the elf replied with the same manner.

"Un du evarínya ono varda." Eragon finished. "What brings you to the land of the elves?" he asked

"I seek training." Haliya replied, "I know most of the ancient language and how to spar, but I need more training on spells and fighting."

"The rider that taught me all I know died not long ago. I guess it is up to me to teach you. Is Galbatorix aware of your existence?"

"I doubt it. We travelled mostly by night and encountered very few villages or people. Arion flew high so could hardly be seen." Haliya replied, Eragon regarded her silently. "Come, I shall take you to Ellesméra."

"Can we not rest first my lord?" Izemic spoke.

"There is no need to call me lord my friend and of course. It shall give me a chance to get to know you two a little bit." Eragon sat down by the fire and began conversing with Izemic who began telling the story of how he acquired Arion's egg. Haliya relaxed again. Hey Arion. You alright?

Yes, I'm fine. Would have been happier to know the mysterious dragon was not Galbatorix' but Eragon's though.

So would I but we know now and they're going to train us so be nice!

I am! What do you take me for?

A mean scaly grumpy dragon? Haliya sensed a growl from Arion's throat then a cut off from their conversation.

Proved my thoughts exactly. Haliya laughed. She waited for several seconds before realizing she'd receive no reply.

She chuckled quietly before noticing the two men were regarding her after her out loud laugh. "Sorry, conversing with Arion.." she said quietly before looking away embarressed. She distracted herself before watching the flames flicker gently, absently plaiting her hair as she thought about the days ahead. Days with the elves, of conflict, and of dragon riders. She knew she'd be safe, she'd be riding next to Eragon with pride. She would devote her life to learning the ways of the riders and helping Eragon and Saphira defeat Galbatorix and Shruikan and free Alagaësia of his evil presence. The times ahead would be hard she knew. But she hoped herself and her faithful dragon would persevere to the end. She smiled softly to herself before lying back on her blanket, sending herself into her dream state, hearing the usual whisper, "Sleep well Haliya." Arion whispered before turning her mind away from Haliya's own.