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When Arya had told Nasuada about her decision to abdicate the throne in Ellesméra, to leave Alagaësia behind to seek Eragon's instruction, and more importantly his company and his love, Nasuada had been thrilled for her friend. They had enjoyed another 3 blissful days in each other's company before Arya had left to meet her students in Hedarth.
The few short days that Arya had spent with her had been very welcome indeed for Nasuada. Unlike Arya she did not loath her position as Queen, but even she had to admit that it was often a solitary post to hold. She seldom was allowed the company of friends that did not revolve around the seemingly never-ending discussions about how to run a kingdom.
Eragon had left over 4 years ago, Roran and Katrina had left to return to Carvahall after the war had been finished and things had settled down, Orik and Orrin had returned to their respective homes, and now Arya was also leaving to see Eragon on their secret island. She had never felt more alone than she did at this moment. If only I had a friend to stay with me she thought to herself, if only I could have him to keep me company.
Arya and Fírnen had been camped near a grove of beech trees some 5 miles outside of Hedarth for 2 days. In her excitement to begin her journey towards Eragon she had embarked on the first leg of her journey from Ilirea to Hedarth a little too soon. It was likely that her students in Ellesméra would be joining her later that very day or in the early hours of the following day.
Arya had sincerely enjoyed the time she had spent with Nasuada and was sure she would miss her friend dearly. They had agreed to scry each other regularly, but as it always is with these sort of things Arya was sure that life would get in the way and their once a month scrying session would not last long before they became only scarce bits of communication.
Arya had occupied her time during her flight aboard Fírnen with what she was going to say to Eragon when she saw him. She was not sure how he would react to her presence or even if he would be willing to see her. How have you remained so calm at the prospect of being in close quarters with Saphira again? Eragon and I had known each other far longer than you and Saphira yet I feel as anxious about our reunion as a cornered rabbit.
Fírnen responded with a grunt of laughter that scared away the few birds that had, to this point, been brave enough to explore the air around Fírnen's bulk as he drifted lazily through the clouds. My dear Arya, dragons are creatures of action. We do not waste time dwelling on what may or may not be. When Saphira and I are together again I will make my intentions known and either she will accept them, or she will reject me. There is nothing to gain by contemplating all of the possible scenarios of our meeting.
So, you are not perturbed in the slightest at the possibility of your mate rejecting your suit?
Her rejection would hurt me, and I do not wish to be without her, but if she does not want me as I want her then there is little I can do about it. Perhaps you should follow this course of action yourself. I have never seen you quite so on edge my partner. What will be will be and you cannot change that so why fret as you do?
I do not know Fírnen. I am in unfamiliar territory. I have never felt this uneasy feeling that seems ever present since my conversation with Murtagh. I do not know what to make of it, and I am afraid that I have come to realize my feelings for Eragon too late. I rejected his pursuit of me many times while we traveled together, and now I fear that he will return that hurt.
Arya felt a reassuring calm flow into her from Fírnen's vast consciousness. Be at peace Arya. He will return your sentiment for he would be foolish to reject one such as yourself.
Arya felt significantly better after her conversation with Fírnen, and she set about pushing the matter from her mind, for the time being anyway. She quickly fell into easy conversation with Fírnen about matters of little significance. Let us return to camp for I grow weary. The hatchlings are sure to arrive tomorrow, and we shall set off for the isle once they have eaten and rested.
As you wish was Fírnen's reply and he settled into a dive towards the hard ground below. Once they had landed on the grassy knoll that allowed both dragon and rider to see any potential visitors, friendly or otherwise, approach for several hundred yards in any direction Arya pulled out a bowl of fresh berries, a slice of bread, and cheese for her evening meal. Having eaten her fill, she returned the bowl to her pack and moved herself under her dragon's translucent emerald-green wing and passed into her state of waking dreams.
Early the next morning Arya was just finishing another meal of berries, bread, and cheese when she was alerted by Fírnen's roar to the 4 faint objects in the sky approaching from the northwest. When they had gotten close enough to make out the four distinct colors of the dragons Fírnen loosed a jet of green tinged flames up into the sky so that the dragons could locate their position. The four dragons saw his signal and altered their course slightly, so they could land on the knoll where Arya and Fírnen had set up their makeshift camp.
Some minutes later the four dragons landed in a rough semicircle facing Fírnen and Arya. The first dragon to land was the smallest and the youngest of the 4 "hatchlings" as they had come to be known by Fírnen, a term Arya had since adopted for her own use. The yellow-orange dragon had hatched only a year ago to an elf maiden named Orrianna from the outlying city of Osilon. Orrianna was very beautiful, she had flowing blonde hair that reached past her shoulders and tended to curl into ribbons near the bottom, she had sparkling blue eyes, and a pleasant demeanor. She, like Arya, was young by the standards of the elves being only 126 years old making her only slightly older than Arya. Orrianna had appropriately named her yellow-orange dragon Solus which translated to sun in the ancient language. Orrianna gracefully dismounted Solus and initiated the elvish greeting.
Having completed the greeting Arya was buffeted by the flapping wings of Shadow. Shadow was an all-black dragon that had hatched roughly 3 and a half years ago to a young Urgal ram of Nar Garzhvog's own clan by the name of Yarvotek. Yarvotek while young was the strongest of the riders physically, and also the most talented linguist of the group. Arya had been surprised by the ease at which Yarvotek had mastered the Ancient Language, it was not until later that she had learned he was fluent in Urgralish, his native tongue, as well as the common language, and was fairly well versed in speaking Dwarvish as well. Before Arya could greet Yarvotek the third dragon had landed as well.
Perhaps the most studious of her students was the dwarf Hundin. Hundin had his silver dragon hatch for him nigh on 3 years ago. Hundin was a source of much pride for the dwarves, especially for the dwarf king Orik and his mate Hvedra as Hundin was the eldest son of Hvedra's sister and a member of Orik and Eragon's clan Dûrgrimst Ingeitum. Hundin stood at typical height for dwarves and had long dark brown hair and a matching beard that hung down to his chest. He had named his dragon Opal as dwarves, especially those of the metalworking clan, held much love for precious stones. Opal was large enough at this point that Hundin often had to resort to floating himself onto Opal with magic due to his short stature.
The last pair to land was the human Alyss and her royal purple dragon. Alyss was the most curious of the group, it seemed there was no end to her questions. Arya was often reminded on Eragon when she was instructing Alyss and knew that the pair of them would get along well. Alyss was the daughter of a poor farming family that lived between Lake Fläm and the town of Daret. Alyss, while curious, was also very intelligent, humble, and worked well with her hands due to her upbringing. She had coffee brown hair and kind brown eyes to match. Her dragon Victoria had hatched very soon after Opal had, and the size difference between the two dragons was almost indistinguishable.
Once all of the riders had dismounted and greeted their teachers Arya began, "thank you all for flying to meet me here. I'm sure you all must be curious as to the necessity of your journey to this place." Arya couldn't help but smile as she saw the many questions fly across Alyss's features. "I will answer all of your questions in due time, but first let me explain. As I'm sure you can recall Eragon and his dragon Saphira left Alagaësia 4 years ago in search of a suitable home for the riders and a place to properly train any and all new dragons and riders. It was our agreement that I would complete your initial training until such a time that I felt you ready to join him and complete your instruction. You all have proven to me that such a time us upon us."
The various riders gathered around her began to look at each other and their dragons with joyous expressions. The stories of Eragon and Saphira's deeds had spread like wildfire across Alagaësia since their departure, and they had become something of celebrities not only to the humans but to all of the races.
Arya had expected this reaction and had the perfect way to recapture the attention of those gathered. Fírnen could you please help Arya asked her dragon with a knowing smile on her face.
My pleasure he responded dubiously through their mental link. With that he stepped forward and growled loudly followed by a brilliant display of flames jetting through this opened maw.
Her plan had worked quite flawlessly as she now had every eye trained on her including those of the assembled dragons. We will have to remember the effectiveness of a roaring fire breathing dragon for future use she thought with a tinge of amusement. "Now that we have gotten that out of the way shall we continue?"
Following the display by Fírnen Alyss's question came with a certain degree of tentativeness, "Master Arya, if we have progressed thus why have you called us to gather here of all places?"
"Because it is from this place that we will be leaving to seek Eragon and Saphira's tutelage on the isle which is to be the new home of the riders."
Again, there was a slight moment where it looked as though the hatchlings would repeat the glances and whispers that they had at Arya's first mention of Eragon and Saphira, but it appeared that they had learned their lesson the first time for as soon as their attention seemed to wane away from Arya it was once again reasserted on their faces. This caused Arya to smile inwardly to herself and it also earned a deep chuckle from Fírnen.
It was now Yarvotek's turn to inquire further. "Teacher where then is this place that we seek. You mentioned an isle, but the only islands charted on the maps available in the libraries of Ellesméra lay off the western edge the land. Why then would you have us travel east?"
"Ah, perceptive as always Yarvotek. The isle that we seek is not one that is not known to the mapmakers of Alagaësia. It lies to the east and is a 2-day flight from Hedarth."
Not being overly fond of water the dwarf Hundin muttered hotly under his breath, "Island. He just had to choose an island. Barzûl."
"Peace Hundin. There is a reason we have not set out on this journey until now. I am fully confident in all of our abilities to make this journey without trouble." Arya said as a reassurance to the dwarf. She had known that he would be the hardest to convince to make the journey.
"When do we depart," came the next question from Orrianna.
"We shall rest today. The dragons should hunt as we will have a tiresome journey ahead of us then they too shall rest. We leave at first light tomorrow morning."
"We? You are joining us?" Orrianna asked clearly surprised by Arya's use of the term 'we' when she had laid out their departure plans. "I would not have thought it possible for you to be away from the throne for such a long period of time."
"I have alleviated myself from those constrictions. I am no longer ruler of the elves." Arya paused for a moment to let the gravity of what she had just said sink in for she knew that none of her students would comprehend anything else she said until they had come to terms with her announcement. The moment that Arya saw her student's expressions change from bewilderment to curiosity she raised a hand to stem the flow of questions she was sure to receive. "The reason I have acted as I have is because Fírnen and I have put off our duties as proper dragon and rider for too long it is time we fulfilled these duties to the riders of old and our personal duties as well."
The two women, Alyss and Orrianna, being the more perceptive of the group shared a knowing look at the last proclamation of Arya's reasoning. It had long been rumored in Alagaësia that Eragon and Arya were lovers meant to be but kept apart by the tyranny of King Galbatorix. Yarvotek and Hundin on the other hand seemed to accept that Arya was accompanying them without any second thought.
"So, you are accompanying us solely out of your responsibility to be trained properly as dragon and dragon rider." Orrianna began with a sly smile sneaking onto her face.
Alyss, picking up on Orrianna's line of thinking, continued, "there are no other reasons, perhaps personal in nature?" She asked in a teasingly innocent tone of voice.
Arya scowled at the two women that had come to be like sisters to her. She had not allowed herself the luxury of getting too close to others while she was acting as liaison between the elves and the Varden or as queen, but Orrianna and Alyss had snuck their way past her barriers. "Here is not the place for such discussion, if you wish to know more you will have to accompany me to my tent, otherwise I suggest you all get some rest before we depart tomorrow."
Yarvotek and Hundin just grunted and made to set up their tents so they could rest for a time before they prepared for the next leg of their journey. Alyss and Orrianna however moved to follow Arya without a second's hesitation.
While Alyss and Orrianna had been close with Arya and had often spent time in idle conversation with her Arya had never answered their questions about Eragon as she had not been sure herself of how she felt about him, but now she figured that they deserved to have their questions answered. Upon reaching her tent Arya turned to face the inevitable slew of questions she knew they would present her with.
One of the qualities that Arya had always admired in humans was their directness, a quality that elves rarely had or expressed so Arya was not surprised in the least when Alyss immediately asked, "you are going to be with him are you not?"
"I am. It has recently become apparent to me that Eragon is the thing that has been missing in my life and I long to be with him again, and I hope to rectify my past wrongs towards him." Arya then took the time to fully explain to the two women before her the relationship she had with Eragon beginning with his rescue of her in Gil'ead to Eragon's departure and her mention of what could have been given more time.
Alyss and Orrianna listened intently to her story, and when Arya had concluded her recollection of her past with Eragon Alyss said, "so the stories and legends about Eragon and Arya are true after all. Growing up in such isolation I did not know what to believe as truth and what to take as pure fiction. It sounds like your adventures together were quite eventful, and I can only imagine what kind of person Eragon must be to have survived all of those trials at such a tender age."
Arya got a far away look in her eyes and a smile crept its way onto her lips as she lost herself in memories of Eragon. "Yes, he is quite wonderful. You will enjoy his presence and instruction. He is a good man, firm, yet he is also kind and compassionate to all."
"We will surely enjoy his presence, but not as much as you I dare say." Orrianna chipped in as she noticed the change in Arya's demeanor now as compared it to the stern teacher and ruler she had been in Ellesméra. "You love him, don't you?"
"Yes. Yes, I do, and it has taken me far too long to realize it." Shaking herself out of her memories she said, "it is getting late, and we should all rest for the journey to come. Good night."
Alyss and Orrianna bid Arya a good night, and Arya then went to curl up next to Fírnen forsaking her tent for the night. Soon after she got into position under his massive wing she was claimed by her waking dreams, and she slept soundly with thoughts of Eragon ensuring a sense of contentment in her.
Arya awoke early the next morning with an air of nervous excitement about her. Today was the day she would finally be on her way and she couldn't be happier about it. Arya was not at all surprised to find Yarvotek also awake when she moved to begin preparing breakfast for all of her companions.
"Good morning Yarvotek. Did you sleep well?"
"Aye Master Arya that I did. You are awake early this morning. I am usually the only one out of bed at such an early hour."
Arya smiled broadly. She had to admit that when Eragon had informed her of his inclusion of the Urgals in the rider's pact she had not been overjoyed. Much like the remainder of Alagaësia Arya was not totally endeared to the Urgals as she had often fought against them but being forced into close proximity to Yarvotek for close to 3 years she had come to care for the young Urgal. She often found herself astonished that Eragon and Nasuada had the foresight to trust the Urgals so quickly. It just goes to show that they possessed wisdom well beyond their years. She admired both of them greatly for going against the prejudice towards Urgals and including them in society along with the humans, elves, and dwarves.
"I am anxious to be on our way is all." Arya responded to Yarvotek. "I was planning on preparing a meal for us to enjoy before we depart, and I would love your company if you would be so inclined."
"Of course, Master." Yarvotek replied returning Arya's smile with one of his own. They worked together to prepare a meal of fresh berries, hard boiled eggs, toasted bread, and cheese. They had just finished their preparations when the last of the group had risen to join them.
They ate merrily enjoying their meal upon solid ground as they knew their next few meals would most likely be eaten upon the backs of their dragons. Arya had informed them the previous day that their destination lay 2 days east of their current camp site, so they had enjoyed their morning in comfortable conversation reveling in each other's company as flying did not allow for easy communication between riders.
Their meal was quickly completed, and they were finishing packing up their campsite when Arya approached the group. "Are you all ready to undertake this journey?"
"Aye" was the response that she received from the four riders – albeit slightly grudgingly from Hundin. Fírnen also reported that the four dragons felt they were rested enough to make the flight without risk of exhaustion.
"Then let us be off!" She jumped gracefully into Fírnen's saddle and grasped the neck spike in front of her. She felt the world fall far below her as Fírnen lifted himself above the earth with a few powerful flaps of his wings.
Farewell Alagaësia she thought as the other dragons rose into the sky to join her and Fírnen.
Fírnen roared his agreement at Arya's statement before he loosed a jet of flame into the air which was repeated by the four other dragons present. Arya couldn't help but marvel at the beauty she beheld of so many dragons and riders all together and at peace.
I'm coming Eragon.
