Chapter 3- Parents

Arya, Eragon, and Vanir were all idling near the child of the Menoa Tree. The mighty tree had grown tall and its leaves could blot out the setting sun. They were just looking around, as the ceremony was to begin in the hour. Some squirrels were scampering around the tree and a few birds were in the sky. Eragon and Arya were holding hands, while Vanir's mate was not there, but in the void. His mate had died ten years after the war. She had died giving birth to Linnea, even with the elven spells. Vanir had named her Linnea because of the tragedy associated with the name. Arya and Eragon had needed to help Vanir for a time to get over the loss, as the two of them knew what it was like to lose so much. He was one of their few friends who had survived the war.

It had been a love hate relationship between the two. At times, Vanir would foolishly blame Linnea for her mother's death, and at other times Vanir would cherish his daughter because it was all he had left of his mate. In her Vanir saw the taming eyes her mate had once had on him. It was those eyes that had calmed his flamboyant attitude. And at the same time the eyes were fierce, able to match the best elf in a contest of a blade. From that point on, and with some persuasion from Eragon and Arya, Vanir had devoted as much time to his daughter as he had to the blade.

Arya and Eragon were concerned at how Vanir had not even spoken to Linnea at the dueling grounds as parent and child. They were wondering if he was going through a stretch where he blamed Linnea for the death. It would be a bad time for it to happen especially before Linnea was welcomed into the family.

Arya then asked Vanir, "Your not blaming her again are you? You barely even spoke to her at the dueling grounds." Vanir shook his head.

"No, I have gotten over my struggles with that with your help Agebringers." Vanir said quietly, "I am just a little shocked. My daughter is joining with the royal family and the child of the riders. On top of that I am saying goodbye to her in a way." He whispered.

It was a softer side of Vanir which Eragon and Arya were both seeing. Arya then saw Eragon pat him on the back. "As is true with Ilian and us. Though it must be harder for you. But you are always welcome into Tialdari Hall Vanir-elda."

"Thank You." Vanir then took his leave, "I wish to speak with her. I never did admit to her why at times I acted like I hated her all these years. She needs to know the truth before she leaves me. I will return with her in an hour." Vanir then began to walk away in the direction of his home, which was only a few yards from Tialdari Hall. Arya then looked at Eragon. The ceremony was suppose to begin in an hour. He grinned and nodded. The two of them smiled as they had some time to relax before the celebration. The two of them quickly scampered up the child of the Menoa Tree.

They then reached the top of the largest tree within Alagaesia. They were upon a sturdy branch from which they could see all of Ellesmera. The tree they were in was prescious to them. It reminded them of how their mother's had sacrificed themselves to usher in a new age. However, it also reminded them of how life would always spring anew. All of their children had been born around the tree. Ilian had been born at the foot of it, and their other three children had been born in the branch which Eragon and Arya were lying down on at that point in time.

The two of them were relaxing before the ceremony. They were happy for their son. He was a bold elf. He was witty and a good debater. Arya and Eragon had drilled him to make sure he had a strong education and would become a strong king. The two of them were so close to finally losing one of the things which they had despised, the rule of the elves. Yes, they would still need to control the riders, but it was still one less thing in the way of some normalcy in their life. Arya had never been one to stay in one place. She loved Tialdari Hall, but she never wanted to permanently stay rooted their. It was for that reason she did not want to be queen. As a rider she and Eragon could go across Alagaesia at their discretion.

Arya closed her eyes as she was in the arms of the person she loved most. She inhaled as the cooling breeze came in and ruffled the leaves of the branch the two of them were in. She then took a deep breath just soaked everything in. A bird flew by and sang its song to her, and then flew away.

Arya noticed that Eragon was unusually rigid. She turned around and asked what was troubling him.

"What is wrong?" Eragon shook his head.

"It's nothing. Our son's come of age Arya." Arya looked at his untruthful face and frowned as she knew something was wrong with Eragon.

"Was it your dream this morning? Thorta du ilumeo." Eragon had another dream in the form of foresight that morning.

"Partially." Eragon conceded.

"Eragon, remember, the future can be changed. Our mother's did that for us." She said comfortably.

Eragon then revealed another thing troubling him. "While you were still sleeping I went for a walk in the courtyard. I stumbled upon Bosephus." Arya's eyes widened.

"Solembum's and Maud's child?" A werecat was to be taken seriously.

"Yes. He said that the prodigal child was returning with new obstacles. He also said if you remain silent in the forest it shall burn down." Eragon frowned, pondering.

Arya was intrigued by what the werecat had said. However, she did not want Eragon upset before the celebration. She kissed him once, "Eragon, we can worry about what the werecat said after the celebration when we are flying on our dragons if we so choose to. At the moment, Ilian and Linnea are becoming one."

Eragon smiled for a moment as the subject changed. "It goes so fast Arya. I still remember how the two of you were sleeping under Saphira's and Jadeir's wings the moment you gave birth to him. I still remember the little boy running around Tialdari Hall. And now...he's going to rule in nine months."

Arya nodded in agreement as she closed her eyes once more as Eragon started to massage her back as he had so many times before. They continued to speak in their minds.

Remember when I was welcomed into the royal family? Arya smiled as she remembered the day.

Does what you said that day still hold true?

Now and forever Arya. Eragon answered.

Remember when Ilian and Linnea first met ,Eragon? She sensed him chuckling.

Of course. Linnea needed to save Ilian from Vanir as he was relieving his anger on Ilian. Remember how Ilian thought Linnea was just some random elf who had saved him?

Aye, and how shocked he was when he returned to the tree house when he found out?

I do believe he said something along the lines of, "What treachery is this?! The person I may love is the child of Vanir-elda!" The two of them chuckled.

Soon Islanda will come of age as well. She's thirty. Our children are growing up. Arya thought.

We can always make more. Eragon thought playfully.

Eragon! Smiling, she smacked Eragon on the thigh.

Oww. I was just pointing out the truth you know. The two of them laughed.

The two of them then felt their son enter their minds. His proud mind was bustling with joy and happiness.

Ilian?

Mother, we are ready. They sensed excitement in Ilian's voice.

Your father and I are already here. We will meet you at the child of the Menoa Tree. The two of them then left their son's mind.

Eragon then stood up and extended a hand to Arya, which she took without question. "Come, its time we welcomed Linnea."

As the two of them were about to climb out of the tree, Arya suddenly felt someone push her out.

"Eragon!"

She heard the boom of his laugh going through the forest as she used magic to land softly. She turned around and laid a slap on Eragon's cheek.

"Oww! I was doing that to get payback from fifty years ago! What was that for?!" Eragon asked.

"You shouldn't hit a lady Eragon." She said mischievously.

"But you said yourself that elven women are not weak like human women." Eragon retorted.

"Does it make it any different?" Eragon's ears were turning red.

"What happened to the Arya that dressed like a man that did not understand why human woman were treated differently?" Eragon asked.

"Ah, I think she left when Eragon came into her life." Arya giggled.

The two of them continued their pointless conversation with each other as the prince and future princess with her father began to approach. The sun was setting and the sky was an array of red, orange, and yellow. The birds were singing songs of joy as several small rodents scampered around happily. There were going to be new beginnings once more in Ellesmera.