A/N: many thanks to . for information about the history of Alagaesia.

Thud. I was jolted awake by a sharp bump. Ow! I said.

Sorry, responded Arya. This terrain is kind of rocky. I'll try to be more careful, though. Are you well? Something about her tone of voice sounded like she was distracted or anxious. Maybe she was both, I don't know.

I am fine. Oh, how I wish I could hatch for you, sweet Arya. But you are not The One.

I know, little dragon. You want so terribly to see the world, to spread your wings and fly to the heavens. Do not fret. You will hatch. If it is to occur anytime soon, I know no more than you. Now hush, and return to your dreams. I will care for you.

I grew quiet, but I did not slumber. I listened to the soft pitter-patter of the lithe elf's feet as she gracefully glided over stones and streams. I was starting to get bored, so I asked, Arya?

Yes, little one?

Will you tell me about the history of our races? About the elves and dragons?

Of course I will tell you. The elves arrived in Alagaesia many, many centuries ago: about seven or eight, if I remember correctly. They found a beautiful place with many animals and trees with trunks ten feet wide. They called the haven Ellesmera, which is an Elven word meaning "gracefulness, beauty, and peace." And that is exactly what is found in the hearts of most elves today: a pure, passionate desire for peace and beauty. The queen is Islanzadi, and her mate, Evandar. They are my mother and father. "Drottning" means "queen," and "drottningu" means "child of the queen," or "prince or princess," depending on the gender of the child. That is why I am called Arya Drottningu. Princess Arya.

We were a proud race. When we first saw a dragon, they were of no more significance than a mouse or deer. However, we left them alone. That is, most of us did. Until one day when a naïve elf shot down a dragon and killed it, as he would game. The other dragons were infuriated, and slaughtered the youth. But they were not done. They turned on us and began a war. Du Fyrn Skullblaka, The War of the Dragons, lasted five terrible years. In the beginning, we simply fought to protect ourselves. But it was decided that we must take action of we were to win. So we went to the mountain where the dragons roosted, and during the night, killed the dragons and destroyed the eggs.

Then one day, an elf named Eragon found a dragon egg that had been abandoned. He kept it and raised it, calling it Bid'Daum. Together, the pair acted as negotiators for the dragons and elves, and showing that the two races could live together in peace. This led to the signing of several treaties, and every one hundred years, the elves participate in a celebration, the Agaeti Blodhren, to ensure both races have kept up their side of the agreement. Eragon was the very first Dragon Rider, and from then on, Riders have had greater status the kings or queens. All was well, until Urgals killed a dragon named Jarnunvosk. Her Rider, Galbatorix, was furious. He demanded a new dragon, and when his request was denied, he stole a dragon named Shruikan and, with the help of dark magic, forced the poor dragon to serve him. Galbatorix then proceeded to kill his teachers and all other Riders, except for thirteen traitors whom he gathered around himself and called the Forsworn. Only three names are known: Kialandi, Formora, and Morzan. Morzan was the last to be killed. Since then, Galbatorix has ruthlessly ruled Alagaesia.

Thank you Arya. You have given me much to think about.

I am glad, little one. Now, please sleep. And have wonderful dreams.

I was tired, so I took her advice and slipped into a deep, comfortable slumber.