Chapter Five: Alagaësia
A/N: Hey, guys, here's chapter five. Things are moving along just as I wanted them to, so this story will definitely be finished. For those who have been waiting eagerly for our two heroines to meet, finally the moment's here.
AmazonianTheifEss: I'm glad that my story caught and holds your attention. I really like this story and the way I can fit the two worlds together correctly.
ShadowCub: Thanks, Shadow. I had to think for a little bit to get their background basics just right. Tigers are also one of my favourite animals. And you're correct; the wolves are very jealous, and Jake has a bit of a power complex. He doesn't like that he can't "alpha" them around. Nessie still loves his obnoxious self though.
Crzy4anime: Thank you for reading and letting me know what you think. I've been reading a lot of WolfDragonGod's and Wolfpup's stories, and I thought this story would be a good start for that type of story. It's kinda an understated plot, and that drew me to it. I'm glad that you're interested in it.
Talitha2: Sorry, I just really wanted to make an impression on the Cullens; especially Rosalie because you know how she is. If you need to go back, that's fine, but at some point, some of the Alagaësian vampire traits will be mentioned throughout for a number of reasons. Alice's dragon, Lunam, name means "moonlight" in Latin. Jasper's Nahele means "forest", and Edward's Alaula means "dawn". Greetings from America.
Ororo12: I'm glad that you like my story and like the crossover idea. I actually got the idea to do these two stories as a crossover from a Bella/Edward pairing I came across. I never actually read it though, cuz I can't stand Bella/Edward.
KnightWulf: Thank you, Knight, for reading and reviewing. I'm glad you're enjoying the story too.
caradens: Thanks, caradens. I didn't think this story was gonna pick up too many readers after the third chapter, so I let the readers of my other stories about it to see if that helped. However, I've come to think that I'm fine knowing there are some that read and like this. I think it's a good story, and I obviously have people who think so too. Again, thanks for reading.
Now, on with the chapter.
Disclaimer: Just so you all know, if you didn't, I own neither Twilight nor the Inheritance Cycle.
Bella's POV
After learning so many important things from Oromis and Glaedr, even Saphira, I went back to my tree house for sleep. The next morning I did my daily ablutions then practiced the Rimgar. In the afternoon I make my way to the house of Valtharos to see Lord Fiolr about the Rider sword, Támerlein. Saphira is beside me of course, my constant and welcome companion, and I feel a sense of giddy anticipation; as if some good fortune shall smile upon me and the whole of Alagaësia soon. Five minutes later, however, and I am walking from Lord Fiolr's abode disappointed and still sword-less. We head for Rhunön's forge hoping to plead with her again to make me a sword. When she tells me of the brightsteel she needs, I immediately think of what Solembum told me of the Menoa tree. I tell her of my conclusion, and her face lights up. Before she can voice her own conclusion, though, Vanir, whom I sparred with on my last visit, runs into the forge.
"Arabella-elda, there are seven mysterious people here to see you. They are strange creatures, too, but they say Angela sent them and that Lord Gilderien let them into the city. And the most amazing thing is that there are three dragons behind them the size of Saphira. They are not hostile and carry no weapons, just bizarre clothing." The young elf tells me, excitedly.
"Okay, thank you, Vanir-finariel. Go tell your queen to, please, meet us in her throne room; they will be questioned." I order him, firmly, and then turn to Rhunön, "Would you care to join me, Rhunön-elda?"
The old elf woman nods as I draw my bow and notch an arrow. Rhunön draws a small, beautiful dagger before we leave her forge. Saphira takes to the sky to get to the entrance. As we make our way to the same entrance, I cast my mind out for Gilderien the Wise.
Gilderien-elda, did you let these creatures through? I ask in the Ancient Language when I find him, just to make sure.
I did, Arabella-edur. They are the help we need.
Okay, Vinr Älfakyn. Thank you. I tell him.
You are very welcome, Rider. He replies before breaking contact.
Rhunön and I finally get to the "entrance" where the few elves still here silently watch the newcomers with hidden emotions and reactions. There are seven of them, as Vanir said, plus three dragons behind them. As I take them in, Saphira lands gracefully beside me, and we stop fifty yards away to observe. The range of body types for the new creatures goes from the tiny black-haired female pixie to the giant of a man who looks like a darker and beardless version of Roran. The woman beside the burly one is statuesque and beautifully golden blonde. The couple beside those two consists of a tall, solidly built man with slicked back golden blonde hair and a caramel-haired woman, with a heart-shaped face, attached to his arm. The next couple is two males; the bronze-haired one surrounded by the mooncrotch aura and the honey blonde with his arm around his mate, protectively. The last person is the female with short onyx black hair that points in every direction in spikes. Her body is tiny, maybe around 5'0" or 5'1", toned, and lithe. They all have green tattoos running up their arms and legs and necks and on their faces. They really are strange, as Vanir said, and wear unusual clothing and footwear.
The first blonde male seems to be the leader. As we get closer, I notice their golden eyes, and I wonder at it, curiously. Also, an extremely enticing aroma reaches my nose from one of them; the smell of cherries and chocolate. The dragons wait patiently behind them. There is a violet one, a forest green one, and the last bronze. They're each about as big as Saphira.
The violet dragon is connected to the tiny girl; the bronze one to the bronze-haired male, and the forest green one to the honey blonde. Saphira informs me.
Thank you. I tell her then turn to Rhunön to tell her she can sheath her dagger in the Ancient Language. I extend my consciousness toward them, cautiously. The leader has no barriers in his mind, and neither do the others. They each are old, mean us no harm, from a different dimension, and a family. That is all I dig for. The dragons, however, are young and only hatched very recently. I don't go into their minds as that is considered rude. Just then, I sense three very old minds from each dragon's saddlebag.
Saphira, they have three Eldunarí with them!
Interesting… She hums then looks at me, questioningly, Shall we?
I nod, and the three of us walk until we are five feet away. I twist my right arm over my sternum. I step forward to grasp the leader's forearm and say, still in the Ancient Language, "Greetings, Friend. What is your name?"
He gives me a blank face before opening his mouth, revealing the upper eye teeth of a tiger or wolf, to say, "I'm terribly sorry, but we don't understand."
My face lights up, "Oh, you speak human. Forgive me, but I do not know what creatures you all are, so I just used the Ancient Language. I said, greetings, friends. What are your names?"
"Oh, that's much better. I am—'' he is interrupted as he tries to answer me.
"Argetlam! It is Angela!" Vanir jogs to me carrying a mirror.
He stops and holds it up, showing Angela sitting on a chair in her tent.
"Well met, Arabella." The witch says, innocently.
"Is that all you have to say for yourself?" I ask in shock. "You know how I feel about my situation, and you didn't tell me? How long have you known that I will have help?"
Angela sighs then answers, "Only since last Saturday, and I've been busy preparing. Also, I could not tell you until they decided to join us. I really just hope we can defeat Galbatorix before he tries to reopen a portal to bring more like Aro before our worlds pull away completely."
"Who is Aro?" I ask her, motioning the newcomers to follow as I move toward the throne hall. "We must meet the queen before she becomes irate." I whisper in aside to them.
"Rhunön, are you joining us?" I ask the smith.
She cracks the barest grin, "I suppose so; things are getting interesting again."
Before I turn back to Angela, I see the small, spiky haired one tug on Rhunön's tunic and whisper something that makes the elf woman's eyes widen. I don't listen in, though.
"Well, who is this Aro then, Angela?" I query again.
"I'll let your guests fill you in. Nasuada just summoned me." Angela responds before dropping the spell.
I sigh and hand Vanir the mirror back, "Thank you, Vanir-vodhr."
"Of course, Arabella-elda. If you need a sparring partner, send for me so that I may see if you can still best me." The young, black-haired elf says with a warm smile before walking away.
I lead the new creatures to the hall of trees, where I know Queen Islanzadí is waiting. I glance back to see our guest looking around in awe much like I did my first time here. We finally get to the doors, and they are opened by the guards inside. We enter, and the doors echo closed behind us.
That annoying raven, Blagden, crows just then, "Wyrda!"
Alice's POV
The first thing I hear upon waking is 32 hearts beating strongly, including mine.
Wait! Mine?
My eyes snap open, only to be met with muted violet light. I instantly sit up straight, whapping my head on the leathery tent above me.
Oww! I think, bringing up my left hand to rub my forehead. I pause, however, when I see dark green tattoos on the backside of my hand and arm. Then my memories come rushing back.
Lunam, wake up. We have a journey to start. I rouse my dragon.
Her dreams recede as she returns to wakefulness, and she lifts her wing from over me, letting in a rush of lightly chilled air.
Good morning, small one. Lunam greets me as she yawns.
Good morning. I return.
I look around our small encampment, seeing Nahele and Alaula similarly covering their Riders while our other traveling companions lay around us still sleeping. I take in the forest that's in the midst of spring to summer transition. The tall pines lifting over 100 feet in height feel old and point out that we're obviously not in Forks anymore. I look down at myself, noting that I'm still wearing my D&G heeled boots, Ed Hardy short sleeve tee(which ironically has a Chinese dragon on it), and designer skinnies. My skin, while still pale, has a light pink tint, telling of the blood now pulsing beneath it due to my newly awakened heart. It's also warm and not sparkling, with just a small glow that a human may or may not notice. My senses all still feel mostly the same. I can see like a super eagle through the forest; I can smell the sweetness of nature for a couple of miles; I can taste the clean, fresh air so different from Earth; I can feel, vividly, the lush green grass beside my bedroll; I can hear birds and other animals prowling around on their morning routines, for a mile or so. My stomach rumbles then, scaring the hell out of me until I remember that I must eat now, but first…
"Everyone, wake up! It's time to get going!" I shout to the vampires around me as I get to my feet.
All of them jump to theirs at my unexpected vocal alarm. Nahele and Alaula lift up their wings, unstartled, to reveal a flustered Edward and Jazz who were actually under Alaula's wing together. Each vampire around me looks confused, as I did, for a moment before they remember as well. They all look around the forest and each other in wonder.
"Well, this is certainly different; a good different mind you, but different." Kate says, drily.
And she's right. Everyone has golden eyes, blood flushed skin, and heartbeats. Before anyone can agree verbally, however, everybody's stomach rumbles for food.
"Well, we've got food in our packs. Let's eat!" Carlisle says, cheerily, obviously excited to be eating again.
We all roll up our pallets then pull the bag containing our food from our packs. I lean against Lunam's warm side as I fish the contents out. The meal consists of four big strips of veal jerky, a biscuit, and provolone cheese. We each also find a hideskin of water. After breakfast Carlisle and Tanya go over the maps once more before our groups split and head for our destinations. While they do that, Eleazar lets everyone know what their elemental power is. Carlisle, Jasper, Irina, Garrett, Siobhan, Mary, and Charles are all air users. Esme, Edward, Kate, Laurent, Liam, Randall, and Makena are all earth users. Emmett, Eleazar, Zafrina, Kachiri, Tia, Charlotte, and I are all water users. Rosalie, Tanya, Carmen, Senna, Maggie, Peter, and Alistair are all fire users. And of course, Benjamin has all four symbols connecyed by a circular line. Once everyone's done getting ready, I walk over to my best friend and her brother.
"Leah, we'll see you and Seth in about a week. Try not to get mad at anyone who will be your superior in battle; we all know you can take any of the humans." I tell my best friend after having a vision of her punching a man named Captain Edric.
She and Seth don't really look any different except for the fact that the black and white of their tiger forms shows at the roots of their hair and their incisors are large and sharp when they open their mouths. Also, they both have pure white tattoos that look vaguely Viking-ish on their backs.
"I'll try, Al." she tells me.
She and Seth give me a hug before running off after their group while I turn to mine. We set off.
We've been traveling since six a.m., and now it's 12 in the afternoon. I'm not sure how I know, but it's like I have an internal clock. The trees here are thicker and taller than the ones we woke up under, as well as farther apart to accommodate the increased span of their branches. The trunks—bare brown shafts that tower up into the overarching ribbed ceiling, which is smudged and obscured by shadow—are over 200 feet tall and seventy feet in girth. They all feel amazingly old, like millennia old. Everything around us teems with life and energy, especially the plants. My family, the dragons, and I all glow softly in the half-light here.
Suddenly, the gloom lifts to reveal an elf standing before us, sheathed in a brilliant ray of light that slants down from the ceiling. The reason I automatically say elf is because never has a human I've seen be so beautiful and graceful even not in motion. Plus, the pointed tips of his ears peek from under his black hair. He's clothed in flowing robes of green, with a circlet of silver on his head. His face is old, noble, and serene.
I reach for Fundor's consciousness and ask. Is this the guardian Angela spoke of?
Yes. Comes Fundor's deep reply. Ask him if he is Gilderien the Wise.
I step ahead of my family and bow my head slightly before asking, "Are you Gilderien the Wise, sir?"
The man smiles and inclines his head, "I am, child.
Tell him that you seek passage into Ellesméra for an audience with Saphira, Arabella, Queen Islanzadí, Glaedr, and Oromis. Tell him that Angela the Witch sent you to help finish this war with Arabella. Fundor tells me.
"I and my family seek passage into Ellesméra for an audience with Saphira, Arabella, Queen Islanzadí, Glaedr, and Oromis. Angela the Witch sent us to help finish this war beside Arabella and Saphira." I say to the guardian.
"Angela the Sneak…" Gilderien says wryly before asking me, "You would not mind me looking into your mind to make certain that you tell the truth?"
"Of course not." I reply.
Then I feel a gentle poking in my mind as memories of the past 24 hours flash through it. When he finishes, he gives an amused smile.
"Angela the Sneak… You may enter the city. I will have another elf attend to you." The elf man says in that same wry tone before he disappears.
I look back at my family and nod, going back to walk in front of Lunam while Carlisle leads us on another quarter mile. There the forest thins, and breaks appear in the canopy. Slants of mottled sunlight shine down. We pass under two burled trees that lean against each other and stop at the edge of an empty glade. The ground is strewn with dense patches of flowers. From pink roses to bluebells and lilies, spring's growth is piled around. The sweet aromas attract hordes of bees. To the right a stream gurgles behind a row of bushes. At first it looks to me like the many deer's beds I've encountered in my life as a vegetarian vampire. However, as I continue to stare, I start to see paths hidden in the brush and trees; soft warm light where normally there'd be shadows; an odd pattern in the shapes of the twigs and branches and flowers, so subtle that someone who wasn't a hunter most likely would not have noticed—clues that what I see is not entirely natural. What, at first glance, would be taken as clusters of lumpy twisted, trees are actually graceful buildings grown directly out of the pines. One tree bulges at the base too form a two-story house before sinking its roots into the soil. Both floors are hexagonal, but the upper level is smaller than the lower giving it a tiered look. The roofs and walls are made of webbed sheets of wood draped over six thick ridges. Moss and yellow lichen beard the eaves and hang over jeweled windows set into each side. The front door is a mysterious black silhouette recessed under and archway riddled with symbols.
Another house is nestled between three pines and rises five stories, light and airy. I can tell that Esme's inner home designer is going crazy over the beauty displayed here. Each unique building enhances and complements its surroundings, blending seamlessly with the rest of the forest until it's impossible to tell where artifice ends and nature resumes. The two are in perfect harmony; instead of mastering their environment, the elves had chosen to accept the world as it is and adapt themselves to it. A few inhabitants show themselves with wide eyes and neutral expressions. Then a young, black-haired elf hurries to us from the glade. He bows, touching two fingers to his lips.
"Riders, dragons, and travellers, I am Vanir of House Haldthin. Well met. I was sent by Lord Gilderien. You have a request?" the boy says, eyes very wide.
"Indeed." I reply. "I am Alice of House Cullen, and this is my family. We wish to speak with Queen Islanzadí, Arabella, Saphira, Oromis, and Glaedr. We have been sent by Angela the Witch to join you."
The young elf's mouth gapes and his eyes widen before he controls his expression. "Of course; I will summon them right away. Please, wait here."
Carlisle nods, and the boy runs off. My family and I resume looking around in awe.
"This place is beautiful. I wonder how they get their houses like that." Esme finally speaks.
"I agree; much more so than on Earth." Rose adds.
"I don't even care that they don't have Xbox; this place is awesome!" Emmett exclaims.
We all look at him in shock before once more turning back to the inspiring landscape. After a minute or two, I hear the beat of large wings in the air and soft footsteps on grass. A powerful and delightful scent comes to my nose, covering all the other wonderful aromas: mangos and brown sugar. It makes my mouth water and my heart beat faster. The footsteps stop for a few moments as the dragon Saphira lands beside the two people walking toward us, but I don't look up until they resume. The elf looks old, unlike the others I've seen so far. Gilderien has an old aura about him, but this elf shows her age physically. Glinting silver hair hangs in curls around her slightly wrinkled face, and she is just barely hunched at the shoulders. Saphira fits her name perfectly as she glitters like a sapphire under the afternoon sun. She's just slightly bigger than Lunam and moves like a big jungle cat. Her Rider is the one the scent comes from. Arabella stands at 6'1" with mid-back length reddish-auburn hair, sapphire eyes that match her dragon, pouty pink lips, and a toned and femininely athletic body. She also moves like a jungle cat. Over her beautiful figure, she wears a russet tunic trimmed with a light green, a pair of cream colored breeches, white socks, and light gray leather boots. Just as I'm about to look back up at her sharply gorgeous face, a vision freezes my gaze at her knees.
**Vision**
'Alice, you are so beautiful. A perfect mate.' Bella says as she kisses me feverishly.
'I could say the same of you, my love.' I reply, tugging off her tunic and baring her half naked torso to me.
Bella scoops me into her arms before I have more of a chance to admire her fit form. I feel something hard poking at my hip as she carries me to the big, white-sheeted bed, where she proceeds to remove my clothing. She leans in to kiss me again…
**End Vision**
As soon as my eyes unglazed, I keep my gaze on Bella's shapely thighs until she turns to lead us to meet the elf queen. I do, however, tell Rhunön what one of us was meant to tell her before we get to the throne room.
A/N: Alright, if you haven't, go check out the pics of people who play certain characters in this story on my profile. Next chapter should be up soon. Thanks to all of my readers. Love you all. Oh, by the way, I'm having a banner made by CeCeAsh, so that should be on my profile sometime in the near future; I'll let you know. Hope you enjoyed, and let me know what you think. Had to fix some things in here.