With Vroengard at their backs, Estara and Eldwin began to discuss their path to Ellesmera. Estara wanted to fly over the Spine and leading them on a near straight path to Ellesmera. Eldwin argued that although the mountains of the Spine were not too high to fly over, that it would be easier to skirt the coast down to Teirm and then head north again from there.

Estara didn't like this plan, she wanted to get to the Menoa tree as quickly as she could, so that they could head off the Shade before he got too close to Ilirea. But when they drew close to the spine and she saw the snow capped mountain tops, she agreed that it would be best if they went to Teirm first.

They're journey south along the coast was uneventful. The dragons would take off to 'hunt' after they made camp for the night leaving Estara alone with Eldwin. They spoke very little in these times alone, but Estara found that Eldwin wasn't bad company. When they did talk, he would often share funny stories about growing up in Ellesmera, and she in return would share stories about her home village.

Eldwin watched her closely whenever she spoke of home, as if she would break down and start crying at the thought of it being decimated by the Shade. She was saddened, yes, that her home had been destroyed and the people corrupted by the vile magic wielded by the Shade. But she had no one there that she even knew anymore, most of the people who she had grown up with had either moved or died over the years.

They arrived after a few days in the city of Teirm, and although Estara was impressed by the planning of this beautiful city, it paled in comparison to Vroengard. It was a fortress, carefully planned so that it would be nearly impossible to take this city. As they drew closer, Eldwin sounded the horn, that was always blown to alert the presence of Riders.

This was especially important if the city had any magic users who might attack thinking the town was under siege. After the fall of Galbatorix, Queen Nasuada decreed that every one in the kingdom should be tested for magical abilities. If someone was found having this talent, they were sent to an academy, where they could learn to control their powers. Originally, the elves had overseen the teaching, but once Murtagh had returned after years of wandering, he began to teach as well.

Not only was every person with the ability trained, but each person was evaluated deep in their minds, to see if any darkness was there. The goal of this, was to stop anyone with evil intentions from becoming too powerful. If a person like that was found, they were shipped of to Vroengard to work with Eragon himself. The leader of the riders would try to work through the anger and rage, and-as a last resort- if he failed, he would strip them of their powers, locking the magic away somewhere where it could not be accessed. This did not happen very often. Only a few of times in the last two hundred years. A rouge evil magician would crop up from time to time, but not very often.

Once the magicians had graduated from the academy, they would leave to start their own path in the world. The only rules they were forced to live by, were to announce themselves to whatever local government, and to aide they're cities in times of crisis-like drought, famine or plague, and to aide in the defense of their home in any way they could. This was a much looser set of restrictions than the queen had originally come up with, and it seemed to work out well for everyone.

Upon leaving the academy, magicians had many skills, as healers or herbalists but many sought employment with local governments aiding in the protection of the town from thieves and random attacks from marauders.

When Estara and Eldwin had landed in the city square, they were surrounded by large crowds, some waving others pointing others staring in awe. Estara felt the minds of everyone of them, and once again she got flashes of so many memories that it made her dizzy. Tracker stepped in to block off the minds from her, but Estara stopped him.

I have to learn to do this on my own, She said to him. I have to learn to control these flashes otherwise I'll always been overwhelmed.

I know, Tracker said But I am here if you change your mind.. Estara was grateful that her and Tracker were back to normal, she was still a little upset that he withheld the knowledge that she was the dragon-child, but she understood that she may not have been ready to accept her role any sooner than now. The din in her mind, all the flashes of odd memories she was feeling, was starting to subsided, and she breathed a sigh of relief.

The gathered crowd parted, and a petite, well dressed woman entered the crowd. She was surrounded by soldiers and several magicians, and Estara assumed that this was Lady Nia, the leader of Teirm. She really was a tiny slip of a woman, barely coming up to Estara's shoulders. Despite her stature, Nia had a regal air in her manner and Estara had heard that she was a particularly kind ruler, and she liked the little woman instantly.

Estara and Eldwin dismounted, and bowed to Lady Nia. She in returned bowed back to them, a great sign of respect. When she rose she opened her arms in greeting.

"Welcome Dragon Riders." she called in a loud voice that seemed odd coming from such a small person. "Welcome to Teirm. Please stay and rest from your travels."

"Thank you," Eldwin said. They had agreed that he would speak for the group seeing as the rest of them couldn't. "We would be honored by you hostility." Lady Nia gestured for them to follow her and they set off for the citadel in the middle of the city. The dragons were instructed to fly on a head and that they would find rooms at the top of the citadel.

Lady Nia paused and watched as the dragons flew to the tower and out of sight. "I have seen dragons before," she said "But I am always amazed at the grace and beauty of such creatures." Estara could feel Tracker and Gilda's happiness at the nobles words and Eldwin thanked her for them. "I have not gotten your names Riders." Lady Nia said with a wide smile.

"I am Eldwin," Eldwin inclined his head slightly with a kind smile on his face, "And this is Estara Nidhwal'tugal." Estara shot Eldwin a displeased look but Lady Nia turned to her in surprise.

"Really?" Lady Nia looked at Estara with new found admiration. "I've heard tales of your battle with the ancient creatures, rumors mostly I assume." Estara nodded. She was surprised when she felt Lady Nia's mind touch her own and say, Is it true you can not speak?

It is true, my lady. Estara responded with a smile.

"Well," Lady Nia said with a wide smile. "Perhaps you can regale me with the whole story tonight at the feast."

I would be honored to set the record straight, my lady. Estara smiled widely and they resumed their walk to the citadel.

Hours later, Eldwin and Estara finally made it to their quarters. Estara was exhausted. She would have much rather gone through ten rounds of sparing with Eldwin than have to endure the parade of nobles that wanted to meet the pair of Riders that had descended to Teirm unexpectedly. There were Riders stationed in all the major cities that helped settle disputes and protect the people, but they were now considered boring to the nobles who were eager for new stories and 'new blood' as one man had put it.

She had faired much better than Eldwin, who outside of the human Riders, had not spent much time around humans and was off put by the differences in what was considered rude topics of conversation. They had only a few hours of rest before Lady Nia was sending up baths and garments for them to wear to the feast tonight.

Estara took a moment to stare at the room that she and Eldwin had been provided. It was one large room, large enough to have fit both Firnen, Saphira comfortably. Two beds had been set up in the room on opposite sides of the room. There was no ceiling, Lady Nia had informed them of such, but magicians had place a spell that would not allow rain or snow to fall into the room, so she knew that they'd be protected from the elements.

"Not much privacy," Eldwin commented from her side. Estara nodded in agreement. It was really just one wide open space and the thought of bathing in front of Eldwin made her blush.

They thought of that, Gilda said amusement clear in her voice. Estara turned to Eldwin and saw a blush covering his face, and she wondered if he'd had the same thought. Gilda turned her great head and indicated a large piece of fabric that when pulled out formed a partition of sorts that would allow for privacy. Eldwin excused himself for a nap and pulled the partition closed behind him.

Estara sat on her bed, and stared at the open sky above her. She allowed herself to think, and as always happened when she was left alone for too long, her thought turned to her brother. She wondered if he was alive, if he knew of their parents death, if he was ok, if he was thinking of her. A pit began to form in her stomach and she darkly wondered if she would encounter him a walking dead solider of the Shade. Her thoughts turned darker and she began to get a horrible feeling, she pushed the thoughts from her mind as she refused to accept that vile idea.

After a short time she began to share her thoughts with Tracker. He didn't have much to comment on but he was a good listener, and just having him there was a huge help to ease Estara's dark mood. After a while she stretched out on her bed, and soon fell asleep.

What felt like minutes later, she was woken up by Eldwin, saying that the baths had arrived and dinner was in an hour. She shook her head, and looked around the room again. A large copper tub had been brought up and filled with hot water. She looked closer at it, the bath seemed to be mixed with oils and some milky substance that made the water opaque, it smelled wonderful though.

It may smell wonderful to you, Tracker squinted his nose as if the smell offended him But to me it's completely overwhelming. Estara laughed lightly.

I'm so sorry that you feel that way. But how often do I get pampering like this? Tracker snarled playfully and agreed that the smell was not too awful. Estara stripped her clothes off, making sure the partition was closed, and slipped into the bath. She let out a deep sigh and every muscle in her body relaxed. The oils that had been poured into the bath smelled heavenly and pushed the last vestiges of her earlier dark thoughts far from her mind.

After simply soaking and relaxing for a few minutes she began to wash scrubbing the grime and dirt from their travels from every inch of her. She got off and dried off, putting on a robe that had been left out for her. She saw that a fire had been stared in the fire pit and she sat near to it on a small stool, drying her hair. When she was completely dry and warm, two young people entered the room, a young man with dark hair and a young woman with wild red curly hair that was barely contained by her braid. The young man bowed deeply and announced he was there to aide Eldwin in dressing for the party, and strode off to the other side of the partition.

The young woman bowed deeply and introduced herself and Amanya, Lady Nia's hand maid. Amanya gave her permission to speak directly into her mind, and began the work of dressing Estara for tonight's festivities. Amanya was a cheerful chatty girl and Estara liked her very much. She spoke of all the Lords and Ladies who would be attending tonight's festivities and that even Rider Orik and his dragon Korgan.

Orik? Estara asked Like the dwarf king?

"A grandson of his actually," Amanya said. "Named for the dwarf king himself. My the dwarf king has lived a long time hasn't he?" Estara nodded and smiled. Dwarves were naturally longer lived than humans and the oldest among them lived to be around two hundred. But king Orik was every day approaching three hundred and was still as active as ever. Estara had long wondered if Eragon had placed a longevity spell on his foster brother on one of Orik's trips to Vroengard. Estara understood why now more than ever, it was painful watching your loved ones pass away to be left to morn them alone.

"There we are," Amanya stood back from Estara and smiled. Estara looked at herself in the mirror, the woman who looked back at her was beautiful. She wore a long coal black dress that complimented her pale skin and silver hair perfectly. The dress was gathered tight around the waist and left to flow loose and full around her hips and legs. Amanya spun her index finger around in a circle indicating that Estara should spin around to get the feel of the dress.

Estara smirked as she twirled once, then twice. Amanya laughed and Estara smiled brightly. She had never, in her life looked so much like a girl.

"Would you like me to do something with your hair?" Amnaya asked with a glint in her eyes. Estara nodded, knowing that the girl was eager to play with her long hair. She pulled the short stool away from the fire and sat down and Amanya set to work combing and arranging her hair, chatting away the whole time.

"So," Amnaya lowered her voice and looked around. "That Eldwin is quite the handsome fellow isn't he?" Estara was rather taken aback by this statement. She had never really thought about him that way before.

Yes, Estara said. I suppose he is. She felt Tracker's amusement through their link and wondered why it was so funny.

"Is he…attached to anyone?" Amanya asked coyly. Estara smiled, so Amanya was attracted to Eldwin.

Not to my knowledge, Estara smiled. Amanya just raised an eyebrow and changed the subject. A short time later, Amanya told her she was done and she went and looked in the mirror. Her long flowing hair had been neatly contained in several interwoven braids and black ribbons, creating an intricate hairstyle the like of which Estara had only seen in Ilirea. Movement caught Estara's eyes and she flickered her eyes to focus on Eldwin's face in the mirror.

His golden tan skin was scrubbed clean and his hair was combed and trimmed. He was wearing a burgundy tunic made of velvet and black leggings that fitted perfectly, and knee high polished black boots. He stared back at her in the mirror as if thinking of something to say, and she took the time to stare back. If she was being honest she had to admit that he was devilishly handsome with his intense blue eyes and pointed ears giving him a playful appearance that she had never noticed before, and his eyes seemed to balance the playfulness with a burning intensity.

She hid these thoughts from Tracker, they were a little embarrassing and she knew he would tease her endlessly for them. She tore her eyes away from his in time for the young man who dressed Eldwin entered. He introduced himself as Todd and he was just as chatty as Amanya. He gushed over how beautiful she looked and then turned to Eldwin and asked,

"Don't you think so Argetlam?" Eldwin balked at the personal question.

"Yes," he replied in a soft voice. "She does look lovely." Estara smiled at him warmly in thanks for his praise. "We really should head down to dinner." The young pair bowed and offered assurances that they would have a wonderful time, leaving Eldwin and Estara alone in the room. Estara could feel Eldwin's gaze on her and she turned her back on him, hiding her blush.

They rode their dragons down to the covered courtyard that the feast was to be held in. When they landed, two footmen ran over to help Estara dismount from Tracker. This irritated her somewhat. She was the same person who freed the Nidhwals, a Dragon Rider, and here were a bunch of people treating her as if she was fragile simply because she now wore a fancy gown. She accepted their help, as to not offend them and walked into the festivities already in progress.

People were mingling, wandering around with goblets of wine or flagons of ale. She never cared for the effect that alcohol had on her, but she accepted a small glass of dwarves mead, mutter spells for the detection of poison and once she found it was fine, tipped the glass to her lips. If she had to drink, it would most definitely be the dwarves mead. The sweet and tart flavors made the drink a special treat and the alcohol seemed to have little effect on her mind.

She listened to the chatter of the nobles, responding to questions or stories when it was required. She caught brief glances of Eldwin through out the night and he was just as deluged as she was in terms of people clamoring for her attention.

Eventually the Rider Orik found her and introduced himself. She had never met him before, but that was hardly uncommon. There were so many riders now that it was very hard to keep track of. Tracker and Gilda were a particularly busy with people clamoring to introduce themselves to the silver and gold dragons.

A bell sounded signaling that dinner was about to begin. Everyone moved to the three large tables set up in a horseshoe in the court yard. The night had all the briskness of a typical spring night, so fire pits were lit around the court yard to warm the air. Estara and Eldwin were set to the right and left of Lady Nia with Orik to Estara's right and some lord to Eldwin's left. Dinner was served and with that the entertainment started. Musicians, poets, actors and even acrobats had been summoned from around the city on short notice to perform at the feast, and it seem that none rejected the invitation. As soon as one performer finished another one started.

Estara felt a familiar pain in her temples and, excused herself from the table. Tracker sent his worry to her, and she assured him she was fine just another vision. She fought the vision long enough to find a quiet place, with no one around and that place was a broom cupboard. As she opened the door she started to loose the fight with the vision, the last thing she remembered was a pair of arms lifting her up before she lost touch with reality.

Estara found herself in the darkness again. She looked for the glowing orange light and ran toward it. She assumed she would come out on the cliff overlooking Ilirea again, but instead she came upon a sight that was just as horrific. She stood in the middle of a burning city, and she was sure that this was Ellesmera. She ran around seeing the ground littered with the bodies of elves most burnt beyond recognition, some succumbed to smoke inhalation and died craving air. She heard a wailing and ran to find it. She followed a well worn path to a large tree and instantly knew that it was the Menoa tree. Is was burning like a house of straw, the tree was nearly reduced to cinders, the forest behind it was ablaze and wall of heat nearly knocked Estara off her feet. Through the smoke Estara could just make out the figure of an elf woman, wailing and tearing her clothes.

The woman appeared older than most elves that she had seen and as she approached the woman stopped and stared at her with hatred.

"My forest," she screamed "My tree." She let out a wail and began to cry again. A name jumped unbidden to Estara's lips.

"Linnea," she said aloud. Linnea turned to Estara and with all the speed of an elf she launched herself at Estara, knocking her over and wrapped her hands around her throat. Estara couldn't breathe, she was fighting and clawing at Linnea but to no avail, the elf woman had caught her off her guard and overpowered her.

"This," Linnea screamed her tears falling on Estara's face "This is all your fault dragon-child. You could have stopped all this, but you had to save him and now my forest will burn and all of Alagaesia is doomed." Estara's vision started to black out and she couldn't feel her limbs any more. The last thing she saw before she was engulfed by the darkness, was Linnea's rage filled, tearstained face.

Estara felt warm strong hands holding her up, one on her waist and another tenderly cupped her neck. She heard a familiar voice call her name, frantically. She fought to open her eyes and she could sense Tracker's worry and panic. She calmed him down telling him it was just an awful vision and she'd tell him about it later. She shook her head and finally opened her eyes and was met with Eldwin's blue eyes, bright with tears. He pulled her close and held her for a minute.

"You had stopped breathing," he said his voice cracked with panic. Estara remembered with a shiver how Linnea had strangled her, she remembered the panic she felt when she could no longer breathe. Did the vision really cause me to stop breathing, she thought. She noticed then that her lungs were burning and her heart was racing as if she had just been running. Eldwin released her and held her by the shoulders, "What did you see?"

It's best to tell you later, Estara said to him, puzzled by his outright display of affection. We should get back before someone starts to miss us. Her legs were still quaking from fear and Eldwin had to support her to get them back to the tables. When she was finally seated again, next to Orik, she did her best to keep up his excited conversation but ate nothing more. Her mouth seemed to taste like smoke, and after what she had just seen she had no appetite.

The feast continued for some time, until everyone had finished and the tables were cleared and moved away. When Estara ask Orik why he laughed,

"For dancing. It's not customary but Lady Nia loves to dance and uses feasts as a way to indulge that love. I hope that you will grace me with a dance tonight."

Of course I will, Estara said genuinely. She liked Orik, he was easy to talk to and loved to laugh. He reminded her so much of her friend Beogar that she wondered if they knew each other.

"Know him," Orik said with a loud laugh. "He is mine cousin on my father's side." Just then the musicians struck up a lively jig and Orik led her to the floor. On Vorengard they had been taught the customs of the various cultures in Alagaesia, and dancing was among one of the things taught. It would have seemed rude if the Riders didn't partake in every aspect of the celebrations they attended. Estara always loved dancing, she was light on her feet and enjoyed the way that music seemed to resonate in her soul.

She could hear Tracker and Gilda humming along. When the song ended and the next one began, she was surprised when Eldwin asked her to dance. This dance was slower and more intricate but Eldwin was a good lead.

"Tell me about the vision," he whispered in her ear so that they could not be overheard.

Not here, Eldwin.

"Give me something" he pleaded. "The vision caused you to stop breathing, that can't be good."

Estara thought for a moment before turning her eyes away from his and simply said, Ellesmera. Before Eldwin had time to react to her news the doors to the courtyard flew open and a tall dark man ran in. He collapsed to his knees and screamed, "Belatona has been attacked," before he crashed to the floor and lost consciousness.

Authors Note: Muahahahhahaha . Ok maniacal laughter out of the way. I'm sorry about the cliff hangers, when I'm reading they drive me crazy but sometimes the best place to stop a chapter and begin a new one is after a bombshell. Not to worry I'll have another chapter up really soon.

Lots of Love,

ChaCha