A/N: any questions, comments, or concerns? The story has been more Eragon centric. If anyone wants to request more Harry do so. But soon will be a ark for Harry. He'll probably get around a 5 chapter story after this. The first 7 chapters have been more about Eragon's accession to power. Next it will be about Harry growing and training and building a relationship with Hermione. So stay tuned for that. This part is during eldest so much of it will be deprived of action but worry not I'll do my best to speed it up and there will be plenty of battles. Sorry for the longer wait but this was a long chapter and it was a holiday. Make sure to message me with any ideas or suggestions, leave a review!
Eragon finished putting on his blood red tunic and was buttoning his black leather pants. He strapped Zar'roc to his hip and laced his boots. He was due to meet Arya outside his house in ten minutes and had time to kill.
"how do I look Saphira?" Eragon asked nervously.
"like the young lord you are little one." She answered proudly. He nodded then opened the box containing the gem. The gem was thousands of years old and symbolized his new status. He conjured a white golden chain and fastened the gem to it and put it around his necks. In that moment he felt the wards it had begin to protect him. He smiled and sat down to enjoy some tea as he waited. He knew elves were never on time.
"How are you Saphira?" Eragon asked her.
"I'm well little one, knowing I am not the last dragon alive. We've gained more than we could hope for. I'm happy to see you happy as well" She finished.
"Things are looking up partner of my heart and mind" Eragon concluded with a smile meanwhile fixing his hair so that it still had some shape but it wasn't too messy. He had some facial hair budding but it was nothing compared to the men from his village. He looked himself over and was satisfied at his image and took a seat and waiting for Arya to knock on his door. Around fifteen minutes later the knock he had been anticipating came. Eragon quickly rose from his seat and made his way to the door. When he opened it he was graced with a sight he'd remember until the end if time. Arya stood in front of him, her raven black hair half in a bun and the other half hanging down her angular features. She was clad in a beautiful red dress that highlighted her features. Most beautiful of all was the smile that was shining his way.
"you are the most beautiful person I have ever seen" Eragon said in the Ancient Language. Arya looked to the ground and a red hue graced her face.
"Thank you Eragon" she said. Eragon smiled at her before replying.
"Shall we go?" He asked offering his arm. She nodded and took his arm and the pair made their way to the celebration. The darkness was welcoming and full of life. Elves looked like they were given new life. The sight of Saphira besides them graced the forest with her presence. The elves all stopped and bowed to her and also looked shocked at the sight of Eragon's stone. Some looked offended by it which didn't escape his notice.
"Are they mad I am not an elf?" Eragon asked her.
"there is a faction of elves who think you're to weak. It's not you personally but they never wanted a human rider period." She explained.
"I did slay a shade" Eragon said
"Yes you did… they are pretty baffled by that.,. I'm sure you'll be asked about it" She said with a smirk. "I dint think they know how truly lucky they are. You have something that can't be created and is rarely found… you have a heart… you're heart which is more powerful than being the lord rider or any spell you could cast… its your heart that makes everyone around you fall in love and follow you loyally" she finished emotionally. Her hand was covered his chest as she stared into his eyes. Her emerald green eyes met his brown that now were changing into blue since his lordship.
"I don't know what to say" Eragon said sheepishly.
"You need not worry about it Eragon. Take me to the celebration and I'm sure we'll be the talk of the forest" she laughed. Eragon smiled and the two continued towards the center of the city. Soon the lights of the lanterns could be seen hanging from the trees which illuminated the city. Tables were brought out that had food and delicious deserts upon them. A dance floor was clear for any who wished to dance and a group of elves played merry music. In the front were four chairs with a table and a bed for Saphira on the side. Saphira looked to the mead in the corner and began to make her way over to it while Eragon resisted laughing
"I'm not carrying a drunk dragon out of here. Don't embarrass us." Eragon warned.
"oh shush I'm above law to them" Saphira said as she had an elf bring her a barrel of the mead. Eragon shook his head and went to the table in the front with Arya upon his arm. He pulled out her seat which earned him a smile and she sat down. The Queen could be seen not to far away chatting with one of the elf lords. When she caught sight of the pair she excused herself and made her way towards them.
"Oh we've been waiting. It is good to see you Eragon" she said when her eyes caught sight of his necklace she looked shocked. "I… I… can't believe it. Lord Rider? You've been chosen? So young, by far the youngest in all of history. By over a hundred years even. That's so unheard of, but you wear the stone so there is no doubt. I didn't think you were ready mentally, I also thought the stone to be lost during the fall. But this is no doubt a good move. I would only warn you that many elves will doubt your worthy ness. You're the first and only human lead rider" she explained to him.
"Yes… I am aware." He replied simply. She nodded and the three took a seat.
"Will your charge be joining us tonight?" The Queen asked Eragon.
"Yes he will. I expect he'll be here any moment" he said. And as if on cue in that moment the young wizard came through the entrance. He was joined by a woman female who wore a blue dress. He looked to all the unfamiliar faces and looked nervous before he spotted Eragon. Eragon nodded and Harry looked relived. Harry made his way towards the lead table with his date. The elves looked surprised at the sight of another human in their forest.
"And who is this Eragon-Elda?" The Queen asked him.
"This is Eragon's friend Hermione. She too is here under my provision." Eragon told her. He motioned for Harry to take a seat but realized that they were one chair short.
"Oh it's of no consequence" Eragon said waving his hand as the roots from the ground rose and begun to form a beautiful chair for Hermione.
"How did you do that! You just have to teach me!" Hermione exclaimed. While she took a seat at the table. All kinds of fruits and vegetables were at the table, pastries and bread were also present. Vegetable soups and cakes were all present.
"Um excuse me for asking, why isn't there any meat? I'm not complaining really, just curious." Harry asked politely.
"It's elven tradition not to eat meat… well not tradition it's just a choice. They are very close to nature and have no intention of causing meaningless suffering." Eragon answered. Harry nodded and Hermione looked deep in thought.
"Because we can live perfectly fine on fruits and vegetables. That makes sense." Hermione said with realization. Soon the Queen stood and everyone was silent.
"We have been graced with a new rider. He brought with him my daughter and helped me renew the life within myself. Saphira and Eragon being hope, they bring us a chance to defeat the black king Galbatorix. This is wha-" she was cut off by humorous laughter. Everyone was shocked at the interruption of the Queen. The room grew silent and the elf continued to laugh.
"A human? Free us from Galbatorix!?" The dark haired elf laughed.
"Last time I checked Galbatorix is a human Vanir-Vodhr" Eragon said, his eyes bearing into the young elf. Vanir stood and looked confused at what he had said.
"But he has dark magic and over s thousand years rose hone his skills." Vanir said
"Vanir-vodhr you better apologize before the Daéda Shur'tugal truly takes offense and decides to strike you down.." the Queen warned him. She was met with only laughter, "and you think he could even try? He's weak, he's human. He wouldn't stand a chance against a real warrior" Vanir laughed. As he stood.
"I challenge you to a dual… to prove that you're unworthy of being a rider." Vanir said with sneer. In that moment Saphira let out a thunderous roar that shook anyone who heard to the core. Most have forgotten the rage of a dragon. Eragon talked with Saphira before replying.
"I accept, as the challenged I get to decide the terms of the dual. Right here and right now in the way of the sword… no magic." Eragon said. Vanir looked shocked but rose from his seat and made his way to the dance floor.
"Don't kill him Eragon… he's a good elf at heart. He's just grown arrogant and he's scared about the future of our race. Show him why you were chosen out of everyone to become the next rider" Arya said to Eragon while he stood. "Good luck Eragon" Hermione said unsurely and Harry gave him a nod. Eragon stood and went to the dance floor. The elves played their drums to a rhythmic beat as the two competitors eyed each other.
"Time for you to be stricken from your pedestal human." Vanir said with a sneer. Eragon ignored him and drew the blood red sword. It hummed in his hand waiting to taste the blood of his enemy. Vanir drew his sword and the two eyed each other soon Vanir lashed out with a ferocious swing to Eragon's left shoulder. Time seemed slowed to Eragon… very slow. Vanir was striking no faster than he had. Slower even, Eragon easily sidestepped the blow. Vanir looked shocked at his inhuman, inelf speed. The crowd too was mystified at the speed he displayed. The power of the blow unbalanced Vanir and he stumbled. Eragon took advantage and charged him, using his sword to block the weak blow that came his way he grabbed Vanir's sword arm and begun to squeeze. Immediately he could feel the bone crushing in his hand and the howl of pain that escaped Vanir. To follow up Eragon brought his knee into Vanir's chest and could feel the ribs cracking against it. Vanir dropped to the ground in agony.
" I yield I yield!" He begged for his life, knowing full well dyeing in a dual was perfectly legal. Immediately the grip on his wrist gave away and he was being helped to his feet by Eragon.
"Eragon-elda, I cry your pardon. I was scared… scared that Galbatorix would rule forever and that my race was doomed to destruction. I am young and foolish and I beg for your forgiveness and to be allowed into your service so I may assist you in any way possible in defeating the king." Vanir begged. Eragon thought for a moment before replying.
"You are a good warrior of that I'm sure. Your heart is there and I can see that. Wisdom comes from experience and not age so that folly is not entirely your own. So I will let you serve me." Eragon replied.
"Elrun ono ebrithil, eka otherúm ietdar eom ono Daéda Shur'tugal, eka skulu þjóna
ono weohnata pömnuria freohr. Pömnuria kenna weohnata waíse eom ono un pömnuria sverd weohnata waíse eom ono eom verrunsmal" Vanir swore in the Ancient Language.
"I will heal your wounds, if you are in my service I need you in fighting form" Eragon said. Vanir nodded and Eragon touched his shoulder and immediately all of the pain was gone and he felt good as new. Vanir bowed and Eragon nodded at him.
"Back to your seat, enjoy your night." Eragon ordered. Vanir nodded and made his way back to his seat to a few stunned elves who couldn't believe he actually challenged their guest and the new rider. Eragon walked back to his seat next to Arya and a shocked crowd.
"You did the right thing sparring him. Most of the people here would have beheaded him." Arya said to Eragon.
"I know" he replied. After a few moments the celebration kicked back up and everyone begun to eat. Hermione continued to launch questions at Eragon, being the only one she had met. Harry was beckoning her to stop but Eragon laughed and said it was much like himself with endless arrays of questions. Her questions ranged from personal to about the culture of elves and the other races. A lot of the questions he himself had asked. The conversation was very pleasant and the group got to know each other better.
"Saphira… Arya has been eying the dance floor. Should I ask her to dance." He asked his partner.
"yes Eragon" she laughed. As she went to get some more to drink. Eragon begun to tap his hand nervously but mustered up the courage to ask.
"Um Arya… would you like to dance… with me?" Eragon nervously asked. Her eyes filled with joy before she replied.
"I'd love to Shadslayer" she answered standing. Eragon stood and took her hand and made his way to the dance floor. He put his hand around her waist as the slow song started. They swayed and looked into each other's eyes. Harry and Hermione joined them on the dance floor looking even more nervous than him.
"She's so beautiful" Eragon thought to himself during their dance
Time passed quickly as the songs played and the two states in each other's eyes. Soon the two grew tired and left the dance door so that they could grab something to drink. There were an array of juices available and Eragon grabbed them both a juice made of the blue berries in the forest.
"Thank you Eragon" she said when he handed it to her. She sipped on the drink and munched on a seed cake.
"That was perfect Saphira." He said to Saphira.
"What are your feelings towards her Eragon" Saphira asked him.
"We shade a mind so you know" Eragon answered
"But I want to hear it from you Eragon" she said
"I'll talk about it after the celebration okay Saphira" Eragon replied
"That sounds good little one. I'm always here for you. From now and until the end of time" Saphira said lovingly.
"I know, and I you" Eragon said. She sent him feelings of love which made him smile. He chatted with Arya about her life. Wanting to know her inside and out. The conversation was pleasurable and he learned a lot about her. They both loved swordplay and magic, they both had a love of nature. Both of them also wanted a place they felt they belonged. Neither of them felt like they totally belonged.
"Being a rider brings on so many people who don't actually care for me, they want my fame or my power. Not the real me" Eragon explained.
"I know what you mean" Harry surprised all but Hermione. "Back on my world I'm famous, I defeated a dark lord when I was a baby… he killed my parents and now what Dumbledore explained to me, he was my mentor, that it was my mothers magic that destroyed his body. But everyone wanted to be my friend or to know me so they could brag. They wanted my families money and they wanted my influence. Being here is actually so much more peaceful than my world. It's also an escape from my aunt and uncle they are horrible people. They hate me for my abilities and because I'm not their son. Their son is a big bully and spoiled but they've never shown me a quarter of that love. I tried so hard to make them love me for years but… it never came. Now… now I just never want to see them again." Harry finished, all those looked shocked at how bad life was in the other world.
"You'll have me Harry, while in this world I will be your guardian. You are considered a man when you're sixteen here. And you're fifteen so not very long. You as well Hermione, both of you are here under my protection and if you need anything you may speak to me. I am your friend and I will be there" Eragon pledged, Hermione smiled, she was worried about some lord claiming them or something along those lines.
"Can you tell be about the dragon riders Eragon-elda?" Hermione asked.
"There is no need for titles between us Hermione, but yes I will, I'll tell you what is allowed at least. There was a war between the elves and the dragons which is called Du Fyrn Skulblaka. A young elf killed a dragon while hunting. Long story short a war broke out between the two races. The bloodshed was horrible and it would've ended in both of their destruction. Then an elf by the name of Eragon, which is not me, found a dragon egg. He raised it as his own and the two helped end the war. Later a pact was made between the two and the dragon riders were formed. There is a lot more but I'm sure I could supply you with a few books that would get you the detail you're looking for" Eragon finished. She looked excited at the possibility of new books about a completely different world, culture, and races. Eragon smiled and finished his seed cake. The celebration continued and all the elves ended up having fun. Soon it grew late into the night and Eragon and Arya decided to head back to his house so they could relax. Harry and Hermione retired back to his room. Saphira was quite drunk and Eragon had to carry her with magic back to the tree house. The elves couldn't believe the sight of a drunk dragon being carried with magic back towards her home. Eragon set her down gently and put a pot of tea on for Arya and him. She flicked her shoes into the corner and let her hair down. Then she took a seat on his couch, Eragon sat next her with a smile.
"Did you have fun Arya?" He asked.
"Yes, very much so. Because of my wonderful date of course. Usually I would have just sat and waited for it to be over" She answered with a smile
"I agree, back home I couldn't stand the celebrations. I felt alone when I went." Eragon told her. She nodded at him and then laughed.
"Why're you laughing?" He laughed
"Because, were both outcasts even though most would assume we couldn't be happier and that we have it all." Arya said
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Harry laughed as Hermione fell on to him. She finally lost control of her heels and stumbled down. She screeched and tried to grab for anything she could but failed. Luckily Harry was good at breaking her fall.
"I'm sorry Harry" she laughed trying to get to her feet. She felt hands envelop her hips and lightly help her stand.
"Haha don't worry you've picked me up loads of times" Harry said laughing while helping her to her feet. She smiled at him and his help and sat across of him in his room.
"I had a great time, a lot more fun than the Yule Ball." Hermione said
"Me too, I should've asked you to be my date. I'll admit it crossed my mind. But I was scared you'd reject me too" Harry said sheepishly
"I would've said yes a thousand times Harry" she said sincerely. Harry blushed beet red and looked away while Hermione just smiled.
"So what's our plans for tomorrow?" Hermione asked
"Well we have to meet Eragon on the training grounds at sun rise. He said he'd have us tutored and we'd learn about this land. I imagine that will take most of the day." Harry answered
"Oh I'm excited, all new culture to learn. New magic too! If we're capable that is." She said excitedly. Harry laughed good heartedly at her enthusiasm but agreed it would be quite the adventure.
"It'll be an adventure, much safer than any of the previous ones." Harry said with a smile.
"I know! Isn't it brilliant!" She announced.
"Yes it is" he laughed. Soon the night grew old and the two knew they were to be up in a few hours. Hermione went back to her room and he donned his pajamas and moments after his head laid itself upon his pillow he was already asleep.
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