*Still not my intellectual content. The main storyline, characters, etc belong to Christopher Paolini. Thanks again for suggestions and all that jazz. The ancient language here was Christopher Paolinis. Except in the case of everything I've either used previously or any dragon names used in this story but not in canon land*

-Please note, the first and last few paragraphs of every story will begin in Eragon's current life, and the rest will consist mainly of flashbacks. You can tell which paragraphs are current because I will place them between hyphens(though not bolded, bolded is me talking).-

- As Eragon and Murtagh began for the square and the statue of Thuviel the bell tower rung out alerting all to the start of festivities. The many dragon riders all crowded around the podium as Blödhgarm began trying to quiet the crowd. A hush fell over the audience and Blödhgarm began, "Kvetha fricaya!Atra esterní ono thelduin. Mor'ranr lífa unin hjarta onr. Un du evarínya ono varda." (Greetings Friends! May good fortune rule over you. Peace live in your heart. And the stars watch over you.) "We stand here today, witness to the dedication and sacrifice of thousands of the citizens of Alagaësia. Dwarves, Elves, Men, Urgals, and of course the great Dragons. The crowd offered a swift cheer as they excitedly roared their approval. Blödhgarm held up his hand requesting silence descend upon the crowd once more. "Two centuries ago we completed a monumental task which gave cause for this day, to be recognized as Dag abr Esterní, the Day of Good Fortune. So as we stand here today, in the newest golden age of the Dragon Riders we must offer our thanks to one who truly self sacrificed for the greater good and hope that one day Galbatorix would fall and proper justice would return to the land and that peace may once more prosper between every race found in Alagaësia. Though his death has long since passed, and peace has long been won we choose to honor him every year by giving thanks. Thuviel, Sé mor'ranr ono finna. (May you find peace)."Solemnly those present repeated Blödhgarms words and observed a moment of silent as everyone offered their own thoughts and thanks for those that had brought forth the current prosperity and for their own blessed status as a dragon rider. As Blödhgarm concluded his portion of the speech Murtagh offered a wink to Eragon before rising to take his turn at the podium.-

As the sun made it's way high into the sky the members of Eld Varda abr du Skulblaka were already awake and attempting to assist in the organization of forces against King Orrin. Eragons first act was to scry Murtagh and fill him in on the details of the plan. Blödhgarm was speaking with Arya helping her to choose the members of her stealth party. Yaela and Invidia were working to contact the Urgals and press upon them that this was the only option to procure peace and that Nasuada having foreknowledge of this plan would not retaliate against the Urgals for involving themselves with the death of a King. The remaining members of Eld Varda abr du Skulblaka relayed messages and updates to everyone around so that everything quickly began to fall into place. Murtagh readily agreed to the plan, though he felt uncomfortable without at least some extra fortifications being brought forth to protect Nasuada in either the event of the plot having gone wrong or in case Orrin somehow heard tale of it and sent forth his own mercenaries to kill her. Eragon chuckled, "Murtagh you are ever wise and insightful. I look forward to the next chance we have to meet with each other." Murtagh smiled, "May that be sooner than either of us can imagine."

Once the orders had been relayed and every angle of their design plotted the parties moved out. Arya and her band of elves made for the outskirts of the Hadarac Desert near Marma so that Murtagh could meet them. Together Thorn and Fírnen would help carry the small number of elves past Bullridge. There they would turn towards Dras Leona and the Leona Lake. The Urgals would be waiting near the Helgrind. In order to safeguard Arya and the elves from any blame that was to take place, there were spell casters waiting with Nasuada at the capital where Queen Arya would be making a 'Royal Visit'. Murtagh and the Urgals would work their way South entering Surda between Dauth and Cithri while Nasuada made the visit of Queen Arya known to the public. However, spellcasters were ready to keep the image of Arya and a few of her guards placed at key times to provide the alibi while Arya truly slipped past and entered Surda by skirting the Hadarac Desert and entering Surda near Petrovya. If King Orrin heard of a plot he would be more likely to believe an imminent threat lay from only Murtagh and the Urgals and if they were discovered early any armies hastily assembled would be far from the capital at Aberon. If all sides managed to remain undetected they would rendezvous 50 kilometers south of Lithgov. From there they would factor in any new information Murtagh could obtain before making their secret siege on Aberon.

As everyone began to depart along their guided routes Eragon surveyed the work that had been accomplished in the weeks following their first landing in Vroengard. Huts had been created with room enough for everyone to be comfortable and everyone was accustomed to the routine workings of their quiet community. The time had come to speak once more with Gärganon in the vault of souls. After finishing their breakfast everyone made their way to the Rock of Kuthían. Upon entering the vault Gärganon eagerly reached out towards those approaching. Greetings friends! Has the month allotted passed? As Eragon finally made it into the chamber he smiled, There is truly not much left to do except to continue fortifying the cave dwellings for those who stay here. We will also begin building facilities for training those who will come here, but that may wait, we have more pressing matters to attend to. Gärganon offered an anxious growl, What is it that could be more pressing than the glory of the return of wild dragons everywhere? Eragon heaved a sigh but tried to answer Gärganons question in as few words as possible. Well, when we overthrew Galbatorix we had to replace him with another leader. We chose the Varden leader Nasuada. There was already a king in Surda, Orrin and his own greed and jealousy seems to have tainted his good reason because he believes it would be an intelligent decision to attempt a coup on Nasuada. We have set into motion our own method of defense. We have only begun the initiative this morning. Gärganon roared within his egg, golden shards started flying everywhere and everyone backed up as the sharp egg pieces flew across the room. Having already come from a large egg it should not have been so shocking that Gärganon should be so large, but Eragon had only seen two dragons hatch and never one from such a large egg. I will not stand by idly while someone threatens to destroy the peace that has finally fallen. We have lay here for over a century and I will not tolerate a tiny mortal man with passions overrunning good senses. Eragon smiled as did the others present. Your words give heart Gärganon, but these are the politics of Alagaësia. Would you willingly risk the political safety of wild dragons by killing King Orrin. Gärganon growled, tendrils of smoke escaping his snout. Those who decide to act will always act, we are governed by none but ourselves. If speed and time are as necessary in completing this thing as you make them out to be we may at least offer our own distractions.

Once Eragon saw there was no talking Gärganon out of his decision there was only one thing left to be seen, the fate of the dragon eggs that lay in the vault. After the hatching of Bíarganer there were only twenty five bonded eggs and two hundred and sixteen unbonded eggs. Of the many eggs in the vault twenty six stated their intention to be bonded, one hundred and fifty were ready to break free from their eggs and begin roaming the island of Vroengard, ten were decided to remain in the vault. Those ten were not yet willing to leave behind the vault and instead offered to lay there to insure protection in case there was a sudden an unforeseen crisis. The last thirty had suffered from the years left inside the vault and decided they would stay at the vault until the wild dragons had established their own nests and hunting grounds and the threat had been eliminated. Only after safety was assured would they come back into the world, and even then they would stay around Doru Araeba until they were mentally fit once more.

Eragon and the elves backed far against the wall as colorful shards of dragon eggs began to fly against the room. Dragons of different sizes emerged from the eggs that had housed them for over a century. Dragons of varied shades emerged; cerulean and periwinkle blues, saffron and deep aubergine purples, reds the shade of maroon and carmine. The magnificence was overwhelming as their eyes beheld the multicolored congregation that stood before them. Eragon and the rest of Eld Varda abr du Skulblaka bowed deeply before them. Blödhgarm, stepping forward spoke for everyone, we are honored to have met you at your beginning as you begin to populate the far reaches of Analgesia once more. We will always try to accommodate you if you desire to make Doru Arabea your home. Sé mor'ranr ono finna un ilian. May you find peace and happiness.

Together everyone made their way back through the long tunnels and into the open air. Ecstatic dragons roared in approval as they were finally able to stretch their long wings out far and breathe the mid-day air. Warm rays from the sun descended upon all and a feeling of peace settled. Gärganon, turned back, smiling, We thank you for everything you have done to provide this day. I know you have all fought bravely to defeat Galbatorix. Now we may all feel the winds beneath our wings once more as we take to the sky. Farewell for now Eld Varda abr du Skulblaka, may you forever live up to that name. As he finished the many dragons began to leap up and take flight into the sky. Eragon clapped a hand on Blödhgarms shoulder, "You have a way with words my friend, this is truly a day to be remembered."

Gärganon hummed contentedly before addressing the group once more. I wish to hunt for now, but I will make my way back to your camp before nightfall. His eyes searched for Saphiras and upon locking her gaze he resumed speaking. Saphira, would you hunt with me? Vervada was my aunt. I would enjoy speaking with you about your family of which I'm sure you may have many questions. Eragon turned to Saphira and caught the gleam in her eye. Little one, I will not turn down his offer. I have always wanted to know more about my dam. I'm sure you will be busy checking in on the others in Alagaësia and won't have much need for me. Eragon grinned, I would not ask you to stay away from this opportunity, go Saphira, I'm sure you will find out many things I will look forward to learning later. Saphira turned back to Gärganon flashing a toothy grin, I would love to learn anything you can teach me about my family.

Upon returning to the camp everyone began to enjoy a day of rest and reflection on the achievements of the day in the growth of the dragon race. Blödhgarm offered to help Eragon pass the time until Saphira returned by continuing construction on Eragons future home, but Eragon decided to enjoy the time afforded before continuing to plot the overthrow of King Orrin. He entered the makeshift hut and sat on his cot, reaching for the small stand beside his bed he gathered the necessary supplies and began to record the events of the day.

As Eragon sat down to write Saphira and Gärganon were flying far past the regions of Vroengard she had not yet explored. Gärganon spun tight circles in the area, dipping and diving, enjoying the currents of air as caressed his wings. Saphira laughed gaily at the spectacle, trying to recapture her own memories of the day she first took to the sky those many years ago, and to think that Gärganon had been imprisoned in his egg for so long! Saphira, follow me! When I was still early in my egg years my parents told me of beautiful meadows that lie just over this next mountain. With a burst of energy and a few mighty swoops of his wings he pushed ahead and began a deep dive over the ridge ahead. Ahead of the dragons lay such a meadow as Gärganon remembered hearing tale of, they glided slowly through the clouds and descended into the thick green grass that covered the land. Small birds flitted about filling the meadow with song, and momentarily Saphira was able to block out the worries she had for the safety of those in Alagaësia and the pain she still felt as she grew acclimated to life without Fírnen. Eagerly Gärganon gave chase to the elk that tried desperately albeit in vain to avoid the jaws of the hungry dragon. Saphira lay calmly at the edge of the meadow relaxing in the shade of the towering oak trees.

Gärganon happily dragged a nicely sized elk carcass over to Saphira and began munching away. So Saphira tell me, how much do you know of your dam? Saphira looked to Gärganon and unhappily admitted the lack of knowledge she held about her family. The years kept sequestered by Galbatorix kept me from learning many things, and while Eragon and I were afforded some time to study with Glaedr and Oromis we weren't able to spend much of our training on family history. I know that Vervada was a wild dragon and that her great-great-great grand sire was Raugmar the Black. Upon my first visit to Vroengard we discovered the Skeleton of Belgabad, Glaedr told me that Raugmar and Belgabad were distant relatives. Aside from that, I remain in the dark. Gärganon offered to share his meal but Saphira turned it down, preferring to eat after sunset when she could share with Eragon everything she learned. It is true that we are descended from Belgabad, quite distantly I might say. Though given my size maybe it's not so farfetched, he added with a chuckle. My mother was called Rammlígr, and she your mothers only sister. Our grandfathers name was Herör, and Svinnrförn our grandmother. They perished in the fall of Doru Arabea as did the rest of the wild dragons. Your mother fought bravely, since you were prebonded before the war began your egg was the only one not hatched by the start of the war. You had many half siblings but they fell in the fighting. I am sorry to tell you that none were safely harbored in the vault of souls before the fall. But I should think it is plausible that among the many dragons released today there are distant cousins for either of us. Veidhr, in a sense, would be my uncle. I mean that, aside from Iormûngr, he was Vervadas mate.

Saphira eagerly took in the information, trying to remain patient but the questions burning inside her were too much to keep in. Gärganon, did you ever learn why she mated with a bonded dragon? Do you know where she made her nest? Is there anything east of the dwarf trading post at Hedarth?Where will the wild dragons go? I mean I know that many wild dragons prefer to be alone, but after so much time together will there be no packs? Saphira would happily have continued without pause but Gärganon seized upon her momentary pause to attempt answering her many questions.

Whoa Saphira, slow down! There were not many years that I had to learn everything I could have if the war had not started. Many of the Eldunarí were simply too distraught over atrocities they had witnessed and the family they had lost. For many years we received only silence or frenzied messages of hope, that we would not have to wait long, but the fear permeated the air. Saphira looked at Gärganon and saw the sadness in his eyes, he looked far too old in that moment, and he had only just gotten to taste the air on his tongue. With his mouth in a grim line he continued his story. Eventually the hopelessness set in. We started talking amongst ourselves, trying to pas the time. I do not know why Vervada and Iormûngr mated, perhaps she saw the good that riders were doing for Alagaësia and wanted to contribute, if only that once to a cause she thought worthwhile. I never learned where Vervada made her nest, but it is possible she kept her nest the island of Ilium. Though many wild dragons made their home in the Beor Mountains, where they could remain safely away from troubles. I imagine for now that many of the wild dragons freed today will head to the far reaches of Vroengard. Many will want to explore this island and just learn for themselves what it means to be a dragon outside of the egg. In the days preceding this morning many have shown interest in remaining here, at least long enough to figure out our own safeties. By the time a year has passed we will be back on the mainlands once more.

Saphira contentedly gazed across the meadow, a year ago the prospect of seeing so many dragons and learning about her family would have seemed preposterous. Gärganon, I thank you for everything you have shared with me. We should be heading back soon, will you stay around the camp so I may learn more as time suits? Gärganon smiled happily at Saphira, I guess you're right Saphira. It was no trouble at all, as I said we are cousins after all! I want to learn how best I may be of assistance for those in Alagaësia, I am not sure how long I will remain on Vroengard but if there is a time when we may meet again for a period, I would be happy to tell you more.

Saphira began to rise, stretching her arms far in front of her when she reflected on a question Gärganon had not yet answered. Gärganon, you never answered, were you ever told what lay east of Hedarth? Gärganon pulled his arms out far and bared his teeth in a wide yawn. Must have missed that one, you listed off quite a few, he added with a chuckle. I can share with you everything I know on the flight back, though I hope you're disappointed that there is not much to say. Flapping his great golden wings Gärganon rose into the air telling tales he heard from the eggs he spent so much time with. Not much is known about the far eastern regions of Alagaësia. Dragons being the naturally curious beings we are, have been known to explore the land trying to learn all that lies about. I am certain you have heard the early tales of Alagaësia, and of the founding races. Saphira racked her mind trying to recall the lessons imparted upon her by Glaedr as she and Eragon were studying in Ellesméra. We all know that dragons and dwarves were the first creatures to inhabit the land. And that before the elves and humans arrived there was a race we only know as the grey folk. They were responsible for the creation of the ancient language, binding magic with words to eliminate the dangers a stray thought could wreak if concentration wasn't maintained. Gärganon craned his neck behind him nodding at Saphira, You know more than many Saphira, I won't have too much to tell you. There are rumors that far east of Hedarth, past the reach of many dragons without the strength of will there is much to be seen. I consider it fairy tale really. They say that there is an entire community, Virströnd, where the grey folk dwell. This is why I asked about your knowledge of the early races. Few beings know of the grey folk. Though as I said, I personally believe this is nothing more than a myth.

Once Gärganon and Saphira made it back to the camp Eragon sought them out, eager to make plans with Gärganon and updates with Arya, Nasuada, and Murtagh. As they landed in the camp Saphira led the way to Eragons hut and they got to business. Arya and her band of elves were excited at the prospect of an easier journey past the outskirts of the Hadarac Desert. Murtagh would no longer need to help speed up their transport by meeting near Marma. Instead Gärganon would assist in transferring them to the capital and Murtagh would focus on helping the Urgals downstream the Leona river. Once dropping the elves off just outside the capital Gärganon would finish helping Murtagh carry the Urgals down the stream. Once the Urgals reached the land of Surda their foot power would be enough to reach Aberon. Gärganon would turn back from Surda and return to Urû'baen to meet up with Arya once more. As the Urgals marched with Murtagh at a break neck pace Gärganon would once again assist the elves skirting the Hadarac. As Fírnen could not travel at his fastest with an over abundance of elves Gärganon was expected to relieve the pressure and help save their energy for the stealth attack they had to perfectly execute that lay before them. The time cut with the addition of Gärganon was immense, and everyone felt it might just be possible for Murtagh and the Urgals to close in on the capital before being detected. Gärganon, you are more than welcome to spend the night at our camp before departing in the morning, it will be a long flight and while you were born from an egg five feet in height, you should still accept limits. Gärganon thumped his tail lightly on the ground. I suppose you're right Eragon. First thing in the morning I will begin my journey. Though, we wild dragons grow at a VERY fast rate, and as you so aptly noticed I came from a larger stock, he added chuckling.

- Murtagh grasped the podium firmly, having never acquired a liking for public speech. "Thank you Blödhgarm for your words, they give heart to us all." Everyone roared again with approval, clapping and stomping loudly. "Two centuries ago, the plights and struggles experienced by every race in Alagaësia paid off, as races who had not shared any former alliance joined together for the common good. Elves, Dwarves, Urgals, Men, and Dragons! Today that alliance is recognized in the strength of the dragon riders, we are all part of a mighty heritage! The Rider War was the first time a mass uprising occurred with such strength that Galbatorix failed. For that we give thanks to the many souls lost, who volunteered to fight at a time where there was no hope. Ajihad, leader of the Varden. Hrothgar, the Forty Second Dwarfish King. Oromis Thrándurin, the wandering sage and invaluable teacher to countless riders. Wyrden, an elven spellcaster and talented swordsmen. Islanzadí Dröttning, Queen of the Elves. And countless other brave beings. Once the Queen Nasuada took to the thrown she started a long golden age of peace and prosperity that we have since flourished under. May we forever provide the justice, peace, and stability needed to ensure this bountiful age we live in!" Cheers ran through the crowd once more as proud dragon riders applauded Murtaghs speech. "Last, but surely not least, I hand over the podium to Eragon." Turning from the cheering crowd Murtagh let out a sigh before looking to Eragon and offering a wink and a smirk. Your turn for torture Eragon, up you go.-

-I realize a long time has passed. To make up for it I've written an extra long chapter for you guys. Sorry for the slackerness. Special thanks to Jatana for helping me figure out some of the traveling plot kinks. And sincerely special thanks to EVERYONE who has sent reviews or a lack of hate mail for taking so long!-