Balancing Realities - The Lord of the Rings and Inheritance Reality
By Stargatesg1fan1
Disclaimer: I own nothing of any recognized characters or universes within. If I did I'd use my accumulated wealth and creative genius to come up with a way to seduce the delicious Sienna Guillory.
AN:
Harry's current lovers-
Arya is played by Sienna Guillory
End AN
"Halt here," Arya instructed her companions as the perceptive sorcerer felt an alert ward trip.
Arya dismounted from Snowfire (Brom was in the tent still) and walked forward several yards.
The elf cried out in the Ancient language, "Come forth, my brethren! You have nothing to fear. 'Tis I, Arya of Ellesmera. My companions are friends and allies; they mean us no harm."
Arya continued in this vein for a few moments and then fell silent, waiting. Harry pierced the shade of the forest with his nearly all seeing contacts and watched as several elves came running at great speed, having heard Arya's call being amplified by the wards surrounding Du Weldenvarden.
"Do you speak the truth?" One elf cried hurriedly in the elven tongue, scarcely believing his eyes and having been unsure if the ward's alert to Arya's presence was truthful.
"I do," confirmed the dark haired beauty.
The small group of newly arrived elves burst from the forest, several carrying long spears and white blades. Others held bows. The elves wasted no time in embracing Arya as they all laughed in a hauntingly sweet tune that caused Harry's heart to flutter. The reality traveler had always delighted in hearing elven laughter. Saphira chose that moment to touch down beside her favorite human. The elves cried out in alarm while aiming their weapons at the majestic giant. Arya quickly calmed the males of her race while gesturing between Saphira and the blonde magician. The Rider raised his hand, dispelling the glamour meant to hide his silver palm.
"Eka fricai un Shur'tugal," Harry declared his status as a Rider and a friend to the elves before adding the lines Arya had taught him that morning.
Harry watched curiously as the face of every elf present besides Arya lit up with joy as they lowered their weapons. Arya smiled at her brethren's reaction to the handsome dragon blessed and Saphira. After they replied with the appropriate courtesy the elves beckoned the group into the forest. It was a moderate walk to three small huts built within the trees surrounding a fire.
As Harry sat on a log between Murtagh and Arya the elves began preparing a meal of fruits and vegetables.
"Might we know your names?" Murtagh inquired.
"I am Lifaen of House Rilvenar. And my companions are Edurna, Celdin, and Nari," introduced the dark haired male elf, the only elf whose hair color matched Arya's.
"You no doubt know Eragon and Saphira's names. Mine is Murtagh," Harry's brother announced, deciding to get any rejection over with.
The elves tensed up for a moment as they realized who Murtagh was before Lifaen glanced briefly at Arya. Arya too was tense but relaxed when she noticed the other elves doing so.
"It is a pleasure to make your acquaintance Murtagh, Saphira, and Eragon. Any who are trusted by Arya are friends to the elves," Lifaen declared, saying more without words and by body language than could ever be spoken aloud.
"More magic is in this race," Saphira remarked, "than either humans or dwarves.
They do not feel as if they come from the earth or the stone, but rather from another
realm, half in, half out, like reflections seen through water."
Harry simply nodded in agreement with his dragon's observations as she watched the elves move. The veela hybrid found it amusing as the elves doted on Saphira. The enamored elves would voice aloud their comments because it was rude to talk to a Rider's dragon without permission. Then Saphira would answer directly to the Fey creatures.
When the food was served it was upon plates that were constructed of white wood with flowers and vines decorating the rim. A flagon, constructed of the same material, of gooseberry wine was the liquid consumed. Nari, the silver haired elf, began to sing while Lifaen played a set of reed pipes. Harry enjoyed the music. The sound reminded him strongly of the tunes sung by the elves of Middle Earth.
After the meal the elves began asking questions of Harry, Saphira, and Murtagh. Hours passed by without the immortal Fey even noticing. By the time the elves stopped when Murtagh's stomach growled another meal was upon the group.
Later after dinner Harry erected his tent to the amazement of the elves. When their curiosity showed on their sculpted features the wizard decided to extend an offer to the immortals.
"You can sleep in one of the rooms here tonight if you wish," suggested the Rider.
"I do not think there is enough room for all of us Argetlam," Lifaen responded from where he and his companions stood in the entrance hall of the expanded dimension.
Harry walked over to a seemingly random spot in the entrance chamber and waved his right hand in the air. As the Asuran's hand glowed with power a runic array appeared like a hologram in midair. The sorcerer's fingertips flashed with energy as they danced across the runes, altering the shape of several to suit his needs. The green eyed magician could have done the alterations mentally but wanted to put on a bit of a show for the elves. When the enchanter was done the runes vanished once more and several more rooms were apparent.
"Space can always be found by those who know how to look," the mage told the elves as they explored the rooms in amazement.
"Thank you Argetlam. We would be delighted to stay here tonight," Nari spoke up.
As he lay in bed that night Harry heard Arya explaining to her fellow elves how she had lost Saphira's egg and was captured. The Rider tuned out the sound. Finding out Arya's secrets by eavesdropping wasn't how the empathic wizard wanted to get to know the beautiful elf better. Before the mage stopped listening to the elves' conversation, the green eyed male did pick up from Edurna that Islanzadi was sorely wounded when the Queen learned of Arya's disappearance.
The next morning when he awoke Harry's draconic nostrils were filled with the scent of flowers which permeated the forest of Du Weldenvarden. The sun was shining down brightly upon the thick canopy which only grew denser the further one traveled into the forest.
"Good morning little one," Saphira's mind greeted her favorite human as he sensed her flying overhead, returning from her hunt.
"Morning Saphira…It's a great day to be alive," Harry declared.
"That it is Eragon, that it is," Saphira returned as she landed.
After the Asuran male greeted Arya, Murtagh, and the other elves the group ate a quick breakfast before they prepared to set off.
"Guard this way so that none may follow us, and tell no one of our presence. The Queen must be the first to know," Arya instructed the elves guarding the edge of the forest.
Harry couldn't help but overhear the argument that had ensued when Arya had told the other elves that she intended to lead the way to Ellesmera without any others of her kind along. Several had wanted to accompany the group but Arya told them she was firm in her decision. The intelligent beauty correctly pointed out that she had been traveling with the same group for days without trouble in the Empire and they would be even safer within the borders of Du Weldenvarden. The other elves finally conceded to the regal woman's orders when she used her firmest voice.
"Arya Drottningu," the elves chanted in unison.
"May the stars watch over you," the addressed female answered.
The small group set out into the seemingly endless expanse of forest. Underneath the by then very dense canopy the forest floor appeared wide open with only the thick tree trunks to break up the moss covered floor. Saphira walked behind the group as they rode their Pegasi. The horses weren't set a hard pace so Saphira could easily keep up. Murtagh was actually talking mentally with the dragon after she gave him permission to do so. This left Arya to ride next to Eragon.
"I noticed you seemed different around your people," Harry pointed out gently.
The empathic mage felt the equivalent of an emotional wince along with a surge of discomfort flare through Arya at his words. With her so close it was easy for the warlock to examine the pair's emotional link.
"I have spent so long among the Varden that I am no longer sure how to behave among my people. Rarely have I been back to visit since I became the carrier of Saphira's egg some seventy years ago," Arya explained haltingly. "I did not part on good terms with my mother."
"And how did you part with your father?" The Asuran warrior inquired.
A wave of sadness overcame the link.
"I'm sorry," Harry declared softly when he realized the intensity of the sadness signaled the elven beauty's father was no longer among the living.
"He was killed when the elves faced Galbatorix on the planes of Ilirea in our final attempt to defeat the mad tyrant. Ilirea is now called Uru'baen. My father…," Arya struggled to speak the words.
"You don't have to tell me if you don't want to," Harry told the dark haired female as he leaned over and placed his hand on hers while channeling calming feelings over their bond.
"No…you need to know for you will discover it soon enough when we reach Ellesmera. My father was Evandar, our King," Arya announced softly before turning to look at the handsome Rider's face intently.
Arya was pleased when her announcement about her position was met with calm acceptance. The gorgeous blonde man didn't become upset in any way that Arya could tell and she was closely monitoring the connection she had realized they shared. Arya had yet to voice her questions about how the connection had formed but she had her suspicions. The emotional link wasn't a problem at the moment and Arya hoped it would never become so.
"Thank you for trusting me enough to share something so important Arya," Harry spoke with a small smile which Arya returned greater at his words. "I take it the Varden did not know or else you would have been traveling with more than your two companions at the time of your capture."
Arya went on to explain the Varden being kept in the dark about her true station. Elven royalty were chosen for their positions based off of their ability to serve the people. The dark haired Princess' father and mother had taken up ruling some five hundred years before. That small tidbit of information was all Arya wanted to talk about concerning her parents at that time. From there the pair with a quickly growing friendship and already large attraction towards each other moved onto other subjects. The two companions continued the discussion of their personal histories and the history of Arya's people.
Harry learned about the arrival of humans in Alagaesia some eight hundred years before with King Palancar at their head. Eragon's ancestors settled in Palancar valley. A mighty state was built but Palancar was not satisfied with that. Palancar attacked the elves in an attempt to expand his borders. Three times he attacked and three times the elves rebuffed the human ruler's efforts easily. The nobles of Palancar's court were frightened of the elves' strength and pleaded with their king to desist his attacks. When Palancar ignored their efforts the nobles approached the elves with a treaty which the Fey signed without Palancar's knowledge. With the elves' help Palancar was deposed. The former king and his family refused to leave Palancar Valley so the tower of Ristvak'baen was built so the Riders could watch over the troublesome former royals. Palancar was eventually killed by a son who didn't wish to wait for old age.
"The blood of Kings still runs in Carvahall and Therinsford," Arya told Harry. "It was this event which convinced Anurin—Vrael's predecessor as head Rider—to allow humans to become Riders, in order to prevent similar disputes."
"I bet that caused some fighting," the veela hybrid suggested amusedly.
"It was an unpopular decision," Arya allowed with a rueful smile. "Even now the wisdom of that decision is questioned. The disagreement between Anurin and Queen Dellanir, my mother's predecessor, resulted in Anurin seceding from our government and establishing the Riders on Vroengard as an independent entity."
"If the Riders were separated from your government how was it that they were able to keep the peace without the government's authority? Did Queen Dellanir grant them authority to police the lands," the Asuran male queried.
"Eventually the Queen did see the wisdom of having the order of Dragon Riders free of any Lord or King and restored their access to Du Weldenvarden but it never did please her that any authority could supersede her own. The Riders were supposed to guard against the failings of the different governments and races, yet who watched the watchers? Some say it was that very problem which caused the Fall," answered the beautiful elf.
Just then a commotion came from off to the group's left. The three warriors on horseback altered their course to investigate. What the trio found was a gyrfalcon with a broken wing thrashing in the underbrush. The winged creature emitted a piercing cry when it noticed its observers.
"What a terrible fate, to be unable to fly," Saphira mused sorrowfully.
Arya strung her bow and prepared to grant the creature a mercy killing when Harry stopped her with a hand on her arm. With a gesture at the falcon the predator rose into the air and floated over to the Rider. A calming spell served to keep the bird from struggling as the sorcerer with jade colored eyes laid his hand upon the injured wing. A bright white light suffused the injury for a few moments before disappearing to reveal a whole and restored predator of the skies once more. The gyrfalcon gave another piercing cry before jumping into the air and flying away.
"Your magic never seems to amaze me Eragon," Arya announced.
"Aye," Murtagh agreed.
"Well we should be far enough away from any elves besides you Arya which might see us take off. What say we lessen our journey to Ellesmera," proposed Harry.
"But there is no place nearby to take off from," Murtagh declared, eying the dense canopy that extended as far as the eye could see.
With a wry grin Harry muttered Portus while eying the bands which held the Pegasi's wings in hiding along with Saphira's saddle. With a mental nudge the three Pegasi, their riders, and the dragon disappeared from the forest floor and reappeared five hundred feet in the air.
The wings of the flying steeds unfurled rapidly even as Murtagh cried, "Damn you Eragon!"
Arya was laughing joyfully as the Pegasi pulled out of their dive. The group flew over fields of prickly green and rolling hills and at one point a small group of towering pointed peaks that Arya said were among the only mountains in the forest. Finally when night was closing in on the group the immortal Princess beckoned them to land.
"It would be unwise to fly any closer to Ellesmera for there are powerful wards around our capital. Until you are keyed into the protections Saphira should stay on the ground as well," Arya explained.
"Very well," Harry agreed with a nod.
"When do you think we'll reach the city?" Murtagh questioned the female guide.
"We should be there by noon tomorrow," Arya responded as she dismounted.
The group camped for the night in the reality traveler's tent before setting off early the next morning.
Arya was right. The caravan reached the outlying leagues before Ellesmera by eleven.
"That's one thick tree," Murtagh observed as he indicated one of the trees which measured seventy feet in girth.
"It's a sign we are close to Ellesmera," Arya pointed out as she placed her hand gently on the trunk of one of the pines. "These trees are among the oldest living creatures in Alagaesia. Elves have loved them since first we saw Du Weldenvarden, and we have done everything within our power to help them flourish. You are about to enter my world."
Arya's contemplation ended and the group moved on. The forest grew more beautiful as the travelers progressed further to its heart. Finally as the group neared the end of their journey an elf was revealed before them as the Pegasi riding journeyers came into a section of the forest where the canopy began to thin. A circlet of silver adorned the thin immortal's brow while flowing robes encircled his form. Old, noble, and serene described the male Fey's bearing perfectly.
"Eragon…show him your palm," instructed Arya.
When Harry revealed his gedwey ignasia the elf smiled and spread his arms wide while closing his eyes. The Potter male felt the heavy wards shift to accept the modifications the elf was making.
"The way is clear," Arya informed her companions before spurring her mount on to lead the way.
The group rode around the guardian elf before he vanished, his image nothing more than an illusion being remotely projected to their location.
"Who is he?" Saphira questioned.
"He is Gilderien the Wise, Prince of House Miolandra, wielder of the White Flame of Vandil, and guardian of Ellesmera since the days of Du Fyrn Skulblaka, our war with the dragons. None may enter the city unless he permits it," Arya explained to her companions.
A quarter of a mile later and the canopy thinned even further to allow more light in. At the edge of a glade the group paused. Harry's advanced brain immediately began to pick out the buildings grown right out of the pines. A two story house grew out of the bulging base of one particular tree. Everything was decorated with a natural motif of moss, lichen, and blended seamlessly with the forest surrounding it. The elves coexisted with nature rather than mastered it. Slowly, weary elves began to step into sight, all as graceful and nimble as Arya and the border sentries. The almond eyes of the fey immortals were all fixed upon Saphira, Arya, and Harry. The women all wore their hair without restraint while possessing a flawless ethereal beauty. The men possessed the same aspects but only in a masculine blend of high cheekbones with heavy eyelids. Rustic tunics adorned with fringes of gold, russet, and orange were garbed on the race's fair frames.
Harry touched his lips in greeting to signal his friendship and as one the elves returned the gesture with a bow at the waist. Laughter and unrestrained happiness burst forth from the forest natives in the next moment. A woman's voice began to sing in the Ancient language.
Arya dismounted and the other two travelers followed suit. An elf came forward to take the mounts away to the stables where they would be cared for. The elves danced around the trio of new arrivals as Arya led the way along a cobblestone path. Compliments for Saphira flew across the air from many elvish tongues. At the end of the path the group walked up a web of roots formed into steps that led into a door between two saplings. The door swung open as the wards sensed Arya's presence to reveal a hall formed out of many tree branches. Twelve wooden chairs grew out of the walls on each side with twenty-four elf lords and ladies around the room. Circlets were on the brow of each noble while swords hung at their waists. The native immortals' faces were hopeful, eager, and attentive.
A throne of knotted roots under a white pavilion was situated at the head of a group of chairs. Queen Islanzadi sat upon that thrown with features very similar to Arya's but with a maturity that comes with many more centuries than her daughter possessed behind the beautiful Queen. The Monarch's clothes were resplendent and by her side sat a curved rod with a white raven sitting atop. The raven crowed, "Wyrda!" The door closed behind the group.
Arya was the first to bow but not the last. Harry and Murtagh quickly followed suit with Saphira lowering her head as well. The Queen rose from her throne and descended down to the new arrival's level before placing trembling hands upon her daughters shoulders while commanding, "Rise."
For a moment the Queen scrutinized her daughter before crying out as she hugged her only child, "O my daughter, I have wronged you!"
"Islanzadi Drottning," Arya spoke to her mother formally.
Islanzadi pulled back like Arya had struck her before repeating, "O my daughter, I have wronged you! Ever since you disappeared, I've barely slept or eaten. I was haunted by your fate, and feared that I would never see you again. Banning you from my presence was the greatest mistake I have ever made…Can you forgive me?"
At the startled looks playing across the regal features of the elves around him Harry gathered Islanzadi was not usually so demonstrative of her emotions as she was being then. It was understandable since the Queen thought her daughter had been captured and killed.
After a long pause Arya replied, "For seventy years, I have lived and loved, fought and killed without every speaking to you, my mother. Our lives are long, but even so, that is no small span."
Harry understood the implied meaning. That span of seven decades was even more significant for the Princess for she would have only been thirty years old. Seventy percent of her life so far had been spent without ever speaking to her mother. In the warrior wizard's opinion that didn't exactly make Islanzadi seem like the best mother but he would withhold judgment for the time being.
In response Islanzadi's back became straight as a tremor shook her form before she declared, "I cannot undo the past, Arya, no matter how much I might desire to."
"And I cannot forget what I endured," Arya answered.
"Nor should you," the Queen was quick to say as she took her daughters hands between her own. "Arya, I love you. You are my only family. Go if you must, but unless you wish to renounce me, I would be reconciled with you."
The perceptive former ruler of the Asuran people understood the position Arya was being placed in immediately. The younger royal could not reject her mother in front of all the elves around them lest she undermine Islanzadi's rule.
"No, mother…I could not leave," Arya finally stated while Islanzadi hugged her daughter once more and Arya returned the gesture.
As the lords and ladies broke out into smiles the white raven hopped further up his stand and cackled, "And on the door was graven evermore, what now became the family lore, Let us never do but adore!"
"Hush, Blagden," the immortal Queen commanded the raven. "Keep your doggerel to yourself." Then Arya's mother turned her attention to the Rider and his Dragon. "You must excuse me for being discourteous and ignoring you, our most important guests."
"Elen síla lúmenna omentielvo," (A star shines upon the hour) Harry began his greeting with before observing the greetings Arya had instructed.
Harry's first line was actually taught to him by Elrond when the ancient elf lord had instructed the young King in elvish history. Judging from the intake of breath from several of the lords and ladies surrounding the group and the startled look of Islanzadi herself they understood the phrase.
"Where did you learn that phrase Rider?" Islanzadi demanded, her gaze focusing intently upon Harry.
"From Lord Elrond of Rivendell," answered the veela hybrid calmly.
There was a pause before Islanzadi urged, "Please tell me how you met Elrond."
Arya appeared confused but didn't comment. Harry briefly explained his eighty years spent in Middle Earth in mind and spirit under the aid of King Aragorn.
"Who is Elrond to us, mother?" Arya questioned, overcome with curiosity when the handsome Rider had finished his tale.
"Elrond is your Uncle," the Queen replied while appearing deeply shaken. "Thousands of years ago, our people lived on an island we called Atlantis. Atlantis was located upon a powerful volcano which we kept inactive with our magics. But one day a powerful ward swept out over our Island from across the sea, changing how magic was accessed. The wards were shattered and the volcano erupted. I was a young elf then, barely three decades old. Several ships full of our people were lucky to escape with our lives. For better survival our remaining people decided to split up. One contingent went to the continent to the west and the other group to the land to the east. Two twin brothers, Elrond and Evandar, were the leaders of the two parties. Elrond had a set of twin sons who were named after their father and Uncle. Evandar was my mate and so came with our group here to Alagaesia. It was here we discovered how the Grey Folk had erected the ward which destroyed our island. Magic could no longer be accessed so freely under the ward's effects. All attempts to communicate with the other contingent of our kind failed. After we bonded with the dragons and became immortal we eventually stopped trying. Very few of us have survived from that time and have always assumed those we knew from that time and that group of our kind perished. Before our bonding with the dragons we were mortal, long lived but mortal. The longest lived of our kind lasted centuries but not millennia. How then did Elrond survive…if he is the same Elrond I knew?"
"He is," Harry spoke up. "Shortly after their arrival on Middle Earth, as the elves took to calling that continent, the elves made an enemy among one of the dark great powers in that land. I'm sorry to inform you that Elrond's father was killed in the ensuing battles. Elrond the younger was a skilled alchemist and spell weaver. It was through these talents that Lord Elrond devised an elixir and a spell which granted immortality to his race. Those who were initially changed would pass the blueprint in their genes to their offspring. When the elf was physically matured they were given an enchanted necklace, the Evenstar it's called, which activated the dormant genes which allow the elf to stop aging. If the elf wants to become mortal they simply rid themselves of the necklace and the genes go dormant. This practice usually happens when an elf and human fall in love. Elrond could not make the elixir work for humans due to differences in our races," the warlock explained.
"Amazing," Islanzadi whispered while the other lords and ladies in the tree composed hall nodded their agreement at their ruler's assessment of the tale.
"As for your inability to communicate…that would be due to the dark powers I spoke of. These evil entities didn't want reinforcements coming to Middle Earth for their enemies so intercepted your messengers. It was only a few years ago that the great dark powers of Middle Earth were defeated for good by my Master King Aragorn," the mage added.
"And you say this Aragorn took your mind and spirit to his land for eighty years. How did he know of you?" The mature Queen questioned.
"He heard my mental outcry at Brom's imminent death," supplied the wizard.
"Brom's imminent death? What has happened to Brom?" Islanzadi demanded. "I think we had best hear your story. But first what is your name Dragon and yours Rider?"
"Saphira," the dragon answered so that all present could hear her.
"Eragon Shadeslayer and this is Murtagh," the shadow manipulator added, causing another startled ripple went through the surrounding crowd.
"That is a powerful name Rider, one which we do not often bestow upon our children," Islanzadi informed Harry as she eyed Murtagh. The Queen or any of the other elves didn't mention who Murtagh was, trusting Arya's judgment. "This should be an interesting tale."
With that said Harry began telling of his past with help from Saphira. After the veela hybrid had finished his part in the story Arya told of her capture and imprisonment. The slim Princess also told of her rescue by the handsome blonde warrior. After the tale was complete Islanzadi was silent for a moment before looking intently at the dragon's companion.
"My people owe you an even greater debt Eragon Shadeslayer than I at first thought. As a mother I can never repay you for saving my daughter from such a horrible fate. A ring will be commissioned which shall name you as elf friend so that all shall know you as such. Now could you bring out Brom so that he may be healed?" Islanzadi requested of the Rider.
With a gesture of the reality traveler's hand Brom appeared before the Queen while resting in stasis upon the bed which had held the former Rider inside the tent, carried into view by the wormholes Harry could manipulate. Islanzadi nodded at two of the attendants that had just entered the room. The Asuran mage guessed the Queen had summoned the pair of elves with her mind. As the pair of immortals carried Brom away with magic to attend to his wounds Islanzadi turned her attention back to her guests.
"I see now the true depth of my folly. My grief would have ended so much sooner if I had not withdrawn our warriors and ignored Ajihad's messengers after learning that Arya had been ambushed. I should have never blamed the Varden for what I foolishly perceived as my daughter's death. For one so old, I am still far too foolish…" Islanzadi declared before trailing off into silence.
Ajihad was the current leader of the Varden resistance group. Arya had briefed Harry on the workings of the Varden, dwarves, and other matters of import on the journey to Ellesmera.
"Since Arya has returned alive, do you plan to aid the Varden again? I have learned from Durza's memories that the usurper King will begin gathering troops to send against the Varden now that his Urgal host has failed to get the job done. Galbatorix knows the current location of the Varden," the reality traveler announced.
"My quarrel with the Varden is as dust in the wind. Fear not; we will assist them as we once did, and more, because of you and your victory over Durza and the Urgals," Islanzadi answered. "We are accustomed to a slower way of life here in Du Weldenvarden. I fear there is very little time in which to prepare and so much to accomplish, least of which is your training."
"Perhaps I can be of assistance in this regard," Harry began, earning the curious interest of every elf in the hall. "My Master King Aragorn is a master of bending time to his will. This," the Rider explained as he waved his hand and summoned a large cube shaped device from his trunk. "Temporal Dilation Device will speed up time inside of a large volume of space relative to the rest of the universe. I could train for literally years inside the field while months pass outside. Your people could have the time to fully prepare for war that they need while I can complete my full Rider's training. I doubt it will take me years. Not to sound immodest but I am a very quick study."
"Such a thing has never been done before," Islanzadi began as she looked at the Lords and Ladies around her but at their nods she continued. "I think your solution will work well for us Eragon."
Like he did in the tent to adjust the inner dimension's size Harry summoned forth a runic array of glowing energy and began manipulating the time dilation field generator controls manually. A holographic map of the planet Earth appeared in the hall. The genius scientist narrowed the view until the entirety of the elven domain in Du Weldenvarden was highlighted and locked in as the target region. As the shadow wizard finished the cube began to spin brightly as energy began to flow around it. When the hum of its spinning power reached a crescendo the device shot through a skylight in the tree branch ceiling and came to rest several hundred meters above Ellesmera.
"It is done. The device shall project an artificial day and night so that everything will appear normal to us," the warlock announced.
"Well that is enough talk of evil things for one day." As she spoke Islanzadi's face lit up with a wide smile and she stood. "My daughter has returned, a dragon and her Rider have appeared, and I will see us celebrate in the proper fashion!" The Queen clapped her hands and a shower of lilies and roses appeared twenty feet above the floor and drifted down like multicolored flakes of snow. While everyone was distracted by the beautiful shower of flowers Islanzadi touched Arya's shoulder gently and whispered, "You never would have suffered so if you had taken my counsel. I was right to oppose your decision to accept the yawe."
"It was my decision to make," Arya replied to her mother.
After a momentary pause the Queen nodded before summoning the white raven with a call of "Blagden." After the bird flew to a perch on Islanzadi's left shoulder the Queen walked to the end of the hall among bowing nobles and flung open the doors of the entrance. The monarch's declaration of the good news and the feast to ensue, elicited cheers from the crowd of hundreds of elves outside.
"Are you alright Arya?" Harry whispered to his friend as he stepped up beside her while her brethren poured out of the hall.
The empathic mage could sense the turmoil of the Princess' emotions after retelling her story and her mother's censure.
Arya examined the handsome Rider's features for several moments but after detecting only genuine concern for her well being answered, "I will be right with time Eragon. That is all any of us can ask. Now come, let us celebrate. My mother's feasts are always something to look forward to."
Harry, Saphira, and Murtagh followed the exotic Princess out of the hall and towards a small hill where a team of elves had set up chairs and tables enough for all. Fires lit up the forest including a bonfire next to the long head table. The forest was alight with happiness and joy. With a mischievous smile Arya picked up goblets that were just set upon the table and handed one each to Murtagh and Harry. The two brothers looked at each other before shrugging and taking a drink. The fluid burned down the Rider's throat like fire whiskey but instead of tasting like whiskey the concoction generated a sensation like mulled cider and mead blended together on the males' taste buds. Clarity and energy suffused the wizard's limbs and mind.
"Faelnirv," Arya supplied the name at the mage's curious look. "We distill it from crushed elderberries and spun moonbeams. If needs must a strong person can travel for three days on nothing else."
With a wicked grin Harry gestured with his hand and a goblet floated off the table.
"Saphira open up," the dragon's Rider instructed.
The dragon did as asked and allowed Harry to pour the goblet's contents into her mouth.
With widened eyes and a twitching tail Saphira declared, "Now that is a treat! Is there more?"
Arya actually giggled at Saphira's question, her own consumption of the delicious Faelnirv loosening her inhibitions. The elven woman had not found reason for cheer of late but ever since Eragon had rescued her from her horrible fate Arya's life had been looking up. The Princess was intelligent enough to know she owed her increasing happiness to the handsome Rider laughing at the antics of his dragon with his half brother before her. The attractive blonde man wouldn't let the immortal female slip into depressing thoughts for long with the emotional link they seemed to share. Just then Arya's mother drew everyone's attention with a clap of her hands.
A quartet of elves carrying musical instruments came forth from within the city and began a playful song accompanied by the voice of one of the elf maidens. Harry took a seat at the table beside Arya, the Princess at his right and Murtagh at his left. Islanzadi was seated at the head of the table to Arya's right. The Rider noticed what appeared to be a small girl with bleached white hair showing her immense age prowling behind the Queen. The youthful appearing female smiled at the wizard who glimpsed a row of sharp teeth. The perceptive Asuran recognized her for what she was—a werecat. The Rider had met one of her kind once before in the city of Teirm in an odd shop. The witch who accompanied Solembum (the other werecat) had made a prophecy about Harry's life. Such thoughts were abandoned as the veela hybrid reveled in the merriment of those around him.
As the song ceased, scores of elves approached to meet the Rider and his dragon. The Asuran soon could tell that the elves were more interested in speaking to Saphira while plying him with polite questions. Soon Harry grew tired of being a middle man and suggested Saphira take the initiative and talk first to those who approached while the Rider found himself engaged in conversation with the Queen and her daughter.
Islanzadi was curious about the handsome young human Rider. It was quickly obvious to the mother that her daughter shared a special ease with Eragon that Islanzadi had never witnessed Arya partake in with any other being. Arya had always been apart from her peers, choosing to forge her own path. It wasn't easy for the girl Islanzadi would be the first to admit, growing up a Princess. When her daughter took up the Yawe as a courier of Saphira's egg the Queen and mother let her emotions get the best of her. Islanzadi regretted her banishment of Arya for every second it was enforced. If Arya would have approached her in private Islanzadi would have lifted the punishment but both mother and daughter were stubborn. Instead the older elf had kept tabs on her only child. When Islanzadi heard of Arya's interest in Faolin the Queen had disapproved but was forced to hold her tongue lest her observations be revealed to Arya.
For once Islanzadi was glad of the archaic custom that required elves to approach their parents should they choose to mate. A parent's blessing was desired. Until such a blessing was granted the mating could not be consummated. Other lesser passionate acts could be carried out between the two potential mates but no more. Arya's banishment had robbed the Princess of that chance. A plan began to form in the Queen's mind if the way Arya was taking to Eragon proved to hold true in the future. The only whole dragon Rider wasn't bound to any cause as of yet. Islanzadi would see that situation change if she could help it.
The Queen's planning was interrupted as the food arrived. A plethora of delicacies was delivered on trays carried by many elves. There were loaves of warm bread and piles of small round honey cakes. The rest of the dishes were created entirely from fruit, vegetables, and berries. Most of the food contained berries ranging from blueberry soup to raspberry sauce to many types of berry jam. Sliced apples dripping with syrup and sprinkled with wild strawberries looked particularly appetizing to Harry.
Arya had also explained to the jade eyed Rider that by choice elves were vegetarians so he didn't bother commenting on the lack of meat. There were unfertilized eggs to eat.
"This looks absolutely delicious," the wizard told Arya and Islanzadi with a grin.
"I'm glad you find our fare appetizing Eragon," Islanzadi spoke amusedly.
After chewing the food that was in his mouth Harry informed the older elf, "I find your entire culture and race enchanting your highness. I spent quite a bit of time with Elrond and his daughter Arwen. Arwen is married to King Aragorn you see. Their children were absolute bundles of energy. They were all quite powerful and loved to play pranks on everybody. I was fair game."
"Call me Islanzadi Eragon. Do tell me more about my niece, brother-in-law, and Arwen's children please," the regal Monarch urged with a smile, knowing she was going to like the charming young Rider.
It was not out of place for Islanzadi to allow Harry to call her by her first name because his rank was equal to her own. The veela hybrid was soon to find out that he was the head of the Riders and their ancient order. Arya paid rapt attention to tales of the long lost family she hadn't been aware she had. Both mother and daughter actually laughed at some of the stories the draconian sorcerer told of Aragorn's children. They were surprised to learn that Aragorn had two wives but didn't pass judgment on such an arrangement.
"They sound delightful. I so wish I could meet them," Islanzadi mused while Arya nodded her agreement.
"You might get your wish one day but until then perhaps I can at least show you what they look like," the Asuran mage suggested.
With a wave of the warlock's hand a photo album appeared on the table at the corner between Arya and her mother. With a flick of the reality traveler's finger the first page opened to reveal many pictures of Aragorn, and his family; including Elrond. The images were moving wizard photos that delighted the two elven females to no end.
"This album is for you two to keep. Aragorn had it made just before my training came to an end," Harry informed the pair.
Before Islanzadi could give any reply Blagden jumped off the Queen's shoulder and strutted down the middle of the table. Stopping before Saphira the raven croaked, "Dragons, like wagons, have tongues. Dragons, like flagons, have necks. But while two hold beer, the other eats deer!"
The elves at the table froze in fear to await Saphira's response. Harry had to suppress a snicker at the scene. After a few moments Saphira looked up from her pie and blew a puff of smoke that swallowed the bird.
"And little birds too," Saphira declared so that all could hear.
The elves broke into laughter as Blagden staggered away while cawing indignantly.
"I must apologize for Blagden's wretched verses," spoke up the Queen. "He has ever had a saucy tongue, despite our attempts to tame it."
"Apology accepted," Saphira answered before returning to her food.
"How was such a creature found or created," the Rider inquired while scanning the white raven with both Alice's sensors and the contacts in his eyes to visually see the spell auras on the bird.
"Blagden once saved my father's life," Arya began. "Evandar was fighting an Urgal when he stumbled and lost his sword. Before the Urgal could strike, a raven flew at the beast and pecked his eyes out. No one knows why the bird assisted in this situation but the distraction allowed Evandar to regain his balance and win the battle. My father was always generous, so he thanked the raven by blessing it with spells for long life and intelligence. However, the magic had two effects my father did not foresee: Blagden lost all color in his feathers and he gained the ability to predict certain events."
"An interesting creature indeed," Harry mused as he scanned the bird which possessed something akin to the wizard's own second sight.
"Indeed," Arya agreed with a nod before the conversation turned to other matters.
After the meal concluded the Queen stood with everyone hastening to follow.
"It is late and I am tired. Accompany me Saphira and Eragon and I will show you where you may sleep tonight," Islanzadi spoke while gesturing for her daughter to follow as well.
As Harry stepped around the table to follow the two beautiful elves he paused before the werecat.
"I met one of your kin in Teirm. He went by the name Solembum," The shadow sorcerer informed the small being.
"Aye…a good one he is. Humans bore me, but he finds it amusing to travel with the witch Angela." The grinning werecat then peered intently at Harry. "You do not seem as boring as most humans Rider. I sense you will prove very interesting in the days to come." The mysterious creature's gaze flickered to Saphira whereupon she uttered a half growl and half purr.
"What is your name?"The dragon inquired of the smaller magical creature.
"Names be powerful things in the heart of Du Weldenvarden, dragon, yes they are. However…among the elves, I am known as The Watcher and as Quickpaw and as The Dream Dancer, but you may know me as Maud. You better catch up with the Queen, younglings; she does not take lightly to fools or laggards." With the conversation ended the dragon and her blonde Rider departed from the werecat's company.
Thanks for reading. Now please review.
