Thank you to all the people who reviewed. And thanks to the person who picked up a spelling error. To clear a few things up, I actually about making Galbotorix put up wards while he was fighting Eragon my only excuse is that Galbotorix was over confident. This chapter is a bit long...
Disclaimer; Christopher Paolini owns all the characters, etc…
Chapter Nine
"Certainly." Jormundur replied and moved over to a conversation taking place between a few other soldiers.
Nasuada eyed Eragon curiously.
"Nasuada, I request to visit Du Weldenvarden. The elves are preparing great celebrations and I am eager to return."
"Eragon," Nasuada said, "You are a free Rider; a free man. You need not ask me permission any more."
"But you are still my liege lady and I am required to ask."
"Listen, Eragon. Much was required of you in this war. And until things have come back to normal. Meaning when all the celebrations are over we shall part ways. However if you wish to relinquish-"
"No, I shall wait." Eragon said.
"Loyal and noble as ever." Nasuada said with a smile.
Eragon grinned and turned to go.
"Eragon, before you go might I have a word with you?"
"Of course." Eragon answered and turned around to face her.
"I know this is none of my business only I do care for you and feel I should ask you. What is your…relationship with Arya?"
Eragon groaned inwardly.
"We are nothing more than friends." Eragon answered simply.
Only this is any but simple.
Thought Eragon to himself.
"That is all I wanted to know, enjoy the festivities, Eragon. You and Saphira deserve it. And feel free to leave any time you please I shall contact you if something urgent arises. I shall be leaving for Surda tomorrow for King Orrin and I have much to discuss."
"I wish you luck on your journey."
"Thank you, now I think Saphira has been waiting for you."
Eragon exchanged a few more plesantries before leaving. He found Saphira telling their glorious battle with Galbotorix to a few dwarves among the dwarves was Roran.
"Roran!" Eragon cried out and rushed to greet his cousin.
"Eragon! Mighty Eragon saves Alagaesia. I never doubted you for a second."
"That makes one of us," Eragon said, "Where is Katrina?"
"In the tent. It is risky for me to be out here for she looks ready to burst any minute." Roran sounded worried.
"Don't fret, cousin. You look worse than you looked when you were facing the Urgals." Eragon joked.
"Fatherhood is not something I'm well prepared for, Eragon."
Roran sounded anxious as he confessed this fear.
"I am sure that you and Katrina will make excellent parents. Katrina understands, maybe you should talk to her about how you feel."
"Perhaps you're right. On this topic, how fares your progress with Arya?" Roran wanted to know.
Eragon laughed though it was forced, he hoped Roran wouldn't notice.
"What progress? I told you before and I shall say it again Arya and I are just friends."
"Come on, Eragon."
Eragon felt Roran pushing him to walk with him.
"Where are we going to?"
Roran ignored his question.
"I know you, Eragon. I know what makes your heart beat and that is Arya."
"So what if it is? She denies me and I don't want to make a nuasance of myself. She's been through enough."
"Oh, I know what this is about. You like that other elf, don't you?"
Eragon kept his gaze forward as he walked and avoided Roran's eyes.
"I knew it! Your silence says everything. Look, Eragon I just want you to be happy and if this other elf makes you happy then go for it."
Eragon stopped walking and turned to look at Roran.
"I appreciate your concern, cousin. I have made a decision."
Eragon greeted Roran before departing to his tent. He had wanted to join in on the festivities but all the distractions and interruptions had made him tired. Eragon tried to communicate with Saphira but she was too enthused about telling her tale to focus into what he was saying. Eragon fell asleep as soon as his head hit his bed pillow.
Eragon…Awake. You have slept for far too long.
Saphira's voice echoed in Eragon's head causing him to awake.
Saphira?
Eragon asked, sleepily.
Who else?
Eragon rubbed his eyes and sat up in his bed. Saphira was not in his tent.
Where are you?
Eragon asked.
Outside. The elves have travelled fast and are already in Du Weldenvarden. They suggested we travel today so as we can join in their festivities as soon as possible.
Saphira explained.
Eragon changed his clothes and met Saphira outside his tent. The sun shone brightly in the sky which only contained a few clouds.
Today is a beautiful day. The right temperature for us; ideal for flying.
Saphira did not answer. Eragon something was wrong.
Saphira, what is wrong?
Eragon asked and noticed the great sapphire dragon would not look at him.
Eragon, remember that time when you said we would share everything?
Aye.
Well, why haven't you told me how strongly you feel about this elf? You do realize how closely we are bonded, don't you. I have discussed this with you before but it appears you may have forgotten. I am influenced by whom you like and dislike, whom you love and whom you hate.
Saphira, I'm so sorry. Truly sorry.
Eragon stroked her scaly neck until she met his gaze.
Apology accepted. On our trip will you tell me how you truly feel?
Of course.
As he said this he could feel Saphira's mood lighten.
Shall we be off then? Arya and Beroan left with the other elves as you know Queen Islanzadi wanted Arya to travel with them. Nasuada has left already.
Eragon packed a fresh supply of fruit and climbed onto Saphira. The feeling of freedom flowed through both Eragon and Saphira as they embraced the clear blue sky.
This is what freedom is supposed to feel like.
Eragon said and he meant every word. He had never felt more peaceful than he felt at that moment. Eragon and Saphira travelled for three days until they reached Du Weldenvarden. Once again Eragon and Saphira found themselves surrounded in a green paradise. They felt closer to nature as the entire forest felt alive with energy.
This feels like home.
Eragon said, Saphira agreed.
Shall we make our big entrance?
Saphira didn't wait for an answer and as soon as they passed Gilderon The Wise they flew higher until they landed in the centre of Ellesmera. All around elves applauded and even bowed. Many of them blessed Eragon and praised Saphira even more as they passed.
Are we supposed to see the Queen first or can we go straight to our quarters?
Eragon asked, slightly annoyed at the thought of seeing the Queen as he was exhausted from travelling. He could feel Saphira's fatigue as well.
I suppose it is only appropriate that we address Queen Islanzadi first.
Saphira said.
Where is Beroan, though? We still have a promise to uphold.
We always have a promise to uphold.
Saphira complained.
When are you going to learn to-
An elf came running up to Eragon and Saphira.
"Eragon-elda," the elf said, then bowed to both of them, "Saphira Brightscales. The Queen requests an audience with you both in Tialdari Hall."
Well our freedom didn't last long.
Eragon said to Saphira as they followed the elf in the direction of Tialdari Hall.
Come now, once her speech is done the feast will begin. I have been feeling for faelnirv for a long time.
Saphira!
Eragon chuckled so hard his stomach hurt. He hid his grin as soon as they entered Tialdari Hall where the Queen and various elves were seated. All was quiet when Eragon and Saphira entered. Eragon felt his face heat up due to all the attention.
Oh…I forgot about this part.
Just be calm. Bow, wait for her to instruct you before doing any else.
Eragon exhaled and tried to remain calm as he bowed before Queen Islanzadi.
"Rise." she said.
Eragon rose and saw that the Queen was wearing a crimson flowing garment with beads woven together with golden embroidery. She had a crown which consisted of flowers and plants.
"You have done a great honour for our land. Eragon Shadeslayer please take a seat at my right side. And Saphira Brightscales you may find a suitable place for yourself where ever you wish to seat yourself."
Eragon, relieved that the spotlight was off him, at least for the time being, sat himself on the right chair next to Queen Islanzadi. On his left was Arya who had also donned a dress for this occasion. All was still when a red haired elf rose. She stood in the centre of the room and started to sing. Her melody was long but nobody's attention drifted from her even for a second. She sang of Eragon and Saphira and their final battle and Galbotorix dying. At the end the room rang with applause. A few other elves sang songs in honour of Eragon and Saphira and others even offered gifts. Even though the songs were pleasing to the ear Eragon grew bored.
I am travel-worn and I wish to rest yet they still continue.
Eragon said to Saphira.
I think they honour us with a very noble gesture. We should be grateful they have gone to such trouble.
Saphira chided.
You're just thinking about the faelnirv, aren't you?
Eragon hid his smile as he said this. He nearly jumped with fright when the Queen silenced the room once more.
"Enough," she said, "The feast shall now, begin."
Queen Islanzadi with a few movements of her hands summoned two tables which were packed with food. They contained the usual food elves ate; fruits, nuts and some bread. The faelnirv was at the end of the table and at the Queen's table. Eragon saw Saphira conversing with Beroan thus he got up and went to the tables. Eragon doubted the fruit and nuts would fill his hunger but he still helped himself and filled his plate. He was about to search for Megiltura when she appeared from behind.
"I was wondering when you'd get here." she said, smiling.
There was something about her smile that made Eragon's heart beat irregularly.
"We just got back today." Eragon said, unsure of what else to say.
"I see the Queen's daughter only has eyes for you."
Eragon dropped the apple he was about to place on his plate. He bent down to retrieve it but Megiltura got to it first.
"It was merely a jest," she said, handing Eragon the apple.
"What? You don't eat?" Eragon asked, looking at her.
"Not hungry. Besides when you eat as little as I do you get used to going without food."
"What have you been doing all this time?" Eragon wanted to know.
"The Queen has big plans to rebuild our old city Ilirea. Uru'baen is to be taken down. I shall be second in command; Blodhgarm is first obviously."
Megiltura explained.
"Be careful-" Eragon started to warn.
"Our biggest foe is defeated, Eragon. There is none left to fear."
"No, I meant about Blodhgarm. He has a scent most females find irresistible."
Megiltura laughed.
"I'm serious. Saphira told me."
Eragon found a seat near the food table and sat down opposite Megiltura.
"How fares Saphira?" she asked.
"Well enough. Only she longs to have a mate and-"
An elf came rushing towards them.
"Sorry to interrupt, Argetlam. Megiltura, Blodhgarm requests your appearance immediately in his quarters." the elf said and rushed off.
Eragon gave Megiltura a warning look.
"Relax, Eragon. I have fully protected myself from the influence of others." she said before leaving.
Eragon noticed Arya was sitting alone with her mother at the high table so he decided to go there.
"I must congratulate you on defeating Galbotorix. You and Saphira. Both your names with go down in history." Arya said turning in her seat to face him.
"We could not have been successful had you and Beroan not been there." Eragon said.
"I still do not how we are going to find his true Rider." Eragon continued, staring at Beroan who was still conversing with Saphira.
"He has agreed to stay here in Ellesmera for the time being. This place, feels like home to him." Arya said.
"Good. At least that gives us more time. What will you do now?"
Even as Eragon asked the question he felt it had been a mistake; obviously Arya would remain in Ellesmera with her own kind.
"What do you mean?" she asked, bemused.
"Forget I asked. I only wondered whether you would stay here, in Ellesmera now that your duty has been fulfilled to the Varden." Eragon explained, choosing his words wisely.
"Yes, I do not see what else there is to do. What are your and Saphira's plans?"
"We haven't discussed it yet and well…it's quite complicated."
"How so?"
Arya asked, interested.
"Well, Saphira longs for a mate and there are none she finds suitable at the time. Also Saphira and I agreed that once the war was over and if we survived we were going to travel outside of Alagaesia."
"That could be quite dangerous if you do not know where you're going to begin with. You may never find you way back."
"True, but I do not see what holds Saphira and I here in Alagaesia."
"Family. Friends."
"They have their own lives."
The Queen's voice boomed through the room.
"The feast has ended. Tomorrow we shall have an informal gathering outside. Poems shall be recited under the Menoa tree."
Although Eragon was enjoying his conversation with Arya he was glad the Queen had ended the festivity for he was tired. The Queen led Eragon and Saphira to their quarters although they knew where it was. Eragon thought the Queen only did this out of politeness. That night once everyone had left and Eragon had the quarters alone to himself he laid down on the soft bed.
You seemed to have gotten very well acquainted with Beroan.
Eragon pointed out.
He is a very fascinating, dragon.
I'm sure he is. What were you two talking about for so long? Sounds like he had a lot to say.
He did. He told me about his past. Well, what he can remember about his past.
How is it he doesn't remember.
He doesn't know. I agree with him that the Empire had a hand in blocking out the memories he had of his true Rider.
What puzzles me the most, Eragon is that Beroan's true Rider lives. He can feel that but yet his Rider has not come to claim him. Think about it, everyone; the elves, dwarves and Varden and even the Empire's soldiers knew about Beroan. It makes me wonder…
Those were the last words Eragon heard Saphira say before he drifted off into a deep, serene sleep.
Can't believe we're halfway through the story already. So I wanted your opinion on who you think Eragon should end up with. So don't forget about reviewing.
