I don't think this will be a weekly story at this point in time but hopefully I can make it right again in the future. Sorry if the quality isn't as good anymore but I'm a little rusty. Sorry again for keeping you waiting! Thanks to those who stuck by me and waited! A slightly longer chapter this time, I hope you enjoy it!

Orik stared at Eragon for a long time while Eragon mingled among the guests. Eragon noticed the gaze and paid no heed to it as he continued with his conversations, but when he walked closer towards Orik, Orik moved away. 'He is avoiding me... I have angered him' Eragon thought to himself 'He must learn to deal with his anger in another way than what he had intended'. He sighed, finding Kuldr talking to Aninya. He walked over to them "Are you enjoying the feast Kuldr?" Eragon asked

"Aye Eragon... there's delicious food, good wine and excellent company with friends of both old and new!" Kuldr exclaimed "What's there not to enjoy?"

"A very good question indeed my friend, so many excellent things that it's easy to lose oneself in the fun of the night" Eragon replied "Even Saphira seems to be enjoying herself, and let's not forget Blodhgarm!" he said, pointing to Saphira who was entertaining Ismira with her wings and then to Blodhgarm sat in a group of elves containing Arya and Lifaen, laughing and joking with the greatest of ease!"

"Aye, as a child he was playful but the war against Galbatorix hardened him, he was fighting against the forsworn when his love died at the hand of Morzan, and Morzan hurt so many people in so many different ways... But it's nice to see him coming out of his thoughts again, I think that building has helped take his mind away from the pain a slight amount, but enough that he has begun to regain some of his previous stature" Kuldr said, taking a swig from his drink

"Then what about you Kuldr? How much have you changed since the war?" Eragon asked him, since he had met him, Kuldr had been relatively tight-lipped about his past, with some stories and tales here and there but mainly he kept his past and his feelings to himself

"To tell you the truth Eragon, I have changed enough that I'm beginning to feel whole again, it has been a long time since I've had this feeling and I've been running from my pain since her death, I had not the courage to face Galbatorix after her death and that is a regret I hold even now but I have managed to overcome enough grief to begin anew, the past is something that cannot be forgotten but every day is a new day, and a new start is always an option even though it may not seem clear at that point in time" Kuldr answered "And that answers your question, and I threw in some good advice with it!" He added, chuckling slightly. Eragon got up and walked away, leaving Kuldr talking to Aninya and now he was joined by Blodhgarm and Saphia, merrily chatting and drinking their night away as Eragon continued conversing with the guests, the mundane tasks of a host lasted throughout the night, meeting with friends, chatting to colleagues and overall making sure that everybody was happy until finally, when the time to finish came, he bid the guests a fond farewell for the night, promising to meet them in the morning. Then he let his colleagues leave and finally, he walked out for sleep.

Eragon awoke early next morning; a headache clouding his thoughts, as he got dressed he slowly used his magic to cure him of his hangover. He could feel Saphira sound asleep and wisely chose not to wake her. Eragon left his room and went to the main hall, he was in the mood for breakfast and his grumbling stomach agreed. As Eragon stepped into the hall, he saw Nasuada eating with Orik, plucking up his courage he moved over and sat down with his own food by them.

"Morning Nasuada, Orik" Eragon called, a bright smile on his face "Did you enjoy the feast?"

"Aye Eragon, the food was simply delicious, the conversations were pleasant and the night was spectacular!" Nasuada replied "How have you been these past couple of years?"

"I have been well, spending my time in good company and all of us with the same work and same future... It has been calming Nasuada" Eragon said "I have come to realise the importance that this work would need from my life, I have come to understand that I can never return to Alagaesia and finally the importance of family which I am sure you would agree with"

"Aye Eragon, my people value family above all else and that is something I cannot deny!" Nasuada told him "To no matter what ends, family should come first!"

Orik sighed "Eragon, I may hate your brother for what he has done, I may be your King and I may be your friend and you are mine own brother... I can never forgive Murtagh for what he has done and I know I never will"

"Orik, I am not asking for you to forgive him, I am asking for you to understand his reasons..." Eragon said "I understand your pain... I have had my father, mother and foster father taken from me just as you have... Understand, as mine own brother why he had to do so, why he was not in his own will..."

"I... I shall try but I wouldn't raise your hopes, it would do me wrong to shatter them" Orik replied

"Then please try not to..." Eragon said, finishing his last bite before standing "I shall be duelling with Cuaroc in the night... please try to attend and feel free to visit any of the lessons you wish during the day... Now I must attend to some duties" Eragon added before leaving.

Thanks to Arucane for the idea! I appreciate it and we'll see later the duel between Cuaroc and Eragon! Orik seems to be in a dilemma... I wonder what will happen... By the way, for those of you 'outraged' at the idea of presenting the eggs... do not be alarmed... There will however be one egg that shall hatch and none other... I wonder who? I actually haven't decided yet...

Again, as always REVIEW, FOLLOW AND FAVORITE!

P.S. Feel free to message me with ideas, hints, tips etc! I apologise for the delay and hope you all forgive me!

Animesh