Hey everyone. Sorry it took me so long to update, I've made this chapter extra long to make up for it. Thanks again to everyone who reviewed, I appreciate all your feedback, it really helps. Now enough of my rambling, and on with the chapter. Happy reading.
The celebrations had taken off quickly and was soon in full swing with many elves eating and drinking happily while plenty more graced the dance floor elegantly. The sight was stunning with all the finest silks of the brightest colours in all of Alagaesia flowing through each other creating what seemed like a never ending rainbow. The queen sat at the head of her table looking out at all the elves before her with pride.
Searching through the crowds she saw the four dragons companionably sitting along one of the walls seemingly deep in conversation. They looked as if they were discussing something of great hilarity with the look of amusement in each of their eyes and Islanzadi followed their gaze to where Eragon and Arya were sitting closely, laughing and chatting cheerfully.
She sighed and twirled a loose dark curl around one of her fingers absentmindedly. She had told Arya on countless occasions not to distract herself with such things as love, especially in dangerous times such as these, but being as strong willed and headstrong as she is, Islanzadi didn't expect her daughter to follow her advice. What she didn't expect was her falling for a human. There were so many handsome and eligible elves all through Du Weldenvarden that she could have her pick from, and yet, she chose Eragon.
Shaking her head in confusion she turned back toward the crowd where she saw Murtagh eyeing the food on one of the large tables. He looked as if he were bewildered by something, but ate what was before him eagerly enough.
Islanzadi suddenly started when she heard footsteps slowly coming up beside her and turned to see Zyana cheerfully looking at her. The queen smiled at her youngest daughter and bade her sit in the large chair beside her which Zyana quickly took, not needing any further encouragement.
"Ah Zyana," The queen said to her daughter happily. "How good it feels to finally have you beside me again after all these long years. How are you enjoying the evening?"
Zyana smiled widely. "You really should not have gone to this much trouble for us, although tonight is amazing."
"It is no trouble at all," Islanzadi laughed. "In fact, I feel as if this is less than enough for all you have done for us."
Zyana shook her head, dismissing her mother's protests, but before she could open her mouth to argue, the queen raised her hand, stopping her before she began. "Which is why," she continued, "I got you something."
Zyana looked at Islanzadi with speculation. "You got me something? But, why?"
The queen smiled. "I think it will aid you in this war, and may even save your life should it come to that. But I also have something for Arya and I would like to present them at the same time." The young elf stared at her mother curiously, then allowed her eyes to search the room for her sister.
She was not hard to spot, with her emerald gown that stood out from the rest of the elves. Her arm was linked with Eragon's as he was leading her away from the dance floor. She looked up and Islanzadi raised a hand catching her attention and bade her come over to them. Arya nodded and said something to Eragon who looked sorely disappointed as she took back her hand and began to walk over to the large table.
"Mother," she said with a small smile as she approached them. Islanzadi bade to the seat next to her and motioned for her to take a seat. "Arya, I was just telling Zyana that I have a gift for you both. I trust that you will use it wisely and in times of utmost urgency." Arya nodded and eyed her mother with curiosity, just as Zyana had done.
Islanzadi reached into a small pocket in her gown and pulled out two small boxes, both carefully wrapped in golden leaves that shimmered when the light touched them. She examined them closely for a moment then handed them to her daughters who exchanged glances before opening them with eagerness.
Arya smiled widely when she saw a beautiful golden ring laying in the bottom of the box. She pulled it out excitedly and began to examine it closely. The band was studded with several small diamonds that glittered stunningly in the sunlight, and when turned to the right angle, changed colour to a light moss green. Smaller, more delicate looking diamonds, formed the shape of a silver rose which held a large, dazzling emerald in its centre. Stunned by the rings beauty, Arya placed it on one of her long, delicate fingers and felt a surge of energy run through her. Bewildered, she turned to Zyana who was admiring a beautiful silver necklace. Taking a closer look, she admired the absolute perfection of her mother's gifts. The thin chain shone brightly in the dim light of the hall and was striking in itself alone, but in the centre of the chain was a large heart shaped amethyst with small sapphires studded around the outside delicately. Zyana beheld a huge smile as she admired her gift, then turned to her mother.
"It's beautiful," she murmured. "I have never seen anything so wonderful, even in the kings palace. Thank you." Queen Islanzadi beamed, her dark eyes moving between her daughters.
"Do not thank me, for they are more than just gifts. I have had these stones since the days of your birth and have been placing any of my spare energy into them every day since. On occasion some of the noble elves who knew of the gems would place some of their own energy into them for you to use should you need it. They saw it as a small contribution to the war. Keep them on your person at all times, for you never know when you may need it."
Both Arya and Zyana nodded in understanding. "Indeed," Arya said as she twirled the ring around her finger. "There is enough energy contained in this ring to defeat a small army."
Her mother nodded. "Yes, but it is still not enough to defeat an old tyrant. I will continue to put any unused energy into the stones, and expect you both to as well every chance you get. These stones will save your lives and give you the power to finally rid Alagaesia of Galbatorix and his followers."
"Of course," Zyana said as she admired the chain around her neck. "Thank you again mother."
Islanzadi waved her hand at Zyana, dismissing her thankfulness, a small wry smile appearing on her lips.
"You can thank me by enjoying the rest of the night. There will not be too many more enjoyable evenings within the foreseeable future with all your training, so go and celebrate while you can."
Arya and Zyana both stood smiling. They embraced their mother and disappeared into the ocean of elves who all wished to give them their gratitude and never ending support. After responding to all of them in the appropriate fashion, Arya politely dismissed herself and went off to find Eragon and Ilian, leaving Zyana to her own defences.
Zyana looked around the large room for Ohrana and soon found her gliding through the air gracefully, twisting and turning creating invisible loops and spirals. Deciding to leave her to herself, she went in search of Murtagh.
She began to walk in the direction of the large food table where she had seen him not long before when Nyzala stopped her. "How are you enjoying the evening?" she asked, her smile lighting up her face.
"It is absolutely amazing Nyzala." Zyana replied. "I haven't eaten such a feast in a very long time and seeing all these faces again just reminds me of how much I have missed all this. I still feel as if I'm in a dream though, and am just waiting to wake up any second now to begin my daily duties again."
The older elf laughed. "Indeed. Let us all hope that this isn't just a dream then, and that it is actually a reality. It would be a sore joke if it were not so."
Zyana nodded in agreement. "That it would be. I would be in a sorry state if it were."
Smiling, Nyzala caught sight of the silver necklace around Zyana's neck and reached out to touch it. "Ah, I see your mother has given you the necklace she has been keeping for you." she said as she held the jewels in her hand. "She has put so much of her energy into it that at times I had wondered how she could bring herself to rule the kingdom while in such a deprived state."
Zyana's eyes widened. "She told me she only put her spare energy into it, she didn't say she was depriving herself in the process."
"She didn't see it as deprivation on her part, she only saw the good it was going towards."
Zyana took the stone from Nyzala and examined it once again. She could feel the energy pulsing through the stones with a great force and tightened her grip around it protectively.
"Don't dwell on this, child. Your mother knew exactly what she was doing." Nyzala smiled warmly. "Now, was I keeping you from something? You seemed to be walking with a purpose in mind when I stopped you."
Zyana shook her head. "Not at all. I was just going to find Murtagh and see how he is enjoying the evening himself."
The older elf's eyes sparkled mischievously. "Ah, the red rider. He is quite the surprise isn't he?"
"What do you mean?" Zyana asked, suddenly curious.
"Well, he was the kings right hand man for many months Zyana. He has fought against us countless times, all the while he has been looking for even the smallest loophole he could utilise in order to escape his clutches. His is an epic tale, one that will get passed down from generation to generation in all races known. The only thing that is missing in his story is romance."
"Indeed?" Zyana said as she raised an eyebrow. "And what if there is already a romance? There may be a beautiful maid awaiting his return to the empire already, patiently watching the horizon for a red speck in the distance to slowly take the form of a dragon and sweep her away on his back and to the Varden where they will live together happily for the rest of their lives."
Nyzala smiled. "Well, if there were I don't suppose it would bother you at all?"
"Not at all, why should it?"
Nyzala's eyes sparkled with amusement. "No reason. Well, I really would love to stay and converse some more, but unfortunately I have been neglecting some duties that I must fulfil before the night is over."
Zyana nodded regretfully. "Indeed. Please enjoy the rest of the evening."
"I will, no doubt," The older elf said. "For just as long as you are." The two elves embraced quickly and as they as they pulled apart, Nyzala whispered, "Murtagh is over by the large table. Go and have some fun."
Zyana turned around and saw the red rider swaying slightly as he tried to stand straight. After a few seconds, he went to lean on the edge of the table to steady himself but missed and fell to the floor. Zyana chuckled quietly to herself. "Thanks Nyzala. I had better go and stop him from injuring himself too much before tomorrow." Smiling at her old guardian once again she strode off into the crowd towards Murtagh who was now laughing uncontrollably as he tried to pick himself up off the ground. After falling a few more times, Zyana grabbed his arm and hauled him into a seat while attempting to keep him steady.
"Oh Murtagh, it seems you have found the mead quite early doesn't it?" She said smiling.
"No," He mumbled clumsily. "I was just drinking a little water is all I swear. I saw no mead."
Zyana shook her head. "Sorry Murtagh, but that wasn't water. How do you feel?"
"I am on top of the world! Like when I fly with dragon my Thorn. You need to meet him, he is a great lizard."
"I don't think he will appreciate being called that Murtagh," Zyana laughed heavily. "And I have met him, remember? We have been all over Alagaesia together."
"Ah, yeah. I think so. Well, you would like him, and Ohrana will too. She is a really great dragon with all her tricks she can do with the elements. Ilian is jealous of her I'm led to believe."
Zyana's smile of amusement kept growing by the second. "All four of them are fantastic dragons, and they all bring something unique to the Varden, which gives us a great chance of defeating the king."
At the mention of the old tyrant, Murtagh's face twisted into a pained scowl. "That old man!" he yelled almost a little too loudly. "He can't even call himself a rider, everyone knows that Shruikan doesn't even belong to him, and that his rightful owner is long dead."
Zyana chuckled. "Indeed, I have always felt sorry for that dragon, he must live a sorry life."
"Pfft," Murtagh objected as he leaned to the side, almost falling off his chair before Zyana steadied him again. "He is just as bad as the old man. He controls the tyrant like his puppet. And he wasn't nice to me either."
Zyana laughed at his dishevelled expression and shook her head. "So how much water have you had exactly?"
"Not very." He mumbled as he lost his balance and swayed to the side again, this time leaning his head on Zyana's shoulder. "I am fine. Lets dance some."
"I don't think you are even properly capable of standing, let alone dancing Murtagh." The half elf smiled. "You're having enough trouble sitting still without falling off the chair."
"Well if it stopped moving I would be able to." He said laughing slightly.
Zyana chucked and put her arm around his shoulders. "It's not the chair, sorry Murtagh. Anyway, I think it might be time you retired for the evening. It has been a long few weeks and we do begin our training tomorrow."
"Training matters doesn't. I'm not sleepy yet."
"Well, unfortunately, I'm not giving you a choice. You need to rest this off." Zyana said as she searched the room for Thorn. Within seconds she found the large red dragon standing beside the large oaken doors they had entered and poked his mind with her own.
Thorn, she began. I think Murtagh may need to call it a night.
The great dragon looked over to her and gave her a questioning look. Is there something wrong?
Well, that depends on how you look at it. He has had quite a bit to drink, and it would probably be best if he sleep this off if there is any chance of him being in any correct mindset for tomorrows training.
Thorn nodded and came toward them. As Murtagh laid eyes on his dragon, he reached out to try and touch him, but crashed to the floor instead. The dragon's eyes glazed over in amusement as he watched Murtagh roll around the floor in hysterics as he tried to regain his balance.
"See Zyana," He said in between laughing fits. "This is the one I was talking about. Thorn. He is my great lizard that I like to fly with. You would like him."
Zyana chuckled as she saw Thorns expression change from enjoyment to mock irritation. For the last time Murtagh, do not call me lizard. I am a great dragon, not a poor excuse for a reptile.
"No matter what you decide to call it, you will always be a large lizard to me." Murtagh smiled as he extended an arm to lay a hand on his talon.
Thorn shook his head. Thank you for taking care of him Zyana. I think it might be a good idea if I take him back to the keep now.
Zyana nodded. Yes, I was thinking of retiring anyway. Let us hope he will not be too bad by the time morning arrives.
I agree, but it seems we can only wait and see. Thorn said smiling as he turned to his rider who was still lying on the ground. Come now Murtagh, I believe you have caused enough trouble for one evening.
"I don't want to go yet Thorn, I want to stay here with Zyana." he protested.
No Murtagh, we are all retiring now. Let's go before you make more of a fool of yourself then you have already. Thorn persisted.
"But I'm not making a fool of myself Thorn. It's the ground, if it stopped moving I would be fine." Murtagh muttered as he attempted to hoist himself up again. Zyana chuckled at his faltering effort and grabbed hold of his hand to help him up. She blushed quickly at the strange tingling feeling that ran up her arm at the contact and dropped his hand immediately the second he could stand.
"See Thorn, I'm fine. I want to stay a little longer."
The large dragon shook his head. No, I'm sorry Murtagh. We are going now. You do not wish to embarrass yourself further.
Murtagh wrapped his arms tightly around Zyana's waist and pulled her closer to him in defiance. "I am not embarrassing myself. I'm just staying with Zyana."
Thorn shook his head as a small cloud of smoke escaped his nostrils. Murtagh, you can either make this easy for the both of us, or I will drag you away kicking and screaming. The choice is yours, but either way we are leaving now.
Murtagh glared at his dragon who smiled back. "You wouldn't dare Thorn. I am in no state to fight right now."
So you are admitting to me that you may have had a little too much to drink then? Thorn chuckled. The option still stands however. What is your choice?
Murtagh glared at the dragon in response and Thorns eyes glittered with amusement. Very well then Murtagh, you leave me no choice.
The large red dragon immediately took to the air grabbing his riders collar in his talons. As Murtagh was slowly lifted off the ground, his grip tightened around Zyana's waist pulling her with him. She let out a surprised squeak and yelled out at Murtagh to let her go before they were too high off the ground, but the other rider refused to listen.
Thorn! Put me down! She shrieked. The dragon looked down and rolled his eyes then growled quietly, but kept his altitude. The elves below them looked up in wonder at the sight above them and the whole hall fell into a dumbfounded silence.
A few short seconds later, a small blur of purple sped passed them. Zyana looked around in confusion and saw Ohrana not far below glaring up at Murtagh.
Murtagh, I strongly suggest you release my rider immediately. She said moodily. Or you shall have to deal with my wrath.
"You have no wrath to worry me with Ohrana." Murtagh spluttered. Zyana glanced at her dragon who seemed to be in conversation with Thorn, still glaring at Murtagh furiously.
The pair both nodded quickly and Ohrana quickly disappeared over head. Thorn suddenly turned in mid air and began to quickly plummet to the ground, his nose aimed at one of the large tables. Both Zyana and Murtagh screamed loudly in fright and the large dragon stopped quickly. Exasperated gasps erupted from the crowd below them as the elves stared in wonder. Thorn rolled over onto his back and threw the pair high into the air, their terrified yells echoing through the hall.
Murtagh's grip around Zyana's waist immediately loosened and they began to float their separate ways, Thorn catching his rider quickly in his talons once again.
Zyana screamed as she felt herself plummeting to the ground quickly, but her fall was broken seconds later by Ohrana who had flown beneath her.
She landed awkwardly on her back and clumsily tried to adjust herself in mid air, making the dragon beneath her lose balance. Ohrana's eyes widened worriedly as she began to fall to the ground rapidly and stopped herself at the last minute by creating a small whirlwind that pushed her back into the air. Sighing in relief, she glided around the room with Zyana on her back who was breathing heavily.
Thorn and Murtagh were watching them from the ground, the dragon's grip around his rider still tight. The elves below them began cheering as the pair began to descend and crowded around them when they had fully landed.
"What a fantastic show!" "That was fabulous." "Absolutely amazing." The elves cried in awe. Zyana smiled slightly shaken and climbed off Ohrana slowly. Finding her feet she looked over to Thorn who nodded at her smiling before grabbing hold of his rider and flying out of the room gracefully.
Ohrana, who was enjoying the attention she was receiving failed to notice her mentor's quick escape. After quite a few minutes of smiling and nodding to the elves, Zyana politely excused herself saying it was probably best she retire for the evening.
The crowd nodded and began to disperse themselves, also tired from the day's excitement. Zyana bade her mother, Arya and Eragon goodnight before she made her way to her chamber, Ohrana following close behind.
When they exited the hall and the heavy doors closed behind them, Ohrana caught up to her rider and began walking by her side.
Well, that wasn't really how I pictured our first flight together, but I guess I can't complain, considering. Zyana said to her dragon. Ohrana snorted. I wish we could have flown properly for the first time though, instead of me catching you in mid air. I blame Murtagh for that.
Zyana chuckled. He was a little drunk, I don't blame him.
You may not, but I do. You could have been hurt.
But I wasn't, thanks to your fast thinking. Ohrana hummed at the compliment and spread her wings and jumped into the air.
How is it that no matter how angry I am you seem to always make it disappear within seconds?
I am your rider, it's my duty to make sure you are calm and level headed.
The dragon gave Zyana a long hard look before landing beside her again. Get on. She said.
Zyana looked at her, her eyes wide with confusion. What? She said.
Ohrana smiled. Get on. I am going to fly you to your room. It won't be hard.
Are you sure Ohrana? I mean, its clear that I'm still too heavy for you.
Ohrana smiled her large toothy grin at her. No, you're not. It was only awkward because I had to catch you, it will be easy now. Get on.
Zyana examined Ohrana closely. She was now the size of a small horse and was growing more every day. Not needing any further encouragement, she grabbed one of the scales on her back and hoisted herself between her shoulder blades. Now, are you sure about this Ohrana? I don't want to push you to your limits too soon.
The dragon glanced over her shoulder and looked at her rider playfully before bounding into the air. Zyana gasped in alarm, but immediately relaxed feeling Ohrana underneath her.
See, this is easy Zyana. I have no idea what you were worried about. Ohrana laughed. Zyana, relishing in Ohrana's contagious enthusiasm yelled out in excitement.
For a time Ohrana glided gracefully around Ellesmera, weaving in and out of the large trees, chatting happily with her rider. She then began to climb steadily through the canopies of the trees and within seconds Zyana could see the stars and a large silver moon. They flew over the tree tops through the cool air, circling and spiralling slowly in the moonlight. Zyana could not think of a time in which she had felt more alive and happy then she had at that moment, a moment which ended too soon.
I think it is time we went back, Ohrana said regretfully. It is quite late and we both have a large day ahead of us. Not to mention I am growing tired with the extra weight.
Zyana nodded. Alright Ohrana, let's go. We can fly again another day.
The amethyst dragon turned smoothly and descended through the treetops and within what felt like seconds they had arrived at Zyana's window. Ohrana stopped in mid air and looked through the window.
I will get close enough that you will be able to just climb through, then I will follow. I don't like the idea of attempting to go at the same time.
Zyana nodded in agreement. Alright. Let's go.
Ohrana floated by the window while Zyana climbed through, and followed behind herself seconds afterwards, only making it by inches.
I can't believe how quickly you keep growing Ohrana. We will be able to fly together all the time soon.
Ohrana hummed in contentment as she made herself comfortable on Zyana's bed. Indeed we will. Every single day, I'll make sure of it.
And I will hold you to it, I have never felt that free before, even in the moment I was leaving the empire.
Flying is liberating, but now it is time to sleep.
Zyana nodded in agreement and lay beside Ohrana who curled her wing around her. She went through the events of the day in her mind and fell asleep seconds later with a large smile on her face.
What did you think? Good, bad, ugly? Please let me know all your thoughts in a review. Thanks, I really appreciate all feedback.