Hope you guys like this! I'm starting to get into writing more, and have some really good ideas going! I definitely think my writing has improved more since I started, now that I know what I want to do with this story.

Anyway, if you like it, make sure to send a review to let me know! Also please favorite and follow so you can stay up to date on the story.

Chapter 25: An Elven Feast

A few hours later, with the golden rays of the sun casting the forest in an ancient glow, Phineas stepped out of his tree home and onto the forest floor. He was clothed in a regal violet attire, complete with golden trim and a silk cape. The violet matched beautifully to Vervada's scales, who herself rolled out of her alcove of the tree above him, landing beside Phineas her scales glittering in the sun's rays.

Phineas felt better than before, having rested and bathed in the basin he had seen prior. In a last decision, he strapped on his sword, deciding he felt safer with his weapon on him, even though he still didn't have the most skilled sword arm.

Phineas looked to his left to see Ismira exiting from her own tree, with Paladeos as well landing from above. Phineas was taken aback. She was clothed in an ornate yellow dress. She had a small circlet of flowers placed on her head, with her hair braided and flowing over her left shoulder. He had never seen her dress in any formal attire, as she had always chosen clothing easier to train and fight in, especially her leather armor.

Ismira smiled when she saw him, and they both approached each other. "What do you think?" She asked, spinning around.

"It's g-good. You look… wow, just incredible… I mean, just beauty…" Phineas stammered, trying to mumble out a complete thought. He took a breath to regain his composure. "You look amazing."

Ismira beamed, trying to hide a chuckle at Phineas' stammering. "Thank you! I saw this dress hung up in my tree, and I decided to do something different rather than go with the normal clothing I usually wear."

The four of them started walking toward Tialdarí Hall where the feast would be held. "You don't look too bad yourself," Ismira spoke to Phineas, not breaking stride.

"This is what I had been given in my wardrobe. I would say it fits me nicely, although I usually wore this type of clothing in Illrea. I should say I was forced to by my father, saying it was proper. Now, doing it of my own choice, it feels good. Although it helps that Eleven craftsmanship is definitely a notch above what most humans can create." Phineas replied, doing his best to stand tall, although Ismira was still taller by almost a half inch.

Ismira chuckled. "All these feasts that you've been to over your years, you must be used to this elegant regality." She joked, adding a sarcastic inflection over the end, fake bowing to mock Phineas.

"Have you not had formal events such as these? You are the daughter of Lord Stronghammer, I'm assuming you would have to take part."

"At times yes. But my father's events were more informal. He grew up as a peasant farmer before rising to fame and prowess, so he believed that he should not rule as a nobleman, but as a man who understands the lowest classes of citizens. That's why he was so successful at it. I'm sure you never had to deal with the lower class huh." Ismira teased him again.

Phineas grumbled. "We never really had contact with peasants. My father said we couldn't help all of them, only be thankful of our high position."

"That is why your father will fail as King. The only thing he's done is attack Carvahall, which probably won't be very popular with the people. It won't last." Phineas just shook his head for a response. He didn't want to talk too much about his father.

Ismira noticed Phineas' silence and brooding. She was silent for a moment as they continued on their walk. "Do you hate him?" she asked. "You're father I mean."

Phineas sighed. He knew he had to answer her. "He's done some bad things I know. He's belittled me and he's been angry at me. But, he's still my father, so I must still respect him."

"Why? He's wanted to capture you multiple times, he's taken over the Capital, and he's attacked my home! Why would you still defend him? Family means nothing if you don't love each other."

"He's the only family I have! Ok?" Phineas snapped. He fell silent for a moment, letting the anger fall away. "My mother died giving birth to me, and for my whole life it's just been my father and I. From what I found out from asking around when I was younger, it was a miracle I survived my birth. My father didn't like to talk about what happened. He usually got viscerally angry when I brought it up, so I just learned to let it go."

"I'm really sorry to hear about your mother."

"Don't be. I never knew her, so I don't feel the emotional pain of her loss." They walked in silence for a moment again, unsure how to proceed with the conversation.

Ismira began slowly. "I hope that this never comes to it, but if we have to help save the kingdom from your father, deposing him from the throne if he becomes a tyrant, will you be able to? Would you be able to kill your father if he must be taken off the throne to save the kingdom and all of Alagaësia?"

Phineas remained silent. He had no answer for her. He didn't want to be put in that situation anytime in the future, because he knew he couldn't kill his only family. And King Antor was the only person that shared his blood.

They continued in silence, their anticipation peaking. They began to slow when they heard music. The four of them rounded a bend to see the massive facade of Tialdarí Hall looming over them. And in the clearing in front of the wooden palace was a giant table, stretching over a hundred feet in length across the clearing.

Elves were mingling about, with some running in and out of the Hall placing high upon the table fresh dishes among each place. Queen Arya and Fírnenwere among them, coordinating the servers alongside Maylin, who gave out the orders to whoever they were intended to.

Are we late? Vervada asked to Phineas.

I wouldn't believe so. They're throwing this in our honor, so there wouldn't be a reason for them to start without us.

I should say so. And to think, this is going to be our second feast in a week. And that doesn't even consider the one we had when he arrived in Carvahall.

I guess the arrival of riders and dragons are an event worth celebrating. Phineas quipped, beaming. Arya and Maylin noticed them and strolled over. The Queen wore an ornate gown, a cape of swan feathers flowing behind her, and a wooden crown adorning her head.

"Welcome," Queen Arya spoke, bowing to the four of them, "I hope you enjoy our lovely feast. You all have had a harsh week, and you've earned this."

Phineas turned his attention to Maylin, and he almost admitted an audible gasp. Maylin's dress was the same green color as the one she had been wearing previous, but this one was tighter, more defined, leaving very little to the imagination. She still carried the flower above her ear. Her soft lips pouted upward. "Yes. Welcome to you all," Maylin swooned, placing two fingers on her lips.

Vervada interrupted his thoughts again. Phineas, she's trying to manipulate you with her beauty. You have to fight it.

Phineas shook his head, trying to ignore Maylin. He turned his attention to the Queen, hoping to take his focus away from Maylin, but even so, he could still see her beautiful figure out of the corner of his eye.

"Please, come this way," Arya directed, "And we shall begin our most glorious feast." The four of them followed Arya and Maylin to one end of the table, with the dragons each getting a large section of the table to themselves, with Fírnen being placed at the very end because he was by far the largest of the three dragons.

Then came Phineas and Ismira next to both their dragons. Phineas was about to speak up, when Maylin snuck in and took the seat directly next to him, Arya taking the seat directly opposite her.

With Phineas wary of Maylin, and Vervada keeping him in check, the feast began smoothly. He found he was able to relax a little bit. He enjoyed talking with the elves, as their courtesy was one to match what he had learned in the King's court. He enjoyed much of the food as well, although he noticed that no meat was present in any form, although vegetables were cooked and prepared in more ways than Phineas had ever thought possible.

"Have you ever been to Eragon's citadel?" Ismira asked of Arya mid-feast.

Arya set her fork down, clearing her throat. "I regret to say but no, I have not. Vrangr'baen is far to the southeast, bordering the eastern end of the Beor Mountains. Even on dragon back it would take some time to get there. I've never had a chance to go there. Until now of course," she spoke, "I must be the one to deliver you since Varen is unfortunately missing. But I assure you, with myself and Fírnen, we will get you there safe and sound."

"When are we leaving to go there?" Phineas asked, "N-not that I want to leave Ellesméra. It's such a beautiful place. But, with events that have already unfolded, especially with the attack on Carvahall, our training must have a need to be expedited."

Arya chuckled at Phineas' attempts to explain. "We shall stay here for one week, Phineas. There are some things that require our attention here. And lessons you must learn before you leave this place. Don't you worry yourself Young Phineas, all will be well."

"But in the meantime," Maylin interrupted, "enjoy yourself while in Ellesméra." Phineas gulped. Her voice was so intoxicating, he could barely resist. She placed a hand on his knee, and he shifted uncomfortably in his seat, visibly distraught. A mental fog clouded his mind. He couldn't think straight. It was as if Mayling was using some kind of magic to mesmerize him.

"Phineas are you feeling well?" Ismira asked, "You seem anxious."

"I'm fine," Phineas replied quickly, "I just think I need to take a quick walk to clear my thoughts." He stood up quickly from the table, "Excuse me," he said, throwing two fingers to his lips, and speedily exited the clearing.

Phineas, let us talk about this. Vervada spoke to his mind when he was free from the table.

Vervada, please, I need some time to think alone. I must be with my thoughts and only them. He spoke, trying to shove off the anxiety.

Vervada sighed, giving him an emotion of sadness. We are partnered. We must work together on this. But, for this once I will keep clear of your mind, let you think through this on your own. Vervada's mind shrank away from his own, leaving an empty void where it used to be. Phineas suddenly felt open and vulnerable. Usually, He and Vervada were constantly in each other's minds, but now, he felt scared being so open. It reminded of him being in Ceunon, when he was separated from Vervada, with Ismira frightened and alone, running for their lives.

This is what loneliness feels like. He thought to himself. Phineas came upon a smooth stone next to a stream. He sat down on it, watching the stream flow silently by. He smiled to himself, remembering the first morning since fleeing Illrea, he had come across a stream not unlike this one, and it was the first time he got to enjoy being with Vervada, if only for a short rest. Back then, things seemed less complicated, but now with all that had passed, a lot of the future seemed uncertain.

He heard a footstep behind him. His anxiety shot through the roof. He spun around quickly, yanking his sword from his sheath and waving it in the air.

The figure of Maylin appeared before him, posing elegantly as the wind tussled her hair in beautiful strokes. He kept the sword pointed at her. He didn't trust her. She was trying to get under his skin by seducing him with some kind of magic, yet he could not figure out why. "What do you want?" He spoke bluntly.

"My dearest Phineas," she spoke softly, "I only wish to find out what is troubling you so dearly." She took a few steps forward, dress hugging each curve.

"Stay back. I know you're trying to mess with my head. I don't know what's going on, but I don't like it." Phineas took a step back, sword still pointed outward.

"Phineas you are mistaken. I do not wish to cause you ill pain and anxiety. I am not trying to mess with you in any type of way."

Phineas kept backing up, sword still pointed outward. "Look, Maylin. You're very beautiful, but I cannot be distracted while I am training, it wouldn't be right. I am a rider, I must be steadfast in this." Suddenly, Phineas felt an intense longing for Maylin, brought about instantaneously. He fought hard against it. She is using magic! She's seducing me with a spell!

Phineas backed up more, determined to fight Maylin's spell. He didn't look where he was going. He slipped on a wet rock, flying backward into the stream, sword wrenched from his hand and into the waters.

Phineas panicked for a moment, fighting to get his head above the surface. He forced himself upright, breaking the water's surface. He used his hands to wipe his eyes clear.

Phineas looked up to see Maylin standing over him on the banks of the stream, an outstretched hand reaching down to him from above, a slight smile parting her lips. Phineas wanted to resist her, but the fall in the stream had broken his concentration. He reached up, grasping Maylin's hand. She pulled him up and out of the water with a strength that surprised him.

He landed on his feet next to her. Maylin was shorter than Phineas, but she had a cuteness to her he couldn't understand. He knew she was hypnotizing him, but in that moment, it didn't matter to Phineas, he just wanted her.

It was Phineas this time who pressed his lips against hers, holding her gently. His mind wasn't in the right place. She was using magic to mesmerize him. But Phineas felt a peace he hadn't felt before. Stay with me here Phineas, forever. You will be mine. He heard in his head from Maylin. And, he wanted so bad to stay in that moment for all time, forgetting Vervada, Ismira, Paladeos, Queen Arya, Eragon, and it all. He only wanted Maylin.

"Phineas! Are you out there?" Ismira called out from the trees. Phineas yanked himself from Maylin. Ismira's call broke the magic for a moment, and Phineas regained enough coherence to release himself from Maylin's control.

He stepped away from Maylin, turning away from her. "I must go," he spoke, quickly stepping away from Maylin and back toward the feast.

Phineas found his way through the trees to find Ismira looking for him. She got excited when he walked through the clearing. "You're back! We were wondering where you went." She spoke, "Why are you soaking wet?"

"I was stupid. I fell in a stream." he spoke bluntly, still feeling guilty of yet another kiss with Maylin. "Let us return to the Feast."

Ismira nodded in agreement. And they both returned to the feast. Most of the elves had left the table, crowding around one side of the clearing. Many of them were reciting poetry, singing songs, and taking part in improvised scenes of pageantry. It was a beautiful sight to see the artistic creativity of the elves. Phineas could only make out certain phrases they spoke and sang, as he was still a novice in the ancient language, but their dictation was of so much higher class than all the bards of Illrea.

Vervada noticed Phineas, sending a wave of relief when she saw him. How did it feel to have your thoughts to yourself for a time? She asked.

It was nerve racking. Phineas replied. I felt alone and vulnerable. We've been connected for such a time that it felt so bizarre to be by myself.

That is why we are bonded. We are not supposed to be apart.

I completely agree with that.

Phineas turned his attention to the Queen, who was currently conversing with another person. Their backs were turned to Phineas and Ismira, so Phineas could not tell who they were. Although, he could see rounded ears, showing that this person was not an elf. They also had long gray hair, tied behind their head.

Arya turned around, followed by her guest, who Phineas saw was indeed a man. He was short and lean. His face seemed young for his gray hair, but his eyes showed sadness and age, as they seemed to be tinged with longing depression.

Arya stepped up to speak to them. "Welcome back Phineas, I hope you had time to clear your head." She said. Arya then turned to Ismira. "Ismira, I would like to introduce to you a most important guest."

"Who is he?" Ismira spoke up, slightly confused.

The man began to tear up when he saw Ismira. He wiped his eyes with his shirt and cleared his throat. "Ismira Katrinasdaughter. I have waited quite a long time to meet with you. You have grown into a strong woman, and for that I am grateful."

Ismira stepped back, cautioned by her mother's name spoken by a total stranger. "Who are you and how do you know about me? I have never seen you before in my life."

"That was purposeful. A punishment placed upon me a long time ago, and thus having been broken by many years of selfless work among the elves, nulling that which caused me to stay away from you and your mother."

"Speak clearer! I don't understand your vague riddles." Ismira was weirded out and rightly so. This man spoke words that were most elegant yet disturbing. It was almost as if this man knew Ismira so well, but yet never could speak with her.

"Ismira. This may seem yet strange. But, you must understand. We are family. I am your grandfather. My name is Sloan."