A Wedding Of Two Riders

Eragon and Arinel stood side-by-side with the eyes of every elf, Human, Dwarf, Urgal and Dragon upon them. The sun glistened on the horizon as it began to set on the fields around Uru'bean. The day had passed quickly after the battle and with out wounded to attend to there was little to do. This meant everyone was in the mood for a good party.

Eragon was wearing dark blue clothes with gold trim and black boots. Beloth and his sword were strapped to his waist. Arinel was dress in an emerald green dress and had a discreet elvin dagger around her waist.

Their dragons were stood beside their respective riders beaming with pride and happiness.

Arya, Veravanda, Thorn, Murtagh, Roran and Katrina stood a short distance behind the bride and groom and Nasuada stood before them performing the ceremony.

"The five races have gathered here to witness Eragon and Arinel's union into Matrimony." Began Nasuada, "If anyone here knows any reason why these to should not be wed, speak now or forever hold their peace."

The audience of several thousand, remained deathly quiet and Nasuada turned to Eragon.

"Your vows?" she asked.

Eragon began to recite what his heart was already singing, "Arinel, you gave me hope when all seemed lost. You kept me sane when madness had me in its jaw. Though some may think us foolish for marrying so soon I know in my heart that you are the person I want to spend the rest of my life with. You are the woman I love and I hope that one day I might repay you for every kind deed you have done for me."

Nasuada turned to Arinel indicating for her to start.

"Eragon," she started, "You were my beacon, my on ray of hope to escape a tyrant. You were the foundation that kept me strong, you are what kept me going in those lonely nights. It is not you who are in my debt, but me that am in yours. My heart has always belonged you and always will. I love you Eragon."

Nasuada turned back to Eragon and held out a ring for him to take. It was gold with three gems imbedded in it, a diamond, with a sapphire on one side and an emerald on the other.

Eragon took the ring and Nasuada started again, "Do you Eragon, take this woman to be your lawful wedded wife till death do you part?"

Eragon smiled and slipped the ring onto Arinel's finger before whispering, "I do."

Nasuada faced Arinel and handed her a matching ring, "Do you Arinel, take this man to be your lawful wedded husband till death do you part?"

Arinel slid the ring onto Eragon's finger and said, "I do."

Nasuada then said, "By the power in me as the leader of the Varden, I pronounce you man and wife."

Eragon and Arinel kissed with such passion that the magic that flowed through their veins lifted both of them off the ground. The crowd erupted into cheers and applause as the riders slowly descended back down to the ground.

The newly-weds broke apart and simply smiled at each other. Suddenly Nasuada announced, "And now for the gifts!"

Eragon and Arinel whipped round to face her. They hadn't been planning this.

"Gifts?" they asked in unison.

"Of course." Smiled Nasuada.

Eragon and Arinel turned to face the crowd and saw Queen Islandazi and Arya walking towards them.

Eragon bowed and Arinel curtsied as the queen and princess reached them.

Before either of the could say a word Queen Islandazi and Arya spoke in unison "Atra esterni ono thelduin."

Hurriedly Eragon and Arinel responded, "Mor'ranr lifa unin hjarta onr."

Islandazi and Arya completed the greeting, "Un du evarinya ono varda."

Queen Islandazi then spoke on her own, "The two of you deserve all the happiness the world can give you, and I hope your long years are happy. But just in case…"

She handed the pair a small bundle, which they unwrapped curiously, inside were two necklaces in the shape of dragons coiled around a diamond.

"These will stop anyone from scrying you or sensing you. I pray you will not need them, but they will hep protect you."

The two riders placed the necklaces round their necks and thanked Islandazi, then Arya stepped forward carrying a significantly bigger bundle.

She passed this to Arinel specifically who removed the cloth to find an emerald sword.

Arya smiled at her stunned expression, "I hope it serves you well."

The shook Arinel back to reality, "Thank you milady."

The elven queen and princess stepped aside as Arinel strapped the green blade around her waist along with the dagger.

It was then King Orik who appeared before them clad in a heavy black tunic over his mail; in his hand he had a large scroll, which he gently passed to them. Eragon carefully unravelled it and show held it so both of them could see.

They could both see it was a story, but was surprised them was the title: The Legend of Eragon and Arinel Shadeslayer.

"Our scribes were working frantically to have that written in time." Smiled Orik.

"Thank you, Orik." Said Eragon.

"Indeed," agreed Arinel, "Thank you, your highness."

"Please, Orik." He insisted.

"Orik." Replied Arinel smiling.

The king of the dwarves stepped aside to allow King Orrin to approach. Dress in ludicrous looking attire, he produced a golden vial which Eragon recognised as Faelnirv the potion Oromis had given him.

"Our finest Alchemists brewed this for the two of you. I hope it to serves you well."

Eragon and Arinel bowed formally and accepted the potion. As Orrin stepped aside the most surprising person stood before them, the Kull Garzhvog. Just as Eragon remembered her was eight feet tall and looked as if he could rip a person in two.

"Flamesword," he said gruffly, "I present to you and your dam the staff of an elder."

He produced a thick staff of what looked like oak. Eragon accepted the staff and felt power bristling beneath his touch.

"This staff has strength." He said surprised.

Garzhvog nodded and explained, "We are not innocent of meddling with magika, but only the elders may."

The kull marched back to his own people. Moments after this someone in the crowd yelled "Feast!"

This was accompanied by a roar of agreement and in the space of a few minutes everyone was jovially sitting at long tables eating enormous meals and singing happily. After several hours and the sun was red on the horizon. People started to play music, a light melody that everyone enjoyed.

Eragon and Arinel stood up from their table and began to dance. The music changed to a slow song that allowed them to have a peaceful first dance as husband and wife.

As they danced in the light of the setting sun, Eragon whispered into Arinel's ear, "Any thoughts on the honeymoon?"

"Plenty," she replied, "I would love to go to Ellesmera."

Eragon smiled at her choice and was about to say something when Arinel continued, "But there is plenty left to do tonight. Let tomorrow be tomorrow."