"I'm on my way home." Eragon smiled kindly. "Well, I'm… about to leave soon."
"That's good to hear, I'm glad." Arya sighed with relief in her tones.
"And how's the baby been?" He asked hopefully.
She thought, then nodded. "He's okay. Growing still, but not like a mint plant in late spring anymore. He started kicking, but you know that. He keeps me awake at night sometimes because he's decided he likes to tumble around at the crack of dawn… it makes sense considering that's when the morning sickness was the worst."
"You're alright though?" He looked worried.
Arya nodded. "It's… getting easier."
"That's good to hear…" his eyes softened. "How is Eila? And what about Elva too?"
Arya sighed. "Eila's been…" she sighed. "Very reserved lately. The Eldunarí here in Ellesméra found there was a new Rider and Dragon pair. The two made it all the way to Du Weldenvarden, so Elva was sent to retrieve them because she and Kitlàn needed the practice and Eila isn't exactly… mentally fit for something like that just yet. Well, she's perfectly capable, I just fear it would set her back in the progress she's made. Anyway, it's just me and her and sometimes Angela."
He straightened. "A new Rider already? How long ago did Elva leave?"
"It's been six days almost and I've scryed them a few times since then. Eila's been neglecting it and I think it's because she's afraid of knowing the Kull who was chosen. She was forced to do a lot of things in Urû'baen and torturing the Urgals was one of them. I'm worried about that, I really am. Elva believes it will be okay, but I can tell she's also cautious."
"A Kull?!" Eragon exclaimed. "That's fantastic!" He beamed with excitement, then sobered when Arya's other words hit him. "If they have issues… do you have a plan or anything? I would be more than happy to help you come up with something…" he offered and she smiled.
"I don't exactly have a plan, no, but I do know I need to come up with one. I don't want either of them to get hurt. Before we talk about that, I need to relay information."
Eragon quirked an eyebrow. "Alright. Is it good or not-so-good?"
Arya shrugged. "In the middle… Eila spoke to Murtagh the other day and apparently he left Ilirea with two of the most insane and twisted Eldunarí known to either of them and they used to live with Galbatorix. Murtagh had planned to go break them far in the North, but I think that might have changed."
Eragon frowned. "So… where is he taking them?"
"Here to Ellesméra whether anyone likes it or not it seems. That's what Eila's told me."
"And you're okay with it?" Eragon asked.
"It'll give the Eldunarí in charge of teaching us something to do. I think they're a bit bored." She smiled, but it faded quickly. "A lot is happening here and I'm getting overwhelmed." She sighed and Eragon softened as he watched her rub her face.
"I'll be home soon to help. It might take us a month or two to get to you, but we're coming." He smiled. "For now… just… promise me you'll take it easy. You need to be gentle with yourself. I'm not saying you're fragile either. You're not fragile." He said pointedly. A grin was developing.
"I'm taking it as easy as possible. Eila is very adamant about that and I understand…" Arya trailed, then sighed. "Eragon, I'm worried about her." She rubbed her face and sat back in her desk chair.
"What's she doing that's worrisome?" He asked.
"She's been so quiet the past few days. She stays in her room the majority of the time and when she appears to eat or to get something or ask a question, she looks… sad. I've tried talking to her and she doesn't reciprocate much. It's just enough to pass as a conversation. I don't know what to do or how to help her because I hate seeing her like this. She was never like this before." Arya vented.
"I see…" he said gently. "This might be one of those circumstances where you'll need to push her a little bit for answers. Have you tried talking to Eylörís?"
Arya nodded. "I have, but she refuses to say much because it's not my business unless Eila gives her consent to talk about it… whatever it is."
"That's fair, definitely. Might it have something to do with Elva?"
"There's a good chance that's the case. She's worried Elva isn't going to make it back in one piece." Arya answered.
"And how far away are they from being back?"
"Possibly later on today or maybe tomorrow. I haven't heard anything from Elva yet." She clarified, then took a breath. "It'll be resolved soon enough, and if it's not, I'll ask Elva to help me out. What about you? How is everything?"
He smiled. "The Elves are having the most wonderful time with the trees here. We've already started more permanent buildings to hold conferences and meetings and the Eldunarí, plus decks and studios for hobbies and art… it's starting to remind me of Ellesméra. I've made a few fairths that I intend to bring back with me, plus maybe some plants we've never seen before too."
"I can speak on the behalf of all my people when I say we'd be most appreciative. This is exciting. I'm looking forward to bringing the baby to your island… Juniper… he won't be much of a baby then, I suppose…" she looked down at herself as her hands cradled her belly under the table.
"No, he won't be." Eragon smiled.
There was a knock on Arya's door and she turned to look. "Please excuse me. I'll be right back." She got up from her chair to answer the door.
Eragon could only listen.
"Hello Eila… are you alright?" Arya asked.
"Yes ma'am, thank you. How are you?"
"I'm doing well. I'm currently speaking with Eragon, would you like to meet him?" He could hear Arya's voice smile.
There was a brief silence. "I… Elva contacted me and I came to tell you. They'll come through the front gates. Does that impact the question?"
"Slightly. Come say goodbye with me if you'd like. It'll be alright." Arya encouraged, then turned, not wanted to wait or pressure Eila into doing something she wasn't comfortable with.
Sitting back down, Arya sighed to reset herself. "Eila has been contacted by Elva and They'll be arriving soon. That being said, I must leave, though I wish to speak again very soon, there is much to discuss."
"Arya?" Eila said quietly. She sounded like she'd done something bad and was confessing out of guilt.
"Yes?" The Elf turned to look at her cousin, her eyes were kind.
"Is it okay if… I…?" She gestured to the mirror and Arya smiled.
"Of course, come here." Her tone took on such a gentle demeanor… Eragon had never heard it before.
Eila walked forwards, then stopped and covered her arms. Slowly, she was building confidence to wear no sleeves more often and today happened to be one of those days. Plus it was getting warmer and Arya suspected the heat might be a trigger for a flashback if it got too hot, not that Ellesméra ended up getting very hot during the summer months.
"It's okay, Eila… I promise it's okay." Arya said in that same softer tone.
Eventually, though, the half-Elf worked up the courage to walk behind Arya's chair and kneel beside her. Eila was tall, so standing on her knees did just fine.
When she looked at him, he saw worry and fear and many other things that caused her to want to run. He smiled a true smile. "I'm Eragon." His gaze became more relaxed and kind. "I remember you from the Throne Room… that's why I can see you. I didn't know who you were, but now I do. I like your eyes, they're very pretty."
Eila blushed and looked down. She wasn't expecting to be complimented. "T-thank you… Ebrithil. Um… I'm Eila." She closed her eyes and frowned. He knew that. She just wasn't sure what to do next. "Thank you for killing Galbatorix."
"I took no pleasure in it." Eragon said more seriously. He looked to Arya who gave him a pointed stare. "But… you're welcome." The stare relaxed and he nodded.
She smiled a little bit, feeling just a little bit more comfortable. "What is your favorite pastime?"
"Spending time with Saphira, preferably in the sky. What about you?" He asked.
"The same as you but with Eylörís, my dragon. Carving wood is probably second to that." She responded.
"That's wonderful! I've done a few carvings myself and I must say it's a very enjoyable activity." His smile lingered when Arya looked over at Eila, laying a hand on the half-Elf's upper back. "I'm sorry I… I think it might be time to go." She said softly and Arya nodded.
"It is, but we can talk together a little later once everyone is back home." Arya smiled and let her hand slide to Eila's shoulder, careful not to touch her skin. She felt she might need permission to do that.
Eila nodded and looked over. "Yes ma'am." She turned to Eragon. "It was good to meet you. I look forward to… getting to know you?" She wasn't sure what to say so it came out as a question.
He nodded. "I look forward to getting to know you too, Eila. Thank you for introducing yourself to me today. I've heard so many good things about you."
Eila smiled brightly and Arya took over. "How about tomorrow at this time? Does that work for you, Eragon?"
"I'll be leaving tomorrow morning, so perhaps the evening would be best if we are to speak tomorrow." He nodded with a smile.
"That works for me." Arya said.
"Me too." Eila said in her gentle tones. Eragon thought they sounded similar, but the way Eila spoke did remind him of her father. He'd never let her know that, though. That was something out of her control.
"Very good, then. Tomorrow evening it is. The edge of dark?" He asked and Arya nodded.
"The edge of dark. See you tomorrow, Eragon and safe travels." Arya said and Eila nodded in agreement.
"Thank you. You both take care and be safe. Sometimes things are stressful only in the mind." He bowed to them.
The two women bowed to him and Arya was the one to end the incantation. Silence flooded the room as Eila just sat there, thinking.
"That went well." Arya stated, then worked to get up. Eila was on her feet immediately, hands out to help if her cousin wanted it and surprisingly, Arya accepted.
"Thank you." She whispered.
"Mhm. May I ask, am I bringing my sword? I know it's sometimes ceremonial."
Arya thought. "Maybe not this time. We're welcoming a new Rider, I think that swords can be a hostile interpretation, especially to someone whose way of life is centered around war and battles."
"That makes sense." Eila straightened and walked with her cousin to the door. Arya held it open for her and gestured for her to go first. They both were soon in the hallway, walking over the viny bridges that connected their apartments like the vessels that carry blood in a body.
Eila looked jittery. "I'm not changing my clothing." She said with determination.
"I wasn't expecting you to, nor was I opposed to you changing your clothing if you wanted." Arya smiled. "I just want you to be happy and comfortable."
"Sometimes the only way to achieve comfort is to make yourself uncomfortable." Eila answered. "Besides, this is a good opportunity. The attention is not on me or you necessarily. It'll be on Elva and the new Rider and Dragon, especially because the first Kull in history is a Rider."
They walked out onto the deck where their dragons already had their tack assembled. Eylörís drank from the large water pan and Fírnen sat like a cat with all his feet tucked under him. His eyes were closed as he enjoyed the morning.
"Elva has given word." Arya announced and Fírnen grinned at her, then got up and stretched, then flattened himself against the deck so she could mount up easier.
Eila went to Eylörís and rubbed her neck. "It'll be alright by the time the sun sets." The white and blue dragon said as she settled against the ground for Eila to mount. She needed to use Eylörís' leg to help herself up now. Four months of growth was a lot and suddenly, Eila missed being able to hold her dragon in her arms. It was Eylörís holding her now.
Together the four of them took off towards the main entryways of Ellesméra and as the dragons passed over the Elven city, people came to follow their path. They too wanted to meet the new Rider.
Eila let her mind reach out to find Elva's, and was surprised by how close they were. Her heart leapt and she smiled. "Almost there."
"The same can be said for us." Elva answered and Eila could feel her partner's anticipation.
Eylörís and Fírnen touched the ground and Eila hopped off nearly immediately. Arya followed closely behind.
"Everything okay?" Arya asked and Eila looked down at her arms. She had just removed the stitches in her wound the other day.
"Yes ma'am… I'm okay…" she said as she turned to look around. Elves were beginning to gather and she took a deep breath. "They're getting close."
Arya nodded and watched the skies. It wasn't long before a Kitlàn was seen leading the way, and shortly behind him was the new Rider and a bright yellow dragon. Arya couldn't help but smile when she heard Fírnen mutter "Lemon" into her mind.
They circled, then descended. Elva was giving directions on how to maneuver through the trees and Eila stiffened slightly. Elva was highly attractive when giving orders.
Eylörís nudged her and she jumped. "I can't help it." Eila said defensively, but all she got in return was a soft chuckle from her dragon.
A nice cool breeze tickled the trees and Eila liked the feeling of the sun on her skin. She was still pale, but the limited exposure had caused her to darken slightly. She worried for when her skin tone became too much like her father's.
Kitlàn landed softly and Elva worked to unbuckle her legs from her saddle. Behind them landed the yellow dragon and his Rider, and his Rider was a Kull indeed. His hulking form seemed disproportionate as he himself was bigger than his mount. He must've been over eight feet tall with broad muscular shoulders.
The Kull bent and rubbed his dragon affectionately albeit a little roughly.
Elva jumped down and did the same with Kitlàn and it was easy to see just how much smaller Elva was compared to the Urgralgran Rider.
Arya turned when Eila swore violently to herself. Never in her life had she heard Eila use that sort of language.
"What's wrong?" She asked mentally and Eila looked over.
"I know him… it would be best for me to leave. I don't want conflict."
"You wore a mask; you told me so yourself. He might not recognize you." Arya straightened when the two youngest apprentices started forwards.
"Arya…" Eila's eyes locked with Elva's as she grew closer, the Kull and his dragon followed a few steps behind.
"Arya Ebrithil." Elva bowed and recited the Elvish greeting, speaking first as she was speaking to the Queen of the Elves and her teacher. Arya responded and Elva added the third line for honor and respect.
"This is Griishuul, son of Barsh. Griishuul, this Arya Dröttning, Queen of the Elves as well as Alagaësia's head Rider. She's our teacher." Elva smiled and stood aside for them to meet.
Griishuul stepped forwards and bent so he could take her offered hand with better ease. They clasped each other's forearms and squeezed gently. "It is wonderful to finally meet you." He straightened as they let go. "Au'lus and I look forward to training with you and learning your ways."
"Just as I look forward to getting to know both of you as you're guided through your training. I am beyond optimistic." Arya smiled warmly. "Welcome."
He made a ruck ruck sound that seemed to help express his happy feelings, which faded when he turned to Eila. Curiosity and thought marked his features and her eyes traveled to the long, raised scars that slithered down his arms. She did that.
He studied her eyes and looked intensely at her and suddenly all went quiet. "I know your eyes." He said darkly.
Elva gave a warning look.
"From where?" Eila asked.
"Why are you pushing him?" Elva spoke when she touched her partner's mind.
"I want to see what he knows." The half-Elf responded.
"That's dangerous. Stop. You're angry and something is going to happen that you'll regret."
"I know you from Urû'baen." He said.
"I was raised there, but I'm not loyal to Galbatorix or any of his followers. I want to make that very clear-"
"Eila." Elva said. "Stop." She continued mentally.
With a nod, Eila reached her hand out. "Welcome. I look forward to getting to know you and train alongside you. How long ago did Au'lus hatch?"
The Kull nodded with a slight snarl. "Almost eight weeks ago at this point. Seven and a few days if you want to be more specific."
"And how are you liking the bond?"
"More than anything." He answered.
"I know what that feels like. It's wonderful isn't it?"
"Absolutely." He agreed with aggression, then stepped back.
"I believe we have much to discuss. Griishuul, Au'lus, come back to the Loft with us and we'll help you get settled. We will show you where everything is whenever you're ready. I know it's been a long stint of traveling and you and Elva both must be tired." Arya said to take control of the situation and to help ease tensions.
The Kull nodded. "Thank you, Lady Arya." He bowed, bending at the waist.
"You're most welcome." She smiled. "This way please."
Fírnen bent low and Arya mounted, then buckled her feet in, having some trouble reaching due to her swollen midsection.
Eila mounted Eylörís and Elva mounted Kitlàn, then Griishuul did the same to Au'lus. Soon, all four of them were up in the air and on their way back to the Loft.
A/N: Not my best work, but there it is. Pretty early huh? Yeah, I had a thought. I hope you like it and our new characters!
Enjoy!
-Lady Arlo
(Note for me and for you) Arya is now twenty weeks pregnant; they've been in Ellesméra for four weeks.