A/N I am so so so so so so so so sorry! I haven't updated this in like two
months! But I have been working a lot on my other fics. So please forgive
me!!! I did actually mean to update this about 3 days ago. But I have been
off school for 3 days coz I trapped a nerve in my neck and was in a lot of
pain. But now I'm fine and ready to update!
Reviewers~ I love you all!!! You people are what makes it all worth while! And I wouldn't be here today with out you guys... *takes out handkerchief and blows nose* Dishrag1313, thank you so much! Your review really made me laugh! Thanks, it cheered me up!!!
Ok then, since you've all been waiting... here it is. Any Elvish is at the end of the sentence in brackets.
Chapter 3~ The Traders
The three strange companions travelled for a day and a half before they reached Palancar Valley. It was growing colder and colder. The boy and the Dwarf shivered in the cold but Legolas just rolled his eyes at tem earning seething looks from the two mortals. Around noon on the third day they heard the crashing of Igualda Falls raining down far below onto mossy rocks. Before them lay Palancar Valley. A little ways from the falls lay Carvahall. At this height it looked so small.
"That is my home," said Eragon proudly.
The Elf's keen eyes surveyed the land picking out the cluster of brown buildings and the white make that rose from their chimneys and patches of farmland that looked so tiny from this height.
"The Anora River flows from the falls toward Palancar's southern end. It flows past the village Therinsford and the lonely mountain Utgard. Then beyond that it turns north, to the sea," Eragon explained pointing.
Legolas nodded, storing this piece of information.
The boy led them down the trail, Gimli grimaced at the decent. Legolas sprang down it lightly while the Dwarf and the boy stumbled down, Eragon grabbing the Dwarf whenever he tripped. Legolas stood waiting for them at the bottom, a smile on his face. "You need not laugh Elf!" said Gimli angrily.
They talked as they travelled on, Carvahall's lights glimmered in the dusk and the houses cast long shadows. "Carvahall is the only village in Palancar Valley besides Therinsford. The land is harsh and only merchants and trappers travel here." Eragon explained.
They came closer to the log buildings with either thatched or shingled roofs and smoke as Legolas had seen earlier, bellowed from the chimneys. Just outside the village Eragon turned to his companions. "I think it best if you two wait here, away from my village. It would not be a good idea if you were seen. You know what I mean? People would-"
"Ask questions," said Legolas nodding. "We understand. We shall wait here."
Gimli grumbled at his side. "A fine thing, hiding away like a sneaking goblin."
"Hush Gimli," said Legolas. "We are armed and there are no orcs or goblins and such around here. Besides, we have our weapons. We will wait for you here as you have asked."
"Good, I am going to the butchers to see if I can get some meat as I didn't catch anything. he is not my favourite person in the world, nor I his. But I will try."
"And what will you use to pay for this?" asked Legolas, but he thought he already knew the answer.
"This," Eragon took out the strange stone he had found in the forest. Legolas' guess was right.
"I would not do that is I was you," Legolas warned looking at the stone, his look was hard to read.
"But I have nothing else. And if m family want to eat then I have to."
Legolas nodded grudgingly. He already knew the boy would get no where with the stone. He set off and Legolas and Gimli took refuge in the trees. There they spoke quietly.
"You have your suspicions about that stone don't you Elf?" Gimli asked gazing at his friend.
"Maybe, I just think that the boy should be careful with it, and also be weary of who he shows it too," said Legolas.
~*~
"That... that... stupid..." Eragon couldn't quite find words to describe the butcher, Sloan. "He wouldn't take the stone. Caused a big fuss about it. Luckily the blacksmith Horst came and bailed me out. Sloan refused to even touch it when he found out it was from the Spine. But Horst brought the meat for me. So my family won't go hungry. He just said that to work off the debt I can go and work for him when I'm not busy with my other chores." Eragon calmed down a little now as he saw his home come into sight.
"You two, well I think that you should erm..." Eragon trailed off. "Look, I don't think my uncle would understand if you..."
"Do not worry. We will be fine in the barn," said Legolas.
"Are you sure? I could bring you food and bedding. It's just..." Eragon sighed and led them into the barn which was also homed to two horses and some chickens.
"We will be fine in here," said Legolas. "Hannon le." (thank you)
Eragon just looked at the Elf questioningly. "Ah, speak a language we can all understand will you laddy?" said Gimli gruffly.
"Baw," said Legolas stubbornly. He loved to wind the Dwarf up. (No)
The boy shook his head and laughed quietly to himself, leaving the bickering pair to it.
~*~
Eragon snuck out of his house in the middle of the night to bring his new friends food. Gimli was very grateful. Then he sat down as the two ate. Just staring at them. Legolas looked up suddenly and met his gaze. After only a few seconds Eragon found he had to blink and look away. Legolas grinned.
When the two had finished they talked for a while. Legolas took out his bow and quiver of arrows. He examined each one carefully before slipping them back. That reminded Eragon of the arrow he had lost in the Spine, trying to shoot the deer. It had been his best. "I'll have to make myself some more arrows." He said absentmindedly.
Legolas looked up. "I will help you. I noticed your arrows. They are well made, but I will show you a technique that the Elves use. It makes the arrow fly better."
Eragon straightened up and smiled. "Thanks. Well, I suppose I better be getting back. I need to sleep. I have chores to do tomorrow." He yawned widely. "What will you two do?"
"We will stay here for a while. You said earlier that the river, it leads north to the sea?" asked Legolas thoughtfully. Eragon nodded. "Hum. We may travel there, and see if we can purchase a boat. Or else build a new one."
"But we are wanting to go west lad, not north," said Gimli, taking out his pipe and a pouch of pipe weed.
"Yes Gimli, I am aware of that. That is why there is this little thing called navigation. And must you smoke?" said Legolas pulling face.
"Yes I must," Gimli said lighting his pipe and blowing smoke rings.
Legolas wrinkled his nose and Eragon got up and returned to the house.
~*~
Eragon brought chicken he had managed to steal from his breakfast to the Elf and the Dwarf. But only Gimli a in the barn, smoking. "Where is Legolas?" he asked.
The Dwarf shook his head. "Gone to get some fresh air. Said he couldn't stand the smell of this," Gimli held up hi face and grinned. "He'll be back soon."
At that moment Legolas slipped in through the barn doors. "There is a vicious blizzard in the mountains, it will fall on this Valley before long."
"Great, the traders are already late1 I bet they won't come now if the weather is too bad. We'll have to buy what we can from the towns people if they don't!" said Eragon.
"Traders?" asked Gimli.
"Yes, they come every year and we buy our supplies from them, some of the things they have sometimes..." Eragon trailed off thinking about last year when he and his Uncle Garrow and cousin Roran had made the trip into Carvahall.
~*~
Legolas had been right. Nine days later a dreadful blizzard hit. Eragon dare not leave the house except to feed the animals and his friends for fear of getting lost in the blizzard. The barn shook as it was pounded by the elements and Gimli curled up in the straw to try and keep warm. Not even Legolas dare go out in this.
A few days later the storm passed, leaving a crisp white blanket of snow over the land. It was only then that Legolas would go out. Leaving no footprints in the snow with his light boots. This amazed the young human.
One morning when Eragon came into the barn, looking sullen he was surprised to find that Legolas had some good news for him. "Your traders have come. I have seen the tracks in the snow on the road."
Eragon could have jumped for joy. He ran in and informed his uncle and Roran of the traders arrival.
~*~
The next morning Eragon and his family were packed for their trip to Carvahall. When he came to inform the Elf and the Dwarf he was surprised when Legolas stood and wrapped his cloak around his shoulders. It was a dark green and made out of a material so light yet so warm, fastened with a green leaf. Gimli also had one. "We are coming too," the Elf informed the boy. "I am sick of this barn, besides, I am interested to see the lives of your people. And maybe can find someone who can help us." He saw Eragon's uncertain look then said. "Do not worry. i shall keep my identity a secret. Though Gimli."
"You? I am coming too!" said Gimli.
Legolas rolled his eyes. "I knew I'd have this argument. Gimli, do you really think that they will believe you are just a man coming to buy their goods?" said Legolas.
Gimli said nothing.
"Legolas has a point. Even though I think it is unwise that he go , he will have a lesser chance of been noticed than you. I'm sorry Gimli. But I think it best if you stay here," said Eragon uncomfortably. "But Legolas, I still think it unwise for you to go."
No matter how must he tried, Legolas refused to not go. When Eragon pointed out his long blond hair which was braided at the sides, showing off his perfectly pointed ears, and the fact that that would look suspicious as no body in these parts had hair like that, the Elf undid the braids and shook them out running his long white fingers through them to undo them. His golden hair fell about his fair face. But not for long, he scooped it back into a loose ponytail and arranged it skilfully over his ears so that the pointed tips could not be seen.
When he had finished he said. "Better?" Eragon nodded grudgingly.
"But what about your clothes?" he said glancing at the Elf's green tunic and brown leggings.
"That is what the cloak is for is it not? Besides, your people do not know me. I will act as if I have come from a different town, Therinsford. Besides, this cloak was gifted to me by Galadriel, Lady of Lothloiren. It will keep me hidden."
"But-"
"It will keep him hidden well enough laddy. It was made by the Lady. The fairest creature I have ever laid eyes on. I would give my life just to look at her shinning face once more," said Gimli dreamily.
"You may yet Gimli, you may if we ever get out of here. You may," said Legolas. "Eragon, I will go behind you and follow you to Carvahall so that your uncle and cousin are not aware of me."
Eragon nodded.
They set off, leaving a grudging Gimli behind. Legolas waited a few minutes then slipped after them. Pull the hood of his cloak up over his head and shading his face from view.
~*~
They reached Carvahall just before noon. Legolas kept close to Eragon. Roran went off and then Eragon went with his uncle, who was greeting some people from the village that he knew. Legolas took this chance to grab Eragon's wrist discreetly and whisper in his ear. "I am going to see what I can fins out about where these traders are going and I want to know more of your people. I will meet you back by the wagon and horses in a while. See if you can get away from your uncle." With that the Elf turned and disappeared into the crowd.
Legolas marvelled at some of the things the traders were selling. He walked around, keeping his head bowed to cover his face. He over heard a trader talking to a villager.
"It's been terrible. We've had many illnesses and bad luck just seems to follow us. The guard around other cities we've been to has been increased and there are many villages that have had to move on. The Urgals have been migrating southeast and more soldiers are needed to combat them," the trader was saying. "And as the Varden's attacks have been increased too, Galbatorix has forced cities guards to the edge of the border. I don't know, it's strange."
Legolas moved on. It was the same word all around. Legolas kept hearing of these Urgals, from what he could gather they sounded a lot like orcs.
After a while he made his way back through the crowd to the wagon and horses. There he met Eragon slipping the blue stone beneath some bags to keep it hidden. "What are you doing?" he asked.
"Oh, hello Legolas. Uncle Garrow and I have just been to see Merlock, he specializes in strange trinkets and such, to see if we could sell it to him. he had no idea what it was and wouldn't take it. Any luck with finding out what you wanted to know?" said Eragon.
"I haven't really asked. This place is so full of people. But I have been hearing a lot of things, and I found out the reason the traders were held up."
"Yes, me too. Merlock told us." Said Eragon.
"They spoke of one... Galbatorix. They did not seem to like him much. And Urgals, what are they?" asked Legolas.
Eragon sighed. "Galbatorix is the ruler of the Empire and Urgals are foul horned creatures, or so I have heard. I don't really know. I've never had the displeasure of meeting one, and I don't think I want to from hat I have heard."
Legolas nodded.
"Anyway, my uncle will be hours trading, so I'm going to look around the stalls. I have some money. Do you want to come?" asked Eragon.
"Yes, I will. Maybe I can learn more of your kind. And of this Empire and Urgals," Legolas followed the boy back into the crowd.
"Hey Legolas, wait here a minute," Eragon left Legolas standing by a porch and returned shortly carrying a baking hot cherry pie and three sticks of malt candy. One of which he handed to Legolas. "Try this. I've brought one to take back to Gimli. And I also have cherry pie." Eragon sat on the porch and ate the pie greedily. Legolas joined him, twirling the candy stick in his nimble fingers.
"What is this?" he asked. Watching Eragon finish his pie and shove a candy stick into his mouth.
"Candy!" he said. "Taste it, it will not kill you. It's just sugary goodness."
Legolas licked it. It tasted quite nice so he to stuck it in his mouth and sucked. His eyes lighting up. He grinned stupidly and demolished the rest. "That is good," he smiled.
By late afternoon, Legolas was just recovering from the hyperness that had ensued after the candy which the Elf had acquired quite a liking for. And Eragon was feeling quite drained by now. He had seen a completely different side to the usually quiet Elf and had been running around after him as he examined the stores with excitement. Eragon was quite bored now. The traders had taken their business into people's homes and he was impatient for evening to come when they would come and perform tricks and tell stories.
"It is really wonderful. I mean, the village has its own story teller-Brom, but he only knows so many tales. It's interesting to hear the new ones the traders tell us. I really love the stories of the Dragon Riders," the boy's face lit up.
"The what?" said a now calm Legolas.
"The Dragon Riders," Eragon repeated. He as about to go into an explanation, but saw Sloan. He didn't want to come face to face with him again so he ducked around a corner, pulling Legolas with him, and legged it into Morn's Tavern.
It was hot and stuffy inside, Legolas pulled a face at the strong smell of smoke and alcohol, pulling his hood up to cover his face though the tavern as too crowded for anyone to notice him.
"Eragon, me boy! Good to see you! Where's your uncle?" asked Morn the bar tender.
"Buying, he's going to be a while," replied Eragon. He then looked at two traders near by. "Who are they?" he asked.
"Grain buyers, they brought at really low prices too. And we here need that money. Ah, they're spreading a load of rubbish about the Varden joining forces with the Urgals to form an army and attack us. And apparently it's only the 'great' king Galbatorix that has protected us for so long. Huh, load of rubbish if you ask me! Anyways, why don't you and your... erm... friend go listen o what they're saying?" he said noticing Legolas.
"Yes, thanks. Come on," he said leading the Elf over to the men and sitting just behind them. He could just make out what they were saying over the noise of the other people around them, but only just. Legolas however, heard every word perfectly.
"What are they saying?" asked Eragon noticing that Legolas was listening intently. "Can you hear them?"
Legolas nodded. "I will tell you when we get out of here," he said quietly.
after a while, the discussion was starting to get pretty violent and Eragon and Legolas decided to leave the tavern before things got out of hand. They went and sat on the porch they had earlier that day. "So, what did they say? I didn't catch all of it." Said Eragon.
"They said that this Galbatorix is the one who is keeping everyone safe. Did you here the protests after that?"
"Yes, the people listening said they might as well tell them that the Riders have returned and that they've killed a hundred Elves!" Eragon laughed. "If the people listening said that, then they really must have been talking lies!"
"Maybe, but the traders said that the Empire is the only thing that's stopping your Urgals over running this place. Then that this Varden, what ever they are, are just trying to take your lands and are basically bad," said Legolas. "What exactly are the Varden?
"The Varden are a rebel group that hate the Empire. No body knows who their leader is, but they've been around ever since Galbatorix's rise to power, and that was over a century ago! But if you are a fugitive or hate Galbatorix, they would accept you. And they have eluded Galbatorix's efforts to destroy them too. They are pretty powerful I think. Come on, I have to go to dinner at Horst's. will you be ok? You can go and wait by the wagon if you want."
Legolas nodded. As Legolas and Eragon walked down the street, Eragon noticed Roran standing in an alley with a girl. "That is Katrina, Sloan's daughter, his pride and joy." He explained to Legolas. They watched in the shadow as Katrina stood on her tip toes and kissed Roran. "Roran would be dead if Sloan ever found out about those two. Listen Legolas, go back to the wagon and wait for me. I will come and get you later in the evening. Then we can see the trader's tricks and their stories. It would be a great chance for you to learn more about my people," Eragon said happily.
Legolas nodded and the boy ran off to join his cousin and they made their way to Horst's house. Legolas watched him go before turning and heading back for the wagon. On his way he came past an old man with a knotted white beard that rippled over his chest.
Legolas just walked past him, paying no attention and pulling his hood down low over his face. But he suddenly stopped in his tracks when he heard an old gravely voice call out. "You!" Legolas turned to face the old man, his face in shadow because of his hood. The old man hobbled up to him. "Yes, you. I haven't seen your kind in a while, tell me, what are you doing here?"
Legolas did not answer.
"Are you here about it?" asked the old man.
"I do not know of what you speak," Legolas said, trying to make his voice sound deep and less musical.
The old man nodded. "Right." Legolas turned and quickened his pace, desperate to put as much distance between himself and the old man as possible.
A/N WOW! That has to be the longest chapter I have ever written for any of my stories... ever! I really enjoyed writing that! Once I got back into it. And I hope the length of this pays off for not updating in a while. Well, I hope you've enjoyed reading this as much as I have enjoyed writing it and you can expect an update a lot sooner!
Please review if you like!! Hell, review if you don't like. I don't care, I just want reviews. They make me feel all happy and they make me want to write more. So, if I get some nice reviews, you may well have a nice long chapter!!
Peace
Lolly pop
Reviewers~ I love you all!!! You people are what makes it all worth while! And I wouldn't be here today with out you guys... *takes out handkerchief and blows nose* Dishrag1313, thank you so much! Your review really made me laugh! Thanks, it cheered me up!!!
Ok then, since you've all been waiting... here it is. Any Elvish is at the end of the sentence in brackets.
Chapter 3~ The Traders
The three strange companions travelled for a day and a half before they reached Palancar Valley. It was growing colder and colder. The boy and the Dwarf shivered in the cold but Legolas just rolled his eyes at tem earning seething looks from the two mortals. Around noon on the third day they heard the crashing of Igualda Falls raining down far below onto mossy rocks. Before them lay Palancar Valley. A little ways from the falls lay Carvahall. At this height it looked so small.
"That is my home," said Eragon proudly.
The Elf's keen eyes surveyed the land picking out the cluster of brown buildings and the white make that rose from their chimneys and patches of farmland that looked so tiny from this height.
"The Anora River flows from the falls toward Palancar's southern end. It flows past the village Therinsford and the lonely mountain Utgard. Then beyond that it turns north, to the sea," Eragon explained pointing.
Legolas nodded, storing this piece of information.
The boy led them down the trail, Gimli grimaced at the decent. Legolas sprang down it lightly while the Dwarf and the boy stumbled down, Eragon grabbing the Dwarf whenever he tripped. Legolas stood waiting for them at the bottom, a smile on his face. "You need not laugh Elf!" said Gimli angrily.
They talked as they travelled on, Carvahall's lights glimmered in the dusk and the houses cast long shadows. "Carvahall is the only village in Palancar Valley besides Therinsford. The land is harsh and only merchants and trappers travel here." Eragon explained.
They came closer to the log buildings with either thatched or shingled roofs and smoke as Legolas had seen earlier, bellowed from the chimneys. Just outside the village Eragon turned to his companions. "I think it best if you two wait here, away from my village. It would not be a good idea if you were seen. You know what I mean? People would-"
"Ask questions," said Legolas nodding. "We understand. We shall wait here."
Gimli grumbled at his side. "A fine thing, hiding away like a sneaking goblin."
"Hush Gimli," said Legolas. "We are armed and there are no orcs or goblins and such around here. Besides, we have our weapons. We will wait for you here as you have asked."
"Good, I am going to the butchers to see if I can get some meat as I didn't catch anything. he is not my favourite person in the world, nor I his. But I will try."
"And what will you use to pay for this?" asked Legolas, but he thought he already knew the answer.
"This," Eragon took out the strange stone he had found in the forest. Legolas' guess was right.
"I would not do that is I was you," Legolas warned looking at the stone, his look was hard to read.
"But I have nothing else. And if m family want to eat then I have to."
Legolas nodded grudgingly. He already knew the boy would get no where with the stone. He set off and Legolas and Gimli took refuge in the trees. There they spoke quietly.
"You have your suspicions about that stone don't you Elf?" Gimli asked gazing at his friend.
"Maybe, I just think that the boy should be careful with it, and also be weary of who he shows it too," said Legolas.
~*~
"That... that... stupid..." Eragon couldn't quite find words to describe the butcher, Sloan. "He wouldn't take the stone. Caused a big fuss about it. Luckily the blacksmith Horst came and bailed me out. Sloan refused to even touch it when he found out it was from the Spine. But Horst brought the meat for me. So my family won't go hungry. He just said that to work off the debt I can go and work for him when I'm not busy with my other chores." Eragon calmed down a little now as he saw his home come into sight.
"You two, well I think that you should erm..." Eragon trailed off. "Look, I don't think my uncle would understand if you..."
"Do not worry. We will be fine in the barn," said Legolas.
"Are you sure? I could bring you food and bedding. It's just..." Eragon sighed and led them into the barn which was also homed to two horses and some chickens.
"We will be fine in here," said Legolas. "Hannon le." (thank you)
Eragon just looked at the Elf questioningly. "Ah, speak a language we can all understand will you laddy?" said Gimli gruffly.
"Baw," said Legolas stubbornly. He loved to wind the Dwarf up. (No)
The boy shook his head and laughed quietly to himself, leaving the bickering pair to it.
~*~
Eragon snuck out of his house in the middle of the night to bring his new friends food. Gimli was very grateful. Then he sat down as the two ate. Just staring at them. Legolas looked up suddenly and met his gaze. After only a few seconds Eragon found he had to blink and look away. Legolas grinned.
When the two had finished they talked for a while. Legolas took out his bow and quiver of arrows. He examined each one carefully before slipping them back. That reminded Eragon of the arrow he had lost in the Spine, trying to shoot the deer. It had been his best. "I'll have to make myself some more arrows." He said absentmindedly.
Legolas looked up. "I will help you. I noticed your arrows. They are well made, but I will show you a technique that the Elves use. It makes the arrow fly better."
Eragon straightened up and smiled. "Thanks. Well, I suppose I better be getting back. I need to sleep. I have chores to do tomorrow." He yawned widely. "What will you two do?"
"We will stay here for a while. You said earlier that the river, it leads north to the sea?" asked Legolas thoughtfully. Eragon nodded. "Hum. We may travel there, and see if we can purchase a boat. Or else build a new one."
"But we are wanting to go west lad, not north," said Gimli, taking out his pipe and a pouch of pipe weed.
"Yes Gimli, I am aware of that. That is why there is this little thing called navigation. And must you smoke?" said Legolas pulling face.
"Yes I must," Gimli said lighting his pipe and blowing smoke rings.
Legolas wrinkled his nose and Eragon got up and returned to the house.
~*~
Eragon brought chicken he had managed to steal from his breakfast to the Elf and the Dwarf. But only Gimli a in the barn, smoking. "Where is Legolas?" he asked.
The Dwarf shook his head. "Gone to get some fresh air. Said he couldn't stand the smell of this," Gimli held up hi face and grinned. "He'll be back soon."
At that moment Legolas slipped in through the barn doors. "There is a vicious blizzard in the mountains, it will fall on this Valley before long."
"Great, the traders are already late1 I bet they won't come now if the weather is too bad. We'll have to buy what we can from the towns people if they don't!" said Eragon.
"Traders?" asked Gimli.
"Yes, they come every year and we buy our supplies from them, some of the things they have sometimes..." Eragon trailed off thinking about last year when he and his Uncle Garrow and cousin Roran had made the trip into Carvahall.
~*~
Legolas had been right. Nine days later a dreadful blizzard hit. Eragon dare not leave the house except to feed the animals and his friends for fear of getting lost in the blizzard. The barn shook as it was pounded by the elements and Gimli curled up in the straw to try and keep warm. Not even Legolas dare go out in this.
A few days later the storm passed, leaving a crisp white blanket of snow over the land. It was only then that Legolas would go out. Leaving no footprints in the snow with his light boots. This amazed the young human.
One morning when Eragon came into the barn, looking sullen he was surprised to find that Legolas had some good news for him. "Your traders have come. I have seen the tracks in the snow on the road."
Eragon could have jumped for joy. He ran in and informed his uncle and Roran of the traders arrival.
~*~
The next morning Eragon and his family were packed for their trip to Carvahall. When he came to inform the Elf and the Dwarf he was surprised when Legolas stood and wrapped his cloak around his shoulders. It was a dark green and made out of a material so light yet so warm, fastened with a green leaf. Gimli also had one. "We are coming too," the Elf informed the boy. "I am sick of this barn, besides, I am interested to see the lives of your people. And maybe can find someone who can help us." He saw Eragon's uncertain look then said. "Do not worry. i shall keep my identity a secret. Though Gimli."
"You? I am coming too!" said Gimli.
Legolas rolled his eyes. "I knew I'd have this argument. Gimli, do you really think that they will believe you are just a man coming to buy their goods?" said Legolas.
Gimli said nothing.
"Legolas has a point. Even though I think it is unwise that he go , he will have a lesser chance of been noticed than you. I'm sorry Gimli. But I think it best if you stay here," said Eragon uncomfortably. "But Legolas, I still think it unwise for you to go."
No matter how must he tried, Legolas refused to not go. When Eragon pointed out his long blond hair which was braided at the sides, showing off his perfectly pointed ears, and the fact that that would look suspicious as no body in these parts had hair like that, the Elf undid the braids and shook them out running his long white fingers through them to undo them. His golden hair fell about his fair face. But not for long, he scooped it back into a loose ponytail and arranged it skilfully over his ears so that the pointed tips could not be seen.
When he had finished he said. "Better?" Eragon nodded grudgingly.
"But what about your clothes?" he said glancing at the Elf's green tunic and brown leggings.
"That is what the cloak is for is it not? Besides, your people do not know me. I will act as if I have come from a different town, Therinsford. Besides, this cloak was gifted to me by Galadriel, Lady of Lothloiren. It will keep me hidden."
"But-"
"It will keep him hidden well enough laddy. It was made by the Lady. The fairest creature I have ever laid eyes on. I would give my life just to look at her shinning face once more," said Gimli dreamily.
"You may yet Gimli, you may if we ever get out of here. You may," said Legolas. "Eragon, I will go behind you and follow you to Carvahall so that your uncle and cousin are not aware of me."
Eragon nodded.
They set off, leaving a grudging Gimli behind. Legolas waited a few minutes then slipped after them. Pull the hood of his cloak up over his head and shading his face from view.
~*~
They reached Carvahall just before noon. Legolas kept close to Eragon. Roran went off and then Eragon went with his uncle, who was greeting some people from the village that he knew. Legolas took this chance to grab Eragon's wrist discreetly and whisper in his ear. "I am going to see what I can fins out about where these traders are going and I want to know more of your people. I will meet you back by the wagon and horses in a while. See if you can get away from your uncle." With that the Elf turned and disappeared into the crowd.
Legolas marvelled at some of the things the traders were selling. He walked around, keeping his head bowed to cover his face. He over heard a trader talking to a villager.
"It's been terrible. We've had many illnesses and bad luck just seems to follow us. The guard around other cities we've been to has been increased and there are many villages that have had to move on. The Urgals have been migrating southeast and more soldiers are needed to combat them," the trader was saying. "And as the Varden's attacks have been increased too, Galbatorix has forced cities guards to the edge of the border. I don't know, it's strange."
Legolas moved on. It was the same word all around. Legolas kept hearing of these Urgals, from what he could gather they sounded a lot like orcs.
After a while he made his way back through the crowd to the wagon and horses. There he met Eragon slipping the blue stone beneath some bags to keep it hidden. "What are you doing?" he asked.
"Oh, hello Legolas. Uncle Garrow and I have just been to see Merlock, he specializes in strange trinkets and such, to see if we could sell it to him. he had no idea what it was and wouldn't take it. Any luck with finding out what you wanted to know?" said Eragon.
"I haven't really asked. This place is so full of people. But I have been hearing a lot of things, and I found out the reason the traders were held up."
"Yes, me too. Merlock told us." Said Eragon.
"They spoke of one... Galbatorix. They did not seem to like him much. And Urgals, what are they?" asked Legolas.
Eragon sighed. "Galbatorix is the ruler of the Empire and Urgals are foul horned creatures, or so I have heard. I don't really know. I've never had the displeasure of meeting one, and I don't think I want to from hat I have heard."
Legolas nodded.
"Anyway, my uncle will be hours trading, so I'm going to look around the stalls. I have some money. Do you want to come?" asked Eragon.
"Yes, I will. Maybe I can learn more of your kind. And of this Empire and Urgals," Legolas followed the boy back into the crowd.
"Hey Legolas, wait here a minute," Eragon left Legolas standing by a porch and returned shortly carrying a baking hot cherry pie and three sticks of malt candy. One of which he handed to Legolas. "Try this. I've brought one to take back to Gimli. And I also have cherry pie." Eragon sat on the porch and ate the pie greedily. Legolas joined him, twirling the candy stick in his nimble fingers.
"What is this?" he asked. Watching Eragon finish his pie and shove a candy stick into his mouth.
"Candy!" he said. "Taste it, it will not kill you. It's just sugary goodness."
Legolas licked it. It tasted quite nice so he to stuck it in his mouth and sucked. His eyes lighting up. He grinned stupidly and demolished the rest. "That is good," he smiled.
By late afternoon, Legolas was just recovering from the hyperness that had ensued after the candy which the Elf had acquired quite a liking for. And Eragon was feeling quite drained by now. He had seen a completely different side to the usually quiet Elf and had been running around after him as he examined the stores with excitement. Eragon was quite bored now. The traders had taken their business into people's homes and he was impatient for evening to come when they would come and perform tricks and tell stories.
"It is really wonderful. I mean, the village has its own story teller-Brom, but he only knows so many tales. It's interesting to hear the new ones the traders tell us. I really love the stories of the Dragon Riders," the boy's face lit up.
"The what?" said a now calm Legolas.
"The Dragon Riders," Eragon repeated. He as about to go into an explanation, but saw Sloan. He didn't want to come face to face with him again so he ducked around a corner, pulling Legolas with him, and legged it into Morn's Tavern.
It was hot and stuffy inside, Legolas pulled a face at the strong smell of smoke and alcohol, pulling his hood up to cover his face though the tavern as too crowded for anyone to notice him.
"Eragon, me boy! Good to see you! Where's your uncle?" asked Morn the bar tender.
"Buying, he's going to be a while," replied Eragon. He then looked at two traders near by. "Who are they?" he asked.
"Grain buyers, they brought at really low prices too. And we here need that money. Ah, they're spreading a load of rubbish about the Varden joining forces with the Urgals to form an army and attack us. And apparently it's only the 'great' king Galbatorix that has protected us for so long. Huh, load of rubbish if you ask me! Anyways, why don't you and your... erm... friend go listen o what they're saying?" he said noticing Legolas.
"Yes, thanks. Come on," he said leading the Elf over to the men and sitting just behind them. He could just make out what they were saying over the noise of the other people around them, but only just. Legolas however, heard every word perfectly.
"What are they saying?" asked Eragon noticing that Legolas was listening intently. "Can you hear them?"
Legolas nodded. "I will tell you when we get out of here," he said quietly.
after a while, the discussion was starting to get pretty violent and Eragon and Legolas decided to leave the tavern before things got out of hand. They went and sat on the porch they had earlier that day. "So, what did they say? I didn't catch all of it." Said Eragon.
"They said that this Galbatorix is the one who is keeping everyone safe. Did you here the protests after that?"
"Yes, the people listening said they might as well tell them that the Riders have returned and that they've killed a hundred Elves!" Eragon laughed. "If the people listening said that, then they really must have been talking lies!"
"Maybe, but the traders said that the Empire is the only thing that's stopping your Urgals over running this place. Then that this Varden, what ever they are, are just trying to take your lands and are basically bad," said Legolas. "What exactly are the Varden?
"The Varden are a rebel group that hate the Empire. No body knows who their leader is, but they've been around ever since Galbatorix's rise to power, and that was over a century ago! But if you are a fugitive or hate Galbatorix, they would accept you. And they have eluded Galbatorix's efforts to destroy them too. They are pretty powerful I think. Come on, I have to go to dinner at Horst's. will you be ok? You can go and wait by the wagon if you want."
Legolas nodded. As Legolas and Eragon walked down the street, Eragon noticed Roran standing in an alley with a girl. "That is Katrina, Sloan's daughter, his pride and joy." He explained to Legolas. They watched in the shadow as Katrina stood on her tip toes and kissed Roran. "Roran would be dead if Sloan ever found out about those two. Listen Legolas, go back to the wagon and wait for me. I will come and get you later in the evening. Then we can see the trader's tricks and their stories. It would be a great chance for you to learn more about my people," Eragon said happily.
Legolas nodded and the boy ran off to join his cousin and they made their way to Horst's house. Legolas watched him go before turning and heading back for the wagon. On his way he came past an old man with a knotted white beard that rippled over his chest.
Legolas just walked past him, paying no attention and pulling his hood down low over his face. But he suddenly stopped in his tracks when he heard an old gravely voice call out. "You!" Legolas turned to face the old man, his face in shadow because of his hood. The old man hobbled up to him. "Yes, you. I haven't seen your kind in a while, tell me, what are you doing here?"
Legolas did not answer.
"Are you here about it?" asked the old man.
"I do not know of what you speak," Legolas said, trying to make his voice sound deep and less musical.
The old man nodded. "Right." Legolas turned and quickened his pace, desperate to put as much distance between himself and the old man as possible.
A/N WOW! That has to be the longest chapter I have ever written for any of my stories... ever! I really enjoyed writing that! Once I got back into it. And I hope the length of this pays off for not updating in a while. Well, I hope you've enjoyed reading this as much as I have enjoyed writing it and you can expect an update a lot sooner!
Please review if you like!! Hell, review if you don't like. I don't care, I just want reviews. They make me feel all happy and they make me want to write more. So, if I get some nice reviews, you may well have a nice long chapter!!
Peace
Lolly pop