A/N Here we are again! You guys ready for another chapter? GOOD!
~Reviewers~
hobbitfan2~ Hehehe, you should right an Eragon story? I want to read one that's not my own!! But it is a great book and I'm glad you're enjoying this!
Fuji the Hobbit~ The author of Eragon is Christopher Paolini. If you like LOTR, then I think you will like Eragon, it's the first part of a trilogy called Inheritance. I strongly recommend this!!! I hope that, if you do read it, you enjoy it! No, I haven't read any of Anne McCaffery's series. What are those about?
Gilraen Felagund~ Yeah, Legolas and Arya, I actually have a rough idea of what will happen when they meet! Hehehe, yeah, they are two of my favourite books too!
Xiad Rusco~ Thanks. Glad you like!
Dishrag1313~ Yeah, Legolas on a sugar high, my personal favourite part of that chapter!
Kanaylle~ That's ok. The movies explain a lot, but it's good to know all the extra detail. Yep, a lot of people seemed to like Legolas on a sugar high. I think I might put another sugifyed Legolas in later too!
KimmyStarr~ Oops, oh well, at least there was only one! I do try!
Pazazz 21~ Yep, Legolas on a sugar high, I would definitely have liked to see that in the movies!! But I did read somewhere that in the extended version of ROTK there is a drinking competition between Legolas and Gimli, I don't know whether It's true or not though.
Jestofo~ Don't hurt me!! I'm glad you're enjoying this. And her is your update!
Yay, 29 reviews! I seriously thought nobody would be interested in this when I first started it! Thanks you lot!
Oh and any Elvish, the translations are at the end of the sentence in brackets.
Chapter 5~ Dragon
"A dragon! But.... That can not be a dragon! How did I get a dragon egg?" the boy stood there, stunned at what he was seeing. "I DON'T BELIEVE IT!"
"Believe it. That my friend is a baby dragon," said Legolas.
The baby dragon was no longer than Eragon's forearm and it's scales were a deep sapphire, the same colour as the stone, but it wasn't a stone, it was an egg. And not just any egg. A dragon egg! The dragon fanned its wings which were several times longer than it's body ribbed with fingers of bone that extended from the wings front edge forming a line of widely spaced talons. The dragon's head was roughly triangular, with two little white fangs curved down out of its upper jaw. To go with the sharp teeth, were sharp claws, serrated on the inside curve. Equally sharp looking spikes ran down the dragon's back.
Eragon let out a gasp and shifted slightly. The dragon's eyes fixed on him. They were a deep ice cold blue, deeper than Legolas'. The Elf had been keeping very still. He was remembering the dragon's he had come across in his lifetime in Middle earth. Among those, standing out most of all was the dragon Smaug. The great dragon that had taken the Dwarves' gold. And the battle of five armies that had taken shape in the shadow of the Lonely Mountain in the Lake-town. And the sneaky little hobbit Bilbo Baggins. Uncle of Frodo Baggins who he had travelled many leagues to destroy the One Ring of the Dark Lord Sauron. Dragons were dangerous.
The small dragon was now tottering around the room. Bumping into things and squealing. It had climbed onto Eragon's bed and was now squeaking, it's mouth open. Eragon, getting over his initial shock, slowly walked over to it and sat on the end of the bed. The dragon was smelling the boys hand and nibbling at his sleeve.
Eragon smiled and reached out to touch it.
"Be careful," Legolas warned. He had been watching the dragon with attentive eyes, remembering how Brom had spoken of dragons. Maybe they were not so bad if they were raised by humans and Elves.
"Owww!" Eragon cried wildly. He lay on the floor, unable to move. Legolas rushed to his side. "I touched the dragon and, it was like a surge of energy rushed up my arm, burning my veins like liquid fire. Every part of my body is in pain!"
Legolas did not know what to do. He knelt next to the young human at a loss. He also had no idea what had happened. After a while though, Eragon began to regain feeling in his body. Legolas helped him sit upright. But the only part of his body still numb was his hand.
He began trying to scratch it as it burned and itched, Legolas stopped him though. A diffused oval white oval had appeared on his palm. "What has happened to me? Legolas!"
The Elf shook his head. "I do not know."
The small dragon brushed against Eragon's leg, but this time he did not get a shock. Then it brushed against Legolas who flinched away, but nothing happened.
"I feel strange," said Eragon massaging his temples. "It feels like the wall blocking my mind to the outside has been knocked down and I am free to reach out with my mind. But it feels like something else is touching my mind. Like just now, I feel an overpowering hunger." He looked at Legolas, looking for an explanation in the Elf's deep eyes. But he found none.
The dragon wailed from where it sat on the bed. "I think that the dragon is hungry. Eragon, maybe what you were feeling in your mind was the dragon. You are feeling what it feels. Quickly, go and get it some food!" said Legolas stroking the dragon gently. This creature was dangerous yes, of course he knew that, but it was so helpless. The most important thing to do first was to feed it and then decide what was to be.
The boy left and returned with two strips of meat. He found the dragon sitting on the window sill gazing out curiously. Legolas sat next to it. Eragon handed a piece of meat to Legolas who offered it to the dragon. It jabbed its head out sniffing it then snapped it from Legolas' fingers. "Now you try."
Eragon moved forwards. Legolas got up from his seat on the window sill and sat down in Legolas' place. He fed it the rest of the meat. Its stomach was bulging by the time it was finished. Its eyelids drooped and Eragon picked it up and set it down on his bed. Eragon sat down too.
"Get some rest before dawn. I must return before Gimli wakes and realises I am gone. Will have to figure out what to do with a dragon in the morning. Do not tell your uncle and cousin of it. I do not think they will be willing to keep it. I shall see you in the morning. For now, rest," said Legolas. Then he quietly opened the window and slipped out, hurrying back to the barn.
~*~
Eragon came to the barn at dawn with the dragon wrapped up in rags. "Hush, be quiet," he cooed as the dragon squirmed and squeaked.
He opened the barn door and was met by the Dwarf's gruff voice arguing with the Elf." A dragon? The boy can not keep a dragon! Are you completely out of your mind Elf! You know how much trouble that would course? You remember the dragon Smaug! You know it was my father that travelled with Gandalf and the little hobbit to reclaim the treasure lost by the Dwarves when-"
"Gimli, I know what happened. My father was there also, as was I," Legolas replied.
"Ah, and I seem to recall that it was your father that imprisoned my father in his palace, along with Thorin and the rest of the company," the Dwarf said angrily.
"That was a complete misunderstanding, that was before the alliance with Elves and Dwarves. Anyway, we are getting off the subject, the boy's dragon," said Legolas.
Eragon thought that was the time to make himself known and he walked into the barn. Gimli nodded his head in greeting and Legolas smiled a little. "You have brought the dragon I see. Good. We shall decide what to do with it."
Eragon unwrapped the bundle to reveal the dragon. Gimli wrinkled his nose. The animals in the barn began to look nervous as the dragon looked around hungrily at them. Eragon however, kept the creature locked firmly in his arms. "What do you think we should do with it?"
Legolas came forward. "Give me your hand, the one with the mark on it," Eragon did as the Elf requested. Clutching the dragon in one arm awkwardly. Legolas saw this and picked the rags and the dragon up, he placed it on Gimli's lap.
The Dwarf started. "Oh no! No you don't Elf, I'll have nothing to do with this understand!" he protested.
"Just hold it for a minute. It will not hurt you," said Legolas. Then he took Eragon's hand and examined the pearly white oval. It now had a slivery sheen to it. He ran a long delicate finger over it. "I was thinking last night, you can feel what the dragon feels yes? well my theory is that this marl links you to the dragon. I could be wrong. But it seems to be that. I was also thinking about what the story teller said about the Dragon Riders," said Legolas letting go of Eragon.
"And, what do you think?" said Eragon.
"I do not yet know. But I know it can not stay in your house. I was walking in the forest early this morning. I have found a tree which wood be perfect for a hut of some kind. There the dragon can stay for a while."
"Will it be safe there?" Eragon asked walking over to Gimli and taking back the dragon. Gimli let out a sigh of relief.
"Yes, safe enough," said Legolas. Then he added to himself in an undertone in his own language "An si..." (For now)
"Good, is it far in/" he asked. He was starting to feel a connection to the dragon and took it upon himself to make sure that it was safe.
"Not far, just far enough so it will not be discovered. Eragon, go and fetch more rags and some strips of leather, also, have you fed it yet?" asked Legolas. Eragon shook his head. "Then get it more food and meet me just inside the trees. I shall take the dragon."
The boy nodded and existed the barn to do as the Elf had instructed.
"Gimli, I will need your help," said Legolas.
"Ah, very well Elf, if I must. What is it you want me to do?"
~*~
Hurrying across the field Eragon soon reached the cover of the trees carrying a huge bundle of all he had been told to get. He met Legolas and Gimli, who was armed with his axe. The three stood by a rowan tree standing alone on a barren knoll.
"Give me the leather," said Legolas.
Eragon did as he was told and watched as Legolas skilfully made a leash for the dragon, when he was finished he slipped it over the dragon's head and handed a long piece of leather attached to the collar of the leash to Eragon who was holding the creature, not wanting to let go in fear it would run away. "You can put it down now, tie the leash around the base of the tree, make sure the knot is tight, we do not want a runaway dragon in the forest!" Eragon did as he was told. Then Legolas turned to Gimli who was gathering sticks from the forest floor. "Make sure the sticks are strong my friend."
"What does it look like I'm doing! Why don't you come and gather sticks yourself! It would be much easier just to cut down a tree and get the wood from that!" Gimli grumbled.
"No, no trees are to be cut down. Eragon, how skilled are you at craftsmanship? We will need to make a small hut that will fit into the top of this tree, it must be small and light but strong enough to hold your dragon," said Legolas.
"My craftsmanship is well enough," replied the boy.
"Good," Legolas jumped up and grabbed onto the lowest branch of the tree, he skilfully swung himself up into the higher branches calling for Eragon to follow him with a bundle of sticks that Gimli handed him.
They had soon built a small hut just big enough for the dragon in the tree and had layered it with the rags Eragon had brought and hung more rags on the outside to keep in heat. The boy climbed down carefully, Legolas swinging down easily and coming to perch on the lowest branch where he could talk to the other two.
"Eragon, give me the dragon," said Legolas. Eragon undone the leash and handed the dragon to Legolas. He swung up into the higher branches using one arm, the other clutched the dragon. It clambered into the hut. "Stay here, and you hall be safe."
The dragon just blinked at him as the Elf ran a slender hand over its head. He began to climb down. As the three were heading back out of the forest Eragon kept looking back at the dragon who was sticking its head out of the hut. Legolas followed the humans gaze. "It will stay there, wont it? It will be safe?"
"It should be. But why don't you tell it too stay, go on, try," Legolas urged.
Eragon nodded and sent a message to the dragon. Stay there. There dragon popped its head back inside the hut and the boy walked on.
~*~
Within two weeks the dragon was roaming around as it had grown so big it could now hunt for it's own food. And Eragon, with the help of Legolas and Gimli, had been forced to build a bigger shelter on the ground which was hidden amongst the bushes. Legolas and Gimli also spent most of their time in the forest with the dragon as it was becoming increasingly risky to remain in the barn as Eragon's uncle and cousin kept coming in to fetch different tools and tend to the animals. The two only returned after dark and they saw little of Eragon as he had his chores to attend to.
But when he did manage to sneak into the forest to talk to his friends, he became excited. "My cousin is going to Carvahall!" he announced upon greeting them. "He needs to get a chisel fixed and I'm going with him. I want to go and see Brom and talk to him about dragons and I want to give my dragon a good name. Legolas, are you coming?"
"I will accompany you yes. Gimli, you will stay here again understand?" said Legolas.
Gimli after much grumbling-again, agreed to stay and watch over the dragon.
"We leave tonight," Eragon informed Legolas.
The Elf nodded.
Then Eragon stood quietly and called the dragon with his mind. He looked up and saw a fast moving speck in the sky as the dragon dived down sharply and landed before him. the boy had been able to perfect this skill of calling to thee dragon with his mind over the past week or so, aided by Legolas who taught him how to open his mind. He then told it that he was going away and would be back soon.
Then he felt a jolt in his stomach as he felt the dragon call back his name. Eragon. He said nothing to the others and hurried away form the dragon, the other two in toe. The young human looked a little shaken. And Legolas knew why. He to had heard the dragon.
~*~
Legolas followed a way behind Eragon and his brother as they made their way once again to Carvahall. Once they had reached Carvahall Eragon and his cousin Roran parted.
Eragon walked through Carvahall with Legolas. "I will wait outside by the window while you speck with the story teller. I will remain out of sight," said Legolas. When they were close to Brom's house, Legolas slipped away form the boy round the back of the house and took his place, crouching beneath the window in a clump of bushes. Here he would be able to hear all that was said. He just didn't want the story teller to see him again.
Eragon knocked on Brom's front door. But he jumped when he heard the old man behind him. "What do you want boy?"
"I, Roran is getting a chisel fixed and I just thought I would come and see you, I have some free time. If that is fine with you Brom," Eragon replied politely.
"Ah, fine. Come in. I have nothing better to do myself."
Legolas heard the front door open then close as the two people entered.
"Have a seat, just don't knock any of my books, and be careful," Legolas heard the old man say.
Then Eragon plunged on with his questions and such. "I was just interested, I have heard so much of the Dragon Riders from everyone and just wondered how they were started. Everyone seems to want them to come back."
"Ah, the Dragon Riders is it? A vast subject to tell of indeed. Well boy, I can't tell you everything least we be sitting here until winter, but I'll tell you the shortened version. That's long enough, but we have time. Just let me get my pipe," he rummaged for his pipe, finding it he lit it and inhaled deeply. "Go and open that window there boy, let some air in."
Eragon got up and forced the window open, immediately the smell of pipe tobacco wafted to Legolas who wrinkled his nose. Eragon looked down and Legolas revealed himself just a little to the boy who nodded then returned to his seat.
"Ah, that's better. Now, where shall I begin? The Dragon Riders, known as Shur'tugal by the Elves," Legolas' ears pricked. He did not recognise this word. But maybe the Elves here spoke a different language to the one he knew. Brom continued. "Right, well I shall start first of all with where the dragons came from.
"Dragon's have been here since Alagaësia itself. They suffer as the land does and I suppose they will be around until the land perishes. They, along with Dwarves and a few others are the true inhabitants of this land. Their world went unchanged until the first Elves sailed here from across the sea on their Grey ships."
"Where do the Elves come from?" asked Eragon. He wanted to see if they too came from Middle-earth like Legolas.
Legolas meanwhile hidden in the bushes under the window was listening intently.
"One thing at a time boy! The Elves, the fair folk, they are a beautiful graceful folk that come from a land called Alalea," Brom continued.
Legolas had never heard of this place, though he wondered whether it could be Valinor in the language of the Elves that dwelled in this land.
"Back then, the Elves were powerful in magic, a strong and proud race. But they thought of dragons as mere animals, at first. Then one of their kind, a foolish young Elf went and killed a dragon. Anyway, the dragons in their turn killed that Elf. But it did not stop there. The dragons massed together and attacked the Elven nation. The Elves tied to end the hostilities, but could not communicate with the dragons.
"And so the fighting went on and a bloody war came upon both sides, which they later regretted. At first the Elves were reluctant to fight and fought only to protect themselves, but the dragons were fierce and soon the Elves were forced to attack back. This lasted for five years until and Elf called Eragon," Brom paused for the look on Eragon's face and Legolas listened carefully. "I see you didn't realise you were named after an Elf. Well, this Elf found a dragon egg," Eragon was even more surprised. "Well. Eragon raised this dragon to be good and together they went among both Elves and dragons and persuaded them to stop the fighting. They did and soon treaties were formed amongst Elves and dragons and they all learned to live in peace with each other. And to make certain that war would never break out again, they Elves established the Dragon Riders.
"At first they were merely a means of communication between the dragons and Elves, but then they began to gain more power and they became more powerful than all the kings in Alagaësia. They eventually took the island of Vroengard as their home and built a city on it- Dorú Areaba. That was before Galbatorix over threw them."
So he had been named after the very first rider. "And, what does Eragon mean?" Eragon asked.
"No idea. It's very old. Nobody remembers except perhaps the Elves. And you would have to be very lucky to meet one of them!" Brom said watching Eragon intently.
Eragon grinned nervously. "Yes," he said meekly. An Elf had been living in his barn for the past month or so along with a Dwarf too! He would love to see the look on Brom's face if he told him that.
"Yes, you have a very honourable name boy," Brom said looking at him deeply.
"So, where were we when the first riders were around?" asked Eragon/ "You know, humans."
"Ah us. Our ancestors came across the sea about three centuries after the Elves. You see, we really haven't lived in Palancar Valley. People have only been here for a few generations. And you Eragon, you are not rightly from around here. Even though Garrow and Roran are your family, you know your father came from somewhere else."
Eragon was angry at this and just stared at his feet for a moment. Then asked. "What happened to the Dwarves after the Riders were destroyed?"
""No one really knows. They fought with the Riders for a time through the first few battles, but when it became clear that Galbatorix would win. They retreated to their underground tunnels and sealed off the entrances. No one has seen one since," Brom explained.
How funny this was. You were very lucky to ever meet an Elf yet he had one living with him and he must be the very first person in a very long time to ever meet a Dwarf.
"As for the dragons, that is a mystery. Those that were not slaughtered by Galbatorix joined him, and if there are any left, then they have kept themselves well hidden from the Empire."
"And what of Urgals? Where did they come from?" asked Eragon.
"Followed the Elves across the sea. That was one of the main reasons for the Riders, to keep the peace," Brom answered. "You see, this is a delicate subject with the Empire."
"Yes, I heard your story when the traders were here," said Eragon.
"That is no story boy!" Brom's eyes flashed. "Respect what happened in the past boy. Respect it!"
"Yes," Eragon muttered. Then he asked. "So, how big were the dragons?"
"As big as a house, and that was the small ones! The older ones could pass for a hill, that was before the Empire killed them off."
Oh no! thought Eragon. How was he to keep the dragon in years to come if they grew that big? Legolas also worried about this, forgetting for a moment that he would perhaps not be here in years to come if he could get a ship and find a way to get to the Undying Lands.
"I heard that a dragon's scales shone like gems, and that the Riders could hear their dragon's thoughts," said Eragon, determined to learn as much as he could.
"Yes, yes they can. And their scales came in every colour. Like a rainbow," said Brom thinking. "Who told you that?"
"Trader, a trader told me. I heard him in Morn's pub. I didn't catch his name," Eragon lied quickly.
"Pity, I would have liked to know," aid Brom thinking deeply.
"Dragons, did they live very long?" asked Eragon.
"What," Brom's mind was brought back from else where. "Yes, they did. Forever in fact, like an Elf. As long as they weren't killed, or their Rider wasn't."
"But that can't be true, if a Rider doesn't live for very long, neither does a dragon. But you said in your narration about Riders that a Rider can live for hundreds of years. But that's impossible!" said Eragon. He did not like the thought of out living his friend and family.
"Ah, but the dragons were magical. They affected things around them in strange ways. The most common side affect for a Rider was longer life," said Brom.
Legolas, listening outside in the bush thought fondly of his friend Aragorn, he had been one of the Dunedain and had had a very long life himself.
"There were other changes to the Riders too. Like they were stronger of body and mind, they had keener senses too. And over time they started to develop pointed ears like an Elf's only not as prominent."
Legolas couldn't help but smile as he thought of the human with pointed ears.
"The dragons were very intelligent, as intelligent as you or I. they have natural wisdom that any king could hope for," said Brom, a look of amusement on his face.
"Have you ever met one?" asked Eragon.
"No, they were long before my time."
Eragon thought for a moment then said. "I've been trying to think of a name that I heard from one of the traders. The name of a dragon," Eragon chose his words carefully.
"Hmm, let me see, there was Jura, Hírador, Fundor, Galzra, Briam, Ohen, Gretiem, Beroan, Roslarb," he went on to list many others, but the last name on the list he said so that Eragon only just caught it. "And Saphira. Was it one of those?"
"No," replied Eragon.
"Oh, and I didn't mention it earlier, it slipped my mind. But have you seen any strangers in Carvahall lately? I saw one on the night the traders arrived, just before I went and told my story. He was tall, hooded and cloaked," Brom asked.
Eragon stiffened a little. Legolas had said that he had met Brom then. He shook his head.
"Well, if you do ever se anyone like that, you let me know," Brom looked at him suspiciously. "You would let me know wouldn't you?"
"Yes," Eragon said automatically. "Well, I imagine that Roran will have got his chisel fixed by now, I better go. Thank you for all you have told me."
He got up and Brom led him o the door. Legolas heard it open and made his way around the house to stand in the shadows and wait for Eragon. "And remember, if you do see any strangers around here, you come and tell me right? Eragon nodded and walked away.
Legolas waited until the door was closed then moved towards Eragon. He caught up with him and they began to discuss what they had learnt from Brom, Legolas kept his head down and his hood up do no one would see his face. But Brom was watching from his window and he saw the boy and the stranger walking together. "Ah, so you have come."
A/N Phew! That was a long chapter! Do you people know how long that took me! There, you guys have a nice long chapter. Now go review! Make my stiff neck and aching fingers worth something!!! Go!!! And then you will have a nice long next chapter. Hopefully before I have to go back to Mordor (aka my damned school!)
Now review!
Sidh
Lolly pop
~Reviewers~
hobbitfan2~ Hehehe, you should right an Eragon story? I want to read one that's not my own!! But it is a great book and I'm glad you're enjoying this!
Fuji the Hobbit~ The author of Eragon is Christopher Paolini. If you like LOTR, then I think you will like Eragon, it's the first part of a trilogy called Inheritance. I strongly recommend this!!! I hope that, if you do read it, you enjoy it! No, I haven't read any of Anne McCaffery's series. What are those about?
Gilraen Felagund~ Yeah, Legolas and Arya, I actually have a rough idea of what will happen when they meet! Hehehe, yeah, they are two of my favourite books too!
Xiad Rusco~ Thanks. Glad you like!
Dishrag1313~ Yeah, Legolas on a sugar high, my personal favourite part of that chapter!
Kanaylle~ That's ok. The movies explain a lot, but it's good to know all the extra detail. Yep, a lot of people seemed to like Legolas on a sugar high. I think I might put another sugifyed Legolas in later too!
KimmyStarr~ Oops, oh well, at least there was only one! I do try!
Pazazz 21~ Yep, Legolas on a sugar high, I would definitely have liked to see that in the movies!! But I did read somewhere that in the extended version of ROTK there is a drinking competition between Legolas and Gimli, I don't know whether It's true or not though.
Jestofo~ Don't hurt me!! I'm glad you're enjoying this. And her is your update!
Yay, 29 reviews! I seriously thought nobody would be interested in this when I first started it! Thanks you lot!
Oh and any Elvish, the translations are at the end of the sentence in brackets.
Chapter 5~ Dragon
"A dragon! But.... That can not be a dragon! How did I get a dragon egg?" the boy stood there, stunned at what he was seeing. "I DON'T BELIEVE IT!"
"Believe it. That my friend is a baby dragon," said Legolas.
The baby dragon was no longer than Eragon's forearm and it's scales were a deep sapphire, the same colour as the stone, but it wasn't a stone, it was an egg. And not just any egg. A dragon egg! The dragon fanned its wings which were several times longer than it's body ribbed with fingers of bone that extended from the wings front edge forming a line of widely spaced talons. The dragon's head was roughly triangular, with two little white fangs curved down out of its upper jaw. To go with the sharp teeth, were sharp claws, serrated on the inside curve. Equally sharp looking spikes ran down the dragon's back.
Eragon let out a gasp and shifted slightly. The dragon's eyes fixed on him. They were a deep ice cold blue, deeper than Legolas'. The Elf had been keeping very still. He was remembering the dragon's he had come across in his lifetime in Middle earth. Among those, standing out most of all was the dragon Smaug. The great dragon that had taken the Dwarves' gold. And the battle of five armies that had taken shape in the shadow of the Lonely Mountain in the Lake-town. And the sneaky little hobbit Bilbo Baggins. Uncle of Frodo Baggins who he had travelled many leagues to destroy the One Ring of the Dark Lord Sauron. Dragons were dangerous.
The small dragon was now tottering around the room. Bumping into things and squealing. It had climbed onto Eragon's bed and was now squeaking, it's mouth open. Eragon, getting over his initial shock, slowly walked over to it and sat on the end of the bed. The dragon was smelling the boys hand and nibbling at his sleeve.
Eragon smiled and reached out to touch it.
"Be careful," Legolas warned. He had been watching the dragon with attentive eyes, remembering how Brom had spoken of dragons. Maybe they were not so bad if they were raised by humans and Elves.
"Owww!" Eragon cried wildly. He lay on the floor, unable to move. Legolas rushed to his side. "I touched the dragon and, it was like a surge of energy rushed up my arm, burning my veins like liquid fire. Every part of my body is in pain!"
Legolas did not know what to do. He knelt next to the young human at a loss. He also had no idea what had happened. After a while though, Eragon began to regain feeling in his body. Legolas helped him sit upright. But the only part of his body still numb was his hand.
He began trying to scratch it as it burned and itched, Legolas stopped him though. A diffused oval white oval had appeared on his palm. "What has happened to me? Legolas!"
The Elf shook his head. "I do not know."
The small dragon brushed against Eragon's leg, but this time he did not get a shock. Then it brushed against Legolas who flinched away, but nothing happened.
"I feel strange," said Eragon massaging his temples. "It feels like the wall blocking my mind to the outside has been knocked down and I am free to reach out with my mind. But it feels like something else is touching my mind. Like just now, I feel an overpowering hunger." He looked at Legolas, looking for an explanation in the Elf's deep eyes. But he found none.
The dragon wailed from where it sat on the bed. "I think that the dragon is hungry. Eragon, maybe what you were feeling in your mind was the dragon. You are feeling what it feels. Quickly, go and get it some food!" said Legolas stroking the dragon gently. This creature was dangerous yes, of course he knew that, but it was so helpless. The most important thing to do first was to feed it and then decide what was to be.
The boy left and returned with two strips of meat. He found the dragon sitting on the window sill gazing out curiously. Legolas sat next to it. Eragon handed a piece of meat to Legolas who offered it to the dragon. It jabbed its head out sniffing it then snapped it from Legolas' fingers. "Now you try."
Eragon moved forwards. Legolas got up from his seat on the window sill and sat down in Legolas' place. He fed it the rest of the meat. Its stomach was bulging by the time it was finished. Its eyelids drooped and Eragon picked it up and set it down on his bed. Eragon sat down too.
"Get some rest before dawn. I must return before Gimli wakes and realises I am gone. Will have to figure out what to do with a dragon in the morning. Do not tell your uncle and cousin of it. I do not think they will be willing to keep it. I shall see you in the morning. For now, rest," said Legolas. Then he quietly opened the window and slipped out, hurrying back to the barn.
~*~
Eragon came to the barn at dawn with the dragon wrapped up in rags. "Hush, be quiet," he cooed as the dragon squirmed and squeaked.
He opened the barn door and was met by the Dwarf's gruff voice arguing with the Elf." A dragon? The boy can not keep a dragon! Are you completely out of your mind Elf! You know how much trouble that would course? You remember the dragon Smaug! You know it was my father that travelled with Gandalf and the little hobbit to reclaim the treasure lost by the Dwarves when-"
"Gimli, I know what happened. My father was there also, as was I," Legolas replied.
"Ah, and I seem to recall that it was your father that imprisoned my father in his palace, along with Thorin and the rest of the company," the Dwarf said angrily.
"That was a complete misunderstanding, that was before the alliance with Elves and Dwarves. Anyway, we are getting off the subject, the boy's dragon," said Legolas.
Eragon thought that was the time to make himself known and he walked into the barn. Gimli nodded his head in greeting and Legolas smiled a little. "You have brought the dragon I see. Good. We shall decide what to do with it."
Eragon unwrapped the bundle to reveal the dragon. Gimli wrinkled his nose. The animals in the barn began to look nervous as the dragon looked around hungrily at them. Eragon however, kept the creature locked firmly in his arms. "What do you think we should do with it?"
Legolas came forward. "Give me your hand, the one with the mark on it," Eragon did as the Elf requested. Clutching the dragon in one arm awkwardly. Legolas saw this and picked the rags and the dragon up, he placed it on Gimli's lap.
The Dwarf started. "Oh no! No you don't Elf, I'll have nothing to do with this understand!" he protested.
"Just hold it for a minute. It will not hurt you," said Legolas. Then he took Eragon's hand and examined the pearly white oval. It now had a slivery sheen to it. He ran a long delicate finger over it. "I was thinking last night, you can feel what the dragon feels yes? well my theory is that this marl links you to the dragon. I could be wrong. But it seems to be that. I was also thinking about what the story teller said about the Dragon Riders," said Legolas letting go of Eragon.
"And, what do you think?" said Eragon.
"I do not yet know. But I know it can not stay in your house. I was walking in the forest early this morning. I have found a tree which wood be perfect for a hut of some kind. There the dragon can stay for a while."
"Will it be safe there?" Eragon asked walking over to Gimli and taking back the dragon. Gimli let out a sigh of relief.
"Yes, safe enough," said Legolas. Then he added to himself in an undertone in his own language "An si..." (For now)
"Good, is it far in/" he asked. He was starting to feel a connection to the dragon and took it upon himself to make sure that it was safe.
"Not far, just far enough so it will not be discovered. Eragon, go and fetch more rags and some strips of leather, also, have you fed it yet?" asked Legolas. Eragon shook his head. "Then get it more food and meet me just inside the trees. I shall take the dragon."
The boy nodded and existed the barn to do as the Elf had instructed.
"Gimli, I will need your help," said Legolas.
"Ah, very well Elf, if I must. What is it you want me to do?"
~*~
Hurrying across the field Eragon soon reached the cover of the trees carrying a huge bundle of all he had been told to get. He met Legolas and Gimli, who was armed with his axe. The three stood by a rowan tree standing alone on a barren knoll.
"Give me the leather," said Legolas.
Eragon did as he was told and watched as Legolas skilfully made a leash for the dragon, when he was finished he slipped it over the dragon's head and handed a long piece of leather attached to the collar of the leash to Eragon who was holding the creature, not wanting to let go in fear it would run away. "You can put it down now, tie the leash around the base of the tree, make sure the knot is tight, we do not want a runaway dragon in the forest!" Eragon did as he was told. Then Legolas turned to Gimli who was gathering sticks from the forest floor. "Make sure the sticks are strong my friend."
"What does it look like I'm doing! Why don't you come and gather sticks yourself! It would be much easier just to cut down a tree and get the wood from that!" Gimli grumbled.
"No, no trees are to be cut down. Eragon, how skilled are you at craftsmanship? We will need to make a small hut that will fit into the top of this tree, it must be small and light but strong enough to hold your dragon," said Legolas.
"My craftsmanship is well enough," replied the boy.
"Good," Legolas jumped up and grabbed onto the lowest branch of the tree, he skilfully swung himself up into the higher branches calling for Eragon to follow him with a bundle of sticks that Gimli handed him.
They had soon built a small hut just big enough for the dragon in the tree and had layered it with the rags Eragon had brought and hung more rags on the outside to keep in heat. The boy climbed down carefully, Legolas swinging down easily and coming to perch on the lowest branch where he could talk to the other two.
"Eragon, give me the dragon," said Legolas. Eragon undone the leash and handed the dragon to Legolas. He swung up into the higher branches using one arm, the other clutched the dragon. It clambered into the hut. "Stay here, and you hall be safe."
The dragon just blinked at him as the Elf ran a slender hand over its head. He began to climb down. As the three were heading back out of the forest Eragon kept looking back at the dragon who was sticking its head out of the hut. Legolas followed the humans gaze. "It will stay there, wont it? It will be safe?"
"It should be. But why don't you tell it too stay, go on, try," Legolas urged.
Eragon nodded and sent a message to the dragon. Stay there. There dragon popped its head back inside the hut and the boy walked on.
~*~
Within two weeks the dragon was roaming around as it had grown so big it could now hunt for it's own food. And Eragon, with the help of Legolas and Gimli, had been forced to build a bigger shelter on the ground which was hidden amongst the bushes. Legolas and Gimli also spent most of their time in the forest with the dragon as it was becoming increasingly risky to remain in the barn as Eragon's uncle and cousin kept coming in to fetch different tools and tend to the animals. The two only returned after dark and they saw little of Eragon as he had his chores to attend to.
But when he did manage to sneak into the forest to talk to his friends, he became excited. "My cousin is going to Carvahall!" he announced upon greeting them. "He needs to get a chisel fixed and I'm going with him. I want to go and see Brom and talk to him about dragons and I want to give my dragon a good name. Legolas, are you coming?"
"I will accompany you yes. Gimli, you will stay here again understand?" said Legolas.
Gimli after much grumbling-again, agreed to stay and watch over the dragon.
"We leave tonight," Eragon informed Legolas.
The Elf nodded.
Then Eragon stood quietly and called the dragon with his mind. He looked up and saw a fast moving speck in the sky as the dragon dived down sharply and landed before him. the boy had been able to perfect this skill of calling to thee dragon with his mind over the past week or so, aided by Legolas who taught him how to open his mind. He then told it that he was going away and would be back soon.
Then he felt a jolt in his stomach as he felt the dragon call back his name. Eragon. He said nothing to the others and hurried away form the dragon, the other two in toe. The young human looked a little shaken. And Legolas knew why. He to had heard the dragon.
~*~
Legolas followed a way behind Eragon and his brother as they made their way once again to Carvahall. Once they had reached Carvahall Eragon and his cousin Roran parted.
Eragon walked through Carvahall with Legolas. "I will wait outside by the window while you speck with the story teller. I will remain out of sight," said Legolas. When they were close to Brom's house, Legolas slipped away form the boy round the back of the house and took his place, crouching beneath the window in a clump of bushes. Here he would be able to hear all that was said. He just didn't want the story teller to see him again.
Eragon knocked on Brom's front door. But he jumped when he heard the old man behind him. "What do you want boy?"
"I, Roran is getting a chisel fixed and I just thought I would come and see you, I have some free time. If that is fine with you Brom," Eragon replied politely.
"Ah, fine. Come in. I have nothing better to do myself."
Legolas heard the front door open then close as the two people entered.
"Have a seat, just don't knock any of my books, and be careful," Legolas heard the old man say.
Then Eragon plunged on with his questions and such. "I was just interested, I have heard so much of the Dragon Riders from everyone and just wondered how they were started. Everyone seems to want them to come back."
"Ah, the Dragon Riders is it? A vast subject to tell of indeed. Well boy, I can't tell you everything least we be sitting here until winter, but I'll tell you the shortened version. That's long enough, but we have time. Just let me get my pipe," he rummaged for his pipe, finding it he lit it and inhaled deeply. "Go and open that window there boy, let some air in."
Eragon got up and forced the window open, immediately the smell of pipe tobacco wafted to Legolas who wrinkled his nose. Eragon looked down and Legolas revealed himself just a little to the boy who nodded then returned to his seat.
"Ah, that's better. Now, where shall I begin? The Dragon Riders, known as Shur'tugal by the Elves," Legolas' ears pricked. He did not recognise this word. But maybe the Elves here spoke a different language to the one he knew. Brom continued. "Right, well I shall start first of all with where the dragons came from.
"Dragon's have been here since Alagaësia itself. They suffer as the land does and I suppose they will be around until the land perishes. They, along with Dwarves and a few others are the true inhabitants of this land. Their world went unchanged until the first Elves sailed here from across the sea on their Grey ships."
"Where do the Elves come from?" asked Eragon. He wanted to see if they too came from Middle-earth like Legolas.
Legolas meanwhile hidden in the bushes under the window was listening intently.
"One thing at a time boy! The Elves, the fair folk, they are a beautiful graceful folk that come from a land called Alalea," Brom continued.
Legolas had never heard of this place, though he wondered whether it could be Valinor in the language of the Elves that dwelled in this land.
"Back then, the Elves were powerful in magic, a strong and proud race. But they thought of dragons as mere animals, at first. Then one of their kind, a foolish young Elf went and killed a dragon. Anyway, the dragons in their turn killed that Elf. But it did not stop there. The dragons massed together and attacked the Elven nation. The Elves tied to end the hostilities, but could not communicate with the dragons.
"And so the fighting went on and a bloody war came upon both sides, which they later regretted. At first the Elves were reluctant to fight and fought only to protect themselves, but the dragons were fierce and soon the Elves were forced to attack back. This lasted for five years until and Elf called Eragon," Brom paused for the look on Eragon's face and Legolas listened carefully. "I see you didn't realise you were named after an Elf. Well, this Elf found a dragon egg," Eragon was even more surprised. "Well. Eragon raised this dragon to be good and together they went among both Elves and dragons and persuaded them to stop the fighting. They did and soon treaties were formed amongst Elves and dragons and they all learned to live in peace with each other. And to make certain that war would never break out again, they Elves established the Dragon Riders.
"At first they were merely a means of communication between the dragons and Elves, but then they began to gain more power and they became more powerful than all the kings in Alagaësia. They eventually took the island of Vroengard as their home and built a city on it- Dorú Areaba. That was before Galbatorix over threw them."
So he had been named after the very first rider. "And, what does Eragon mean?" Eragon asked.
"No idea. It's very old. Nobody remembers except perhaps the Elves. And you would have to be very lucky to meet one of them!" Brom said watching Eragon intently.
Eragon grinned nervously. "Yes," he said meekly. An Elf had been living in his barn for the past month or so along with a Dwarf too! He would love to see the look on Brom's face if he told him that.
"Yes, you have a very honourable name boy," Brom said looking at him deeply.
"So, where were we when the first riders were around?" asked Eragon/ "You know, humans."
"Ah us. Our ancestors came across the sea about three centuries after the Elves. You see, we really haven't lived in Palancar Valley. People have only been here for a few generations. And you Eragon, you are not rightly from around here. Even though Garrow and Roran are your family, you know your father came from somewhere else."
Eragon was angry at this and just stared at his feet for a moment. Then asked. "What happened to the Dwarves after the Riders were destroyed?"
""No one really knows. They fought with the Riders for a time through the first few battles, but when it became clear that Galbatorix would win. They retreated to their underground tunnels and sealed off the entrances. No one has seen one since," Brom explained.
How funny this was. You were very lucky to ever meet an Elf yet he had one living with him and he must be the very first person in a very long time to ever meet a Dwarf.
"As for the dragons, that is a mystery. Those that were not slaughtered by Galbatorix joined him, and if there are any left, then they have kept themselves well hidden from the Empire."
"And what of Urgals? Where did they come from?" asked Eragon.
"Followed the Elves across the sea. That was one of the main reasons for the Riders, to keep the peace," Brom answered. "You see, this is a delicate subject with the Empire."
"Yes, I heard your story when the traders were here," said Eragon.
"That is no story boy!" Brom's eyes flashed. "Respect what happened in the past boy. Respect it!"
"Yes," Eragon muttered. Then he asked. "So, how big were the dragons?"
"As big as a house, and that was the small ones! The older ones could pass for a hill, that was before the Empire killed them off."
Oh no! thought Eragon. How was he to keep the dragon in years to come if they grew that big? Legolas also worried about this, forgetting for a moment that he would perhaps not be here in years to come if he could get a ship and find a way to get to the Undying Lands.
"I heard that a dragon's scales shone like gems, and that the Riders could hear their dragon's thoughts," said Eragon, determined to learn as much as he could.
"Yes, yes they can. And their scales came in every colour. Like a rainbow," said Brom thinking. "Who told you that?"
"Trader, a trader told me. I heard him in Morn's pub. I didn't catch his name," Eragon lied quickly.
"Pity, I would have liked to know," aid Brom thinking deeply.
"Dragons, did they live very long?" asked Eragon.
"What," Brom's mind was brought back from else where. "Yes, they did. Forever in fact, like an Elf. As long as they weren't killed, or their Rider wasn't."
"But that can't be true, if a Rider doesn't live for very long, neither does a dragon. But you said in your narration about Riders that a Rider can live for hundreds of years. But that's impossible!" said Eragon. He did not like the thought of out living his friend and family.
"Ah, but the dragons were magical. They affected things around them in strange ways. The most common side affect for a Rider was longer life," said Brom.
Legolas, listening outside in the bush thought fondly of his friend Aragorn, he had been one of the Dunedain and had had a very long life himself.
"There were other changes to the Riders too. Like they were stronger of body and mind, they had keener senses too. And over time they started to develop pointed ears like an Elf's only not as prominent."
Legolas couldn't help but smile as he thought of the human with pointed ears.
"The dragons were very intelligent, as intelligent as you or I. they have natural wisdom that any king could hope for," said Brom, a look of amusement on his face.
"Have you ever met one?" asked Eragon.
"No, they were long before my time."
Eragon thought for a moment then said. "I've been trying to think of a name that I heard from one of the traders. The name of a dragon," Eragon chose his words carefully.
"Hmm, let me see, there was Jura, Hírador, Fundor, Galzra, Briam, Ohen, Gretiem, Beroan, Roslarb," he went on to list many others, but the last name on the list he said so that Eragon only just caught it. "And Saphira. Was it one of those?"
"No," replied Eragon.
"Oh, and I didn't mention it earlier, it slipped my mind. But have you seen any strangers in Carvahall lately? I saw one on the night the traders arrived, just before I went and told my story. He was tall, hooded and cloaked," Brom asked.
Eragon stiffened a little. Legolas had said that he had met Brom then. He shook his head.
"Well, if you do ever se anyone like that, you let me know," Brom looked at him suspiciously. "You would let me know wouldn't you?"
"Yes," Eragon said automatically. "Well, I imagine that Roran will have got his chisel fixed by now, I better go. Thank you for all you have told me."
He got up and Brom led him o the door. Legolas heard it open and made his way around the house to stand in the shadows and wait for Eragon. "And remember, if you do see any strangers around here, you come and tell me right? Eragon nodded and walked away.
Legolas waited until the door was closed then moved towards Eragon. He caught up with him and they began to discuss what they had learnt from Brom, Legolas kept his head down and his hood up do no one would see his face. But Brom was watching from his window and he saw the boy and the stranger walking together. "Ah, so you have come."
A/N Phew! That was a long chapter! Do you people know how long that took me! There, you guys have a nice long chapter. Now go review! Make my stiff neck and aching fingers worth something!!! Go!!! And then you will have a nice long next chapter. Hopefully before I have to go back to Mordor (aka my damned school!)
Now review!
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