The view of the Du Weldenvarden was impossible to miss as they approached. The sprawling wall of trees grew closer and larger in size until the group pulled their horses from a light trot to a complete stop to take it all in. The shadows seemed just as tall, if not taller, in the fading light of day. Thorn circled above them before finally landing close by.

"I can't believe it," Hal breathed, clamoring down from Shadow without ever taking her eyes off the sight before her. "Even after everything you told us, the images my mind conjured did it no justice."

"It doesn't even seem real," Baldor agreed, moving to stand beside her. "Despite all I have witnessed, this feels unbelievable. Like something out of a children's tale."

"It's beautiful," Albriech added. "And frightening."

"Aye," Hal agreed, her voice distant, her eyes scouring the land before them. Then she began to walk closer, her steps quickening with eagerness. The others followed close behind, all having forgotten the earlier sense of urgency in the wake of the behemoth pines towering above them.

Hal came to a sudden stop, steps away from the entrance, and Murtagh strolled up beside her. "Something wrong?"

"No," she said, her voice quiet. "No, it's just…this forest feels different. Almost overwhelmingly so."

"What do you mean?"

"It's like it's alive. It feels like a body. The air moves through it like breath. And somewhere in there…I can sense it's heart."

Murtagh watched her carefully, then let his eyes follow Hal's gaze, trying to see and feel what she did. But he felt nothing extraordinary beyond what he could see of the forest itself. He had the distinct feeling that this had something to do with Hal's magic until Thorn said, She's right! I never bothered to pay it much attention. I just assumed it was because there was so much magic here. But if I focus hard enough, I can see the distinction.

Thorn opened his mind for Murtagh to have a moment to understand what they were talking about. He wasn't sure what he was expecting, but the power was subtle. However, if he listened closely, he could've sworn that the wind that moved through the branches sounded almost like a slow exhale.

"We should keep moving," Albriech said after the minutes had begun to stretch on and it became apparent that they were too entranced to think clearly. "Find a place to rest for the night."

"Right," Murtagh said, shaking his head. He looked over at Hal who still had not moved. "Hal?"

"Yes, yes, I heard." She still looked and sounded distracted as she climbed back onto her horse, along with the others. Something in the air seemed to shift as they passed into the massive forest, the landscape becoming nothing but deep greens and browns as they moved deeper and deeper into the woods. There was a stillness that should have been unnerving. Yet the group felt nothing but enthralled wonder. No one spoke as no one wanted to disrupt the silence.

Over the next few days, the trees grew further apart as they traveled deeper in, which was perfect for Thorn, who stayed close behind them since Arya's instructions included a note that it would be unwise for him to fly in. It was a peaceful pace, one in which Hal spent most of the time taking in their surroundings with adoring looks. Murtagh kept expecting her to stop them so that she could sit and sketch. He had not seen her so much as even look at her book of drawings since Denu died, despite having packed it. But she did not seem to think anything of it, and he did not have the heart to ask her. However, he had wondered if sketching Ismira had changed anything for her.

"Hello, travelers."

Everyone jumped, having been so lost in their own thoughts that they hadn't seen the figure appear before them. Murtagh was, however, prepared for this, and knew they had finally arrived. He jumped down from Levi and the others followed him. "You must be Gilderien the Wise, guardian of the great city of Ellesméra."

"And you are Murtagh and Halen Morzansson." Murtagh did not dare question how the elf knew he and Hal had married. He turned then to the brothers and said, "And you are Albriech and Baldor Horstsson."

"For safe passage into the city, we willingly submit ourselves to prove we mean no harm," Murtagh continued.

Murtagh bowed his head, lowering his shields, trying not to flinch at how unnatural it felt to do so with someone who was not Thorn or Hal. The others followed suit, and several quiet moments passed before Gilderien said, "Thank you."

When they looked up, he was gone. Hal was practically shaking with giddiness as she released a low squeal of excitement, shaking Murtagh as she did so. Murtagh was excited for her but felt his own unease that he dared not voice. He knew none of Arya's people would cross her, but Murtagh was still weary of any animosity the elves may harbor towards him and Thorn for their unrequited role in a fellow Dragon Rider's death, even if Arya had said otherwise.

They continued on foot, gently pulling the horses behind them the rest of the way. The shift into the city itself was subtle, especially for eyes like theirs who were not trained to look for it and did not know what to expect. The forest began to thin out, the sunlight filtering down through the gaps in the trees. Murtagh felt like he was emerging into a fairytale from one of his childhood storybooks as they stepped into an expansive clearing. The ground was soft and fertile under their feet, the grass as evergreen as the trees themselves. Decadent and delightfully colored patches of flowers adorned the glade bed. It was like a field of jewels, and Murtagh could not hide how struck by its beauty he was.

Then he heard Hal audibly gasp, and he looked at her, unsure if he could discern whether it was one of pain, awe, or something else entirely. But her fingers were a temple over her mouth, disbelief and wonder radiating off her. Murtagh saw how her eyes shone and was momentarily transfixed to see her so full of energy and excitement. He forced himself to look away, following her gaze and saw what had captured her attention.

Looking straight ahead, one might miss the homes, made out of the very trees that surrounded them. Murtagh certainly had. Hal being the first to notice had been like lifting a blindfold from over his eyes, forcing him to look for something that he had not thought would be there. But as they traveled further in, it all became impossible to miss. The way the roots and branches bent and curved into desired shapes. It was the strangest thing Murtagh had ever seen, and yet he did not hate it.

Slowly, the elves began to reveal themselves, appearing sitting on tree stumps, sitting in trees, and simply walking from one place to the next. However, Murtagh and the others were also noticed in return, and many stopped what they were doing to look. They received curious stares, and Murtagh wondered how long it had been since they'd had guests. Unlike his arrival to Ilirea, neither Murtagh nor Thorn were greeted with malice. The elves did not even appear angry or surprised to see him. And he slowly felt his breathing begin to even out.

This feels quite strange to me, Thorn admitted. But I will take it compared to having fruit and rocks thrown at us.

You and I both. I almost wonder if we should —

"Murtagh?" Baldor asked suddenly, looking around them. "Where's Hal?"

He stopped walking, and instinctively began searching his immediate surroundings as if she were an object he had dropped. When he looked back over his shoulder, he realized she had drifted off the path, headed deeper into the forest with complete and utter abandon.

"Hal! Not that way!"

Grateful to not have lost his wife within the first five minutes of arriving to Ellesméra, Murtagh firmly guided her the rest of the way. "Do you feel that, rider?" she asked him suddenly.

"Feel what?"

But she never answered him. If we do not tread carefully, Thorn said, his voice throaty with laughter, you may never be able to convince Hal to leave here. Even to return home.

In a panic, Murtagh actually believed Thorn may have a point there.

Many elves greeted Thorn specifically, using honorifics solely for dragons. But Murtagh noticed that there was a somberness to the elves, a morose silence that, at first, he feared was caused by his and Thorn's presence. Yet, he could not put his finger on why that did not feel right either.

The path they were on ended at a set of stairs formed by a grouping of roots. They climbed, reaching a wall of saplings, a door embedded within them, big enough even for Thorn to walk though. It swung open and, when they stepped through, Hal vocally gasped at the sight before them. Murtagh then had the sense she would be doing that a lot the more of the city they saw. They walked down a massive chamber, the branches of the trees twisting overhead, so tightly woven that they were almost indiscernible from one another.

Hal was visibly struggling not to gawk, but Murtagh was more attentive to the elven nobles on either side of them. They were each armed, he noted. But it did not escape him that none so much as reached for their weapons. And he felt himself growing increasingly relaxed with their situation.

As they reached the dais at the end, upon which a throne of knotted roots sat, both Hal and Murtagh, Baldor and Albriech remembered what they had practiced and twisted their hands over their chests. "Arya Dröttning," Murtagh said by way of greeting, remembering to speak first. The others mimicked him, as did Thorn, who bowed and spoke to her directly. Despite Arya never insisting on such formalities prior, it was obvious that, in her home, the expectations would be subverted. And she seemed pleased that they had figured this out without her direct instruction.

Arya stood before them, dressed in robes that managed to strike a balance of both simple yet intricately and finely designed. Her face was unreadable and stoic, except for her eyes, which landed on Hal.

"Welcome, my friends, to my home," the elven queen declared. "How did you fare in your travels?"

"Very well," Murtagh said. "Thank you again, for allowing us to come."

"It's beautiful!" Hal gushed. "I've never seen anything like it."

Arya smiled. "Well, I'm glad you already like it so much. Come. I'll give you a tour while they finish preparing your accommodations. You can update me on what has transpired since I left Ilirea."

It was no small gesture for Arya to offer this, and Murtagh's instinct was to ask if she were sure. But he did not want to cause insult by questioning what was clearly her decision. Not to mention that Hal might throttle him if he denied her this. He bowed his head again and said, "We would be delighted."

They took slow and measured steps as they walked, speaking in low voices. Arya and Murtagh walked side-by-side, Murtagh having taken the lead in telling Arya what had happened since she left. Most importantly, what Hal had realized as the connection between her magic and energy, and the mysterious patch of dead earth that existed in the north. Baldor and Albriech brought up the rear, keeping an eye on Hal who was fighting the urge to wander off on her own.

"That is vital information," Arya agreed. "I didn't even catch it. And you say the land on Uden looked like this?"

"That is what Hal said. I admit that, due to the circumstances, I was more focused on getting to her and did not pay our surroundings much attention. But I believe her, if that is what she says she saw."

"Thank you for telling me this."

"There's more," Murtagh added. And he told her of Hal's proven theory that Thea' curse had not been as widespread as they had been led to believe. "We are keeping Nasuada on alert, should Blödhgarm or Invidia attempt to make contact. Eragon was able to confirm that they were not affected."

Arya seemed to release a slow, relieved breath. "That is better news than I could have hoped for."

"I'm sure Eragon will try to reach out to you at some point, if he hasn't already."

"I admit I've been rather preoccupied. I'll certainly do better about keeping close to my mirrors."

Murtagh glanced around them for a moment, realizing how quiet it was. "If I may ask, where are all the elves?"

"Inside, grieving. As they have been since they lost their connection to magic."

Murtagh understood then why they had looked so melancholic when he saw them earlier. "I forgot how much magic is interwoven into your lives. It must have been a great shock to find it gone."

"A great shock indeed. And many fear the consequences of what might happen if magic is not returned to us. What will happen to the forest? We use magic to keep the trees strong and growing. If magic were to never return, we could lose these trees within a matter of centuries."

"What?!" They paused and turned, for it was Hal who had spoken now. She was frozen behind them, her face pinched with worry. "Truly, we could lose this?"

"I'm afraid so. The magic we have used thus far runs deep, which would delay its ruin for quite some time. Many generations of humans may not even realize what is happening, and would die long before they even realized the forest was. But elves, dwarfs, even dragon riders like Murtagh and Thorn, could live long enough to see the forest become diminished."

"How would you maintain the forest before?"

"We sing to it. Every year during spring, we sing to keep the forest and the land fertile and healthy. In fact, one such ceremony would be coming up shortly. Although I have not yet had the heart to outright abandon it. But it seems futile to host it all the same."

"Oh! I would love to see that someday, if it would be appropriate."

"It would be appropriate, Halen. In fact, you've arrived a month out from our celebration of the spring solstice. You would all be welcome to extend your stay if you're able in order to witness it. It may not be as it was in years past, but it will be no less splendid."

"A month from now?" Hal repeated, her shoulders drooping a bit. She chewed on her lip, and Murtagh knew she was questioning whether Nasuada would allow them to say so long without reason. But rather than mention it, she perked up again. "Can anyone sing to nature? Or is it a special kind of magic reserved for elven-kind?"

"No, Hal, you cannot return to Illium and sing to the trees," Murtagh deadpanned. "The way your magic works, you would probably produce another island entirely."

"Which is all well and good, because then I could stick you on it for the rest of your miserable days."

He grinned as Hal threw her nose in the air, feigning indifference with him before turning back to Arya, who was smiling with amusement. "To answer your question, no. I do not know of any other race capable of this, although there are magic users who do sing certain spells, so that part is not uncommon. But our magic is intertwined with nature in a way only unique to us. I would caution against it, Halen. It might be dangerous."

Hal pouted, but did not argue.

They continued on their way, Arya giving them a personal tour of Tialdarí Hall, where she and many other elves resided. "Will we be staying here then?" Hal asked, walking backwards as if seeing everything once was not enough for her.

"Baldor and Albriech will," Arya explained, glancing back at the brothers who each nodded to show they had heard. "But we have special accommodations being prepared that are more fitting for a Dragon Rider and his wife."

Hal nearly tripped over her own two feet, Murtagh steadying her. "How on earth did you know?" she asked.

Arya tiled her head towards Thorn. "He told me."

Murtagh and Hal both stole a glance at the dragon. What? he snapped irritably. Was it supposed to be a secret?

You just couldn't resist, could you? Murtagh asked.

Thorn sniffed. Arya asked me how I was faring and I answered. I won't apologize.

Nor should you. I'm not upset, Thorn. I just hadn't realized it had already come up, is all.

Which is insulting, if I must say. I'm shocked it wasn't the first thing out of your mouth when we arrived.

Why should it have to be? Apparently, it is the first thing out of yours. And if I didn't know any better, I would think you like being the one who breaks such important news to unsuspecting others.

Hmmpf, I don't know what you're accusing me of, but don't get smart with me Morzansson. Or I'll take Hal up on that offer to leave you on the island.

They walked around for perhaps another hour or so, Murtagh having fallen back with Albriech and Baldor so that Hal could walk beside Arya. Although she was pestering her with questions, Arya gave no indication that she minded. In fact, Murtagh had the distinct impression that Arya felt honored, proud even, that someone who was not an elf was taking such an interest in her home with such sincerity and enthusiasm.

Finally, they came to a stop outside a tall tree with a thick, hefty base. Arya looked up and said, "This is where you'll both be staying during your visit."

Murtagh and Hal were both looking up, and Hal suddenly burst into delighted cackles. Murtagh could only imagine the ridiculous thoughts running through her mind and shook his head. "I think I can safely say that this will be a first for the both of us."

"I've already had food brought up for your supper as well. Normally, it is customary to welcome you with a proper elven feast, but I thought you all might be famished from your travels and eager to rest instead. I'll send for you in the morning and we can begin discussions on Thea and the matter at hand."

There was a split moment were Hal's demeanor faltered, and she seemed to shrink a little at the reminder that they were not here to enjoy Du Weldenvarden at their leisure. However, she quickly recovered and gestured respectfully to Arya. "Thank you for the tour of your home. I can't express how honored I am to be here."

"The pleasure is all mine. Please, rest. Baldor and Albriech, I'll happily walk you back to your rooms as well. I will be busy for the rest of the evening, but you all are welcome to come and go as you please. Until then, have a good night."

The moment Arya and the brothers were out of sight, Murtagh turned back to Hal who had stepped towards the massive tree, laying one hand on the trunk and staring straight up at the strange little house that was positioned in its branches. "Have you ever seen such a bizarre looking sight before, rider?"

"No, I can't say that I have. And that's certainly saying something considering."

"Outstanding," Hal breathed. She walked over to the stairs, shaking her head. "It's as if everything sprung out from the trees themselves. These steps might even be the roots. It's brilliant!"

Murtagh could hear the barely contained restraint in her voice and sighed with knowing resignation. "Go ahead."

Hal's eyes brightened as she released a low, excited squeak before darting up the stairs as if she were being chased. Murtagh knew it was nothing but her somewhat immature yet enthralling sense of curiosity driving her. Not that he could blame her. But he knew better than to try and keep up with her.

I cannot take her anywhere.

Oh, don't be too jealous, young one, Thorn teased. Perhaps one day she will love you like that.

Murtagh was too stunned by the proper taunt, momentarily silenced at the dragon's blatant audacity. Has anyone ever told you that you talk too much?

Thorn, who was getting settled in the shade of the tree, licked his claws, feigning indifference. Not lately. But even if they did, I would not listen. As a dragon, I find that I have great deal of important things to say. Besides, it's my duty to keep you humble.

Bloody, oversized lizard.

As Murtagh walked away, there was a grating sound and a faint vibration under his feet that let him know that Thorn was laughing at him. After climbing the stairs, it quickly became apparent that this was, indeed, the strangest living situation Murtagh had ever had. Having to enter through a door in the floor, Murtagh now stood in a circular vestibule. He could see through a set of screen doors that led to a large dining room that would likely receive little to no use while they were here. Another, somewhat smaller room with an empty hollow in the floor. And the final room, the door already pushed open by Hal, was the bedroom.

Walking in, he expected to find her running around this strange little tree house, imagining what she would tell her villagers when she got back. Instead, she was standing before a wide opening that overlooked the city and Du Weldenvarden beyond. And Murtagh paused, Thorn's words from months ago drifting through his mind.

…I think the setting will do her and us some good.

Her face was calm, the awe having shifted to just general appreciation for what she bore witness to. And although he had teased her, such bewilderment and wonder moved him beyond words. It reminded him of seeing her sketches for the first time. The studious thoughtfulness that went into every detail. Hal's eyes, he knew, missed nothing. And with her heightened senses, he could only imagine all that she was taking in.

He moved forward, taking in the rest of the room. He delighted in the opening in the ceiling that would allow he and Hal to look up at the sky while they slept. Something about such a thing seemed like a simple, yet nice touch. There was a fire going in the fireplace, and yet even without it, Murtagh had a feeling they would be warm. Although he did wonder how they would fare if it were to storm.

As he came to a stop beside Hal, he felt his own breathing even out as he took in the sight before them. It was miles and miles of treetops, many evergreen and vibrant. As his gaze drifted further back, the individual trees became indiscernible mounds, lifting even higher, likely on hilltops and bits of raised earth. The sun would soon set on this side but was just low enough for a dazzling display of color and light. He slipped his hand into hers, their eyes never leaving the horizon.

"The air is different here," Hal stated softly. "Can you feel it?"

Murtagh was quiet a moment, gazing out into the distance. He closed his eyes and breathed, like he had seen Hal do so many times before. He emptied his mind, then allowed himself to cautiously open it up to the world around them. There was life within this forest, just like there had been on Illium. An ebb and flow of nature that was practically devoid of interference from any living creature that was not an animal. Despite the magic the elves had worked into the ecosystem, it was quite obvious that it had taken that magic and made do on its own. It was expansive and, admittedly, overwhelming. Murtagh returned his shields, shivering a bit at how strange it was to have such forces in his mind.

"Yes, I can feel it," he said, before he forgot to answer it. "It's magnificent."

"Aye. It feels more like home than I thought it would. But there is more magic here, too. I feel…drawn to it. Like it's calling to me. It's so strange…this place feels familiar to me almost."

"Could it be your magic?"

"It must be, since I've obviously never been here before myself." She managed to tear her eyes away to look at him. "What do you think it is that Arya wants to tell us? I forgot to ask her earlier."

"I'm not sure yet, but it must not be too pressing if it can wait until tomorrow," he assured her. Hal seemed to find his statement encouraging and let loose a small breath of relief. Thinking of the hours they now had to themselves, Murtagh straightened with another idea. "How about we do as Arya suggested and take it easy for the rest of the evening?"

Hal eyed him suspiciously, her lips curling into a delightful smirk. She stepped forward, laying a hand on his chest as she gazed up at him knowingly. "Why do I feel like when you say 'take it easy' you actually mean the opposite?"

He wrapped his arm around her waist, pulling her tight into his chest as he lowered his lips down to hers. "You think me so nefarious, iet dunei?"

But rather than answer him, Hal pushed him towards the bed. Whatever happened tomorrow would happen tomorrow. For now, Murtagh wanted Hal's thoughts to remain only in the present. Besides, as far as he was concerned, they deserved at least one more night peace.