Chapter Six: Arrival in Du Weldenvarden.
The birds outside Tiadara Halls were singing loudly when Arya awoke and, as she did every morning, sat on her bed for several minutes listening to their song. A smile touched her lips as she listened to them. Their songs filled with their excitement and happiness of the day that Eragon, who saved Alaga sia during the time of their ancestors, arrived in Ellesmera for the first time in close to a century. Rising from her bed Arya walked over to the window and looked out at the gardens of Tiadara Halls and was astounded to see that some of the flowers had taken deeper coloured petals. She couldn't help but smile as she spotted that many blue coloured flowers adorned the gardens.
It's as If the whole forest is bursting with excitement at Eragon's return. Arya observed to herself.
Good morning, loved one. Firnen replied, his mind brimming with joy. It is not only the forest and the birds. This morning i have noticed that even the elves in Ellesmera appear to be abnormally happy to see his return, it has been many a year since I have seen them like this. Are you not?
Good morning, Firnen. To speak honestly, I am more nervous than any other emotion. I must admit that, yes, I am also excited to see what he has become in his years away. Arya replied and she heard his humming in agreement.
After watching the birds for several more minutes, Arya washed her body and dressed herself in one of the finest robes she possessed, a tight fitting purple coloured gown. It had been sewn for her after her coronation and it was one of the most beautiful items in her wardrobe.
After getting ready and taking several minutes observing her image in the mirror, fiddling with her hair, Arya left her quarters and headed towards the great hall to eat breakfast. As she walked through Tiadara Hall a smile crossed her lips, she could see in the faces of the elves that they were bursting with happiness. When she arrived in the great hall she found Lord Dathedr sat at the table waiting to eat with her, as he did many a morning, she obserbed that he was garbed in a forest green robe.
"Good Morning Lord Dathedr. It is a pleasure to see you this morning." Arya said as she took her place at the grand table in the hall.
"Your majesty, might I say you look particularly beautiful this morning." Lord Dathedr said with a smile and helped himself to some bread and cheese that her servants had set out for them.
"You are most kind" Arya said with a smile as she sat down across from him.
I must disagree. Beautiful does not begin to describe you partner-of-my-heart. Although, it seems you may be trying to impress someone? Firnen said mischievously.
I simply want to look the part. I am a Queen welcoming an important leader to Ellesmera. Arya replied, but felt the tips of ears warm in embarrassment. Firnen's roar of laughter could be heard from outside.
"Is Firnen alright?" Lord Dathedr inquired at the sound of the Dragon.
"He is fine, amusing himself with crude remarks" Arya replied, trying to hide her embarrassment. Dathedr simply nodded and raised his glass to take a sip of his drink.
In truth, and Arya knew that Firnen had recognised this; she had wanted to ensure she looked her best to welcome Eragon back. In the back of her mind she was trying to impress for she remember that one of the things he had adored her for was her beauty all those years ago. Arya wanted to see if his feelings have changed, if his eyes would reveal anything as he looked at her. She didn't know for sure what would happen but deep down something was whispering to her, telling her that his feelings would be the same.
Oh how he used to look at me. I found it cute, perverse at times but cute. His eyes used to give away everything he was feeling, the most expressive eyes I have ever laid my own upon. Arya thought to herself as she remembered his deep brown eyes that she could lose herself in.
"Your Majesty?" Arya heard Lord Dathedr ask in the back of her mind
"What?" Arya replied as she snapped out of her thoughts. "I apologize, my thoughts were not my own for a moment."
"You need apologize, for I was simply inquiring as to when our guests was arriving?" Lord Dathedr asked.
"I believe they shall be in Ellesmera this afternoon, perhaps three hours' time" Arya replied.
"Very well, if you will excuse me, I will prepare the meeting of the council" Lord Dathedr said as he stood and bowed to Arya before exiting the great hall.
He has been a good friend this last century. Arya thought to herself as she watched the elven lord exit the great hall. He had acted as her primary advisor, such as he had for her mother, and helped her to adjust to the demands of the monarchy.
After finishing her breakfast, Arya retired to the room her mother had once used for meditation. The room was decorated with plants that let off the aroma of herbal teas, as to soothe the person who used it. Arya sat on a chair as she looked back on the conversation they had a week and a half earlier. She remembered how Eragon had frozen at seeing her again, and she had found herself unable to stop herself from looking into his eyes. His voice at first seemed to be angry at her but then she saw his eyes and how they looked at her soaking in all of her essence. She wished she could have greeted him without the elven lords this afternoon but knew it to be impossible.
How things have changed Arya noted to herself. Once many years ago, she and Eragon would be able to speak openly with one another. While with the Varden, they had been away from all the duties the elves placed upon her. Ninety-eight years later, she sat on the throne as the Queen of the Fair Folk and she felt her heart pain her as she knew she could not speak with Eragon as friendly as she had during the war. That the elven lords would look disapprovingly upon her if she was to speak openly with him of the feelings that he used to hold for her.
There was a time but he was too young, and I certain his feelings would change. Arya remarked to herself and sighed. While she had told Eragon he was too young for them to consider their feelings for one another, deep down she knew it to be a weak excuse. The look in his eyes told her that he would love her until the end of time itself; deep down she knew he would not forget her.
After meditating for a couple of hours, Arya left and headed towards the throne room where she would hold her daily meetings with the lords and ladies of the elven houses. They discussed many issues ranging from disputes between elven families, to the affairs of the humans who visited Du Weldenvarden as the peace accord she had signed with Nasuada allowed.
They still don't like it, after all these years Arya thought to herself
Elves are stubborn, I have noticed. Firnen replied mockingly,
You think Dragons are not? Arya said, and restrained a smile from crossing her lips.
Elves are much more stubborn, like little children that refuse to go to bed. Dragons on the other hand are stubborn because we know better, much like the little child's parent. Firnen remarked but before she could respond her opinion was asked by the council.
After stating her opinion, Arya listened to Lady Sonys describe how the humans trampled the homes of many creatures in the outer areas of Du Weldenvarden with no care for the inhabitants, and then to the opinions of the other dozen lords who wished to speak on the matter. The meeting continued for two hours as the council discussed a number of issues; from the livelihood of creatures in Du Weldenvarden, the reported lax behaviour in the elven cities in the human kingdom and the reports of the Urgals hunting within the elven lands. Arya found herself quickly becoming irritable at the opinions of the lords and ladies. As she was thinking of ways she could dismiss the meeting, Arya felt Firnen presence enter her mind.
Arya! Firnen roared in her mind, excitement and adrenaline coursed across their bond
What it is, partner-of-mind-and-heart? Arya asked, alarmed at the amount of excitement she felt.
Four Dragons have been seen on the outskirts of the city! Me, Elira and Islind or have gone to greet them. Firnen roared in happiness and Arya felt the wind that blew through his wings.
Very well, tell them we will welcome them on the open fields near the training grounds. Arya replied, feeling her own excitement rise.
"Lords and ladies, I am afraid we must end our meeting prematurely this day." Arya said regretfully, though she sighed in relief after she spoke.
"What is wrong your majesty?" Lady Sonys inquired
"It seems that our guests will arrive shortly." Arya replied and allowed a smile to cross her lips.
"They are here?" Lord Eterin asked with a cocked eyebrow.
"Indeed they are" Arya replied, many whisperings amongst the lords and ladies. "There are four of them, so we shall welcome them to Ellesmera at the training grounds.
Arya stood and exited Tiadara Halls, the elven lords and ladies congregated and walked behind her, towards the training grounds. Arya felt her pace speed up involuntarily at the thought of meeting Eragon in person again; however she struggled to control it as no to appear too excited in front of her court. They walked for around ten minutes until they arrived at the open field and stood waiting for their guests to arrive.
"Where do you think they will arrive from?" Arya asked Lord Dathedr who had walked to stand at her side.
"I think from that direction. Yes there they are". Lord Dathedr replied with a smile on his face, his outstretched arm pointed at five dragons in the distance heading towards them. Arya's gazed followed his outstretched arm and an uncontrollable smile rippled across her lips at the sight of six dragons flying as one. She marvelled at the sight of it, particularly the size of Saphira who in the years since her departure from Alaga sia had grown to roughly three quarters of the size Glaedr once was.
Even Firnen looks smaller than her, and he has been larger than all of the riders that have returned to Alaga sia over the last century. Arya observed to herself.
Isn't she beautiful? Firnen asked Arya, and she felt his love and pride course across their mental bond at the sight of his mate.
She truly is the most beautiful Dragoness I have seen. Arya replied, and she watched the riders eagerly as they approached.
As they watched the dragon approach behind her, she could hear several similar remarks being passed between the elven court at how astonishing Saphira looked, and the beauty of the group of dragons together. When the group of dragon were barely fifty feet away from them they tilted downwards and began to head to the ground to land, Saphira spiralling to the ground in the manner Arya recognised from during the war, their scales gleaming in the sunlight. As Saphira finished spiralling to the ground, she opened her wings to slow her fall and slowly hovered to the ground, landing in a softness that was surprising to Arya given her huge size. Firnen sent Arya feelings of love and happiness as he landed by Saphira's left side.
Elira descended from Islindi r first as Eragon and the two young elven students unbuckled their legs in the saddle. Ismira, whom Arya had become fond of over the years and had grown a friendship with, descended from Vrita and walked over to stand by Elira. Arya, along with many of the elven court, stared up at the rider on Saphira's back in attempts to get a look at Eragon, yet his head was covered in a cloth that hid his face but protected it from the wind. Aaenor descended from his dragon, Glaedrius, after Ismira and stood by her as he waited patiently for his master to greet the elves first. Next to descend was Eragon, whom Arya watched carefully, as he jumped to the ground gracefully bending his knees as he landed, and untied the cloth that protected his face. As he removed the cloth, Arya caught a look at his eyes and a smile crossed her lips at him.
He looks handsome Arya noted to herself, though she had seen him in the mirror when she had invited him to Alaga sia, it was something wonderful to see him in person. Firnen laughter reverberated in his mind.
Eragon cast a glance, what seemed like a suspicious gaze to Arya, across at the group of elves congregated before turning his head upwards to Irim , who had removed her protective cloth from her face atop Islind r. Eragon held a hand upwards to his student who smiled and then grasped it as she descended from her dragons back. Arya felt a tingling sensation down her back as she watched Eragon act lovingly, and protective towards his student. Once she steadied her feet Irim bowed and Arya heard her say thank you in the ancient language, Eragon then turned to Elira and embraced her as an old friend.
"Elira" Eragon said as they embraced
"It is good to see you in Alagaesia, Ebrithil." Elira said, smiling
"It is good to see you; I have not seen you in person for many years" Eragon replied as they parted, holding onto her hands and observing her
"You look well." Eragon noted with a caring smile.
"I am thank you. I am happy as well to see you return." Elira replied, still smiling, as Eragon released her hands. Irim stood next to them scanning the group of elven lords, which Arya knew she was looking for her father.
Arya turned to Vanir and beckoned him forward with her hand, knowing he was Irim 's father, and as he arrived at her left side she spoke to him softly.
"Go to them; welcome your daughter back to her home."
"Thank you, your majesty." Vanir grinned as he responded to the queen, before heading over to meet the group of riders as they approached. Arya stared after him as not 10 feet from her Eragon paused as Vanir approached.
"Ah, old friend, it is wonderful to see you" Eragon said smiling as he grasped Vanir's right forearm, to which the elf responded.
"I had never thought to see you in our city again. It has been many years, and there a rumours that have spread that you have grown old. I am interested if this is true, and if you still possess your skill with a blade." Vanir said happily.
"I would be happy to see if I do, old friend. However speaking of possessing something" Arya saw him beckon Irim over putting an arm around her shoulder as she approached.
"I believe I have your daughter here. She has been looking forward to returning the most. "Eragon said and grinned, which sent a shiver down Arya's spine at its beauty.
"I believe you have, although I only wish her back if she has been working hard." Vanir said, and flashed a mischievous smile at his daughter.
"She is one the best I have trained, I can assure you. " Eragon said as he released his arm from Irim 's shoulder.
"Father" Irim said, Arya could hear the happiness in her musical voice.
"Oh my daughter, I have missed you" Vanir replied and embraced his daughter, lifting her into the air. "Your mother has longed for your return and now she will be the happiest in all of Du Weldenvarden."
"I have missed you both" Irim replied and smiled as her father put her down, they stood to the side as Eragon and Elira approached the congregation of elves.
Elira approached first and bowed to the Queen, before standing straight and standing side on with an arm outstretched she spoke softly,
"Arya Drotting, lords and ladies. It is my pleasure to present my Ebrithil, Lead Rider Eragon Shur'tugal, Lord of Vroengard and the Silent Isle."
Eragon nodded at Elira and then walked slowly towards the Queen and assembled lords. He stopped only five steps away from her and then stared at her intently. Arya's eyes couldn't help but be drawn to his as they stood mere feet apart observing one another. As she stared into his eyes Arya felt overwhelmed at the experience and wisdom that were hidden within them, and felt a shiver flow across her body as she drank in the strength of his presence. She couldn't help but notice his appearance, which she felt made him look handsome.
Arya noticed that his hair was trimmed shorter than it had been during the war and it was neatly styled. His face remained as handsome as she remembered it, his deep brow eyes bore into her as he returned her gaze. His chin was covered in a neatly trimmed beard though no hair was to be found under his nose. He wore a blue tunic that matched Saphira's scales with a golden trim in the pattern of a dragon that covered the left side of the garment. He wore blue leggings which copied the same pattern, which crossed over from the tunic his right knee, the Dragons tail wrapped around his left leg and finished at the end of his right leg. On his feet he wore a pair of plain black leather boots. At his waist rested a belt coloured a darker blue than his tunic and leggings upon which Brisingr hung in its sheath. As he observed her, he stood with his hands crossed over his abdomen and Aren, the ring of his father, glistened on the third finger of his right hand, accompanied by another ring with a silver gemstone on the same finger. Around his neck hung a cord that held something hidden beneath his tunic and the cord of his blue cloak, which flowed out down his back and several inches behind him magnificently in the sunlight.
He looks so much older, and he stands with an aura of command he did not possess before. Arya thought noticed at the way he stood straight with his hands linked, giving him the posture of a King. How he has matured.
For several long minutes they stood still, staring at one another before Arya realised he was probably waiting for her to greet him, as was his position as Lead Rider a role which held great prestige and respect amongst the elves.
"Atra esterni ono thel-" Arya started but was interrupted as Eragon knelt in front of her. A look of surprise crossed her face and as she looked around, she saw her reaction was mirrored by Elira and Ismira along with his two students as they saw the master kneel before the Queen. Behind her, several of the lords muttered between themselves.
Why are they surprised? Arya asked Firnen
Saphira says it's because they have never seen Eragon kneel before anybody before. He is as important as you are to them. Firnen responded, he too sounded a little shocked.
"Arise Shur'tugal, you need not bow before me." Arya said and lifted his head indicating for him to stand.
"Atra esterni ono thelduin, Arya Drotting. " Eragon said, indicating his respect to the elven monarch, yet as he spoke he did so with a passive look on his face as he stood and looked into her eyes.
"Un du evarinya ono varda, Eragon" Arya replied, with a smile on her face yet Eragon's face remaining neutral. Is he not happy to be here?
"Mor'rana lifa unin hjarta onr" Eragon said, completing the greeting.
He is so formal Arya noted to Firnen, and her heart dropped at hearing him sound as he did in their earlier meeting in the mirror
Perhaps he is just unsure how to talk to you as you were with him earlier Firnen replied.
Eragon then stood to the side, and glanced at the elven lords with a serious look in his eyes, as Saphira approached the queen.
Greetings Saphira, it has been a long time. You are more majestic than ever. Arya replied, speaking first for the Dragons are held above all others in Elven society.
Hello, emerald eyes. I too am glad to see you once more as is my rider, though he has unsure of his place here. Saphira replied, and Arya realised Saphira had closed her mind off to Eragon when she had spoken to her
"Our companions will arrive in little under a week." Eragon said after he finished greeting several of the elven lords. "They departed for Ellesmera shortly before we left King Orik's welcoming party".
"We have made the arrangements for their accommodation during their stay. Your tree house has been prepared also, Eragon" Arya said and smiled slightly, "We assumed your two students would like to live with their families during their stay?"
"I think they should, they have not been home for several years" Eragon replied and turned to face towards Aaenor and Irim , who Arya observed seem to hang onto his every word as it where a piece of great knowledge, "Go, meet your families and enjoy yourselves. At the normal time tomorrow come to me and we will continue your instruction, though at a reduced level"
"Yes, Ebrithil" Aaenor and Irim said in unison before they walked away from the field, Irim accompanied by Vanir.
Arya watched them walk away and when she returned her attention to those around her she found only Eragon and Elira and Ismira remained. The four Dragons had seemingly taken themselves off to get reacquainted and rest.
Don't worry, I'll see you later. Firnen said to her, and she felt his excitement at being alone with Saphira, his emotions across their bond sent a smile to her lips.
The congregation stood in silence for several moments, an uncomfortable silence between them, before Lord Eterin stepped forward and approached Eragon. Arya watched interested in what he would say, for he had not appeared happy to see Eragon back in Alagaesia at their meeting a week and a half previous.
"Welcome back, lead rider. I am Lord Eterin" Lord Eterin said and held out a hand in the human form of greeting. Arya saw Eragon glance at the elf in front of him, his left eyebrow raised in surprise, looking down at the outstretched hand. After a moment he grasped it and nodded. "It is a pleasure".
"What plans do you have for your stay, Eragon?" Arya asked as the elven lord took his place in the group. She saw him watch after the lord with a look of curiosity before he turned to her and spoke.
"I intended to leave that up to you, your majesty. I have nothing in particular I must do while in Ellesmera, aside from visit King Victor in Ilirea." Eragon said, she felt his eyes observing her again as he spoke.
"I see. As your host, I will strive to make your time with us enjoyable." Arya replied and offered him a friendly smile. "Do you wish to rest for now? Your journey must have been tiring"
"Yes, that would be appreciated. I am indeed tired from our journey and would very much like to retreat and rest." Eragon said, and then glanced at Elira, "I also have something to discuss with Elira with regards to her information upon the issue King Victor brought up. I would like to be brought up to speed with the affairs."
"Yes Ebrithil." Elira responded, and bowed her head.
"Very well "Arya said and nodded herself. Her heart pained her at the formality of her reunion with Eragon; she wished to be able to talk to him easily as they had during the war but could not due to the presence of her advisors. She knew they both had many questions to ask one another, the way his eyes kept gazing at her told as much since he had arrived.
Eragon held out his arm for Elira and she wrapped hers within his as he turned to head towards the tree house of the lead rider. At the sight, a strange feeling of jealousy rang through her at the contact Elira recieved from her master.
As they started to walk away she came up with an idea. "Wait, perhaps you would care to dine with me this evening and tell me of the life in the Riders new home?"
"That is an excellent idea your majesty. I was going to suggest you invite him to dine with the elven court. It will be an enlightening experience for us all. I am sure that many of the lords and ladies have question for the Lead Rider" Lord Dathedr added and smiled towards Eragon.
Barzul She used the Dwarvish curse to herself. Oh the joys of being the Queen, that I must dine with my court.
"I would like that". Eragon replied and glanced around the elven lords.
"I shall send a messenger to inform you of the time" Arya said with a smile before Eragon disappeared off with Elira.
Arya heard the elven lords and ladies disperse as she watched after Eragon as he walked into the distance. She felt a pang of pain at the sight of him acting so formally despite the fact she knew he must want to talk to her as she did to him.
At least I might be able to catch him after the dinner and talk to him more privately. Arya thought, as she smiled hopefully to herself.
"Hello, Arya". Ismira said, and Arya realised they were the only two left in the training grounds.
"Oh, Ismira" Arya returned her smile, "I did not see you there, but I am thrilled to see you again."
"As I you" Ismira spoke with a friendly tone in her voice, "Uncle is happy to be here, he just has a funny way of showing it".
"He was always awkward when greeted with formality" Arya noted in response, "All those years away on the island from civilization won't have helped I suppose."
"He's happy to see you" Ismira chuckled in response; "Anyway, I need to go speak to Murtagh and tell him Uncle has arrived"
"I'll see you tonight at the feast" Arya said, smiling as Ismira bowed and walked off.
Elira took her masters arm, and together they walked off towards the house the lead rider inhabited when he was Ellesmera. They walked in silence for several minutes, and Elira couldn't help but observe his face.
He's hiding his happiness at being here, pretending to be unsure about the environment. Elira thought to herself. Eragon, seemingly to understand her thoughts, returned her gaze.
"How are you?" Eragon asked,
"I'm well. I've been in Ilirea for the past three years, getting accustomed to spending my time in Ellesmera has taken a bit of time. "Elira replied,
"I understand. Humans are very different to your people." Eragon said and he returned his gaze to the trees in front of them. They walked for several more minutes before they reached the tree house, several feet from the point of entrance Eragon turned to Elira and concernedly looked into her eyes.
"What is it Ebrithil?" Elira asked,
"Elira, over the years I have told you a great many of my secrets, and secrets of the Riders" Eragon said, "You have been, by far, my greatest accomplishment and I am proud to call you my right hand.
"I am eternally grateful for the trust you have shown in me" Elira responded, and a smile touched Eragon's lips.
"I know. However, there is something that bothers me. I no longer know who I can trust in this land, and the information I have shared with you would be a high value commodity to many who inhabit this land." Eragon said as they continued to walk towards the tree house.
"What is your request of me, Eragon?" Elira said, stopping and glancing at her master.
"I wish to ask something of you. I want you to make a promise to me" Eragon said, "While we are here, I wish to keep certain aspects of the past century away from the preying eyes of the elves."
"I understand, what is it you wish to not be spoken off?" Elira asked,
"You remember the time when I left you in command at Dragonhold." Eragon spoke in a quiet tone.
"I do, when you left to go to " Elira began her response.
"Peace." Eragon said, silencing her. "That information and the fact I left at all is what I wish to keep between us and our elven companions"
"I understand" Elira responded, though to her own thoughts she was confused at his requirement for secrecy.
"I am proud of you, and I thank you for keeping this a secret for me". Eragon replied, and then headed towards the tree house. "I will see you later today at the Queens feast".
Elira simply nodded in head as Eragon disappeared up the steps of the tree house. She stood there for a moment feeling confused at what he had asked her.
Why doesn't he want them to know he left Dragonhold for ten years? Elira thought to herself.
My small elf, we ourselves have been told little of why he left. Only Ebrithil Blodhgam, Vuilla and Yaela know the full details. It is an important issue to the Lead Rider, and it seems he does not trust the elves completely. Islind r thought to her
You are right as always. However, he always spoke fondly of them, and didn't Saphira-elda say that he and the Queen were once close friends? Elira replied to her partner-of-heart-and-mind
I believe so, which it makes it more apparent that he does not trust the elves. It would also seem that extends to include her. Islind r thought in response. Elira lingered for a moment considering her Dragon's words before she wandered back to her room in Tiadara Halls.