Chapter 7 : A Homecoming Feast
Arya was sat in front of her mirror, in her quarters, within Tialdari Hall. After taking a bath she had begun brushing her hair, ridding it of knots and tangles, in order to ensure that she looked her best for her role as host for the coming feast. While she was sat in front of her mirror, her mind was troubled. In the hours that had followed Eragon's arrival in Ellesmera, earlier in the day, she had spent her time either in her room, or in the meditation room, thoughts going over the ways in which she could speak to him away from the prying eyes of the Elven lords and ladies of her court.
Firnen had attempted at various points during the day, despite him being preoccupied by Saphira, to offer his opinion or thoughts on the matter. The two Dragons had departed from the training ground and ever since they had been resting near Oromis' home on the Crags of Tel'nae r. Arya caught glimpses of images of a large building in the shadow of a mountain range surrounded by forests and gardens, as Saphira shared memories and their experiences over the last century in Dragonhold. Likewise Firnen had showed Saphira images of his life in Alagaesia with Arya, images of their nights spent star gazing warmed her heart.
Unfortunately, despite their combined thoughts, she and Firnen had not been able to think of a way to talk to Eragon alone. Firnen had suggested kidnapping Eragon, intended partly in humour, but Arya doubted that it would go down well with the elven court.
You could always just ask him to come speak to you. Firnen observed as she stopped brushing her hair and paused in the halfway point of her room as she made her way to her wardrobe.
Perhaps, but what if it isn't even a good idea? Arya said, worry growing her mind. He seems so different now, and not just his appearance. His eyes gazed around the people present this afternoon with such suspicion, it seems like he doesn't want to be here.
Saphira says that he was just being cautious. For many of their early years away, they both longed to return home and that continued for many years afterwards. Firnen replied.
Why didn't they? Arya asked, her mind thought back to the times she wished they would return
The prediction given to him by strange-herbalist Angela was one he took extremely seriously. He didn't expect to ever return, so his reaction is only natural. He is like a fish out of water. Firnen replied wisely.
Has Saphira changed? Arya inquired, Firnen had spoken little of Saphira during the day preferring to keep her to himself.
Yes. Firnen replied, and Arya felt her heart drop. But not in the way you fear of Eragon. She has grown wiser and more mature during her time in Dragonhold. She has learnt to be patient from her time dealing with the Wild Dragons, and has listened to the words of the Eldunari which have given a great deal of knowledge. I am positive it is the same with Eragon.
Has she spoken much of their lives? Arya thought after a couple of minutes considering his words.
She has discovered a great deal about how they have both lived their lives. However there are some things that I have yet to discover and I doubt I will. I feel that she is keeping some things to herself. Firnen replied, I think perhaps there have been events they do not wish to tell us.
Why? Arya inquired.
Firnen was silent for a moment before he responded, I do not know but shouldn't you be going?
Arya thanked her partner for reminding her before she withdrew from his mind. For several minutes she stood in front of her wardrobe, glancing over the robes and dresses that hung there waiting to be chosen. After narrowing her choice, Arya decided upon wearing a tight-fitting green dress that matched her eyes. After fifteen more minutes, Arya took a final glance at herself in the mirror before she left her room and headed towards the great hall where the feast would occur.
I think I'll take the garden route Arya thought to nobody in particular as she headed into the courtyard and walked through the various gardens that existed for meditation and relaxing.
After several minutes of walking through the gardens, she arrived at the one that held many of her favourite flowers. There were a variety of different plants and flowers which she had requested be laid out for her. As she walked through the garden, her pace slowing to enjoy the view, she saw the bushes that grew lavender coloured berries, which when crushed would let off a wonderfully soothing aroma of mint, along with a lilies and roses of various colours. After pausing to admire the garden for several minutes, she headed to leave the garden and enter Tialdara Halls once more however one flower in particular caught her attention. Closest to the entrance there was a collection of the flowers she knew to be the black morning glory that Faolin had sung for her.
I still miss him. Arya thought to herself. She stood there for several minutes before wiping away a tear that had run down her cheek as she stood staring at the flower remembering the happiness that Faolin had brought into her life.
With a final lingering gaze at the flower, the image of Faolin faded from her mind and she headed towards the door that would bring her into a corridor that led directly to the great hall. In her head, Arya ran through numerous questions that she wanted to ask Eragon about his experiences with training the new riders, about the wild dragons and the identities of the Eldunari they had rescued from Galbatorix.
As her mind wandered to questions of his personal life, such as his hobbies and whether he continued writing poems, she had to remind herself not to discuss such personal affairs in front of her court in order to keep the appearance the elves expected of their Queen. She remembered how her mother had been careful to only discuss such matters in private, or never at all. Over the last century she had learned, slowly at first, of the standard that the elves expected, even demanded in some instances, from the one who was their queen. Arya was off the opinion it was simply to try to remind their allies that the elves were the noblest and fairest race in Alagaesia.
For ones that do not show emotion, the level of self-pride my people hold is remarkable. Arya remarked to herself, letting a smile cross her lips.
The truth of the matter, as she had come to the opinion, was that the elves despite the standard she was expected to represent were becoming more human in their emotions. Elves were more expressive than they had been in the past, and many had inserted themselves into human cities and towns living happily over the past century.
As too the matter of love was becoming more prominent since Arya's coronation as Queen. The number of Elves that settled for decades with one mate had been increasingly steadily over the past century. There were also more elven children being born each year, and a couple having multiple children had also started to become a more regular occurrence. In some elven cities, there existed families of two or three children by a couple that had been together for several decades.
It seems since Eragon renewed the bond, and the subsequent return of the Dragons has affected us at a very intimate level. Arya thought to herself as she entered the great hall.
She made her way to the head of the table where there were three empty seats. Behind the three, she noticed Lord Dathedr stood waiting and a smile appeared on his face as she made her way towards him.
"Your majesty" Lord Dathedr said, and pulled out a chair in a gentlemanly fashion.
"Thank you" Arya replied as she sat down, flashing him a smile as he took his seat to her left. Arya looked quickly to the empty seat to her right and realised Eragon had not arrived.
"He'll be here soon." Lord Dathedr spoke kindly, and she turned her head to see him looking at her with a gentle expression. Arya nodded her head gently before scanning the table. Three of the elven riders had arrived in time to join the feast, along with one dwarven rider who had been observing a human group that had been visiting Du Weldenvarden. Next to them to Arya's left, was where Ismira and Elira sat.
"Your majesty" Elira and Ismira said in unison as Arya flashed them a smile. For several minutes they talked off unimportant things, before the doors of the great hall swung open to reveal Evanriel, the mother of Aaenor, escorting Eragon along with Lord Asiril whom which Eragon was in animated conversation as they entered. Arya noticed that as soon as the doors had opened all of the eyes in the room had turned to greet them which allowed Arya the chance to observe Eragon fully.
Arya noticed that he was wearing a formal tunic made of a white material with a black trimming. On the right arm of the vestment a vine wove its way up his arm, along his shoulder to the collar before it split and two separate vines travelled down his chest to the hem of the tunic before disappearing behind him onto the back of the garment. He wore black leggings that had various symbols of the Ancient language emblazoned on in a white coloured pattern, and on his feet he wore black leather boots.
He does dress up well. Arya thought to herself, and allowed a quick smile to find itself to her lips. As she watched the trio headed up towards the head of the table, she noticed that the one thing that caught her attention was the way in which he carried himself as he walked.
He walks with such confidence in himself. Arya thought watching him. Eragon took long but graceful strides as he walked, and held his head high with a straight back and neck which gave him the look Oromis once held. A man that is certain of who he really is
As they approached their seats Eragon clasped Lord Asiril on the shoulder and smile, the elven lord returning his gesture, the two elves that accompanied him took their seats, Eragon made his way to the seat at her right and bowed before her. She smiled at him, and noticed that in his hand he held a bottle that bore no label, curiosity gathered in her mind.
"Good Evening, Eragon. It is a wonderful pleasure that we are able to host this feast for your arrival" Arya said, and greeted him with a smile.
"You honour me, your majesty" Eragon replied, tipping his head before looking directly into her eyes. "I was once told never to come to a feast without a gift for the host. In respect to that, I have something for you."
Arya took the bottle from his outstretched hands and twirled it in her hands for several moments. "Your gift is appreciated, however, forgive my bluntness but what is it?"
"It is a bottle of Faelnvir. It is one of the many we have created on our homeland." Eragon smiled and to a number of the riders smiled to themselves.
"I thank you, Eragon" Arya replied, and removed the cork to smell the spirit. "It has a most peculiar aroma. I do not recognize the fruit."
"It is one only found, as far as I am aware, in the southern forest of The Silent Isle. Blodhgam named it an "Aszuberry."" Eragon replied, tipping his head before taking his seat. Arya watched him for several moments before turning her attention back to the rest of the table. Rising to her feet she spoke in a strong voice as she declared the feast to begin.
At her command, the covers of the plates hovered several inches into the air before disappearing silently. Eight elves poured wine and Faelnvir into the glasses of the guests at the feast as they enjoyed the selection of vegetables and bowls of soup.
As they ate, music was played by enchanted harps and violins dotted around the great hall and idle conversations were struck up between groups of the guests. Arya spoke to the riders and Lord Dathedr that were dotted around her, and when she could spoke to Eragon directly though his attention was requested by the majority of the elven court.
"Master Rider" Lady Cecail said, her head resting on her linked hands. "I am intrigued into your current students. How many do you currently have? How do they current students of yours fare in their studies?"
"I have three, at this moment in time." Eragon replied, wiping his mouth with a napkin. "A human boy named Jacob along with Aaenor and Irim . To speak honestly, they are perhaps the best that I have taught."
"How so?" Lord Dathedr inquired, his attention focused entirely on their guest.
"It is not something I could say lightly. For I have had a hand in the training of all of the new riders, and I have taught some truly gifted individuals" Eragon said indicating Elira and Ismira and the other riders gathered with his right hand. "But these current students astonish me. Irime and Tin v n are the most gifted in understanding their bond with one another. They possessed the technique and understanding Saphira and I developed after several years, in a matter of months after arriving. Aaenor and Glaedrius are exceptional negiotiators. Jacob and Ascari, despite being the youngest of those I have trained, have an impeccable set of morale standards. It would not worry me to send them to complete the tasks I set for my students that are coming to the end of their studies with me."
"You are too kind, Ebrithil." Irime replied, smiling at Eragon.
"I speak nothing but the truth, young one." Eragon responded, returning her smile.
"If I am not too ambitious with my question" Lord Satine began, "Might you share some of what their training entails?"
"I am also interested, Master rider." Lady Cecail added.
"I can share small aspects, but nothing of great importance. I am sorry" Eragon replied, and took a drink from his glass.
"I'm sure anything you wish to wish to share will be greatly appreciated" Arya spoke and smiled kindly,
"As you wish, Drotting." Eragon said as he put his glass down, Arya's expression faded slightly as he greeted her formally, "Let me see, what where we discussing before we left?"
"Healing" Aaenor offered from three seats to Eragon's' right.
"Ah, yes. At least you have been listening" Eragon remarked, and many of the elven lords and ladies laughed and grinned.
"When I teach my students a topic it is my aim to implement it in order to ensure they understand the effects that it can have on the world, much as Oromis did with my training." Eragon spoke, taking another drink before he continued, "In the case of healing, I ask them to search out injured animals in the forests and gardens outside. They are to heal the injuries in whatever method they can."
"How does that help them understand the effects of what they do" Lord Vanir inquired, Arya along with a number of the lords watched Eragon intently. Several of the riders smiled to themselves, obviously remembering the lessons they were taught.
"We heal them in their own environments, and they do not know who healed them. It creates fear in the animals as to what almighty being could have found them in the safety of their homes." Irime stated after several deliberate moments of silence from Eragon.
"It teaches us that despite we have the ability and the authority, as riders, to heal the injured. It is important to remember that to some the power as almost godlike. It helps us to keep a perspective on how we should use our power carefully, and not exploit it, being mindful of the lives we can impact upon."
"I couldn't have said it better myself." Eragon replied, and Irime bowed her head in slight embarrassment. "As I said, perhaps the best group of students I have taught"
"Remarkable." Lord Dathedr muttered, and several of the elven lords murmured in agreement. "You should be proud of what you teach. These are important realisations for young ones."
"Thank you, my lord" Eragon replied bowing his head.
The conversation continued for another hour on the matters of what the students had learned, and Eragon reveal small details of what he would teach them in the future. As he spoke, Arya found herself mesmerized by his speaking ability. In the past, when being addressed by figures of authority Eragon had been nervous, perhaps even shy, to speak confidently for fear of being considered a fool. That seemed to have passed as he matured over the last century, for now he could command the entire rooms' attention with his words. Neither did Eragon shrink at the dozens of eyes focused on him. Arya remembered the time he was asked to give speeches to the Varden and she remembered that he would be shaking before and after the experience.
This Eragon is confident; he believes that people want to hear his words. Arya thought to her, and raised her glass to her mouth as she felt herself smile.
After ten minutes of listening to Eragon, Arya felt it time she asked him a question, for she had let the lords and ladies hold his attention for most of the feast.
"Eragon" Arya said, the lords and ladies paused to hear the Queens question. "Perhaps you could tell us off your home. I know that I, along with many of my court, wish to hear of the place."
"Our home is not closed off to visitors. We often wish that more people would visit" Eragon replied, gazing at her firmly and she felt his meaning. "But I would be happy to share the details with those who are interested"
Is that why he is acting strange around me? He is upset I never came Arya thought to herself.
"Our home is perhaps twice as large as the ancestral home of the riders of old, for those of you that knew Vroengard." Eragon began, and Arya saw several of the elven lords nod their heads. "A vast amount of the island is covered in a forest. It is made up of many types of trees. There are oaks, pines a vast assortment, each breath-taking in their size and beauty, though they do not compare to Du Weldenvarden."
"Along the eastern edge runs a mountain range we named "The Silent Hills", more as a gesture to humour to the Dragons that live there. Let me assure you, they are far from silent" Eragon smirked, and the riders also allowed smiles on their faces. "It is in the shadow of the mountains we built Dragonhold."
Arya and the elven court listened intently as Eragon described the design of the building, along with details of the layout inside and of the village that surrounds the main halls. She felt an image building in her head of the island, Eragon teaching young students out in the gardens that surrounded the building with Dragons flying in the air above. As he finished his story, she saw a look of admiration of many of the elven courts faces at what they had achieved on the island.
"The view is tremendous from the observation camp, I often enjoyed several days at a time meditating." Eragon finished and took a drink from his glass.
"It sounds wonderful, Eragon. I am sure you will receive a few more guests from elves once the news spreads" Evanriel, Aaenor's mother, spoke from seven seats to Arya's left.
"You have not told them off the greatest part of the surroundings. Ebrithil" Ismira spoke, as Eragon began to talk to one of the elven riders, Sindari, who sat to his left.
"Indeed mine master has not spoken to you off the beauty of the gardens" Barrik, the dwarven rider, roared in delight.
"What is this beauty that you have neglected to tell us off, master rider." Lord Satine responded to the Dwarf's revelation.
Eragon laughed, causing many heads to turn to face him. "Fear not, it is not some great secret. The gardens are a collection of gardens that surround Dragonhold. I had not wished to speak of them due to the fact my current students have yet to create their own."
Irime and Aaenor looked at one another and then returned their gaze back to Eragon. Arya saw confusion in their eyes.
"Though they know of their existence, and have visited them. They do not know how they came to be, yet." Eragon said, and took a sip of wine.
"The gardens that Barrik and Ismira speak off are one of tasks you must complete before I deem your training finished" Eragon spoke softly, looking at the students. "When the time comes, I ask all of my students to go into the grounds and sing a garden into shape. It often takes many weeks, even months to complete, but when it is done it proves to me that my students possess the calmness within themselves to find beauty despite their responsibilities"
"What do they base their creation off? What are the requirements you set?" Lord Dathedr asked
"The only requirements are what they can imagine." Eragon replied, "You see, the garden is supposed to reflect the inner emotions of the person, what they love and find beautiful in the world."
"As a dwarf, my love is for mine clan and for mine people. I shaped trees into the banners of the clans and of the most revered of Dwarven kings." Barrik said, and then glanced back at Eragon.
"A perfect example" Eragon replied and Barrik bowed his head.
For the next thirty minutes, the riders that were present described their gardens to the elven lords. After the last had spoken, Arya and the elven lords looked bewitched by the beauty they had been described.
"A most beautiful lesson Eragon-elda." Lord Satine remarked before bowing his head.
"Thank you, my lord". Eragon replied and smiled contendly.
The guests descended once again into chatter as Eragon began chatting to another of his elven students, Noldorin. Noldorin was a tall, elegant male elf with blonde hair. He was off Vraels house, which was one of the noblest of all the elven families, as carried himself and spoke confidently. After ten minutes, Lord Eterin interrupted Eragon's discussion with a question of his own.
"Ah master rider, might I ask a more personal question". Lord Eterin spoke firmly, before waiting for Eragon to turn to face him. "What has it been like staying for so long in solitude on a faraway place?"
Eragon stared at the elven lord for several moments before he opened his mouth to speak. At which point Arya thought she heard a hint of pain in his voice.
"It was difficult to begin with, as I'm sure you understand. I was separated from my friends and family, all of the people that I care for." Eragon said, and Arya turned her head away to control her emotions. "But, as the years went on I found myself able to concentrate on my work. I studied with the Eldunari and learnt a great deal of knowledge from them"
"Really, you never once left the isle? That is a long time to teach and study in solitude."
Arya saw Eragon's ears twitch at Lord Eterin's words, Elira turned to face her master with a cautious look. There was an eerie silence in the air for several moments before Eragon replied;
"No, I did not leave." Eragon said, Arya noticed his voice seemed defensive. "The knowledge of the Eldunari has kept me more than busy along with the tutelage of my students"
"Fascinating." Lord Eterin, said with a cocked eyebrow. "I hope that I may have the chance to hear more of your life."
"I'm sure I can find the time." Eragon said with a slight annoyance in his voice.
"You studied with the Elders?" Arya offered, to defuse the situation.
"I did. They have been a magnificent gift over the last century, sharing details of their race and off the history of Alagaesia." Eragon replied, and Arya listened intently as he described his knowledge of the Dragons war with the elves and the according peace negiotiations.
"You have been truly lucky" Arya said astonished. Eragon simply bowed his head and smiled in return. The feast continued for over an hour longer, during which the elven lords and ladies steadily made their departure until only half a dozen remained at the feast.
"Your majesty, I thank you for your kindness in providing this feast for us." Eragon said standing,
"It was no great extravagance". Arya replied, smiling at him.
"All the same, it was generous." Eragon said, and smiled back "But I have travelled far and I would like to return to my accommodation and recover."
"Yes, I can understand." Arya replied, and then quickly added; "Would you care for some company on your way back to your tree house?"
"Ah I must apologise, your majesty" Lord Asiril spoke as he stood along with Eragon, "I have already stolen the lead riders attention for another matter. I have some paintings, which I told him about when I visited, that he is eager to see"
"Do not worry, my lord." Arya replied, her heart sunk at not being able to talk to Eragon in private.
"I would be happy to have your company some other time your majesty." Eragon said as he bowed.
"I would appreciate your time, Eragon " Arya replied and Eragon bowed his head before escorted by Lord Asiril out of the great hall.