Chapter 10: Old Friends and New
As the image in the wooden framed mirror in front of him faded, Eragon rose from his seat in the tree house of the Lead Rider, and descended the staircase back to the living quarters of the house. With long elegant strides, Eragon grasped Brisingr and fixed the scabbard onto his belt. As he skipped down the staircase that would lead him down into the city below, Eragon smiled as the memories of his first stay in Ellesmer flooded back to him.
Ah the anticipation of going to study with Oromis and Glaedr. Eragon thought happily to himself.
Stepping out into the beautiful city of the elves, Eragon paused for a moment and glanced up at the veranda that was attached to the side of his quarters. A smile touched his lips as he saw Saphira's tail hanging lazily off the edge.
I would remind you that you didn't have to fly for several days, my dear rider. Saphira's voice said teasingly in his mind, I shall allow my tail to do whatever it wishes while I rest.
Of course, my lovely dragoness. Eragon replied, as he set of walking towards where the Elven council meets.
As Eragon walked through the streets of Ellesmer , many of the elves paused and bowed their heads, or touched two fingers to their lips respect as he walked passed them. Despite the fact that over the last few decades he been used to being treated as such by his Riders and even from his Elven companions, Eragon felt the tips of his now pointed ears flush as he returned their greetings.
The wise, and powerful Eragon. Lord Lead Rider, The saviour of Alagaesia, Defender of the weak, the Man who wrestled with death Is embarrassed by a simple greeting. Saphira's amused voice resounded in his mind.
Please Saphira, you know I still don't like the attention from others.
That is why I love you, little one. You are still the same love smitten farm boy I remember. Saphira replied, and Eragon felt feelings of love and pride flush between them.
And I love you too, Saphira. Eragon responded, hearing Saphira hum happily.
It took Eragon around ten more minutes to arrive at the Council meeting room in Ellesmer , as he walked through the gardens that adorned the nobler districts of the city. As he stepped in front of the large doors that would graced the entrance to the building, Eragon felt awe wash over him as they swung open to reveal the room within.
I always wondered how they do that. Eragon mused to himself.
As he entered, Eragon glanced at the two elven guards that stood watching over the entrance. Nostalgia washed over him as he saw them dressed in golden plates of armour emblazoned with runes from the Ancient Language, a long feathered cloak fell from their necks down their backs to land around their feet. Their hands placed in front of their bodies holding onto large golden shields. Unlike with the other elves in the city, they did not turn and show their respect to him, they simple stood unmoving in their protection of the Lords and Ladies of Du Weldenvarden. Instead, Eragon turned to each of them in turn and touched two fingers to his lips as a gesture of thanks and respect.
Turning his attention to the meeting halls as he entered, glancing up at the roof, Eragon took in the sight of the hundreds of trees that where woven together, a feeling of wonder flowing in his mind.
Even after all this time, this place still takes my breath away. Eragon thought to himself,
A smile touched his lips as he returned his gaze into the council room, and walked confidently over to the elven throne where Lord Dathedr was stood along with two other elven lords.
"Lord Dathedr, Lady Nasila and Lord Satine. It is a pleasure." Eragon spoke in a kind voice as he touched two fingers to his lips and bowed his head.
"Ah, Lead Rider. " Lord Satine replied, "A pleasure it is for us."
"I trust you rested well?" Lady Nasila inquired, as Lord Dathedr bowed his head in response.
"I did, and I bid you many thanks." Eragon responded, "I believe you wanted to speak to me, Lord Dathedr?"
"Yes, Eragon, that I do". Lord Dathedr replied with a small smile, before turning to the other two lords, "I shall speak to you both later."
Eragon watched curiously as the two elven lords bowed and exited through a side entrance into the gardens that surrounded the council meeting chambers. Returning his gaze to Lord Dathedr, Eragon found the elf watching him with examining eyes.
"You resemble our kind greatly. It seems that the Dragons gift has flourished in the time it has had to complete its work." Lord Dathedr spoke after a small moment of silence between the two.
"Indeed it has" Eragon replied, resisting the urge to touch his pointed ears as a feeling of self-consciousness drift into his thoughts. "What is this issue you wished to speak with me of?"
"I have an issue to speak with you off, but that is not why you are here." Lord Dathedr said calmly, "The Queen requested your presence, she has something important to discuss."
"Regardless, what I wanted to speak to you about, Eragon" Lord Dathedr began, before holding his hand to Eragon, offering him an oval object. "Is this"
Eragon extended his hand and took the object from the elf, and clasped it with both hands observing it with his eyes, and fingers. Eragon raised one of his eyebrows as he examined it, noting that the elf was watching him with eager eyes.
"I am afraid I am not sure what it is you have presented to me." Eragon responded after observing it for several minutes, before offering it back to the elf.
"I was afraid you would say that." Lord Dathedr spoke firmly, "Nonetheless, I do. It is an old device that elves have used to store images, or even memories within."
"Intriguing" Eragon admitted, a spark of interest glimmered in his eye. "I have heard of gemstones being used to contain images from ones past from my studies with the Eldunar , but never one such as this. Why did you wish to speak to me of it?"
"It was uncovered around many years ago, by the Queen, as she examined her mother's effects." Lord Dathedr spoke firmly, and inside Eragon felt guilt and regret wash over him as he remember had left before being able to help Arya with the loss of her family. "It was left for you"
Eragon who had been contemplating what it must have been like for Arya to live without any family remaining, when his eyes lifted and glanced into Lord Dathedr's gaze.
"Why would Islandazi leave something for me?"
"I know not, and Arya has been unable to think of a reason. I believe she has all but forgotten of it, but I made a promise to her mother I would ensure her last will was completed. That is why I give it to you now." Lord Dathedr responded, clasping Eragon's hands and giving him the Oval object. "My only request is you do not inform the Queen. I know she still struggles with the death of her mother."
"I will not inflict any unnessecarry pain on her. You can trust me in that." Eragon responded, bowing his head as he concealed the Oval Object within his belt pouch.
"That is why I give it to you." Lord Dathedr, smiled at Eragon as the doors to the council meeting room swung open, revealing the Queen striding into the hall with a smile on her face accompanied by several of her court. Eragon sighed relieved when they paused by the door, as Arya strode to greet them.
"Dathedr." Arya smiled kindly as he walked past her to talk to the other elven lords.
"Drottning" Eragon murmured as he fell to one knee in respect.
"Eragon." Arya smiled warmly as she touched him on the shoulders, causing a slight jump in his heartbeat.
Ah it seems, Ellesmer is not the only thing that still takes your breath away Saphira voice rang mischievously in his mind.
"You need not bow before me, Eragon. We are friends of old, and I will not have my friends hold themselves to pleasantries." Her musical voice as beautiful as ever to his ears, the corners of his mouth upturned into a smile.
"I bid your forgiveness, my lady. Unfortunately, the respect I feel towards you cannot be expressed in any other way". Eragon replied gazing into her deep emerald eyes, and he thought he saw a glimmer as she took in his words.
"You are too kind, Eragon." Arya responded, letting a grin cross her face. "I hope that you rested well? I ensured that your accommodation was well looked after."
"Yes thank you, my lady. It was more than I could have asked for" Eragon bowed his head again in thanks. When he had first entered after his arrival the day before, Fresh fruit had been laid out for him as well as fresh clothing.
"Eragon, remember what I just said. You need not show me any unnecessary pleasantries." Arya remarked, a sly smile on her lips. "But I appreciate your words."
"I apologize, your majesty. I shall strive to remember it" Eragon said with a smirk of his own.
Arya gazed into his eyes again, and smiled at one last time, before she reached out and threaded her arm through his. "Now, follow me. I have something to show you, and I have a feeling you will enjoy this greatly."
Smooth, little one, Smooth. Saphira remarked as she felt his excitement at the nature of his reunion with Arya.
Arya was vaguely recognized the conversation that the elves around her were having as she sat eating breakfast with several of the members from her court. Her eyes flickered from each elf as they spoke, seemingly intently focused on the topic of their conversation. In reality, her mind wandered, thinking of Eragon's return and how she longed to talk to him, thoughts pulsating through her mind at how she felt towards him. She recognized the sadness that was present at how they had yet to talk as people to one another, instead caught up in the intoxicating formality of Elven customs, but there was also excitement and nervousness knowing that he had accepted her invitation to talk more privately when they could find time. This thought caused a smile to cross her lips.
"What do you think your majesty?" Arya heard the rich rhythmic voice of an elven lord address her directly for the first time in the past hour. Arya wandering mind returned to the present as she blinked and focused her attention on the lord.
He was asking if you thought Eragon had enjoyed the night before. F rnen's voice resounded in her mind.
"I am hopeful that he did, Lord Salr." Arya replied, as she sent loving thoughts to her partner-of-heart. Thank you
"I am certain that he did, your majesty." Lord Dathedr murmured, "He is an articulate speaker. I would never have thought it all those years ago. The nervous boy that graced our city, too scared to look any of us in the eyes."
Arya heart fluttered as she remembered the younger Eragon from the war, and she smiled as the four elves dining with her laughed.
"Yes, he has certainly matured." Arya observed.
For the next half an hour, the elves accompanying her spoke endlessly about their observations of the Lead Rider. Arya smirked as they talked about the confident aura he commanded around him, to his speaking skills, as well as the wisdom they had sensed in his voice. Lady Cecail, whom Arya had noticed particularly enthralled with talking about Eragon, had a tone of wonder in her voice as she spoke of his eyes.
"When you watch his eyes as he speaks, they express so much; excitement when he talks about his training, the affection for his students." Lady Cecail continued as Arya rolled her eyes as the elven lady.
It seems you might have competition, my loved one. F rnen remarked humorously in her mind.
F rnen! I have no idea what you're talking about Arya snapped, feeling embarrassed.
I jest, Arya. F rnen said with a serious tone, Remember, Lady Cecail is quite young. She was merely thirty during the war, and has been raised on legend and tales about Eragon. She is in the presence of someone she considers a hero.
Arya bowed her head as she recognized the words her partner spoke. Over the last century, younger elves, and children had been raised on the legend of the Dragon Rider who stood and fought for their people against their greatest enemy, Galbatorix. Arya had to remind herself that she was among the lucky to have known him personally.
"Forgive me, but I wish to take a walk around Ellesmer " Arya said in a stately way, as she rose from her seat.
The remaining elves bowed their heads in agreement and followed her out of Tiadara Halls, three more of her court appearing to join them. Arya felt a twinge of annoyance at how they always followed her around outside of court meetings, as she greeted them politely. They walked, and discussed a variety of subjects, for over forty minutes around the pinewood city before they headed to return to Tiadara Halls. As they strode past the part of the city where Eragon was staying, in the Lead Riders tree house, she couldn't help but glance upwards and spotted the outline of Saphira resting on the Veranda of the first floor. Her eyes gazed longingly at where he was, so close but unable to talk to him. Arya led the group of elven lords around a corner when she spotted Irim approaching them; a smile grazed her lips as the sight of the young elf.
"Arta esterni ono thelduin, Arya Drottning." Irim said, a smile touching Arya's lips as she observed the young elf.
She is a beautiful young lady Arya thought to herself as she took in the elves appearance.
"Un du evanya ono Varden, Irim Shur-tugal." Arya replied, the smile still on her lips. "Are you going to meet Eragon for your lessons?"
"Yes, my lady. Are you heading the same way?" Irim asked, and Arya heard an eagerness in her voice as she asked. Before she had sent Irim off to joined Eragon on the Silent Isle, Arya remembered teaching the elf some of the smaller aspects of being a Dragon Rider. She remembered the admiration the elf used to show towards her.
"I am afraid not, young one." Arya replied, feeling the smile fade from her lips, "I am rather busy at the moment to speak to the Lead Rider. Perhaps time will allow me to do so at another point."
"Yes, my lady." Irim bowed to them, as Arya led her council past the young elf. As they walked away, Arya could not help but turn her head to watch Irim as she approached Aaenor and Elira, feeling a lump in her stomach as she wished to join them visiting Eragon.
As they walked towards Tiadara Halls, Arya paused and turned towards Lord Dathedr and she saw him raise an inquisitive eyebrow at her.
"Would you send a messenger to the Lead Rider, and tell him to meet you in the council meeting chambers?" Arya asked kindly
"Of course, your majesty. Is there any particular reason?" Lord Dathedr replied, bowing his head.
"I believe it is time, we share our latest good news with him" Arya remarked simply, Oh how I know he will love this. She thought happily in her mind as she watched Lord Dathedr bow and walk away.
Around thirty minutes later, after she had freshened herself up after the mornings walk around Ellesmer , Arya strode towards the council meeting chambers once again accompanied by several members of her elven court who had insisted upon waiting to escort her. Refraining from allowing a smile of amusement to cross her lips as they walked, Arya sighed internally.
I'm still not used to this silly tradition they wish on following Arya thought
The congregation of elves walked for several more minutes before they reached the entrance to the council meeting chambers, as they did so Arya smiled slightly as the doors swung open to grant her access. Asking her council to wait near the door, Arya strode over to where Eragon was stood talking to Lord Dathedr.
"Dathedr." Arya smiled kindly as he walked past her to talk to the other elven lords.
As she turned her attention to Eragon, who seemed relieved as he noticed her court giving them some privacy, Arya studied his appearance causing her heart to flutter as she took in his presence.
"Drottning" She heard him murmur, before he fell to one knee in respect causing her eyebrows to rise in surprise.
"Eragon." Arya said softly, as she struggled in vain to prevent a smile from flowing across her face. Instinctively, she reached out and placed both hands on her shoulders softly, sending a tingle up her arms. In her mind, she the rumble of a laugh from F rnen at her reaction.
"You need not bow before me, Eragon. We are friends of old, and I will not have my friends hold themselves to pleasantries." Arya said softly, allowing a slight laugh as she spoke.
Still so gentle and kind towards me. Arya remarked to herself.
"I bid your forgiveness, my lady. Unfortunately, the respect I feel towards you cannot be expressed in any other way". Eragon replied as he rose from his feet and stood before her gazing into her deep emerald eyes. A tingle ran throughout her entire body as she gazed back at him.
"You are too kind, Eragon." Arya responded, letting a grin cross her face. "I hope that you rested well? I ensured that your accommodation was well looked after."
Why did I say that Arya remarked frustrated. In truth, she had her personal servants make sure that the Lead Riders home was cleaned and stock every month if he surprised them and visit. On the day of his arrival, she had personally visited and ensured that he had fresh tunics woven from her personal weavers.
"Yes thank you, my lady. It was more than I could have asked for" Eragon bowed his head again in thanks.
"Eragon, remember what I just said. You need not show me any unnecessary pleasantries." Arya remarked, a sly smile on her lips. "But I appreciate your words."
"I apologize, your majesty. I shall strive to remember it" Eragon said with a smirk of his own.
Arya gazed into his eyes again, and smiled at him one last time. She stepped closer to him, causing her heart to beat faster, before she reached out and threaded her arm through his. Arya beamed internally as she had finally beening able to be close to him, before composing herself and in a kind voice said; "Now, follow me. I have something to show you, and I have a feeling you will enjoy this greatly."
As they walked out of the council meeting chambers, her arm linked with Eragon's, a feeling of nostalgia ran through her as she remembered the last time they had done so, as she escorted him onto the ship that took him away from her. A sense of great sadness grew in her mind as she recalled the years they had spent apart, before she felt a soothing presence from F rnen enter her thoughts.
Do not dwell on it, my loved one. Her partner of heart-and-mind said, Dwell on the fact that he did not recoil from the contact, instead he seems to be happy.
Thank you, F rnen. Arya replied, and felt his humming in her mind.
As she led Eragon away from the council chambers, towards the part of Ellesmera where the Riders stayed when they visited she felt him stiffen. Turning her head she saw him glancing behind them to the group of elven lords and ladies that had decided to accompany them, all eager to see his reaction to the news she was about to show him.
Is that what bothers him? the attention of the council? I thought it might be out of desire to avoid seeing me again. Arya thought to herself, relaxing her worries, and feeling an incoming sly remark from her partner, Don't even say anything, F rnen.
I wouldn't dream of it, Arya. F rnen said mischievously.
As she glanced at Eragon, he turned and his met her gaze. Understanding the situation, and his apparent mistrust of the council, she gave him a reassuring smile and squeezed his arm slightly as they walked. Arya watched as he bowed his head and then returned her smile.
"So, where are you taking me" Eragon said after several minutes of walking in silence, "I do not recognized this part of Ellesmer from my previous visits"
"It's an addition we made several decades after the war." Arya replied, as she realised he had not been in the city since his departure. Forty years after the war, when several new riders had begun to return to Alagaesia to serve as the new peacekeepers, the elven council had decided to extend the size of Ellesmer to home them when they visited Du Weldenvarden. Three new districts had been added to the city, increasing the size by a third. "Where I am taking you is where the visiting Riders stays when they are with us"
"Ah, that is a generous sacrifice "Eragon replied, turning to face her. "Thank you for doing this for them"
"No need to thank me, Eragon" Arya replied, smiling. "It was my pleasure as Queen, and my duty as a senior member of the order."
As she spoke, she saw his face frown slightly at her words before he smiled at her thankfully. Arya resisted the urge to question him on it as she wondered what was wrong. Deciding to forget the moment, Arya returned to enjoying how close she was to Eragon as they approached one of the rider accommodations.
"After you, my lady" Eragon's voice spoke kindly as he stood aside to allow her entrance before him, the corners of her mouth upturning into a smile at his actions.
"Thank you, Eragon" Arya replied, softly.
As he entered the house, which was sung from fallen trees into shape, she led him down the corridor to the end room where the person she wanted him to meet was living in Ellesmer . As they walked, she saw Eragon gazing around wondrously at the beauty of elven architecture. A few metres from the door, she heard several footsteps behind them in the wide corridor followed by the voice of two males.
"Ebrithil" One of them called, Arya turning and recognizing it as the voice of the third dwarven rider Barrik. She saw Eragon clasp him at the shoulder as the dwarf did the same.
"Barrik, is good to see you." Eragon said, a grin gleaming on his face.
"Aye it is".
"And you too Timothy." Eragon said as he turned and embraced the other rider who was the first human rider.
"It's been too long, old friend." Arya heard Timothy reply as he stepped back from Eragon and saw him observe his master. Timothy was as tall as Eragon, with dirty blonde hair and gleaming blue eyes. "You are starting to look Old"
Arya, along with several of the elven council let out laughs at the statement, and even Eragon himself found the comment amusing.
"Do I? It must be the beard." Eragon replied, as he ran a hand over his trimmed facial hair. "Saphira has said it for the past few years. I thought she was saying it just to entertain Aaenor, Jacob and Irim ."
"You do, but don't listen to me." Timothy grinned and then turned to face her, bowing in respect "Let us ask her majesty."
Arya glanced at Timothy's grin and was taken aback at his request. Unease course through her as she struggled to find the words to reply, as she glanced at Eragon she was shocked to find he had an amused look on his face and he raised an eyebrow inquisitively
"I'm afraid to say, it does reflect your growing years" Arya replied, trying to find a neutral perspective to her agreement with Timothy.
"See?" Timothy responded comically as Barrik laughed beside him.
"Then I shall simply have to get rid of it, to please my host." Eragon said with an amused look on his face as he noticed Arya's apologetic eyes. Feeling amusement in her mind, she nodded and then spoke in a kind voice.
"Anyway, there is someone who I think you will want to see and welcome" Arya said, smiling as she turned and opened the door behind her, leading Eragon into the room. In the centre of the room, an elf sat with his back to the door, as they entered he turned to see who his visitors where; revealing a small golden Dragon that was staring intently at its Rider.
Arya grinned as she studied Eragon's face, his eyes transfixed upon the new Dragon Rider in front of him. For several moments he stood there, as a grin grew across his own face which caused Arya's heart to flutter at the beauty of the sight.
Oh If I could have him smile like that every day, Arya remarked happily.
Slowly, Arya watched, Eragon approached the new Dragon Rider and kneeled down several feet away from him. She watched as a look of excitement was on the elf's face at being in proximity to the Lead Rider himself.
"Greetings, I am Eragon" She heard him say as he touched two fingers to his lips.
"I know who you are, my lord." The Elf replied, "I am Miliat"
"It is my pleasure to meet you, Miliat" Eragon replied smiling, before he turned to face Arya. "You were right. This is great surprise."
"I said that you'd enjoy this greatly" Arya remarked smiling back at him.
"When did this happen?" Eragon asked happily
"He hatched for Miliat two weeks ago" Arya replied, "He wanted to keep it a surprise"
"That it is, the greatest of surprises" Eragon grin widened as he turned to look at the little Dragon, which was no bigger than a puppy. "Perhaps my greatest excitement is reserved for you, however"
Arya watched the Golden Dragon as it observed Eragon with curious eyes, as it had been since he had approached its Rider. The young Dragons rich golden eyes seemed to be taking in every detail about him before it slowly approached him. Arya smiled as Eragon reached out his hand and placed it submissively before the young Dragon, who stretched out its neck and sniffed his fingers and then the back of his hand. The dragon then placed its snout in the gap between the first finger and thumb and Eragon slowly turned his hand over. Next to him, Miliat smiled and watched with awe as the golden Dragon finished sniffing Eragon's hand and placed its head against his palm, allowing him to stoke the Dragon affectionately.
"That is amazing; he hasn't allowed anyone to be near him, never mind allowing someone to touch him." Miliat spoke with a sense of wonder in his voice.
"I have a certain affinity for Dragons." Eragon grinned as he looked up at Arya, who couldn't help but gazed affectionately down at him. "Come closer, Arya"
As she heard his words, her heart tingled at the fact he had used her name directly. Slowing approaching and kneeling before the small golden dragon, she gazed back at Eragon who was staring deeply into the Dragons eyes.
"What is his name, Miliat?" Arya asked, as she sensed Eragon was talking to Saphira.
"I've named him Tilianth." Miliat replied, "My father used to speak of his brothers dragon with affection. He liked the sound of it as I spoke to him earlier today."
"Tilianth" Arya muttered with a smile, as Eragon turned to her.
"Saphira is over the moon at such an event, and she is on her way." Eragon replied, smiling. Arya simply nodded her head and returned to watching the golden Dragon who had curled up next Miliat.
"I ask you if you will allow me to examine him." Eragon spoke kindly, looking at the elf.
"He seems to like you, and as long as you don't cause him harm." Miliat replied, nodding.
"I would never dream of such a thing," Eragon replied as he nudged the Golden Dragon slightly, causing Tilianth to stand as Eragon reached down and picked it up and held it in front of him.
After several minutes of examining the young Dragon, gently holding its legs and stretching them softly. Eragon placed the Dragon down and began to run his fingers along its velvet wings. After he finished Tilianth sniffed Arya who stroked it after he consented to it.
"Another elven rider" Eragon muttered ever so softly, that Arya barely heard it. Before she could ask him what he meant, he had turned and was talking to Miliat.
"He is quite unique." She heard Eragon's kind voice. "For one so young, he has a patient demeanor. He is also extremely calm, I know this because he would not have consented to my examination to happily if he was like many other Dragons. I have had quite the trouble doing the same thing with Wild Dragon hatchlings, never mind the year old Dragons that have come to be tutored by me and Saphira"
"Thank you, Ebrithil." Miliat remarked, using the term with a tone of great respect.
"He is, unfortunately, small for the size he should be" Eragon said, turning his gaze back upon the Golden Dragon who had begun walking around the room. "Have you been feeding him meat?"
Arya watched as Miliat bowed his head in shame as he spoke, "I have not"
"Do not concern yourself, you should not feel guilty." Eragon replied and placed a hand on his shoulder. "I do not blame you, but he requires meat in order to develop correctly. I know you find it hard to do, so if you wish I can ensure he gets some."
"I would appreciate that, Ebrithil." Miliat replied with a slight smile, "I will watch as you do, so that I can grow more accustomed to it."
"I would expect as much. Come, Saphira has arrived and I can tell she is excited to meet you. And Him" Eragon said and gestured to the small golden Dragon that was sniffing Eragon's hand again.
Several hours later, as the evening was beginning to settle in, after Miliat and Tilianth had finished meeting Eragon and Saphira, Arya was walking back toward the main part of the city. They were walking alone as Saphira and F rnen flew in the sky above them, Arya felt a sense of happiness as her court had level earlier in the day when Eragon told them he needed to discuss matters of the new riders training with her.
"I thank you for surprising me, my lady" Eragon said and smiled at her quickly, Arya couldn't help but feel that they had been able to act as openly as the friends they had been during the war while in the presence of the new Rider.
"I could hardly keep him hidden from you, but I am glad all the same " Arya said, returning her gaze to the path in front of them"
As they reached the entrance to Tiadara Halls, Eragon turned and bowed to her before walking towards his tree house. Arya felt a pulse of sadness in her body as she watched him walk away, before she called out incontrollably.
"Wait, Eragon. " Arya paused, as he turned to face her with a small smile on his lips. "Perhaps you would join me for breakfast tomorrow?"
Arya watched as he observed her for a brief time, before bowing his head gracefully. "I would be honoured, your majesty"
"I shall send you a messenger at the time" Arya said as he turned and walked away. She stood for a time watching the direction he had left in, as happiness washed over her.
That was a Good day. F rnen noted in her mind.
Aye, Eragon seems to be happy to be here. Or maybe that was just to see the new Rider. Arya replied, doubting herself for a moment
Or just maybe, he was happy to see you. F rnen said with a sense of amusement. Arya felt a smile touch her lips as she turned and headed into the gardens of Tiadara Halls to join F rnen.
So, here is the next chapter. It's a sort of filler for now, but it will lead on in the next chapter. The next chapter will be Arya's point of view for the last part of this one.
Few Points I wanna make;
Eragon finds it easier to talk to Arya without all of the Elven court.
The device given to Eragon by Lord Dathedr will be important later on. What has Islandazi left it to him for? Thoughts?