Chapter Twelve : An Apology and a Warning

On the balcony of the Lead Riders tree house in Ellesméra laid a Dragon with sparkling sapphire scales resting, her tail lazily dangling over the edge, her eyelids drooped over her eyes to protect them from the early day light. Saphira sighed, releasing a poof of smoke from her nostrils, as she attempted to rest despite the curiosity and intensity of thought she could feel from her partner-of-life.

Two legs are always thinking. Saphira thought as she opened her eyes, blinking to adjust to the light. Despite all of the time that they spend in meditation, they can never just sit and relax.

Shaking her head in annoyance, Saphira turned to gaze at Eragon and sent a tendril of thought towards him.

…

Eragon PoV

Little one, what are you doing? Eragon heard Saphira ask I was trying to rest, but your thoughts could not leave me be.

Eragon smirked, even after the century they had spent together Saphira still treated him like her child. I'm sorry, Saphira, I didn't mean to interrupt your rest. Despite the fact you've only just woken up.

Eragon laughed as he heard Saphira snort in feigned offense. I have already stated this, but perhaps you need me to remind you that I flew for many days to get here. Ignoring that, there is also the fact that I had to carry your bags halfway across Alagaësia. Next time I shall see it fit to make you walk if you insist upon disturbing me.

Oh mighty queen of the skies, Forgive me. Eragon said apologetically as he tried to keep a straight face.

I will accept your apology, Little one. For now. Saphira snorted again, and lay her head back down on her cushion. What are you wondering after?

It's something Dathedr gave me. Eragon said, and picked up oval shaped crystal and walked over to sit by Saphira on her cushion. Do you recognize it?

Little one, I have seen many objects made from Crystals and gems that you two legs hold great sentimental value in. Saphira blinked at him, I cannot remember every one of them.

Eragon smirked as he spoke, it is a Draltíur.

Ah, see much more helpful. Saphira replied, her eyes settling on the oval crystal. And Lord Dathedr gave this to you?

Eragon nodded in reply as he placed it on Saphira's cushion. He told me that Islandazí left it in his possession with the intention that I receive it.

Islandazi left you some of her memories?

It would seem so, but I cannot think what, or why she would. Eragon replied, nodding his head slowly.

If the elven monarch left it for you, I will dare to speculate and say that it is important. Saphira pointed out with a snort of smoke in his face.

That is what I was thinking. Eragon conceded, coughing softly. But it seems, strange that she would leave it for me.

Does emerald-eyes know anything of this? Or why her mother might have left this for you? Saphira asked, and Eragon could feel intrigue flowing across their link. Perhaps you could ask for her assistance?

I don't think so. Eragon said, looking out over the city. Dathedr said that Arya still struggles with her Islanzadí's death. It seems that she never had chance to mourn her properly, and I don't want to cause her anymore discomfort over it.

Eragon could feel pride emanating from Saphira as she replied: Little one, you still care so much for her, even with the things that have occurred; you still swoon over Arya like you did all those years ago.

You seem surprised. Eragon inquired, his eyebrow raised.

Just an observation, it's one your better characteristics, unconditional love for others. No matter what, or what has not occurred. Saphira said proudly in his mind. Regardless, perhaps it is time that Arya spoke of her mother's death to someone that she is close to. Her best friend perhaps?

What? Me? Eragon said; feeling slightly startled. Could he really still claim that role, given that fact that he and Arya, up until a few short weeks ago, had not spoken for over ninety years. He had dared to hope that the feelings they had shared still remained as powerful for her as they for him, but over the years away from his homeland had tried to accustom himself to the idea that she may have found someone who knew her as well as he did.

Who else? The two of you have shared something deeply important with one another. You know her true name after all and I'm sure there is none other better qualified to speak of these things with her... Saphira replied,

Mhmm…maybe, But it's been a long time since that day. Eragon replied, frowning. Besides, if she needed to talk to me about these things, she knew where I was and how to contact me, but she never did.

Little one, I agree with you on this, but perhaps she has explanations for all your worries. In that regard, perhaps you have the same for her. Saphira said wisely, and Eragon nodded slightly but glancing back down at the oval crystal.

Several minutes passed, before Eragon's thoughts were interrupted by Saphira's annoyance. Well….?

Well what? Eragon said confused.

How else are you going to find out why Islandazi left this for you? Take a look at it.

Oh, right. Eragon said, shaking his head to clear his thoughts.

Closing his eyes, Eragon exhaled deeply before he extended a tendril of thought toward the crystal, much in the same way he did when communicating with an Eldunarí. As his mind touched it, he felt a musical tone faintly in the back of his mind. Even to Eragon, who had a vast, uncountable number of interactions with other consciousness's was surprised by the call of the musical tone. When he communicated with the Eldunarí he felt their presence softly pressing against his, but this was almost uncontrollable as it drew him closer and closer. Breathing deeply, Eragon reached out to the corner of his mind, following the music, a large swell of energy pressed lightly against his consciousness and as he grew closer to the music, a swell of green mist danced and weaved itself around his mind in time to beat of the music.

Slowly, the mist encompassed his consciousness and Eragon felt drawn to open his eyes. As he opened them slowly, Eragon blinked in surprise as he found himself stood amongst the gardens of Tiadara Halls, reaching out he touched a bush next to him and jolted his hand back as he felt the leaves of the plant. Smirking to himself, Eragon observed that the sun shone brightly through the trees, and the plants of the forest had brightly coloured leaves and blooms growing on them. The sign that summer was in Ellesméra. Raising his head, Eragon heard the flutter of birds as they left their havens in the trees.

Eragon A familiar, but forgotten voice of an elf he had not heard for a century called out to him; the powerful yet majestic tone still sounding regal in his ears. Smiling, Eragon gazed ahead of him to the origins of the voice and found himself looking upon the figure of Islanzadí stood amongst the gardens. She wore a deep forest green robe, along with her cloak made of feathers, the same one that now her daughter wore.

"If you are accessing these memory of mine," Islanzadí musical voice kissed his eyes gently, "Then my premonition of the upcoming battle for Ilirea has come true. It means that you have defeated Galbatorix, but I have fallen in the battle to the Traitor or to one of his slaves."

"It is strange to find myself uttering these words, but I do not feel afraid of my fate. There are tales as old as time of those aware of their demise fearing the approaching darkness and attempting to avoid it, But I do not feel this way; I await it happily. For so many years, my race has opposed the Traitor sacrificing much of our former power to ensure we would be present at his demise, but do I feel cheated for not living long enough to see Alagaesia free of the Traitor. I will die happy in the knowledge that the demon whose very existence has tormented my race for over a century will terrorize this land no longer. I stand here ready to embrace the world beyond death." Islandazi closed her eyes and Eragon found himself in shock as he saw a tear run silently down her cheek. "The only thing that I regret is leaving Arya to deal with the consequences of my death. I wish that I could make the last seven decades up to her, but alas, there is no time. Instead I will make sure she knows that I love her deeply."

"But the fact remains, that when I fall, Arya will be left without her family and with few friends to care for her. I wish that you look after her, Eragon. She speaks highly of you, and it warms my heart to see my daughter had grown attached to someone who obviously cares for her" Eragon felt a lump in his throat as he listened to Islandazi. "Your affections for my daughter are something which have been looked upon with doubt and sceptical eye, but perhaps we are not always correct in our assumptions"

"Regardless of this I am certain that you will be in need in assistance in the future, Eragon. I leave this to you Eragon, so that you have the means to serve and protect this world after Galbatorix's fall." Eragon frowned seriously as he listened to the Queen's words.

"I have a feeling that somewhere, somehow, there are still Dragons in this world. I do not know what it is, or why I feel this, but I am certain of it. Furthermore, I believe that if anyone is to find them and resurrect our bonded friends that it shall be you Eragon Shadeslayer. As I once spoke of when you first arrived in Ellesméra, we elves do not grant such powerful names to our children. The children that are named after our greatest heroes are cursed, they are destined from the minute the name is given to achieve something remarkable.

Some are not able to handle the pressure that is put upon them, and end up becoming secluded or there have even been those to lose their minds. Others, have embraced the heritage of their names, and have gone on to accomplish remarkable feats. I believe this is the same route that you shall take."

"However I have a warning for you, Galbatorix was not the greatest threat to this land. We Elves have walked this land for many millennia, and there are forces from Alagaësia's history that will seek to work against you. They will confront you head on, there will be those that seek to work from the shadows, employing the techniques that they have used for many millennia."

Eragon frowned as he heard the words, recognising them as the warning handed out by the Eldunarí.

"The riders of old protected the land from these threats, using the knowledge handed down from lead rider to lead rider. Vrael entrusted this knowledge to my family, and so I will leave you my memories of these threats, but it will not be enough to combat these shadows that would seek to cover the world in darkness. The elven library will be made available to you, as if you were of my family, for there is the information you will need. The keepers will be expecting and waiting for your arrival"

"Remember Eragon, the riders of old stood up for the weak, and protected them from those that would see them subjected to tyranny and suffering. You walk a hard path in your life, but remember what it is you live for. Arta esterni ono thelduin, Eragon, Un du evanya ono Varden."

The last words of Islandazi faded along with the music in Eragon's mind as he fluttered his eyelids. Taking a deep breath, he placed the oval crystal down on the desk, leaning forward and rested his head on his linked hands contemplating what Islandazi had told him.

Little one, someone approaches

Eragon was shook out of his thoughts after several minutes, as Saphira's voice murmured in his voice. Nodding to himself, and sending her a wave of affection, Eragon stood and placed the crystal into the drawer of his desk and skipped down the stairs of his tree house from the study to the bedroom. As he approached the doorway, he heard footsteps coming up the staircase on the outside of the tree house, smiling to himself, Eragon opened the door to welcome his guest. The smile faded as he was surprised to see Arya in front of him.

The first thing he noticed was how beautiful she looked. Her hair had been drawn up into a tight bun, which was decorated by two thin needles that crossed through the bun to form a cross. On either side of her face, strands of hair were tucked behind her perfectly tipped ears. A thin golden circlet was visible resting carefully on the top of her head. She was garbed in white robes that were decorated with a golden thread in the shape of trees along the sleeves and around the edges of the cloth.

Speechless for several moments, Eragon stood gazing into her emerald eyes feeling his heart beat steadily increasing the longer he looked at her. Feeling heat coming to his cheeks, Eragon managed to speak as she looked back at him.

"Arta esterni ono thelduin, Arya Drottning" Eragon spoke softly as he touched his fingers to his lips.

Eragon saw a smile touch her lips as she replied, "Un du evanya ono Varden, Eragon. I hope that you rested well?"

"I did, thank you my lady. And yourself?" Eragon said with a smirk on his face.

"I rested well." Arya said, with a slight nod she glanced at him from the feet upwards "Are you ready?"

Following her gaze at his own attire, Eragon had a puzzled expression on his face as he wondered at her question.

Breakfast. A mental nudge came from Saphira which made his ears turn bright pink. Arya seemed to notice his confusion and laughed as the realisation crossed his face.

"It seems that the Lead Rider has forgotten his appointments?" Arya teased.

"Of course not, Breakfast, how could I forget?" Eragon smirked as he responded. Turning around and striding over to where Brisingr was resting against a chair, he grasped the swords hilt and fitted it onto his belt.

"I promise there won't be any need for your sword" Arya said as she raised an eyebrow at his belt.

Eragon let a small smile cross his lips as he returned to her and offered her his arm, "Shall we?"

"Yes, let us" Arya beamed back at him in a tone that he couldn't help but grin back at.

As they exited the staircase of the tree house, Eragon breathed in the fresh air. Sighing contently, he smiled as he felt Arya pull slightly on his arm as she led him into the city. They walked through the city in silence for several minutes before he heard Arya speak.

"Are you enjoying being back in Ellesméra?" Arya's musical voice asked softly

"It is one of the only places where I have felt at home." Eragon conceded, as the scent of fresh flowers blew past his nose. "Truthfully, I had forgotten how much I missed it. It is so peaceful, the air is fresh and I feel as though nothing could ever be stressful while I'm here."

Arya laughed softly, before she replied "Yes, it has become something of a relaxation technique for me to simply walk around the city. I could not imagine what it would be like to be away from Ellesméra. It has become my home again over the years I have been queen."

"You would like it on the Silent Isle" Eragon said with a smile, "The forests around Dragonhold are the most comparable to Du Weldenvarden myself and the elves could find, a pale comparison but close enough for us to be happy."

"I hope that one day I will have the chance to visit, and see your home. Every description I have heard over the years makes it sound to be a paradise." Arya replied softly, and Eragon thought he sensed guilt in her voice.

"I would love the opportunity to welcome you. I have always enjoyed showing my friends around the island when they have come." Eragon said his voice sounding colder than it had before and he instantly regretted the tone he had used as he felt Arya stop and her arm snaked out from his.

Closing his eyes, and clenching his hands in anger at himself, he sighed before he turned to face Arya. Eragon found her staring at him with an expression of understanding on her face as she spoke again.

"Eragon…I have had duties here in Ellesméra. It is not so simple to just leave for a time and visit…." Arya spoke softly, but Eragon cut her off as politely as he could.

"Nasuada came" Eragon spoke softly, and frowned as he tried to control himself. "She made the time to come and spend a month with me every few years. Roran and Katrina came, every year. Even Angela came to visit, once or twice every decade. But never you - never my greatest friend."

Arya gazed into his eyes, her emerald eyes bore into him as if to try and see what his mind was thinking. After a minute, she looked away briefly before taking a step closer to him and holding his hands in hers.

"Arya…I'm…" he begun before she interrupted him.

"Is that why you have acted…strangely towards me? You were so formal when you spoke to me earlier this week and in the past weeks. Is it because you were bitter I never came to visit you?" Arya's voice spoke softly and it seemed as if it pained her as she spoke of his earlier behaviour.

Eragon looked at her several long moments before bowing his head, and looking down shamefully. Closing his eyes, Eragon felt a hand on his cheek, which he instinctively leant his face into and raised his gaze to meet hers.

"Eragon…" Arya muttered his name with a surprising amount of affection that he smiled weakly at "Forgive me, It was not my intention...I thought that you would not want me to come, that you would hate me for reminding you of what was in Alagaësia. To come for brief visits and then disappear off to a place you could not return to. I took to the protection of your feelings and of the task of raising the Dragons over being a friend for you."

Eragon smiled, raising his own hand and placing it over hers embracing it warmly, muttering softly;

"Do not be sorry, it is my own behaviour that requires apology. In much the same way, it is why I have prevented myself from contacting you. I did not wish to see you and be forced to say goodbye over and over, even if it was through a mirror. It had been such a long time and I had begun to doubt…but perhaps deep within I always knew you had not meant any offense, that you would not forget our friendship."

"I could never forget you, Eragon" Arya replied just as softly, and as she pulled her hand away from under his, Eragon could see emotion laying heavily in her eyes, as he gazed into them, he felt the connection that they had created many years ago as Firnen and Saphira met. Reaching out and stopping clasping her hand, Eragon brought it to his lips and kissed the back of her hand gently.

Arya smiled back at him, and Eragon felt his spine tingle at its beauty. They stood side by side for several minutes in the morning sunlight, before Eragon felt her emerald eyes observing him, and returning his gaze to her, she smiled at him again before taking his arm in hers.

"Come, I've made arrangements for breakfast that I think you'll love." Arya said, and laughed softly as she led him towards Tiadara Halls. In the air above them, Fírnen and Saphira flew off in a different direction, eager to spend the time together.

…

As they walked for several minutes, arms linked through Ellesméra, Eragon sighed in happiness. He had spoken to Arya and had an answer to her absence from his life. Furthermore, he had confirmed that she still held deep feelings for him, he could see it in her eyes and the warmness of her touch.

As they entered the gardens that surrounded the monarchs residence, becoming increasingly curious as to the details of the arrangements Arya had prepared for their breakfast in Tiadara Halls. Eragon turned to Arya;

"I'm curious, what exactly is this arrangement you have made?" Eragon asked, with a smile on his lips. Watching her, he noticed that she raised an eyebrow inquisitively at him, before replying.

"Does the Lead Rider not wish to be surprised?" Arya replied with a hint of amusement in her voice.

"I'm not opposed to the idea of being surprised" Eragon noted with a smirk, as they slowed the pace of their walk. "But, it depends on what your idea of a surprise is. For instance, if you have arranged for us to dine with your council, then Yes I do not wish to be surprised with such a…"treat"."

Arya laughed and delightful musical tones kissed his ears as he listened to her. Smiling widely at him, Arya replied, "I am almost beginning to believe that you are still afraid of dining with nobles. Is that true, mighty rider?"

"Perhaps, but dare I say that the brunt of my fear is reserved for dining with Queens and their secret daughter." Eragon smirked as he gazed at with a mischievous look in his eyes.

Arya stopped in her steps and glared at him for a moment, and he could tell she was momentarily taken aback by his statement. Smiling at her, he saw her face lighten and saw her smile back at him before she gracefully shook her head and resumed walking next to him.

"Eragon, it has been close to a century and your humour has yet to improve. I'd have thought Saphira would have seen fit to remedy that particular part of your personality." Arya teased as they drew close to the entrance to the dining halls of the monarch's residence.

"It is not for a lack of effort, I can assure you" Eragon laughed as he replied, "Unfortunately, I fear my hard-headedness has caused her to give up her pursuit. Besides, you have yet to answer my question."

"Of course, Ebrithil" Arya said seriously, with a hint of tease in her voice. "Ismira told me that you enjoyed the company of your students and elves for meals on the silent isle. Unfortunately, Blodgharm and his companions have yet to arrive, but Aaenor and Irimë were more than happy to join us and allow you to feel as comfortable here as you would be at home"

"I am honoured by your kindness" Eragon said with a slight bow of his head. "It seems that the century has changed you, I would not have expected you to become a gracious host".

Arya smiled at him. "And your charm has certainly not changed. Come on; let us find your two young students"

….

A/N : Hello Guys!

This is the first of the new chapters that I will be posting over the next few weeks. I'm glad to be back and I'll try to keep the story going.