It's probably going to take me a while to get back into the swing of things so this might not be too great.

Can't promise updates too quickly but I have this done and ready to go !

Chapter 14

Later that same day, Arya was walking with her council through the woods as they made their way towards where Eragon was training with his students on the crags of Tel'naeír. Eragon had invited her to watch his students training later that day after breakfast when he had escorted her to the council room for their daily meeting with the Queen. Of course, she couldn't help but extend that to the members of her council as well; despite how much she would simply love to attend by herself and spend more time alone with him and his students.

Begrudgingly, she had to admit that despite how irritated she become by her council at times, she could not really blame them for wanting to see the sight of the lead rider training his students. Eragon had not been seen in Alagaësia for nearly a century and while new riders were trained in Ellesmera before they were sent to join him on the Silent Isle, few had been privy to the training of riders over the centuries; Arya herself wishing to keep that private. With the return of the rider who slew Galbatorix, even the elves could not resist the temptation to become obsessed.

Arya allowed a smile to cross her otherwise passive expression as she thought back to breakfast; how comfortable it felt to see Eragon and how he acted around his students. She had never pictured him to be a stern, strict teacher and she was happily proved correct by the informal nature of his interactions with Aaenor and Irimë; an assurance that the Eragon that she once knew was still within the grown man who stood before her.

There had been a struggle over the decades about her feelings for Eragon as they had grown, and they had undoubtedly grown beyond what she had felt the day they shared their true names; but it wasn't quite until Arya had interacted with him this past week that she realised it was love. Faolin had been her partner, but love? She was not so sure, Elves did not feel love; that was what she had thought but even her perspective on that had changed, the changing of the elves thanks to the strengthening of the Dragon Pact had many consequences; could Elves being able to express love one of those?

"Is it not a beautiful day, your majesty" Lord Eterin's voice snapped her out of her thoughts, turning and nodding at the elven lord, allowing a small smile to grace her lips.

"Indeed it is" She replied, "A perfect opportunity to impose ourselves upon Eragon's kind invitation"

"If I may, how did you manage to convince the Elder Rider to allow us to watch his training of the younglings?" Lord Eterin asked, a small smile on his lips.

"Eragon has not changed that much in the last century" Arya replied, smiling warmly. "He is still the kind hearted man that I knew"

"We all change, your majesty" The elven lord replied glancing at her for a moment before he looked ahead. "The years change us and there are things we keep to ourselves; I suspect the Lead Rider is the same"

Arya studied the Elven Lord for a moment before she heard Vanir speak at her left.

"Are you excited, your majesty?"

"I am, Vanir" She replied, smiling again. "You must be interested in seeing how Irimë has progressed during her time with Eragon?"

"I am most certain she has the grace and beauty in her swordwork that she has in the rest of her life" Vanir said smiling. "I must admit I am more intrigued to see how our most honoured guest has changed during the century than I am of her. He could certainly never win a substantial sword fight against either of us"

"I am too intrigued by the planned duel you have" Arya admitted, a slight smile on her face as they walked towards their destination.

"Perhaps your majesty might find the time to indulge with the Lead Rider herself?" Vanir inquired, and she could see the glint in his eyes; being one of the few to witness a duel between the two of them.

"As you say, perhaps" Arya replied, clasping her hands above her waist as they walked "We shall see the time that Eragon has for us; His work is very important to us all"

"Indeed" Lord Dathedr added as he approached the group from Vanir's left. "Your majesty, forgive my late arrival"

"It is of no consequence old friend" Arya said bowing her head.

The group continued walking towards Oromis' old hut in the Crags, Arya making conversation with her council as she always did; amusement growing inside of her at some of the Elven lords obvious excitement pouring out in their body language and expression of the Ancient language. It was one of the effects of the stronger bond with the dragons that they would be more outwardly in their personalities but it was still an intriguing aspect of the golden age of Alagaesia of these more emotional elves.

Soon they were exiting the tree covered alcove passageway and walking out into the field, the Hut on the edge of the cliff coming into view as they walked forwards; the sight of a large sapphire dragon along with Firnen, both who were much larger than Oromis house, and the two smaller dragons led before them.

Do their lessons go well? Arya inquires towards her dragon, hearing a rumbling in her mind as he laughs.

Eragon is giving them quite the work out He replies and he sends her several images of intricate swordsmanship that Firnen had bade witness to over the past thirty minutes. A smile touches her lips as she thinks of Eragon, the boy that once struggled to duel elves instructing some of the youngest elves.

Good afternoon, Emerald eyes Saphira's mind gently touched her own, and Arya sent warm feelings towards the sapphire dragon as they slowed their pace.

Hello Saphira Arya said, smiling as she heard the elven lords quieten as they watched Eragon walking in a half circle with his back to them, acting as though they had not yet disturbed him yet she knew he had sensed them as soon as they stepped into the grove. Has he almost completed todays instruction?

I think that there is only a short amount of stick-fighting remaining. Saphira mind replied, and Arya couldn't help the smile as she heard the remark; reminding of those comments so long ago.

"Irimë's form is most impressive, Lord Vanir" Lord Dathedr remarked after they stood there watching for around five minutes.

"She is very graceful" Vanir said with pride in his voice.

Arya had to agree that the young elf's swordmanship was easily the stronger of the two students, her body bending and swaying as she blocked Aaenor's blows, before she turned to go on the aggressive when her arm didn't quite extend correctly and she wondered if Eragon had-

"Stop" Eragon's voice carried on the wind as he rose a hand and stopped the duel. The elven lords around her were impressed by the fact that the two young elves stopped instantly at their masters voice.

Arya tilted her head to the side and watches as Eragon stepped forward and beckoned his students to him; both of whom were instantly moving, stopping a few inches away from him as he placed a hand on both of their shoulders and Arya felt a shimmer in the air indicating his use of magic.

"You fought well today" He murmured in the ancient language "Aaenor, your stance is growing stronger and Irimë, your poise is good, but you must remember to extend your arm fully"

"Ebrithil" They replied, bowing their heads. Eragon extended a hand out, his finger raising "Irimë, do not be despondant; you fight exceptionally well but I must pick every mistake so that you may improve. One day it may save your life"

"I understand, Master" She said, a small smile on her face.

"Besides, we have guests" Eragon spoke louder and the two students gazed past him and spotted the crowd, Irimë smiling slightly as she saw her father. A few seconds later and Eragon turned, an amused smile on his face as he started walking towards the spot she stood with her council.

"I wonder how long you would have remained here if I had not approached" Eragon said soft voice as he stepped towards her. Arya smiled back at him, laughing as he bowed before her. "Your majesty"

"Lead Rider" She replied, amused by his continuance to use formality in front of her council. "I did not want to interrupt your teaching of our most important guests"

"I daresay your interruption had made itself apparent in their mind long before I called a halt" He replied, his eyes flicking to where the dragons sat off to the side. "In any case, it is an honour to have you and your entire council present"

Arya got his implied meaning, smiling as she turned to her council with her house and replying softly; "You must forgive the size; but there are a lot of interested members in your lessons"

Eragon bowed his head, before turning half to the side and gesturing towards the table with three chairs sat around it. "You must forgive my lack of accomadation for your numbers"

"It is quite alright" Lord Dathedr spoke up "This is an opportunity to good to miss"

"As you say" Eragon replied, bowing his head again "Please make yourselves as comfortable as possible"

"Thank you, Eragon" Arya murmured her thanks as her council dispersed towards the hut. Eragon linked his hands behind his back as he walked with her slowly towards the hut, reaching towards him Arya linked her arm through his "You seem to have done an amazing job with them"

"They are very quick learners" Eragon replied, "I wanted to thank you again for breakfast; it was nice to dine with you"

"I enjoyed it as well" She said, giving him a wide smile and a squeeze of his arm "Perhaps you would join me tomorrow as well? Just the two of us"

"I would like that greatly" Eragon murmured, giving her a smile and she felt his mind touch hers; a swell of gratitude passing between them as they reached the table, Eragon unlinking their arms as he offered his hand in assistance of sitting "Your seat, your majesty"

She smiled, taking his hand as she sat upon the chair she recognized as Oromis'. With one last squeeze, she released it and Eragon turned his back as he walked back towards the circle imprinted on the grass.

"Aaenor, Irimë" Eragon called out, the two elves instantly taking their place in the circle again "Remember what I have told you; begin when you are ready"

This time, the duel was better; Eragon continued to walk slowly around the circle as the two students duelled, each seeming to have taken the advice in heed. Irimë blows were truer and Aaenor's stance to position was much improved as the two of them continued to fight for around a quarter hour before she saw Irimë misplace her footing allowing Aaenor to nudge her sword to the side and point the tip of his blade gently against her chest over her heart.

"Dead" He murmured, a smile on his face. Irimë's shoulder drop as she bowed her head in acknowledgement of her defeat. The council clapped and the two elves turned to bow before them, as Eragon approached them; placing his hands on their back.

"You fought well, go to your father" She heard him murmured, before he turned to Aaenor. "Well done, much better"

"Thank you, master" He replied, a smile on his face as Eragon nodded again before walking towards.

"You fought well, daughter, there is much to be proud of" Vanir was saying to Irimë as she stood before

"Yes, father, thank you" She replied, a slight drop in her voice.

"I believe that you would have beaten me but for the error in your footwork" Aaenor said softly, meant to comfort his fellow student.

"Indeed, it says much that it was a simple error that caused your defeat" Arya said, giving the young girl a warm smile.

"It is nice of you to say Aaenor" She replied, smiling "Thank you too, your majesty"

"Your students are very impressive" Lady Cecail remarked as Eragon joined them

"Thank you, my lady" He replied with a bow of his head. "Aaenor and Irimë are very close to reaching their potential as sword-men. I am pleased with them"

"Do you not duel with your students, Lead Rider?" Lord Dathedr inquired.

"They have not yet reached the point where I believe it would do anything but damage their confidence" Eragon replied, "They learn from one another, and they are allowed to spectate when I duel with Blodgham or another of our companions"

"I wonder if you are well practised, Eragon" Vanir said, stepping away from his daughter "It has been a while since you and I have duelled and I believe you promised me many years ago that we would one day cross blades again"

"So I did, old friend" Eragon said, allowing a smile onto his face. "I would be happy to accept your offer, unless our Queen has plans for her council"

Arya laughed, licking her lips as she went to reply; "I wouldn't dream of missing such an event; Please, by all means the two of you"

"As her majesty wishes" Eragon replied, smiling at her as he bowed his head, walking towards Saphira where his sword was resting on the ground.

Arya turned to Vanir who was removing his robe, leaving him standing in a white tunic and breeches. "You are prepared?"

"Always, your majesty" Vanir said, smiling as Eragon returned carrying a sword in its scabbard. She saw the runes as he approached them again, smiling as she heard a few murmurs from the elven lords at seeing Brisingr. The sword hadn't been seen in Alagaesia in nearly a century, never mind been a part of a duel.

Eragon carefully placed his cloak down on the table, before drawing Brisingr out of its scabbard. The blue blade reflected the sun and it seemed to glimmer in its heat. Gripping it firmly in his hand, Eragon added the scabbard to the table before he turned around and walked towards the circle; Arya's eyes pinned on the sword as what seemed like a crackle of fire ran through the centre of the metal.

"I hope I need not warn you to keep your swords party trick to itself" Vanir teased as Eragon joined him in the circle. She heard his laughter float in the air as he held Brisingr pointing down at the ground to his right side.

"Do not worry old friend, I will not tarnish our duel" Arya laughed at that, knowing that some of the council would undoubtedly be upset at that.

"Your majesty, would you do the honors?" Eragon asked, and she nodded her head at him rising from her seat and standing to act as referee.

"Begin!" She murmured and rolled her eyes as neither of them began to move towards the other. She heard a few of her lords, approach the circle, her eyes focused on the two men who circled each other

"Your patience has increased significantly" Eragon murmured as he passed opposite her. His eyes focused on his opponent. "A century ago, you would have attacked by now"

"As would have you" Vanir replied as he kept his sword in two hands. Eragon's posture and stance on the other hand just screamed peace and serenity as it looked as if there wasn't a tense muscle or bone in his entire body. "What are you waiting for-"

Before he could finish that sentence, Eragon had moved and in the blink of an eye had forced Vanir to block a strong blow to his chest. Vanir's jaw clenched as he leant in and pushed Eragon backwards before moving forward and swung his blade quickly, only for it to blocked by Brisingr as its owner through his own weight behind the blow and shoved Vanir before sidestepping another blow and arcing his blade upwards as if to cleave him through the chest.

Vanir grunted as he quickly altered his grip and brought his sword to block the duel winning blow as Eragon came at him quickly again, almost catching him too slow to react but Vanir was a master swordsman and managed to ward of the blow. Their two swords remained crossed, each elf seeking to put more pressure into the standoff than the other.

"Impressive" Eragon murmured and Arya could have rolled her eyes at the banter leaving his mouth. "You have not slowed with age, old friend"

"And you seem to have sped up" Vanir replied, laughing as he shoved Brisingr out of the way and went on the aggressive, forcing Eragon backwards as he rained blow upon blow that was continuously met by Brisingr. It amused Arya to see Eragon happy to play the defensive party in the duel, so many years ago he had been keen on proving he was the more able swordsman and pressing forwards forcing his opponent to make a mistake. This Eragon however looked confident in his abilities, just like everything else about him, confident that he could withstand whatever Vanir was throwing at him.

Vanir continued to attack Eragon, utilizing a multitude of blows that surprised even her with the creativeness; apparently Eragon was momentarily undone as he looked to be too slow to dodge a fake high, into low blow that almost hit his leg before he was able to leap into the air and over the top of Vanir, who laughed in amusement before turning and blocking Eragon's retailiation. "For many years I have been waiting for your return and you are not disappointing me"

Eragon laughed with him, before shoving Vanir's to the side and striding towards him, swinging Brisingr quickly and what looked like a finishing blow before Vanir was able to recover and block the blow. As the duel went on it became apparent that they were very evenly met and neither one could find a way past the others defences. It would be about concentration.

The duel continued for a further ten minutes before that drop of concentration occurred, Vanir was pressing forward punishing Eragon's defensive nature and it looked as though he had an opening; Arya on the otherhand saw the slight smile on Eragon's lips as Vanir swung his sword to strike Eragon where he appeared weak, only for Eragon's hands to move quickly, too quickly, and knock Vanir's sword out of the way as he spun around his opponent, grabbing Vanir's arm before bringing Brisingr to Vanir's throat from behind.

"Dead"