ArchAngel319: Thank you for your input, I always planned to keep the stay in Ellesméra canon, just adding more depth for Alex and some other things.

Guest: I don't totally agree with you. Alex know what it's like to be in love, he already experienced it when he was younger but not Saphira. She don't know what those feelings are, where they're coming from and why she's affected by them when she is near the swordsman.

Soren: I understand your opinion. I don't view it the same way as you do but I understand why you're saying this. Brom is experimented, more than Alex will ever be, it's a fact but he's old, not as strong as he was when he fought against Morzan. I mean, Eragon managed to beat him after training for only two or three months! Alex is good and his strength is coming from the various fighting styles he learned but he's limited because, well, he's just a human after all. And his limit could come very soon :D

Chapter 26

Orik finished explaining the situation in Farthen Dûr and the difficulties to obtain supplies from outside, especially from the boats belonging to a few merchants. Alex intervened at this moment, adding that only the merchants who lost their crew and boats were those who were helping the resistance, not the others. The young adult theorized there was a spy trained and sent by Galbatorix to the Varden with the objective to give a report on everything. Someone they would never suspect, someone who had an eye on everything entering/leaving the mountains and close to their leader.

It was at this moment Islanzadi asked him the fateful question. "Do you know someone who could fit the description?"

Alex grimaced and sighed loudly. "I may be wrong, and I hope I am. After all, I'm just a stranger giving his input in this but yes, I think I know exactly who is perfect for this."

"The Twins." He added coldly.

The Dwarf turned to him, shock and surprise written on his face.

"Are you certain of what you're saying? I may despite them but I don't think they're capable of betraying us. They joined our ranks a few years ago and even created the Du Vrangr Gata. What make you think they never were on our side in the first place?"

The swordsman sighed and began pacing the throne room, looking at the decoration with interest and with his hands in his pockets. "Think about it Orik, they're magicians, they can inspect the minds of those who enter Farthen Dûr, I'm certain they advised Ajihad in a lot of matters."

"Aye, I can't deny that."

He walked back to his friend and crossed his arms. "Everything happening in Tronjheim, they knew it, one way or another. Those two had access to the archives, I'm sure they were here a few times when Ajihad wrote a letter for the elves or someone important. The same could be said for when the Varden's leader established a list of those collaborating with the rebellion. Worse, they were probably present at the moment Ajihad sent the messenger to Brom and inform him of what happened to Arya and the egg."

"I understand, when you put it like that…"

"But, it's too easy. I mean, the pieces of the puzzle fits without any difficulty, those two are the perfect suspects. At the same time, it's normal I have some doubts about their loyalty, I'm from the outside. I'm not biased like you who was around them often."

Orik scratched his beard, eyes lost in thought. "Let's admit you're right, it would mean there's still a chance they're alive and Murtagh too."

"It's only a supposition my friend." The swordsman shrugged. "I don't have any proof of what I'm saying, I could be very wrong. If it's true, it means they managed to escape from Tronjheim with the Urgals' help and tricked Arya into thinking they were killed. Let's not dwell on what would/wouldn't have happened, I think we have other interesting topics to talk about."

Alex then explained what he saw during his journey in Alagaësia, the despair in the eyes of those he met on the road. All of them were waiting for any kind of help from the king, he even gleaned a few information about the guards' morale in Teirm and Dras-Leona. Cockily, and with a smile, the swordsman added that if word had spread in the country about his killing spree during his escape from Gil'ead, it could demoralize them even further. Islanzadi thanked the duo for their precious input.

Alex looked at the queen, a smirk plastered on his lips.

"Now, we can discuss something less gloomy and more interesting. What about a cultural/technological exchange? I share what I know, except anything related to modern weaponry, and you give me an access to your library."

Islanzadi hummed, lost in thought for a moment and then, nodded. "I find these terms acceptable, we're happy to share our knowledge with… what do you call someone coming from another planet, exactly?"

"An alien, your majesty."

"Ah, right. We'll be delighted, especially our scientists, to have an alien teach us new things."

The young man laughed lightly, smiling broadly.

"Unfortunately, I don't have the answer to everything but I promise I'll try my best to satisfy you."

"And this is all we ask. There's some of us who want to talk with you Alex, Ambassador from Earth, they're magicians, scientists, musicians or even gardeners. They're curious about your world and I'd be lying if it wasn't the case for me too."

The Queen asked an elf to fetch said group who was waiting outside the room. They were twenty, almost all of them specialized in something different. The group sat around the table, Orik decided to stay, also wanting to hear the wonders of Earth. Alex was the only one staying up, content with just walking around the room. If he was honest, the young man was delighted by this. The goal of knowledge was to be shared after all and it excited him!

He raised his left index, smiling. "Firstly, before you ask any question, I'm going to break the scientists' minds. This world, and all the worlds in the universe, are round. The moon gravitates around the planet and the planet do the same around the sun. Each star you see in the sky is a sun. Oh, and we, humans from Earth, walked on our moon forty-seven years ago."

To say all hell broke loose after this statement was an understatement. Usually, the elves didn't show their feelings on their faces but they made an exception this time.

The swordsman explained as best as he could, often showing them with his mind the proof of what he was explaining. He told them of the humanity history (prehistory, antiquity, Middle Age… to the contemporary era), the different stages of their evolution, may it be cultural or technological. Just like Islanzadi said, the elves were extremely curious, often asking the young man to go into details but always courteous and respectful. They noted his every word and some of them draw the pictures he shared in his mind. Alex was happy to converse with such open-minded people, it was refreshing. They were fascinated by this world lacking magic but compensating with technology. The amount of various architectures and monuments created thanks to the different cultures. His Q&A lasted during the whole morning, he tried to stay away from the topic of war but unfortunately, it was brought in the conversation.

"But what about conflicts? For a civilization as old as yours, it wasn't peaceful all the time, right?"

"We had a lot of wars, I can't deny that. Some of them were for a good cause, to destroy corruption, free a country from a dictator while others were for personal gain, to have a hand on the local resources. But just like everything, nothing is completely white or black. Even those participating "for the good of the world" wanted a part of the cake, because they had something interesting to win in the conflict. Millions of people died, may they be innocent or guilty. Earth isn't perfect, far from it but I would be lying if we're not trying our best to make it a better world."

One of the guests raised an eyebrow. "Despite being technologically superior to us, and until now, you used a sword to fight during your stay in Alagaësia. Your modern weapons aren't enough to defend yourself?"

"They are, and they did their job pretty well but, like a bow, they need ammunitions. Once I'm out of ammo, they'll be useless, that's why I was carrying two swords and a combat knife on me. Before you ask, I can't make any more of them and even for you with your magic, it would be extremely difficult. Manipulating explosive powder and all the other toxic ingredients isn't an easy task and I don't want anyone hurt because of it. It's not worth it."

After this, Islanzadi clasped her hands together, ending the meeting and thanking the elves for coming, said guests who in turn, did the same to the ambassador, in Ancient Language. Then, they left, leaving Arya's mother, Orik and Alex alone. The latter turned to her, a simple question present on his lips and waiting since the beginning of the reunion to be asked.

"Queen Islanzadi, I know we just arrived yesterday and need more time to recover but can you tell me where to find your training grounds? If you have one, of course." He demanded, sheepishly. "I'd like to keep my body in good shape."

"It can be arranged, I can even ask someone to teach you the Rimgar if you want; it's a series of poses and stretches used to stay healthy and ready fighters for battle."

Alex's eyes shone, while he nodded and smiling widely. The prospect of learning something new related to fighting filled him with energy. Orik couldn't help but chuckle at his childlike behavior. "I'd love that."

"Perfect, in that case, Niduen, who you already met this morning, will guide you there."

Islanzadi sent someone to fetch the elf, who arrived a few minutes later and received her orders from her Queen. The human and the dwarf said their goodbyes and followed their guide. When they reached the practice field, a few elves were already present, including a group of five of them practicing the Rimgar. The trio went to them and asked for permission to introduce Alex to it while Orik refused, explaining he wasn't flexible enough for this kind of exercise. They didn't take offense to the dwarf's refusal and accepted the human with pleasure.

They showed him how it worked and together, the six of them resumed practicing, helping the newest member of the group when he struggled with a specific position or movement, providing him with tips on how to do it without making a wrong move that could hurt his body.

Alex continued training with his new companions during the whole afternoon. Twilight was coming when he decided to stop for the day.

"I thank you all for accepting my request and helping me with this. I hope it's fine with you if I come back regularly to practice again." said Alex to the group, inclining his head.

A grand elf with blond hair and blue eyes replied. "Of course, it was our pleasure Ambassador Alex. You can train with us anytime you want. Usually, we do it three or four time a week and once you'll know all the moves, you'll be able to do it on your own."

Then, the young adult left the training ground, famished after exercising the whole afternoon. A meal and a bath would be a perfect way to finish the day before going to bed.