Hey everyone!
This is the longest chapter I have written thus far (barely 4k, with the A/N's), I am going to try and describe the world in more detail than in previous chapters while also covering what the characters are doing during the dialogues. Those are things the areas I feel like I need to improve in.
We're getting closer to the start of the books. Exciting times ahead.
Shoutout to SuperSaiyajin4Vegeta for catching my slip up last chapter. The chapter originally said that she was hammering away on a sword, this was a mistake as her vow prevents her from doing this. It has already been edited!
Disclaimer: I own nothing.
"The queen has received word, Arya will arrive before the sun sets tonight." Vanir told me as I opened the door to my tree? house? it doesn't matter, I'll call it my house.
It seemed like Vanir had been running. "Come inside, rest while I get prepared for the day. We'll go meet with Brom, he'll no doubt want to gather Oromis for her return."
He walked inside and seemed to take in its appearance. I had been busy over the past 9 months with making the tree my own. It was a pleasant experience having a queen give you a house because of your relation to a friend of the crown. She is convinced that I will be a frequent visitor and apparently it's not a big deal to sing a house out of tree. Thousands of years with magic makes a race extremely efficient apparently. On a side note, I turned seventeen a few months ago. There was a small get together which ended in a lot of consumption of alcohol.
The house was designed a lot like a studio apartment in my past life, without a kitchen. The cooking usually takes place outside or at the fire place now. Oh yea, I sung a fire place into the tree, stupid idea if it weren't for the wards that guarded anything from catching on fire. The room had 3 seats and a couch with a coffee table and table stands designed in a way to entertain guests and promote conversation. The walls had the candles mounted on them, I had to make them after I found out that the dwarven candles that were famous in the books were apparently not something you would find within Du Weldenvarden.
Vanir walked to the living room, book in hand, and sat down in the chair he had claimed as his about 6 months ago. He was familiar with my routine as he woke me up almost every day. Most elves are naturally early risers because of how the way they "sleep" and this led to him getting impatient of waiting at the sparring grounds. Three months after he joined our posse he decided that he was done waiting on me to show up in the mornings and started collecting me every morning. In my previous life I might've cared with how much I hated early mornings, but Roran being a former farmer, always rose with the roosters cries and those happened early. So I didn't mind all that much with having a personal alarm clock with pointed ears.
The living room was connected to the bedroom with a wide walkway. A bed that had the frame sung from fallen branches and a mattress made from some animals feathers collected over a long time sat in the middle of the wall framed by two bedside tables. A chest sat at the end of the bed and on one of the other walls sat a chest of drawers beside a bookshelf. The other wall had a door that lead to the bathroom that was probably exactly like the ones in the book series.
Finally dressing and joining Vanir in the living room and downing a glass of water I decided it was time to start the day. "Ready?" I asked.
"Obviously." Vanir had picked up a healthy amount of sarcasm over the past few months, something I blamed Brom for.
Shadowcat seemed to appear out of nowhere. Can you take longer next time? She said to us as she stretched.
I sheathed my dagger on my lower back and ignored the cat as I searched for Brom's mind in the tree next to mine. Heard the news? I asked him as we walked out the door and walked towards the road.
"Yes, Oromis told me this morning." He responded as he met us in the road. I swear he loses wrinkles every month, he looked closer to 45 years old then 50 now. The longer we stayed together the more I think my theory gets proven.
"Are we headed to the Crags?" I asked using the nickname we used for Oromis' home.
"No, he is already at the palace with Dathedr and Islanzadi. We are to join them and wait for the princess' arrival."
It was late afternoon when they arrived. There weren't as many people gathered at the palace as when our party had made its appearance. Maybe they don't want the ferrying of the egg to be common knowledge? Or is it that everyone is accustomed to her appearance? I pondered.
It seems to be a combination of both I presume. As much as the queen and her daughter do not get along, she does a lot to protect Arya. She probably kept the information on a need to know basis. We obviously need to know. Shadowcat responded as we stood leaning on the railing on the balcony above where the main party was waiting.
Vanir decided to not disclose the question we seemed to ponder on, no doubt knowing the answer. I do not actually. Some people seem to care and some could care less, royalty is not as big of a deal as it seems to be with humans. Probably because they interact with us very frequently, no doubt Islanzadi knows of every elf alive. Human rulers seem to have little interaction with the common folk, yes? He told us after my thoughts bled through the bond.
Aye. An interesting perspective. Was my response.
The noise level of the crowd below seemed to lower as the wind blew through the trees. She is here. Shadowcat commented.
Three steeds with white coats appeared from down the road, carrying three riders. A head of midnight black rode elegantly in front of the others, seemingly taking all the attention. As they approached I could see many elves running alongside them jumping and laughing while conversing with the procession. As they got closer he noticed the elves seemed to break off into the trees at around the 100 yard mark to let the three approach unhindered. Arya was just as described in the books, beautiful beyond words, he could see how Eragon became love stricken.
Her companions captured his attention also, one held a spear in his hand with a beautiful dagger along his belt. He could also see a harp in the saddle bags, Glenwing, he realized. He had Grey hair that spilled out from underneath his ornate helmet of amber and gold. Then that makes you Faolin. He said as he took in the other elf's appearance. Red hair flowed down his shoulders to meet a bow and quiver on his back, he also had a sword on his belt. Both were very fair as was normal from their race. Interesting enough their eyebrows matched their hair color. Glenwing had yellow eyes while Faolin had a very light green, nothing like Arya's deep emerald green.
You are correct, Faolin is one of the most talented swordsmen amongst our race, Glenwing prefers the bow and spear, both are fearsome warriors and even more talented magicians. Arya is everything a princess should be. Vanir commented to me as I made my deductions clear, keeping Eragon's infatuation to myself. Vanir seemed to be a fanboy of the three.
Careful, I think they can feel your lust from here. I commented teasingly while sending some less than appropriate images, his blush could be seen for miles.
Humans are so ugly when they mate. Shadowcat commented on the imagery.
You literally have a human form.
Not one that is used while mating. Was her quick response.
Gladly, Arya and her companions dismounted just before I could think about that terrible image. Islanzadi did not rush to her as I might have expected. Politics. Vanir commented. She must put on a good show as a queen.
After the traditional greetings were recognized. "We have arrived, my queen." Arya started.
"We are happy for your safe return daughter, and you as well Faolin, Glenwing. Come let us go inside, I am sure you are all tired after your journey. We shall eat and then we have much to discuss." Islanzadi told them as she turned to walk into the palace. I could see Arya's face turn inquisitive as I turned around.
That's our que. I told my companions as we made our way downstairs and to the dining room. There were at least 30 seats at the table for dinner in honor of the princess returning home. As we sat down I saw Shadowcat scamper off to go do whatever werecats do when they're not in humans presence. You could stay and keep me company you know. I told her knowing I wouldn't get a response.
Islanzadi had invited all of us to eat with them as her guests, even Vanir got an invite due to him being in my inner circle. "Let us all eat with the knowledge that my daughter returns to us without troubles." Islanzadi said as the food was brought to us.
The dinner progressed for around an hour with many different courses of…..plants…..no meat. I'll have to eat again later. After the changes I made to my body I discovered that I needed to take in a lot of nutrients and while it was possible to do this as a vegetarian like the rest of the elves, it wasn't practical. Meat was just a much more efficient way of replenishing the nutrients that I needed. I didn't have access to all the protein packed plants that were so readily available in my past life, so I had to stomach the fact that for the foreseeable future, meat would be a requirement in my diet.
Everything seemed to wind down after everyone had eaten their fill and had mingled a sufficient amount Islanzadi had enough of waiting. "Thank you all for coming and welcoming my daughter back, the night grows late and I wish for some time to catch up with her and talk of her journeys over the past year. I must call this dinner to an end."
In other words, get out! I thought.
The next morning saw us gathering again at the Crags. Islanzadi did not want to talk about the coming war the same night Arya arrived. I understood, I would want to enjoy the time together again, even if Arya was still guarded around her mother.
The party was the same as before with the addition of Vanir. Glaedr and Shadowcat rested outside with her listening to everything through me and him listening through Oromis. We were just waiting on the princess and her companions arrive.
Soon enough Oromis announced their presence even though I already felt it, my awareness of the world around has improved by leaps and bounds, it was like breathing at the point.
As they approached I noticed that none of them carried any weapons, the same habit I had to break out of Vanir. They are too comfortable in Du Weldenvarden.
For good reason, no one has ever breached these woods. Vanir responded.
I didn't have a chance to respond as introductions were already under way and had made themselves to me. "Hello Arya dröttningu." Brom said from beside me.
"Hello old friend." She responded while smiling.
"This is my nephew Roran." Brom introduced. He had taken to calling me that after he realized that he had nothing left to teach me. I was no longer his apprentice but a friend, family.
"Hello, I have heard a lot about you Arya dröttningu, Faolin, Glenwing." I responded in perfect ancient language. I am quite proud of that.
"You have us at an advantage then." She said while looking at me curiously while I got nods from Faolin and Glenwing, she obviously does all the talking. "Hello Vanir."
He responded with a nod to the three of them. "Why have we gathered?" She continued.
"It is best we take this inside." Oromis said as he led us into his house.
It was already decided that I would take the lead in the discussion as I knew the most about what was to occur and we were all on the same page. As we sat down I wasted no time in beginning.
(A/N: this is basically the same scene from chapter 6 but I wouldn't recommend skipping.)
"We have gathered because the egg will hatch soon and war will plague the land." I said and paused to let it sink in, and continued before they could interrupt. "I know this because one day I woke up with memories from another life on another planet and possibly in another universe. In this life we were all characters in a book, all of us, including myself. These books told the story of how the last free dragon would hatch to a young farm boy and go on to free the land of Galbatorix's tyranny. They told the story in great detail. I know every important thing that will happen except for how exactly Galbatorix is defeated, there is a missing spot in my memories. Because of this we have all decided to intervene in certain scenarios while also making sure that certain events stay the same, we cannot give up our biggest advantage after all." I paused again to make sure that they were following along well enough. I was met with a fierce look from the new participants that told me they were paying attention.
"That is the reason you all are here, on your way to ferry the egg to Osilon you will be attacked and captured by the shade Durza, this will cause you, Arya, to send the egg to the closest person you trust."
"Brom" she said cutting in.
I met her gaze and nodded. "Yes, but you miss. It lands at the feet of a farm boy in the woods in Carvahall. His name is Eragon, he is the one the egg will hatch for, the one the egg must hatch for. He is the key to defeating Galbatorix." I decided to leave out the deaths of her companions, I will change that outcome.
No one spoke for a long time. It was obvious Glenwing was thinking to himself while it looked like Faolin and Arya were conversing in their minds. No one doubted the validity of my claims as they were said in the ancient language. At the very least they knew I believed what I was saying. After they seemed to come to an agreement Faolin decided to speak up.
"We assume that because everyone is here, you all believe him and we already have a plan?" He said coming to a logical conclusion.
Everyone nodded and I continued. "Durza has control over the Urgal chieftains, basically he has an army of Urgals. This is an opportunity we can not pass up, we can take Durza and get the Urgals on our side for the war to come in one small skirmish."
"How could we turn the Urgals?" Glenwing decided to cut in.
"The Urgals are a warrior race and respect strength. Once they find out the underhanded tricks Durza has used they will seek us out and want retribution, just like in the books. Only this time it will be much earlier." I stopped to let anyone speak up.
"So basically, we want to use you as bait. We have discussed and have decided that no more than 20 people will be able to party for this upcoming ambush. We can't risk their scouts spotting us and ruining this opportunity, any more than 20 and we have too big of a party, if I had my way it would be less but the queen refuses any less than agreed upon. All we need is your approval." I decided to finish. "We expect your answer soon." I told them as I went to sit down and take a drink of water.
Before I could finish the first sip Arya answered. "Of course we agree. You have all been debating this and agreed upon the course of action, I have always been willing to do what it takes for my people. I agree."
I looked to Faolin and Glenwing. Nods from both told me my answer. "Excellent, lets kill a shade then."
"I need a drink." Brom said as he walked outside. Everyone got up as one and I realized that almost no one else had spoken the entire time. "You did well." Brom said as I approached him.
I looked up and noticed it was mid day. "Thanks, mind if I join you for that drink?" A grin was my only answer.
The sparring field is full this morning. I told Vanir as we approached.
It is always this way after the egg bearers return.
It's true, many more elves surrounded the fields, some sparring, some watching and conversing.
Fighting has a way of bringing people together doesn't it? I pondered as we started going through some of the first forms of the Rimgar to stretch.
Seemed to work for us. Was his response.
I let the silence continue as I look into the field and take in who was here. I immediately spotted the princess and her companions, they seemed to have already warmed up and Glenwing was practicing with his bow from a considerable distance. Arya and Faolin seemed to have just finished sparring and were resting.
"What would you like to work on today?" I asked Vanir.
"Nothing specific, let's just spar with everything but magic. Swords, hammers, fists, and feet?"
"Fine with me."
The past 9 months has been good to me. I can't help but feel extremely confident in my abilities. I was a master with the warhammer, I was physically a match for nearly anyone on the planet, and I have developed a deadly fighting style that involved using my warhammer in conjunction with my dagger and hand to hand skills. All I lacked was real experience in life or death situations. I knew that would be the true test for my skills.
As we began circling each other I readied myself, it usually didn't take us long to begin, we knew each other too well. Vanir whipped a blow that would have severed an artery in my neck if it connected. Deflecting it away I was met with a kick coming from the other side which was promptly blocked and then we were off. I had no problems keeping up physically anymore, reactions saw parries and pirouettes executed perfectly while swinging a warhammer around like a stick.
This continued for at least another 10 minutes before we called it quits. We were running into the problem I ran into with Brom. Neither could get the upper hand on the other and we weren't willing to take the chances to injure one another anymore.
"You know each other too well." Came a voice from the sidelines.
Faolin. I realized that he must have been standing there since we started.
"Aye. We normally focus on our weaknesses but today we decided to put it all together." I responded.
"Smart, but what you need is different partners. To see more styles, it just so happens that we have also ran into the same problem." He said gesturing to his companions.
I just smiled. "Who wants to go first."
"Me and you. Arya and Vanir. Glenwing can have his pick after."
"Deal."
Another 2 months came and went faster than it should have.
I miss home more with each day that passes. I told Eragon I would be back a long time ago. I miss my father. Neither will want to see me, that's ok. All I do, I do for them.
Today was the day they would set out for Osilon. Brom, Vanir, Shadowcat, Arya, Faolin, Glenwing, myself, and the twelve elvish spellcasters that guarded Eragon in the books. Will it be enough?
I haven't been idle these past few months. Nearly everyday we have sparred with the egg bearers for the last two months, Blodhgarm and the others arrived about a month ago and joined us every morning, thinking that we would benefit from learning each others fighting styles. The one who improved the most individually was Vanir, he had always been talented with the sword but just a little too young. Now his swordplay has come to match Faolin's who is said to be one of the most gifted with a blade amongst the elves.
I was humbled many times over the past few months and still lost frequently. However now it was hard for anyone but an elite fighter to defeat me. I knew on a battlefield against baseline humans I would be a monster.
The full group has also been practicing fighting with our minds as a group. I brought up how I was worried about my mental defenses fighting against a shade, Faolin came up with the idea to split up with two, three, and four total people teaming up to fight mentally. Eventually everyone was comfortable with the tactics that we found were most effective.
My mental capacities improved drastically, both offensively and defensively. I have as good of mental defenses at they get and I am also confident that I could breach the minds of all but the most elite of spellcasters.
This also helped me improve beyond just mind magic. I have developed what I like to call a battle switch. As soon as I turn it on, I immediately focus on what is needed to be done and protect my thoughts at the same time. This allows me to take advantage of the weakness of most magicians, physical combat. While they are trying to breach my mind, I close the distance and finish them off before they can cast a spell, this obviously won't work against shades or elves but for the other races it should be effective.
I am not looking forward to the fighting to come, but I am prepared to do what I must. I thought mainly to myself.
We all have to be. This war will decide the fate of the races, it is bigger than us now. Shadowcat said as I was packing up my traveling gear.
I didn't respond, we both knew she was right.
I finished loading up Cadoc with the rest of my gear and jumped in the saddle the same time as Brom riding by, Zar'roc on his side. "Ready?"
"As I'll ever be."
A/N: I decided to use the appearance for Faolin and Glenwing that was used in the GBA game. I used that and the brief description that was in the books to come up with what you see above. What do you think about them? What about the pace of the story? Too fast? I would love second opinions.
From now on, sparring sessions will be rare. I was using them to try and show the progression in Roran's fighting skill and now that he is in the place that he is at I doubt they will be necessary anymore. We're about to be in some real action soon. The start of Eragon approaches!