Well, 700 reviews, my goodness am I flattered :) So I thought I might as well upload this chapter since the other one is almost done anyways. I'm SOOOO EXCITED! I can't wait to upload the next one but I'm debating on whether or not to make you all wait a few extra days before giving in. Lol, but I like to spoil my readers. And also to those who are inspired by my fanfiction, I'm extremely honored that you would ask for my advice. Anyway, you can all enjoy this chapter :)
As dawn came, Eragon and Arya had decided that it was best to leave midday to give the dragons some time to themselves. He'd returned to his tree while Arya hers and went to pack his belongings. Texts and scrolls were roughly shoved away into the saddle as well as his other possessions. Packing didn't take more than five minutes. He would have to wait for Saphira to return before he could do anything else. Maybe he would go and assist Arya for he heard that elves didn't have a sense for time seeing as they were immortal beings.
Ten minutes later as he descended the tree cleanly shaven and changed into a light white tunic with an intricate lace pattern on the front that he didn't bother to lace, dark breeches, and his norm black leather boots. Arya's tree, Eragon thought, shouldn't be far from his seeing that the Riders of the past days would feel comforted residing near one another. His assumption wasn't far off either. Swiftly ascending the steps to her tree, he lightly knocked on the opening to her chamber waiting for her answer. It was short in coming as her voice floated towards him, "Enter."
Stepping over the threshold, he found her staring intently at the saddle and bags that lay before her, her brows furrowed. This was the first time he'd been in her tree and it was a much better sight than the mess he'd made. Neat and orderly was how he would describe her chamber. Books lay closed and stack neatly atop one another while scrolls were bound shut. Arya, to his surprise had already forgone her red and black outfit that she wore during the Agaeti Blodhren and was dressed in the usual dark leather that he was accustomed to seeing her in. She glanced up from her objects of interests to regard him quickly. "Eragon."
He inclined his head. "Arya." Moving towards her, he stopped beside her glancing down at Eridor's saddle and bags. "Is there something amiss?"
She shook her head, "I'm contemplating."
"Contemplating?"
Arya nodded and quick jerk of her head and refused to say anything else as she continued to stare at the bags and saddle. Not minding, he turned and began to explore her tree trying to see anything that might be on interest. A fairth caught his eye. He'd seen it before and didn't feel the need to give it much thought. But after what he'd learned from Arya, he'd decided to take another close look at it. The elf was a young or at least in appearance. So this was Faolin. He didn't seem proud, not in the least. His gaze, Eragon thought portrayed a kind look.
This was the elf that Durza had slain. Glancing back towards Arya's back he frowned. Would things have been different if he was still alive? He couldn't help but wonder. His eyes returned to the fairth feeling a small stir of uneasiness. Or was it jealousy? His frown deepened. That was a ridiculous idea…was it? He closed his eyes taking in a deep breath. What is happening to me?
After a few moments he opened them again. It must be Saphira's own feelings that were influencing his Eragon concluded. Letting his eyes wander down the wall he found a glass sphere by her bed with a preserved blossom of the black morning glory. Faolin must have made this for her Eragon thought yet again feeling another pang of distaste. Shaking off the feeling he turned something else catching his eye. Another sphere sat on her bed, newly formed and embedded in it was the white rose he'd given her but a few moments ago. Feeling a small smile grace his lips, he turned to find Arya reorganizing her scrolls. He raised a brow as he watched her. It was no doubt going to take her a few moments before she was done. Not minding in the least, he went to sit on her bed causing the glass sphere to roll towards him as he caused a dip in the mattress.
Easily catching it in his hands, he held it up to admire the smoothness of the glass. A minute passed and he turned back to Arya. "Is there an order in particular that you're trying to achieve?"
"Preparations always take time," she replied. She frowned and corrected herself, "Good preparations always take time." Her emerald eyes flickered to his and back. "Are you done with your packing?"
"More or less," Eragon replied. "Though I can say for certain that I wasn't as meticulous as you are, Arya." He felt amusement well within him at the slight irritation at his statement. She was no doubt irritated at the fact that he didn't put much effort into his packing. But as her personality, she didn't question him. "Would you like some assistance?"
She shook her head, her hair framing her face as she did so. "It is but packing."
He nodded not pushing his offer and sat there waiting for her to finish which would be long in coming. But he didn't mind, he enjoyed her company. He would spend his time conversing with her and commenting on how quiet the city seems to have become after the celebrations. In which she would agree and express her own sadness at their return to reality. Other times, silence would engulf them and he would find himself staring either at the sky outside of the teardrop hole or at Arya as she contemplated and packed and repacked.
As he stared at the sky, a question came to mind that made him slightly curious. His gaze flickered to Arya. "Arya?"
"Yes?" she drew out the word, her voice rising a falling with a faint lilt.
"What do you want to do once this is all over?" If we survive that is, Eragon thought but he didn't voice it.
Her brows furrowed slightly as she considered his question and she folded her arms across her chest, deep in thought. Eventually she spoke, "I have spent more time among humans and dwarves than I have among the alfakyn," she said using the elves' name in the ancient language. "I have grown used to it, and I would not want to return to live in Ellesmera. Too little happens here; centuries can go slip by without notice while you sit and stare at the stars. No, I do not wish to resign my life to such lethargy. And as a dragon rider, I also have that duty to uphold. I'll help form the new order with you and Murtagh as representative of my race. Though I may not be able to continue being my mother's ambassador, I can help right the balance of the world, a reason why I left Du Weldenvarden. There will still be much that needs doing if we manage to topple Galbatorix, much that needs putting right and I would be a part of it."
He nodded, expecting that sort of reply from her. She didn't seem the one to shirk her duties, even when things are done and over. As he sat there thinking Arya gestured to him. "What do you want to do?"
He let his hand glide over the glass orb in his hands as he considered the question. "Find a quiet place to live with Saphira. A place of tranquility and peace, maybe somewhere up North or at least that's what I would want if it weren't for my position," said Eragon he glanced up at the ceiling. "I want to help you right the balance of the world as you so say. And I want to see to it that the time of the Riders do come again but it'll be years before that can happen. As well as the fact that there will no doubt be massive uprisings if we do succeed in toppling Galbatorix. I'll assist in keeping Alagaesia in order but I'm afraid to say that I can only put half of my heart into this decision."
"Why is that?"
He felt somewhat depressed at the thought but answered her question, his tone light. "I don't think many would like to see me again as the traitor to their king and to their kind."
"We can only see," said Arya as she turned away from him. He nodded and glanced back out at the teardrop whole. To his surprise he saw Saphira and Eridor flying towards the tree. Within moments, Eridor came into a landing in the chamber, folding his wings and stretching his neck. Eragon raised a brow when Saphira circled away, heading for his tree.
"Good morning, Eridor," Eragon greeted. The emerald dragon turned to him, his eyes bright.
That it is, Eragon. His deep voice rumbled in his mind. Standing, Eragon gently placed the glass sphere back on Arya's bed and turned to leave. It was time to get ready and depart from Ellesmera. As he made for the door, Arya called out to him.
"We will meet you at Oromis's hut, Eragon."
He nodded. "Till then."
Descending her tree, he hurriedly made his way back to his own. Saphira was waiting patiently for him when he entered the chamber, standing by the saddle and bags that he had packed. But she was different; as she stood there he felt happiness radiate from her with such a force it made him happy as well. I'm happy for you, Saphira.
Thank you, little one. Her snout gently brushed his hair. You don't know how much it means to mean for you to say so.
He nodded gently stoking her scales. It's time to depart from here, Saphira.
I know, her large head turned towards him, the sapphire iris of her eyes boring into him. I'm ready to leave.
Strapping the saddle onto Saphira, he slung his bags over her back and buckled them down. Once everything was done and ready, he easily climbed into the saddle and the two of them flew to the Crags of Tel'naeir.
Oromis was sitting upon Glaedr's right forearm when they landed in the clearing and standing before him was Murtagh and Arya, the latter surprising him slightly. He would've thought that it would take her a few more moments to get ready. Behind them was Thorn and Eridor. Descending from Saphira's back, Eragon bowed, "Master Glaedr. Master Oromis."
From the corner of his eyes, he finally saw Murtagh after the dragons' gift during the Agaeti Blodhren. He looked much healthier, he stood straighter and his face lacked the usual pained expression that it normally bore. But his appearance wasn't what Eragon expected he didn't look like an elf. His features may have sharpened slightly, giving him a handsome look but for the majority everything remained the same. His round ears, his thick brows, and his strong jaw. And for a moment Eragon felt slightly envious of Murtagh.
The four of you are ready to return to the Varden are you not? Glaedr said
Eragon nodded, speaking for the four of them, "We have."
Though Oromis's face showed an expression of sadness he nodded. "It is only so, with Alagaesia in such disarray, they need the Riders to return to the frontlines to help and assist. Arya, I do not doubt your education. You've had a century to study and learn but remember that even that long span of time is but a short moment in lives long such as ours. You leaving will not be detrimental to you training."
Arya bowed her head giving a show of full respect to the elf. Oromis then turned to him, his expression one of seriousness as he observed Eragon. "And you Eragon must be careful. What was given to you during the ceremony will not lastly infinitely. No, if I were to predict, it will wear away the more you over exhaust yourself. Remember to guard your heart once you leave Du Weldenvarden. But before you go, I ask but one thing, that you and Saphira vow that—once events permit—you will return here."
"I shall."
Appearing satisfied, Oromis reached behind himself and produced an embroidered red pouch that he tugged open. "In anticipation of your departure, I gathered together two gifts for you, Eragon." From the pouch, he withdrew a silver bottle. "First, some faelnirv I augmented with my own enchantments. This potion can sustain you when all else fails, and you may find its properties useful in other circumstances as well. Drink it sparingly, for I only had time to prepare a few mouthfuls."
He handed the bottle to Eragon, then removed a long black and blue sword belt from the pouch. The belt felt unusually thick and heavy in his hands. It was made of cloth thread woven together in an interlocking pattern that depicted the coiling Liani Vine. At Oromis's instruction, Eragon pulled at a tassel at the end of the belt watching as a strip in its center slid back to expose twelve diamonds.
He was moved beyond words. To think that Oromis would give someone the likes of him such a gift…
"Guard it well so that none are tempted to steal it. This is the belt of Beloth the Wise and is one of the greatest treasures of the Riders. These are the most perfect gems that Riders could find. Some we traded for with the dwarves. Others we won in battle or mined ourselves. I'm sure that you will find it a great asset to store energy in the stone in case you deplete your own."
"Thank you, Master," he meant it sincerely as he bowed his head to the elf. Over the past months that he'd spent with Oromis, he had garnered a great deal of respect for him.
Oromis turned to Arya as he grasped a long cloth covered item from the ground beside him, presenting it to her. "I have only one gift for you, Arya but it is not entirely mine. Rhunon had helped me accomplish it as well as the mate, Lord Fiolr, of the late Rider Arva who bestowed it upon you." Eragon watched as Arya gripped it and revealed the object underneath. It was a rider's blade to his surprise. The hilt was fashioned for Arya's hand he could tell for it was light and graceful and the blade was sharp and slim the emerald color of the sheath glinting in the sunlight matching Eridor's scales. "Your blade may be an ancient blade but a Rider shall have a Rider's sword. May Tamerlein bring you much glory and victory in battle."
Eragon watched as she grasped the blade with such tenderness it seemed ironic for the object. "Thank you, Master Oromis." Removing her sword, she slid the blade into place on her right hip. It fitted her greatly, Eragon thought.
Then Oromis surprised both Arya and Eragon by initiating the elves' traditional greeting and thereby indicating his respect for the both of them. "May good fortune rule over you."
"May the stars watch over you." They replied in kind.
"And may peace live in your heart," finished the silver haired elf. He repeated the exchange with Saphira and Eridor. "Now go and fly as fast as the north wind, knowing that you—the new Dragon Riders of our era—carry the blessing of Oromis, the last scion of House Thradurin, he who is both the Mourning Sage and the Cripple Who Is Whole."
And mind as well, added Glaedr. Extending his neck, he though the tip of his nose to Saphira, then Eridor, his gold eyes glittering like swirling pools of embers. Remember to keep your hearts safe, Saphira, Eridor, and especially you Eragon.
Then Murtagh stepped forward, and for the first time Eragon could never remember seeing him so healthy and strong. He nodded to Arya with a faint smile no doubt at ease with her and their friendship. "I hope you'll have a safe journey back to the Varden. I would like to join you but I can't leave my training as of yet."
"I've heard about your back and I'm glad about the illness being gone from you, Murtagh. Now you shall see your abilities through with the fullest of extent," said Arya. He nodded and then turned to Eragon.
The two of them stood still staring at one another. It was hard to believe them half brothers. No, for Eragon resembled an elf now, much than being a human. His ears were pointed, Murtagh's were round. His face slender, Murtagh's broad. His chin angled, Murtagh's strong. It was refined against roughness. Then Murtagh held out his hand. "Fly well, Eragon."
He stared at it for a moment. Before he hesitantly gripped it. "And you continue your training. Though I know it is frustrating, you cannot give up. Now more than ever."
"I know." Murtagh inclined his head. "Please send my regards to Nasuada."
"I will."
"And tell mother and Brom that I miss them."
Eragon nodded. It was odd to imagine that more than half a year ago or more, that he hated Murtagh to the very core of his existence. And ever since he joined the Varden he found it difficult to maintain a resolute coldness towards his half brother. But that had all changed. He had changed.
They parted with solemn farewells. Saphira and Eridor soared over the tangled forest and Oromis and the others dwindled behind them. Despite the hardships of his stay, Eragon would miss being among the elves, for he found the tranquility and peace soothing to his mind.
Before entirely leaving they made a stop at Tialdari Hall. Saphira landed in the enclosed gardens, careful not to damage any of the plants with her tail or claws. Eragon leaped off without warning as a male elf came out to greet them. It was Arya that address the elf, saying that she wanted to seek an audience with Queen Islanzadi. The elf said, "Please wait here, Princess Arya."
Not five minutes later, the queen herself emerged from the wooden depths of Tialdari Hall, her crimson tunic like a drop of blood among the white robed elf lords and ladies who accompanied her. After the appropriate forms of addresses were observed, she said, "Oromis informed me of your intentions to leave us. I am displeased by this, but one cannot resist the will of fate."
When Arya showed no intentions of speaking, Eragon began. "No, your majesty. But before we left we came to pay our respects before departing. You have been most considerate of us, and we thank you and your House for clothing, lodging, and feeding us. We are in your debt."
"Never in our debt, Rider. We but repaid a little of what we owe you and the dragons for our miserable failure in the Fall. I am gratified though, that you appreciate our hospitality." She paused, her eyes turned to Arya. "When you arrive in Surda, convey my royal salutations to Lady Nasuada and King Orrin and inform them that out warriors will soon attack the northern half of the Empire. If fortune smiles upon us, we shall catch Galbatorix off guard and, give time, divide his forces."
"As you wish…mother." So it was time to rage a full scale war, though Eragon as he took in the information but it would be a dangerous one filled with magic. He glanced at the elf lords and ladies. Arya alone was capable of killing hundreds of soldiers, but an army of elves? It was a dangerous thought.
Islanzadi extended a hand and one of the elf lords handed her a shallow, unadorned wooden box. "Oromis had his gifts for you, and I have mine. Let them remind you of your time spent in Ellesmera under the dusky pines," she opened the box revealing a long, dark bow with reflexed limbs and curled tips nestled on a bed of velvet. Beside it lay a quiver of new arrows fletch with white swan feathers. "It seemed only proper that you should have one of our bows since you share our strength and appearance. I sang it myself from a yew tree. The string will never break. And so long as you use these arrows, you will be hard-pressed to miss your target, even if the wind should gust during your shot."
He bowed. "You honor me that you saw fit to give me the labor of your hand."
Islanzadi nodded and then stepped past him and said, "Saphira, I bought you no gifts because I could not think of nothing your might need or want, but if there is aught of ours you desire, name it and it shall be yours."
I desire nothing for dragons do not need the secular objects of the world, said Saphira, No, I am content with all that you've done for Eragon. I shall never forget it.
The queen nodded before at last turning to Arya who remained quiet throughout the entire procession. She placed both her hands on each of her daughter's shoulders. "Arya, it pains me to see you leave the forest so soon especially after what you've endured. But because of your duty, it must be so. Be careful. There is much pain in war."
"As I've learned, mother."
Islanzadi gazed at her daughter before embracing her, Arya returning it after a moment. And with that she bade them farewell, turning to return into the hall. Eragon turned and climbed back onto Saphira, strapping his legs in as Arya did the same.
The two of them took flight and for the sake of the elves circle atop the city for a few minutes. With his enhanced vision, Eragon could see clusters of elves drift out of Du Weldenvarden with solemn expressions. With an almighty roar, Saphira released a torrent of flames and seconds later Eridor responded in kind.
Then she aimed south and tore through the sky towards the Hadarac Desert, Eridor flying beside her. Eragon glanced at Arya, her long ebony hair flowing behind her in the wind and sent her a smile that she responded to in kind. They were leaving to meet the destiny that awaited them in Surda.
Who are we going to see? AxE of course! The moment you've all been waiting for has finally come! Your dreams shall come true soon enough (lol). Anyways, the next chapter is done and I'm about to send it to my beta so maybe it'll be up tomorrow or in a few more days. Who knows? But know this, it shall not disappoint you, my devoted readers!