I have no clue about Elvin burial ceremonies so this is my own take on it:
Chapter 11: A Home Needs a Nest
Eragon stood over the body of his master, who was stretched out over a cloth mat that was draped over a large pile of wood in the middle of the city. Saphira was in human form beside him, resting her hand on his shoulder. Islanzadi hushed the large crowd around them who came also to pay their respects to such an honorable man and dragon.
"Today is a very sad day indeed," she projected loudly so everyone could hear. "Last night, Lord Oromis passed on into the next life, taking his dragon, Gleadr with him. It is a time of mourning and a time to weep. But take heart! An even greater rider, who has fought for truth and justice instead of tyranny and evil, survives him. That rider was his pupil, Eragon." She turned to face him. "Before we complete the ceremony, would you care to share a few words?" Eragon nodded and stepped forward to where he stood in the way between the crowd and Oromis.
"He was a very patient man," Eragon started. "He put up with my mistakes without directing any hostility. I learned so much from him and considered him my own family. It did hurt dearly to be at his side when he died, but he died in a free country; a country he defended so long ago. He is in the heavens with the other riders of old, laughing and enjoying a cool pitcher of mead with them, while we wait our turn down here.
"He told us that the mistakes of the riders' past would be rewritten by me and Saphira. I believe him. War is over, meaning that there is no use for us here any longer. We are to go off and live like the days of old: On the land and in the sky. One day we will see him and Gleadr again, but we mustn't worry or dread their loss. They played the most major part in our final war. Oromis and Gleadr raised Saphira and me up into mighty warriors, able to smite numerous amounts of soldiers with a few mere sentences. These two are heroes, and I want every elf, dwarf, and human to know that." He turned his face to stare at the peaceful form of his teacher. "Rest in peace." Saphira stepped up behind him and placed her hand onto his back to comfort him.
"I knew a large amount of Gleadr," She explained to the crowd. "He taught me all of the flying maneuvers I use today. Without him, I would never have understood how updrafts could mean the difference between living and dying. He was very patient and always explained any questions I had to the best of his ability." She turned to face Gleadr's body that was not far away from his rider. "I will miss the teachings you gave me. Rest easy, Master." As she finished, two elves dressed in sparkling white tunics approached their bodies with lit torches in their hands. In unison, they laid their torches on the wood, lighting it instantly. The orange flames rose higher, nearing Oromis and Gleadr. After several long seconds, the cloth that they were laying on caught fire.
"Brisingr!" Eragon muttered, raising his right marked hand. The crowd watched silently as the flames that encased both the slain rider and dragon changed into a beautiful sapphire color. Suddenly, the fires seemed to collapse on themselves, until they shot upwards sending two bright blue fireballs high into the air.
"Now everyone knows of the loss we have suffered," Eragon said to the crowd with a tear in his eye. "The ceremony is finished." Saphira grabbed him and pulled him into a tight embrace.
"I'm here for you," she whispered into his ear. Eragon embraced her back tightly, sobbing on her shoulder while Saphira took one of her hands and cradled his head with it, rocking back and forth slightly to add to the comfort.
"You always have been," Eragon cried. He sniffled slightly and wiped a few remaining tears away.
"I know it hurts," Saphira said gently, as she let a tear of her own fall. "We were both very close to them, but this was the way they wanted." Eragon released her and placed his hand to his forehead.
"After losing so many people you would think that I would be used to this," he explained. Saphira frowned and reached up to place her hand on his cheek.
"Pain of losing someone cannot be avoided," she replied wisely. "No matter how hard you try, grief will strike forcefully. It is the way of things." Eragon lifted his hand up to touch hers.
"Thank you," he told her, bringing her hand down with his own. "We must get ready to leave." Saphira took a small step back, but nodded her head in approval. It was time to move on.
- - - - - - - - - -
Eragon and Saphira quickly ran throughout their home, loading in some tunics and other clothing into a small knapsack for their journey. Saphira gathered his razor, mirror, and brush and placed them gently into the bag to where they wouldn't get ruined.
"Are you ready, little one?" Saphira asked him, hoisting the knapsack over her shoulder. Eragon smiled.
"Call me 'love,'" he replied. He walked over to her and snatched the sack from her. "Dragon's can't have that on their backs can they?" he asked mockingly. "We are both going to fly out of here and I'll carry the bag in my claws."
"Are you sure you won't drop it?" Saphira asked with a wide grin. "I have had more practice, you know?" Knowing he had been defeated, Eragon groaned and handed the sack back over to her.
"Ready when you are," Saphira said. Eragon stripped off his tunic and tossed it to Saphira so she could place it in the sack.
"Honia!" Eragon hit all fours and cringed as his transformation took place. He looked up from his position to see that Saphira was transforming as well. In five seconds, they were both in dragon form and were ready to take flight. Saphira held Eragon's sack tightly between her claws in her left hand and motioned for him to lead the way with her scaly head. Eragon nodded and padded to the exit.
Where are we going to go? Saphira asked. Eragon looked up and sniffed the air.
It is cool during this time, he replied. Perhaps we could enjoy the mountains? Maybe the desert?
The mountains would provide better shelter against the cold, Saphira stated, flapping her wings. Eragon nodded his head and leapt out, spreading his wings to catch the air. Saphira did the same and followed close behind. It was just after noon and the sun illuminated everything, giving Eragon and Saphira a heightened sense of awarness to their surroundings. He looked down at the forest above to see deer frolicking playfully around young saplings not even paying attention to the possible dangers around them.
Care for a quick meal, Eragon? Saphira chimed in evilly. Eragon snickered, but focused on the flight ahead. He knew that Saphira wasn't hungry. After all, they ate a large feast prior to Oromis's burial.
How much further? Saphira asked impatiently. I feel as if we have been flying for days. Eragon turned over to his right to stare at her.
You are starting to sound like I did on our first flight together, he reminded with a chuckle. Saphira flapped her wings and turned over to gaze at him.
That was my point, she replied smugly. I actually am enjoying this.
Well it isn't much farther, Eragon said. I can just make out the peaks of the mountains ahead of us.
Which chain are we heading too? Saphira asked. The Beor Mountains would have been south, but we are going…? She suddenly stopped to see Eragon turn and growl happily at her as if she was about to ruin a surprise.
The Spine? She asked enthusiastically. The mountains where I grew up in! Eragon turned away from her but continued to growl, occasionally showing off his white teeth.
I thought that you would like to return here first, Eragon replied. There were some good memories in those hills.
When we get there, Saphira replied trying to hide her excitement. There will be more to remember. Eragon smiled to himself.
I have an idea on where we can stay.
Where would that be?
When I was younger, Eragon started, I explored deeper into the Spine near Lake Flam. I found a large cave in the cliffs just overlooking the lake. Now that it is safe, I can show you it. A small tremor of excitement rushed through him as Saphira shuddered in flight.
They flew past the lake and navigated through a narrow canyon before they came to a stop in a large cave that was above the cliffs. Eragon touched down first and quickly brushed some twigs out of the way for her to make a safer landing. There was room for possibly five full size dragons in the cave including their wingspans so this brought a wider smile to Eragon's face.
Do you approve of this? Eragon asked as Saphira padded around the stone floor. There were some burnt sticks that rested in the middle of the room that were left over possibly from some hunters some time ago.
It is cozy, Saphira replied. She gently set Eragon's pack onto the ground and padded towards him. It feels as if it is missing something.
What? Eragon asked. Suddenly, Saphira stood at the edge and jumped off, catching the air currents with her mighty wings. Saphira what are you doing? She didn't respond. Eragon watched as she swooped down into the canyon to pick up a few twigs and branches, carrying some in her jaws. She arrived back and dropped her load at Eragon's feet.
What is this for? He asked. Saphira grabbed some wood in her mouth and padded over to the far end of the cave. She set it down tenderly and toyed with it a bit, facing it in different directions until she was finally content.
Care to make something? Saphira asked in her usual gentle voice. He was dumbstruck. Instead of answering his question, she gives him one of her own.
Saphira? He asked again in a very annoyed tone. What are you making? Saphira turned to face him still holding a large piece of timber in her maw. She opened her mouth and let the log fall to the ground, shattering it.
That one is no good! She told him shaking her head. She then padded past Eragon and prepared to take off again, but he put himself in front of her and looked up at her. Saphira gazed down at him and showed her teeth as if she were smiling at him.
What is the meaning of this Saphira? Eragon asked.
I must find what is missing, she replied kindly. I think I know, but I won't know until I complete it.
Saphira, Eragon said. You are talking nonsense! How can you make something that you don't even know?
I don't know, she replied, trying to move past him. Eragon refused to budge. I just know that it needs to be done. Would you prefer to help me find what I need?
I don't even know what you are looking for! Eragon shouted. How can I find the right piece of wood or stone if I don't know if you even plan on using them.
Don't yell at me! Saphira shot back. If I could explain this I would, but I have no answer. This is new to me, Eragon. Things are happening to me that I cannot explain. I feel strange all of the time, and I feel even stranger around you. I feel as if I will never find out what the meaning of this is until I complete this odd task. You must know that I cannot explain this…do you? Eragon slowly backed away from her.
You have never held anything important from me before, Eragon said. I believe you. What can I do to help? Saphira leapt down into the canyon again, diving occasionally to scoop up certain items.
Follow me, she said. Eragon quickly jumped off of the cliff to her side, diving and weaving just as she did. The wind in the canyons made it fairly difficult to maneuver, but both seemed quite capable of holding their own. Saphira looked down to see a polished bronze sword sticking out of the trunk of a tree below them.
Pick up that shinny looking thing down there, Saphira ordered. Eragon looked down.
Saphira, he said. That is a sword. Surly you knew of this? Saphira suddenly banked away from him.
I do not like what is happening to me, she told him. I can't even tell a sword from a limb! Eragon sighed and swooped in low, grabbing the blade by its hilt.
It may provide protection just in case, he told himself. Suddenly, something else caught his eye. There was a massive flat board made of maple that was propped up against a large stone. It seemed big enough for two dragons to lie on comfortably. He grasped the sword by its blade with his teeth and grabbed the board with both of his forearms.
I think I have found something! He called to Saphira, leaping into the air to fly back. He quickly flew into the cave and dropped the board on top of the pile Saphira had collected. She was piling rocks and sticks in certain pattern in front of her, but quickly stopped and turned to see what he had brought. Eragon dropped the bronze sword with a loud clang against the rocky soil to free his mouth.
Will this work? Eragon asked her. Saphira tilted her head and poked at it with one of her claws.
It is sturdy, she replied. I believe that this may be all I need. Saphira scooped her head down to chomp on the large piece of wood, and brought the piece over to the assortment of sticks and rocks. She used her tail to swish the twigs and stones away before setting the board down. Saphira picked up the twigs and arranged them in a very wide circle, stacking twigs and sticks on top of one another. She then gathered up a large bunch of leaves in her mouth and dumped them in the middle of the circle, spreading them about with her nose. Finally, she climbed inside to inspect her strange work.
It is finished, she replied with a satisfying sigh. Eragon moved closer to her and sniffed the creation she had made.
You never told me you knew how to make a bed, Eragon said.
This isn't quite a bed, love, Saphira replied. It's a nest. And I made it large enough to fit both of us.
Why did you make it? Eragon asked. You aren't expecting eggs are you?
Not yet, Saphira replied shyly. This will keep us safe. Eragon didn't catch on to the first part and continued asking.
You knew all along on what it was going to be didn't you? Eragon asked. Saphira shook her head.
Nay, she replied. She laid on her paws. I just made it. I have told you that I have been feeling really strange lately, haven't I?
About three times so far, Eragon commented. What is wrong?
I don't feel as if it is a threatening matter, Saphira explained. It is just odd.
If you ever want to talk about it, Eragon said. I am here.
I know. Eragon padded closer to her and rubbed his head against hers causing her to hum pleasingly. I like this place.
I thought you would, Eragon replied. It is large enough for both of us.
Possibly more, Saphira added. Eragon sniffed and stepped over the twigs to enter her nest. From there he lifted his wing and lowered it on top of Saphira, providing her with a black velvety blanket. Suddenly, Saphira raised her head up and pushed his wing off of her.
I grow hungry now, she said, rising to her feet. Would you care to hunt with me?
I am a vegatarian, Eragon reminded. I don't know…?
Dragons can't live on leaves alone, Saphira mocked. I will go then, but don't chomp on the leaves in our nest!
I see your point, Eragon sighed. He followed Saphira out of their nest and towards the exit.
It is time for you to learn, Eragon
PEACE