Jace

I'd always thought the mile-high walls, cobble streets and elegant yet casual buildings that made up Uru'Baen were beautiful, likely to be the most attractive city in Alegaesia. I loved how some of the older buildings in the inner ring had been crawled up with by green ivy, and all of the flowers set on the windowsills.

Uru'Baen didn't compare to Ellesmera. Uru'Baen wasn't worthy to be called beautiful even, not when you've set eye upon Ellesmera. Ellesmera gave a new meaning to beauty.

The trodden path through the middle of the city replaced a cobblestone road, and the flattened grass cushioned each footfall. The trees along the path were taller then any I'd ever seen, taller then any building I'd ever seen, for that matter.

The trees twisted in such ways that suggested magic had aided their growth, for which reason was obvious. Along the trunks were stairs, which weren't noticeable at first glance, leading up to homes high up in the branches. Even the stairs were beautiful, looking more like they were there naturally rather then having been carved from the tree.

The branches of the trees twisted together overhead, small patches of sunlight reaching through the gaps in the leaves. The tree's branches shook slightly in breeze, the rustling adding to the melodious speech of the elves. In comparison, my voice sounded like sand paper being rubbed together.

This was the only time I'd ever felt truly flawed in comparison to another. While I knew my morals and logic were flawed, I'd never really had issue with them. While I knew I wasn't the shapeliest of women, nor the prettiest of face, I hadn't ever been bothered. But my voice was something I used every day, something I used to command the troops, something I used to intimidate my foes… and it sounded ugly.

And you call me vain, Shroud said smugly. I resisted smacking him, because, for one, I'd look foolish, and two, he wouldn't even feel it.

"You'll be staying in the Rider's house." Arya said when we stopped at the foot of a large hall. Most of the elves, with the exception of the Lord's and Lady's, had dispersed when we entered Ellesmera, so there were few of us still here.

I nodded, and Shroud's mind nudged mine slightly. I resisted from glaring at him, which would make it obvious to Arya that it was he who was making we be polite.

"We greatly appreciate your kindness, for I know it must not come easy when dealing with our likes." I said, and she nodded.

"It is no problem." She responded, though the tightness around her eyes suggested it was. I can't imagine it would be easy being polite to one who had killed many of your kin, "Blodgharm will lead you there. I have business to attend to." She nodded to Blodgharm, who grudgingly nodded back.

"Come." Blodgarm said, walking past us. He led us between two trees, and at this point it looked like a simple, yet still majestic, wood. He continued walking, and I noticed the trees that doubled as homes were organized, instead of just being randomly placed around. We kept on walking, and I stayed slightly behind him so conversation wouldn't seem needed.

We arrived to a larger tree then the rest, one's which branches seemed to go on forever, and Blodgharm stopped in front of it.

"Shroud, you will have to fly to the top to get inside. All of the things you need should be inside, and an evening meal will be prepared and taken here at sun down. If you should need anything, find your way back to the Hall and one of us there can supply you with it." He said, and I thanked him. He left without a word, and I remembered the way he went so I wouldn't get completely lost should I need help.

Shroud took off, and seconds after, I realized I could of just gone up with him. When he requested if I'd like to, I declined the offer, deciding to get used to the stairs.

I took the stairs three at a time, but they still seemed to be everlasting. I was panting by the time I finally reached the door at the top of the stairs; something I remotely noticed was also very beautiful etched. I opened the door without pause, entering to find Shroud perched in a large gap on one side.

The inside of the apartment was just as beautifully crafted as the outside. The slight curve in the structure that I had always noticed in the older buildings of Uru'Baen was apparent, and more defined then in the crumbling buildings.

I didn't spend as much time as I would've liked surveying the interior. Instead, after what seemed an eternity of searching, I found the bedroom, which was connected to a washroom.

I bathed quickly, accustomed to the many levers and buttons, which Galbatorix had also had in the palace washrooms, before redressing in nightclothes that were supplied for me in a small wardrobe. Despite it only being slightly after midday, I fell onto the bed.

I was asleep before my head hit the pillow.

A/N

… The only thing I can say is sorry for updating so late. I have had this chapter half way done for some time, and because I wasn't feel well today (and left school early) I decided to finish this now instead of waiting any longer.

Remember, reviews are inspiring :)

-Ash Colored Wings