The sky was clear and blue above them. White, fluffy clouds stretched scenically as far as they could see. Arya could feel locks of her long, ebony hair being tossed in the wind as they descended towards the ship.
There are many two-legged ones Fíren noted It is most unusual.
Yes it is Arya agreed as she observed the party below. Guests were a rare occurrence at New Vroengard. In addition, it had been at least ten years since she or Fíren had seen any of them. Arya reflected upon the winding road that had brought her to this island.
It had been late summer in Du Weldenvarden. The forest was bursting with life. Green was everywhere one looked. The wind whistled soft and sweet through the swaying branches of ancient trees.
Arya gazed longingly out of the window from her small, tidy, office like room. It was so tedious to be stuck inside on such a beautiful day like this. More so, the reports she was sorting through were growing more and more worrisome as the afternoon progressed.
What's wrong? Fíren echoed faintly from many miles away. Arya could feel his mind and sense that he was already starting to turn around and fly to her. With a wary glance at her most recent of letter, Arya decided to wait until Fíren was there. She desired nothing more the break free of that suffocating room and have air to clear her thoughts. Fíren respected Arya's desire to keep it to herself until he arrived.
A few moments later there was a heavy rush of wind from outside the room. Arya glanced out to see Fíren. His bright emerald scales fantastically outshone the greens of the leaves that surrounded him. He was perched on heavy branch outside the window. With one lithe jump Arya leaped out the window and onto his back. He had on his light, leather saddle, for which Arya was grateful.
Once Fíren was sure that his rider was secure on his back, he jumped into the air. He extended his wings which caught on a current and lifted them both up into the air. With a few powerful flaps there were soon soaring high above the wooded, elven capital.
They flew without word or thought for at least half an hour. Fíren could sense Arya's worry but chose to ignore it. He could feel her unease ebbing away as they flew through the air.
Finally Arya's mind reached out for his.
I received a letter from Osilon today. There is further news about Mara and Rua. Upon the mention of this young rider and dragon Arya noticed a matching sense of worry emanating from Fíren.
Mara was a young elf from Osilon. Young might be an overstatement. Being only twelve years old, Mara was a child. A baby, in Arya's eyes. Arya could remember the first time she had met the girl.
The plan had been to meet Vanir in Osilon, as it was the first time he had returned from the outside world back to Du Weldenvarden that year. He was carrying on the duty of ambassador, which involved ferrying a dragon egg in search for someone it would hatch for. Arya had invited Vanir to come with her to venture around the city so they would have time for Vanir to relate the events of the past year. The egg had not hatched for Urgal, dwarf, or human. Vanir expressed his concern that this particular egg had been dormant for too long. When they had returned back to the dwelling where Vanir was spending the week, they were shocked to discover that someone had wandered inside.
Security in Du Weldenvarden was never thought to be an issue, most especially for a dragon egg. The respect all elves had for dragons overpowered any action one may take to harm one. Arya and Vanir were beyond surprise to discover lanterns illuminated from within. They rushed inside to see who was there.
To this day, the sight absolutely shocked Arya. There in the center of the room was the child, whom Arya would come to know was named Mara. Even for an elf child, Mara was exceptionally fair. She had long, flowing locks of golden blonde hair that stretched all the way down her back. She was petite even for a child, with her tiny hands and button nose, but she was still lean and slender like any other elf. That was not the astonishing part.
Arya was startled to see the purple fragments of a dragon shell littering the room. And in the arms of the beautiful elven child was a newly hatched dragon, playfully licking her face. A chime like giggle echoed around the room from the girl. Arya felt utter dread, starting to think of the consequences that were at hand.
This dragon had hatched for a child, an infant, for one whose life had barely begun. There was a reason that the age limit to be presented to a dragon egg was twenty. A child as a dragon rider, especially an eleven child, could be extremely volatile and powerful. They would require especially strict training and observation to keep them from becoming too powerful and too destructive. This child would need to be whisked away from her parents, who would no doubt have strong opposition to let her go, as children among the elves were a rare and wonderful gift. This child would be treated as an adult from this day forward. Her entire childhood would be gone in the blink of an eye, sent away to New Vroengard for training.
Almost immediately guilt overcame Arya. What had she done, allowing Vanir to leave the egg along for an hour or so? How could she not foresee the remote possibility of this ever happening? Neither she nor Vanir could say a word; both of them still processing what was before them.
The next week blurred by. Almost immediately after the truth was discovered, the elves became divided on the issue. Half of them wanted Mara and Rua, the name of the lilac dragon, gone as soon as possible. The other half was appalled at the thought of letting her go. Mara was a child, how could they just send her away, ripping all the joys and wonder of youth with it?
Arya was torn on the issue. As much as she understood that it was dangerous not to send Mara and Rua away as soon as possible, Arya felt a sense of fierce protection spike up inside of her as well. Even though Mara had snuck into Vanir's quarters and the egg had accidentally hatched, it was not Mara's fault. Mara deserved to enjoy her childhood, as it was fleeting and life was long. This was something that no matter what happened, it could never be given back to her. Did Arya have the power to take that away? Finally the issue was decided. Mara would stay in Du Weldenvarden under strict conditions.
Arya would be Mara's teacher and guide, spending her time in Osilon looking after the child. Fíren would do his best to instruct Rua. Their instruction would be basic. Enough to distract the two hatchlings from the great power they were capable of, but not enough to feed that power and allow it to grow. It was designed to be frustrating and time consuming, so that Mara and Rua would not have time to focus on much else when they were in training.
Initially this plan satisfied most of the elves. As long as Arya was willing to take on the responsibility of this enormous issue, the elves could accept it. However, there were still a number that outright opposed it. They did not believe that Arya would be able to successfully curb the child's growing abilities.
Elf children were even more powerful than grown elves. Without the added power that comes with being a dragon rider, they could be dangerous if provoked or pushed to extremes. Becoming a rider and being under this stress could definitely qualify as an extreme.
Initially this plan had worked out all right. Arya was able to bring most of her work and responsibilities along with her to Osilon. Months passed as Rua and Mara grew together. Rua grew larger, eventually big enough for Mara to fly with her. Over time, however, Arya could no longer neglect certain duties. Ellesméra needed her. Finally Arya was forced to return, leaving Mara under the supervision of Baeldar.
Baeldar was a very old elf, almost as old as Rhunön. He was also extremely skilled in magic. Although never a rider himself, he had trained with the first generation of riders many years ago. He knew enough magic that while Arya was gone he could keep Mara under control.
Arya was able to return to Osilon soon, however it seemed that the longer she stayed there, the greater the responsibilities in Ellesméra grew. She would eventually need to be gone from Osilon for weeks at a time, overseeing and taking care of various things in the capital.
Those hatchlings are nothing but trouble Fíren grumbled. Arya agreed reluctantly.
Baeldar says we need to return as soon as possible, as Mara and Rua are causing trouble again Arya thought to Fíren.
That was the other growing problem. The longer that Arya and Fíren were gone, the more trouble that Mara and Rua were getting into. It started out small. Mara and Rua disappeared for a few hours in the woods without telling anyone. Or Mara would refuse to return home, instead preferring to fly with Rua into all hours of the night. However then things escalated. Rua set a section of the woods near Osilon on fire, which reached the city and destroyed part of it. Mara had somehow discovered the use of magic without the ancient language, which resulted in numerous accidents, not limited to explosions, the death of animals, and nearly killing Mara from the energy it was draining from her. Mara and Rua were beginning to become out of hand.
What trouble is it this time? Fíren asked.
Baeldar wouldn't say. His letter was short, saying only that we need to come as soon as possible Arya responded.
You should write to Eragon and see what he thinks about all this Fíren finally stated. Worry filled Arya's mind. That was the one thing she had purposefully neglected to do throughout this process; tell Eragon what was going on. She knew he would disapprove of what was happening. Had he known, he might have flown here himself to collect Mara and Rua. But Arya could not let the happen, for then all she had worked for would be destroyed. She could sense Fíren's disapproval as this thought crossed her mind.
What would you have me do? Arya finally snapped at him.
You need to send Mara and Rua away. The responsibilities of being both a dragon rider and the queen are too much for you to handle, and now things are slipping through the cracks. You cannot dedicate your entire life to both assisting Mara and Rua and ruling the elves.
Arya didn't respond for a few minutes.
You know I am right, too. You have known for a while now. Fíren finally said.
I…. I know Arya admitted.
So are we off to Osilon now? Fíren asked. Arya confirmed this. It was only a few hours flight, and all they would need would be provided for them when they arrived. Arya's sword was with her so they did not need to land. Fíren directed himself in the right direction and they were off to Osilon.
A/N Hey guys! Sorry for my little hiatus. Things got crazy but now I'm back. I had a bit of writer's block but I've got the rest of the plot figured out now so it's all good now. Thank you for still reading, you're awesome. Review, I would love to know what you think! Love, Bae
