Ok, so before we really start moving along with the story, I really really really wanted to write a chapter about Oromis and Glaedrs' funeral, but I'm afraid my attempt failed rather miserably. I'm not particularly happy with it.

Random question. If they remade the Eragon movie, who would you cast as Arya? Just humour me, guys. It's late here and there's a rooster that wakes half the neighborhood up at four in the morning and I'm hoping coffee will kick in eventually. R&R!

Chapter 9

After returning from the dungeons, it had been decided that Arya be the egg-bearer. It was pointless discussion, really and it had ended with Eragon having the final word despite all failed attempts from the Queen to dissuade him. Arya had a big smile on her face all the way through the argument. She had not smiled so much in a long long time, probably since her youth in Ellésmera, Islanzadì however did not find her daughter's behaviour amusing.

As Arya returned to her tent to retire for the night, she gently caressed the emerald stone. The last egg. Finally, something to even our chances against the King she thought, entering the small pavillon. She placed the egg on her nightstand and cast several wards around herself, the Varden's new hope and her tent - to warn her if any kind of danger approached. She also placed two small daggers under her pillow, just to be extra cautios. Finally pleased with her safety arrangements, she fell asleep.

The next day was the day of the funeral. Today she would say goodbye to two ancient beings that had been both friends and fathers to the young princess. Arya had known for days how she would honour them, but she did not think it was enough. For the occasion she wore a simple green dress that graced her figure beautifully. It was tradition for the elves to dress in warm colours and not in black. Black rappresented death and today they were celebrating the lives of two beloved beings of the forest. Arya made a mental note to remember to ask Eragon why humans wore such a dark colour.

During her time with the Varden, the Elven ambassador and princess had attended many funerals, but she did not know anyone in particular to whom she could talk to about this particular subject. Faolin and Glenwig obviously were not interested in human traditions, whilst Arya found them fascanating.

She also decided to wear her hair down and she replaced her usual black leather headband with her formal golden one. It had been a gift from her father when she was younger and she only wore it at the most important functions. Arya looked at her reflection in the mirror and when she was somewhat pleased with her appearance, she exited the tent.

As Arya glanced around at the surroundings that were Gil'ead, she noticed that all was quiet: no birds were singing, there was no wind and the animals of the area mourned the death o a Dragon. It was not uncommon for such an event to occur, when such a great beast perished, but it was a sight to behold. Never had the elves of the forest seemed so dull and unemotional. They all wore warm colours such as green, red, yellow, orange, blue and white. Colours that simbolized life, but to any onlooker the inhabitants of the area would seem deprived of life. Not even at her own father's funeral did her people experience this kind of grief.

The princess saw Eragon giving a few elves orders for the final arrangements, she assumed. She gracefully walked over to him and gave him a small smile. The Rider wore a sapphire vest, the same colour as his dragon's scales and a V neck tunic; the collar lined with golden strings. His leggins were black as were his boots; at his side resided, as always, Brisingr.

He gave her a slight bow.

"Arya". She greeted him with another smile.

"Good morning, Eragon" He stared at her, weary from her unsually happy mood. Nonetheless, he returned the smile.

"Would the princess do me the honour of accompanying her to the Lake?" Arya nodded and motioned for him to lead the way. She tried to stay strong for him, if she did not break down, if she did not show signs of weakness - he would think her cold and she most definitely did not want that, so she resorted to being happy. Unsual for her, especially at a funeral, but she would stay strong for him. She would break down later, when she was alone.

Arya was unaware of the fact that the Rider had been thinking the exact same thing. He would only show weakness to Saphira. How would it look if the Head of the New Order of Dragon Riders broke down in front of almost the entire Elven population. They would think him weak and would not deem him worthy of the Dragon Rider title. Saphira snorted at this, but allowed him to continue his charade.

The service was to be held at the lake, where both dragon and Rider had fallen victim to Murtagh and Thorn. As the pair gazed upon the lifeless bodies they almost broke out into tears and Arya could feel wetness starting to form in her eyes. She quickly wiped her eyes on her sleeve, trying to make the action pass unnoticed by Eragon who seemed to be having the same problems as the fair elf.

Saphira was already present, as were Islanzadì and the rest of the elves. They all wanted to pay tribute. As the Queen caught sight of her daughter and Eragon to step forward.

Eragon said a few words in the Ancient Language to magically enhance his voice, so everyone could hear him. Arya stood behind him, trying her best to support him without being too inconspicuous.

"Oromis and Glaedr," he said " were more than just masters to me. They were my friends, fathers and allies. When I first started my training in Ellésmera, I was arrogant. I was convinced that all I needed was a few lessons in swordmanship and magic. I could not believe how wrong I was. Oromis taught me the meaning of patience. Accepting the fact that some things are simply out of my control and reach was a rather difficult lesson for me, but with time I became more humble with my actions. Glaedr taught me the meaning of persistance: simply wanting to achieve a goal was not good enough, he told me I had to show the passion and heart. Two of the most important things a Rider needs to know. Now..I.." he could go on no longer, tears started leaking down from his eyes, causing them to redden. He cleared his throat for one moment before continuing.

"There is no spell, no poem, no painting I could think of that could truly honour Oromis and Glaedr, but I hope that this will do them justice." He moved towards Saphira and retrieved a sword. He unsheathed it to reveal Naegling. Eragon, now stood once more in front of the elves and pushed the sword into the ground. He then started to murmur words in the Ancient Language.

The spectators watched in amazement as diamonds began to erupt from the earth to surround the sword. The front of the diamonds were then shaped into the forms of a dragon and a Rider and had been coloured in gold.

For the next half hour many more people stepped up to reveal objects or pieces that they had created to honour the deceised. Saphira had used her magic to create a mighty statue of Glaedr that would be forever untouched by time and warded from the Empire and Galbatoryx - and a tomb that encased the body of Oromis. It was in many ways similiar to the one she had created for Brom, but this was made of gold, diamonds and rubies. Eragon then inscripted on both statue and tomb:" Oromis and Glaedr. Two mighty Dragon Riders that will be forever remembered as friends, masters, fathers and scholars. May you now rest in piece."

After the service was completed, a celebration started. Once the deceised was mourned, the elves celebrating their life and their accomplishments. Arya sat alone on one table, finally able to break down to the tears that had been threating her all day, especially after Eragon's gift. The Rider was finally able to get away from his admirers, apparently no elf now stared at him with hatred, but rather admiration and compassion. He walked over to her and carefully wrapped an arm around her shoulders, trying to confort her as best he could. Arya leaned in and cried into his shoulder, embracing him with her arms. They spent most of the night in that position, telling each other stories about Oromis and Glaedr until they decided to retire. The next morning they would be returning to the Varden.

So, how badly did I fail? Constructed criticism is always appreciated :) R&R!