Wyrda
Ch. 12
(Ellesmera)
It had now been two months since their arrival in Ellesmera. Since she had arrived in the city, Phoenix had hardly had a chance to meditate on her own. Oromis had both Dragon Riders working hard with both their swordsmanship, their magic and meditations together, that they would hardly have enough energy to eat a decent meal before collapsing in their respected beds.
On this particular night, Phoenix made an effort to sit on her bed and meditate on her own. She closed her eyes and began her breathing exercises Oromis had taught her and Eragon. Phoenix did her best to clear her mind of all things. It worked in the beginning. But, she was so tired tonight, that her mind wandered aimlessly.
Meanwhile, Aiedail was curled up on the floor. He had just returned from a hunting trip with Saphira and was munching happily on some deer bone . . .
(Surda)
Roran had walked Phoenix to the Varden's home base, where Nasuada was waiting for her. Phoenix was still queasy by the time she left the house. They had to stop along the way when the smell of dead bodies got too strong for her. Her long, black hair was put up in a messy ponytail, with a few stray hairs poking out.
Roran and Phoenix found Nasuada taking to two Elves. When Nasuada spotted the two approaching her, she dismissed the Elves quickly.
"Forgive me for my lateness," Phoenix said at once, bowing.
"It is alright," Nasuada said. "Come and sit. You look terrible."
"Thank you,"
Nasuada led them to the nearest seat.
"I need to know what happened," Nasuada said kindly, but with a bit of urgency in her voice.
With some help from Roran, Phoenix told her what had happened.
" . . . After he killed Eragon and Saphira, Galbatorix went after me. Aiedail did his best to fight him off. But he was already too weak from his wounds. Galbatorix was about to kill me next. But he didn't get the chance," Phoenix finished. "Murtagh killed Galbatorix and then he and Thor fled."
"Today you shall rest," Nasuada ordered Phoenix. "Tomorrow, I need you to go to Murtagh and talk with him."
Nasuada stood up. Phoenix and Roran followed.
"What?" Roran exclaimed.
Phoenix held up her hand to stop him from saying anymore.
"May I ask why?" Phoenix said.
"Murtagh and Thorn should be weak, still," she told them. "The Council of Elders and I would much prefer to have Murtagh as an Ally, then an enemy."
Nasuada dismissed them minutes later. Roran walked with Phoenix back to the house.
"I don't like this," Roran told her fiercely.
"Neither do I. I want Murtagh pay for what he did," she told him. "But, I don't want to have another war, do you?"
"Of course not," he sighed.
(Ellesmera)
Phoenix opened her eyes sleepily and glanced over to Aiedail. He had fallen asleep. There was a knock at the door as she uncrossed her leg.
An elf that she had not seen before appeared in the doorway. He handed her a note and left without a word. Phoenix shut the door and opened the letter.
The note was written in Elvish. Which she can easily read, thanks to her lessons with Oromis. Phoenix read it. She went over and flopped on the bed. She closed her eyes and connected to Eragon.
I got a note from the Queen, she said.
I did too, Eragon answered. She knows about the two of us.
Well, she was bound to find out, Phoenix told him. I wonder who told her, though.
I did propose to you in front of Orik, he reminded her.
Phoenix gave a faint sigh.
We had better get to bed if we are to have breakfast with the Queen, Eragon said through their link.
Good night, Phoenix said. Even through their link she was tired now.
Good night, my love.
Phoenix sat up in the bed and looked over at Aiedail. She now realized that not since their journey to Farthen Dur, that she had not slept with Aiedail so close to her. Phoenix stood up and curled up beside him.
(Throne Room)
Queen Islanzandi sat stiffly on a chair. The chair she sat on didn't look at all comfortable either. The Queen seemed to be arguing with a fellow Elf. Eragon and Phoenix walked toward her, with the two Dragons behind them. Queen Islanzandi saw them approach and dismissed the Elf.
When the Riders final reached the Queen, they gave the greeting before the Queen said,
"Follow me,"
They obeyed.
(Queen Islanzandi's Personal Chambers)
"Oromis has told me something very interesting," the Queen began, pouring them mugs of tea for the three of them. "He tells me that the two of you have a very strong bond. He has also told me that this bond is most unusual; very intense, even for two young Riders."
Eragon and Phoenix excepted their tea and exchanged looks.
"Phoenix and I have had a romantic relationship before she left to Farthen Dur, you majesty," Eragon told her.
"Which, my father informed you of," Phoenix said, rather bravely.
"He did," the Queen said, raising an elegant eyebrow. She continued, "Orik has recently informed me, that the two of you are to be married."
"As soon as Galbatorix is defeated, yes," Eragon said slowly.
"As I'm sure Arya has told you that Elves do not take on one single mate. Our life span's are too long to stay with only one," The Queen told them.
"Yes, she has," Phoenix said.
"I would like for the two of you to know is that I do not have a problem with the fact that you two are to be married. Quite the opposite, in fact." the Queen told them, a little businesslike.
Eragon and Phoenix braced themselves for what was coming. They weren't sure of what, but they were ready for whatever she was about to tell them.
"I want Eragon and yourself to have the wedding during the Agaeti Blodhren," she told them calmly. "I am insisting on it."
Phoenix chocked on her tea.
"Why during the Agaeti Blodhren?" Eragon asked politely.
"I believe that it will strengthen the reaffirmation of the oath between our races," Queen Islanzandi told him.
They both nodded and said good bye the Queen.
To be continued . . .
(A/N: I know that it was over a month before the last update. But, you know, wouldn't you rather have a chapter that was good and well thought out, than an OK chapter that was written quickly? I do have a job I have to go to as well as the daily chores around the house. It's not like I'm sitting on my butt all day long. Seriously, guys. Writer's Block is not my favorite thing either . . . I'll do my best to get the next chapter out sooner, though.)