Thanks again to everyone who reviewed. I'm sorry it took me so long to write this, I had a terrible case of writers block. Hope you enjoy it!!
Murtagh. Thorn called soothingly to his rider. It is time to get up. Murtagh groaned at his throbbing head and rolled over away from the bright light that had enveloped him, but was dismayed to find it was only worse the other side. Pulling his head under his blankets, he closed his eyes tighter, trying to ignore the increasing pain in his belly.
Murtagh! Rise, now! Thorn said again, this time only more persistent. Murtagh let out a groan, but still did not budge. The great red dragon roared loudly, making Murtagh lift the covers just enough for him to see Thorn's shadow on the inside of his tent and glared irritably at it. Thorn! Why did you do that? You know my head is pounding! He thought angrily, not being able to bring himself to open his mouth and use his voice.
Thorn walked over to the entrance and pushed his head through the flap, smiling a large toothy grin at his rider. Don't look at me like that! This is not funny!
Ah, Murtagh. I do not envy you this fine day, but you have slept for too long. The sun is already high in the sky.
I can tell. It is too bright. Do me a favour and fly in front of it so it's not in my eyes.
Thorn leaned forward and pulled Murtagh's sheets to the floor, efficiently pulling him down after them. Murtagh groaned in pain and clutched his head, glaring furiously at his dragon, squinting as the sun blared brightly on his face.
Thorn! What was that for?
The great red dragon chuckled slightly and said, Do I really have to answer that? Honestly Murtagh, you need to get up and enjoy this glorious day while it lasts. Come and fly with me, the fresh air will clear your head.
Murtagh groaned again and reluctantly sat up, only to find the room was spinning uncontrollably. He leaned forward and retched violently. Thorn sighed and sent him some of his energy which soon cleared up his headache and stopped the room spinning, but didn't pacify the retching pain in his belly.
Murtagh, let us go for a short fly by the lake. It will make you feel better. Thorn urged, getting a reluctant nod from Murtagh. Alright Thorn. You win. He said as he picked himself up off the floor and hobbled to his dragon.
Thorn. What happened last night? I can't remember a thing.
Murtagh asked, rubbing his temples slowly as they flew through the clouds. Thorn chuckled loudly beneath him, and turned his large crimson head to his rider, a look of amusement in his eyes.What? What did I do? He asked suddenly worried. Thorn hummed and showed him the events from the previous night, beginning with the feast, then the dancing, moving onto the rum Murtagh drank and then finally, showed him the images of him making a fool of himself, stumbling around in a failed attempt at dancing. His face blushed crimson at the thought of how he would have looked to the Varden, then Zyana's smiling face wove its way into his mind and the colour drained away almost as quickly as it had appeared. Oh God. Zyana. He thought exasperatedly, running a hand through his dark hair. Thorn chuckled again and said, I thought you had no feelings for her.
Murtagh blushed slightly. I don't. She's my friend, I don't want her to get the wrong idea about me.
Oh? What then of Eragon and Arya? Nasuada? You don't seem to be worried about what your other friends would think.
Murtagh paused for a second. Yes I am, they are just as important to me as Zyana is, and I want them to think highly of me.
Thorn rolled his eyes slightly. Mm. I believe you. He said sarcastically. But you don't have to worry about Zyana thinking any less of you, she drank just as much as you did.
He did a small back flip in the air and began plummeting towards the ground as fast as he could in a nose dive, earning a cry of surprise and exhilaration from his rider. What felt like seconds later, they came into contact with the icy cold water of the lake, creating a small tidal wave at the impact. Murtagh released himself from the saddle and pushed away from Thorn, swimming freely just below the surface. He swam happily like that until his lungs could take no more then he regretfully rose to the surface to see a smiling Thorn waiting for him.
How do you feel now? He asked his rider who was laughing and splashing in the waves Thorn had created.
Fantastic! My stomach ache has even cleared up! I feel so free, I could stay here forever.
Thorn laughed. I told you a swim would do you good. When will you start listening to me? Murtagh shrugged.
Probably never. You know me Thorn, the day I start listening to the giant red lizard who lives in my head will be the day the world comes to an end. He laughed. Thorn threw him a glare and took to the skies, flapping his wings heavily creating a large wave that crashed over Murtagh pushing him under the water. When he rose from the depths he coughed up a large amount of water before returning his dragons glare.
Alright, I take back the part about the world ending. Maybe when pigs fly. He chuckled between coughing spurts. Thorn blew a small flame out of his nostrils and grudgingly bade his rider get back into the saddle.
It's time to return to the encampment, no doubt Zyana will be wondering what has become of you. Murtagh fell silent and reluctantly climbed onto Thorns back before they took off into the air.
Zyana walked proudly through the tents with Ohrana close behind, continually taking in the sights around her. She was constantly exploring her riders mind, finding the names of objects she passed and repeated them back to Zyana who nodded happily with each word that wove itself through her mind.
"Zyana." Came a smooth voice behind her. She stopped walking and turned around to see a smiling Nasuada running towards her quickly. "Zyana. How are you?" She asked hurriedly, catching her breath. The half elf raised an eyebrow slightly at the Varden leader and almost suspiciously replied, "I am fine Nasuada. Thank you. And you?"
"How long do you think it will be before you leave for Ellesmera?" Nasuada inquired hastily, not bothering to answer Zyana's question. Zyana shrugged. "I am not sure, my lady. I have been ready to leave for the last week now, but I'm afraid I can't say the same for the others. Why do you ask?"
She shrugged. "I was just thinking the sooner you leave, the more time you will be able to spend training with the elves before it is time to take down the king and every moment counts." Zyana's eyes sparkled with excitement at the mention of her returning to her homeland and smiled enthusiastically. "Yes, I agree. As soon as I see the others, I will let them know and we will hopefully leave not long after if it pleases you."
Nasuada nodded. "Yes, thankyou Zyana. If you need anything for your journeying please do not hesitate to let it be known."
"Of course Nasuada." She lifted two fingers to her lips in the elven gesture which Nasuada immediately returned. Flashing her one last smile, Nasuada disappeared into her crimson tent, her guards watching after her protectively.
Zyana turned towards her dragon and beamed radiantly at her. Can you believe it Ohrana? We are going to Ellesmera!
Ohrana danced around her feet with great energy, almost knocking Zyana off her feet.
Home Zyana! Go Home! She sung happily, mimicking her riders excitement. Zyana smiled at the young dragon warmly.
Yes, but before we do, we need to find Arya, Eragon and Murtagh to tell them. Do you know where I could find them?
Ohrana nodded, saying she could find them for her and retreated into her mind. Zyana sat beside her dragon and pulled her into her lap while she spoke with the others, absentmindedly running her fingers over her scales.
Ilian and Arya are in Arya's tent, Murtagh and Thorn are flying and Saphira is hunting. They come back now. Ohrana said seconds later, closing her eyes, happily humming at the contact with her rider.
Can you tell them all to meet at Arya's tent if she'll have us? We need to prepare. Zyana asked.
Already have Zyana. They come now. Ilian and Arya await already.
Zyana nodded and stood quickly, moving the small dragon onto her shoulders in one fluent and swift movement. Ow, Ohrana. You're getting heavier, I don't think I'll be able to support you for much longer.
The young amethyst dragon puffed smoke out of her nose slightly irritated as her rider began in the direction of Arya's tent, her long violet skirts flowing freely behind her. As Arya's tent came into view, Ohrana leapt from Zyana's shoulders and glided smoothly through the entrance, bumping into Arya who was frantically tidying her things. "Ow, Ohrana! You startled me." She looked around briefly, "Where is Zyana?"
"I'm right here." Zyana said with a large smile on her face as she entered the tent. "Sorry about Ohrana. Gliding is her new favourite trick."
Arya returned her smile and nodded. "Ilian's too. I'm always telling him to go outside if he wishes to practice, but he never listens." She shook her head. "He keeps knocking everything around and thinks it all a game. What did you wish to speak to us about?"
"I will wait until the others arrive, it will be easier that way." Zyana replied, scooping up the small hand mirror they had used to contact the elven queen off the floor, noticing it had a small crack. Arya looked over her sister's shoulder and ran a hand through her hair. "Looks like Ilian will have bad luck for the next few years," she laughed as she took the mirror and examined it carefully. "Just what we need."
Zyana laughed softly, wrapping her arms around her sister's shoulders. "I never knew you believed in that nonsense."
"I don't usually, but this war has shown me things I never thought possible." She replied, returning her sisters smile. They were interrupted by large wing beats outside, and Arya immediately began cleaning again, suddenly conscious of the mess that lay around her. Zyana shook her head and began helping her as Eragon entered the tent smiling.
"Good day to you both. How do you feel after last night?" He asked. "I was fine this morning, I didn't drink anywhere as much as Murtagh or Zyana did." Arya laughed, turning to her sister. "And fortunately, I still remember the entire evening."
Zyana blushed. "Yes, I... er, I was feeling ill this morning but Ohrana made me better as I woke. I'm not sure how she did, but I'm thankful." She looked at Ohrana who was sitting beside Ilian, looking up at her with bright amethyst eyes.
Anytime Zyana. She said. Zyana turned back to Eragon, her smile widening. He looked at her with curiosity, but before he could ask, she asked him how he fared.
"I am fine. I learned not to drink too heavily when I first became a rider, when I was on my journey to the Varden with Brom. We had a bit much one night." He laughed at the memory as Murtagh entered the tent soaking from head to toe.
"What happened to you?" Arya asked as she eyed him up and down. A small smile found its way onto his lips as he explained how he had woken to a throbbing headache and how Thorn cured it with a trip to the lake.
He then turned to Zyana and asked why they had been summoned. She cleared her throat and explained all that Nasuada had told her, smiling widely as the thought of returning to Ellesmera became a reality. Murtagh and Eragon nodded in agreement and began speaking about supplies while Arya walked towards her dresser where she began organising her clothes, suddenly pale.
Zyana noticed her sisters fallen expression and followed her. "What's wrong Arya? Doesn't this please you? We are returning after all this time!"
Arya sighed and turned, looking her sister straight in the eyes. "I have no desire to return at all Zyana. If it wasn't absolutely necessary for us to do so, I would stay here happily."
Zyana gaped at her. "But, but why?"
"Mother." Arya whispered, lowering her eyes to the floor. Zyana frowned. "I don't understand Arya."
"Of course you don't, you were in the empire. Mother and I have been at odds for many years now. I was given the responsibility of escorting Saphira's egg through the Varden and Ellesmera. Those were her orders, and when I was captured by Durza," She shuddered at the thought. "She did nothing. She allowed me to be tortured while she sat on her throne laughing with her companions and drinking fine wine." She trailed off and Zyana wrapped her arms around her shoulders once again.
"I was never happy there after you were sent away. The one happiness I had was abruptly stolen from me when I followed her wishes, and I feel I can never be happy if I am anywhere near her."
"But when we spoke in the mirror..."
"It was an illusion to make you happy Zyana. I wish to have nothing to do with her."
Zyana hugged her close, wanting to tell her she didn't have to return, that she could stay with Nasuada and the Varden, but knew in her heart that it was not going to be possible. She had to return, they all had to.
Zyana rose early the next morning in order to make the final preparations for the long journey ahead of them. The sun had not yet found its way over the horizon, but a faint glow of pink and orange ran over the clouds betraying the darkness around her and confirming the sun was about to rise.
She smiled happily at the knowledge that before the sun was full, she would be on her way to Ellesmera and her mother; what she had been wishing for for many years.
With a small bag over her shoulder and Ohrana at her feet, she began walking towards the clearing where Murtagh, Eragon, Thorn and Saphira were waiting, all sharing the same excited expressions. They exchanged pleasantries and began discussing the fastest route to Du Weldenvarden, and then to Ellesmera.
"I suggest we go through the Beors and follow the Edda River North. That way we could stay safely within the Varden's borders and not have to worry about the King's army following us. Not to mention we would have a constant supply of food and water." Murtagh began pointing to a map he had found while still in the service of the King.
"Yes, but going through the mountains would slow us drastically. They are harsh and unforgiving and we could easily get lost, and don't even mention the monstrous creatures that reside there." Eragon pointed out. "It would be quicker to just go straight through the Hadarac Desert. We wouldn't need to worry about the Kings army following us if we go east far enough first."
"What then of food? Water? We cannot travel without the necessities." Murtagh disagreed, but Eragon shook his head. "We can summon the water that is already in the earth just as we did when we first crossed the desert."
The pair bickered for some time until Arya appeared carrying a small bag with Ilian perched on her shoulders. She smiled at them and positioned herself where she had a good view of the map.
"I suggest we take this route," She said tracing her fingers over the parchment marking an invisible line that ran both through the Beors and desert. "We would have the protection of the mountains for some of the way without worrying about the creatures or getting lost and there will be a constant supply of food and water until we get here." She pointed to a small gap in the mountains. "When we reach this point, we only have to cross a small section of the desert and minimal supplies would be needed to get us through. That would then take us to the edge of Du Weldenvarden where we will go directly to Ellesmera. The whole expedition should take us no more than a few days." She finished, seemingly pleased with herself.
Murtagh and Eragon exchanged glances, nodding towards Arya before they made their way to their dragons. Zyana caught her sisters eye and smiled warmly at her, which she returned.
"Wait!" Came a voice behind them. Zyana turned to see Nasuada walking toward them, her dark skin almost completely concealing her amongst the shadows.
"Good luck on your journey, riders. Travel quickly and learn all you can, but most importantly, stay safe. These are hard times and the Varden cannot afford to lose a single one of you to the Empire." She said smiling.
"Thank you Nasuada. Do not fret, we will not be captured and we will learn all we can in the time we are there. If you ever need us to return, just summon us and we will leave at once." Zyana said, bowing her head slightly.
When she rose Nasuada pressed her first two fingers to her lips in the elven gesture which all four riders mimicked, then surprised them all when she said clearly and coherently, "Atra gulai un Ilian tauthr ono un atra ono waise skolir fra rauthr." May luck and happiness follow you and let you be shielded from misfortune.
They nodded in response and Murtagh and Eragon climbed into the saddles of their dragons, bidding Zyana and Arya climb on behind them. Just as Zyana placed her foot in the stirrup of the saddle, a sandy haired man with grey eyes came running towards them. Murtagh stiffened visibly as he lay eyes on Zyana. "Zyana!" He called, his face ashen. "I came to say goodbye."
Zyana let go of the saddle and walked up to him, smiling. "Ahnon." She said quickly in greeting.
"I hope you have a safe and prosperous journey. Please return soon." Ahnon said before he took her hand and kissed her knuckles. She smiled at him at replied, "I will, but I must go now. Stay safe. Goodbye." She pulled her hand back and climbed onto Thorn behind Murtagh who immediately leapt into the sky with Saphira close behind.
They looked down on the Varden camp that was now covered in a light pink light and took in the sheer beauty of it. Ohrana squeaked happily from Zyana's lap at being in the sky for the first time and created a small gust of wind at their backs, pushing them forward quickly. Zyana turned her gaze and saw the tiny figures of Nasuada and Ahnon slowly disappear beneath the clouds. Sighing with contentment at being on the journey home at last she didn't notice how Murtagh's muscles stiffened and the crimson colour his face.
What did you think?? Please leave a review and let me know. :)