Hey everyone. Well, chapter 20 is finally up and running. Sorry it took me so long to get it up, i had a small case of wirters block, which i have now, hopefully figured out. :) Thanks again to everyone who reviewed, they always mean a lot to me. Well, enough of my rambling and on with the chapter. Enjoy.
Zyana was awoken what felt like seconds later by a loud knock on the door. Ohrana huffed in displeasure and rolled over, tucking her head under her wing. The knock came again and Zyana sat up and yawned, rubbing her eyes slowly as she mumbled "enter."
The door opened quickly and in strode a small elf with silvery hair pulled into a neat bun with two small strands hugging her face on either side. She wore a lovely pale blue gown fit for the occasion and smelled of lilies in the summer air. Her slanted grey eyes searched the room and widened when they came across the sleepy elf and the dragon beside her. She clutched a hand to her chest in disbelief as a large smile appeared on her face.
Zyana looked at her as she rose from her bed, yawning a second time. "How rude of me," she said as she smoothed out her skirts. "I have slept for too long. How goes the celebrations thus far?"
Not responding, the elder looked at Zyana with excitement written on her features. From the bed Ohrana grunted softly, suddenly breaking the silence.
Who is this elf Zyana? she asked cautiously. And why does she just stand there?
Ignoring her dragon, Zyana smiled warmly at her, awaiting her response.
"Zyana," she muttered so quietly that even the half elf had trouble hearing her own name escape the elf's lips. She nodded her head slightly abashed. "Zyana! It is really you!" she finally exclaimed in excitement, her smooth voice reverberating off the walls. "Do you remember me? I'm Nyzala." Zyana gasped as she finally recognised the elf standing before her.
"No, don't leave me alone here, I don't like the darkness. I want to come back with you!" The young Zyana cried as she gripped onto her guardians skirts, struggling to free herself from the hands that were trying to tear her away. She looked up in disdain, her eyes pleading to the woman who had brought her here just months before.
"Zyana, you are making this even more difficult for me to leave. If I could stay with you, I would, but my duty calls me. Please, let me go."
"No!" Zyana screamed. "Take me with you. I will not be any trouble, I promise. I will be quiet and help you with whatever it is you need to do."
Nyzala quickly said something to the men who were trying so hard to tear the child away from her.
"I need to speak with the girl... alone." She said as they released their grip on Zyana.
"We don't have time," a gruff male voice came, thick with authority. "we have to be out of the city and at least a few leagues up the Ramr River before the sun is fully risen."
"Yes, I know, but I am not leaving here without saying goodbye properly."
Zyana took a quick look up at the man, and immediately huddled closer to Nyzala as she saw his reddening face and bulging muscles. "We leave now." He almost yelled.
"Come now Damien," Nyzala said evenly. "You would not leave your family not knowing when you would be united again without saying a proper farewell."
Damien's face seemed to bulge with anger, but sighing, the large man stood back. "Five minutes, then we leave. No more."
"Thank you." Nyzala muttered before turning towards the grim faced girl in front of her. Kneeling down to her level, she placed her hands on Zyana's shoulders and stared straight into her face. "You know I wouldn't leave you if I didn't have to." She began. Zyana let a small sob as the words left her guardian's mouth.
"Why are you leaving? What is your duty that is more important than me?"
Nyzala could feel the tears collecting in her eyes, threatening to escape them at any moment. She bit them back, telling herself she would not make this any harder on the child.
"Zyana, I can only pass as a human for so long, and the second that anyone finds out the truth all that we have fought for will be lost. I have done all I can here and am just putting you in danger."
"I am in danger whenever you are not with me. I only feel safe with you." More sobs escaped Zyana as the older elf wiped away her tears. "You don't need me as much as you think you do. Over these passing months I have seen you grow into a beautiful girl, stronger than most anyone else here. You are able to look after yourself."
"No," Zyana wept. "I need you. My mother and sister are leagues away; you are all I have left."
"I have to go Zyana, you know that. Do you remember what your mother told you before we came here?"
She nodded, wiping her eyes. "She said that we all play a part in the war, and no matter what, we each must play that part with pride and dignity, no matter how hopeless the situation may seem."
Nyzala nodded her head allowing a small smile to appear. "Your mother is a very wise woman Zyana. We need to trust her. I know it is hard, but we will see each other again someday. Just have faith."
The young elf let another sob escape her as she threw her arms around her guardian.
"Please come back for me. I hate these dark corridors and the dragon scares me."
"Be strong Zyana. I know you can make it. Fulfil your duty and we will be united. Stay safe."
With one last hug Nyzala stood and made her way to the wagon and clambered on. The driver clicked his tongue to spur the horses forward the second she was in and they were on their way. Zyana watched as they disappeared into the night, tears streaming down her face.
Zyana stared at the elf in amazement for a moment before embracing her warmly. "Nyzala! Oh, how I have missed you all these years."
Returning the embrace just as warmly, Nyzala pulled back and looked Zyana over, her eyes searching her up and down. "My how you have grown, and into such a beauty as well. How it pleases me to see you are well."
"Aye, and you too. All these years we have been separated and you look naught a day older." Zyana laughed. Nyzala smiled and looked over to the bed where Ohrana was eyeing them both curiously. "Oh, how rude of me. Ohrana, this is Nyzala. She was my guardian when I was younger while mother was tending to matters of the war. Nyzala, this is my dragon Ohrana."
Ohrana dipped her head in courtesy, but remained silent, eyeing her rider almost suspiciously. Nyzala brought her fingers to her lips in respect and bowed her head to the amethyst dragon before saying in awe, "I should have guessed when we heard news of a new rider that it would be you. I cannot think of a finer rider and more beautiful dragon." Ohrana hummed at the compliment and said to Zyana privately, I like her Zyana, although I don not approve of her leaving you in the empire alone.
And if she didn't Ohrana, you would still be trapped in that underground chamber, hidden away from the world in your egg. Ohrana huffed, but said nothing as she watched as Nyzala began walking towards a large wardrobe in the corner. Pulling open the large doors she mumbled incoherently as she searched through its contents, throwing gowns of the finest make and brightest colour onto Zyana's large bed.
Minutes later, she emerged holding a dazzling violet gown with the brightest blue stitching. It had short sleeves that sat off the shoulder and an intricate design on the bodice that shined the same colour as Ohrana's scales. Zyana gasped as she beheld the beauty of the gown, earning a small smile from Nyzala. "Here, this is my welcoming home gift to you. It has been specially made by the finest tailors in Ellesmera." Handing her the gown, Nyzala stepped back as Zyana held the gown to her and spun around. "It is absolutely beautiful! Thank you so much."
"You are very welcome Zyana," The older elf beamed. "Put it on, I want to see if it fits."
Not needing further encouragement, she disappeared behind the wardrobe door and emerged seconds later wearing the gown. Nyzala clasped her hands over her mouth as she took in the sight and smiled. "You look absolutely amazing already Zyana! You will be the envy of all elves present." Zyana blushed and began to turn toward the mirror in the corner of the room, but Nyzala raised a hand quickly before she could see her reflection.
"Not yet Zyana, I have not finished with you. Come, sit down here and tell me all that occurred since I left. I have been waiting to hear of your adventures for many years."
Zyana smiled and sat as Nyzala began running her hands through her hair and tying it up different designs. Zyana then retold her story, beginning from the second Nyzala left and told her of her work as a servant, of the arduous duties she performed daily and how she was forced to become a shadow just like all the other servants. She told her of the throne room and Ilian's egg, which was her only source of company. Ohrana snorted ill-temperedly at this and began tending to her scales.
Zyana then told her of Murtagh and Thorn's escape from the castle and how she found out about Ohrana's egg and the many plans she had come up with to get it to the Varden, none of which would have worked.
Nyzala gasped and listened with immense interest as her story unfolded. Her eyes widened as Zyana told her of Murtagh and Eragon's disguises with the intention of taking Ilian's egg back to the Varden and how fortunate it was she recognised him after the cleaning products revealed his gedwey ignasia. "My, fate has a way of showing us our paths does it not?" Nyzala interrupted with awe.
Zyana smiled and continued, telling her of their escape and journey to the Varden where both eggs hatched for her and Arya and their final journey to Ellesmera to train.
"Well, these years have been quite eventful have they not? I wish I could boast the same, but I have not left Ellesmera since I returned from the empire. All that has passed for me these last years is doing whatever may aid your mother in the war. There," she said as she stepped back and viewed Zyana closely. "You may have a look at yourself now."
The half elf stood and made her way toward the mirror on the other side of the room and gazed into it, wondering if the woman in the mirror was actually her own reflection. Her raven coloured hair was pulled up elegantly at the sides into a delicate bun shaped like a small flower while the rest of it flowed gracefully down her back with small blue and purple buds strewn through.
The gown sat off the shoulders and clung to her slim figure stylishly, the skirt flowing from her hips. The designs on the bodice matched the bright blue of her eyes but shone a magnificent amethyst the second the light touched it. Zyana spun in a circle and smiled as the skirt flowed in a perfect wave of cobalt silk. She turned toward Nyzala who was smiling at her, tears in her eyes.
"You look absolutely beautiful dear. All these years I have tried to conjure up a fitting picture in my head of what you might look like, but none of those images did you justice."
Zyana smiled and hugged her. "Thank you Nyzala. I am not angry at you for leaving the empire, I know your summons were important and that you would never leave unless it was absolutely vital." The older elf nodded her head and pulled away, looking Zyana straight in the eye. "That is a burden off my shoulders now. I am glad you have forgiven me for leaving you so now that I may begin to forgive myself."
Zyana nodded and looked toward her dragon who was beginning to look impatient. Zyana, I think it is time we attended the celebration. Thorn, Saphira, Eragon and Murtagh are already gracing the elves with their presence.
Aye, and Arya and Ilian? What of them? She asked.
Ilian is waiting on Arya. Apparently she is nearly ready, well, according to her anyway.
Zyana laughed and turned to Nyzala. "Thank you for your help, but you should go and enjoy the celebrations while I wait for Arya. She won't be too much longer so I won't be far behind you."
"Alright, I will go speak to your mother. Don't be too much longer." She gave Zyana and Ohrana one more smile before disappearing out of the door.
Turning toward the mirror again, Zyana spun, relishing the feel of the fine silk on her skin.
May we go now Zyana? Ohrana sighed impatiently. I am ravenous, as is Ilian, and they are not beginning the feast until all dragons and their riders are present.
Alright Ohrana. Let's go.
Just before Zyana's hand touched the door handle, a small knock came from the other side. Exchanging a glance with Ohrana, Zyana opened it and saw Arya and Ilian. Arya looked stunning in an emerald green gown that illuminated slightly when the light brushed over the silk. It had short sleeves lined with silver stitching to match a diamond pendant that was elegantly placed in her dark hair. The bodice, much like her own, had an intricate pattern weaved over it, only Arya's shone a dazzling silver. "You look amazing Arya." Zyana smiled.
"As do you Zyana. That dress is lovely on you." Arya replied happily. "Although I feel I will never be comfortable in anything other than trousers."
"But skirts suit you so much more Arya." Zyana laughed. Arya screwed up her nose and smiled.
"Come on. Let's go and join the celebrations. We don't want to keep them waiting any longer."
"What is taking them so long?" Murtagh grumbled to Eragon impatiently. "The celebrations cannot start properly with them absent."
"Aye, I know. They give a whole new meaning to being fashionably late." Eragon replied sighing. The pair were waiting outside the large hall that they had first entered earlier that same day when they were greeted by the queen. Thorn and Saphira were waiting beside the door, conversing between themselves while they watched their riders, amused at their impatience.
After a few seconds of pacing, Eragon said, "They cannot be too much longer, surely!" Murtagh snorted in response.
"Do not be so sure Eragon. If I've ever met a woman who was on time for anything I'd be damned."
"Oh really Murtagh?" came a soft voice from behind him. He quickly spun around and saw both Zyana and Arya standing there, hands on hips, with their dragons behind them. His face turned a bright crimson, almost matching Thorns scales.
"I... er... Didn't mean it like that... I..."
Arya raised a hand and silenced him quickly. "I'm sure you didn't," she replied, her voice thick with sarcasm. "now seeing as we are no longer waiting on any women we should probably get to the feast." She pushed passed him and the doors opened slowly allowing her entrance. Thorn chucked at his riders disheaveled expression and muttered Now you've done it, a displeased female is never a good thing for anybody. Murtagh's face burned brighter as he followed the elves through the doors.
The hall had been completely transformed from what it had been just a few hours before. The twelve chairs that belonged to the nobles had disappeared and were replaced by several long tables that ran from one end of the hall to the other. Small flowers hung from the ceiling glowing softly, illuminating the hall with several different colours at once. Cheerful music was playing softly in the background while the waiting elves chatted and danced happily.
Queen Islanzadi was sitting at the head of the table in the centre of the room, wearing a crimson gown that showed off her slim figure. Upon seeing the riders entrance, she smiled and stood with one hand raised, silencing the crowd. All eyes suddenly turned toward the riders and their dragons, making them all feel slightly self conscious.
"Elves of Ellesmera!" The queen yelled loudly, her voice reverberating off the walls. "At long last, I present to you our riders!" A large cheer erupted from the crowd as the four dragons and their riders slowly made their way deeper into the hall. They were each offered many words of thanks and gratitude as they passed the excited elves and approached the queens table. She smiled at them and looked toward the assembly once again. "Now, let us be merry and rejoice at this wonderful occasion. Let the celebrations begin!"
Cheerful music graced the hall once again as the tables suddenly filled themselves with an assortment of fruits and berries, tempting Zyana, Eragon and Arya who had not eaten since the previous night. Murtagh stared at the tables, his eyes wide with hunger and searching for a piece of succulent meat, but was disappointed when he saw there was none to be found. He looked over to Eragon, Arya and Zyana who were already seated beside the queen chatting happily while they began feasting on the delicious food before them.
Thorn? He asked, looking around swiftly for the large ruby dragon. It wasn't hard to find the giant creature; he was in the centre of a large group of elves who were fussing over him, many stunned and awed by merely being in his presence. Thorn. Murtagh said again, this time pushing on his mind gently to get his attention.
Thorn looked over to Murtagh and seemed to smile at him. Murtagh. He replied happily, puffing a small cloud of smoke out of his nose in contentment. This is fantastic is it not? The elves surely know how to live.
Aye, but do you realise something missing? There seems to be no meat at all.
Indeed, I had noticed that minor detail. Thorn said mockingly. However it would be an entirely different story if you were a dragon.
Murtagh raised an eyebrow slightly. Oh? And what makes you say that?
Thorn chuckled. Dragons cannot survive without eating meat, so we are allowed to hunt in the forest on the condition we take only what we need and no more. The large ruby dragon pulled back his maw in a large smile. We are also not permitted to scare the forest animals for our own amusement, which disappointed us all greatly. It seems we all have to make some sacrifices.
Murtagh huffed moodily. Yes, I know, but why can't I sacrifice something else, like flying or bathing? Either would be more tolerable than eating nothing but berries and fruits for the next few months.
Thorn stared at his rider in surprise. You mean to tell me that you, the mighty Murtagh Morzanson would rather keep his feet on the ground and smell like a decaying carcass than miss out on a few short months of eating meat?
The dragon rider stopped and considered this for a few seconds before replying, Yes, I would. At least I will not be malnourished.
Thorn shook his large, scaly head. I will pretend that you did not say that Murtagh. And besides, it would not do well for you to not fly considering the training we are about to undergo. We will need every moment of aerial practice we can get.
We are both already very skilled at flying, and I don't think we would need too much practice anyway.
The large dragon huffed in slight displeasure. I am tired of having this argument with you Murtagh. Forget about having any meat, the elves will not allow it. So instead of dwelling on the fact, please eat the fruit and berries and join in the celebrations. You will get used to it after a while and by the time we get back to the Varden you will never want to taste it again.
I highly doubt that Thorn. By the time we get back I will be eager enough for meat that I will be more than willing to eat a whole heard of cattle alone.
Chuckling again, Thorn blocked his rider from his mind and turned his attention back to the elves before him.
Murtagh sighed and grudgingly began eating the luscious greens before him. He had to admit they didn't taste as bad as he had originally expected, he even enjoyed the taste of the fresh fruits and breads, eating more than he would have under other circumstances.
When he was satisfied he had eaten his fill, he looked around the room and searched for Zyana, Eragon and Arya. It didn't take too long to find his brother who was twirling Arya around in time with the music, her jubilant laugh echoing through the hall. Her skirts were flowing elegantly along the floor, engulfing her in a sea of emerald silk. Murtagh smiled at the pair and began searching for Zyana.
He found her sitting happily by her mother chatting and catching up on lost time and decided not to interrupt them. Instead, he noticed a jug of some sweet smelling water and decided to take a small glass to begin the night. His eyes widened when he tasted the delicious liquid and quickly swallowed the whole glass in just a few gulps.
Not satisfied with just one glass he downed another and, then a few more, and before long he could feel the ground beneath him slowly starting to move beneath him. Enjoying the intoxicating feeling that was slowly enveloping him, he poured himself another.
What did you think?? Please let me know in a review... it would be very much appreciated. :)