Veana's Story

Where did She Belong?
Part 3

The cool night was a pleasant one. Veana spent half of it just enjoying the rock and dirt under her. It did not take long for her to make sure her craft was secure. Afterwards Starblaze was willing and able to go for a midnight run, and they ripped through the open plain a dozen times over before growing tired. Once exhausting her stead, Veana showed Starblaze to the woods, where he would feel safer rather than being out in the open all the time, where the untrained dragons constantly watched everything.
While Starblaze rested Veana walked about or lay staring at the stars. She would eventually need sleep that night, but she was too wide eyed and almost excited to see the strange new place, and having seen so many dragons in one day was almost unheard of in her life time.
She slept only two hours before dawn, and awoke to the chirping of birds outside her window.
Her high up room was rounded to fit the tree, and her soft bed was shaped like a birds nest. The wooden room was rather plain. The only other furniture was a built in desk and wooden stool by the narrow window.
Veana lay as still as possible on her side, her eyes opened as she secretly watched two chickadee birds standing on her windowsill chirping away at each other.
It was not until they fluttered away with their rounded wings did Veana rise from her feather filled bed. The red woven blanket fell off her shoulders as she sat up and stretched.
Retrieving cleaner clothes from her saddle bags she had brought up the night before, she changed into black leggings that were tight against her calves. She threw on a light weight shirt, and tossed over it her leather vest and strapped on her two daggers. Lastly she made a quick braid with her hair.
Descending the spiral staircase to reach the outside she let herself enjoy the fresh air, and beautiful serene place.
There was no one around so she wondered if they had a morning ritual. She was just about to take a walk and see what she could find, when she noticed a strange smell.
"Greetings half born."
Veana's head whipped to the side to see a dark elf, with only a loin cloth covering him, standing just by the curve of the tree she had just emerged from. She had to take a second look to see that it was fur that covered him all over. His fingers were sharpened to almost claws. The only reason she knew he was an elf was because only elves have the capability, and want, to change their appearances so drastically. He still had the gentle, and elegance of an elf, and his voice did not sound wolf like.
Veana completely faced him putting her two fingers to her lips. They exchanged the elf greeting before anything else was said.
"I am Blodhgarm. I am sorry I was not able to introduce myself the night before. I was tending to our youngest dragon."
As he stepped closer the irritating smell flooded her nostrils. It took all her strength not to plug her nose with her hand to cover the stench. She had smelt that only once before, when in Ellesméra. She had guarded herself with magic from the real sweet smell that was supposed to attract females to him. Instead it was a stench to her.
"I recall seeing you in the Varden camp, and it is told how you were with Eragon in his confrontation with Galbitorix. Also, your name is known as one of the dragon caretakers." Veana commented, remembering that she did know him.
"I do not remember you at the last battle," Blodhgarm softly said.
"I did not make myself known. I was a normal soldier for the Varden," She clasped her hands behind her back to resist twiddling her fingers together.
"As a daughter of the elves you would have been welcomed if you had shown yourself to us," Blodhgarm sounded sincere.
"I thank you for that, but I am not a complete elf as you said yourself,"
"It is no matter," He said, "You are a miracle in the making, there have been elf and human lovers, but creating a child is a hard thing to accomplish. You are welcomed among us as one of our own."
Elves hardly lie, unless it benefits them. Even so Veana felt he was perhaps over exaggerating to ease her mistrust of elves.
"Thank you for the kind words," Veana replied, she left the discussion unfinished. "I do not mean to take up much of your time with talk of me. Was there something you had come to tell me?"
"Indeed, Argetlam had asked me to be your guide if you so wished to visit anything," Blodhgram's unmoving face did not betray any sign if he was displeased with his task or not.
Veana took a moment to study him, she did not want to be a bother and would have tried to find her way on her own except she knew elves craftiness and might have put up barriers for precaution.
"Thank you, Blodhgram. If I am allowed and it is not too much trouble I would like to look upon the heart of hearts. I have heard so much about them and have wanted to see one for myself."
He thought about it a moment. A pleasant sort of look settled on his face as he said, "As you wish."

…..

Near the sheltered meeting place there was a stone staircase carved along the mountain that led up to the sanctuary for the Eldunari. Within the peak of one of the most guarded mountains by all its brothers a rounded room like vault had been built and all the Eldunari and remaining dragon eggs rested within it.
The large room with no window or opened room might have been dark, except the heart of hearts gave off a glow. It was humid within the resting place, enough to keep the eggs warm.
Blodhgarm stayed by the entrance, watching Veana carefully as she soaked in everything around her.
"It's beautiful," She whispered.
Several entities touched at her closed mind. She hesitated to open up unsure what they would do. If they really wanted to harm her they all could force their way in without a seconds delay so she let the dragon consciousness in. Most did not bother to speak but shifted through her memories, mostly interested in names she knew. Once the general interest had faded most of the Eldunari pulled away, and she let herself breathe again.
She had the privilege of speaking with Glaedr, one of the few still interested in the outside world.
I am honoured Glaedr-elda that you noticed me. She started first.
A flattering tongue you have. The mighty dragon seemed to be pleased with her. You are the one named Veàlfa, the half-elf. I remember the elves telling us of you.
And that you had to stay away from me and my father. Veana added.
We could not endanger ourselves if you were ever caught. His rumbling voice was calm.
I know, I should not have said anything. She apologized.
You are confused, Glaedr observed, you do not trust the elves, because you are afraid they will scorn your heritage.
Veana did not reply. She let his words settle within her.
Roslarb, Glaedr abruptly said.
Excuse me, she asked very confused.
Nàron's much older half-sister Yaleana was a dragon rider. Her dragons name was Roslarb. They were both killed in the great war between Galbatorix and the riders. Roslarb is still here among us.
It took a long time to soak that all in. She was frozen stiff as she tried to comprehend.
My grandfather never told me that. She finally said.
It is a hard thing for any sibling to bear when losing each other. I remember she was a wise and gentle elf.
Do you think I could speak with Roslarb? Would he allow it? She was deeply interested in finding out more about her heritage.
Roslarb is a female. Glaedr rumbled.
I'm sorry.
No matter. He went silent, pulling away for her for a flicker of a moment. She would rather brood alone and will not speak with me. You may go over to her and try yourself.
Thank you, very much. Veana sincerely communicated.
He told her the location of Roslarb's Eldunari. It was farther back and was one of the bigger ones. The orb was a deep sea blue colour. Veana could just imagine how the dragon looked when still in her body.
She tried to open her mind to Roslarb, but the dragon just shooed her away. She felt tired and deeply hurt, whether wounded or of heart ache Veana could not tell.
Not wanting to push too hard for attention, Veana simply rested a hand on the smooth orb. It almost felt as if to pulse through her skin. Without having any way of knowing if her intent would get through to the dragon, Veana mentally told of her ancestors and relations, of her feelings and wishes. She did not wait after that for Roslarb's response, but let her hand drop to her side again and turned to leave the sanctuary.
You are fitted for the roll as a dragon rider. You have courage and wisdom mixed within your blood, Yaleana's niece. The rumbling dragon's voice was rough and gentle at the same time.
Veana twirled on her heels to look back at Roslarb. The dragon had retreated back into her own thoughts and would not open up again. A faint smile touched Veana's lips.
"Elruno ono, Roslarb-elda," Veana whispered into the heated air.
Approaching Blodhgarm again he asked her whom she was speaking with. Veana freely told him. A spark of surprise leapt within his slanted eyes once she finished.
"Roslarb is hardly interested in the outside world since the fight with Galbatorix. She has kept to herself for many years."
"It is sad how these dragons lose themselves without any body to freely spread their wings like they used to," Veana looked around herself again as she spoke, feeling pangs of sympathy for every one of them.
"It is their own choice. They know the risk when they enter their heart of hearts."
"I suppose so, but still. It will be a hard path to take," Veana turned back to him and they shared an understanding between them.
"She says you are fitted for a dragon ride," Blodhgarm commented. "We have two more eggs ready to send to Alegasia to find their riders. You may see if one will hatch for you." He walked over to the other side of the room to where the few eggs they had lay. They rested on plush cushions, upon the stone shelves.
He pointed out the two eggs, one was golden-red, the other a sun light yellow.
Veana stared at them a long time. It was such a tempting thing. To be a dragon rider would change her entire life. Her father would be over flowing with pride.
Her hand twitched slightly, as if eager to lift up and try.
"Perhaps not," She impulsively said.
"And why not," Blodhgarm asked.
"I'm not ready," she took a step back to avoid temptation. A part of her yearned to touch one of those eggs however the other half warned caution and the unknown fear.
"One is never ready at a life changing experience," Blodhgarm offered, "One must simply just do and it will all play out whether you think you are prepared or not."
"Not now," Veana insisted, "During the war I would have given a great deal to be one of the riders, but now that I see the responsibility the riders have, I do not wish to be burdened with so much."
"You think being a rider is burdensome," Blodgharm questions, a hint of resentment flowing through his smooth voice.
"Not being a dragon rider," Veana defensively replied, "The responsibility that comes with it. I do not wish for it, not yet, not as I am now."
Blodgharm considered her words, "Very well," Was all he said.
They removed themselves from the place soon after, leaving the warm sanctuary.

…..

Veana was shown where dragons and riders lived. She was shown the training grounds and the other dragons.
Late that afternoon she was sitting under the hot sun, in the grassy plain, off to the side by herself watching the rider trainees sparring each other. It was Burrow against the elf rider, Maelen.
Their dragons were off in the mountains with Saphira honing their hunting skills.
Burrow was clearly being beaten down again and again. Maelen's elven gifts gave him the advantage and he was not even breaking into a sweat. Burrow on the other hand was sweating out a fountain. He was in a good shape for a man of his age, although rather tipsy with his movements.
Eragon was standing to the side. His arms crossed, he supervised the spar shouting out commands and improvement when he saw it necessary. He had changed his royal clothes for a simple shirt, tunic and dark leggings.
Syla was sitting off to the side looking very nervous as she hugged her knees, not even touching her sword that lay in the grass beside her.
Veana watched carefully as Maelan used so much force with his swords blow that it knocked Burrow to his back.
The man cursed as he picked himself up.
"Maelan," Eragon's commanding voice frowned upon the elf, "How many times must I tell you, this is a teaching moment. You are helping hone Burrow's sword skills. We all know he can never beat you in a fight. There is no need to show off."
Even for an elf Veana could hear the edge of irritation in Malean's voice when he responded. "I see no point in fighting a man who could never face me in a real battle. There is no point to this."
Eragon's shoulders tensed and Veana could see he was about ready to lose his temper. It was perhaps they argued about this every time they sparred.
"I can show you why," Veana shouted so she could be heard from where she sat. She picked herself up to her feet.
She strode over to them as every eye watched her.
"If you allow I can show you why it is so important that he trains under an elf's care," She said.
"How do you suggest showing me," Maelan asked with a critical look.
"By letting me spar you," Veana calmly suggested.
Maelen did not say anything, but they all could see the scorn embedded in his face.
"Are you sure you want to spar with an elf," Eragon gently asked her.
She did not hide a mischievous smile as replied, "I am half elf myself, I do not mind helping in a lesson."
Eragon turned to Maelan, "Will you spar with Veana fairly?"
"If that is what she wishes," Maelan agreed with no reflection of emotion. "Will you be using those daggers?" He pointed out her two curved short swords that swung off her hip.
"I can use a sword to show how it is done," Veana replied with a hint of pride that was purposefully aimed at Maelan. She glanced at Burrow's sword. It was rather broad and the handle looked to long for her hands, so she quickly walked over to Syla.
"May I borrow your blade for this spar," Veana politely asked of the girl.
Without delay Syla scooped up the blades handle and handed it up to her.
"thank you," Veana smiled down as she took the sword.
The handle fit her hands comfortably, although the blade was lighter than Veana was used to, she would have to adjust with that. There were wards already around the blade so as not to harm her opponent.
As she stepped to face her sparring partner she tried out the blade, swinging it at every angle to test its speed.
Eragon and Burrow backed away to give them room.
"Whenever you are ready," Eragon announced.
Veana crouched into her fighting pose. They both stared each other down, noticing every flinch, every flick, and every blink of an eye.
Veana made the first move to display her real capability. She hurried her evening out steps towards him, her blade lifted. At the last moment her blade circled down and around to make an upper cut towards Maelan. His elf reflexes stopped the blow as he tried a twirling stab of his own. She danced around it clanging her sword against his to push him away and charge once again. The fractioned pause in between gave Veana time to mockingly smile at the elf. In turn he bore upon her faster with more effort. It took her all her concentration to keep his blows at bay.
It was getting hard to follow the fight with the eye. They began to move and swing too fast. It was only a matter of time before both would stop and one would have the upper hand over the other.
Sweat did indeed begin to beat at Maelan's brow, and irritation began to darken his look as every trick he tried did not stop her advances.
It was all over within one swing as Maelan angled his blow down upon her shoulder. Veana used the opening to twist around him and thrust her blade up to his armpit. She did not strike him but held the blade where it was. Maelan was unable to drop his arm without it falling atop her blade. They both stood still observing their situation and panting deeply, making their shoulders heave.
"Well done, Veana is the victor," Eragon shouted with surprised joy.
Veana let her blade down as she stood up straight. Maelan dropped his arm facing her entirely. Although clearly surprised Maelan was not humbled.
"And what was that supposed to teach me," He asked.
Veana took a deep breath to fill her lungs before answering. "The point was I was able to predict and defend myself because I know how elves fight, their style and movements because I trained under the elves for years while in their care," She waved her hand in Burrow's direction, "He might never be able to beat you as he is a man, but at least he will be stronger for having trained with and under you."
Maelan paused a moment to digest her words. He finally looked her in the eye, but still said nothing. From what she could gather by his gaze, he had understood what she was trying to tell him.
Eragon stepped beside her unable to stay silent much longer.
"That last move you made to disable Maelan, where did you learn that? I have never seen an elf preform that."
"That's because it is something I learned from the dwarves," Veana replied checking the blade unnecessarily since the ward kept any blemish on the blade.
"You trained under the dwarves," Eragon was truly amazed.
"I lived with the dwarves for a considerable amount of time in my life, and we picked up a few things here and there," Veana replied.
"Excuse me miss," Burrow spoke up intruding on their conversation. "That was beyond words what you could do. Was that from training with all those different races?"
Veana had a pleasant look, although she was not so pleased about being interrupted. "Being a half elf was to my advantage," She replied.
"It was a good lesson for the little man," Burrow chuckled.
Maelan's chest welled with pride at his words. Before a break of misunderstanding broke between the two men and their races Veana tried to mend it.
"I was not sparring with him to teach Maelan any lesson you are thinking. I was trying to show him that he could be helping you. We don't want a rift between fellow dragon riders when they are supposed to be working together."
Maelan and Burrow glanced at each other.
"Well then let's try this again," Eragon said to the two of them, "Spar on."
As Veana and Eragon stepped back watching the spar, they were both pleased to find Maelan going easier on Burrow, even taking the time to show the man his weaknesses.
"That went better than planned," Veana commented with a pleased smile.
"Yes, well done," Eragon said. He glanced back at Syla who had not said a word or moved from her spot once. "May I ask a favour of you," he lowered his voice close to Veana's ear.
"Anything that I am capable of doing and that is within my moral standards I would be happy to help," She replied with a smile.
"Could you help Syla with her sparring," Eragon asked.
"Of course, I would be glad to."
"But not only with her fighting skills. She is shut up. No one seems to be able climb over her shy barriers. She is even more scared of the elves than anything."
"Do you know why," Veana asked, feeling sorry for the girl.
Eragon hesitated, "Her parents were in Galbitorix's army. They were both killed in the war. She watched the elves invade her home. It was over a decade ago now. She was a little girl then. It scarred her and made her a very frightened and enclosed young woman."
"I see. I'll help any way I can. I can't relate to her, but maybe I can be a friend."
"That is all I ask," Eragon smiled.
Veana Immediately stepped over to Syla and sat down on the grass beside her.
"Hullo again," Veana cheerfully said.
"That was amazing what you did," Was the first thing Syla said. "You fight as well as an elf."
Veana giggled. "Not really, I am usually the one in the dirt when sparring with an elf, I was fortunate in that fight that Maedan has not fought many dwarves. Do you spar very often?"
Syla's quickly looked away to hide her face. "Not very much, I am weaker than the other two, and can't hold my sword to save my life."
"Well maybe I can help you. Stand up, I'll teach you a few things."
"I don't know," Syla hesitated.
"You'll never learn unless you try," Veana offered her hand.
Syla still wanted to say no, but Veana was not giving her much of a choice. She helped Syla to her feet and offered her back her sword.
"Now," Veana grasped one of her short swords pulling it out of the sheath. "It will be different since my blade is shorter and curved, but we can start with the basics."
After she cast several protective spells around her blades Veana began the lesson. It was much harder than Veana thought it would be to teach the young woman. Most people who spar want to be there. Syla was the most reluctant student anyone could have. When she got scared she dropped her weapon and almost cried. Veana managed to teach her a few self-defence moves, before Skyla could not carry the sword any longer.
The males had disappeared, planning to fly with their dragons, almost an hour before the girls had finished.
Veana asked Syla to take a walk with her. The two of them slowly made their way to the ocean where Veana's little ship was still docked.
"Would I be prying too much to ask how you accidently touched Dagur's egg," Veana cautiously asked.
"No," Syla shook her head making her beautiful blonde hair sprinkle out. "They had brought the egg to the village I was living at the time. I had gone to the meeting just to look at the egg. I was not allowed to go near the egg and was not going to, except a councillor bumped the pedestal the egg was on. Without thinking I reached out to stop the egg from falling. Everyone was angry with me, and when Dagur hatched for me they were even madder because I wasn't supposed to be chosen."
"Why not," Veana asked with disbelief, "Everyone should have a chance to be a dragon rider."
"Not me," Syla's voice almost had a shiver in it, "My parents were on the wrong side of the war. I was lucky enough they let me live."
Veana's temper grew as she listened. "How dare they," She exclaimed, "You should not be punished for your parent's decision. Also your parents should not be blamed. They probably did not know any better."
Syla abruptly burst into tears. It startled Veana and she did not know what to do. She was not regularly around anyone who would cry. Veana's limbs went stiff and she did not know whether to pat her on the back, hug her, or just stand there and wait.
"I'm sorry," Syla sniffed. "I am just so scared, all these elves and magic and the responsibility that is on me. I don't know if I can handle it, and I am not even that smart I hardly knew how to read before coming here." The tears slid down her face as she spoke. She tried to sniff them back and constantly rubbed her eyes with the back of her sleeves.
Veana could see she was irritating her own eyes so reached out to stop Syla from rubbing them so much.
"It's alright to cry, stop holding back."
Syla kept her head bowed starting to hiccup with the tears. As she leaned on Veana's shoulder, Veana tried to comfort her with words. "May I tell you something I heard in my travels? Even Eragon did not know how to read when he first started his training as a rider. He knew nothing about wars or fighting, or elves. He was a simple farm boy from Palancar Valley. He learned as he discovered the world."
"But he had friends along the way. I am all alone," Syla said between hiccups.
"Well you have me and—"
And me, came Dagur's rumbling voice.
They looked up and saw Dagur fly towards them from the mountain. His garnet wings sailed on the ocean breeze with ease.
Syla hurriedly straightened up and tried to wipe at her wet cheeks as Dagur came closer and landed before them.
Dagur stretched out his neck to touch the tip of his nose to Syla's stained cheek.
Fragile one, why do you always push me away? I am here for you. Dagur sounded so tender and affectionate, that Veana wondered why Syla did not wrap her arms around the dragon's scaled neck.
"Are you scared of Dagur," Veana gently asked.
"Nay, nay I'm—" Syla faltered, she did not have an answer. "I'm sorry," Fresh tears shown on her cheeks. She leaned her face into Dagur's forehead.
There was a long silence between dragon and rider. Veana could not remember a time she felt so uncomfortable standing there not knowing if she should leave or not. It was fortunate that Starblaze had gotten restless and cantered over to her, ready for a ride. She sprang on Starblaze waving back to Syla and Dagur as she trotted away. They saw her go and did not stop her instead they both started talking, perhaps more than they ever had before.
Veana steered Starblaze to make a large circle around the boarders of the open field. As she neared the Forest area she spotted Blodhgarm speaking with one of the other elves. After settling a matter the other elf began to jog towards the mountains. Blodhgarm stayed where he was. Since Veana did not know why he waited, she steered Starblaze to pass him by. Slowly stopping he hailed her.
"The others were inquiring after Syla. There seems to be a disturbance where you are coming from,"Blodhgram said as he watched her with a gaze only an elf could give.
"She is learning a little of herself and of Dagur," Veana replied as she turned her gaze back the way she came. "I think it best to leave them alone. They are just picking up the pieces she had dropped."
"She is a fragile little creature," Blodhgarm commented.
"A very outright comment for an elf," Veana teased with a sideways smile.
He thought about it then returned the smile.
"You are well versed in the ways of elven speech. You must have studied us thoroughly while staying in Ellesméra."
"I spoke with one in particular as often as possible," Veana said with a fond look in her eye.
Starblaze shook his mane impatiently. He was expecting a run and did not like standing there.
Blodhgarm stepped closer to Starblaze's head, and gently stroked her steads snout. Starblaze calmed down, enjoying the elf's company.
"He is an old friend of yours," Blodhgarm said looking into Starblaze's mind. "He is much older than many stallions of his kind."
"Aye," Veana patted her chestnut stead's neck, "I helped prolong his life. He has been with me for many years. I am rather fond of him, and will be sad when his time comes to an end."
"Everything comes to an end at some point, even if it lasts hundreds of thousands of years. It is the way of the world."
"Indeed," Veana agreed.
"How long is it that you wish to stay here among us, before you sail away on your little craft," Blodhgarm asked.
"Are you tired of me already," Veana teased. She raised a hand to stop Blodhgarm from trying to correct what he thought was a misunderstanding. "I honestly do not know. I will stay as long as I am wanted, and or needed if the occasion arises. I have no real purpose, nothing solid in my life yet, I feel so empty and pathless without some purpose holding me down. Maybe I will find it here."
"Strange words for a girl who this morning said she would not want responsibility thrust upon her shoulders," Blodhgarm said with a faint smile.
He inclined his head respectfully and left her to her own thoughts.
Starblaze needed no urging to canter forward, slowly moving into a gallop. As her hair bounced against her back she thought of her purpose in life. What was there for her to do? A shadow of a dragon crossed her path and she leaned backward, her back practically touching Starblaze's back rump, watching the sailing sapphire dragon glide high within the clouds above her. Saphira had two other dragons following close behind. It was a wonder to see and she felt light at heart as she looked upon.