I love you people! Thanks again to the usual AMAZING crew;
SimplySupreme
O.o (thanks for coming back... I did wonder if you'd gone!)
Restrained . Freedom
I will reply to your reviews in the end, don't worry! I'm concentrating at the moment on just getting updated fast...
This chapter is from Nasuada's POV, and this is only half or so of the content I was planning to put in this chapter. The other bit is probably going to be done by Murtagh's POV in the next chapter, but I'm not sure yet!
4 reviews for next chapter would be wonderful. I have had 223 hits in the last two days, so it's not as if nobody other than my three wonderful reviewers (virtual cookies to them) aren't looking at this...
Grump over. On with the story,
The Meepsta :) :)
PS: Got some good stuff and a small surprise planned in a few chapters time :)
I turn over in my comfortable bed, irritated at the shouts from the street that were keeping me up. I should be used to it by now, but brought up in the tribes, I was never a woman for large cities. Here in Uru'Bean, there is often disturbance from drunkards in the night.
But outside the royal residence?
Pulling the bed-covers up to my chin, I close my eyes once more. However, it has the opposite effect, and as the screams outside increase, I become more awake and aware of the disturbance. I was never going to get to sleep this way.
Gradually sliding out of bed, I try not to disturb my husband in his well-needed sleep. My bare feet brush the floor, sending a cold shiver up my leg, and I slip on a silk nightgown for decency before hurrying to the window.
Soon, I see the cause of the problem. A massive silvery-blue dragon descends from the sky, blocking out the moon's light and plunging the street into darkness and confusion. In the panic, a careless torch has been dropped, and some of the market-place is now alight.
What a mess. I think with dread. Another emergency meeting that Murtagh and I will have to attend.
As the dragon gets closer, I note that it has an elf Rider sitting tall and proud on its shoulders. I stand there at the window, shocked at what this could mean.
A new elf Rider? This is surely good news for the land...
The pair are garbed in the finest armour and clothes, an emerald-studded sword hanging from the rider's hip. They are dressed as if they are going into battle, but what battle could that be?
My eyes glued on the rider and dragon, I fumble behind me for my dagger lying on the wooden dressing-table. Hiding the weapon in a fold in my gown, a gasp escapes my lips as the dragon lands in the middle of the street, citizens running for their lives as it rears up on its hind legs and roars.
Unmistakably female, the Rider dismounts and removes her helmet; a cloud of dust from her dragon's landing partially obscuring her face. Slanted green eyes suddenly bore into mine... long raven-black hair, held back only by a leather strap... plain black leather, strange for a woman to wear...
Projecting my thoughts, I ask; Arya, is that you?
Greetings, Queen Nasuada. I trust all is well with you.
Is... is that your dragon?
I will answer that question later in a more private place. Is it possible for us to talk somewhere less congested?
It is the middle of the night, Arya! I protest, rubbing my eyes in tiredness. Humans are not like Elves, and we need sleep to survive. In the morning...
This matter is urgent, Nasuada. Arya growls threateningly, almost as if she was a dragon herself. Maybe this is what being a rider does to you in the end... I must see you now!
Very well, meet me in the Great Hall. I shall expect to see you there in ten minutes time.
Agreed.
As her presence withdraws from my mind, I sigh in anticipation of what is to come.
It is going to be a long night.