Telsy's Story
This story coincides with my fanfiction, Unexpected, which follows Eragon and Saphira after they meet Telsy. This story follows Telsy's life before she meets Eragon and Saphira, about 110 years before Eragon's birth and 10 years before the Fall of the Riders.
Oh, this is exciting! History of my OC!
The leaves had begun changing colors and summer was a fleeting dream as a chilled breeze picked up. Two figures in snow-white robes ascended the steps of a large, weather-worn castle.
No one looked up as several dragons flew overhead, their enormous wing spans creating immense shadows over the city of Doru Araeba. The Riders were converging for the first training of the new legion of Riders on the island of Vroengard. Most new Riders were young elves who had eggs hatch for them two months' previously. Once the dragons had grown to the size of a Shetland pony, training began.
Situated in the center of the city, the castle was one of the largest structures in all of Alagaesia, only rivaled by the elves' castle in Illirea. There were almost twenty different areas in the castle alone with the sole purpose of the training of Dragon Riders. In the main amphitheater, dragons and their Riders were gathering to hear their leader speak and begin the training.
Seventy-five Riders and dragons of all colors were landing in the lyceum. There were fifteen new Riders to begin training that afternoon. At the center of the auditorium stood Vrael, leader of the Riders.
"Welcome, my fellow Riders," he declared, his leathered face breaking into a smile of welcome. His hair, nearly as silver as his eyes, fell almost to the floor. "I am honored to present our newest Riders! Before we commence with this ceremony, I would like to introduce our Elders who will help educate our new young Riders."
The entire room broke out in applause. Nearest to the front sat the fifteen young Riders and the hatchling dragons. A boy with untamable brown hair sat with his opalescent blue dragon. Young Brom and Saphira were paying apt attention, completely focused on Vrael. Two young elves sat at the very edge of the bench. Formora and Kialandí were considered young and rather impressionable by most of the elders present. They and their dragons were hardly paying attention to the Elder who had now taken the stage.
The Elder, an elf with shoulder-length blonde hair and a golden sword on his hip, strode slowly yet confidently to the center of the stage.
"I am Oromis," he announced. The sound of wings could be heard, and then a large golden dragon landed at his side.
And I am Glaedr, the dragon added.
"We will be tutoring three Riders for now," Oromis continued. "Brom, Krifton, and Jhön." Brom and Saphira stood, followed by a male elf with a young peach-colored dragon and a boy with a fiery orange dragon.
"Follow me." Oromis instructed, and began heading offstage.
Another Elder took the stage. He wore dark green robes and had very dark hair. A dragon about the same size as Glaedr landed at his side. "I am Zorthan," the Rider said, "and this is my dragon, Zavien."
Three other Elders and their dragons announced themselves, including Jelïra, Fundor, Galzra, and Beroan.
As Brom and Saphira followed Oromis and Glaedr into one of the adjacent chambers, two taller boys fell into step with the group. Both had coal black hair. The first, older, turned and looked down at Brom.
"Hello," he said, "My name is-"
"These are the resident Shrrgs," Oromis interrupted, "These boys demonstrate fighting techniques for you younger Riders. They tend to feel less pain and are willing enough to be our test subjects."
The boys laughed. "This is Morzan," Oromis said, putting a hand on the younger of the two. His eyes were two different colors: blue and black. He was good-looking, but looked slightly angered, even when he laughed.
"And this," Oromis continued, turning to the taller, "is Galbatorix. I was not lucky enough to be his mentor, but he seems to be around enough that he must be learning something from me… I hope." Galbatorix looked down at Brom again. There seemed to be something in his black eyes…
Suddenly two dragons dive-bombed their group. Krifton and Jhön jumped back a little as the dragons skidded to a halt.
"Thorn, Jarnunvösk," Oromis reprimanded the dragons playfully, "what have I told you about not frightening the hatchlings?"
Morzan went to the red dragon easily, sliding onto his back. "Let's go, Galbatorix," he called. His red dragon, Thorn, reared, spreading his scarlet wings. Galbatorix smiled and looked to the gray dragon. "Jarnunvösk," he said, "let's give them a demonstration, eh?"
He jumped on Jarnunvösk's back and the two dragons took off.
From the ground, Brom watched Morzan's every move, memorizing. He was so focused on his newest idol that he didn't see the white-haired girl darting in between him and Saphira until she hit him. Toppling forward, Brom managed to regain his balance before falling on his face.
"Telsy!" Oromis snapped. The girl, no older than ten, stopped in her tracks. "What have I told you about leaving your chambers?"
Telsy's face fell.
"I'm sorry, Oromis-elda," she said quietly, "I just wanted to see the dragons."
Oromis's face softened minimally. "Then go watch from the balcony. I wouldn't want you getting hurt down here. Imagine what your father would do to me if he heard I'd let you get hurt."
Telsy shuddered. "Yes, Oromis-elda." She disappeared.
Before Brom could question his new mentor, Oromis clapped his hands together.
"Let's begin!" He proclaimed.