A/N Hi again! I hope you don't mind this random mix of English and the ancient language. Feel free to tell me if you find it confusing.
By the time the crowds had disappeared, both Eragon and Saphira were tired. Eragon's head was spinning and his jaw ached from all the smiling. All he wished for was a warm meal and a good night's sleep. But the day's work was far from over. In fact the hardest part and according to Eragon, the most crucial part was yet to come.
"Eragon Shur'tugal shadeslayer, destroyer of Galbatorix, holder of the True Name, and many more merits all of which I will not speak. Saphira Bjartskular,Dragon of Eragon. We welcome you to Ellesmera." The elf who was greeting them bowed low, his long auburn hair brushing the floor.
"May I ask you about the purpose of this visit?"
"I wish to meet with Queen Arya." If the elf was surprised to hear this, he didn't show it.
"Indeed. In fact, the queen has already requested an audience with you. It was the first thing she did upon hearing of your arrival." Eragon's heart leaped. Arya was so close now.
"Would you be opposed to dining with her in the royal quarters?" The elf raised an eyebrow, as if daring him to say no.
Dinner with the queen of the elves? Saphira said. Eragon that is a great honour. You must say yes.
I know, Eragon replied. I would be a fool to deny an offer like this.
"It would be my honour."
"Please follow me then." The elf turned gracefully around and headed off with Eragon and Saphira following close behind. They walked for a while through the city. Eragon stared in wonder at everything they passed. His mind was alight with the voices of many creatures of the forest, small and large. He passed beautiful houses sung from plants. There were terraces overflowing with plants, many of which Eragon did not recognize. Underneath it all, Eragon could sense the magic that kept the kingdom of the elves together. Eragon had never noticed this before but now it was everywhere he looked, just underneath the surface. The magic felt strong and ancient, like the magic of a dragon. Not always visible, but there all the same.
Saphira, why have I never noticed this before? Did something happen after the war with Galbatorix?
No Little One, the magic has always been there. It is only now that your skills have developed even further and you are no longer distracted that you can fully appreciate it.
Have you always felt it?
Yes, I have.
They had reached the throne room now. Eragon felt a twinge of nerves in his gut. He had not seen or heard from Arya for ten long years. Had she changed? Had she perhaps forgotten all about him? How would she react to seeing him again? Two well-dressed elves stood on either sides of an ornate door. In one sweeping motion they swung it open. Eragon took several calming breaths, ready to face what was on the other side.