Disclaimer: I barely even own Aesyr!

So, as if to make up for the long previous chapter, this one is really short. Awww.

Chapter 42: Lessons Learned Through Humiliation

It was a night of feasting and celebration, and Aesyr was apparently one of the reasons for that. After her initial shock, pain from receiving the gedwey ignasia, and eventual excitement that the black dragon hatched for her, the elves began to cheer and celebrate. Only the other new Rider, Vanir, didn't seem so happy. He shot her a disdainful look before scooping up his snowy dragon and stalking off the join the throng.

"You should ignore him," Eragon muttered. "He is not pleasant."

The massive dragons surrounded the Riders, and the females seemed ready to coo at Aesyr's black dragon, who clambered up to her shoulder and… squeaked. Weren't dragons supposed to be fearsome? Hers was more like adorable.

He is going to be beautiful and fearsome, Saphira noted.

"He?" Aesyr asked. She felt her dragon's consciousness in the recesses of her mind, sensing its curiosity and awe. Every new sensation felt odd but pleasant to her. She still did not know how to respond with her mind, though she was vaguely aware that the other dragons were also in her head. "How do you know that it's a male?"

Askanir seemed amused by that. You will know how to determine. Someday.

It is a shame that the little female chose that unpleasant elf, Solaris said wistfully. It would be difficult to teach them both.

"So another male and female dragon," Ash mused, approaching the young Riders. She gave Aesyr a warm smile. For some reason, she looked both like a human and an elf. "Things are going to get interesting. If I am correct, your name is Aesyr?"

"Y-yes," Aesyr stammered.

"Congratulations. Being a Rider is more than just bonding a dragon and learning how to fight, we have our culture to preserve, and many other things to learn. You and Vanir will be under Brom's tutelage until he sees fit for your education to be passed over to us. We have so little time and so much to learn…"

"We should not tarry," Brom said gruffly. "Elves enjoy their celebrations a little too much, if you ask me, but it's good to have a filling meal for a change."

The rest of the day – and night – passed in a blur. Numerous tables were set up in a small rise, some distance from the main city. The Riders and their dragons dined with Orik, Brom, elven lords and ladies in Queen Islanzadi's long table. There were so many appetizing food, though notably there wasn't any meat. Vanir kept his distance from everyone else, though he couldn't stop his dragon from exploring and eventually curling up on Solaris' back.

Dealing with that Vanir was probably going to be difficult.

By the time the feast ended late at night, Aesyr was ushered away by an elf maiden who introduced herself as Niduen, pressing a bundle of clothing into Aesyr's arms with a knowing smile before flitting off. She was then shown to her knew quarters by the other Riders, accompanied by Brom, Orik, Faolin, and even Queen Islanzadi herself, who said that Vanir was moving into the only other vacant tree-house in the clearing "much later."

Step after step, she barely had time to explore. She just set down her pack and bundle of clothes on one corner, her weapons by the bed, and curled up. The dragon hummed softly before falling asleep right beside his new Rider.

Eragon woke up sore. His back hurt woke him up late that night, and he really wasn't looking forward to start his day sparring. He wondered if they would still allow Vanir to spar with him, and what happened to Nidavel.

You should not begin your day with worry, chided Saphira. The dragon's joy and wonder could not be contained as it seeped through their bond. Mornings bring new days, and with new days come new developments.

Going through his morning ablutions, Eragon shuffled around wearily like an old man. He threw on a loose blue tunic that he barely used before and threw on the rest of his clothing randomly before grabbing Kylskada. He barely tasted the breakfast that he wolfed down. Joining Saphira at her perch, he momentarily let go of his worries, embracing his dragon's feeling of hope.

I guess you are right. It does no good to worry. Carefully, he saddled Saphira and mounted. Come on, then. Let us face this day.

Saphira dipped her head momentarily in acknowledgement. Why, of course my little one. She spread her wings and launched out of her perch, circling the clearing before landing.

Brom stood there, dressed in his usual rugged clothes and staff in hand. Murtagh and Thorn stood nearby, both looking anxious.

"Good morning," Eragon called out.

"Good morning," Murtagh echoed with a nod. "Brom wanted us all to go to the clearing with him today. Messengers were already sent out to find Vanir."

"What are you planning, old man?" Eragon directed his question to his former teacher.

Brom raised an eyebrow. "You have the gall to question my decisions now? Very well, I simply wish you to watch me assess Vanir."

"Assess Vanir?" Murtagh blurted out irritably. "What exactly is there to assess? He is perfect and powerful, is he not?"

"Ah, Murtagh! Good morning, I knew I heard your voice." Arya peered out from the base of her house, striding toward the Riders with a grin. "I know that elves are always roused early, but still, it is bad practice to alarm Ellesmera so early in the morning."

"Shut up, elf."

After everyone was assembled – with the girls, even Aesyr, yawning at each other's faces – Brom led the march to the sparring field.

It was a cool day, quiet and unassuming in spite of all the events that transpired during the previous day. The elves seemed to fall back to their usual activities, barely looking up to do more than greet Brom's group. The sparring field was unusually devoid of activity, though. Clusters of elves hung around the area, murmuring to each other in speculation. Many of the younger ones shot scathing looks at Brom, which the old man naturally ignored. He was good when it came to taking unpleasant things for granted.

Vanir stood in the middle, still not looking pleased. His dragon wandered around before squeaking and joining her companions. Randarion, Aviana, Elmyra, and Mindeth were watching nearby. The lone male approached the Riders first with a bow. "May good fortune rule over you. We have no news of Nidavel up until now, if you wished to bring him here to spar…"

"May peace live in your heart," Brom said. "I am here to see Vanir's swordsmanship, and nothing more. I have heard of his… superior skills."

"May the stars watch over you," Randarion finished grimly. "I do not think the son of my mother's brother would appreciate that."

Aviana made a face as she led the other two female elves. She eyed Vanir and lowered her voice to an almost inaudible whisper. "Odd is too kind a word. Forgive me for my harsh words, Brom-elda, but I speak the truth. Though he can sometimes use a semblance of courtesy, he is not a pleasant person. Not at all."

Brom laughed – a harsh, barking sound. He mimicked the young elf, lowering his voice. "Not pleasant, you say? I say he has too much pride in him. I intend to use humiliation to beat humility into that lad's head."

"Would that be wise?"

Elmyra stared at her companion. She looked mortified. "You must not question Brom-elda!"

Aviana went white, bowing briefly. "Forgive me for speaking out of turn, Brom-elda. I know that you will do what is best."

Mindeth narrowed her pale eyes. "Of course he will, Aviana."

Uncomfortable silence filled the field as Brom approached Vanir, calmly drawing Undbitr from its pale sheath. "Arm yourself, Vanir-finiarel, and guard your sword once you are ready. I wish to see the abilities of the second Rider that your race can offer Alagaesia."

Vanir stared at him coldly. "You need not go through this, Brom." The elves around them murmured disapprovingly, some complaining about his lack of courtesy. Even those who were born after the war knew who Brom was. "I know my strengths. They are far greater than any human's."

Brom pursed his lips disapprovingly. "I do not approve when my pupils talk instead of showing what they're work."

"I am not your pupil."

"You will be after this. Now, prepare yourself." A blue spark appeared between Brom's thumb and forefinger. He proceeded to block his blade, and Vanir mirrored him. "Don't judge until proven guilty, lad."

Vanir hefted his blade, plain-looking in contrast to the other Riders' blades. Without a warning, he struck with unbelievable speed that made Eragon frown. He caught Saphira's attention. He was holding out on me, he said furiously.

Would you have it otherwise? Would you like him to humiliate you by displaying his whole strength and speed? The dragoness simmered with rage. She shared her Rider's dislike for the young elf.

True, but still… it is unfair. Why are elves and dwarves so superior to humans? Being among both races make me feel small.

There is something special about humans, Eragon. Something which made sure that there are more human Riders now than elven ones. You have big hearts, able to use change to your advantage, and adapt to whatever situation that you are thrown in. It is not about strength, or power, or agelessness. It is your ability to face the future without hiding or cowering.

Eragon turned his attention back on Brom. He was on equal footing with the young elf, their strength and speed evenly matched. Brom apparently also held out on his pupils. Right now though, he was fighting full-force.

"I wonder how strong he was in his youth… especially when his dragon lived." Roran watched, eyes wide in awe. "He did not even display half his strength when we sparred."

Though fast and strong, Brom seemed to be tiring. He seemed about to catch his breath when Vanir's blade flew out of the elf's hand. Brom stepped forward, hitting his opponent across the chest with a sharp blow. Vanir staggered back and fell on his back. Undbitr flashed as its tip pressed against his neck. Brom's rust-colored eyes glittered with an intense fire. "Dead," he snapped. "My previous pupils did better than that."

Vanir gritted his teeth. "Maybe because you only used half your strength on them. Eragon-finiarel could barely raise a sword to defend himself."

"Maybe because you are not matching your pupil's abilities." Brom pursed his lips. "If you expect them to immediately match you strength for strength, then you will be sorely disappointed. You are going to be my pupil, Vanir-finiarel. You are skilled and strong, but you have so much to learn. Being a Rider is not just about power. That is what turned the Forsworn into the monsters that they are. To teach you what it is to be Rider, I shall be your teacher, and as teacher, I command respect. Do you understand?"

"I understand," Vanir spat sullenly. His dragon croaked from Saphira's back, as if scolding him.

"You will respect me and do as I say. No exceptions." Brom's eyes turned from fiery to cold. "A Rider gives the utmost respect and obedience to his teacher."

"Very well, Master."

"You will not insult or anger your fellow Riders. Be friendly. Get to know them. That will be the basis of our first lesson. Race does not matter. You are neither human nor elf – you are a Rider. The eight of you young ones are more important than you know. I will turn you into a good and effective team even if it kills me."

Splashes of color flecked the sky as the glittering dragons soared toward the Crags of Tel'nair. Saphira carried Brom and Eragon, while Aesyr and her dragon stayed with Murtagh. Vanir, gloomily cradling his own partner, gingerly joined Roran and Askanir.

Roran pretended to ignore him at first, choosing to converse with Askanir. I think Brom intends to break Vanir, he said in amusement.

Askanir let out a plume of smoke. Break? No. Most definitely not, though it is easier to do that. I think he wishes to make the elf bend, teach him what it is to be a Rider.

Make Vanir bend? I do not think it is possible.

Not at once. But the old one is smart and wise. He knows what he is doing.

"So this is what it is like to fly," Vanir mused, dark eyes full of wonder. Upon realizing what he just did, his face became a mask of coldness and looked away. His little dragon had no reservations. She clambered up his head, stormy gray eyes glittering with pure joy.

Roran turned away and grinned, a hand on Askanir's neck. "Some people do not know that the joy of being dragon and Rider is worth more than the power and prestige that you attain," he said, loud enough for the elf to hear.

"I am curious," Vanir said, sounding like he was choking out the words. "What qualities do the people of this Carvahall have? I have never heard of more than two dragons hatching for people from the community at once."

"We have backbone, for one thing," Roran said, harsher than he meant.

What he meant, Askanir said quickly, is that the folk from Carvahall are stubborn. To a fault, I must say. Sometimes it drags out decisions, but when they decide on a course of action or something to believe in, they will die before giving it all up. I have not been in Carvahall, not really, and I met only these young ones and Brom – oh, and the one they called Garrow. But I have learned enough from Roran's memories.

Stubborn, eh? Roran rolled his eyes.

"And this stubborn personality, is this what catches the attention of dragons?" Vanir stopped sounding like he was going to vomit at any time. He was still tense, and watched Roran warily. Not that the human Rider was thinking of pushing him off Askanir's back. Not really.

I do not know. It is just that we know a potential Rider, and recognize the person we are willing to grow with.

"You may not like us, Vanir, but there is also a reason why dragons also let humans into the Rider pact." Roran grinned. "We are all equal, in a way."

They reached the Crags, where a table and at least twenty chairs were set outside, cups of tea lined perfectly. Oromis and his daughters sat with Faolin and Orik, talking lightly. The elder dragons were also having their own conversations. The younger dragons, even the hatchlings, went over to join them, while Brom led the Riders to the table.

"It has been quite a while, Brom," Ash said with a smile. "The years appear to have been kind to you."

"Not as kind as they have been to you," Brom said with a smile. He bowed to Oromis. "Master."

Oromis smiled. "It is always good to see an old pupil, especially one who has surpassed his master in his own way. I will hear how you are faring later."

Ash nodded Aesyr and Vanir with a smile as the eight young Riders took their and Arvindr glittered from her belts. Apparently, it was another important day. "Twenty years ago, when Brom discovered the eggs where the first six dragons hatched from, I set off with him to the ruins of Edoc'sil, now known as Ristvak'baen, in disguise. We concealed six of the ten swords that were recovered after the Fall of the Riders, warded so as not to be easily detected. It was the biggest piece of magic we have wrought, and we feared that it was not enough."

"What does this have to do with us?" Aesyr asked curiously.

Vanir stared at her with a level look, as if trying hard not to look annoyed. It was tempting to hit him. Just a bit. "There were ten, and six were concealed. Master Ash has one of them, and Lord Fiolr keeps Tamerlein for himself. So there are two more."

"Correct." Serylda stood up from her seat, calmly sipping her tea. "Our mothers were also Riders. You may have not known, Aesyr-firenia, but our mothers were Riders too. And we kept their blades in Ellesmera, which was why they were not taken by the Forsworn when they raided Ilirea. Ash proposed something last night, and though I loathe to agree with my sister in most matters…"

"Oh, do not be so stiff, Serylda," Ash scoffed. "What she means is that we had an agreement. Though it would pain us to part with these mementos, it would be better for them to be wielded by Riders once more, rather than just sleep in here for eternity. Stay there and we shall get them."

Together, the sisters rose to their feet and flitted into the shade of the trees. "They are half-sisters," Nasuada explained kindl as Arya went into a long explanation of elves taking mates instead of marrying.

"I could have told you the same thing," Vanir said, apparently irritated that he was bested by the two girls.

Ash and Serylda returned, setting down two one-handed blades before the new Riders. The black one was thicker, set with a black diamond as dark as night on its pommel. Its gleaming sheath was also black. The white blade was slender and more graceful, its blade a creamy, pearly hue. It also held a diamond on its pommel, this one a milky white. Its sheath also glistened like a pearl.

"Myrkning, or Midnight," Serylda said, handing the black blade to Aesyr. "Bear it well. Uphold my mother's legacy."

"And this is Skumring, or Twilight," Ash said, handing the white sword to Vanir. "Holding a human's blade may teach you a thing or two."

Vanir gets his ass kicked and now Brom is FORCING him to be civil to the other Riders. And everything is taken even further after Agaeti Blodhren (Chapter 44, folks!)

Yup, someone actually guessed the dragons' genders correctly, so the next question is...THEIR NAMES. What do you think will be their names? Would it be something mundane made awesome like Thorn's? Or something totally out of this world like Askanir's?

Nidavel is getting a dragon when he joins the Dark Side of the Force, though I don't really think that there's a dragon crazy enough to choose him... unless he has a redeeming quality that could turn him back to the Jedi, er, Riders' side. Haven't really considered Lord Barst, and Tornac is going to appear as a good guy. Just not a Rider. Sadly.

Riders with the blood of Carvahall do keep popping up all the time, don't they? I wonder why? :D

As for crushing Nidavel if he harmed the egg, like it or not but I think Vanir would've ripped his throat out. Speaking of Vanir, he's trying his darnest to stay civil, huh? XD Oh, and by the way, the Riders are going to get new swords someday...

Reading The Wheel of Time is taking so much of my writing time. I just finished A Crown of Swords (am I really halfway through already?!) and I'm starting to bear Egwene a little. Even Elayne has her redeeming side every now and then. But Nynaeve annoys me more than Elaida. Oh, and I love Aviendha, Mat, and Perrin (I can see where Roran's actions in Eldest were inspired from.) I really don't know why people don't really like Faile. Aside from that jealousy thingie, of couse.

Read and review, as always!