18. City

When he awoke, Eragon was surprised to find himself alone. He didn't remember Arya leaving, but he was sure she was fine, a sentiment confirmed by Saphira as she learned it from Fírnen. He began preparing something for breakfast and packing the saddlebags. Saphira and Fírnen were off together, but they knew Arya and Eragon finally wished to fly to the city that morning.

After about half an hour, when Eragon had started to worry, Arya emerged from the trees running, breathless but excited.

"I'm sorry to be gone so long, Eragon. I was searching for something specific, and it took longer than I expected. But I found what I was looking for." When she reached him, Arya proudly held up her hand. "For you," she said, smiling eagerly.

On her open palm lay a simple but striking band woven out of sapphires and emeralds. There was a subtle texture and ridged pattern that reminded Eragon of Saphira's scales, though not as rough and prickly. The two gems intertwined around one another in a thin twist, forming an unending circle.

"Without much time to consider it, I also attempted something symbolic," Arya explained. "It is meant to be a representation of Saphira and Fírnen, the dragons who brought us together in the beginning and end." Eragon perceived that she was nervous he might not like it.

Eragon stared at the ring in amazement before gingerly reaching for it. "I'm at a loss for words," he said. "It's incredible."

"I hope you don't mind the brilliance of the gems," Arya apologized. "Do you like it?"

Eragon reluctantly pried his gaze from the ring and looked at her incredulously. "Like it? I do like it, Arya. Words cannot even begin to express just how much I like it."

Arya let her breath out in relief, his only clue she had even been holding it. Eragon wrapped her in a tight embrace. "I still can't believe this is happening—that you're here, that we will marry, maybe even later today. And then we get to make . . ." he trailed off uncertainly, not wanting to offend her.

"Make love," she finished for him, staring straight into his eyes. "It will be beautiful."

Eragon nodded solemnly. "Yes, it will. I've wanted to for so long, wanted you as my wife for so long, and it's surreal that it's actually happening now. Thank you for this, Arya."

Without loosening his hold, Eragon slid the ring on the third finger of his left hand, admiring it over her shoulder. It was a fine adornment—the nicest he had ever owned and easily his favorite, even over Aren, the ring he had inherited from his father.

"Let me see how it looks," Arya requested. Eragon raised his left hand, and she reached for it to perform her examination. Apparently satisfied, she said, "It's a good fit and looks very handsome indeed. I like the contrast of blue and green against your tan skin."

"I think Saphira and Fírnen will like it too," Eragon murmured against her hair, noticing that her delicate scent was even stronger after running in the forest. He closed his eyes, prolonging the moment as much as possible, when his stomach rumbled impressively.

Arya laughed, and he smiled sheepishly. "I see you have prepared something to eat," she observed.

"Aye," Eragon replied.

"Shall we then?" Arya began to pull away, but Eragon held her long enough to gently kiss her lips before releasing her.

She raised her eyebrows. "That was nice. I'll be glad when we don't have to limit it any longer."

He nodded his agreement, and then they ate.

Saphira and Fírnen knew the precise time to return. Arya and Eragon had just cleaned up breakfast when they swooped into the clearing. Without being prompted, Saphira immediately noticed the rings they each wore, their simple beauty and brilliance catching her sharp eye.

Snaking her head closer, Saphira studied Arya and Eragon's hands, which they both held up at her request. They are magnificent, she approved. The symbolism and personal meaning increase their already considerable beauty.

Mine represents you and Fírnen, Eragon shared. Though nothing could match your beauty, Saphira. She hummed, pleased. Save Arya perhaps, he amended. She has done a masterful job.

Arya smiled at the praise. Yes, she agreed. No gem could rival your splendor, nor yours, Fírnen.

Fírnen also bent down for a closer look. I recognize the lilies on Arya's band as the same you created for her, Eragon. She told me of that moment. A splendid rendering. Well done, little ones.

Without further ado, Arya and Eragon secured the saddles to their dragons and prepared to depart, both anxious to return the city and begin their life together as husband and wife.

Since they had covered some distance the day before, the flight to the city lasted less than two hours. The dragons flew low, and Arya admired the land passing beneath them. She and Eragon communicated with their minds rather than trying to yell over the wind. Fírnen and Saphira couldn't fly any closer together than their wingspans allowed, and that was some distance. The short flight was the longest Eragon and Arya had been apart since Arya had arrived four days earlier.

They passed over forests and grasslands, mountains and valleys. Arya noticed the abundant herds of gazelle and other gentle wildlife below. As they neared the city, Arya had the thrilling experience of recognizing dozens of dragons of all imaginable hues flying about. Many swiftly approached as they recognized Saphira, whom they regarded with respectful deference, though their thoughts all expressed an eager excitement.

I scryed Murtagh this morning in the forest, Arya explained, to let him know we were returning today. Perhaps the news has spread.

No doubt it has, Eragon thought. The union of two Riders is a significant event. The first of its kind in over a century.

And between an elf and a human, no less, Arya added.

When the city came into view, Arya's thoughts revealed her awe.

I know you always wished to see the ancient home of the Riders at Doru Araeba, Eragon said. I regret that I was never able to take you there, but its appearance was almost identical to what you can now see of the city. Before all the destruction caused by Galbatorix, that is.

It's breathtaking, Arya said. I actually visited the city once with the Eldunarí you left. They helped me take the necessary precautions so we would be safe. It was depressing, and I think my longing to go when you first went had a lot to do with wanting to be with you. I'm glad I at least got to see it, but this is magnificent!

They soon reached the sprawling courtyard before the main hall of the city, which was large enough for dozens of dragons. A welcoming party awaited them consisting of the other inhabitants of the Isle: Murtagh and the Riders, Blödhgarm and the elves, and many dragons, both bonded and wild.

Saphira and Fírnen landed an appropriate distance away to avoid buffeting those on the ground with the booming gusts from their wings. Arya and Eragon dismounted, rejoining each other and holding hands as they approached the party.

Arya formally greeted the elves with her hand turned over her collarbone, initiating the three phrases exchanged upon meeting. Eragon saw Murtagh smiling slightly at her formality, which she had abandoned to greet him. The other Riders approached Eragon with many handshakes, embraces, and congratulations. They observed Arya with cautious reverence as they finally beheld the object of his affection.

Eragon glanced over in time to notice Arya's dazed expression. You're something of a legend to them, he remarked.

Arya nodded. It reminds me of the way the Varden regarded Katrina when Roran returned with her. I never thought to have such worshipful reverence directed toward me. And I was a queen less than a month ago!

Eragon smiled and reassuringly squeezed her hand. They're glad you're here. I'll be a much different man now. And then he turned his attention back to the others.