36. Eldunarí
Most of the company took that as the concluding remark of the discussion. Those who were finished with their meal began to clear away dishes and carry them to the kitchen for washing. A few remained to eat more, Eragon and Arya among them. They had often interrupted their meal with joking and merriment, so they focused with more effort on the task at hand.
After clearing her things, Willow bid them good evening and went after Tomath. She put her arm lovingly around his shoulders, whispering something to him as they walked toward the living quarters, and he smiled at her in return. Varhog watched her go until she disappeared then left through the exit to the courtyard.
"I'm grateful she is here," Eragon said once Willow, Tomath, and Varhog were gone. He and Arya were the only two remaining. Even Angela had quietly departed. "I don't know how Tomath would have managed without her comforting presence. I have often wondered if Sunset knew we would need her here to be successful and if that was not, in part, the reason she hatched for Willow."
"She truly is unique," Arya agreed. "She told me something of her past. It seemed sad and full of more death than one so young deserves. But she seems determined to be positive and to create the family she never had here with the Riders, by being the mother and sister all in one."
"Aye, that's a fitting portrayal," Eragon said. "What do you think of the idea Varhog seems to have in his mind? And she herself? Do you think that would be possible?"
"It's hard for me to picture, but I never thought I would marry a human and look at me now," Arya commented. "And I never would have believed that an elf maid would fall in love with and marry a dwarf, but now I see that such an unlikely scenario also existed. Perhaps an Urgal and a human is not such an improbable match after all. Willow seems to be open to the idea, which I confess is the most surprising part of it to me, though I am slightly ashamed to admit it. I guess it's harder for me to imagine a stunning human woman desiring an Urgal ram than the other way around, even though I should know better, since the Urgralgra view humans with equal measures of animosity and disgust. Why do you think she acted as she did tonight?"
"It's hard for me to guess," Eragon admitted. "Perhaps Varhog hasn't yet revealed his feelings to Willow but she won't make it easier for him by bringing it up. She has no prejudices toward him or his race and never has, which is more than any of the rest of us can say. She gives everyone a chance to prove themselves without holding to any preconceived notions. Perhaps this is another reason Sunset hatched for her."
"I can imagine," Arya said. "It is honorable of her to be so just and open. It reveals the true depth of her character. Well, if things work out as they both seem to want, then I would say that Varhog is a lucky man. Or ram, I suppose."
Eragon nodded. "And Willow would also be fortunate. Varhog is very impressive and has excelled in every area of his studies. Any biases I still secretly nursed when he arrived have long since been dispelled by his exemplary discipline and dedication." He then asked, "Are you finished, my love? I haven't forgotten my promise to visit the Eldunarí, but if you are too weary this evening, we can retire and go at first light."
"I am finished eating," Arya answered. "And I would like to visit the Eldunarí this evening. If they know anything that could help us, I want to find out as soon as possible."
They quickly cleared the remaining things, saved any leftover food for later use, and made sure the kitchen was in order. Eragon explained the self-sufficient approach they had adapted on the Isle where every person took part in preparing and cleaning up after every meal so the work was light and easy.
"The Eldunarí encouraged an orderly and fair method, one where all would feel equally responsible and no one would be superior or inferior," he told Arya. "It has worked well so far. We are all on equal footing."
"That is wise," she said. "Do you think it will continue as time goes on and we earlier Riders become more experienced?"
"I plan to continue it indefinitely. If at some point any of us refused to help, it would make the work harder and more burdensome for those expected to take care of it in our stead. That would detract from their training efforts and possibly create resentment, something I would certainly prefer to avoid."
"Have you considered bringing help here?" Arya wondered. "Surely there are many who would consider serving the Riders a great honor."
"We haven't given it much serious thought," Eragon replied. "We already feel we receive more deference than we deserve with the privilege of bonding with the dragons and all the gifts and abilities that affords us. To enlist servants would only feed into the erroneous notion that we consider ourselves better than others and ought to be served. Or it would create the false impression that we're lazy and above the simple tasks of sustaining ourselves. With the wisdom of the Eldunarí to guide us, we have seen that this way is better for all. And we also feel it best that the location of the Isle remain as secret as possible to discourage unscrupulous visitors."
"You have become most wise, my husband," Arya said with mock solemnity but not without a touch of true admiration.
Eragon grinned and echoed her tone. "Thank you, my wife. But lest you give me more credit than is my due, my wisdom is largely thanks to the efforts of the Eldunarí. It is almost impossible not to be wise if you listen to even a fraction of what they say."
"But in accepting their wisdom, you make it your own," Arya insisted, all mocking aside.
"Then what would you say if you learned that they encouraged me to let go of my feelings for you?"
"Indeed? And why would they suggest that?" Arya asked.
"They argued that it was distracting me from my work here no matter how diligently I sought to prevent it, also insisting it was a lost cause." Eragon smiled at her as they walked hand in hand to an outdoor location.
"Hmm, I'm not sure what I should think about their insinuation of my character."
"Perhaps they only realized that I was not as improved as you seem now to believe, and they saw that all appearances of wisdom were in truth merely reflections of their own. And that it would therefore be wise of you not to change your opinion of me," Eragon suggested with a teasing grin.
"Nonsense," Arya argued.
"Whatever the reason, it was of no use. I tried to follow their advice and failed. I tried so hard to let you go, Arya. I believed, as they did, that it was a lost cause. No matter how hard I tried, however, there was always part of me that refused to give up hope. It clung to your words that you might come to see me differently if only you had more time."
"I'm glad it didn't work. You letting me go."
"Yes, as am I," Eragon replied, putting one arm around her shoulders.
She put hers around his waist and they walked on a moment longer before she asked, "Where are we going?"
"To the home of the Eldunarí," Eragon answered. "They dwell in a large cave convenient to the training grounds. They prefer to be in contact with the warmth of the earth so they can feel its energy and life. With their power they are able to open the roof of the cave when desired so they can experience the openness of the skies. We often fly with them during training. It serves a dual purpose in that they are able to enjoy the feelings of flight they have long missed in their current state, and at the same time, they're able to provide the dragons with detailed and practical instruction of flight and all things pertaining to it.
"Each of the Eldunarí has such a unique perspective. There has never been a library, no matter how great, with such limitless resources for learning and instruction and in such an intimate way. I read many great books and scrolls during my training with Oromis and have read countless since that time from the volumes we brought with us and that Riders have gathered during their visits back to the mainland. But to have the wisdom of a dragon played into your mind—scene by scene, complete with commentary and explanation of every minute detail—is unparalleled. That being said, it is also completely overwhelming at times, which makes the retreat into a simple book, wherein only your mind and limited comprehension are available, all the more welcome."
"I look forward to learning more under their instruction," Arya said. "I felt similar under the guidance of those you left in my care, though there were only a few."
Eragon said, "I worry about what this experience will be like. When you call on them for remembrance of some minute detail, such as the secluded love of an elf and dwarf in the woods, those who are likely to know anything all combine together and begin rushing through their centuries' worth of memories, each trying to call upon anything that might prove useful. Prepare yourself for that."
"I will be sure to, thank you."
"Here we are then," Eragon announced as they arrived at the entrance to a large cave. "We call it the Cave of the Eldunarí. Not very original, I'm afraid. Like the name of the Isle itself. I always did have a hard time with names." They walked into it for a time, the already tall passageway continuing to rise as they went.
When Eragon stopped, they were in the opening of a vast domed chamber. The ceiling was open then, providing a clear view of the stars in the heavens, and Arya looked up.
Eragon followed her gaze. "They often leave it open all summer. They like the warmth."
On the walls of the chamber were rows and rows of earthen cavities, each the resting place of an Eldunarí. The vast array of colors and shimmers created the appearance of a wall full of precious jewels.
Before greeting the Eldunarí, Eragon said, "Cuaroc will ascertain that we mean no harm. He does every time. Even with me. Go ahead, Cuaroc." They each waited while the dragon-headed man performed his mental inspection of their minds. When he was finished, Eragon respectfully intoned, Greetings, Eldunarí.
Greetings, Eragon, countless minds returned.
As you have no doubt already learned, Arya, daughter of Islanzadí, former queen of the elves, has come to our island. We have been married and come seeking your collective wisdom, for we find ourselves in an unusual situation.
Glaedr spoke from the multitude of minds. Welcome, Arya. We are glad we were mistaken in our counsel to Eragon that he must forget his feelings for you. We can feel his great joy and your own at your union. Never before did I know a similar such union—between an elf and a human—to carry such true love and tender commitment as I sense in yours.
Thank you, master, Arya humbly replied.
Umaroth joined with, We welcome you also as a Dragon Rider. Here is where you belong and where you will learn the true ways of your calling. He then continued, Now tell us of your situation, Eragon. We will help if we are able.
Eragon began directly, Arya is with child. We had our doubts that our union would ever produce offspring and yet so soon, almost as soon as it began, our fears were put to rest. But then we learned something most troubling indeed. Angela, the wise witch who has oft been our companion, informed us of her true background.
Eragon paused momentarily to see if any of the Eldunarí would provide some clue that they knew where he was going with his explanation. None did, so he continued, She told us a tale of an elf maid and a young dwarf lad. They unexpectedly happened upon each other in the eastern woods of Du Weldenvarden some seven centuries past. Under the most unlikely of circumstances, they fell in love and were married, a secret known only by the dwarf lad's elderly mother.
Most impossible of all, their marriage produced a child, who in fact is Angela herself. As improbable as this story is, the most troubling part is that Angela's parents disappeared without a trace seemingly at the moment of her birth, though no one was around to ascertain the truth. Angela's elderly grandmother arrived at the scene of her birth to find her alone and abandoned by the parents who truly wanted nothing more than to have her.
We come before you to seek your insight into this matter, if you have any. We worry about the fate of her parents and if we too might face the same fate, as a couple of mixed races who has produced a child from our love. We fear what will happen when our child is born and if we must expect to abandon it and vanish. Is there any among you who can help us? Eragon finished.
Arya gasped as the mental onslaught Eragon warned about began. Hundreds of memories from dozens of minds began to rush through them. Eragon pulled her to his chest to steady her, being somewhat more prepared for it due to his previous exposures. He squeezed his eyes shut in an effort to block some of the sensory overwhelm, knowing he didn't need to comprehend all of it.
The dragons who participated were only those who had a chance of knowing anything about the time and place Eragon had described. Many of the Eldunarí would not have been anywhere near the eastern Du Weldenvarden seven hundred years earlier. Many others had not even hatched. But the information was still vast from those who attempted to help. They sorted and searched through memory after memory.
After an indeterminate time, when Arya had begun trembling and Eragon was feeling acute mental and physical exhaustion from so long an immersion in the dragons' minds, the unbearable flow of memories ceased, and they both shuddered in relief.
With noticeable regret Umaroth began, I am afraid I was but a hatchling during the time you described, Eragon. I have no personal recollection of the events Angela shared. Nor, apparently, do any of my brethren and sisters. This love must have been secret indeed, and secluded deep within the forest, for no dragon to have the slightest memory of it.
We are deeply sorry that we cannot give you any help or insight into your dilemma. As Glaedr told you once before, there are many unexplained mysteries in Alagaёsia that even the dragons do not understand. And if, as your memories suggest, the werecats are also unaware, then you have a true conundrum. We will be most interested to learn of any unusual events surrounding the birth of your child, if you remain to tell them.
Arya began weeping softly at the reminder of that dismal possibility. Eragon imagined he knew how she felt. She had long desired to have a child and doubted she ever would, not only in her union with him, but at all, given the infertility of the elves. Then she had received her dearest wish so quickly, only to have it immediately threatened in such a mysterious way. It was enough to fill him with despair.
Do not give up hope, Arya, Umaroth comforted. I can see that you have relied on faith to buoy you through this trying time. It will serve you well. The pureness of your love with Eragon is a rare thing. Few couples ever achieve such devotion and commitment. I believe it must in part be responsible for the creation of your child, for of the many relationships between elves and humans of which I am aware, to my knowledge, yours is the first of its kind to produce a child.
And that seems also to be an essential element in Angela's history. As unlikely as was her parent's love, it appears that it was their love which allowed them to create a child against all odds. Love is a powerful force, stronger than most people realize. It will carry you through this.
Arya nodded gratefully, and Eragon knew Umaroth's words had reminded her of her resolve not to despair at the unknown possibilities.
Glaedr added, We have no reason to believe that something awful happened to Angela's parents against their wills. What Umaroth speaks is true. Love is a powerful force and in its pure form, it rarely leads to unhappiness, but rather to true joy and contentment. While appearances may suggest that something tragic happened, there is undoubtedly more to this mystery than meets the eye. I would guess that their love led to some greater good. Perhaps they sacrificed themselves in some unknown way to bless their child or even Alagaёsia at large, but that is only speculation. As Umaroth said, it would be most interesting to learn the truth of this matter.
Having fulfilled the purpose of their visit, Eragon and Arya had nothing to do but go. Eragon collectively addressed the Eldunarí, We thank you for your time and efforts on our behalf. Should the birth of our child bring with it any unusual occurrence, we will certainly impart of our knowledge, if we are able. We, along with several of the other Riders and Angela, intend to return to Alagaёsia within approximately a fortnight. Do any of you wish to accompany us?
Many of the dragons declared their excitement at that possibility, a longing for adventure foremost in their minds. Eragon knew he could take as many of them as wished to come using the spell they had taught him on Vroengard.
Then we will return for you before we depart, he promised, turning to leave with his arm supportively around Arya's waist.
As they walked, Eragon felt her sagging against him under the combined toll of her mental and emotional anguish. He lifted her into his arms and carried her the rest of the way back to their room, where he gently laid her on the bed and curled around her. He whispered to her the same words he had her first night on the island: "Sleep now, my love. I will keep you safe and warm."
A/N: The following chapter contains brief description and discussion of a mature love scene.