I apologize for the long delay, but I did not have much time to write this last few weeks, because University started again. I hope you still like it.
I do not own any part of the Harry Potter or Eragon universes.
Arya knelt down on the moss-covered ground. Ever since surviving the Battle of Farthen Dûr, she knew it was only a matter of time before she would see Ellesméra again.
During the entire duration of their journey toward Du Weldenvarden, she had been consumed by her thoughts, constantly contemplating the forthcoming encounter with her queen. Yet, it appeared that her own mind conspired to undermine her spirits.
Ever since they had departed from Tronjheim, her thoughts had seemingly poisoned her with vivid, often unsettling visions of how the reunion with her mother might unfold.
However, all those scenarios of what could transpire melted away when someone wrapped their arms around her neck. Arya's eyes widened, and she gradually raised her head to see who it was. Her eyes shut as she inhaled the sweet, unmistakable scent of juniper.
She really was home.
"You're here," Thiora said softly, holding her niece closer. She then gently pushed Arya back slightly, holding her at arm's length. Her gaze rested on Arya, a mixture of joy and relief reflected in her eyes.
"I am here," Arya whispered, her gaze shifting to the Elven lords and ladies standing behind them.
"Pay them no mind, Arya. Family is more important, you are more important," Thiora replied softly, sensing Arya's distracted glance. Thiora delicately caressed Arya's cheek and paused as her fingers brushed across her scar.
"I hope you'll tell me about the dangers that happened to you, but this is neither the right place nor the right time for it. And I'm sure your mother will support me on this," Thiora said aloud, her tone light-hearted and her eyes sparkling mischievously.
Arya felt a heavy weight lift from her shoulders, and a faint smile of gratitude spread across her face. She stood up and looked into the green eyes of her queen... her mother, and what she saw surprised her.
It had been many years since they last faced each other, but Arya had never seen her so... vulnerable.
Arya could clearly discern the anguish etched in her mother's eyes, and a heavy knot of emotions coiled within her. Her mother extended her trembling hands, cautiously inching closer, but Arya remained still, her gaze locked on Islanzadí's wavering touch. As their hands nearly connected, Islanzadí hesitated, her fingers recoiling before making contact with Arya's.
"I had given you up," Islanzadí whispered, her words so faint that only Arya barely could hear them. She gazed at her daughter with a mixture of disbelief and longing, as though Arya was a mirage, about to vanish if she dared to reach out and touch her.
"What kind of mother am I, giving up my own flesh and blood," she pondered aloud, drawing in a deep breath. In her peripheral vision, she noticed the other elves beginning to stir in their seats.
"I wish we could talk, but your aunt is right. You have a long journey behind you, and you should not be forced to recount your experiences," she unexpectedly uttered to Arya's astonishment.
Arya fixed her gaze upon the queen and nodded. "Very well."
Thiora heaved a sigh, observing the mother and daughter. She extended her hand to clasp Arya's arm gently. "Come, Arya. There's someone I'd like you to meet."
They turned together. Thiora frowned as she saw Lily had moved next to Sirius. He had a tight grip on Lily's hand and his face had turned pale, as if he had encountered one of the ghosts known to haunt the halls of Hogwarts, just as he had tried to describe them to her in their many talks about his life.
Her eyes shifted and widened when she saw the other dragon. The dragon's scales gleamed as white as freshly fallen snow, and its deep blue eyes bore a striking resemblance to the tranquil waters of Ardwen's surface. The dragon stood protectively alongside a human, who was gazing at Sirius with equal surprise. He was evidently the rider of the dragon.
But how could that be possible?
There were no other eggs; the one Arya had been carrying was the only one that had passed between the Elves and the Varden. Then why were there two young dragons standing before her?
She looked to the side and recognized the blue dragon, as the one, who apparently did hatch from the egg that the thief Hefring had stolen from Galbatorix. So where did the second dragon come from, and who was the rider?
"Sirius, what's wrong?" She wanted to step towards them, but Arya suddenly stood rooted in place. She was staring with wide eyes from Sirius to the unknown rider.
"I remember that name…aunt Thiora, who is this man?" Thiora cast a puzzled glance at Arya, picking up the demand in her voice, but before she could respond, Islanzadí stepped in to answer.
"This is Sirius Black. He is your aunt's mate and the father of your young cousin, Lily," Islanzadí replied.
Arya's eyes darted to the young elf standing by Sirius's side and back to the man's face. "But if that's Sirius Black, then that means... he's Harry's godfather," she murmured in shock.
Thiora spun around to Arya and grabbed her shoulders firmly. "Did you just say Harry? How do you know that name, Arya?!"
Thiora followed her gaze and saw Sirius still staring at the man in shock. "That is impossible," she said.
He wore a dark robe that had clearly seen better days. His hair was wild and tousled, as if a gust of wind had combed through it. His ears tapered to points, yet they lacked some of the finer features of an elf's.
"Harry," Sirius whispered.
Harry had seen and lived through more than most in his relatively brief life, enough to consider himself someone not easily taken aback. Yet, there he was, standing in a hall enveloped by the presence of ancient pine trees, confronting the Elven queen and her esteemed advisors. In this surreal moment, he found himself utterly incapable of closing his mouth as he beheld the man who stood before him.
During the times when he was isolated at the Dursleys' home after Sirius had passed through the veil, Harry couldn't escape the weight of self-blame he had placed on himself unconsciously. Countless nights were tainted by relentless thoughts that he might have been able to do something to prevent his death. And now, he stood face to face with the very man he thought he had lost forever.
Sirius black hair fell in loose, shoulder-length waves around his face. His expression carried a mix of defiance and vivacity, his eyes a deep grey reflecting untamed determination.
Harry's heart pounded in his chest.
"It can't be him," he said, shaking his head in denial.
Artemis lowered her head to eye level and stared at Sirius with sharp blue eyes.
"And what if he is?"
Artemis felt the sorrow boiling in Harry. "He's dead, Artemis! I don't know what kind of magic this is."
"Magic can be dreadful," Artemis agreed. "But I don't think this is about magic."
Harry took a deep breath, unsure of what to do. His gaze shifted to Sirius, who looked at him with an understanding expression.
"Open your heart, Harry," Artemis repeated, gentler this time. "Sometimes, the answers we seek are not in the world around us but hidden within ourselves."
Harry felt a knot in his chest slowly loosening as he listened to Artemis's words. He turned his gaze to Sirius again, who still stood before him with a hopeful look.
"Harry, is this you? Is it really you?" Sirius's voice trembled with a mix of anticipation and disbelief.
"Yes, it is me, Sirius." He sniffed the air and playfully wrinkled his nose at the smell.
"You still smell like a wet dog, Padfoot," Harry commented with a weak smile.
A broad grin slowly spread across Sirius's face, and he embraced Harry tightly. Their grip on each other was firm, as if they were afraid to let go, lest the moment slipped through their fingers.
"I never thought I'd see you again," Sirius said as he released the hug, looking at Harry with shining eyes.
"You've grown," Sirius noted in surprise.
Harry snorted. "A lot of time has passed, Sirius."
He gave Sirius a quick, appraising look. "Well, you certainly don't resemble a madman who just escaped from Azkaban anymore."
Sirius wiped tears from his eyes, and his gaze fell on the dragon, who stared at him with large eyes.
"Bloody hell, please tell me that one is not yours," Sirius said, shocked.
"It is nice to finally meet Harrys dogfather," Artemis said, leaning down to be eye level with him.
Sirius shook his head in awe and offered his hand, which Artemis curiously sniffed.
He threw Harry a quick glance. "Of course, this had to happen to you. I swear you have worse luck than me-"
"Sirius, maybe you could introduce us?" Thiora asked, stepping to Sirius's side.
Sirius took a breath and nodded. "Harry, this is Thiora, my mate. Without her, I would not be here today."
She placed her fingertips to her lips and greeted him. "Nice to meet you, Harry. Sirius has told us a lot about you," she said with a warm smile.
Harry nodded, but his confusion deepened as someone stepped out from behind Thiora's legs. It was the young elf he had seen standing next to the queen.
He knelt down to her and looked into her face at eye level.
"May I ask who you are?" Harry asked, noticing Arya and the Queen approaching from the corner of his eye.
The young elf looked up at Sirius, who looked at her reassuringly, and she stepped towards Harry. She reached for his hand, and Harry shook it gently.
"My name is Lily," she said, and Harry's eyes widened upon hearing her name.
"Is that so?" he said softly. "My name is Harry. It's nice to meet you, Lily."
He clenched his fist in his other hand, and when he slowly opened it, it revealed a white lily resting in his open palm.
"Is this for me?" Lily asked with curiosity, and Harry smiled at her. She carefully took the flower from his hand and held it close to her chest.
"A beautiful lily for a lovely Lily," Harry said with a grin, and Sirius rolled his eyes, nudging Harry lightly with his elbow.
"I've heard that one from your father before, and it's still terrible," Sirius teased, nudging Harry once more.
Thiora rolled her eyes. "Sirius, be quiet. Maybe let Harry settle in before you overwhelm him with your grand wisdom."
Suddenly, a white raven flew towards them and perched on Harry's shoulder.
"Wyrda!" Blagden croaked, and the elves around them gasped.
"Blagden! Get off our guest!" Islanzadí scolded in a stern tone, but the raven started pecking at Harry's hair, ignoring the queen and Artemis, who growled at him.
Harry looked upwards and gently stroked the white raven's feathers with his finger.
"I must apologize for Blagden's behaviour," Islanzadí said, giving the raven a stern look.
"While he may have enough sense to speak, after all these years, he still lacks any manners." Blagden clattered his beak in offense, hiding his head behind his wing.
Harry smiled amusedly. "It's alright. He reminds me a bit of an old friend."
He turned to the queen, placing his fingertips to his lips and folding his hand over his chest as Arya had taught him.
"Atra Esterní ono thelduin."
"Un du Evarínya ono varda." Islanzadí gave him a warm smile.
"Mor'ranr lífa unin Hjarta onr," Harry responded, completing the greeting.
Islanzadí glanced at her daughter. Apparently, she had taught the two riders more than she had expected during their short journey.
Harry listened in his mind as Islanzadí repeated the greeting with Artemis.
"What is your name, dragon?" Islanzadí asked.
"Artemis."
Islanzadí's eyes lit up.
"I am pleased to welcome you and your rider to Ellesmera. Of course, the same goes for you, Eragon Shadeslayer, and Saphira."
Eragon nodded gratefully and even Saphira bowed her head slightly.
Islanzadí's eyes peered down towards Orik.
"It has been a long time since someone of your folk visited Ellesméra, but we have been eagerly awaiting the day when the dragon in the egg would hatch, but it surpasses all our expectations to now see two dragons standing before us."
She closed her eyes for a brief moment, and when she opened them again, they shone with newfound determination. Islanzadí turned her gaze to Harry, who stood with his hands folded behind his back. Blagden perched on his head, tugging at his hair with his beak, creating a rather whimsical sight.
"I know that everyone present would like answers to the many questions they undoubtedly have."
"But those can wait until tomorrow. My daughter has returned, and our guests have been through a lot to stand before us today."
A broad smile illuminated her features, and she clapped her hands. Harry looked up in surprise as hundreds of lilies and roses fell from the ceiling.
"Well, it seems the Ancient Language holds more secrets than we suspected," Harry remarked as he felt the magic in the air emanating from the queen.
Suddenly, his eyebrows shot up, and his eyes widened like a pair of Quaffles.
"Wait – Arya is her daughter?!"
"How are you feeling?" Artemis asked as they walked behind the queen. She looked at him with a concerned expression while Harry watched Islanzadí speak in the ancient language, causing the doors made of interwoven pine branches to open.
The door revealed the sight of hundreds of elves looking up at them in awe.
"I don't know," Harry murmured. The elves began cheering loudly as the queen spoke words to them that he couldn't yet understand fully.
"I never thought I'd see him again." He looked at Sirius, who had an arm around Thiora's shoulder and was exchanging fleeting glances with his daughter.
"And that he has a family. He has a daughter!"
Artemis snorted, and a small flame escaped from her nostrils, prompting a few elves to call out names like 'Sky Hunter' and 'Star Keeper.'
"Star Keeper," Artemis purred. "I like the name."
Harry's lips curled into a grin. "At least it suits your name. Just be careful it doesn't go to your head."
Artemis rustled her wings. "Perhaps. And shouldn't you be happy that Sirius is alive? After all, he's your family."
Harry ran his hand over her scales. "You are a part of me. He's as much your family as mine. Do not forget this," he reminded her.
He turned around when someone tapped him on the shoulder. It was Thiora, standing before him with two mugs in her hands.
"Here, this is for you, Harry," Thiora said, offering him a mug with a clear liquid.
Harry took it gratefully and put his lips to the mug. He grimaced as the drink burned down his throat. It reminded him a bit of Firewhiskey.
"What is this?" Harry asked her.
She sipped from her own mug and answered after a moment, "This is Faelnirv. It's a liquor that we elves brew during moonlight. If you have nothing else with you, this drink will keep you on your feet for about three days."
She placed her mug gently on the ground.
"Sirius likes Faelnirv a lot, so I thought you might want to try it at least once," she said with a soft smile.
Both remained silent for a while as Harry looked at Sirius, who sat near the queen, and was engaging in lively conversation with Lily.
Thiora followed his gaze, and her cat-like eyes sparkled in the warm evening light.
"Why are you here, Thiora?" Harry finally asked with a sigh.
The elf raised an eyebrow.
"Isn't it obvious?" she asked Harry curiously.
Harry shrugged. "Honestly, no. I thought Sirius would be sitting here, not you."
Thiora nodded. "Ah, that's true, but he asked me to come."
"Why did he not want to come?" Artemis asked with a frown.
Harry repeated her question.
Thiora sighed. "For one, I wanted to meet you as well, and secondly, I thought, and he agreed, it appropriate for you two to give each other some time."
Harry let out a deep breath. "Thank you... Nothing against you, Thiora, but I need to come to terms with the idea that Sirius is still alive... and has a family. I never expected this."
Thiora smiled.
"I appreciate your honesty, Harry. You have no idea how much easier it is to talk to you than those old miserable elves," she said, winking at him.
"Something I'll have to get used to," Harry said softly.
"Believe me, it's not that bad. And I can imagine that many elves will be interested in getting to know you. Not only because you're a dragon rider, but because, alongside Sirius, you're the first human to use a magic in ways other than the ancient language."
Harry raised the mug to his lips again and took a large sip of Faelnirv. As it went down his throat, it burned a bit less this time.
"You've experienced a lot since we last saw each other face to face."
"You're right, Däthedr-Vor. Much has happened, and I am not the same person I was when I left," Arya replied thoughtfully. She felt the weight of the past years on her shoulders.
Lord Däthedr turned his gaze from the distance and looked deep into Arya's eyes. "There are things that cannot be undone, Arya. But the queen has a wise heart. Perhaps the time has come to seek reconciliation."
Arya sighed, thinking of all the lost moments and tears that had been shed. "I missed my home and the friends I left behind. But it's not solely my decision to return."
In the silence that followed her words, Arya gazed into the distance and listened to the enchanting songs that surrounded her.
"The queen has been very worried since you left. She deeply regrets the decision she made in anger."
"I will consider it," Arya promised eventually.
Suddenly, someone tapped her on the shoulder, and Arya turned around. Before her stood Lily with a loaf of bread in hand, placing it on the table before her.
When she finished, Lily looked at Arya with her storm-grey eyes. She extended her hand.
"Hi!"
Arya shook her hand with amusement.
Lord Däthedr sighed. "Lily, I'm sure your mother taught you how elves greet each other."
Lily furrowed her brow. "I know that too! It's much quicker this way, and besides, Arya is my cousin and part of the family. Formality is unnecessary there."
Lily looked at her questioningly, and Arya's lips curled into a grin.
"Come closer, Lily," Arya said, lifting her hands to Lily's face. For a minute, the two looked into each other's eyes.
Then Lily seemed to lose patience. "Okay, okay, you win."
She took a step back and jumped into the air as someone grabbed her shoulder.
"Bloody Hell!" She turned around and hissed at her father, who stood behind her.
"I don't even want to know where you learned that word, Lily."
"From you, who else," Lily said, struggling to hide her grin.
Sirius sighed dramatically. "That doesn't mean you have to copy everything I do."
He looked at her with an innocent smile. "I think your mother would agree if you called her aunt Arya, if that's okay with you?" Sirius directed his question to Arya, who looked at him with interest.
She nodded with a warm smile. "I think it makes more sense for you to see me as your aunt, Lily. After all, I'm significantly older than you," Arya smiled.
"Maybe," Lily conceded, and her eyes widened as she looked past her.
Arya followed her gaze and saw Artemis, surrounded by elves. Harry stood by her side, engaging in conversation with other elves.
"Can we go over to them?" Lily asked hesitantly.
Sirius raised an eyebrow as he looked at his daughter. It was unusual for her to be so reserved.
Arya stood up and offered her hand. "Come, Lily. I'll introduce you to Artemis."
The two walked to the other side of the hill where Artemis was, and Sirius watched them leave.
Artemis suddenly lifted her head from the ground.
"What's wrong?" Harry asked.
"Someone is trying to communicate with me. I believe I know who it is."
She opened her mind and allowed the person in.
"Thank you, Artemis," said Arya.
"Arya? Has something happened?" she voiced in her mind.
Arya looked over the heads of the surrounding elves. "No, nothing has happened. Someone special just wants to meet you," Arya said to her.
Artemis spewed a small flame from her nostrils. She eagerly awaited as Arya approached them. Lily stood by Arya's side.
Artemis lowered her head and approached Lily. The young elf took a step back, but Arya gently placed her hand on Lily's back.
"You don't need to be afraid," she told her.
Lily nodded and took a deep breath. She approached Artemis and offered her hand. Artemis sniffed it and hummed contentedly.
"You carry a strong fire within you and carry a powerful name, Lily," Artemis said.
Lily looked at her confused. "Uh, thank you? Why is my name so special?"
Artemis didn't answer. Instead, she lunged forward, grabbing Lily's collar with her teeth.
"Wow!" Lily exclaimed, dangling in the air for a brief moment before Artemis set her on her back.
"And? How's the air up there?" Harry called to her with a grin.
Lily looked around, seeing over the many elves. She ran her hands over Artemis's scales. They felt really warm. Gladr would never have allowed this!
"Stop that, it tickles!" Artemis laughed, moving back and forth.
"Sorry, Artemis," Lily giggled. She looked down at Arya and Harry, waving to her mother when she saw her standing next to them.
Thiora sighed and shook her head. "What am I going to do with you?"
Lily gave her a wide grin and started talking to Artemis about flying, while Harry turned to Arya.
He bowed playfully. "Princess Arya-"
Arya approached him and placed her foot gently on his. She pressed with her heel on his foot, and Harry grimaced as he straightened himself immediately.
"Finish the sentence, and I promise you won't like what happens next," Arya smirked, and rose an elegant eyebrow.
"Tempting, but if I can, I'll try to avoid any future pain," Harry laughed, raising both his arms in a protective gesture.
He sighed dramatically in relief as Arya lifted her foot from his. Thiora raised a surprised eyebrow but said nothing.
Arya let out a breath and looked Harry in the face. "I'm sorry I didn't tell you the truth. I-"
"Arya, it's okay. It won't change anything between us," Harry said with a warm smile.
Arya nodded gratefully. When she left Ellesméra, she didn't want to be reminded of her position. She had become the person she was today not because she was the daughter of the queen, but through the decisions and actions she had made.
Harry yawned tiredly and stretched his arms into the air. He blinked as Blagden flew over to him again and perched on his shoulder.
"Stupid bird," Artemis remarked.
"Wyrda!" croaked the raven once again.
Harry frowned and gently stroked Blagden under the beak with a finger. The white raven clicked with its beak contentedly.
"I haven't seen Blagden this content with someone in a long time," Thiora said amused. "Not since the days of my brother."
Harry looked questioningly at Arya.
She took a deep breath. "Yes, King Evandar was my father. Blagden saved my father's life in a battle against an Urgal by pecking its eye out," Arya said, stroking the raven between the eyes.
Thiora gave the raven a suspicious look. "Unfortunately, my brother was a very generous elf. He granted the raven intelligence and a long life. Unfortunately, intelligence doesn't mean he won't have a big beak when he speaks."
"In the darkness it lingered, but returned, who was lost, but now found," croaked the raven, spreading its wings. It pushed off from Harry's shoulder and flew in a circle over their heads for a moment before settling on Islanzadí's staff.
"Please accompany me, Harry, Artemis, Eragon, Saphira and Orik. I want to show you where you can rest."
They followed Islanzadí down the hill. At the foot of the hill, an elf with open silver hair and warm brown eyes was waiting. She wore a green summer dress, and around her hips, she had a dark belt with a flute attached to it.
Islanzadí stopped and gestured with her hand towards the elf. "This is Niduen. Eragon and Saphira, she will show you to your accommodations."
"Pleased to meet you, Eragon Shadeslayer and Saphira."
The elf brought her fingers to her lips and tilted her head to the side when Eragon didn't respond.
Harry snorted and, unnoticed by the others, nudged Eragon's side with his elbow.
Eragon shook his head, as if waking from a short daydream, and returned the greeting.
He looked deeply into Niduen's eyes and smiled gently. "L-Likewise, Niduen. Saphira and I are very pleased to meet you."
The elf tilted her head slightly and gave Eragon a delicate smile. Eragon and Saphira followed Niduen, as they all vanished into the darkness among the trees.
Twilight gently settled over the forest as Harry and the others followed Islanzadí through the thicket of trees. The forest floor was covered in soft moss that yielded gently under their steps.
He listened with interest as Lily, still sitting on Artemis's back, pointed everywhere and talked with her lively about everything.
The path led them to a cottage nestled between two gigantic trees. The trunks were massive, and the cottage looked as though it was growing from the trees.
"Look, Harry! On the side, there's a large opening for a dragon," Artemis remarked.
"Even if I continue to grow, I'll still fit in there."
Islanzadí nodded. "Rest well from the long journey you've had, and tomorrow we will speak, and you will meet your teachers."
Harry nodded and gave the queen a slight bow. "Artemis and I thank you very much, Your Majesty."
The queen disappeared into the darkness. Thiora approached Artemis, folded her arms across her chest, and looked sternly upward.
"Lily, please come down. Harry and Artemis have had a long day."
Lily pouted and crossed her arms. "But I want to stay with Artemis and Harry!"
Thiora sighed, and suddenly, there was a gasp, followed by loud giggling.
Lily soared through the air, stretching her arms and legs until she gently landed on the ground.
"Again, Harry!" Lily called out and rushed toward him, laughing, as she embraced his waist with her arms.
Harry tucked his wand inside his cloak and brushed a strand of hair from Lily's face.
"Perhaps another time, Lily. Your mother is right; Artemis and I have had a long journey."
Lily initially let her head hang, but then lifted her face with a smile.
"I will remember that!" Lily exclaimed.
Harry offered her his pinkie finger, and Lily's eyes lit up.
"My dad makes the same promises," she said in amazement, hooking her little finger with Harry's.
"Promised," he said, and they shook each other's hands.
"Harry, if you need anything, we are here for you anytime," Thiora said, bidding farewell with Lily.
He turned to Arya. She was the last one remaining.
"I'll go inside already," Artemis murmured.
Harry stared into the darkness of the trees for a long moment.
"Did you know?" he finally asked, his voice low as if he feared speaking the words aloud.
"About your godfather living in Ellesméra and having a child with my aunt?" Arya asked, gently placing a hand on Harry's cheek.
With a gentle force, she turned his face, and her eyes widened as she saw his. She recognized a mixture of pain and joy in them.
"No," Arya answered with a soft voice. "I didn't know."
Arya felt Harry take a shaky breath.
"How do you feel?" she asked cautiously.
"It's so much at once, Arya. Joy, pain, surprise. I never thought I'd see Sirius again. I had accepted that he was gone forever."
Silence hung between them for a moment.
"And how are you? It must have been difficult to see your family again after all these years," Harry questioned her.
Arya sighed as well. "I imagined my return differently. My mother... she has changed," Arya said honestly.
Harry nodded. The decisions queen Islanzadí made today were not those of a queen but of a concerned mother.
It was the next morning, and someone knocked gently on Arya's door. She extended her mind and sighed.
"Come in, mother."
Islanzadí opened the door and entered. Arya rose from her seat and met her mother's gaze.
"You look tired," Arya said softly.
Islanzadí smiled weakly. "It was a difficult night for me. Many thoughts passed through my mind, and most of them were not pleasant."
Arya looked intensely at Islanzadí. The last time she saw her mother, her eyes were cold and full of disappointment. Now, deep regret and hope reflected in her eyes.
"You have changed," Arya broke the silence.
"The years of separation were difficult for me, and I wish I had acted differently. I have learned a lot in recent years," Islanzadí said.
"Why? What has changed? I can't imagine that the exile you imposed on me changed you so much," Arya questioned.
Islanzadí flinched. Arya's words hit her hard. She took a deep breath before answering.
"Years of solitude provide a lot of time for reflection, especially when your own family blames you for their loss," Islanzadí said.
Islanzadí continued, choosing her words carefully. "Your aunt and I argued a lot. You know her well, so you can imagine why my decision regarding you displeased her a lot. We hadn't spoken for many years, and I feared that the loneliness would consume me."
Arya's features hardened, but Islanzadí raised her hands soothingly. "Please, Arya. Let me finish. It was a time of confusion and fear for me. We elves are not infallible, and I fear that my fears led to a decision that hurt you a lot."
Arya gazed deeply into her mother's eyes and finally nodded, a sign for her to continue.
"The loss of your father... it broke me," she said, and her hands trembled on her lap. "He meant everything to me, and he was simply torn from my life."
"From our lives," Arya repeated softly, her features stern.
Islanzadí wiped away tears with her fingers. "Forgive me, you're right. I lost my mate, and you lost even more. I'm sure if Evandar was in my place, things would have been different. He was always the stronger willed of us, something you clearly inherited from him."
The queen looked at a fairth on Arya's bedside table. It depicted Evandar and a young Arya sleeping in the shades of the Menoa Tree.
She stood up and gently took it in her hand. "I was afraid of losing you, Arya."
Arya shook her head. "You have let yourself be ruled by your fear, mother."
Islanzadí placed the fairth back. "I did. I was a miserable queen and an even worse mother to you. I only cared for my own folk, while I neglected my own family. I don't deserve your compassion, Arya, but I hope you can forgive me one day. I was more than unkind to you, and I am sincerely sorry."
Arya said nothing for minutes, and mother and daughter looked at each other intensely. Islanzadí made to leave, but Arya remembered something Harry had told her.
"Time may have passed, but love endures," she whispered and reached for Islanzadí's hand.
Her mother's eyes widened, and Arya returned her shocked gaze.
"I have never regretted my decision to accept the Yawë, and I have learned much about all the other races during my travels. There is only so much you can learn by the books and humans and dwarves are different from us, but they also live under oppression," Arya said and added quietly. "Even more than us."
"Yet, if there's one thing I've learned from humans, it's that they live their lives, as short as they may be, filled with passion."
Arya stood up and embraced her mother. "I accept your apology, Mother, but I cannot forgive you, yet. It will take time."
Islanzadí held Arya tightly. "Thank you, Arya. It's more than I deserve."
"I'm just glad to be home again."
Arya and Islanzadí entered the Tialdarí Hall through one of the side doors and found Lord Däthedr and Sirius waiting for them.
"Where is Thiora?" Islanzadí asked.
"She stayed with Lily to explain a few things," Sirius replied, pushing himself off the wall against which he had been leaning.
"I would like to hear what has happened to you since your attack, Arya," Lord Däthedr said.
Islanzadí nodded. "For that and other matters, we are here, Däthedr-Vor. But before we begin, I would like to wait for the two dragon riders."
It didn't take long for Eragon, Saphira, and Orik to be led in by Bellaen, an Elf from the House of Mirolanda.
Arya frowned when she noticed Harry's absence. Her concern grew when she saw the stern expression on the Elf's face.
"Where is Harry?" Sirius demanded immediately.
"I could not find him," Bellaen said.
"What did you see?" Islanzadí demanded.
Bellaen glanced from her to Eragon. "Before visiting Eragon and Saphira, I went to the rooms where Artemis and Harry live. However, when I arrived, no one was there."
Sirius immediately started walking briskly, and Arya followed him.
Orik groaned into his long beard. He hated to run among the giants!
The group eventually reached the door to Harry's quarters, which was slightly ajar. Sirius pushed the door open and entered the room, immediately followed by Arya. A fleeting glance revealed that the room was empty without any signs of them or their belongings.
Sirius's voice was sharp with concern. "Harry! Where are you?"
There was no response. Arya quickly searched the other rooms, but there were no signs of Artemis or Harry. Her thoughts raced as she considered where they could be.
"I will have the area searched for him," Islanzadí declared resolutely, and Lord Däthedr started to leave the room, but then they heard Eragon shouting.
"I found something!" Eragon called out, and they hurried after his voice.
"What did you find, Eragon?" Orik asked with quick breaths when he finally arrived. Curse the long legs!
They were in Harry's bedroom. There, on his bed, was Harry's pouch, and on the floor was a large suitcase with its lid open.
Arya approached the suitcase. She gazed inside and frowned. Was it similar to Harry's bag?
She reached her arm into the suitcase, and everyone around her gasped. The arm went deeper than physically possible, and her hands grasped something familiar.
"A ladder," she said to those around her and took a step back. The suitcase looked old and had definitely seen better days.
"I should have known," Sirius said, rubbing his face with one hand.
"What magic is this?" Lord Däthedr asked with curiosity. Despite his long years, he had never seen anything like it.
But before Sirius could answer, the suitcase wobbled until suddenly Artemis's head popped out.
"Why are you shouting?" She asked them sleepily.
Atra esterní ono thelduin. Mor'ranr lifa unin hjarta onr. Un atra du evarínya ono varda - May good fortune rule over you. Peace live in your heart. And the stars watch over you.
