When Eragon awoke the next morning, he found Arya and Saphira deep in a silent conversation, the hatchling standing between them. The sun was peeking over the horizon, the light trickling in between the tree trunks that made up the forest of Du Weldenvarden. Arya was waving a hand at Saphira, but Eragon was surprised to see that the elf wasn't angry or upset.
Whatever their conversation, Eragon left them to it. He stood from his bed roll, stretching lightly in the morning air. Lifaen and Nari were waking from their waking-dreams, and even Orik was stirring from his own bed roll. Glenwing was gone, but Eragon saw that his pack was readied for the trip. Eragon pulled out an apple, munching lightly on his favorite fruit. Over the years, he tended to jump between favorites. Sometimes he would prefer the sweetness of pears, or the other more exotic fruits that grew east of the Hadarac desert.
When he was done, Eragon started packing his bed roll, pausing when a shadow fell over him. Looking up, Eragon saw Arya standing over him, her green eyes casting about his figure. "How do you feel, Eragon?"
"Fine." He responded. When the worry did not fade from her face he asked, "Is everything alright between you and Saphira?"
Arya nodded, but he could see that she was distracted. "Oh, yes. We talked."
She stayed where she was, but as he finished packing he saw that she wasn't looking at him. Her eyes were following the slow flowing river beside their camp. He sent out a probing thought towards Saphira. Good morning, Saphira.
Little-one, she replied. Her mind pushed gently against his, the feeling so familiar to Eragon.
How did your talk with Arya go? Eragon asked.
Saphira stood, stretching her wings wide. She flapped them a few times, the gust of wind making the hatchling before her squeak. The green dragon's cries were getting louder and deeper as the days went on, and before long he would be able to sound like a proper dragon. The hatchling copied Saphira's movements, his own smaller wings stirring some of the loose dirt and leaves on the ground.
The matter is settled between us, Saphira informed him. It will not trouble us any further.
Nodding his head, Eragon grabbed his pack, standing beside Arya. "If you will excuse me, Arya."
The elf inclined her head at him before moving towards her own pack. Glenwing returned when the group was finally ready, the elf slipping silently in with them. Eragon did not ask where the elf was, nor did Glenwing say anything. They loaded onto the canoes, Saphira slipping gently into the river. It took them only an hour to finish the trek to Sílthrim, in which Arya bid Lifaen and Nari to retrieve horses for the group. The elves did, while Eragon and the others removed all of the belongings from the rafts.
When the two elves returned, they were each on a white stallion, the proud elven horses striding confidently towards them. Lifaen and Nari led five more behind them; one for each of the group, one horse that was to carry their packs, and the last for Fäolin. Eragon was to ride with Saphira, and though she could not run across the ground as nimbly as a horse, would easily be able to catch up with the group through the air.
Days passed easily, with Eragon and Saphira flying deeper into the thick forest of the elves. Saphira would fly ahead of the group before lazily turning back around, using the current of air over the forest to push her along. Often Saphira would land near the group, and Eragon noticed that the dragon never made the elven horses nervous. He merely watched as their ears folded backwards, showing their annoyance at her disturbance.
They travelled swiftly towards Ellesméra, and on the third day Arya motioned below for them to land. The hatchling was growing steadily. He was nearly too big for Arya to carry, but the horse did not seem fazed by the additional weight. When Arya waved her hand towards the forest, Eragon realized that Gilderien the Wise would soon make an appearance, close as they were to Ellesméra. She glanced at the hatchling, and Eragon watched as the green dragon leapt from its resting spot behind Arya. The dragon approached Saphira, stopping before her massive frame.
Saphira and the green dragon shared a silent communication that was too quick for Eragon to make out. Finished, the hatchling climbed up her side, settling in behind Eragon. He inclined his head at Arya, understanding what she wanted. The elf did not want others to see the hatchling, blocked from view as he now was by both Saphira's height and Eragon's own form.
The horses continued their canter, slower now as Saphira followed them, listening as Glenwing explained to Orik how Gilderien guarded the way. The shine of light suddenly appearing revealed the prince, who smiled and held his arms wide, granting them permission. Arya murmured for them to continue, nudging her steed forward. The others followed, and he felt Saphira step lightly up the old elf. Gilderien held the posture as the dragon approached, and Saphira sniffed lightly at the air around him as she passed.
He was gone when Eragon turned around, and he grunted at Saphira, neat trick.
Saphira rumbled beneath him, just what I'd need. A Rider who could disappear and reappear at a moment's notice.
The forest thinned as they continued on, passing through the two trees that marked the entrance to the city. He watched as the buildings came into focus, each of them sung from the forest that grew around them. Elves emerged from the pathways that were inlaid on the forest floor, dressed in their finely spun tunics that matched the colors of the forest around them. The elves bowed as Arya led them up a cobblestone path, singly their praises lightly as they went. Saphira hunched her wings slightly from where they rested, the joint in her wing blocking the bottom half of his body, and the hatchling behind him, from view.
Arya stopped the convoy, dismounting from her horse. The other followed her direction, releasing their steeds for them to rest. The horse that Fäolin rested on was given to an elf that Glenwing spoke quickly with, and Eragon watched as the elf's face fell as Glenwing spoke quietly. The elf led the horse away from where the others went, Arya's eyes glancing briefly as it trotted. Arya led them up the rest of the pathway, and he could see the steps that led to the Queen's throne room. The door swung open, and he could make out the twenty-four chairs that housed the elven lords and ladies. Ahead of them, the knotted throne of Islanzadí came into focus. The Queen was gazing at them, her eyes alighting on Saphira briefly as the dragon entered the room. Eragon leapt lightly from her back, his stride quick as he made his way towards Arya.
He positioned himself slightly behind and to the side of the elf, and a quick glance back told him that no one could see the hatchling. Not even the elves that were in their chairs on the side of the hall could see over Saphira's back, her wings still slightly pulled up. He knew that it was uncomfortable, for he felt a slight ache appear in his back.
Blagden cried out, "Wryda!" Eragon shivered at the shriek, the word bouncing around unpleasantly in his head. Queen Islanzadí was silent upon her throne, her fingers digging in deeply to the armrests of the wooden chair. Arya stopped before the Queen and knelt, followed by Glenwing and the other elves, as well as Orik. He heard the door close behind him, and Eragon twisted his hand over his heart in the traditional way of greeting, bowing.
Saphira lowered her head as well, her respect for the Queen prominent. The dragon rarely bestowed such deference towards others before, save the Riders of old and their former masters. The Queen stood from her throne; her movements graceful as she approached Arya. Islanzadí's hand rested lightly on Arya's shoulder, gazing intently at her face. She pulled the elf to her feet, embracing her as she exclaimed, "O my daughter, how I've wronged you!"
He saw Orik glance up in surprise, but the dwarf wisely remained silent.
"Islanzadí Dröttning," Arya said stiffly.
The queen stepped back, her hand tightly holding Arya's shoulder for a moment. "O my daughter," the queen began, "Banning you from my presence has weighted heavily on me, and was the greatest mistake I have ever made. Can you forgive me?"
There was rustling around him as the elves stirred, and Eragon straightened his form. Arya, after a long pause, said, "For seventy years, I have lived and loved, fought and killed without ever speaking to you, my mother. Our lives are long, but even that is no small span."
The Queen drew to her full height, "I cannot undo the past, Arya."
"And I cannot forget the life I lived away from the forest."
"Nor should you, my daughter." Islanzadí said. The queen grabbed her daughter's hands, holding them tightly. "Arya, I love you. You are my only family. Unless you wish to renounce me, I would be reconciled with you."
Arya hesitated, glancing around the throne room. Her eyes alighted on Eragon, and he recalled their conversation long ago, in which he spoke to the elf of his own reconciliation with his father. Arya lowered her eyes, and said quietly, "No mother, I will never renounce you."
The queen smiled, her expression betraying her uncertainty, but he embraced Arya once more. The elf returned the gesture, her posture still stiff. The raven Blagden cawed from his stand, hopping from one foot to the other. "On the door was graven evermore, what now became the family lore, let us never do but to adore!"
Islanzadí waved at the raven, calling for the intelligent bird to be silent. The Queen turned to Eragon and Saphira, "Forgive me, Shadeslayer, Bjartskular, for ignoring you."
Eragon bowed to the Queen once more, greeting her first, "There is no need, Islanzadí Dröttning. Astra esterní ono thelduin."
"Atra du evarínya ono varda."
Finishing the custom, Eragon said, "Un atra mor'ranr lífa unin hjarta onr." He heard Saphira repeat the greeting, and watched as Glenwing and the other elves followed as well.
The Queen moved over to Orik, greeting the dwarf before returning to her throne. She sat regally, gesturing at Arya and Eragon. "Please, tell me of your travels, my daughter. There has been much that I've missed out on since your last missive, and then of your mission here, dwarf."
Arya explained her travels to her mother, covering a number of years from before Eragon returned. She spoke of his arrival at the Varden, and Eragon continued to listen as Arya recounted their operation to retrieve the egg. The elves seemed excited, and he could see that the Queen wished to interrupt Arya, but the elf's tale was too captivating to the audience.
When it came time for Eragon's battle with Murtagh, he saw the Queen's eyes draw in as he explained how he let his brother go. None commented on it, but he could see the elves peering closely at him as he told them. He turned the tale back to Arya, who began to explain the battle of Farthen Dûr. Arya faltered when she told of how she shattered the Star Sapphire, so Eragon took up the tale.
He told them, grief filling his voice, of how Fäolin had fought the Shade and perished. His duel with the Shade drew concern from the elves faces, but he saw a sense of relief when he mentioned that he slew the shade. Only then did Islanzadí interrupt, her eyes fixated on Arya.
"My daughter," the Queen said, "My heart mourns with you. To lose someone so dear…" Islanzadí turned to Eragon, her face fierce. "You have slain two Shades now, Eragon-vor. Your return prevented misfortune from befalling the Varden, and without you and Saphira I fear that Arya would not have returned to me. I thank you both. Please, continue."
Eragon bowed at her words, telling the Queen of the events after the battle. He spoke sadly of Ajihad's passing and Nasuada's ascent, only pausing to give the missive the Varden leader entrusted him to the Queen. She took it and read it quickly, her eyes roaming the scroll. When she was finished she said nothing, gesturing for him to continue.
Eragon told her of his decision to travel to Du Weldenvarden with the egg, which drew a number of whispered conversations from the elves around them. The Queen held up her hand to silence them, asking Eragon, "Do you have it then?"
He had never seen the Queen so excited and eager, but her question silenced Eragon. He glanced at Arya, who took a step forward. "There is something you need to know, mother."
A rustle made itself known from Saphira's back, and Eragon watched as the green hatchling leapt grandly from her back, wings spread wide as he glided down. Cries erupted from the elves, and he could see Islanzadí's eyes widen as the hatchling landed next to Arya. The elf held up her left hand, Gedwëy Ignasia held up prominently.
Islanzadí swallowed, her face a strange mixture of both pride and apprehension. It was an odd sight, but the queen gestured to Arya. "You are a Rider now, my daughter?"
"Yes, my Queen." Arya replied. She was stiff, but the elf did not cow under the Queens gaze.
"Does the dragon have a name?" Islanzadí asked.
The hatchling squeaked next to Arya, and the elf looked down in surprise for a moment. He could tell that they were communicating through their bond, and the familiar sight warmed him. Only a few seconds passed before Arya turned back to her mother. "He is still learning our language, but he has chosen the name Fírnen."
His own surprise mingled with Saphira's. The Queen sighed from her throne, her one of her hands rubbing at her temple in the same way that Arya did. The movement was so alike her daughters that if he blinked, Eragon would have mistaken the two. Or perhaps Arya gets it from her mother, he thought.
The elf inclined her head after a moment to the hatchling, "We are well met, Fírnen. There will be a celebration in honor of having an egg hatch for an elf, but before then there are other matters that concern us."
The hatchling did not reach out his mind, instead following Arya as she took a step back. She fell in line with Eragon, her shoulder nearly pressing into his. He wanted to offer her some measure of comfort, but refrained.
"Dwarf," Islanzadí addressed. "It has been a long time since one of your race has stepped foot in our halls. Eragon-vor has explained your presence, but do you have anything you wish to add?"
Orik bowed to the Queen, his beard nearly brushing the ground. "Only royal greetings from my King, Hrothgar, and a plea to aid the Varden in their endeavor against Galbatorix. The dwarves will march with the Varden to Surda, and Hrothgar expresses his desire to see the three races stand as one."
"We will aid the Varden as we have agreed upon before. I accept Hrothgar's greetings and return my own. In the fullness of time, we will discuss the future of Alagaësia and our role in it." The Queen turned to Eragon. "Is there anything else, Eragon?"
"Only a request for Arya and Fírnen to train under The Mourning Sage, Your Majesty." Eragon stated. "There is much for her to learn of the Riders, and there is much that Fírnen needs to learn of the dragons."
The elf Queen nodded to him, turning to address the other elves. "My daughter has returned to us, bringing with her a new hope for our people! We will celebrate in the proper fashion, honoring the dragons as they deserve!" She strode forward passed the assembled group, touching Arya lightly on her arm.
Eragon moved away, following Lifaen and Nari as they moved towards the entrance. Glenwing stopped next to Eragon, and Orik followed behind. "Did you two know of Arya's heritage?" Orik grumbled. At their nod, he said, "Blasted elves and their secrets. Hrothgar and Nasuada would wish to know."
"It would have been dangerous for her to reveal herself, Orik." Glenwing said softly. "If our enemies discovered Arya, Galbatorix would have stopped at nothing to gain an advantage over the elves."
The dwarf stomped, but Eragon could see that he understood the elf's reasoning. "Aye, aye. Still, does explain a lot about the elf."
Eragon chuckled his agreement. Islanzadí strode past them, the doors opening without a word. She said something in the ancient language, but Eragon missed the words. The hundred or so elves outside cheered their answer, and he saw the elves begin to move in different directions, laughter ringing out.
The Queen led them to a small hill, where some elves had set out some tables and food. The Queen bid them to join, and Eragon filled two goblets with the Faelnirv drink. He poured one into Saphira's open mouth, smiling as she rumbled at the taste. Elves began to play their instruments, the sounds of harps and reed pipes filling the air. Eragon talked with Glenwing, commenting to the elf about the feast.
He watched as elves cheered as Saphira downed more of the elven drink. The dragon kept asking for more, and the elves easily obliged her. Sighing, he knew that soon enough she would be drunk, so he resolved himself to sipping the Faelnirv slowly. There was a gathering of elves around Fírnen now, their eyes bright as they followed the dragon. Fírnen was taking in the merriment with curious amber eyes, striding around the table and sniffing at the elves.
Arya appeared suddenly at his side, startling Eragon away from his observations. A quick glance to his right showed Glenwing talking to Orik now, who was already three goblets deep in drink. Arya spoke, and Eragon nearly missed her words due to the chaos around them. "Was it as difficult for you when you first spoke to your father again?"
Surprised at her question, he thought of his answer for a moment. "I did not have to explain my actions in front of an audience, but yes, it was difficult."
She nodded her head, her eyes tracking Fírnen as the young dragon approached the Queen. Islanzadí was moving towards the head of the table, Blagden on her shoulder when she stopped to observe the young dragon. Eragon lost sight of them when Arya pulled him towards the table, seating them on the right side of where to Queen was to sit. Saphira had the whole of the other side to herself, with a massive carved plate in front of her. There was some of the few fruits and vegetables that a dragon snacked on in front of her, and Eragon watched as elves continued to supply her with drinks.
A minute later the Queen sat at the other end, the Däthedr seated on her left. Däthedr was an old friend of King Evandar, and Eragon had met the elf during his previous stay in Ellesméra before he left Alagaësia. Orik sat across the table next to Glenwing, with Lifaen and Nari beside them. Conversation broke up around the table, and Arya replied to him in a low tone, "Did it get any easier, as time went on?"
"For the brief time that we were together at Farthen Dûr? Yes, somewhat." Eragon said. Arya said nothing else, so Eragon turned the conversation away, "Will you be taking one of the Rider tree-homes now? I imagine you used to live in Tialdarí Hall, but Fírnen will find traversing the grounds difficult as he grows."
"I suppose," Arya said. "I haven't yet put too much thought into it. Perhaps I should, though."
Eragon picked at his food, watching the elves around him. They sang along with the quartet of elves, the music rising to a feverous pitch in the night. He spoke to a few other elves, pleasantries exchanged with those who he had seen during his last stay in the forest. Saphira and Fírnen garnered the most attention, with the hatchling standing on the end of the table beside the sapphire dragon.
Arya was gazing at the table, her food half eaten. What she must have been feeling remained a mystery, but when she noticed him looking she asked, "What will you do now, Eragon? Your original mission is no longer necessary now," she waved a hand towards Fírnen at the other end of the table, "And securing my peoples aid for the Varden should not take too long."
"There are those whom I must speak with first," Eragon answered. "Then, we shall see."
Eragon managed to eventually drag Saphira away from the festivities, citing his need for sleep. The dragon stumbled along after he bid his thanks to the Queen, who told him that she would summon him and Saphira in the morning. He bid Orik a good night, telling the dwarf where to find him in the morning, though the dwarf was quite drunk when he left him.
They returned to Vrael's tree, Saphira managing to fly her way into the opening without crashing. He undid the saddle, removing the straps and placing them gently to the side as she stumbled around the space. His task done, he watched her settle down, curling up in the center of the opened space. He closed the thin membrane that was used to shield the interior from the weather, placing a kiss on Saphira's head as she hummed lightly.
He could feel her drowsiness flowing into him, the soft beckoning of sleep strong as he removed his boots. Sighing for a moment, he decided a bath was in order first. He filled the basin with warm water, sinking into its depths as he let his worries drain away from him. Too many thoughts were filling him as of late, so he let the water calm his tense muscles as he washed himself.
Finishing up, he changed into a soft tunic the elves left for him for sleep, pulling on a pair of finely woven pants as well. He collapsed in the bed, the softness of the mattress dragging him down into a deep sleep.
He awoke at a knock on the door, sitting up as he called out, "Enter!"
Glenwing walked in, Orik behind him. The two glanced around his quarters, taking in the interior and Saphira as she slept on her dais. "These elves with there tall trees and bird nests of homes!" Orik exclaimed as he walked in, eliciting a smile from Eragon. "Give me a cave and some stone, and I'll sleep much better."
Glenwing merely chuckled, and as Eragon sat up he realized that it was later in the day than he thought. The sun was already nearing its midday peak, and Eragon rubbed the sleep from his eyes. "Sorry I slept so long. Did I miss the Queen's summons?"
"Nay," Orik explained. "They had something else to attend to, so they left the two of us alone."
Curious, he glanced over at Glenwing. The elf smiled sadly, "We held a ceremony for Fäolin this morning."
"Ah," Eragon murmured. He felt a slight sense of regret for missing the funeral.
"Arya thought it best that you did not attend," Glenwing explained. The elf seemed upset at the thought, adding, "When she learned that Fäolin's parents were to be there, she told the Queen not to summon you."
Orik was gazing at him with curious intent as Eragon responded. "Yes, I suppose that was for the best." If Fäolin's parents held the same information as their son, then Eragon highly doubted they would have wanted him there. If it came to it, he would seek their forgiveness for what he did, but he still would not be able to tell them the truth.
"I know the two of you did not get along," Orik stated, "But will this not be seen as a slight towards the elves?"
Glenwing shook his head, "These affairs are normally reserved for those closest to the departed. No one will question it."
Eragon pulled his boots on, gently prodding at Saphira's mind to wake her. She snorted in her sleep, a plum of smoke rising into the air. He kept at it gently, opening the cloth that covered the opening in the tree. The sun seemed to wake her, for she let out a loud yawn that caused Glenwing and Orik to flinch. Chuckling, he made his way back over to the two, strapping on Brisingr.
"The Queen and Arya are waiting for us," Orik said, "they've not said a word about where we are going." When Saphira stood up from her mound of blankets, Orik added, "Good morning, Saphira."
Good morning, Orik, Glenwing.
She blinked before shaking her head, and he felt in her mind the aftereffects of the Faelnirv. Eragon whispered a spell to help clear her mind, feeling her gratitude as it took hold. Thank you, little-one.
He strapped the saddle to her, leaving behind most of his bags. He only kept the one containing the Eldunarí, and one other that held various other useful items. Glenwing kept up a steady chatter with Orik, but Eragon paid little attention. When they were ready, Saphira leapt from the hole, and Eragon followed Glenwing and Orik down the winding steps.
Eragon spotted the Queen first, who wore a mantle of swan feathers. Arya was standing next to her, wearing her regular nondescript leathers. He spotted Fírnen eagerly waiting for Saphira, who was alighting on the ground beside them. Eragon greeted the Queen, who merely nodded in return. "Come, please. This way."
She led them down a path, and at once Eragon understood her intentions. They were heading towards the Craigs, and Eragon was surprised that she was willing to share this secret with Orik. When they reached a knoll, Islanzadí stopped.
"Forgive me, Orik," the Queen began, "But I must have you swear in the ancient language to never reveal to outsiders what you are about to see, not without permission from me, my daughter, anyone who may succeed me on the throne, and both Eragon and Saphira."
Surprise rushed through him that she would consider the pair of them worthy of such, and he watched as Orik turned to Eragon. "You know why they wish to gag me?"
We do, Saphira answered. This knowledge must remain hidden from Galbatorix at all costs. Queen Islanzadí will not let you continue unless you give your word.
When Orik continued to eye him, Eragon inclined his head, "Upon my word as a Rider, and as your friend, Orik."
"Very well," the dwarf grumbled. The Queen taught him the words, helping him pronounce them until she was satisfied. Islanzadí led them to the top, stopping just before the edge of a cliff. They stood above the forest, the home of the elves stretching out before them.
Thud.
He felt a smile cross his face, turning to watch Orik. The dwarf seemed confused by the sound, glancing around until another sudden Thud made him look towards the cliff. A final powerful thrust, and Eragon watched as Glaedr rose above them, the golden dragon landing lightly on the knoll with them.
Oromis wore white robes, the stark contrast of color against Glaedr's scales making his form easier to see, despite the way the massive dragon's scales reflected brightly in the light. Oromis gingerly made his way down Glaedr's remaining foreleg, settling lightly onto the ground.
"Oromis-elda," Eragon said, pressing two fingers to his lips in greeting, "Glaedr-elda."
"Eragon, it is good to see you again," Oromis said, his face displaying the same kindness that Eragon always expected of the elf. Glaedr bent his head down to Eragon, sniffing lightly at him.
Eragon, that you and Saphira returned unharmed and successful in your mission shows how formidable a Rider you are.
He bowed to the dragon, thanking him. Glaedr turned to Saphira, and each of the dragons sniffed at each other briefly in greeting. Saphira, Glaedr said to her, your fight with Thorn was well handled, but be careful of doing something so reckless next time.
Of course, Glaedr-elda. Saphira replied. Eragon smiled; even though the two of them had not been students in over two hundred years, Glaedr was still trying to act as their mentor.
Orik strode up to the Elder Rider, clapping a fist over his heart. "Truly, this is a surprise. If it is not too presumptuous, I would ask a boon on behalf of my king and my clan, as was the custom between our people."
Oromis nodded, "If it is in my power to do so, I will grant whatever you wish."
"Then tell me this: Why have you remained hidden? You were sorely needed, Agretlam. Eragon I could understand, being so far removed from Alagaësia, but you?"
Glaedr growled as silence fell in the knoll, but Oromis held up a hand. "Know this, Orik, that you are right. But Glaedr and I are not what we once were. He has his injury, and I have my own. We did not, like everyone else, know that Saphira and Eragon still lived. Thus, we remained behind as the last Rider and dragon to pass on the secrets under our charge. There is nothing more important to Glaedr and I then to offer our hands in aid, but in this we could not."
Orik made to speak again, but Eragon clasped him on the shoulder. "Orik," he said quietly, "They do wish to help. But arguing about the past will solve nothing, and it is not why we are here."
The dwarf sighed, but nodded his head in agreement. He could still see that Orik wished to ask more questions of the Rider, but wisely chose to remain silent.
"Eragon is correct." Oromis said, turning to Arya. The elf had been silent the whole time, and it was only then that Eragon noticed the hatchling remaining still beside her. Fírnen was staring at Glaedr's massive bulk, and Eragon thought he could hear a faint humming coming from the dragon. "When the egg hatched, Glaedr and I were most surprised. That you would be chosen, Arya Dröttningu, to be the last Rider. In this, I think that your dragon has chosen well."
Arya bowed to Oromis, and her face was carefully neutral. "I thank you, Oromis-elda."
"You knew?" Queen Islanzadí accused. "That the egg had hatched for Arya? Why have you betrayed me, Shur'tugal?" The Queen's face twisted with rage, and Eragon nearly shied away from her.
Oromis turned to the Queen, a small sad smile on his face. "I knew, but then the egg only hatched days ago. They were still within reach of the Empire, and I did not want to bring you news when it could had been easily snatched away."
The Queen's face calmed some, but Oromis asked, "Let us speak later of this, my Queen. It would not do to have this conversation in front of others."
Islanzadí sighed, "Very well. Go, and be done with you."
Glaedr was facing Fírnen, his ancient gaze locked onto the small dragon. If they were conversing, Eragon did not know. Oromis turned to Eragon and said, "Come. We have much to discuss."
"Aye," Eragon agreed. He strode over to Saphira and leapt onto her back, waving farewell to Orik and Glenwing as the two left the glade, following behind the Queen. Arya hesitated, looking at Oromis.
"Ride with Eragon," Oromis said to Arya. "You are a Rider now, and have the right to partake in our discussion."
The elf nodded, before looking at Saphira. With quick movements Arya was up Saphira's leg, settling in behind Eragon. The hatchling followed, and though Fírnen could fly short distances now, he would be unable to keep up with the two mature dragons.
Arya wrapped her arm around his waist, and Eragon felt a shiver rush down his spine. Fírnen settled in front of Eragon, and he gently placed his hands on the green dragon to keep him in place. His scales were smooth and soft, showing just how young he was.
Glaedr launched himself into the air with powerful strokes of his wings, the air brushing harshly against the grass and flowers in the glade. With surprising agility, the dragon turned and flew towards the Crags, and Eragon felt Saphira jump into the sky after him. Even with two passengers Saphira was swift, easily over taking the larger dragon before she slowed down.
He could hear Glaedr huff in the air, followed by a soft murmur from Oromis. Whatever the elf said was lost to the wind as they flew, and he could feel Arya tighten her arm around his waist as Saphira banked. The Crags of Tel'naeír were miles away from Ellesméra, but the dragons easily cleared the distance in only tens of minutes.
Glaedr landed next to the small hut, and Saphira followed his descent. He watched as Oromis gently made his way down the larger dragon, and felt Arya shift behind him to do the same. Fírnen spread his wings and made to jump, so Eragon released his hold, watching as the dragon vaulted off of Saphira. Arya slid down from her back and Eragon followed behind.
Oromis disappeared into the hut, Glaedr settling down in his usual spot beside it. Saphira began to clean claws, licking the dirt from between them as Eragon passed her by. He nearly laughed when he saw Fírnen pounce onto Glaedr's massive head, the hatchling small in comparison.
Glaedr only released a plume of smoke, but did not discourage the green dragon. Arya scolded Fírnen, but Oromis had returned with stools in hand. "Glaedr doesn't mind. It's been a long time since we've had a hatchling, and its quiet refreshing to have one so young and curious among us."
Oromis passed the stools to him, so Eragon set them gently down around the small table outside. The elf ventured inside the hut once more, returning with goblets filled with water. Eragon sat on the furthest stool, and Arya planted herself next to him. When Oromis returned they were quiet, sipping lightly at the offered drink.
Only when he finished his drink did Eragon speak, "Are we testing Arya's patience? Because we are certainly trying mine."
Arya frowned at him, but Oromis merely said, "Hush, Eragon." The elf placed his goblet down gently, "I thought Glaedr and I already taught you the value of patience."
"You did," Eragon admitted. "You also taught me to know when to speak and when to be silent, and this is the time to speak."
"True enough," Oromis stated. When he saw Arya's countenance that was directed at Eragon he said, "Do not mind Eragon, Arya. He is not being rude, only trying his hand at a jest. Something he does when he is uncomfortable, as he is now."
Arya blinked, and he could see her curiosity rise. Running his hand through his hair, Eragon replied, "It was unbearable nearly two hundred years ago that you knew everything I thought, and I see that nothing has changed."
"I know what you are thinking because you are simple, Eragon." When Eragon opened his mouth in protest, Oromis explained, "Not simple as in stupid. Forgive me the blunder, but I meant that you are plain in your intentions. You only ever say what you mean, and let your actions speak for you. You are a good man, Eragon, and this world could use more like you."
Feeling the aforementioned uncomfortableness his old master mentioned, Eragon shifted in his chair. "Thank you, Oromis-elda."
Arya face had relaxed, her emerald eyes roaming his features for a moment before turning to Oromis. "What did you wish to speak of, Oromis-elda?"
"Currently, of your training, Arya." Oromis stated. "You are already a highly skilled warrior, and are an extremely powerful magician. You yourself require very little instruction, but I will ask for a demonstration of your abilities, simply to establish what you would need to learn. Mostly, I think, your training will be with Fírnen. It can take decades before you both truly understand one another, but in this we can help you to learn to act as one."
"Eragon said much the same on our journey here," Arya mentioned. "I only worry that Fírnen is too young to begin to learn to fight. He has barely even flown more than a few feet yet."
Oromis motioned to the dragons beside them, "Glaedr and Saphira will coach Fírnen until he is old enough for your first flight together. In around three weeks or so, Fírnen will be large enough for him to carry your weight. If Eragon has not yet left for the Varden, he will train you and Fírnen on aerial combat."
"How long before he's ready to fight?" Arya asked. He knew she was eager to return as well, and he made to respond but was interrupted by Glaedr.
Dragons are born able to defend themselves and survive the wild. Glaedr said. If you wish for him to fight alongside the Varden, it will take at least a month or so before he would be ready.
"But even then," Oromis stated, "I fear he would not be ready to fight Thorn. I know you would be eager to prove yourselves, Arya, but until Fírnen can breathe fire, I suggest leaving Red Rider to Eragon and Saphira."
Arya's face tightened, and he saw that she wanted to protest against it. In the end, the elf agreed, "Very well, Oromis-elda."
"From now on, you will refer to myself and Glaedr as Ebrithil. Whenever Eragon or Saphira gives you instruction, you will show them the same courtesy." Oromis stated. Eragon cringed at the thought; for some reason he did not want Arya to refer to him as such, but he was unable to find the source of the feeling.
"Yes, Ebrithil." Arya murmured.
"Right," Eragon said. "This won't be awkward. Not at all."