This chapter and the further chapters are under construction.

I lay on the straw bed, stretched out comfortably, observing the reflection of my pointed ears, casually inspecting them with the tips of my fingers.

'You shouldn't have done that,' Fírek said, breaking the silence between us, halting his gnawing on the tibia to look at me.

'Whatever are you talking about?'

'Telling Nasuada a lie because of your suspicions,' he said, eyes surveying me. 'And don't worry my love, you are beautiful. These short-life-round-ears cannot fathom the depths your beauty explores. You and Halle can live forever if you do things right. They will never be as wise or important as you.'

I smiled weakly, 'But if I was a human Rider I'd be accepted by everyone, including the Fair Folk.'

'If you were a human I wouldn't have chosen you as my Rider. You are perfect the way you are,' he replied with earnest eyes.

'Thank you, Fírek. My methods in protecting the Queen are just, I'm sure Eragon-elda will understand.'

'You had better hope he does,' he replied, resuming the gnawing on the tibia, amusement in his tone. I snickered, tucking the mirror back into my jerkin pocket.

'I'm going to sleep for a while before dinner, if the guard cannot awaken me please do so yourself,' I told Fírek who rumbled his understanding. I scrambled to grab the feather stuffed pillow and wool blanket beneath my bed, placing the pillow against the head board and covering myself with the blanket.

I fell back against the pillow and closed my eyes, sighing with content. I was exhausted, I felt I deserved a rest. I slowly let my consciousness drift to my waking dreams.

~ ~ ~

'Celest, awaken. The Queen has summoned you to the dining hall.' Groggily I shoved away the consciousness that had awoken me, rolling on my side in an attempt to escape back to my solitude.

The presence came again, repeating the message with more force. I realized Fírek was following the instruction I had given him and I began to caress my forehead. I sat up, opening my eyes to their full extent.

"My Lady, the Queen requests your presence in the dining hall." I waved to the guard, "Give me a few moments to freshen up, I will be out momentarily." I heard a grunt as the reply as the man walked out of the cave, his armor plates shifting in his movement.

As I began to wake myself, I dug in the pockets of my jerkin for a black leather strap. After locating the item, I surveyed the cave for my saddle, and I found it resting on a stalactite that had been magically secured to the wall of the cave horizontally for the use of my saddle.

I found my saddle bags still secured to the numerous leather straps along the D-ring, skirt and back housing of the saddle. I dug through each of them individually before locating the comb I had been searching for. I ran its teeth through my blonde tangles, grimacing as it pulled through tough tangles that ripped at my scalp.

Once my hair was tangle free I ran my fingers through it, pulling strands from my face and tying the bundle with the small, black, leather strap.

'Will you be attending dinner with us tonight, Fírek?' I asked my dragon as I unruffled my tunic and leggings, attempting to appear presentable.

'Kaida and myself have been invited to attend supper after the feast has ended, we've been invited to meet with the Queen separately from the two of you.' I did not pursue the subject, but my head was consumed with skepticism as I exited our chambers.

'Be safe,' Fírek warned.

'Always am.'

As I exited our cavern I was welcomed by the scene of sunset, pigments of red, orange, and pink scattered across the horizon. Ileria was illuminated with a beauty I had not perceived in any of my years, the temperature complementing the scenery.

Upon reaching the landing area, I was greeted by the same guards that had lead Halle and I to the Dragonhold. I was the last of us to join our party, Halle appearing as she had been before we had been escorted, for she cared not for the opinions of others.

"Please follow us Ladies Celest and Halle," the guards gestured as they led us down the stone staircase for a second time.

I had mixed emotions towards the sound of Lady Celest, but I concluded that I liked it, a sly composer foreshadowing me. We descended the staircase, Halle behind me and a sentry leading the way.

Upon reaching the base of the staircase the vertical formation transformed into a horizontal one, proceeding to a box contour. We followed the guards back into the palace, my skin beginning to crawl for the second time as we entered the overshadowed corridor. Our feet echoed off of the stone, no other sound besides our feet could be heard, much to my discomfort.

Instead of turning down the intersection towards the throne room, we proceeded down the corridor in the opposite direction. The arches above became increasingly more lofty than the previous corridor, I felt more comfortable this way for I didn't feel as concealed.

We made another sharp turn, to the right this time, into another equally dreary hall. This hall, however, contained numerous paintings of the Great War along the walls along with chandeliers lit with candles in iron casks. This felt more like home and more welcoming to me.

The paintings depicted even more battle and victory scenes. Some I saw contained Saphira Bjartskular and Ebrithil Eragon, but most depicted armies and sole soldiers. I even saw some with Murtagh and Thorn. This, I presumed, was another part of the Memorial.

The guards led us through an archway that separated the corridor from the doors to the dining hall. The doors again were composed of oak, but they were bordered with black iron patterns sprouting from the large hinges. They were also embossed with silver and gold patterns, it took me some moments to comprehend there was an image engraved by the metallic layers. It was the Menoa Tree.

I nodded in appreciation of the accurate depiction and the doors were opened by our guards. Surprisingly, the doors made not a single sound as they fell inwards, revealing a beautiful and luxurious dining hall.

The corridor was large, large enough to seat the Queen as well as the complete staff of the castle along with Dragon Rider guests if need be. Three large iron chandeliers hung from thick chains of the same metal. They illuminated the room with a low earnest glow that also provided the majority of the heating. Four long oak tables were positioned in the center of the corridor, three of which were vacant at the moment. The table on the middle left was bustling with activity as servants were preparing the dinner.

I became content and relaxed as the scent of exotic foods filled my nostrils accompanied by the scent of thick wine. Wine that was rich and delicate was extraordinarily rare on Oromis Isle, the wine here was much more delicious and nutritious, another reason why so many trainees wished to return to the main land as soon as possible.

The Queen was no where to be seen, at least not at the moment. I was surpised when I noticed there was not a specified seating arrangement for the Queen, for she was in a place of honor. But I chose to believe that the Queen preferred to dine among her subjects, that she preffered to make them feel her equals. Our Queen was noble, so I chose above all to believe this.

"My ladies," our guards probed from behind. Halle and I turned to face them as they continued to speak. "The Queen will join you shortly, please, she begs you to eat without her, she says you must be famished." I nodded in unison with Halle as we made our way to the designated table. The servants had made themselves scarce, unless of course we required anything.

We sat on the benches at the table's sides, adjacent from one another. Halle's eyes gleamed with hunger as she grabbed a goblet and filled it with crimson wine from a pitcher near by. Followed by taking an immense swig from her goblet, she grabbed a roast boar and began tearing off ligaments before shoving them into her mouth. I laughed at her as I settled for a bowl of beef stew.

The stew filled me up quickly as I dipped chunks of bread into the juice. Exotic and rich flavors flooded my mouth, all of the food around me was delicious, much better than the cuisine on Oromis Isle. I too filled a silver goblet with the crimson wine, drinking every drop of the sweet and sour liquid. It was thick as it descended down my throat, it was rich.

After having my fill I leaned back in my seat with my elbows against the table. I sighed in my fullness, now I was at my fullest level of content.

Halle belched, "I haven't eaten like that since we left Oromis Isle! And even then some, this cuisine is far better then on the island." She flashed me a smile before letting loose a spacious yawn.

I laughed, "I am afraid I have to agree with you. I was raised to detest meat, but I found myself unable to resist it today." Halle continued to wipe her mouth on her sleeve, her eyes closed and relaxed.

"I just woke from a rest and I feel as if I could have another. I haven't been able to rest like this in I don't know how long." I laughed again, leaning against the table.

A few moments of silence passed before my ears picked up the shuffling of feet outside the dining hall. A few instances later, the large doors again fell inward, revealing none other then the Queen.

I stood rapidly, bowing swiftly. Halle followed my lead, only for our gesture to be waved off. I extended my back again to find the Queen standing at the head of the table.

"Please," she said, extending her arm, "sit." Halle and I did as instructed, as a servant brought a seat for the Queen. "Thank you, Gärin. You may be relieved for the evening."

The servant bowed and thanked the Queen before retreating from the dining hall. I anxiously awaited the Queen's words when finally, "I suppose you're curious as to why I summoned you to supper. " Halle and I nodded, foreheads creased with concentration. "Well, at first it was an attempt for me to fill your bellies and possibly get to know two of Eragon's students, but since reading this," she pulled out the envelope that I had given her when we had arrived in Ileria, "my intentions have become altered."

Suddenly I became curious, wondering what her new motives could possibly be, but I kept my anxiety masked and continued to listen intently.

"Regardless, I have no reason to believe that the two of you have any idea what the letter from your master contained, so I shall not trouble you with issues that do not concern you." Without thinking, I scoffed at her statement, then suddenly thought better of it. "What is amusing, Celest?" the Queen asked with a sudden hostility on her tongue.

"I meant no disrespect, your Highness, but I find it quite amusing that Eragon-elda would find a weakness in our ability to handle advanced disputes. Halle and I are only a few months away from graduating, that being the reason we were entrusted with this task in the first place." Halle stared at me in utter disbelief, she couldn't comprehend that I was speaking the way that I was.

Unexpectedly, Nasuada grinned. "I used to be just like you, during the Great War. I am sure you meant no disrespect, and I mean none by saying: Eragon doesn't find it necessary to share this with you. However, I will send a letter back to him, I will explain that he needs to incorporate his most senior Riders in this issue, for if he doesn't, the entirety of Ormis Isle will soon know. Better to keep it behind closed doors."

Leaving Halle and I in shocked silence, the Queen poured herself a goblet a wine and took a long swig. As she lowered the cup, I noticed a crimson shadow across her lip.

In an attempt to ease the painful silence, I said, "As much as that pleases us," I gestured towards Halle, "I still apologize for my behavior."

"No need," Nasuada scorned my apology. "You're young and your tongue knows no bounds yet.
"Regardless, I did not call you here just to squander your self-confidence, please, tell me more about yourselves." I gestured for Halle to tell her tale first. She nodded, flashing me a smile.

"Well, I would be surprised if you hadn't already heard, but my mother is Angela the Herbalist. My father, unknown to me and many. My dragon Kaida is of bronze hide and we have been bonded for many moons. Precision of the matter would not express the depth of our relationship."

"Ahh," the Queen sighed, raising her goblet. "It had been unnerving, knowing your face but not your story. You look so much like your mother. And a Rider! Ha! Must've given her a run for her coins. How about you, Celest?" I swallowed nervously, "My parents are both elven, their names not important. I was raised on the outskirts of Du WeldenVarden and was tediously tended for, as I am a young elf. Elves my age are extremely rare, I am aware, and I was reluctantly released to Eragon-elda.
"Fírek, I'm sure you're familiar, was hatched from Eragon's own beast as well as my Queen's. He's of green hide."

Nasuada took another long swig from her goblet, never wavering eye contact. "Both of you are very special, special indeed. You come from very unique backgrounds, Eragon has done well with both of you."

"We thank you for your hospitality and kindness, we hope Eragon agrees that we are as well behaved as you say," Halle replied with a shadow of an amused smirk. Nasuada returned the smile, "Well I don't wish to delay you and your further rest, thank you for your time Shur'tugalar, it has been an honor."

Halle and I stood, "The honor is all ours."

~~~

Once we exited the palace I immediately noticed that night had finally fallen. The temperature had become crisp, but it wasn't uncomfortable. It provided relief from the day's labors. I could also distinguish the iridescent stars which bordered the opalescent moon.

I sighed intently, my belly was full and I was exhausted, a bed ready for me only moments away.

"This is great," Halle said, arms behind her head. "I wish we were treated like this on Oromis Isle."

"Well if we were I'm afraid we'd turn to pansies," I chuckled. "But I do miss Du WeldenVarden. It would be nice to stay home for longer." I could tell Halle agreed, silently.

'How was the dinner my love?' Fírek prodded curiously.

'It went well,' I told him. 'We're on our way back to the Dragonhold now.'

He rumbled in my consciousness, a sign of understanding as we ascended the staircase.

Once we arrived at the Dragonhold I bid Halle a good evening before retiring to the cavern I shared with Fírek. The dragon raised his head to me as I entered, sleep lingering in his eyes.

"Greetings, great one," I said, sarcasm in my tone.

'I'm dying of hysteria,' he replied with the same derision. I sauntered to his nest, laying my palm on his feverish scales for an instant. He hummed his affection as I passed him to rest on the bed.

I found myself enveloped in luscious blankets. As I became comfortable I began slipping into my dreams, light dancing around my peripheral vision.

'Good night, my love.'

'Good night, Fírek, be safe.'

I apprehended a scratching noise as Fírek exited the chamber and unfurled his wings. With a sudden whoosh he disappeared into the night to accompany Nasuada.

~~~

I tossed and turned as sleep began to release its hold on my consciousness. I desperately struggled to maintain my presence in the dream world, not yet desiring to wake.

However, my eyes slowly fluttered open, to my dislike. I blinked away the sleep that remained before furiously yawning and stretching my limbs. When they were expanded to my satisfaction I pushed myself up against the headboard, rubbing my face.

The light of the morning was strewn across the cavern floor, the opalescence of the light stung my eyes.

I glanced over my shoulders, generally there would've been a teardrop shaped membrane at the mouth of the cave to shield the cavern from the harshness of weather. I would usually shut the barrier in the evening.

I only noticed the absence of the barrier when the light was clear, when the membrane was closed the light was rather dreary.

'Why is the membrane open?' I asked myself. Then after a sudden realization I apprehended that Fírek mustn't have returned from the previous evening.

I searched for him at the furthest reaches of my mind and found a trace of his consciousness. I focused on the trail until I felt him enter my mind. 'Where are you?' I asked him, dreariness dampening my tone.

'I'm gliding to the Dragonhold, I will be there momentarily.'

I knew in the back of my mind that we had to start home. I dreaded the thought of travel, my muscles still tender from the previous flights. I groaned profusely before thrusting the blankets off of my torso and standing.

'What do you suppose I am to do with my linens?' I asked Fírek, as he was generally concerned about my manners.

'If I were you,' he said, 'I would just fold them tightly and place them on the mattress.'

I did as he instructed, however my movements were choppy and disoriented from fatigue; I'm sure my folding also lacked neatness.

When my task was complete, I sighed further as I trotted over to my saddle. I once again rummaged through my belongings to locate my comb. I unwrapped my hair from its dismembered ponytail and adjusted it back to its former, presentable position. I then dug through my saddle bags, locating fresh attire which I hastily put on. I sported black breeches, a short, emerald tunic which I tucked into the front lip of my breeches, a golden chain around my neck, and my riding boots. I also acquired gloves for travel.

When I was dressed, I scanned the cavern once more for other belongings. Upon finding none, I strapped my sword to my hip. I gripped the pommel with my left hand as I strode out of the cavern to inspect Halle's progress.

I found the girl attempting to brush her gnarled hair. The tangles did not want to cooperate with her comb and as I entered her cave I smirked before jogging over to assist her. Frustration was pungent around her as I tugged at the comb and loosened her curls. When I had finished assisting her, she continued to pack.

"Do you think Queen Nasuada will be waiting for us in the courtyard?" she asked. "I would rather not sit around Ileria for the day if at all possible."

"Why so eager to be gone?" I questioned.

Halle shrugged, "I suppose the lack of a routine is starting to take its toll on me." I nodded, comprehending her words; the lack of a training schedule was starting to settle in my limbs, which was not good.

Outside the cavern I heard the air alter and I knew the dragons had arrived on the balcony. Halle must've heard too, for she swiftly turned her head to look outside before hoisting her own saddle into her arms.

We began to exit her cavern. I lengthened my stride as I entered my own to retrieve my saddle from the stalactite on the wall. As I sauntered to the balcony I chuckled to myself as I realized that at one point in time, the weight of the saddle would have winded me; I now carried it with significant ease.

Fírek's scales shimmered in the light of the sun; and his eyes were earnest and kind as I approached him.

'I'm surprised that you haven't antagonized Kaida and I yet about our meeting with the Queen,' he said with a hint of sarcasm.

'I haven't the energy nor patience to listen to you drone,' I teased with a playful grin. In reply he puffed steam into my face.

Fírek bent his forelegs so I could saddle him. I precisely maneuvered his saddle and straps until I was positive it was tight, and safe. In my peripheral vision, I could see Halle and Kaida in the midst of the same task. When all of us were ready, Halle and I mounted our dragons.

Fírek stood, jostling me in the saddle for a moment.

'Ready?' he asked. I patted his neck in response.

With the okay, Fírek unfurled his massive wings and thrust himself off the ledge of the Dragonhold, Halle and Kaida in pursuit.

The temperature in the air was nippy, and slightly uncomfortable as the dragons began to glide down to the cobblestone courtyard below. I rubbed my hands together inside their gloves to generate friction and heat.

Fírek and Kaida landed gracefully and gently on the cobblestone. Upon impact, I heard Kaida snarl to herself before sneezing. I giggled as I saw a cloud of dust sprout from her nostrils.

The city around us was relatively serene and silent. Some voices could be heard at a distance as shops were opening and people began to stir from their homes. I wished to be well above and away from Ileria before pedestrians began gathering around us, asking us questions about our dragons.

'Where is Queen Nasuada?' I asked, rather curtly.

'Patience is a virtue, my love. She will be here.' Just as Fírek finished speaking, the palace doors opened with a groan. The noise resonated louder than it had before, the noise not being masked by the sounds of the city.

Nasuada was visible, along with her guards who accompanied her everywhere. She appeared in a scarlet gown complemented by amethyst fabric. She wore her hair in a bun, a she normally did, however, there were beads and jewelry peppered throughout the arrangement.

"I apologize for my tardiness, Shur'tugalar. I had urgent duties to attend which delayed me. Before I bid you farewell, are you famished? I cannot send home Eragon's students with an empty belly," Nasuada insisted.

Before I could speak, Halle spoke, "It is alright, my queen. I'm sure Celest is peckish, but we have reserves of jerky and cheese; we don't intend to intrude."

"Nonsense!" Nasuada exclaimed, "If you're ravenous, I've brought bread fresh from the baker. Please, help yourself." I flashed the queen a smile as she beckoned a servant over. He carried a loaf of steaming berry-nut bread. He bowed as he presented us with the bread. I thanked him and split the loaf with Halle.

The bread was warm and sweet. It was strewn with cranberries and an array of nuts; it was delicious.

"Thank you, your highness," I said. "This bread is delicious, my compliments to the chef." She smiled, "I'm sure he'll be very pleased that Riders enjoy his baking. I won't keep you any longer, have a safe trip. Sé onr sverdar sitja hvass, Shur'tugalar!"

(This chapter is not edited beyond this point)

Fírek lifted his front left leg, snarled, then bounded across the courtyard and flapped into the sky buffeting the men and woman with gusts of air. The citizens watched as the dragons defied gravity. Kaida then took off with short Halle upon her back. Kaida flapped by our side as the dragons pounded upwards into the sky.

'I miss home,' I said.

'Me too,' Fírek said.

By late afternoon we reached the eastern beach of Alagaësia. The sand was wet from an earlier morning rain and it was high tide when we came across it.

'Do you wish to stop now and rest, or keep flying?' Fírek asked me.

'Keep flying. I am eager to return home but stop so we can eat. In form Kaida and Halle.'

He growled an okay.

A moment later, he dipped to his right and landed gracefully on the sand followed by Kaida. Fírek eagerly scraped the wet sand with his claws.

'It's soothing in between my hot claws,' he said with relief in his voice as Kaida joined him in digging.

When we were settled with a crackling fire and the dragons had finished their digging, Kaida and Fírek left to hunt for themselves. I pulled some cooked venison out of my saddle bags. Wrapped in dried and cleaned deer hide, the venison had stayed fresh on our journey. I cut it up, tossed some to Halle, and regretfully ate my half. It was against my beliefs to eat any previous living thing, but it was all we had, and I was starving.

"Do you look down on me? For being an Elf?" I asked after it had been silent for a while.

"No. Why would you ask that?"

"Well ever sense I was little I wanted to be just like Eragon but everyone looks down on me for being an Elf."

"Well those people suck balls. I think your better being an Elf. Your my best friend other than Marilis. Our trio is each one of the races, what could be better?" she said stuffing her face with more venison.

Some blood trickled down Halle's chin.

Marilis was our other friend who decided not to come. She had a blue dragon named Saeria who happend to be Fírek's sister. His brother was a wild dragon named CasaVak his other sister is a purple dragon names Airla, and her Rider isn't the friendliest, her name is Kayna.

"Thanks Halle," I said laughing at her enthusiasm.

When Kaida and Fírek returned, we kicked out the fire and piled sand on top of it. Then we started off again, Fírek taking his time above the water for he said the sea breeze was soothing.

It took four hours by dragon back and two days by boat to reach Oromis Isle, so I knew it would be a while before we reached land. Fírek dipped his left wing into the water and mist splashed my face. Wind pulled back my hair like icy fingers raking across my scalp.

'I like flying over water better, if I fall I most likely won't die.'

At that, Fírek gave a little chuckle.

When I had grown comfortable, I fell asleep on the saddle my head occasionally banging on the handle painfully. Every once in a while, I would hit my head so hard it would wake me to full awareness and every time, Fírek would be worried.

'Are you alright?' he asked one time.

'I'm fine,' I snapped at him before yawning widely and going back to sleep.

Late in the night we arrived. The courtyard was as big as a small city like Feinster just for dragons to land and take off. A mountain range longer than the Beor Mountains surrounded the area. Though the mountains were not nearly as tall,snow did fall on their peaks.

The older, stronger dragons' houses with their Riders, lingered near the middle of the tallest mountain. The rooms curved around with the mountain. The rooms only kept one dragon and Rider: Eragon and Saphira. The next rooms located at the very base were for the oldest dragons that slept most of their days, these were vacant. Then the cottages, similar to the old ones in Carvahall, were for the Riders who's dragons just recently hatched. As for the dragons who had just started flying with their Riders, they stayed in the main floor of the Dragon Riders Hall. The Dragon Riders Hall was a building with a training court, magic lesson room, and feeding room. But flying lessons and archery were held outside. Then, for the six month- twenty-four month old dragons, they stayed just under the bigger dragons quarters. That's where Fírek and I stayed.

I yawned with exaustion as Fírek landed and began to walk groggily down the street. It was big enough for five full grown dragons to walk down, side by side. Halle was still asleep in her saddle when Fírek and Kaida jumped to the metal ledge that bordered the path that declined down the mountain. Kaida and Halle's room was two caves down from ours.

Fírek landed on the path, and walked into the cave. His mind was on his mate, Shana, who's Rider, Ryker, held my heart.

I dismounted Fírek, and as quickly as I could, unsaddle him and put it on its stalagmite that had been magically forced to grow out of the side if the wall, specifically for holding saddles. I then hobbled to my bed before I collapsed on it and crawled under my blankets. I then slowly fell asleep as Fírek did on his straw nest.

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A/N For those who don't know Celest's name is pronounced with the C making the Sssss sound. Keep reading!:)