Several groans echoed as everyone glared at the bright light pouring into the tunnel as the doors swung open. Saphira hissed and arched her neck to peer outside.
Two days.
It took two days to make their way through the endless passageway and arrive at the other end. The eternal dusk had laden them with silence, tremendous and heavy. Only so much was said during the dense quiet. Only the sound of footsteps, dragonic and humanoid alike filled the gaps of conversation.

…

Nightmare had felt a little irritated with Eragon when the boy had decided to join him in supper with Arya to learn more of the elf. His annoyance made no sense, so he brushed it off as they spoke at the time.
Or rather, ate near each other in silence.
When the Rider asked about her aversion to meat, Arya responded simply.
"You will never again consume an animal's flesh after you have been trained, or if you do, it will be only on the rarest of occasions."
The King of Negativity pondered the reason behind this as Eragon scoffed.
"Why should I give up meat?"
"I cannot explain with words, but you will understand once we reach Ellesméra."
…

Why the conversation flitted across Nightmare's consciousness was beyond him, but his eyelights flicked over to where the elf stood, admiring her regal air and lack of fear for the company she kept. It continually baffled him how unafraid of him she always remained, showing only honest respect in both behavior and mind. It was a conundrum he couldn't solve and that bothered him.

Those thoughts were tossed from his mind as he approached the ledge their team stood upon.
It was a vein of granite jutting out from the earth, over a hundred feet above a purple-tinted lake that shone under the light of the morning sun. Just as Kóstha-mérna had, the lake spanned the length of the valley, touching the flanks of the mountains on either side. Across from them flowed the Az Ragni, weaving it's way north until it's distantly poured into the plains.
To the right, a few paths could be glimpsed through the mountains and the left beheld a terraced city known as Tarnag. For the most part it was mostly farmland, scattered with stone halls, mostly empty. But further up was a series of tiers, buildings entwined with each other until it all stopped at the milky white dome. Whatever the cathedral was for, it was very much impressive.

Orik already knew the question they wanted to ask. "That is Celbedeil, the greatest temple of dwarfdom and home of Dûrgrimst Quan- to Quan clan- who acts as servants and messengers to the gods."
Do they rule Tarnag? Saphira inquired. Eragon repeated Saphira's question.
"Nay." Arya answered for them as she slipped past. "Though the Quan are strong, they are small in numbers, despite their power over the afterlife… and gold. It is the Ragni Hefthyn- the River Guard- who control Tarnag. We will stay with their clan chief, Ûndin, while here."

With that, Eragon, Saphira, Orik and the skeletons followed the elf off the granite cliff and into the rugged forest towards the city. Orik leaned in close to Nightmare and Eragon, whispering. "Mind her not. She has been arguing with the Quan for many a year. Every time she visits Tarnag and speaks with a priest, it produces a quarrrel fierce enough to scare a Kull."
"Arya?" Eragon asked in disbelief.
Orik bobbed his head somberly. "I know little of it, but I've heard she disagrees strongly with much that the Quan practice. It seems that elves do not hold with 'muttering into the air for help'."

Eragon fell thoughtfully silent and stared at Arya's back as they made their way down the mountainside. Nightmare pondered it himself, until he reached the conclusion that she was an atheist and held no appreciation for religious practices. Which was somewhat of a relief to him.
He took a deep breath and enjoyed the outside world. The birds, the bees, the chattering of cicadas, the gentle sun, the peace of mind in his team, the scent of the forest.
Even he knew to enjoy such things, for many AU's back in the Multiverse did not have such gifts. And a peaceful forest was something Nightmare quite enjoyed. His castle had been situated in one, after all.
He could feel the pulse of life in the trees, junipers and pines, in the deer scampering through the woods, in the ferns and flowers, in the mice and rabbits scampering in the undergrowth, the hundreds of birds, and the moss. He had caught up to Arya, only a few paces behind her and faintly aware of Eragon and Orik chatting.

The remarkably balanced nature around him brought an eerie sense of nostalgia to the Guardian of Negativity. At the moment he didn't push it down, he let himself feel it.
It was a new experience for him in a way, having pushed down his own emotions just for the thrill of power for so long.
Now that Nightmare was thinking about it, he realized he missed so many things before in the past, purely because of his own greed.
His fear.
His paranoia.

He didn't want to appear weak.
Never again.

Nightmare jolted out of his thoughts when something burst through the undergrowth and blocked their path. He berated himself for not noticing it sooner as he took in the animal's appearance. It was a massive mountain goat with horns that dwarfed his head- not even an Urgal's was close to the size of that thing's horns.
Furthermore it was saddled, a dwarf seated upon it's back with a bow in hand.

He tuned out the dwarf's chatter with Orik as he couldn't understand the language and didn't care to bother, instead choosing to notice how intelligent the goat was. Though it was still an animal, it's mind was bright. The Guardian of Negativity smiled a little at it, making himself known to it's consciousness. It's bright eyes studied him, glancing back at Saphira warily.
Nightmare liked the creature, it was calm yet fierce should it need to be.

But then it made it's leave, launching itself from the path with enough strength to take flight for a split second. Nightmare grinned. He was feeling oddly at peace today. Happy, even.

"What was that?" Eragon asked. The Guardian of Negativity listened in, curious himself. They resumed walking. "A Feldûnost," Orik explained. "One of five animals unique to these mountains. A clan is named after each one. However, Dûrgrimst Feldûnost is perhaps the bravest and most revered of the clans."
"Why so?" The Rider quested.
"We depend upon Feldûnost for milk, wool, and meat. Without their sustenance, we could not live in the Beors. When Galbatorix and his traitorous Riders were terrorizing us, it was Dûrgrimst Feldûnost who risked themselves- and still do- to tend the herds and fields. As such, we are all in their debt."
"Do all dwarves ride Feldûnost?" Eragon spoke the word brokenly.
"Only in the mountains. Feldûnost are hardy and sure-footed, but they are better suited for cliffs than open plains."

Saphira nudged Eragon, causing Snowfire to shy away in fear of the dragon.
Now those would be good hunting, better than any I had in the Spine or hence! If I had time in Tarnag- She cut off, presumably from Eragon. Then she snorted.
I could ask permission first.
Nightmare hid his grin at the conversation, noting how the others failed to do so. GB full on snorted, an almost metallic sound as he was in his animalistic form.

The group of skeletons, dwarf, elf, human and dragon emerged onto the shelf surrounding Tarnag. Small clusters of dwarves had come out to watch them, seven Feldûnost with well-decorated harnesses of gems came leaping over gracefully. The dwarves upon their backs carried lances ending with pennants. The lead dwarf reined his steed in before them, gazing at Saphira and GB with fascination before speaking, his accent thick and guttural like a Russian, as Nightmare imagined.

"Thou art well-come to this city of Tarnag. By otho of Ûndin and Gannel, I, Thorv, son of Brokk, offer in peace the shelter of our halls."
"And by Hrothgar's otho, we of Ingietum accept your hospitality." Orik dipped his head.
"By my own, I accept." Nightmare spoke smoothly, secretly hoping he didn't make a mistake. Thorv glanced at him in confusion, before Arya stole the attention.
"As do I, in Islanzadí's stead."

Satisfied, Thorv gestured for his companions, who arranged themselves in a wide formation around their team, steeds tossing their heads proudly.
With a flourish, they were off. They rode under the city gates, the lot of them staring with fascination and awe, though Nightmare kept himself rather restrained. The farms were not so intriguing, but nevertheless they stared curiously. Nightmare noted how GB carried himself with pride, practically strutting by like Saphira did.
Smirking, he reached out to the skeleblaster.
Enjoying the attention, are we?

GB tensed up slightly at the contact, then lowered his skull to peer at him. Maybe a little bit. That's okay, right? It's just, well it's pretty cool they respect me so much! He confessed.
Nightmare felt a smile creep up on him, letting it stay there this time. I admit, I feel the same as you do. It's a nice change, if anything. One I never expected I'd want. At least, not before. He glanced away.
The skeleblaster cocked his skull. Well I guess you need it. That's my opinion, though.
He drew back, taking in the surroundings as Nightmare thought about what he said.
Maybe I do. He finally responded slowly, leaving GB's mind. The animalistic skeleton seemed to smile at that.

Nightmare stood a little straighter and walked with a bit more pride in his gait, studying his surroundings curiously.
It was a crowded place, squat in it's intention for dwarves and not other races, though in his current form Nightmare didn't have any problem with that. Neither would Blue. The other skeletons would have varying degrees of difficulty and Eragon and Arya would struggle the most. GB's current form and Saphira would absolutely be incapable.

The dwarves themselves, however, would stare at the team as they passed through. No cheers erupted from them, but rather quiet respect. They bowed, muttering beneath their breath "Shadeslayer" and "Etalthargen" before spotting the emblem upon Eragon's helm. Then their emotions made a sharp turn into shock and outrage.
Some were so furious, they surrounded the Feldûnost escort, shouting angrily as they glared at the Rider.

They continued through the mob straight to the gates of Celbedeil, then turned left. A large hall opened up beside them, and they tried to head straight inside.
Keyword; tried.

Armed dwarves with their faces hidden under purple veils that felt oddly offensive to Nightmare lined up before them. The guards instantly stopped, stiffening.
"What is it?" Eragon asked before anyone else. Nightmare shushed him as Orik shook his head, striding ahead.

"Etzil nithgech!" One of the dwarves shouted. "Formv Hrethcarach … formv Jurgencarmeitder nos eta goroth bahst Tarnag, dûr encesti rak kythn! Jok is warrev az barzûlegûr dûr dûrgrimst, Az Sweldn rak Anhûin, môgh tor rak Jurgenvren? Néûdim etal os rast knurlag. Knurlag Ana…" Nightmare tuned out the words as the dwarf kept ranting, rage growing as he spat out his thick words.

"Vvron!" Thorv suddenly interrupted loudly. They immediately fell to arguing, though Thorv was still respectful, despite the other's apparent lack of it. It irritated the Guardian of Negativity, but it wasn't anything he wasn't used to.
The dwarf on the Feldûnost gestured at the skeletons a few times, mainly Nightmare, which seemed to have a vague effect on the other. Including a bit of fear.

Bored, Nightmare announced in Wingdings. "Any of you wish to appear threatening by any chance? For the sake of scaring these pests off?"
The dwarves paused, confused before his boys brought out weapons, GB opening his maw with the light of a charging lazer within. Saphira took the hint and snorted a plume of smoke. It worked, it sent fear into the dwarves blocking the path, though not well enough, as they didn't move.

Suddenly, the lead purple-clad dwarf froze. Nightmare sensed shock, rage, and profound horror.
"Knurlag qana qirânû Dûrgrimst Ingietum!" He shrieked. "Qarzûl ana Hrothgar oen volfild-" "Jok is frekk dûrgrimstvren?" Orik asked in a low voice, bringing out his axe.
The other stared at Orik, hate roiling inside him.

Slowly, he pulled out an iron ring from his pocket. Nightmare blinked, subconsciously reaching for his silver ring of magic he kept on his person. The dwarf yanked precisely three hairs from his beard, making a show of it as he did so. He wove them around the ring, then threw it at the street, spitting in it's direction. His fellow purple-clad dwarves retreated with him silently.
The dwarven escort and Orik, however, flinched every time the ring bounced on the stone. They were afraid.
Two younger dwarves paled and reached for their weapons, but Thorv snapped. "Eta!"
Arya was dismayed, as well.

GB closed his jaws, vanquishing the humming light with a fizzling snap as the rest of the team glanced worryingly at Nightmare and Eragon before putting away their own weapons and attacks.
Orik paced forward and picked up the ring like he handled a live bomb, dropping it into a pouch carefully.

"So what was that?" Killer asked loudly. Dust elbowed him as Horror coughed. Blueberry cleared his throat. "I'm curious, too."
"Yes, what does it mean?" Eragon asked last.

"It means," Thorv's gaze passed over them before landing on the Rider. "That you have enemies."

So they rushed through the rest of the way in hopes of avoiding another encounter, which luckily, they did. The team arrived intact in a large courtyard decorated with four banquet tables, lanterns and banners. At the tables were a group of dwarves, chief among them being one that wore a wolfskin.
He spread his arms in welcome, saying "Welcome to Tarnag, home of Dûrgrimst Ragni Hefthyn. We have heard much praise from you, Grimstnzborith Nightmare, Etalthargen and Eragon Shadeslayer. I am Ûndin, son of Derûnd and clan chief."

Another stepped forth, broad shoulders and wide chest, black eyes that lingered on the skeletons and bore into Eragon as he spoke. "And I, Gannel, son of Orm Blood-axe and clan chief of Dûrgrimst Quan."

"I'm honored." Nightmare said with a smile, mentally noting that he was glowing a silvery sheen unintentionally.
"It is an honor to be your guests." Eragon added. Saphira was a little peeved at being ignored, snorting as the chiefs greeted the rest of them.
However, the kindness meant nothing to Orik, who thrust out his hand, the ring resting ominously upon it.

Ûndin recoiled slightly before pinching it off to stare at it. "Who gave this to you?"
"It was Az Sweldn rak Anhûin. And not to me, but to Eragon."
Alarm sifted through the dwarves. Nightmare felt concerned about the strange development, but strove to wait and see what it could mean. Ûndin was frowning, listening to the murmurs of his advisors before addressing Nightmare and Eragon. "We must consult on the issue. Grimstnzborith, Shadeslayer, a feast is prepared in your honor. If you will allow my servants to guide you and your people to your quarters, you can refresh yourselves, and then we might begin."

"Of course." They both spoke at once. The Guardian of Negativity smirked at the Rider, who smiled as well, handing Snowfire's reins off to a dwarf before both followed individual guides to their rooms. GB was left with Saphira, who was a little awkward about being ignored, the dragon just annoyed.

Nightmare chuckled at their idignance as he was led through the corridors, quickly memorizing the path as he did so.
When they entered a lavish yet comfortable room, the servant bowed deeply. "I shall return when Grimstborith Ûndin is ready for you."
He grinned, taking in the space.
Before the dwarf left he spun around. "You are a good knurlan."
The servant's eyes widened, the dwarf bowing sharply. "I am beyond honored to hear that from you, Grimstnzborith Nightmare."
"No need." He smiled, a gesture that the other was dismissed.

Rubbing his hands together, Nightmare studied the room he found himself in. He peered at the elegantly carved basin near the bed, leaning on a bedpost as he spotted steam rising from it. He'd missed hot water.
Taking off his own purple tunic, Nightmare draped it over the bedframe and dipped his phalanges into the water. It was almost boiling, he could tell, but extreme temperatures didn't affect skeletons as much.
Though he always had a little more sensitivity to below freezing temperatures..

He ended up dunking his skull into the basin, not caring how it looked. He sighed into the hot water blissfully, ignoring the bubbles enveloping his face. It was nice.
Nightmare could appreciate that. He'd learned to appreciate the little things.

Nightmare then peered at the armband he'd removed with his tunic, thinking of contacting Error just to brag about the hot water.
He decided against it, that was pointless when the glitch hated water anyway.

Glaring at the dirtied overshirt, Nightmare picked it up and dunked it in the water, removing his lilac undershirt to do the same, peering into his inventory for a spare.
Thankfully, he had his original clothes.
A wave of nostalgia hit him as he pulled the set out. Well, something like that.
They were only a copy. An exact copy. The first had been lost to the goop of his Corrupted form when the Incident occurred.

Should I even wear this? He pondered. It had the magic aura as well, shimmering like moonlight with clouds of shadow across the fabric.
His Soul ached at the memories. Endless years lost to the ravages of Time. Of himself, his mother, his home, Dream.
Why must I feel like this?
…
Do I still hate him?

Nightmare stared at the ceiling as he searched himself.
He'd forgiven Dream only recently..
Now he couldn't bring himself to hate his brother, either. It was pointless if he'd already forgiven him, after all.
But it felt so strange after hating him for millennia.
Dream was just too niave then. He still was childish, but how could he help that? He was the Guardian of Positivity, and negativity is part of growing up.
Dream, was he even capable of that?
His very nature prevented him from ever maturing properly.

Nightmare collapsed onto the bed, loosely hugging the tunic to his sternum.
All this time he'd blamed Dream; blamed him for even the village attackers, completely irrational.
It only took him several eons and a new world to come to his senses.
Nightmare facepalmed and groaned at his own ineptitude. His shallow ego he'd built up constantly over countless centuries.
How many endless AU's suffered because of him? He didn't even want to try, it was certainly well into the billions.
The audacity, the absurdity of his folly only served to infuriate him further. Eventually Nightmare gave up and stood.
Now is not the time. He grumbled to himself.
You're a guest in a religious city, a highly respected guest. Now is not the time to mope about like an edgy teen! He berated, slipping the clothes over his skull.

Once on he glanced at the mirror. His scowl vanished as he fixated upon his reflection.
He looked much like his old self from long ago. His mind automatically adjusted to see that old, fragile weakling from before, but he knew it was an illusion. He hit himself, shaking his skull and clearing the malignant imagination.
What was really there surprised him.

He looked like before, but different. He was definitely taller since then, (thankfully) though his team wouldn't know, as they had never seen him before that terrible Incident. His bones glowed like silver made of moonbeams, not enough to illuminate anything but enough to be impossible to miss. His undershirt gleamed, his tunic as well, with the difference of cloud-like shadows drifting throughout it's fabric. His pants seemed to suck in light, though held the color of midnight purple. His boots were permanently in shadow, save for the glowing gold buckles.
The air around him seemed filled with silvery shadows, neither dark or light. His very aura radiated power.

With a flick of consciousness, Nightmare summoned darker shadows in the form of his tentacles. There was a bluish tint, similar to the silver in his very aura. In some ways, it made it appear as though darker blue-hued patches of darkness moved through the sliver shadows condensed around him.

He liked it.

The servant eventually came back, seemingly struck by Nightmare's transformation. He felt a smile settle upon him at the awe the dwarf was of him.
"Etalthargen." He had breathed, prompting Nightmare to stand.
The dwarf bowed deeply before leading him out through the hallways. The sun had set behind the mountains, though it was only midday. The lanterns cast their light over the streets, and the Guardian of Negativity realized they were really streetlights. Something reminiscent of the Multiverse.

Arriving back in the courtyard, he spotted Eragon and his boys strolling in from different places, the Wyrdaí Islingrya gathering close and staring at the Dark King.
"Nightmare, holy shit." Killer started. He rolled his eyelights at the other, shadow tentacles flicking.

Both Saphira and GB had seated themselves at the head of two tables, apparently no one in the mood to argue.
Ûndin summoned extra warriors, then had the gates barred. The dragon informed them. Eragon asked something of her.
At the very least, he's concerned about the possibility. She answered.
Nightmare felt their curiosity rising, as did his own.

"Nightmare, Eragon, please join me." Ûndin called their attention over, pointing at the seats to his left and right.
Nightmare took the left, Eragon the right. Orik sat beside the Rider and much to Nightmare's inner excitement, Arya sat next to him. Though their faces appeared varying degrees of sour, their emotions not much better.
The rest of the skeletons present arranged themselves around the table, all bright with curiosity and excitement. The other tables filled with dwarves.

Suddenly, Ûndin slapped the table and bellowed. "Ignh az voth!"
Servants poured from hall, carrying gold platters piled with fruit, pies, meats, mushrooms, more. Varying kinds of soups and stews, cooked patatoes, venison, freshly baked sourdough bread and honeycakes, something Nightmare had only glimpsed once or twice back in the Multiverse. Cooked swans sat on each table, accompanied by geese, ducks, partridges,  filleted trout resting on greens, pickled eel and urns of cheese. Not only this but the mushrooms; one decorated some bird's heads with them like bonnets, more had been meticulously carved like castles surrounded in gravy, broiled strips lay everywhere like bacon. There was so many and all different types.

Horror gave a low chuckle that echoed throughout the courtyard when the final piece was brought out. Killer seemed to start fangirling in place as Dust copied Horror. GB's jaw dropped and he let out a small unintentional squeal. Nightmare buried his face in his hands, but snorted at the antics anyway. Blueberry seemed awed at the massive boar, just like Eragon. The energetic skeleton was still for once, staring at the colossal centerpiece dripping with sauce. It was so big it took half a dozen dwarves to carry, with humongous tusks and a nose bigger than a few heads.

Orik began murmuring to Eragon, louder than his usual whisper so the rest of the skeletons didn't need to strain so much to hear his explanation. "Nagra. Ûndin truly honors you tonight. Only the bravest warriors hunt Nagran, and it is to be served to those with great valor. Also, I think he makes a gesture that he will support you over Dûrgrimst Nagra."

Eragon leaned in to whisper so only Nightmare could hear, though whether intentionally or not he couldn't tell.
"Then this is another animal native to the Beors? What are the rest?"
"Forest wolves big enough to prey on a Nagra and nimble enough to catch Feldûnost. Cave bears, which we call Urzhadn and the elves call Beorn and for which they dubbed these peaks, though we do not call them such ourselves. The mountains' name is a secret that we share with no race. And-"
"Smer voth." Ûndin interrupted loudly, giving a welcoming grin at the guests. Horror was wiping his face, trying to hide his drool. Killer was bouncing in his seat, holding two of his knives like he was going to eat with them instead of normal utensils.
Dust was spinning a miniature bone attack in his hands while gazing at the food.
Blue was eyeing the faces of the animals, a little mortified. Cross had his hands folded respectfully on the table, but his eyelights betrayed his desire, glowing so bright they illuminated his face and shed light on the table in front of him.
During all this the servants were carving up the Nagra, setting some of it on everyone's plate except Arya's. Saphira and GB received large chunks of meat, the skeleblaster hunkering down to stare at the pork like a cat studies it's prey before pouncing, claws on the edge of the table as they tapped eagerly.

Ûndin smiled again, grabbing a dagger to cut out his own slice. The others reached as well, but Orik grabbed Eragon's arm, the others noticing and stopping themselves and each other.
Ûndin chewed his mouthful with a great deal of exaggeration, causing Horror to writhe in place as Cross helped Dust hold him back, the broken skeleton groaning slightly in desperation.
Finally Ûndin finished the bite, shouting. "Ilf gauhnith!"
"Now." Orik spoke gently, voices beginning to chatter around the tables as Cross and Dust released Horror.
Like a rabid animal, he attacked his plate.

Nightmare tensed up, seeing the dwarves stares. He wrenched into Horror's mind.
Calm down, you're not starving!
He paused, staring up from his meat with a chunk between his teeth.
Maybe I am, Boss. You know me.
We are guests in a formal environment, we need to be respectful. That isn't respectful.
He raised his shoulders, hunkering down his skull as he peered at the others like an animal.
I'll try, Boss. But y'know it's hard..
The effort would be appreciated. Nightmare disconnected, ending the silent conversation as he turned to the meat before him with no small amount of concealed glee. Horror displayed a rather silly attempt at eating normally, hardly able to contain himself to utensils, instead often grabbing it in his hands and shoving it in his face.

GB was practically overwhelmed with the bounty, prancing in place a couple times as he ate his Nagra, crooning with pleasure and eliciting a few hearty chuckles from dwarves and the others alike. Saphira remained elegant as she nibbled her chunk of pork, although her eyes smiled at GB's exuberance.
Orik had explained that Ûndin's behavior was a dwarf tradition that began when poisoning was common among the clans. The host would taste the food and declare it safe for the guests.

Throughout the feast, Nightmare chatted with everyone else, turning a blind eyelight to Horror as he not-so-discreetly snuck extra food and drinks into his inventory, Dust and Killer soon following his bad example. GB often snuck his skull across the table to grab other snacks, like a few birds and mushrooms. Mostly he used blue magic to grave the smaller things, like tuna slices or an entire eel. He was bubbling with happiness from it all, almost as infectious as Blueberry, who chatted enthusiastically with everyone, even across tables at times.

Cross was smiling a great deal, especially when XChara began invisibly messing with some of the others, extending his pranks to Orik, who was absolutely bewildered when his knife floated out of his hand.
Ûndin had grinned at everyone and conversed on the topic of monsterkind in great fascination with Nightmare, as well as the Guardian's true nature as part of a balance and, still in light-heartedness, the topic of his past and his brother, before dodging some of the more invasive questions with a switch of topic to his team, as well as the monsters that were not present and with the Varden.

Nightmare had the chance to discuss pleasantries with Arya, which always had more of his attention than the others, out of complete curiosity for her race and attitude.
There was one point at the tail end of the banquet where GB suddenly lifted up his skull and stared at the dwarves with wide sockets, speaking aloud in Wingdings, snatching everyone's attention.
"They think me and Saphira are animals."

At that, Killer snorted loudly. "What?" He asked with a grin. Dust and Cross had laid their utensils down and stared at the skeleblaster in near disbelief, Dust asking, "Really?"
GB considered this for a moment while abject horror flashed through the dwarves, especially shame on Ûndin's part.
Then GB shrugged. "I don't really care."
He snapped up a goose with great relish as Saphira pointedly turned to him.
It has only now occurred to you? I expect Eragon to take awhile, he busy enjoying his time. But you? Do you not have dragon blood within your bones? Where is your intellect?

GB flushed, blue lighting up his face. He responded in kind.
Hey, I'm lazy. And enjoying my time, too. No need to get up on my backbone 'bout it. I wasn't paying attention. I'm only distantly related to dragons, anyway. Geez.
Dust burst out laughing for a split second before regaining his composure and talking in Wingdings.
"Yo GB, if more people assume you and Saphira are animals, you could totally fuck with them!"
Killer brayed like a horse before falling into wheezed as Horror held his face and cried laughing.
Blueberry sighed and shared a look with Nightmare.
Then the Guardian of Negativity snapped at his boys, eyelights ice blue as his currently shadow tentacles darkened into bluish patches of night.

"Dust. This is not the time for jokes. That is extremely rude to say based on a simple misconception. They do not understand us and to play with that notion can result in dangerous outcomes." He fell into Wingdings for a moment.
"Abandon that behavior before it becomes a problem." He finished, sighing as the ghostly appendages faded once again. He turned to Ûndin a little more placidly.
"I apologise on his behalf, formality and respect are less common where we come from. It is often earned slowly, so please be patient with them."

Dust grumbled irritably, but made no comment. Blue perked up. "They're very nice, once you get past the rudeness!"
"I see." Ûndin coughed, putting down his fork with a noticeable bead of nervous sweat on his forehead, eyeing GB as he did so.
"I have slighted mine honor and the honor of my clan dearly today. I apologise gravely and am beyond gratitudinous of your benevolent forgiveness, Grimstnzborith Nightmare and jurgen etalthargen GB, and most especially jurgen Saphira."
Nightmare arranged his utensils neatly beside his plate before folding his hands and addressing the chief calmly.
"I wouldn't say you have insulted your honor. It was an honest mistake made in the excitement of our arrival. We know full well you know next to nothing about our kind, and given that lack of information you had a miscalculation. I accept your apology, and all I expect is you do not forget; that is all." He smiled pleasantly to ease the tension.
Ûndin started smiling back incredulously.

Then Eragon ruined everything.
"Sir, why was the ring thrown at us?"
Everyone fell silent. Nightmare quietly raged for a moment before realizing that the human was irritated that Saphira was treated as an animal.
Ûndin glanced side to side at the table frantically as his face warped into a worried scowl. He spoke stiffly.

"The knurlagn you met are of a tragic clan. Before the Rider's fall, they were among the oldest, richest families of our kingdom. Their doom was sealed, though, by two mistakes: they lived on the western edge of the Beor Mountains, and they volunteered their greatest warriors in Vrael's service."
His voice cracked in rising anger.
"Galbatorix and his ever-cursed Forsworn slaughtered them in your city of Urû'baen. Then they flew on us, killing many. Of that clan, only Grimstcarvlorss Anhûin and her guards survived. Anhûin soon died of grief, and her men took the name Az Sweldn rak Anhûin, The Tears of Anhûin, covering their faces to remind themselves of their loss and their desire for revenge."

Eragon reddened, but kept a straight face. "So," Ûndin continued while giving a pastry his best death stare. "They rebuilt the clan over the decades, waiting and hunting for recompense. And now you come, bearing Hrothgar's mark. It is the ultimate insult to them, no matter your service in Farthen Dûr. Thus the ring, the ultimate challenge. It means Dûrgrimst Az Sweldn rak Anhûin will oppose you with all their resources, in every matter, big or small. They have set themselves against you utterly, declared themselves blood enemies."

"Do they mean me bodily harm?" Eragon quested tensely.
Ûndin's eyes flicked over to Gannel as he fell silent. Fear was quite apparent, even to one without Nightmare's natural ability to sense emotions.
Then Ûndin faked a laugh, poorly, yet still fooling Eragon.
"No, Shadeslayer! Not even they would dare hurt a guest. It is forbidden. They only want you gone, gone, gone." He forced a smile, noticing Nightmare out of the corner of his eyes. "Please, let us talk no more of these unpleasant matters. Gannel and I have offered our food and mead in friendship; is that not what matters?"
Eragon hesitated before giving in. "It is appreciated."

Saphira traced her eyes over those gathered at the tables before speaking, mainly at her Rider.
They are afraid, Eragon. Afraid and resentful because they have been forced to accept a Rider's assistance.
The ensuing silence as Eragon responded was perhaps worse than the revelation she had stated.