Nia looked down at her own case where a small curved rod made of yellow gold lay. At its top was a small black pearl while from the bottom hung a snake made of white gold. The girl grinned at the two darksnakes and offered them her thanks.

Jurshí smiled with his eyes. We are very pleased that you like the "belly button" ring; your father helped us craft it as snakes do not have such things. Congratulations once more. And with those words, he and Ressil slithered back into the shade.

Niom and Leafë stepped forward, the man holding a satin bag - much larger than any of the others had been - in his hands as he spoke. "For years, we all have watched over the five of you, looking on with amusement, sadness, and pride as you've grown up. Now, the time has come for you to be treated as independent members of society and recognized as adults, even though you shall always be our children."

"Here, here!" Nate cried, lifting his glass in a mock toast with dancing eyes.

The other pair whose irises were the same brown shade rolled in amusement. "Interruptions are not welcome, Nate," Niom said with a heavily exaggerated sigh. "As I was saying, it is now time for you to receive the gifts that were held for you until you reached of age."

"But first, the presents made by our own hands," Leafë continued smoothly, reaching into the bag her husband held and removing a stack of thick books, all bound in black leather and titled in silver lettering. She handed the first to her oldest son. "A compilation of all the fighting forms and techniques listed by race from Du Breoal Abr Kvaedheya."

Nathan accepted the gift enthusiastically and crowed, "Thank you thank you thank you!" while hugging both his parents simultaneously. He reverently set the book down on the table and subtly tried to sneak a taste of the food, but a hard rap on the knuckles thwarted him, delivered by none other than his beau.

Moving onwards, Leafë said to Ren, "A tome filled with detailed information of every magical creature that roams this world." Before taking the book, the blonde gave her and Niom a hug and placed the gift down beside her godbrother's.

The elf handed the next book to Nick; however, this time it was her husband who spoke. "A collection of the many numerous spells I - with some help from your mother - have created, both tried and tested."

Nicholas looked down, stroking the silver lettering with one slim finger. "I can't wait to test these!"

Niom laughed as his son hugged him and ruffled his hair. "We'll have fun experimenting, aye?"

Grinning, the boy answered, "Most definitely." He also gave his mother a squeeze, and she tightened her hold on him for a moment before walking to Rose.

"This is a guide to the ancient art of healing," Leafë explained as her goddaughter took the book from her grasp. "I'm sure you'll put it to good use, my mor'ranr-kona."

The blonde flushed slightly, blue eyes sparkling with delight. "Thanks, Móðiras." She hugged Leafë before turning to Niom. "And you too, Faðiras."

The reminiscence captured their hug before following the elf as she moved to stand in front of Niaomi, holding out another book whose title was gilded gold rather than silver.

"This one is different from the others because it contains only blank pages," Leafë informed her daughter with a warm smile. "It's a vision journal, used by seers to record the things they see."

Thanking her, Nia took the book and set it down on the table with the rest. "I can't wait to fill it."

As she leaned in for a hug, her mother whispered for her ears alone, "It'll be easier than using your diary like you've been doing, my dearest." The girl stiffened slightly as Leafë stepped back and stared at her in shock, but missed a chance to reply as her father stepped forwards.

"Your surprise birthday gift is one that's dearly valued by you mother, and me as well." Solemnly, Niom slipped one of the two rings on his wife's wedding finger off and offered it to his daughter. "Your mother's engagement ring, the same one I found while swimming with Niüle all those years ago."

"The one that had actually been mine," teased Leafë.

Her husband winked at her before pressing the ring to Niaomi's palm. "It is now yours to bear, Nia."

Blinking back tears, she slipped the ring - which was an exact replica of Aren except for the type of stone - onto her last remaining free finger before launching herself into the man's arms. "Thanks, Faði."

He cradled her tightly before stepping back, using the pads of his thumbs to brush away the joyous tears that had slipped down onto her face. Leafë drew closer, pressing her own elegant hand against the ring as she intoned, "I now name you 'Vinr-Alfakyn', Elf Friend, and bestow this ring, Aren, upon you, so that all elves, wherever you go, will know that you are to be trusted and helped."

Eragon recognized the litany as the same Islanzadí had delivered when formerly bestowing Aren to him, and the yawë symbol on the diamond seemed to flare once though no one in the reminiscence noticed as the next gifts were revealed.

As his wife removed five belts from the sack, which Eragon knew were the same ones Beloth had crafted, Niom told them, "These belts were given to us by Belinda, whose husband had made them from his own hands."

Eragon glanced over at Saphira. Were Beloth and Belinda ever married?

Saphira shifted slightly, sending blue-light patterns dancing across the tent's surface. Even if they weren't officially, would that have made their union any less true?

Remembering what Oromis had said about his own parents,Eragon answered musingly, I suppose not, as he watched the man take two belts from his wife and walk towards the twins. The fact that they loved each other was enough for them.

Truly, it should be enough for anyone.

In the mirror, Niom gave the belt with the gray stones Eragon still didn't recognize to Renata. "These two belts were your mother's favorites, and this one made of hematites goes to you, Ren-bird, for they match your beautiful eyes." He then pressed the other belt into Rosaminda's hands. "And this one with spinels goes to you, Rose, for they are as beautiful as your name describes you to be."

She clutched the belt to her chest while her twin buckled hers on. "Thank you," they said in tandem, eyes shimmering with unshed tears.

Their godfather patted them both on the shoulder before moving to his sons. He handed each a belt, giving the one with topazes to Nick and the one with emeralds to Nate. "Take these and use them wisely."

"Can we?" Nathan blurted out, shooting a glance towards his sister as he hurriedly corrected himself. "I mean, aren't these meant for Riders - or ones who are going to become them?"

"They work just as well for the children of Riders," assured the man.

The boy finally accepted the belt. "Well, I guess a thank you is in - "

"Wait!" Nia stepped forwards and ordered, "Switch belts."

Nicholas looked at her questioningly. "Why does it matter?"

She threw her hands up in exasperation. "All I know is that you two have the wrong belts."

"Alright, alright," he brother surrendered, holding out the topaz-studded strip of leather to their brother.

But Nate didn't accept it; instead, he clutched his tighter and whined, "I like green!"

Niaomi gave him sickly sweet smile. "Change. Right. Now."

He grumbled but did as his sister commanded, throwing the emerald belt at Nick before snatching the other and putting it on with a scowl.

"If we're done...?" their mother asked in an amused tone, and the glares on both kids' faces disappeared. "Thank you. We bestow this final belt upon Nia." The girl took it from Niom, and Leafë smiled before announcing, "And now a gift to Rose and Ren from their mother, Belinda."

Facing the twins once more, the elf set a locket in Ren's hand and a small crystal box in Rose's. "These were two of Belinda's prized possessions. Keep them safe and wear them with pride."

Fastening on the silver locket that Beloth had made for her mother, Renata hugged Leafë. Her sister did, too, before peeking in the box and seeing the same pair of rose earrings that Belinda had worn resting inside. She slipped these on as the werecats stepped forwards.

Fleetfoot's tail twitched as he said, We werecats believe knowledge is more useful than gifts, so take these pieces of wisdom and use them as well as you can.

He and his mate moved to Nicholas first. To the Mage goes this warning: take more faith in your instincts - there will be a time when they are all you shall have left to guide you.

The boy frowned slightly but nodded in acceptance, and the two werecats moved on. The female told Rosaminda in a mellow tone, Though you may struggle with your task, know this, Healer: sometimes, fighting is inevitable, and it will be up to you to deal with the outcome.

"I understand, Windtail."

No, you don't, she corrected, slowly blinking her blue eyes once. But you will sooner than you think.

The blonde bowed respectfully, and they approached Nathan. Heed my words, young Champion, Fleetfoot gravely warned. There will be a time when rage will descend upon you. Take care not to let it overcome your reason.

"Oh, me? Never!" stated Nate with a cocky smirk. His beau merely sighed while his brother rolled his eyes towards the heavens.

You are the Sage, Windtail told Ren. While your wisdom will help lead the others, you must also lead with your heart. Sometimes the right thing to do is not always the wisest.

Renata gave a quick nod, her lips mashed into a stiff line, and Nathan nudged her lightly while whispering, "The Mage and the Sage - nice ring to it, huh?" The jest made the blonde's mouth soften as she smiled and pushed him away.

Niaomi swallowed as the two came to a halt in front of her. Two pairs of eyes, golden and blue, locked onto hers as together the werecats intoned, You are the link for the Riders, Seer. The talent you possess is great, and must be used to instill courage in the Leader for the times you all will face. As you know, the Destroyer grows anxious in his quest for dominance of this world. You must bring together the Riders of the Age to face him. Take strength in your gods and yourself - you shall direly need it.

Nate snorted and commented with a surprising amount of embitterment, "Of course the 'Seer' gets the longest prophecy."

His sister turned towards him. "What's that supposed to mean?"

"Nothing, nothing," he replied casually, putting up his hands in a surrender gesture and stepping back. "Just an observation."

Niaomi looked as though she wanted to add something, but their younger brother cut in with a question. "Who's the 'Leader'?"

Ask your sister, Fleetfoot said, blinking slowly. But now I and my mate must return to our home. The two werecats turned and began walking off, stopping only to nuzzle their daughter Ava.

Before they disappeared into the trees, Windtail looked back and said, Good luck, Riders.

And then they were gone, leaving four of the kids gaping as Nathan breathed, "Riders?"