Zeus's booming laugh echoed like thunder. "You are very confident. Alas, I am afraid you are not yet ready."

Frowning, Niaomi tried to plead with the god, "But I have already gathered all my bondmates, and the prophecy said - "

"Prophecies!" He shook his head, causing rain to scatter on to the ground. "They do not govern your future - they only warn you of it. And even the strongest of readings can be wrong; even the most powerful can be broken. While they shape your future, you are the one who chooses it."

Eragon felt as if those words had been directed at him. Can it be true? he thought to himself. Do I really have to leave Alagaësia and never return? Saphira heard his inner turmoil, but chose not to comment on it. Her attention was still fixed on the mirror; the memory was still playing.

"Do not fret, child," Zeus continued. "You will gain your dragon's egg when you are ready for it. And that will be once you've mastered the ten elements; however, this task will take some years, so you must be patient, Niaomi Dragonseer."

"Dragonseer?" the girl inquired curiously.

The clouds formed into a wide grin. "That is what you are. Now, rest: you just used a lot of magical energy."

The sky began to clear as the light dimmed, sinking back to the ground. Zeus's face disappeared, and his last words echoed once again. "Now, rest…"

Finally, the brilliant light vanished, and the creatures all began to stir. Nia remained standing; her hair fell back to her shoulder, and the glow faded. Hesitantly, her father walked forwards and quietly called, "Nia? Are you okay?"

Turning to Niom, the viewers say that the girl's eyes were back to their normal violet shade. She whispered with a faint smile, "Faði," before collapsing onto the ground.

____________________________

The image faded, only for the reminiscence to continue with a scene of the young Niaomi lying on her bed. Her room was brightly lit, the sun shining through a set of wide glass doors that led to a small balcony with a veranda. Inside, it was a cozy area: her four-poster bed supporting a light green canopy and sheets of the same color was set in the far right corner, with a small nightstand made of driftwood standing beside it. The floor was carpeted a beige shade that reminded Eragon of the beach, and the walls were sky blue. Two dressers stood on the opposite side of the room, and in the adjacent corner was a vanity section with a large bronze mirror.

Blinking her eyes, the girl sat up carefully, wincing at the stiffness of her muscles. As she did so, a door across the room opened and Leafë stepped inside, her hands holding a tray full of food. Smiling, the beautiful elf glided in, gently closing the door behind her as she said, "You're finally awake."

Nia frowned in confusion. "Móði? H-how did I get here? Where are the others? How long have I been out? Am I in trouble?"

Leafë laughed, the warm bell-like sound making Eragon smile slightly in response. "I have to remember all your questions before I answer them. After you fainted, your father rode your young pholÿn back here with the others. Your brothers and godsisters are down in the back garden. This is the third afternoon since the night your little adventure, so you've been unconscious for about two and a half days now. And you are most definitely in trouble."

Lowering her head so that her eyes would be obscured from her mother's gaze, Niaomi whispered, "I'm sorry."

Her eyes softening, Leafë gently took her daughter into her arms, holding her tightly. "Ah, Nia, just remember that you can always tell me anything, alright?"

"Alright," her daughter echoed, hugging her back. Quickly brushing her eyes, she asked, "And my bondmates?"

Laughing again, her mother stood up and stretched a hand to her daughter. "Come along, my darling. I would say eat first, but your eagerness shows that will have to wait, hmm?"

Grinning, Nia took her hand, and the two walked through the hall and down a set of stairs which mimicked the library's in its length and elegance. Hurrying through another hallway, the girl tugged her mother through a back door and into a magnificent garden. The smooth dirt path round between towering groups of flowers, ranging in variation and shades: from the white lilies with their sculpted petals to the tall sunflowers in their bright yellow colors.

Following the sound of voices, they wound their way through the maze of flowers into a larger section. This one had a miniature glen with weeping willows draping the entrance. Leafë delicately brushed the leafy curtains aside, revealing the four other children, the five pegasi, and all of Niaomi's yawë fricaya relaxing in their serene surroundings.

Gedwëy was the first to spot her bondmate. She shot off her seat on Rumble's neck, a white streak that came to a stop right in front of the girl's face. Smiling in delight, the fairy called to the others, "Nia's awake!" Then she landed on the girl's head, glowing with happiness.

"Nia!" Nate, Nick, Rose, and Ren all called as one, running to their sister. Four different pairs of arms enveloped her at once, and several voices chattered excitedly.

"Bout time you woke up, sis," Nathan said with a wide grin.

Nicholas nodded spasmodically with sparkling green eyes. "Indeed. We've been bored without you to lead us into danger, excitement - "

"And trouble," Renata finished, attempting a stern scowl on Nia. "Scrubbing dishes and extra studying is not anyone's definition of fun."

Rosaminda laughed, shaking back her golden hair as she told her twin, "Ditto. But you must have to admit, riding the pegasi is extraordinary."

Flying always is, Cloud said as she walked towards them. Leaning down, she gently nustled Niaomi, taking care not to knock Gedwëy off her perch. It's good to see you, Nia.

Yeah! Dewdrop's voice chirped up as he jogged to his bondmate. He cocked his head up, eyes twinkling as he said, Even if your hair is a little on the funny side.

"What?!" the girl yelped, immediately raising her hands to check it. Frowning, she turned to the pup. "It doesn't feel that tangled."

Because it isn't. Skystreak flew into view, and the girl held out her arm so the owl could alight onto it. Dewdrop is causing you to unnecessarily fret about your hair.

Bramble snorted with laughter as he cantered towards them. Good one, Dew.

Two small birds flew up off of Rumble's ruff. The blue one landed on Nia's right shoulder, and the red one on her left. She smiled at the new arrivals. "Hello, Ion and Flair."

Niaomi, the phoenix said, voice calm with only a hint of amusement. Good to see you up and moving.

"Glad to be up and moving," she replied.

Ion wiggled his way into her hair. I missed resting on you. I think your shoulder has become my new favorite perch.

Giggling, she whispered, "Thanks. And why didn't you talk when I first found you?"

Ion moved his wings in a pantomime of a shrug. I had nothing to say.