Just then, the guard Nasuada had sent off returned. Nodding to Eragon, the Urgal knocked on the tent beam and spoke.

"Lady Nightstalker, all the lieutenants have been told."

"Thank you," said Nasuada's voice from inside the tent. The guard grunted before walking back to stand in position with the other Nighthawks. A second later, Nasuada’s young messenger named Jarsha ran up and entered the tent, his eyes locked on Luminous until he disappeared inside. Jarsha’s escort, the man Orrin had referred to as Jordan, went back to his place with the king’s retinue.

Eragon's own guards had crept closer to him and the dragons. Staring at Luminous, they touched their lips before saying the first line of the traditional elven greeting.

Luminous looked at them, expanding her thoughts so that the elves could hear her reply as she greeted them as well. The elves smiled with joy and finished the ritual.

"It is an honor," Blödhgarm said in the ancient language.

As it is for me as well, Luminous replied, also in the ancient language. I am Luminous Bjartgarzla.

"And I am Blödhgarm," said the elf. The others bowed and introduced themselves as well.

As the elves began to compliment and question Luminous, Nia walked towards Eragon. "I think we better tell Nasuada and the others that the rest of the dragons have arrived."

Eragon smiled and nodded his agreement. They walked to the tent as Jarsha was leaving, and he politely stepped back and allowed Niaomi to enter first. She winked at him, making him blush, before entering. He followed close behind.

"Excuse us, Lady Nasuada," Nia said with a short bow. "But the dragons are arriving."

The other Riders stood. "We better greet them before they start roaring for us, too," Nathan said jokingly. Niaomi shook her head at his words, her mouth wry and amused, before leaving. Eragon looked to Nasuada as the others followed her out. She nodded at him, so he bowed and left.

There was a surprising sight to greet him: Luminous had Nate pinned, much like Saphira had once done to him.

I heard what you said, Luminous growled softly.

Nathan held up his hands. "Now, Luminous," he began shakily, "I-it's not like I insulted you or anything - "

His next words were choked off as Luminous's paw tightened. Leaning closer, she said, Well, don't make me think you did again, before lifting her leg and continuing to clean her claws. Nate scrambled up, brushing his back and glaring at his sister.

"Hey, I've warned you before," she said defensively. The others were struggling not to laugh as the elves smiled.

Eragon, feeling sympathetic, walked over to Nathan and clasped his shoulder. "I know how you feel, Nate; it has happened to me as well."

The man looked at him, gratitude in his dark eyes. "Thanks, Eragon. You're better than my sorry excuse for a brother."

"Hey!" Nick said, stifling his laughter. "You’re the one who tried to crack a joke."

His brother just sneered and grumbled, "No one appreciates humor anymore."

Eragon was laughing with the other Riders when the air started to vibrate. Looking up, he saw that the four other dragons were circling the pavilion as they began to slowly make their descent. Saphira looked up as well, her mind filled with an unbridled happiness. This is truly a thunder, she said, using the term for what a group of dragons was called. I never imagined that I would have the chance to be a part of one.

The magnificent creatures landed gently, one after another, folding their wings so that there would be enough room. Two were slighter than the rest, and while their pink and silver scales gleamed, only the latter held the same as the sheen of Luminous's hide. A wind dragon and another gem? Eragon asked Saphira.

Yes. The pink one is the only other female, she told him, examining the others. Those two must be the brothers the mentioned.

Eragon followed her gaze. One was a shimmering emerald color that automatically reminded him of Arya's eyes (though hers were a darker shade), while the other dragon was somewhat larger with glinting orange scales. The orange one is probably the fire dragon, Toparien. He's quite a bit bigger than the other.

And the other... Saphira eyed the green dragon. He met her gaze before turning to Nicholas, who Eragon guessed to be his Rider. His scales seem to have an extra gleam.

While Eragon and Saphira were having their silent conversation, the dragons and their Riders were having their own as well. All looked up at the sound of the tent flap opening, and out stepped Nasuada, Orrin, and Arya. The two humans stood speechless at the sight of four new dragons. While Orrin seemed shocked and slightly perturbed, Nasuada's lips were twisted upwards into a sly grin.

"Welcome, dragons," she said formally. "I am Lady Nasuada, leader of the Varden, and beside me is King Orrin of Surda." They turned towards Nasuada, nodding regally.