The Rooftop Garden Revisited

[Niniel]

Niniel thought about the duel that she had participated in with Eragon as she walked in silence back through the unfamiliar corridors of the palace. She looked for certain statues or paintings that she had taken note of the first time that she had wandered the halls looking for a sanctuary. After an hour or so of walking, she finally reached the narrow staircase that had led her to peace the night before.

As she emerged in the garden, a smile grew on her face, peaceful and relaxed. The loss that she had experienced that day didn't matter anymore. Now she was able to be where she loved the most, in nature; even though the garden was enclosed by stone, this was still one of the most beautiful places that she had been to as of yet in the vast empire.

She removed the shoes that she wore and laid them at the tops of the stairs, then soundlessly walked to the tree and sat down under it's branches and opened her mind to listen to it's thoughts and learn from it.

At first the emotions that the tree was feeling weren't new things to her. But as she sat and listened, she realized that a new idea was coming from the wise old tree. It was grieving because of the loss of one of it's seeds that had tried to take root near her own roots. Although in the long run the tree knew that one of them would have to die, she lamented the loss of the new way of living that she would be exposed to and vowed that in the future, she would be more open to sharing the world that she knew and would not risk losing a potential friend.

Niniel was touched by the trees thinking, and wept right alongside her, mourning the loss of the new way of living and trying to understand why the tree had not been more receptive to a different way of life. All life deserves a chance, she thought, No matter how different.

[Ancalimë]

Solembum had followed the young elf out of the courtyard stealthily.
He leapt to the top of the rooftop garden and followed her with his blazing eyes, as if pondering something that only he knew.
He blinked as if making a decision, and leapt down in front of her, observing her tears.

You have a strong heart, and that is worth more than any victory of the physical being.

He narrowed his eyes at her, smiling a form of cat smile.

You probably have heard of me, have you not?

((My next post will be longer))

[Niniel]

Niniel looked up at the cat that had just communicated with her. You have a strong heart, and that is worth more than any victory of the physical being. Niniel did not respond to it, but nodded at the statement. His words made her happy.

You probably have heard of me, have you not?

Niniel smiled at the cat. I had heard that there was a certain werecat that was among the Varden, but I never discovered his name. I assume that you are the one that I have heard about.

[Ancalimë]

He inclined his head.

You may call me Solembum, although I go by many names.
He sat down, staring into the elf's eyes.

There are two things I will tell you, and it would be best not to forget them.
He blinked, for her future had been confusing and hard to disentangle.

When it seems that you have no other choice but to end your life, do not succumb to the temptation, for there are greater things meant for you.
The next thing he had to say was much happier to fortell, and it pleased him.

Follow your heart, for it will lead you to happiness that others only dream of. Many painful things you must face, but in the end, another will make you feel truly peaceful and loved.

He purred and licked a paw delicately. The last one he had spoken to was Eragon, one who had been too stubborn to listen to Angela's warnings about Arya. He only hoped that Niniel would find peace.

[Niniel]

Niniel sat in silence as Solembum spoke to her. For a moment after he was done speaking, she didn't know what to think. It was rare that a werecat would tell the future of a being such as herself. She took a moment to store what was said to her deep within her mind so that she would not forget it.

When she looked back at him, Solembum was peacefully licking one of his paws.
I'm honored that you have felt me worthy enough to recieve advice from you concerning my future. I will keep your words with me always. Thank you again, Solembum. Hopefully this will not be the last time that we will speak.

[Ancalimë]

Indeed.

He leapt onto one of the walls.

One last thing. Be careful with the new Riders. They are a bit more volatile than Eragon supposes them to be, and are easily swayed.

He set off in search of Angela. He needed to speak to Maud, and that meant returning to Ellesmera, a place where Angela hadn't been in many years.

But the smell of change was in the air, and even the most ancient creature couldn't say what the next move might be.

[Niniel]

The last thing that Solembum said to her made her think of each of the new riders faces in turn. Her mind dwelled on Pike's face, she didn't need to be told twice that he was easily swayed; all it would take for him to change sides was a pretty face and a small amount of attention. She would make sure and watch all the riders carefully through out the next few months until their loyalties were secure.

With Solembum gone, Niniel leaned back against the tree and closed her eyes. She slipped gently into sleep and began to dream of scenarios in which the things that had been said to her would be relavant. Her subconscious flicked from one dream to the next when it landed on a dream that made Niniel wake up abruptly with sweat beading on her forehead.

It's just a dream.. that will never happen... She said to herself, but somewhere inside of her, she knew it was a lie.