The awakening from the eternal sleep

[Silver]

*Intro*

The wind blows softly around Ristvak'baen, the sun still up in the sky, but threatening to hide on the horizon soon. The cold wind and the silent make the place look sadder and more mysterious than usual. The wind suddenly stopped blowing as some noises are heard on the distance, getting each time closer. The actual riders had come to mourn the riders of old for first time after many years. Any sound or breeze that could still be around disappeared immediately, like if the whole place had been waiting for this especial moment.

[Quetzal]

A speck in the sky was barely distinguishable from the blue around it, only marginally more pale. It grew slowly larger as it neared the mountain. This was the dragon Arlyn, an ice blue creature nearing four months of age. He was about the size of a horse, and so for the past week or so he had been able to carry his Rider on his back, something he had longed for since his first flight. She was presently grinning broadly at the cold winds blowing at her face. Isrydia and Arlyn had left Ellesmera once he had been big and strong enough to carry her on his back. He was not a particularly strong dragon, but in the air his true skills shone through. His speed and agility were something to behold, elegant despite possessing the gangly too-long limbs of a dragon yet to grow to maturity. Isrydia let out a loud burst of laughter as he angled down into a dive, her blonde-brown hair whipping back in the wind. They could both sense one another's joy through their bond, seeing that as reason enough to continue messing around in the air. They were the first ones here, it seemed, at any rate; they were aware people were gathering here to show their respects to fallen Riders and had left earlier, overestimating the time it would take them to get here. Arlyn had more stamina than she had thought.

"Someone else is here," Arlyn's voice played through her mind. It had matured into one of a young but intelligent man, not excessively deep but still masculine, while until a couple of months ago his voice had sounded like a child. He drew up his wings from the dive to glide, showing her where he had seen the others with his mind. The dragon's deep blue eyes were far keener than hers. She could see nothing but the mountain they had nearly reached, but she of course trusted him.

"A Rider?" she thought. She had tried speaking aloud to him at first, since she preferred to speak aloud, but it was very difficult when flying. The winds carried her voice away. He confirmed it was a Rider, and she smiled. "They'll be here for the same reason we are, then. Maybe we know them! Maybe they're a new friend! Come on, let's go meet them," she urged, and he gladly flapped his wings to speed up. He might be able to show off his Rider and his flying. Being ridden was new to him and so he relished all the novelties of the experience. Raising his head, he bellowed a roar of greeting so loud Isrydia jumped, glad to have the tight leather straps of the saddle to tie her down. A faint reply came moments later as Isrydia began to make out another speck in the distance, growing very rapidly. A presence touched at their minds and they both tensed defensively, but the touch was gentle and quickly retracted. Whoever's mind that had been felt like they had been through a lot, but there was a lot of goodness in them and the two trusted them. At any rate, they were safe from most conflicts as they sided with neither Varden nor Empire, and were practically unknown to anyone.

~

Eragon and Saphira were nervous about all this. They had only just been rescued from the North and most people did not even know they were still alive. They had been determined not to miss paying their respects to their fallen fellow Riders for a foolish reason like that, but none the less it was unpleasant to think of seeing so many people. They had aimed to reach the place early to have time to get their bearings and prepare themselves alone, but it seemed they had been beaten. Eragon spied the paler form in the sky without much trouble, watching it dive. "The dragon is young," Saphira pointed out to him, noting the size of the stranger. He nodded, disregarding the other dragon as any threat when he roared a greeting. He was naive, that was for sure, but could still mean them harm and simply be playing it innocent. He was far too small to be one of Galbatorix's dragons, at least. To be certain the two meant no harm, he reached out and lightly brushed their minds, sensing their intent before the barriers were flung up. They ought to be more careful when guarding their minds, but they were not going to hurt him. Saphira beat the air with her wings, then made for the ground. The other pair copied, landing with surprising grace a few dozen feet from Saphira and himself.

The Rider was a female he had never seen before, and looked for all the world like an ordinary human. She slid easily off the small dragon's back and the two hurried up to where he climbed off Saphira's back. Her eyes studied Saphira curiously, a frown crossing her face before the dragon nudged her with his icy snout and she looked at Eragon. "Are you... is that... Saphira?" her voice was a breath of wonder.

Her eyes were so wide, her admiration so great, it made Eragon smile despite his worries. "Yes. I'm Eragon, and she is Saphira," he answered her question. He hoped she would not spend too long discussing who he was.

"I... I'm honoured to meet you, Eragon. My name is Isrydia, and my dragon is called Arlyn. I'm pretty new to this whole Rider thing, so excuse me if I'm ignorant to some things," she introduced herself in return. The question of how he was still alive burned in her mind, but she doubted he wanted her to ask it. If he was willing to share something like that, he would tell her of his own accord. "I haven't been here before. I'm glad I have; the view in incredible. The stars should be bright tonight, this high up," she tried to make conversation.

Eragon didn't care much for the brightness of the stars, but he had to admit it was pretty up here. "I grew up near here. The area is beautiful," he commented.

Isrydia had heard that he had lived in Carvahall before it had been destroyed. "I come from Kuasta. Same mountains, but they overlook the sea, although I used to run off to explore. If you went far enough you could see out to endless land..." she smiled at the memory. "I'm biased, though. The Spine has always been in the background throughout my childhood, and it was where I found Arlyn's egg,"

Kuasta? That had been where Brom was from. She was too young to have met him, but it was nice to meet someone else from that place. "Me too. The mountains were more than just in the background, though. And I found Saphira's egg there," a hand went up to rest on the blue dragon as his eyes scanned the skies for any other arrivals.

Meanwhile, Arlyn and Saphira had been talking. Saphira had examined the smaller dragon carefully before carefully touching his mind, the two allowing basic access for communication only. "You fly well for a hatchling," she told him.

Arlyn was not so pleased with being called a hatchling, but the compliment was clear. He felt a rush of pride. "Thank you, Saphira-elda. I've heard a lot about how strong you are, and you are well deserving of the name Brightscales," he noted the way the sun sparkled off them as the evening drew in.

Did they have to be so formal? Compliments were always welcome with her, of course, but she would prefer people to be more informal more often. People tended to be more honest that way. "May I just say that you have an excellent eye colour," her tone was more playful.

Arlyn snorted in amusement. Their eyes were almost exactly the same colour, hers matching her scales well, his standing out against his pale face. "Blue is the best colour for a dragon, and sapphire blue is the best colour for eyes. But the other colours can still be all right. I can't wait to see the other dragons," he was ever eager to meet members of his own species. Meeting Saphira was a great excitement to him, but there was still the promise of more dragons than he had seen since the Rider Branches had been restarted.

[Brenton]

Specks of color on the horizon, like wheeling birds of prey, circled within view and then back out of view while the sun reflected off of the scales of dragons as they flew. Yet none were as grand as the golden dragon that swooped out of the clouds and then up toward the sun with his neck arched and his wings stretched to catch every ounce of wind within the sails that were created by his membranes. On his back rested a rider dressed in simple clothing and a silver band of a crown that adorned his head in place of his gaudy gold crown meant for his kingdom. He had already told people he would be gone for awhile and so he had his ceremonial sword on his belt as well but over his shoulders was a fine cloak with silver stitching. He sat astride a hardened leather saddle with his legs strapped in and on the side of the saddle was his blue blade, Undbitr, having originally belonged to his father.

Brenton, look below and see the others ahead. It appears that Arlyn is already here as well as Saphira. Grazael bugled in joy as he swooped down but on his back a different reaction was happening in the rider's head. Isrydia was with Aryln so that meant Brenton would have to see her and although he liked to claim he was done trying to date her, Brenton still wanted to win over the young rider's heart and maybe one day show her how happy she made him. Instead he swallowed nervously and waited as Grazael dropped to the ground next to the two dragons. Although he was the youngest of the three, Grazael was the largest because of his growth during the magic encounter with Ashendale and Nelfarion. Slowly Brenton climbed down and smiled weakly at Isrydia before turning to Eragon. Brother, how are you these days? In reality it had been Brenton who had rescued Eragon so he knew sort of what was going on with his brother.

[Timmir]

Flying through the skies of Alegesia, Trelik and Neldral were heading towards what was now known as Ristvak'bean. For the past several months the pair has been under the tutelage of an old 'client' of Trelik's, an elderly half-dwarf enchantress and collector named Eldeth. Through her, the pair had learned the basics of magic and some lore about the riders before their fall. This did, however, came at the price of them going on 'missions' for her from time to time, most of which usually included securing some item for her, which was usually pretty easy for the experienced theif/rider.

This was the whole reason why they were heading towards the old Dragon Rider outpost at the top of Utgard Mountain. She had informed the pair of an event she had learned of where all the riders were going to Ristvak'bean in order to moarn the lives of the riders of old. She then suggested that both Trelik and Neldral go, using it as a learning opportunity. So here they were now, heading towards Ristvak'bean.

I have a bad feeling about this.[/i] Trelik thought as he scanned the horizon for their destination.

Well, you didn't complain when Eldeth told first told us about this.[/i] Neldral responded.

I know. I know. But the more I think about it, the more my gut says we shouldn't go there. I mean, how do we know this isn't a trap being set-up by the empire in order to capture any rider stupid enough to go there.

Well, if that does happen to be the case, then we'll just get away like always.[/i]

I hope your right. With that thought, Trelik could begin making out the mountaintop ahead of him where the outpost is supposed to be.

Uh... Trelik. It looks like we have some company.

"Huh?" Trelik looked to his left to see a dragon in the distance, seemingly heading towards the same mountain that Trelik and Neldral were heading. The dragon was large, larger then any other dragon he has seen so far and had brilliant emerald-colored scales that shined in the sun. "This could be very good, or very, very bad."

Do you want me to turn around?

"No. Let's keep moving. It probably has already noticed our presence, and if it meant to harm us, it would of already attempted to."

Neldral gave a short snort as he continued on his course.

---

Farore flew as fast as she could towards Utgard Mountain. Ever since she heard about the mast mourning that was going to be happening at Ristvak'bean, she had wanted to go. Being a Rider of Old herself (or, at least, however close she was to being a rider at that time) and being one of their tacticians, she wanted to mourn the lives she had once knew and now forgotten. To try to attoned for the deaths she had probably caused.

As she continued to fly, she began to see the outpost ahead of her. She quickly sent her mind out to just sense if anybody was already over there or not, noticing six minds were already there. Four of which seemed pretty familiar. To her right she noticed another two minds which were unfamiliar to her, probably another dragon and rider heading towards Ristvak'bean also.

It wouldn't be long before she would finally land at the outpost. She quickly thought about whether or not if she should change back to her humanoid form once she landed, but quickly decided against it, at least not in front of other people. She could still remember Arlyn's reaction to seeing Kialandi's transformation into a dragon the first time, and highly doubted she would be better off then him if she did the same thing. With that in mind, she elected to land at a currently deserted part of the outpost and transform back into a huminoid over there.

After landing, her body began to glow as she transformed back into a human. Once she did so, she stretched abit to get use to her human body, taking note of the weight her armor, clothes, cloak had on her. It was abit of an odd transition, especially just after getting use to having scales and wings. She then began walking through the outpost, trying to find her way to the people she had sensed earlier.

---

As Neldral flew over the outpost, both him and Trelik noticed a few familiar faces and decided to land there. "Well, it's nice to see all of you again, Isrydia, Brenton, dragon's whose names I don't think I ever got names for." Trelik said as he climbed off Neldral's back. As he did so, he took note of the new faces he hasn't met yet, though for some reason, the man did look slightly familiar.

Where has he seen him before?

[Quetzal]

Isrydia returned Brenton's smile, but she was not completely comfortable around him. She knew that however many times she rejected him, she just could not seem to be rid of his advances. Not to mention the fact that he had let her believe he was dead for a while. She could understand why, but she was still annoyed all the same because she cared about him as a friend. Arlyn had no such troubles and turned from Saphira to Grazael, headbutting him gently on the shoulder in greeting. "Good to see you, friend," he said to the larger dragon. Saphira nodded respectfully at the golden dragon, but stayed next to Eragon.

"Saphira and are both doing fine, Brenton. A little nervous about being around others when most people don't know we're still alive, but fine," Eragon was not telling the whole truth. The pair were still tired from their long capture. Their wounds had been healed but their muscles still ached and they were not yet up to full strength. He did not particularly like being called 'brother', either. It was all he could do to stop himself reminding Brenton he was a half-brother, not a full brother. It was strange; he accepted that Murtagh was his half-brother, but it was harder to admit Brenton was too. Murtagh and he shared a mother, but he and Brenton shared a father. Sharing Brom was an idea he detested, hence why he found it hard to accept he was not Brom's only son.

A female, male and dragon could be seen then. Isrydia and Arlyn recognised them all, but Eragon and Saphira did not recall having met any of them. "Farore!" Isrydia called excitedly to the woman wondering some distance away, looking like she was searching for them. Arlyn stood on his hind legs and beat his wings to try getting her attention in case she did not hear his Rider.

The two then turned to Trelik and Neldral as they landed. They had accompanied her along with Brenton and some other elves to Ellesmera and had helped them fight off a Shade. Said Shade had wounded Arlyn, so she had spent most of the time after that at the injured hatchling's side and so had not seen much of Trelik. It was good to see the two again in better circumstances. "Nice to see you again too," she said happily. This was turning into quite the reunion, and she loved it. "I had not chosen my name when we last met. It's Arlyn," the ice blue dragon informed the others.

"We don't know these people. You'll have to introduce us," Saphira spoke to Brenton, Grazael, Isrydia and Arlyn who seemed to know who everyone was, and Eragon so that he would know what was happening.

"Right!" Isrydia pointed to Farore. "That's Farore. She was a Rider of Old, and was made to sleep before or during the Fall in Ellesmera. She only woke up a couple of months ago, and her memory was gone. Arlyn found her. Last time I saw her she was doing all right but still couldn't remember anything," she turned to Trelik and Neldral, "and this is Trelik and his dragon Neldral. When Grazael and Arlyn first hatched, they helped us fight off a Shade," she left out the bit about them being thieves. Eragon and Saphira nodded to the Rider and dragon. They were a little reluctant to admit their identity, but they trusted Brenton would stop any conflict. "I am Eragon, and this is Saphira," he said.

[Brenton]

Grazael gave a playful swat toward Arlyn with his large right leg and watched as it soared harmlessly over the smaller dragon's head and through the air with a low whistling. The golden dragon had seen a larger dragon soar over in the air out of the corner of his eye but knew that more were arriving so he never said anything, until people began to show up. First it was Neldral and Trelik, two of the people who had been there when they traveled to Ellesmera. The second was Farore, a strange woman who Grazael had seen through only a few encounters in the forest of the elves. Yet the woman had no dragon with her and this was a supposed rider of old so it made no sense how she got up here. Grazael looked at Brenton meaningfully and then back at Saphira to alert her to potential danger if Farore turned out to be violent after her time alone.

Brenton, having seen Farore walk up by herself, gave a miniscule nod and then turned to Farore while he took a small breathe to clear his head. Finally realizing it wasn't the right time he stepped closer to Eragon and lowered his voice. I know it's strange to not know of your family but I only saw Brom once. You lived in the same place as him for your entire life yet I am willing to call you brother. Please don't cast me aside because I was raised in Ellesmera with my mother and then taken captive by Galbatorix. I had no control over that and there is no changing the past otherwise I would go back and introduce myself to you then. As for Farore, she is supposed to be a rider but she has no dragon. How is it that one person can scale a mountain so high without a dragon or other mount? I am sure of the fact that this woman is different and an old friend of mine knew it too. Trust me please, Eragon Shadeslayer.

Brenton moved away from Eragon and looked to Farore again while he cleared his mind of all worries besides wondering about how she got here. Farore, it is good to see you, yet I must know how it is you got up here without a dragon that would be considerably larger that Grazael or Saphira, combined even. If you do have a dragon with you then please, introduce them to us and let them get to know their brothers and sisters. The elven king glanced at Trelik and gave a brief nod in greeting while Grazael sniffed at Neldral in a strange manner.

Grazael turned to the other dragon and rider while he gave a small growl in his chest before he stood tall and spread his wings wide. Even though I am much larger than before, I am Brenton's dragon and partner of soul and mind, Grazael. I remember you two and thank you much for the aid in defeating the shade when my rider needed you most. In his heart, Grazael knew that Brenton never would have returned to the elves or gone to find Eragon and Saphira if Isrydia had been harmed in her attempt to get to safety. Yet all of that was in the past and the dragon did not feel it was good for the mind or body to dwell on that which could not be changed.

[Kaane]

Xedric surveyed the meeting ground from a safe distance in a tree, the wind rustling his black cloak. He laughed, inexplicably; on the inside he felt immense sorrow. From rumors and hints he had gathered from his travels, he surmised that this was the place; the burial ground. His dragon Cyrrus was interred here. He was sure of it. He almost began to cry at the thought of being so close to his friend and partner once more.

But now was not the time for emotion, not until he reached Cyrrus’ grave. It was the last thing he needed right now. At this night of the year, the spirits within him known as Izariel were at their strongest, and they were ready to exploit any weakness they could find. It would only be a matter of time before they took control, and they would most likely use his body to do whatever they pleased instead of finding closure with Cyrrus as he had planned. But he at least wanted the time to mourn in peace. Maybe they would take pity on him for once...most likely they wouldn’t. But he hoped they would understand somehow, just as a favor for taking over his life entirely and completely ruining him. He muttered a calming chant in the ancient language to himself, hoping to keep in control for a little while longer.  At least let me do this one thing…he thought as he began to climb down the tree he was in.

Then, he saw them. Dragons and their Riders seemed to suddenly appear from the skies, all somehow coming on the same night to pay their respects. “Bloody hell…”  he muttered. His control would be greatly lessened with all these people and dragons around...Izariel would have tons of magickal energy to feed off of. If they wanted to, they could take control with ease, and do whatever they wanted from there. He became incredibly frustrated and angry, as he often did when Izariel crippled him like this. But he calmed down quickly and took a deep breath; he wouldn’t let Izariel get in the way, not this time. If they gained control, the Riders would be strong enough to deal with them. In a way, Izariel were just as crippled as he was. They might even be able to help him with his condition if they somehow noticed Izariel’s presence. Wishful thinking...but a wish he wanted granted anyway. He sighed, invoking his god for strength. He’d need it.

Quick and agile as a shadow, Xedric ran the distance to the burial ground through the forest as more dragons came. He would be there in less than a minute.

---

Izariel sighed to themselves. It was interesting to watch Xedric try in vain to stabilize his broken mind, but not when it threw a wrench into their plans. They had wanted to be on their way to Uru’Baen by now, but their idiotic vessel had to say hi to his dead dragon first. What a waste of time…
But they couldn’t do anything about it. Their plans required that Xedric be as stable as possible; their mask needed to be flawless. Otherwise, well, their body would be useless in a lunatic infirmary, wouldn’t it?

So, as they heard Xedric’s mental pleas to let him mourn in peace, they understood his need and let him alone for the moment. Not that they pitied him...they were too perfect to endure such a deplorable emotion. Logically, pity got people nowhere. It was a manipulative device that so many foolish mortals fell victim to. But, they did understand. They would have smiled if they had a face at their own, incredible intellect. Satisfaction: now there was an emotion they could deal with.

Then, the Dragons and Riders appeared. They were flustered at first, but then their hypothetical smile grew wider. What a chance to meet potential allies! If they could use Xedric to win their hearts somehow...use pity...pity...hmm...while they would never feel it, they certainly could understand it enough to use it. Yes, this was a golden opportunity. Xedric could keep his body for now. Izariel would have his way later.

[Timmir]

Trelik gave a short nod as the dragon's gave him there names. His attention was then taken by the strangers in the group introduced himself as Eragon and Saphira. "Oh... So your the famous rider that has caused this whole revolution. I have to say, you looked alot more different then I expected. Alot more... elven." Trelik said as he rested his back on Neldral's side.

The dragon sighed at his riders remake. Just ignore him. He's just being an idiot." Neldral told everyone on the scene.

"Hey... That was a bit uncalled for, don't you think. It's not everyday you meet the person everybody says will single-handedly dethrone our Lord and Master, King Galbatorix himself" Trelik said, his tone becoming mockingly sarcastic when he spoke about Galbotorix. He and Neldral then turned as they took notice of a woman walking towards there location.

Farore smiled as she heard Isrydia and Arlyn greet her. It was so nice to see a couple of familiar faces. At least it was, as when she noticed who was in her company, her smile faded and her face paled as if she saw a ghost. And it was because she did. The last she heard, Brenton and Grazael both died in an explosion, but here they were now, alive and well. If only to make matters even more awkward for her, instead of saying hello to her or trying to explain why he was still alive, he put her on the spot asking her how she got here, more or less suggesting that he knew what she is.

She was completely speechless as her gaze moved towards the ground as she tried to think of what she should do or say. She came here to mourn the lost lives of the riders of old, and did not expect herself to be interrogated by a man she thought was dead.

"It's nice to see you too, Brenton." She finally said with a depressed sigh as she came to her decision, "I guess there's no point hiding it."

She took several reluctant steps back from the group. It was obvious that whatever she was about to do, she didn't want to do it. But she knew full well if she didn't reveal her true identity, then Brenton was not going to let it down.

She closed her eyes as her whole body suddenly began to glow. Her whole form then shifted into that of a large dragon. As the glow faded off, her emerald scales shined in the sun as she opened her eyes to see the reactions of those around.

Trelik jumped from his relaxed position by Neldral as his hands shot towards his swords by instinct, prepared to draw them at a moments notice if he needed to. "Okay, that is not something you see everyday."

((I'm sorry if this post turns out to be in poor quality. I meant for Farore to join with the main group this post, which made things odd for me when people started talking to her when I didn't mean for her to be there yet ))

[Quetzal]

"I'm sorry you didn't get to see Brom more... brother," Eragon managed, looking at the strangers rather than the half-brother he knew a little of. "If you are so sure about Farore, I'll keep an eye on her," he looked at her. It was indeed odd she would make it all the way up here with no dragon in sight, but not impossible. Perhaps she had remembered some old magic from her days as a Rider all those years ago.

The man Isrydia had named Trelik did not seem too pleased to see Eragon, but his dragon was more friendly. He got that reaction from quite a few people who were skeptical of him and did not believe he was worthy of all the respect he received. He himself recognised that he had achieved much, but still thought people did overdo the praise. Saphira did not share this belief. "I was human, but during the Blood-Oath celebration I was granted a few elven features and abilities, yes," he ignored Trelik's sarcasm, "Even if I do manage to get rid of Galbatorix, it won't be single-handedly. So many people have helped me already, and I doubt I could do that alone," he would hate to see so many people who had worked at getting him this far - Garrow, Saphira, Brom, Arya, Nasuada, Roran, Katrina, Orik, most recently Brenton, and even Murtagh once - go uncredited for their work.

Isrydia's attention was on Farore, not the Rider she had never met before. She and Arlyn watched with complete focus when she changed shape. Arlyn's reaction was not nearly so disgusted as when he had first seen Kialandi transform since he was aware it could happen now, but he still jumped back in shock, almost knocking Isrydia over as his wings extended as an automatic reflex. Isrydia's eyes grew wide. She took a moment to take this all in. Farore was a dragon spirit? Farore? That was a surprise.

Even sarcastic Trelik was surprised. Eragon and Saphira inhaled sharply, staring. Eragon then looked to the others in case they were able to offer an explanation. He was still standing next to Isrydia, who saw his bewildered expression and moved closer to talk to him quietly. "She's a Dragon Spirit. That's someone who can turn into dragons, a rare race."

"How do you know that?" Saphira asked the question just to Isrydia and her dragon, somewhat annoyed the young new Rider would know more than she and Eragon. "Is this something else we missed during our absence?" Eragon loathed having been away from the world so long.

"I met one, even fought with him, in Ellesmera. It's not common knowledge, don't worry. Not many people know about the Dragon Spirits, they've been pretty elusive until recently. Even now it's just a few Riders and the Dragon Spirits' friends who know about them," she informed the two. Arlyn would have added to that, but he was looking at a figure running at a distance. He couldn't see who they were, but they looked in a hurry. He didn't alert anyone, just watching the strange figure.

[Brenton]

Brenton, having seen the look on Farore's face right before he asked his question, realized what had bothered her so much that she would be shocked. Chuckling slightly he moved to Grazael's saddle and out of a pouch he withdrew the large blue eldunari that had come from Vaentr and that he had dug up. It was strange that he had yet to finish telling everyone that he was actually alive. Then it happened. Farore, a calm and quiet woman who he could never convince, turned into a dragon just like Kialandi would when he was around. Barely stopping himself from dropping the eldunari, Brenton remembered his conversation with Kialandi about the woman. Finally he turned to Eragon and Saphira, realizing that only a few of them would know what a dragon spirit was. Eragon and Saphira, there are creatures of an older time than riders created by a magic we know nothing about. Elves and Dragons once wanted to be one and so a few of them used magic to fuse together and over time became Dragon spirits. The friend I was telling you about, Kialandi Morzansson, is a dragon spirit as well. He is also the reason that I lasted so long in my fight with Ashendale and Nelfarion.

Brenton turned to Farore and smiled warmly at her but his eyes showed defensiveness in them and he knew that he might have to defend himself so he kept Undbitr on his belt close at hand. Farore, you are surprised because you thought that Grazael and I died before you left the forest and went to where ever. That is only partially true and this is why. As you know, we fought a great battle with Ashendale and Nelfarion, losing many great soldiers and friends of mine. They fought bravely and so did the riders of the forest. We had Kialandi on our side and an Empire Spartan who was in the area. It was when we were fighting that I noticed Ashendale had raised a ward that blocked him and Laetri together in a fight while no one else could reach them. I knew that it was very likely that the man who had held off so many was going to kill my friend and so I drew in a bunch of energy. With this energy I cast a spell without the Ancient Language, hoping to cast Ashendale and Nelfarion far away from us. Grazael had decided to fly toward me and so we were going to die because the spell would have killed us since we had not the energy. Instead, Vaentr intervened and his magic caused it to where we also were teleported away when the explosion rocked the area. It left behind my sword and Vaentr's eldunari but we were saved. In that explosion though, the spells collided and aged myself and Grazael twelve years so that we look older. After we regained some energy we contacted Arlyn telling him we were alive but not to tell anyone else. So we made our way back here and took the throne back. That was also when I found out that Drayden, loving son that he is, was there to kill me. Anyhow we went to find my brother Eragon and now we are here. I am sorry for the deception but it was necessary as we did not know if the demented rider and dragon were gone or not.

[Timmir]

((Sorry for the wait. I was expecting Kaane to post, but seeing how he hasn't been online since his last post over a week ago, I should go ahead and post.))

After the initial shock, Eragon seemed to be at as much of a lost at what just happened as Trelik was. He then noticed that Isrydia was whispering something to Eragon, which Trelik edge a little bit closer so that he could eavesdrop. While he missed the beginning, he did hear the fact that the woman is apart of a rare race that few even know of their existance, and that Isrydia had fought alongside one before. Brenton then told his own explanation to Eragon (though he was alot more open about it then Isrydia was).

You know, you could just ask them to explain what she is to you instead of eavesdroping on them. Neldral said to Trelik

Well, if they wanted me to know in the first place, they would of told me in the first place. We both know that neither Isrydia or Brenton really trusts me, and who could blame them. Us thieves aren't a trustworthy lot. A thought then occurred to Trelik.

"You know, now that I think about it, I think I may have heard about a Dragon Spirit before." Trelik said to the group, "After we had went our separate ways, I went to Terim for a short while. During my stay there, a man attacked two guards before going on a rampage through the town. A couple days after the attack, a rumor began to surface that during his rampage, he transformed into a dragon. I didn't think much about it at the time, but now..." A whispered curse left Trelik's mouth as he thought about that day. A friend of Trelik's lost his life because of that man and it was all Trelik's fault.

It wasn't your fault, you know. You had no way of knowing that man would do what he did. Neldral said to Trelik, trying to ease some of his rider's guilt

---

Farore looked over at Brenton as he began telling her the events that led to his 'death', how he had survived, and the events following. While he acted warm and friendly as he said this, the look he had in his eye told her that he didn't trust her. She couldn't blame him though, she didn't even know if she could trust herself.

I understand, Brenton. It must have been hard for you."[/i] She said to Brenton before her body began to glow as she transformed back into her humanoid form.

"I'm... I'm sorry." The words left her mouth once she returned to her human form, her gaze looking from them in shame.

[Quetzal]

Arlyn noticed Trelik moving closer to eavesdrop, but didn't mind as he would have been happy to explain Dragon Spirits to the Rider and fellow dragon anyway. There was no hiding them when Farore had made the decision to reveal herself before them all. If Farore was comfortable with them knowing what she truly was, then it would be better for everyone there to know exactly what a Dragon Spirit was rather than speculating what unknown magic could enable such a vast transformation at little cost.

Brenton's explanation gave Eragon a better idea of the Dragon Spirit race. Their history was news to Isrydia as well. The two and their dragons were all surprised by how much Brenton was sharing out in the open, but if he trusted them all and whoever might be nearby with his story then so be it. Isrydia had been there for it all, and Eragon had heard most but not all of it on the way back from the North.

Isrydia nodded at Trelik. "Yes, I think I heard those rumours too somewhere. I assumed they were just made up and exaggerated on the way to Ellesmera, but perhaps they could be true after all." she wondered how many Dragon Spirits there were out there. It could not be many. Then again, how could anyone tell who was and who was not a Dragon Spirit? It wasn't hard to convince everyone you were incapable of turning into a dragon. Eragon frowned. Another thing he had missed in his absence. He needed to catch up, but a lot could happen in a few months. The Rider standing next to him was a normal girl, the elves had a Queen, and whatever this Rider Branches thing was it hadn't been heard of. The Rider Branches were something else he would have to ask about at some point.

"Sorry for what?" Eragon spoke softly to Farore.

"Big secrets like that are difficult to tell. You were right to take your time; you can't make people forget something like that." Saphira added. She was still in shock from what she had just seen, but some secrets took time and courage to reveal even to friends.

[Brenton]

The air grew cooler as the moon rose above the horizon and into the middle of the sky, apparently it had been about an hour and a half since they had started explaining everything and people began to arrive. So this looked to be all that would arrive before whatever would go down. As the moon rose and hit the crumbled stones of the tower of Ristvak baen, a mournful howl of wind rose and rippled the grass. Where the land was bare, food began to disappear that people had laid down and Brenton quickly laid down his parcel of wine and cheese as well as bread and candies. Silvery light shone and suddenly a grizzled figure appeared in front of the group, older than most of them looked and sporting a beard that was gray. Over his chest was the area where an obvious wound had been but on his palm was an even brighter patch. A Gedwey Ignasia, the mark of a rider, shone on his palm and he looked at the group. Scanning them all, his eyes first rested upon the large blue dragon, Saphira, and then on Eragon. His gaze moved next to the even larger gold dragon, Grazael, and his rider Brenton, but recognition wasn't there. Suddenly the flash of light off of the sapphire in the pommel of the sword at Brenton's hip drew the apparition's attention.

The man looked at it and then back at Brenton with shock on his face when he saw the gold crown on his head and the obvious air of royal composure that was slowly eroding as the king looked on. In front of him stood Brom, his father, and someone who had died. Brenton felt tears well up in his eyes but he tried to force them away until he felt the comforting touch of the golden dragon much like a warm summer's breeze. Grazael was with him so Brenton gave a choked sob and sank to his knees in front of his father as Brom frowned and turned to look at Eragon an Saphira who both looked older than he had last seen them.

((Sorry but this is a very slow topic and I figured that with the conversation that happened then the spirits would be arriving soon.))

[Deleted]

Reimer wasn't sure what he should do.  He had been standing alone in a grove of trees away from the group for some time.  He recognized many of the people and dragons from his time with the Varden but he wasn't sure what they would think if he came in.  He had used hot air to lift himself up to this point but he now wondered if it was worth it.
     His eyes again scanned the area.  He saw his king, Brenton, and Brenton's dragon but few of the others did he know name to match their beings.  They were all either dragons, riders, or something of both. He wasn't very confident about joining this group.

Ooc:  Sorry I haven't been on much so this is kind of a catch-up post.

[Timmir]

"I'm sorry. I'm not who you thought I was. I'm not..." Farore said in near whisper before suddenly stopping as she felt completely wierd. The wind around her had suddenly changed as if to foretell an ancient magic taking over the land. She then quickly scanned the group as she noticed Brenton staring at something, something had reduced the elf king to tears. She quickly glanced over at that direction too as she noticed a figure over in that direction.

Trelik and Neldral took notice of the figure in the distance too. They had no clue who the figure was, or why his presence had caused Brenton to become a sobbing mess. Yet it was apparent that something was strange about this man. Both his hand and his chest irradiated with light that was only more apparent in the near darkness they were all in.

Trelik then finally got up the nerve to speak. "Brenton. Do you... know this man?" He asked, slightly unsure about the strange situation they were in.

[Emiryal ♕]

I'll post here tomorrow Queztal. I need to catch up on what's going on here but I don't have time right now. I have work tomorrow and can't stay up to post and read this. sorry.

[Emiryal ♕]

A gathering of Riders, obviously would be of interest to the Empire regardless of the event happening. A large red dragon came into view, a small figure on his back. Even from a distance with their reputation known it would be hard to not realize who it was. It was none other than Murtagh and Thorn. Both were armed in full battle gear. Murtagh wore a full set of plated armor and Zar'roc hung at his side. Thorn wore black dragon armor and they seemed to be ready for a fight.

However, neither one attacked, but Thorn landed near Saphira and Eragon. The red dragon was still larger than his blue counterpart despite being quite a bit younger than her. For once they were not under orders to kill or capture Eragon and Saphira. With so many riders here doing so would be suicide. They were armored simply as a precaution in case they were dragged into a fight. Capturing Eragon and Saphira of course would be a bonus if the opportunity arose.

Murtagh took off his helmet, his hair ruffled and unkept looking due to the helmet. So Eragon and Saphira had survived the North, Galbatorix would be interested in that. However, as Murtagh saw them he was a bit jealous of their freedom. He and Thorn were not free, something they both wanted dearly. And Ergaon's suggestion to change their true names was not an easy thing to do. Neither red dragon nor rider said anything to each other or to anyone else, but waited and watched. Murtagh kept careful watch on Eragon, almost seeming to expect to be attacked.

[Quetzal]

Eragon listened to Farore at first, but his attention was quickly grabbed by a figure approaching them and suddenly the only people who existed for him were himself, Saphira and the newcomer. He saw the impossible apparition look Brenton, his other son, but then the older man's eyes were only on Eragon. The Rider felt all the built up frustration and anger within him dissolve away. None of that mattered. He was brought back to a better, more comforting time, when he had this man to guide him. He and Saphira did not feel so alone and out of place in that moment. They were reminded of how they had been when they had first left Carvahall, and it made them realise just how much they had grown and matured in Brom's absense. Eragon had been forced to become an adult and a leader in a short space of time, and just for a moment there was someone else who had once taken some of that load off his shoulders.

"Father..." Eragon choked as he spoke. His eyes glittered with tears. "I never did get the chance to address you like that." His smile was one of joy, his tears showing his sorrow. He and Saphira both rushed closer to Brom. "Is it really you?" How could it be? He reached out and tried to embrace his father. "What's it like being... dead? Can you see what's happening? So much has changed, Brom, I don't know where to start," He wanted to be able to sit here and talk to Brom for hours and hours. He remembered that Brom hadn't given much attention to Brenton. Eragon might not like it, but Brenton was still Brom's son. "I want to tell you everything that's happened, father. I suppose I could start by saying I've met your other son, Brenton. Izlandzadi is dead, so he's king of Du Weldenvarden now. Brenton's a Rider too. His dragon is called Grazael, and despite being so big he's actually only a few months old. Same age as the ice blue dragon, Arlyn, I think, over there, right?" He waved a hand at Arlyn, who promptly straightened himself to his full height, surprised at the mention. "Brenton and Grazael were hit by a spell that aged them." he explained the situation to his father. There was so much more he wanted to tell him; he found the Varden, they were doing well, he'd been captured, Arya was missing, there were so many more Riders now, but the introductions to the people in his story had to come first.

Isrydia and Arlyn looked at each other in alarm and surprise as Eragon addressed the newcomer as his father. Wasn't his father dead? They knew Brom had been his father, news of that spread as fast as the rumours that Morzan had been Eragon's father, but they also knew Brom had died. She didn't want to ruin the moment for Eragon, Saphira, Brenton and Grazael, but she couldn't keep her doubts quiet. "How can it be Brom? Brom's dead. Is this some kind of trick...?" She said to Farore in a hushed voice. Her eyes and Eragon's as well as those of their dragons were taken again by another arrival. Isrydia had never seen him before, but the red dragon was not Talon or Lenora. It must be Thorn.

"Murtagh," Eragon said cooly to his half-brother. There was good in him, he knew from the times they had spent traveling before the Empire caught Murtagh and Thorn had hatched for him. Eragon and Saphira both wanted the other Rider and dragon to be free of the Empire so that they might work together, but they both knew that wasn't going to happen any time soon. "What are you doing here?" The relief from seeing Brom again had been replaced by tension. They didn't want a fight, but with Murtagh here one could easily break out. Isrydia and Arlyn watched the two Riders warily. "If they try to fight, we'll try and stop it, agreed?" Isrydia thought to her dragon, who agreed. This was supposed to be a time to pay respects to the dead, not to fight each other just because you supported different people.

[Emiryal ♕]

Seeing Eragon with Brom again reminded Murtagh of when they had first met. He had been there when Brom died. He had never gotten to know Brom at all, nor had Eragon understood the significance until now. Eragon might be glad to see his father but Murtagh hoped that Morzan wouldn't show to this event.

"We aren't here to fight you," Murtagh replied hearing the tension in his half brother's voice. "If we had been we would've attacked already." He could understand why Eragon would be tense with him here, but what he said was true. He could've said it in the ancient language just as easily. Had they been sent to attack and capture them they wouldn't have bothered landing and would've remained air borne.

"Well I'm not here to see father like you. Morzan is the last one I'd want to see," he said. He would certainly not get as warm a greeting from his own father as Eragon had. His gaze fell back to Brom but only for a moment and a flicker of regret crossed his features. "I can't tell you why I'm here," he added. It was more or less reconnaissance to bring back information. But of course if there was an opportunity to capture Eragon, he had been ordered to take it. Chances of that happening with so many riders here would be slim. "Where have you been anyways? Galbatorix and I thought you might have abandoned the Varden," he said. Reports were that Eragon and Saphira had gone North but beyond that there wasn't any more information on why or what else. For a moment speaking with Eragon felt like going back in time before they were enemies, before when he was free.

[Brenton]

Brenton wiped his eyes with the back of his hand as he watched Eragon and Saphira rush to greet Brom but for some reason the apparition was not like his father and why was he here. Still this was Brom so Brenton stood up and looked at Trelik as he gathered himself again and smiled weakly at the other rider. That is my father, Brom, rider of Saphira. He died protecting my half-brother Eragon while I was in the Empire's service but it is still him. Brenton looked back at Brom and Eragon just as the younger rider introduced him and Brenton stepped forward quickly to look at his father. He was older, more weary and obviously not rested like the dead should have been while an obvious wound was in his chest.

Grazael is not my first dragon, Vaentr is, and he...died protecting me from a Shade attack when I saved a human soldier. Grazael hatched for me at a meeting with the Varden where I was causing havoc just after my mother died in front of my eyes. Eragon, you should explain more about what happened to you and not worry so much about whether or not Brom remembers me. You never knew he was your father whereas I did so go ahead and enjoy this time with him.

With that he turned and walked toward Isrydia while keeping his head down even when Thorn flew up and landed next to them just to let Murtagh dismount. The elven king had no need to speak to the Empire rider and he just wanted to be near people he knew and cared about. Even though Brenton was upset that he had not known Brom real well he was still glad to let Eragon spend time with the older man.

---

Brom, old and dead as he was, was unsure of what was going on exactly as his body was still in the diamond tomb miles away from Ristvak'baen but his soul was wandering around with this group. He looked at the small group and saw Brenton as well as Eragon, both of who had aged and were wiser than their years. Resting on Brenton's head was a crown that he had not worn when he was in the small house that Brom had lived in when in Carvahall while a golden dragon stood next to him and on his hip was Undbitr. That made the old man proud to see his son wielding the very blade he had used to aid in the destruction of the Forsworn.

Slowly the apparition turned to looked at Eragon and when the boy and his blue dragon rushed up to smile at him and ask him all the questions the old man smiled. He had forgotten nearly how annoying the young boy could be and yet he was his son as well and as a youth Brom had been curious as well, asking questions of everyone. Finally Brom held up his slightly transparent hand to call a stop to the barrage of information and looked at Brenton once more. King of the elves, that meant that Islanzadi had not survived the war and she was dead as well but he would not see her tonight like he would his sons.

Like the whisper of the wind, two names came from the old man, Brenton and Eragon. Both of them were family and he wished that Eragon would understand that Brom had done the right thing in not letting Brenton see him when he was there. The boy had been little more than a newborn and the old man could not let them know each other. If he had known at that time of Brenton being captured by the Empire then he would not have sent him away and maybe he would have helped is son. With a sad smile Brom tried to hug Eragon but his arms passed through the boy and he stood there forlorn trying to think of a way to tell him otherwise. Once again the wind blew through and the words important and sorry were uttered.