Arrival

[Tismri]

Ismrolde flew above the city of Aberon, looking down at the castle and buildings below. From her back, Tismri could spot a few dragons sitting in the courtyards and outside the walls. The copper dragon looked for a place to land within the city.
They all look terribly small, Tismri commented to Ismrolde about the dragons she saw.
They are hatchlings...each and every one of them, agreed the dragon.
They had been to Ellesmera, whereupon they spoke with Islanzadi on all that had happened while they were away. Tismri had been in anguish to hear that one of the Riders had overthrown the whole order and placed the entire land of Alagaesia under his rule.
Just land outside the city, Tismri told her, You're too large to land anywhere within. Ismrolde agreed and soon they were both standing outside the city gates.

[Trinn]

"My lady," said the messanger who stood before Nasuada, "A dragon and rider await entrance to the castle. They are- the dragon is- Huge. The rider, she is different too." Nasuada's eyebrows rose in curiosity and tension. Was this one of Galbatorix's riders? One that he might have hidden? Or was it.... she recalled the rumors, remembering the sightings of gigantic beats and massive footprints, or roars that filled people with stories remebered from fairy tales. Could this newcomer be what they spoke of?
"Thank you. I'll go meet her personally."
*****

A few short moments later, Nasuada halted her horse before the castle gates. The ten night hawks stoped their marching and circled her protectively. Near the right of the circle sat Elaine upon Eridor. The gray dragon had an odd look in his eyes, and it made Nasuada hopeful. The rider and dragon before her sent shivers of anticipation down her spine. The dragon, so large it could not fit in the city, caused a spark of fear to enter her mind. It was by far bigger than any of the riders the Varden had with them. Before, she had always found Eridor intimidating in his size, but no more. Not when compared to this beast.

"Argetlam, welcome to Abernon. I am Nasuada, leader of the Varden. Please, pray tell, who are you?"

[Tismri]

Tismri watched the gathering people coming toward her and Ismrolde. Among them was a grey dragon and Rider.
The woman who addressed her was dark skined and lovely, and she carried an air of authority, despite her young age.
"Greetings, Nasuada," Tismri said, "I am Tismri, and this is Ismrolde. We have been away from the borders of Alagaesia for many long years, completing a task which Vrael gave to us. Now we have returned and found the world changed. We heard of the Varden from Queen Islanzadi and have come to meet you ourselves."

[Trinn]

Nasuada's heart began tumping ecstatically. A rider, one as old as Galbatorix himself! One who might know how to defeat him! One who could continue training Eragon, and Elaine, and all the other riders! We are no longer helpless. The varden have new hope! Unlike her, Nasuada could not help but smile widely, part from relief, and part from pure hope. "Argetlam, I am honored in your presence." Tears of joy filled her eyes, casting a watery sheen across them. "Rider, please, grant us your wisdom. Grant us, the varden, your strength." Holding an arm out, Nasuada bent in the saddle in a deep bow, paying homage to the ancient rider. Around her, the nighthawks hesitantly did the same.
~~~~

Rearing his head to the sky, Eridor released a loud, pure bugle, filled with joy. Upon his back, Elaine was grinning. Eridor, look at that dragon! Someday, perhaps that will be you and I? Eridor bugled again, flaring his wings.

Aye. Someday. Elaine, Galbatorix cannot stand against us now! Elaine's smile widened at the thought. Then, as Nasuada bowed, and the nighthawks as well, Elaine bent her head and Eridor laid his wings flat upon the ground and bent his neck, bending a knee in a graceful bow.

[Tismri]

Tismri smiled gently as the people began to bow to her. She glanced at Ismrolde.
It seems unreal, doesn't it, old friend? she asked.
Aye, the ancient dragon agreed, I would never have imagined anyone bowing before us like these do now. Tismri turned back to face the people.
"Rise," she told them, "for I am no more or less than you. I may be older, but I do not wish to be exalted above what is my rank." Then she turned to face Elaine and Eridor. Ismrolde snaked her head over to the gray dragon and sniffed him. Eridor was a large enough dragon by the standards of that day, but compared to the copper dragon, he was no more than a hatchling.
Well met, Eridor of the gray scales, she told him, copper eyes gleaming.

[Trinn]

A shiver rippled through Eridor's scales when the ancient dragon touched him, and he shook himself to smooth down his gray scales. Her voice spoke in his mind, as rich and beutiful as the stars. Aye, well met indeed, wise huntress. He dipped his head to her again. He could feel a tinge of fear coming from Elaine. No doubt she was hesitant to be so close to the massive copper dragon, even if the dragon was apprently un-hostile. Peace, Elaine. he said, sending her a wave of comfort. He could sense Elaine's mind relaxing, and he could almost see her take a deep breath and and nod.
~~~~

Nasuada rose from her bow, as did the nighthawks gathered. She turned her dark eyes to the rider. "Or course, shur'tugal." Looking to Eridor and Elaine, she said, "Allow me to introduce one of the varden's dragon riders, Argetlam Elaine and Eridor Stormwing. I'm sure they must seem but infants to you." Upon hearing their names, Elaine and Eridor inclined their heads. Nasuada paused, unsure how to proceed next. Finally, she said, "I have a feeling there is much we both need to discuss. We have much to learn from each other. We can talk more in my quarters. Please, if you'll follow me?"
~~~~

Elaine kept switching her gaze from the dragon, who showed her age, and the rider, who looked only a little older than Elaine herself. She also noticed the woman's sword, and wished not for the first time she too had such a formidable weapons as a riders sword. The other night, she had spoken with Eridor about traveling to Ellesmera. Perhaps the elf blacksmith, Rhunon, would be willing to create another sword from the remains of the ore Eragon had found. The idea had been quickly dissmissed, though. The varden could not afford to allow another rider away for long, not with Eragon returning on his hunt for the vault of souls, where and whatever it was. Shaking herself from her reverie, Elaine inclined her head as Nasuada announced her.

[Tismri]

Tismri inclined her head to Elaine and Eridor. In the fashion of the elves, she touched her two fingers to her lips and said, "Atra esterni ono thelduin, Argetlam Elaine and Eridor Stormwing." Then she turned back to Nasuada. She felt the stares of everyone present, which would have many years ago unnerved her. Even so, it was strange to know that she was the oldest person there when the last time she stood in Alagaesia, she was of a middling age of the Riders. Not the youngest, but by no means the eldest either.
"Of course, Nasuada Svit-kona. Lead on. There is much I would like to speak of."

[Trinn]

Nodding, Nasuada turned her steed and heeled him back towards the castle. The night hawks fell in rank. Eridor stepped out of the way for Ismrolde. Elaine wondered if the massive dragon would even fit within the streets. shall we fly above? she asked Eridor.

Aye. we should give them some space. Lifting his wings, Eridor jumped into the sky and soared above. Even when Nasuada and the rest of the humans were nothing more than ants, Ismrolde was still discernable, a large beetle in a nest of aunts.
~~~

The procession moved slowly, mainly because a crowd had gatherd to watch. The nighthawks shouted at them to step aside, and the citiznes obliged, if slowly. Eventually, Nasuada and her retinue reached the gates of the castle. She turned to regard Tismri. "I do not think there is room for your dragon. Would it be well with you if she were to stay here? I will have some of my men set up a better place for her while we speak within the castle."

[Tismri]

Tismri nodded to Nasuada, then turned to Ismrolde.
Will you be all right?
I'll be fine, little one. Be safe.
I will. She turned back to Nasuada.
"Ismrolde will stay out here for now. We'll be fine."
OOC: *shrieks in outrage, ready to punch Max*

[Trinn]

"Excellent. This way, then." Turning, Nasuada passed under the main castle gates. On the other side, stable hands came to take her horse. Dismounting, she handed a boy the reigns, then walked briskly into the castle. She was eager to begin disscusion with this rider from before the fall. Looking to a nighthawk on her right, she said, "Go alert King Orin of the castles new guest. Tell him to meet me in my study. Hurry." The man nodded, then broke away from the group and rushed down a side hall.

In mere minutes, Nasuada entered her study, bringing only two nighthawks in with her. She went to her desk, but did not sit. She found herself full of adrenaline and excitement. "Here we are, argetlam. I've sent for the king of Surda to meet us."
~~~~~

Flaring his wings, Eridor alighted next to Ismrolde's great bulk. He pranced a few steps, then settled on his haunches and watched her intently. Elaine dismounted, then faced the dragon as well. A shiver ran down her spine when she beheld the ancient. "Dragon Ismrolde, I want to thank you for coming back to Alagaesia. But mostly, I want to apologize." Eridor broke his gaze from the copper dragon to glance curiously at his rider. "I'm sorry you had to return to find your homeland broken and in turmoil. I know everyone here must seem like nothing more than children to you, with as many years as you have seen pass, but know that we wouldn't, won't, stop our war on Galbatorix until he is pulled from his throne and brought to justice."

OOC: Jeriah, I'm sorry your plans are ruined. But you should have discussed your plans with Max beforehand, so that something like this didn't happen. But now that it did, we have to make the best of it yo.

[Tismri]

Tismri followed Nasuada into the study, looking around intently. This castle didn't even exist the last time she was here. A small laugh of disbelieve escaped her before she could stop it.
"Surda...It is so strange to think of another country in Alagaesia. The entire land was once a single country, kept in peace by the Riders. So much has changed..." Her voice drifted off as she thought of all Islanzadi had told her about Galbatorix's rise to power. Vrael's death...Evandar's death...the death of each of her friends. They all weighed heavily upon her.
~~~~~
Ismrolde looked at the two in the courtyard with her. The gray dragon and his Rider.
You are not the one to apologize, young one. It was not your fault that that egg-breaker and oath-breaker destroyed our home. I apologize, for both myself and Tismri, for having been gone so long. The years simply seemed to melt before us and we had no idea how much time had passed.
OOC: I was just a little...surprised, I guess. I'm mostly over it now. Still, if Max doesn't agree to bring Tyr back to life so he can try to kidnap Marola's kid, I don't know what I'm gonna do with her. I guess it was pretty much my fault for not actually saying anything to her...*slaps self*

[Trinn]

Nasuada gave Tismri a sympathetic smile. "Yes, I imagine this must be difficult for you. Coming back to find everything you know changed." She trailed off, unsure how to proceed, or what to say to comfort the rider. Fortunately, King Orin walked in then, all business. He eyed Tismri carefully, then, seeing the depth in her eyes, the wisdom, he bowed to her.

"Greetings, Shur'tugal. I am King Orrin of Surda. You are welcome in my lands always." He went to stand beside Nasuada, nodding to her. "Thank you for alerting me of our guest."

Nasuada nodded to the King in return, a small smile on her lips. Ever since his admonishment to her in the pavilion many days ago, she had been sure to include him in her decisions and goings on. She returned her attention to Tismri. "Rider, how much exactly do you know of Alagaesia's current state? And how it came to be?"
~~~~

Eridor shuffled his wings on his back, letting his gaze settle on Ismrolde once more, while Elaine said, "Please, great dragon, don't apologize. You knew not how fate would change things." Eridor spoke then.

Well, I think we can all agree that none of us is to blame. Only Galbatorix. Elaine's eyes hardened.

Aye, and he will pay.

[Tismri]

Tismri inclined her head to Orrin slightly at his welcome.
"Thank you, both of you, for your most gracious welcome and hospitality. I am glad there is still some goodness in these dark times." She sat as Nasuada asked her question.
"I have spoken with the elves since returning. Islanzadi has been most helpful and I know most of what has happened. However, I would like to hear what has happened from each of you, for each person has a different perspective on how things happen, and I would like to know what has happened from the humans' point of view."
~~~~~
Ismrolde listened to the two speaking to her. She noted Elaine's hard expression.
Young ones, take care to guard yourselves against hate. If you fall into that trap, you shall be no better than the traitor, Galbatorix. Hate is one thing we wish to eliminate.

[Trinn]

Resting her elbows on the edge of her desk, Nasuada steepled her fingers before her. She rethought her life thus far, wondering how much information was neccessary to tell this ancient rider. Her telling finally began with Brom and Morzan's rivalry, how Brom formed the varden, killed Morzan to retrieve Saphira's egg, all the happenings with Eragon, the arrival of the copper dragon, similar to Ismrolde, with the twenty dragon eggs, and of all the battles the Varden had fought. She also informed the rider of the varden's current plans of laying seige to villages around the empire, to work their way steadily too Uru'baen. Nasuada fell silent, and she wondered if this woman new of the Eldunari. Of course she does. A rider who has lived as long as she would surly know of such things. If not, I need to tell her how Galbatorix is so powerful. However, Nasuada did not want to inform King Orin or the nighthawks of the dragon's largest secret, their Eldunari, so Nasuada attempted to reach Tismri through her mind.
~~~~

Humbled, Elaine bowed her head. "Of course. You're right." A thougt struck her then, and she glanced up again at the copper dragon. "Ismrolde, can I ask a boon of you and Tismri. Can you and your ride teach Eridor and I? Will you help us become stronger?" Eridor perked up then, raising his head higher. He would enjoy lessons with the fierce dragon before him.

[Tismri]

Tismri settled down and listened to what Nasuada told her. She showed none of her feelings on the subject, her face staying calm. Once Nasuada was finished, Tismri sensed there was more she wished to tell. But Tismri had already guessed it. She was not certain why Nasuada would know of the Eldunari; it was not something the dragons shared readily. Indeed, outside of the Riders, only a rare few elves knew of the existance of the Heart of hearts. She did not mention it, however, but remained silent. She reached gently out to Nasuada's mind at said, You need not tell me...I already know.
To satisfy the others present, Tismri also spoke aloud.
"I must say, all this creates a fascinating tale, to say the least. The entire world has been turned upside down twice since we left. Maybe now it shall soon be set to rights. Thank you for telling me this. I have much to think about now."
~~~~~
Outside, listening to both Tismri's thoughts and to Eridor and Elaine, Ismrolde gave a calm growl.
I believe Tismri would agree with this. We shall teach you as time allows. But there will be times when we shall all be too busy with this war to focus on learning and teaching. Still...there are some things dragons and Riders must learn, and we would be happy to teach them to you.