The Name of Names

~27: Around the Fire~

The unspoken question ran through everyone's heads; Was?

After a large hesitation, Aiden added, "She died. Awhile back."

Deathly silence fell over everyone, until Nym said quietly, "I'm sorry, Aiden. I shouldn't have pressed it."

Aiden mustered a small smile, "It's alright. Not a big deal."

Quiet pervaded again, and eventually, Aiden stood up, "I'm going to bed. See you all tomorrow."

Murmured, "See you's" and "Good-night's" scattered around, until Aiden had gone, where once again, everyone was silent.

Vanya chewed on her inner cheek awkwardly, wishing for something to break the silence.

Nothing did, and eventually everyone dispersed to their own rooms, headed for bed.

That night, Vanya stared up at the ceiling as Kaldar's breathing steadied out in sleep. Many things swirled around in her head until finally, she ignored them, closing her eyes and waiting to slip into the awaiting dreams.

~~~

Vanya's training progressed quickly now that many barriers that had held her from doing so were out of the way.

She learned new spells, practicing them in her free time until they became second-nature to her. Her vocabulary of the ancient language swelled, until she was fluent in speaking in the ancient language as well as the common tongue. As an elf, she should have already been able to do this, but she had neglected to practice the ancient language, besides the every-day phrases, such as the greetings.

She became close friends with all the Riders, and several weeks after she had met them, she finally felt like an official part of the group.

Kaldar grew in size and knowledge as he learned under Saphira, as well as Eragon. Vanya and him had many flying lessons together with the pair of Ebrithils, which were highly enjoyable as Kaldar ducked, dove and flew high into the clouds.

Their bond grew, and when Kaldar did fly too far away to feel his presence, she felt it acutely, feeling lonely. When this happened, she often extended her mind to live in the lives of creatures to ease the pain, until he came back, when their bond was reunited.

Her sword-play as well increased, until she could keep up at least with the oldest elf Rider there. He still won many matches, but her endurance was growing, and each time she fended him off longer.

Eragon watched her learn with satisfaction, knowing she would be a promising Rider. She was smart, agile, and quick to learn once her pride had gotten out of the way. Several times her old nature did come up in the forms of anger when she was beaten after particularly exerting her best efforts, but the outbursts became rarer, and longer in between them.

Kaldar learned skills from Saphira as well. What certain plants could be used for indigestion, stomach aches, and other common dragon ailments. He learned how to direct the jet of fire by using his tongue, and after many exercises, he could hold the flame longer. He learned wind patterns, how to dive effectively, and many other skills.

Together, Kaldar and Vanya grew together, their skills complimenting each other. They were Shur'tugal and Skulblaka. Dragon Rider and dragon.

Eragon had sent Rathen to bring another egg to Vanir, and Vanya sent a quick message through him to greet Vanir. Rathen didn't tell Vanya how Vanir smiled when he heard she was doing well, just smiling to himself and letting it go.

Eventually, the eggs made it to the first Urgal village, where Eragon hoped an egg would hatch. There had been no Urgal Riders as of yet, and he wished for that to change soon, to breed friendship between all the races.

And, as he had hoped, he received a message shortly from Vanir, telling him the gold egg had hatched for Begnaz, an Urgal in the tribe.

Begnaz came to Evarinya after a few months, when his dragon, Arucane, could fly there. As Vanya had heard from them, the journey had went smoothly, and when Vanya asked if they had landed on the strange island with mind-attacking creatures, he shook his head.

Begnaz quickly became part of the Riders, and began his training with Eragon and Saphira immediately.

A few months passed, and another egg was sent to replace the gold one. This one was a jet black one, and Eragon watched it leave with Aiden with some apprehension. Of course, he reminded himself, It wasn't Shruikan's fault he hatched. Galbatorix did that.

And so, the two eggs, a black one and a blue one were ferried between the cities of elves, men, dwarves, and Urgals. And soon, they came to Roran's city, the new Carvahall.