Luminescent (Inheritance Cycle and Beyond)

Chapter Fifteen: Iridescent

"I'm fine, but I think I need to get some rest." Eragon gave me another concerned look while I was directed to a soft forest bed made of leaves. I laid down as gently as I could and stared at the trees until I fell asleep.

I was sitting in one of the elves boats feeling incredibly guilty about parting ways with Tornoc.

"You will see him again my Rider." I smiled and slipped my good hand into my bag to rub Alethea's head.

"We're almost home Lee, we're almost home."

I sat behind Eragon as we rode through the woods, according to Arya, we were close to Ellesmíra. My body was in turmoil, half of me was excited to be home finally, and the other half was terrified. Would they accept a crippled half-elf?

"Stop thinking about that my rider."

"I'm crippled Alethea. The elves will not like a crippled half-elf in their midst."

"You are a Rider, my Rider. They will show you respect!" Alethea growled. I smiled at her attitude as we came across an elf dressed in flowing robes and a silver crown.

"Eragon," Arya murmured. "Show him your palm and your ring."

Eragon lifted his right hand and showed Brom's ring before twisting his hand to show his gedwëy ignasia. The elf smiled, opened his arms welcomingly.

"The way is clear," Arya said before commanding her horse to move forward. The horse Eragon and I were riding followed suit with Orik bringing up the rear. As we passed the elf, he disappeared in a flash of light.

"Who is he?"

"He is Gilderien the Wise, Prince of House Miolandra, wielder of the White Flame of Vándil, and guardian of Ellesméra since the days of Du Fyrn Skulblaka, our war with the dragons. None may enter the city unless he permits it." Arya responded, answering Saphira's question as we proceeded through the forest.

After traveling a bit further, sunlight started to poke through the canopy. We broke through a tunnel-like tree and were greeted by a large field of flowers. Hordes of bumblebees swarmed around the glittering flowers, and a small stream bubbled to our right.

Eragon swiveled his head, taking in the beauty of the elf city. If I weren't part elf, I would be just as amazed as he was. Houses dotted the woods surrounding the field, blending in with the trees they were built on. One by one, the elves started to appear from the woods; in their eyes, I saw wariness and distrust.

Eragon and I touched our lips in greeting, the entire group of elves bowed at the same time before smiling and laughing. Eragon clapped his hands over his ears when one of the elven women started to sing.

Gala O Wyrda brunhvitr,

Abr Berundal vandr-fódhr,

Burthro laufsblädar ekar undir,

Eom kona dauthleikr...

"It is not magic," Arya said to Eragon before turning to the horse she had been riding. "Gánga. Release your steeds as well. We have no further need for them, and they deserve to rest in our stables."

Eragon slid off the horse before helping me down, as soon as my feet touched the ground I felt a calming aura. Home. I rechecked that my hood was still up as Eragon released the horse we had been riding.

We started down a cobblestone path that wound its way through the city. The elves pranced around us, praising Saphira with names like Longclaws and Daughter of Air and Fire.

"How is that done?" Eragon asked, pointing to one of the smoothly shaped tree houses.

"We sing to the forest in the old tongue and give it our strength to grow in the shape that we desire. All our buildings and tools are made in that manner." Arya replied smartly. The path ended at a hall of overlapping branches, on either side of us, twelve chairs filled with Lords and Ladies sat in silence.

As we proceeded down the long hall, the elves leaned forward, looking at us with indescribable faces. I turned my head back to the front where Queen Islanzadí sat with an older version of me sitting next to her.

"You do look like her. It is somewhat disturbing." Alethea purred in my head. "There is no doubt. You are a princess, my Rider."

"I hate being called a princess. It makes me feel like they think I am a dimwitted twit." I grumbled back while eyeing the white raven sitting next to the queen.

"Wyrda!" I resisted the urge to flinch when the raven screeched. Arya knelt and bowed with me following seconds later and the others behind us following suit. Even Saphira bowed. My aunt rose from her throne, and gracefully walked towards Arya and me.

"Rise." Arya rose, grabbing my arm and pulling me up with her. "O my daughter, I have wronged you!"

. "Islanzadí Dröttning," Arya responded formally, the queen drew back like she had been shocked.

"O my daughter, I have wronged you. Ever since you disappeared, I've barely slept or eaten. I was haunted by your fate and feared that I would never see you again. Banning you from my presence was the greatest mistake I have ever made. Can you forgive me?"