The Name of Names

~21: The Eldunari~

It was a relatively simple building, made out of stone, with a wooden door and one window that was near the top of the building. She pushed gently on the door, and it creaked open quietly, showing the inside of the building. It was nothing more than a wooden floor, with no furniture of any kind in it.

Vanya entered, closing the door behind herself, and going to the middle of the floor, where she sat down, crossing her legs. Her eyes closed, and she focused on breathing in and out deeply. The presence seemed to calm her somewhat, and then it made contact, his voice reverberating within her mind.

Something told her to trust it, and she let down the barriers of her mind, allowing it in. As it searched, Vanya recognized it as an ancient dragon, with its mind preserved in its Eldunari.

It searched lightly, before speaking. Welcome, Vanya Dragonrider.

What is your name? she asked, curious.

I am Glaedr, former dragon to Oromis. Vanya was silent as she recalled that Oromis had been slain by Galbatorix, while Glaedr had lived on through his heart of hearts. Vanya was forced to think about being separated from your dragon, or Rider, and remembered Kaldar, and how the connection was still severed between them.

There was quiet for that moment, before Glaedr spoke again. Your lessons have been going poorly. He commented, striking the tip of the problem, which he had felt.

Ebrithil—she started, but Glaedr interrupted her.

I am not your ebrithil. Eragon is. And it is time you learned—and accepted—that fact. His manner had become stricter, and Vanya felt other Eldunari join the conversation.

Vanya was quiet, knowing he would continue. The fact that she was in the presence of the most ancient dragons humbled her into silence, and she listened to them well.

Vanya, I have seen your mind. And what lies there is pride. Glaedr struck to the heart, and Vanya immediately wanted to object.

Do not fool yourself, young one. Assess yourself. Truly and honestly.

And for seemingly the first time, Vanya did. She looked inward, finding what held her back in many areas—the fear of failure, and behind that, pride. Glaedr had brought up something she had set aside, not wanting to consider it.

When she had finished, Glaedr spoke again, You have much to learn still. You have been privileged as an elf, to be stronger than others, faster than others, and so you believed yourself to be superior to others.

Again, Vanya was forced to examine herself, and found this also true. She had much to learn, and much to become, if she was going to be a dragon rider.

You are truly seeing yourself for the first time. However, I believe you have known these facts for some time, since you know your true name.

Vanya swallowed, forcing her pride down, Yes.

You know well that true names may change with you. And I believe yours may be changing already. But first, you should go to Eragon again. Apologize for your behavior.

Vanya immediately objected, He should not be teaching the Riders. She growled, He doesn't understand how to.

So that is the problem, is it? Glaedr asked, He has been through much more than you could imagine. You have read the whole tale of the War, correct?

Not quite. I started it the day before we left.

Then I will tell you. Glaedr entered her mind, and began to use images and words to weave a story.

Vanya watched and listened as he told of Eragon's life after Saphira hatched for him. How he was the only dragon rider at that time, and was needed greatly. How little training he had had, but how he was expected-- and needed-- to be more. His scar, received from Durza, a shade, before Eragon had killed him, and how his training had slowed from there. Glaedr showed Vanya his frustration, and anger at not being able to do anything, and how eventually, he was healed at the Agaiti Blodhrim. From there, Eragon was now as fast as an elf, and strong as one, although he kept many human traits as well. Glaedr moved quickly from there, flashing images quickly, until he reached a certain point, where he deliberately slowed down. Vanya recognized the point of view as Glaedr's, and concentrated on every detail of the scene, particularly the red dragon in front of them, and the Rider on his back.

Time seemed to slow as Oromis was slain by Galbatorix through Murtagh, and Vanya nearly passed out from the agony seeping through Glaedr's being at being truly and completely alone. Forever.

Glaedr ended there, and was silent for minutes on end, while Vanya was silent, and in deep thought. She brushed a tear away as it had fallen from her eyes.

You have seen. All you need now is to understand. Glaedr withdrew from her mind, and though Vanya could still feel their presence around, they did not speak.

Slowly, she uncrossed her legs and stood up, still thinking through everything that she had heard and seen. Her shelter of protection had been shattered, and it was like climbing out of the shards of glass.

Pulling on the door, she left, closing it behind herself. She was surprised at how much time had passed, as the stars had already popped out, showing constellations she had never known existed before.

First things first. She extended her mind to Kaldar, who was sleeping currently, and reunited the bond. Kaldar stirred slightly, but didn't entirely wake up, as it seemed, and Vanya continued to the house. She went over to Kaldar, leaning against him, and closing her eyes.

Vanya? Kaldar asked, still half asleep.

Kaldar, forgive me.

Kaldar hummed in satisfaction, You are forgiven.

Vanya's lips turned up in a smile, and soon drifted into the waking dreams.