Of Dragons and Dreams (Draumr Kopa/// Dreamnotfound)

Chapter 13

Notes:

Short weekend break but we are back! Bit more of a filler chapter but hope you enjoy nonetheless :))

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Dream and George hurriedly packed their bags, forgetting about their earlier embarrassment with Eragon, much to their relief. It would be for the best if their teacher forgot what he had seen, George thought, and grimaced internally. Dream had called out for Kiraka, relaying the entire conversation in a short burst of memory, and her and Vindr had flown back immediately, landing in the roosts and grateful they had an easy time hunting. George had felt the heavy stare of his dragon as he strapped the saddle down, and turned a little red, knowing exactly what Vindr was thinking about. He had shared a quick, rather disconcerted look with Dream, who had shrugged unhelpfully, in as much of a conundrum as the elf. He was sure some of their time together earlier had slipped through the cracks to their dragons, as full of feeling and adrenaline as it was. He very much hoped Kiraka wouldn't bring it up.

They had a long flight ahead of them, but they knew time was of the essence. After a quick discussion, the boys and their partners settled on flying straight to the capital of the Broddring Empire, now called Ilirea once again. It would be a flight of some 20 or so hours, the length of which pushed the dragons capabilities, but was necessary. The city was home to Queen Salome, leader of the empire that housed the bulk of all humans in Alagaesia, and only a few hours' flight from the Surdan border. It would provide the perfect opportunity for the four to rest, restock, and gain more knowledge of the situation within the safety of the capital's massive walls.

George had sent a young elf boy to give Arya the message he had laid out almost as soon as Eragon had ended the spell, requesting supplies and giving his regret for their hasty departure. They were nearly ready to leave, perched outside of their lodging, when gusts of wind brushed through the pine trees, a massive emerald form descending from the sky to meet them. Dream still cracked a small smile at the sight of Firnen, daunted as he was by the days ahead of them. Arya leapt from her dragon quickly, striding over to the boys with her long and graceful gait. She handed Dream a few sachets of supplies, including food and water.

"I'm sorry you must go so soon," she started after greeting them and the dragons. "But as I understand it your presence is desperately needed. Queen Salome scryed me as well. I would fly myself if it weren't for my responsibilities here." George nodded in understanding "Thank you for your hospitality Arya Svit-kona, this had been an incredible experience for all of us," he said. She bowed slightly "It is my honor to have you stay with us. I assume this will be your first time in a conflict so large?" she asked, a concerned eye on the two boys. Dream nodded "Unfortunately so. We have been spoiled by the years of peace that have blessed the land." Arya sighed, her eyes darkening as she seemed to remember something. "That peace came as a great cost. I can still see the blood of my people coating the stones of Uru'baen," she said sadly. "I had hoped the Rider's return would be enough to discourage any more war, but the lives of humans are short, and they have forgotten the cost at which fighting comes," Arya continued, glancing at Dream quickly. He shifted a little, regretting that his race was the one always causing so much bloodshed. "I hope we can prevent any massive conflict," he said quietly, his lack of confidence evident. Arya looked at them both softly "I will fly to your aid if you need, all you have to do is ask," she said, her mind seeming quite made up. George paled a little "Thank you, my lady. We will do our best to prevent the need for that," he said, placing a steadying hand on Vindr.

Firnen's deep voice rumbled through their minds then. "Kiraka, Vindr, you are fine dragons. But don't underestimate the bite of human weapons. I don't expect you will fight any other dragons, so have caution with your force. I too have had the fortune not to fight in any wars, but from what Saphira tells me, it is no pleasure to have to burn down an entire city," he finished, snicking an eye closed at them. "Let us hope it does not escalate to a war," Kiraka said in return, bowing her snout a little to thank the older dragon for his advice. Arya sighed, patting her dragon, and wholeheartedly regretting that the two young Rider's would have to encounter such stress. "Remember to use your wards wisely. Eragon fought when he and Saphira were much younger than you, so I have no doubt you are capable. But be careful," she finished, remounting her dragon. "We will be," Dream replied, mounting Kiraka as George did the same. "Farewell, and good luck," Arya said, and Firnen leapt into the air, wings thudding in the wind.