Eragon ( Riders of the Lands across the Sea )

- Chapter 25 - Trouble Brewing

Eragon went to the furthest seat from the entrance of this new room. Unlike the brightly lit throne room, it was more gloomy. The tall white beams that supported the ceilings of the throne room almost felt like a distant memory once they stepped into the room. It was the first time they were there, still, nobody said a word. High Queen Nasuada plopped onto a seat to Eragon's right as  Grimmir pounced onto a spot on the round table and stretched himself. Vanir stood beside Queen Arya's chair as she took a seat directly in front of Eragon. Her piercing green eyes watching him move as if hunting. There were many notable absentees like King Orik of the Dwarves, but his representative, Íorûnn, the current clan chief of the Vrenshrrg, was present. Eragon remembers her and nods politely in her direction as she stepped into the room. She supported Orik in his quest to become king when king Hrothgar, the forty-second dwarf king was slain in the Burning Plains. Eragon and Orik still appreciate the aid she rendered at that time. She took her an open seat to Queen Arya's right, placing herself in between King Grimmir and the Elven queen. Grimmir lifted an eye to stare at  Íorûnn before yawning once more and proceeded to fall asleep on the table. 

Garzvhog strode in, his each steps sending a wave of thunder through the ground and stood next  to Nasuada as if it was the most natural thing to do. His frame towered over everyone present, casting a shadow on the dimly lit round table. Eragon pointed to the empty seats and said, 'Grab a seat Garzvhog, you are here today representing the Urgals and Kulls. Today, you too are the leader of your people.' Eragon showed the proper respect an individual of his status and achievements warranted. Garzvhog hesitated and looked towards Nasuada for guidance, she too smiled and beckoned him towards the seat to her right. He begrudgingly took his place at the table as Eragon looked directly at Vanir and raised an eyebrow. Vanir got the message and moved towards the seat towards Arya's left as Íorûnn was occupying the one on the right. He regretted slightly not moving quicker to occupy the seat to his Queen's right. He understood that despite everyone present are friends, he understood that during negotiations, it would not be appropriate for the ambassador of Varden sided with the elven kingdom. Varden has transformed to now serve as a mediator between all the nations present and as a counterbalance to the High Council, should they ever be corrupted. It is extremely necessary that Varden remains independent of all nations' influences and political climates. 

Once Vanir took his seat, Eragon spoke, ' This roundtable symbolises the equal opportunities provided to and responsibilities that is expected of all the races of this continent. This equality should always be maintained and to ensure it is a fair discussion, I present to you, Umaroth. He shall preside over all our discussions and maintain fairness.' Umaroth spoke directly into the minds of everyone present, 'Although I no longer posses a body to move or function with, allow me the privilege to be a part of the discussions of the future of the Dragon riders and all other races on this continent. I truly believe that we can reignite the Dragon Riders back to its former glory.' Everyone nodded in agreement and the meeting began in earnest. Many topics were brought up. Eragon began by bringing everyone up to speed about the issues that they faced and dealt with in Surda, Sarah and her situation with her dragon, and how the young pair masqueraded as 'Ghost and Shadow' while they were there. There was a few chuckles from around the table, but Arya did not even smile. In fact, she was fuming. However, maintaining her calm posture, Arya placed two fingers to her lips and spoke, 'Atra esterni ono thelduin' (May good fortune rule over you). 'Mor'ranr lifa unin hjarta onr' (Peace live in your heart), Eragon and Umaroth replied without missing a beat. 'Un du evarinya ono varda elda Umaroth' (And the stars watch over you elder Umaroth ) the elf replied as she considers the elder Eldunari to be a being of the highest status in the room. She did not include Eragon in her reply as they both were friends of equal status. She then said her greetings to the other present while politely smiling.