Unexpected Fate

Chapter 8: The Gifts of Galadriel

Before I was a rider, I was made of simplicity. Routines shaped my life and very rarely was I found partaking in activities outside of them. It was dull most of the time, though I had no room to complain. It was consistent and predictable, something I found to not be an entirely bad thing. My restlessness grew, however, as I did over the years. Arya Drotting could see the ache in my heart for something more outside the wooden walls of the Great Hall. I had spent some time on the Rider Island whenever the queen made a required appearance for the graduation of those becoming true dragon riders and guardians of Alagaesia. I was always drawn to Saphira as she was to me and she had always shared flashing images and sounds of ancient stories within my mind. Firnen would contribute also, and I relished the company of the two dragons. I admit, it was hard to separate me from either of them, even once I was a young Elven adult. It was no surprise to anyone, I think, that I was chosen to partake in the ceremony to become a rider. There was a twist, however, a surprise that I surely did not anticipate: I was given the incredible honor to be given one of Saphira and Firnen's eggs. As such, my ceremony was incredibly different, held in private before Arya and Eragon with their respective dragons overseeing it. The pearl white egg was placed in front of me as I sat cross-legged in the grass. It was my only chance of becoming a rider, if this egg did not hatch for me, my life would then return to one of unchanging routine.

Within minutes the egg cracked, splitting open in fragments as the hatchling inside chirped and squealed, taking in the outside air. My heart raced as the dracling turned to me, tilting its head as it observed me. With small jumps she hopped directly into my lap, shaking the egg membrane off her wings before climbing up my side to perch on my shoulder. I heard her gentle snorts in my ear as she sniffed my hair. With a deep breath, I reached my right hand up to her tiny head. She cooed once, then pushed her snout forward, connecting with my palm. Pain ripped through me like hot fire in my veins as the mark of a dragon rider was forever burned into the palm of my hand. Her mind melded with my own, her newborn curiosity flooding my thoughts.

At the sight of Saphira and Firnen, the hatchling chirped, jumping down from my shoulder to run directly to them. I felt her joy and recognition, her instincts telling her that these were her dam and sire, respectively. I stood, making my way over to stand next to Arya Drotting and Eragon, watching the hatchling climb all over her two parents, her tail twitching with happiness and security.

"I cannot believe she hatched for me," I whispered.

Arya regarded me curiously for a moment, her slanted green eyes flashing, glancing at Eragon once. "It is fate, Vilansia. You were meant to be the rider of Firnen and Saphira's hatchling,"

Saphira hummed as the sparkling white dracling balanced on her snout, with tiny wings spread to help her balance as her mother lifted her head high above the ground.

"Fate," I tested the word on my tongue. Was there truly such a thing?

Arya offered a small smile as Eragon rested a hand on my shoulder, his brown eyes soft. "The two of you are destined for great things, of that I am sure. Both of your heritage will most certainly attest to that," I smiled at the two of them, though Eragon felt my uncertainly. "Take heart, you are still young yet, there is much for you to learn and experience," he switched to the Ancient Language. "Saphira and I will be there to guide you and your dragon, there is no need to worry,"

"As will we," Arya added, speaking for herself and Firnen. "We always have, that will never change,"

The hatchling had jumped off Saphira's snout, her wings spread tightly to help her glide back down to earth. She marched over to me, cooing at my feet. I scooped the tiny dragon up in my arms, holding her tightly against my chest and her happiness washed over my mind.