They had all packed what they needed in just five minutes GB clinging to his eggs, knowing they had to remain in Ellesméra for safekeeping as the others prepared themselves.
I will wait for you at the field. Said Saphira, then she roared, fully saddled as she heaved her bulk into the air, swooping over the forest canopy.

Eragon took off running through the trees as Blue regarded GB.
The skeleblaster nodded sadly, gathering his unhatched younglings to himself. I will be with Draco. He explained with a sigh.
Blue smiled softly, petting the side of his face. Go say goodbye. And don't be afraid, because it will be okay.
A glint returned to the other's eyelights. Yeah. I'll be damned if something were to happen.
I'll find you at the cliffs when it's time. Blue told him. GB nodded, heading for the entrance. I'll be there. He took off, eggs and all as he soared off in the direction of the crags of Tel'naeír.

Blue sighed, closing his sockets and gazing at the light that was life, the glow of energy and existence, delving into the nearest plane of the familiar glow.
Dream? Nightmare? You awake?
It was a moment before the immense being seemed to diverge and take notice of him.
We are now. Nightmare responded, his voice resonant with it's ethereal echo.
Oh. I'm sorry for waking you, but it's actually important! The Varden needs us to return, they're in danger!
Oh? What happened? Is anyone hurt?
No, we don't think so, but they will be hurt if we don't hurry…. And I don't know if we should have Error take us across or travel over ourselves.

I- uh- erm-
We'll meet you and bring others. Where do you suggest?
Training field or cliffs, Saphira and Eragon will be at the field and GB at the cliffs- likely with Draco.
We'll meet you… wherever most of everyone we find wants to meet. Dream concluded.
Very well then…. If you were to gather everyone yourselves, I could maybe whip up one last treat from Ellesméra?
Do as you will, though I doubt we'll take that long.
I don't know how long it will be before I can cook something here again! I have plenty of stuff in my inventory, but you know the fresher they are the better!
….Inca berries.

Blue burst out laughing for a moment.
I'll see about that! He promised, receding into the vestibule to cook as he had said he would.

. • ° . • ° . • ° . • °

Blue approached the cliffs and spotted many figures on the edge, some playfighting as others stood still. Some started waving as he stepped past the treeline. He raised a hand himself and returned the gesture excitedly. "Adventure ahead of us!" He exclaimed, tail wagging slightly as he bounded over, carrying a basket carefully as he did so.

"Heya Berry." Reaper greeted him first, floating some feet above the ground. Standing not far off was a ghostly dog monster, grinning at Blue as though recognizing him- not all too surprising given the event that happened between him and Horror.

Said skeleton was draped on the cliff edge, staring at the view beyond while looking one bad nudge away from plummeting to the ground below. Dust was smiling as he watched his bodiless brother interacting excitedly with Phantom as Ghost gazed on with his own smile.

Killer was laying flat in the red clover and juggling knives as Cross added or took them away, X doing random ghost acrobatics between the circle of blades or around the pair.
Seraphim sat with a wide grin as he played with Beast, who cackled as he pranced around the other. Bird was shyly chatting with Dream and Nightmare, the twins' limbs stretching out above them as the other's wings twitched nervously. GB and Draco lay piled on each other, humming loudly a ways down the cliff, eggs close to their bodies as Draco held his wings protectively around them.

As he paused beside Horror, a bunny monster glanced at him and smiled, shadowy features misting as a cat draped her arm over him. "How you doing?"
Blue blinked in surprise that more of Horror's spirits decided to speak to him, hearing the familiar sound of thudding heralding the arrival of a certain gold dragon.
"I'm good. You?" Blue managed to respond.

"Great! Just wondering what a cutie pie like you's doing alone!"
"Rosanne!" The bunny gasped as Blue blushed slightly.
"Well I'm not- alone, or, ahem, I'm not interested in dating at the moment, if that's what you were wondering."
"Pfft, nah. You guys are overreacting, that's just…." She stared into the forest, smile fading. "There's a lot of woodland humans in there." She muttered.
A soft snort came from Horror, the only sign he was awake.

As the thudding came closer, Blue smiled slightly. "Oh no, they aren't humans at all. They're called elves- and they're very friendly and respectful!"
"Wha? Elves?" "I'm pretty sure elves aren't real.." The bunny mumbled. Blue shook his skull with a smile. "Horror, any help here?"

The other merely rolled over, away from the cliff edge as he grinned. "S'okay." He winked as Blue spotted a flash of gold, likely one of Glaedr's wingtips. "And maybe make some space on the cliff?" He added.
"What, for the dragon incoming?"
"Yes, Master Glaedr is approaching."
"I gotta?"
"It would be best."

Horror shrugged from his place on the ground before closing his sockets. After a moment, he sighed sadly, a faint smile on his face. "I can't get up."
Blue rolled his eyelights and held out a hand. Horror moaned and reached up pathetically, hand falling down. "Horror. Please."
"Alright, alright Blue." He held up his hand and let the other grab him and heave him to his feet. Horror stumbled before finding his balance. "Geez, less violent next time?"

Blue scoffed and pushed him away from the edge, spotting Dust gesturing the others away from the cliff in a wide berth, Ghost, spinning behind him and winking at Blue. The bunny and cat from before starting following in confusion. "What's going on?" "Master Glaedr?"

The concussions reached their pitch as the great gold dragon finally appeared over the edge and cast his enormous eye upon them, seeing them all move away from the edge and give him space. He soon set down, the wind of his leathery wings sending things flying as his talons settled on the ground and sank into the earth.

"May good fortune rule over you, Master Glaedr and Master Oromis!" Blue greeted excitedly in the ancient language, smiling. Horror blinked, then waved. "Haven't seen you often." He started. Oromis unbuckled himself and slid down as Glaedr adjusted his bulk on the ground, the elf sitting on his forearm once he was comfortable.

Blue strode to his teachers and dipped his skull at them before smiling. The elf nodded in response, muttering the greeting as the dragon huffed smoke. Given the lack of actual response, Blue soon realized they were waiting on Eragon and Saphira. He nodded and backed away, patient enough to wait on his friends.

Horror was busy holding in laughter as the cat and rabbit gawked at the new arrivals. Blue glanced at them and giggled himself. "How long have you been out and about here?" He asked them softly.
The cat's face spun to face him so fast her features blurred. "Two hours!" She squeaked.

Lighter wingbeats approaching from Ellesméra announced a new arrival as Blue sighed amiably. "Alright. You see them over there?" He pointed at Ghost, Dust, and their siblings as X floated towards them, Reaper beside him as the god spoke to the dog from earlier.
"You can ask them about things."

They stood there, staring at the figures and glancing at Blue in confusion before simultaneously yelping at the blue dragon swooping down to land, darting away.
Blue giggled at their unreasonable terror and approached the dragons and Riders as Eragon slid off of Saphira, GB and Draco slinking closer, reluctant to move away from their eggs.

Eragon bowed, greeting them as Blue bounced slightly in place as Glaedr spoke.
You have taken it upon yourself to return to the Varden, have you not?
We have. Answered the blue.
Yes. GB responded reluctantly.
Then the human burst.
"Why did you hide the truth from us? Are you so Determined to keep us here that you must resort to such underhand trickery? The Varden are about to be attacked and you didn't even mention it!"

Blue flinched at his outburst, questioning why the boy forgot the possibilities behind it. Oromis spoke evenly. "Do you wish to know why?"
Very much, Master. Saphira responded quickly, Eragon wincing a moment after she spoke.

Oromis continued. "We withheld the tidings for two reasons. Chief among them was that we ourselves did not know until nine days past that the Varden were threatened, and the true size, location, and movements of the Empire's troops remained concealed from us until three days after that, when Lord Däthedr pierced the spells Galbatorix used to deceive our scrying."

"That still doesn't explain why you said nothing of this." Eragon noted, still fuming slightly. "Not only that, but once you discovered that the Varden were in danger, why didn't Islanzadí rouse the elves to fight? Are we not allies?"
"She has roused the elves, Eragon. The forest echoes with the ring of hammers, the tramp of armored boots, and the grief of those who are about to be parted. For the first time in a century, our race is set to emerge from Du Weldenvarden and challenge our greatest foe. The time has come for elves to once more walk openly in Alagaësia."

He lowered his voice then. "You have been distracted of late, Eragon. Both you and Uniter. I understand why. Now you must look beyond yourselves. The world demands your attention."

Bowing his head in shame, Eragon mumbled. "I am sorry, Master." With a bitter smile he quoted the words of Blagden from only that morning.
"I'm as blind as a bat."

"Hardly, Eragon. You have done well, considering the enormous responsibilities we have asked you to shoulder." His face turned serious. "We expect to receive a missive from Nasuada in the next few days, requesting assistance from Islanzadí, the rest of the Wyrdaí Islingrya and that you rejoin the Varden. I intended to inform you of the Varden's predicament then, when you would still have enough time to reach Surda before swords are drawn. If I told you earlier, you would have been honor-bound to abandon your training and rush to the defense of your liegelord. That is why Islanzadí and I held our tongues."

"My training- and Uniter's- won't matter if the Varden are destroyed."
"No. But you may be the only people who can prevent them from being destroyed, for a chance exists- slim but terrible- that Galbatorix will be present at this battle. It is far too late for our warriors to assist the Varden, which means that if Galbatorix is indeed there, you shall confront him alone save for each other and the Wyrdaí Islingrya, without the protection of our spellweavers. Under those circumstances, it seemed vital that your training continue for as long as possible."

Blue felt himself curl up internally at the idea of such a terrible enemy appearing with only such a small number capable of challenging him. He trusted his friends, but this king was an unknown enemy with tremendous power and madness.
Eragon inevitably responded with a dead voice.
"You were right. My oath of fealty compels me to ensure the safety of Nasuada and the Varden, as will the Wyrdvrangr's mission compel them to follow me wherever I go. However, we're not ready to confront Galbatorix. Not yet, at least."

Oromis leaned slightly forward. "My suggestion, is that if Galbatorix reveals himself, is do everything you two can to distract him from the Varden until the battle is decided for good or for ill and avoid directly fighting him. Before you go, I ask but one thing: that you, Saphira, Uniter, and Flamedeath return here to complete your training, for you still have much to learn."
Oh, I'm returning. GB nodded frantically, then nuzzled Draco, who crooned at him.
We shall return. Saphira spoke in the ancient language, binding her fate.
"We will return." Blue nodded solemnly.
"We shall return." Eragon completed.

Nodding, Oromis reached around and brought out an embroidered red bag and opened it, speaking. "In anticipation of your departure, I gathered together four gifts for you, Uniter and Eragon." He pulled out a silver bottle. "First, some faelnirv I augmented with my own enchantments. This potion can sustain you when all else fails, and you may find it's properties useful in other circumstances as well. Share well and drink it sparingly, for I only had time to prepare a few mouthfuls."

He held it out, to which Eragon took it and rubbed it's surface as the elf brought out a lengthy blue and black sword belt, presenting it to both of them. Blue shyly once more let Eragon take it, peering at the pattern of the Lianí Vine woven into it. As Oromis ordered, Eragon let Blue pull at the tassel to reveal brilliant gems in the center. Four white, four black, with a few red, blue, yellow and brown ones speckled between them.

"Master…" Eragon breathed as Blue gasped into his hands. "Is it safe to give this to us?"
"You!" Blue squeaked through his phalanges. "M-me?" Eragon corrected questioningly.
"Guard it well so that none are tempted to steal it. This is the belt of Beloth the Wise- who you read of in your history of the Year of Darkness- and is one of the great treasures of the Riders. These are the most perfect gems the Riders could find. Some we traded for with the dwarves. Others we won in battle or mined ourselves. The stones have no magic of their own, but you may use them as repositories for your power and draw upon that reserve when in need. This, in addition to the ruby set in Zar'roc's pommel, will allow you to amass a store of energy so that you do not become unduly exhausted casting spells in battle, or even when confronting enemy magicians."

The two novices stood in amazement at the precious belt.
"Imagine being whipped with that." They heard Dust say from somewhere behind them. Eragon winced as Blue spun and glared, only for Life to apparently slap the back of the other's skull so hard he fell forward.
Blue didn't even bother questioning when she appeared, turning back around as Oromis offered an encased scroll to him, not Eragon but him, ignoring the interruption.

"For me?" He gasped upon opening it, seeing the beautiful artwork of an upright standing wingless skeledragon with eyelights flaring brilliantly, only a sketch but beautifully done on the scroll.
"Th-thank you, Master Oromis." He took it gratefully, staring at the wild and elegant creature displayed on the page, little skeletal dragonets at it's feet and behind it, flying about as it appeared to be protecting them. GB peered at it and crooned, pleased with the artwork.
Thank you, Master.
"I imagined you would appreciate a reminder of your children and what you have become during your leave." The elf explained benevolently.
"It's.. stunning." Blue whispered in english.

Oromis smiled lightly and offered another scroll in a wooden tube, this time to Eragon. The human took it, and unfurled the scroll within to gasp at the illustrated poem, the lay he had recited during the blood-oath celebration. It was written in Oromis' finest calligraphy with art drawn and twining together inside the letters on each quatrain, the wonderous scrollwork lining columns and framed the artwork.
"I thought you would appreciate a copy for yourself." The elf explained kindly.

Eragon stood there, holding the priceless belt in one hand and the scroll in another, and Blue could see the human adored the scroll more than the ancient piece of history. He bowed, Blue copying him as the human spoke reverently in his home tongue. "Thank you, Master."
"Thank you ever so much." Blue added quickly, still bowing.

Then their teacher further shocked them by beginning the traditional greeting, showing great respect in doing so.
"May good fortune rule over you."
"May the stars watch over you." Both young Riders spoke simultaneously in shock.
"And may peace live in your heart."

Oromis now raised his voice to include the others. "Now go and fly as fast as the north wind, knowing that you- Saphira Brightscales, Eragon Shadeslayer, Uniter Stareyes, Flamedeath Brighteye, Lord Death, Lord Lightbringer, Lord Nightmare and the rest of the mighty Wyrdaí Islingrya- carry the blessing of Oromis, last scion of House Thrándurin, he who is both the Mourning Sage and the Cripple Who Is Whole."
And mine as well. Glaedr added simply, stretching his neck out to touch noses with GB and Saphira. Remember to keep your hearts safe. He told them, both humming after the statement, one an undulating rumble and another an almost unnatural metallic note.

With this, they said their goodbyes and alighted upon their rides, the team behind them summoning Blasters or simply taking to the air, Draco whining after GB as Life strode to the skeledragon's side, smiling sadly as the mates called out to each other and parted.
They flew in the sky, heading back to the gardens of Tialdarí Hall, slowly landing and waiting carefully, an elf emerging to greet them and inquire their desire.
When Eragon stated their wish to meet the queen, the elf left with a quick word. Blue patted GB's ribs with a smile.
I don't wanna leave Draco… GB whined softly. What if the kids need me while we're gone?
You can always teleport back when you have a chance. Blue offered.
Over that distance? He countered.
Error can easily help you instead. Or you can portal there.
I guess… I don't wanna get something wrong and not be able to help when you're in trouble.
You won't. Trust me, friend.
Okay…

They waited for a short while, only five minutes before a small procession of elven lords and ladies flowed from the trees, all dressed in white save for the queen, who was garbed in red like blood. After addressing each other and those present she spoke.
"Oromis informed me of your intention to leave us. I am displeased by this, but no one can resist the will of fate."
"No, Your Majesty…" "We've come to pay our respects before leaving. You've been so kind to us." Blue explained as Eragon trailed.

"You have been the most considerate of us." The human found his voice again. "We thank you and your House for clothing, lodging, and feeding us. We are in your debt."
"Never in our debt, Riders. We but repaid a little of what we owe you and the dragons for our miserable failure in the Fall. I am gratified, though, that you appreciate our hospitality." Here she hesitated. "When you arrive in Surda, convey my royal salutations to Lady Nasuada and King Orrin and inform them that our warriors will soon attack the northern half of the Empire. If fortune smiles upon us, we shall catch Galbatorix off guard and, given time, divide his forces."
"As you wish." Both Riders responded, Blue hiding a smile at their unified behavior.

"Also, know that I have dispatched twelve of our finest spellweavers to Surda. If you are still alive when they arrive, they will place themselves under your command and do their best to shield you from danger both night and day."
"Thank you, Your Majesty." Eragon spoke evenly as Blue stumbled over his words in surprise before quickly repeating after the human. Islanzadí smiled slightly before reaching to one side, an elf lord giving her a basic wooden box.
"Oromis had his gifts for you, and I have mine. Let them remind you of your time spent with us under the dusky pines."

Opening it, she displayed a long bow with elegantly reflexed limbs and curled tips, resting on velvet. Silver fittings followed dogwood leaves on the ears and grip, next to it sat a quiver of new arrows fletched with swan feathers.
"Now that you share our strength, it seems only proper that you should have one of our bows, Eragon. I sang it myself from a few tree. The string will never break. And so long as you use these arrows, you will be hard-pressed to miss your target, even if the wind should gust during your shot."

Eragon bowed. "What can I say, my Lady? You honor me with the labor of your own hands." She nodded, then faced Blue with something else. She held a cloth.. harness of sorts, studded with blue gems. "To hold your weapon, Warhammer, when not in use, Brighteye. I wove it myself, with our finest lapis and aquamarine in the front straps."

Blue felt his eyelights turn to stars at the idea. "Thank you, thank you thank you!" He giggled excitedly as he figured out it's purpose. He could now wear his favorite new weapon like all the others, in spite of it's tremendous size in comparison to himself.
The queen smiled at him before taking the next, albeit slightly unusual looking gift from the outstretched hands of the court and presented the bands to the twins, some yellow-green with small encrusted yellow gems and others black with gleaming purple diamonds.

"We elves have watched you two in great admiration and intrigue, and have decided ones such as you deserve weapons only those like yourselves could operate, as indeed we have designed. Like with these wrapped around your limbs you may fling arrowheads towards any who dare challenge you in battle. With them I myself have shaped these apple leaf arrowheads of the count of forty. With them you will have no difficulty in striking your target, even should it be a mile away. They will never break, and never be lost. I hope these gifts please you, as presumptuous they may seem."

One of Nightmare's tendrils reached over to pick at one of the bands, then slip into it. Dream was busy bouncing up and down excitedly, eyelights enormous stars as his leafy wings fluttered, leaves rustling before he gingerly reached out and touched one. He took it and stared, speechless as Nightmare chuckled softly.
"We love them, and their ingenuity. We both thank you….I speak for my brother because he has found himself mute with gratitude." He smiled, glancing at Dream as he practically vibrated, glowing in his vibrant joy.

Islanzadí nodded before facing Reaper, who stiffened slightly with a worried expression.
She instead revealed brilliant silver chainmail. "I have seen time and time again that as the Lord of Death preparing for war in our world, you bear no armor. Even if you do not require it, I am sure you prefer to aquire fewer injuries in battle. So I took it upon myself to craft this to protect the kind, warm heart you carry in spite of your unfortunate title."

Briefly, large, gleaming blue eyelights flared to life in his normally vacant sockets as Reaper gazed down at the chainmail. Then he drifted down and took it gently from her, as though it were fragile. He eyed the single blue crystal in it's center, then a smile ghosted his face.
"I'll wear it with pride." He murmured, his voice somehow loud despite his soft-spoken tone. "Thank you."
If anything, he seemed caught off guard that someone respected his role and gave him a gift because of it.

Islanzadí nodded and turned around, striding back towards the dragons and addressing them.
"Saphira, Istalrfreohr, I brought you no gifts because I could think of nothing you might need or want, but if there is aught of ours you desire, name it and it shall be yours."
Dragons, Saphira began. Do not require possessions to be happy. What have we for riches when our hides are more glorious than any treasure in existence? No, I am content with the kindness that you have shown Eragon.

As am I with your gifts to Blue. GB added. I need nothing physical when matter means nothing to me. I don't even have flesh to care for, why bother any gems or jewelry? No, like a true dragon I only need blood, and blood I definitely will receive.

Islanzadí nodded in understanding, wishing them all a safe journey and spinning around dramatically as her cape swung out behind her, making her way back to the edge of the garden before pausing.
"And, Riders?"
"Yes, Your Majesty?" Both spoke, Blue noting a definite chirp in his voice.
"When you meet with Arya," Her voice was stiff. "Please express my affection to her and tell her that she is sorely missed in Ellesméra." She turned and vanished between the trees, the snowy white-robed elves vanishing into the shadows after her.

They all lifted off then, taking a brief flight back to the sparring field where Orik sat waiting, perched upon his massive pack and tossing his axe between his hands as he scowled.
The minor procession landed and he shot them a look.
"About time you got here." He got up and put away the axe as Eragon and Blue apologized, skeleton still doing so as the human tied the pack to Saphira's saddle.

As the dwarf curtly nodded to the rest of him, he stared at Saphira's shoulder, which was a good deal higher than his own head.
"And how, by Morgothal's black beard, am I supposed to get up there? A cliff as more handholds than you, Saphira."

As she paused, Nightmare chuckled and darted in, abruptly sweeping the dwarf off his feet with his tentacles as the rest helped him balance Orik's absurdly dense weight, dwarf bellowing in alarm before getting plopped on the dragon's back. For a moment, Orik sat there in pure shock, then turned and glared. "You snivelling beast!"
"Your fear is joy to my senses." Nightmare mocked before hopping onto his own Blaster, Orik shouting at him yet holding back obscenities as a human snorted and buckled his legs to the arm straps.

Then he froze, clinging desperately to the spike in front of him as Saphira stood up and going pale.
"Garr! Eragon, don't let me open my eyes until we're in the, else I'll fear I'll be sick! This is unnatural, it is. Dwarves aren't meant to ride dragons. It's never been done before."
Here several blinked at the fact.
"Never?" Blue chirped from GB's saddle.
The dwarf shook his head violently.

The others who were riding their Blasters all leapt onto their rides as the dragons gathered their energy to begin the journey. Elves started wandering out of the forest to the clearing around them, gazing after them sadly.

Saphira took a running start before launching herself to the air, pounding wings as she circled over the forest, GB whipping his skull as he trumpeted and erupted upward, Blaster skulls floating up with him as he joined the blue dragon up above, both bellowing before finally turning towards the desert.

In spite of the roaring wind, a distant elven maiden's voice rose up and sang in mourning of their passing.
"Away, away, you shall fly away,
O'er the peaks and vales
To the lands beyond.
Away, away, you shall fly away,
And never return to me…."

Blue glanced back at the rolling forest behind them for the lonely voice, a shiver going down his spine.
An echoing roar of longing rang through the air, full of desire. Blue held his skull just in time as GB exploded with his return timeless voice. Then he fell to the call and added his own, grinning explosively as they all started firing off into the distance for no reason other than collective impulse.
A wayward beam shot into the sky in the distance to the side; Draco lamenting his lover's leaving.

We'll be back, GB. He promised.
We will. The skeleblaster agreed.
But now, Blue told him, expanding his reach to include the others, smiling as their gazes turned to him.
We have an adventure ahead of us. A war to win, evil to vanquish, a thousand thousand lost Souls to save and a future to secure, for every last monster in every last true Universe to have a free world, a better world, the greatest world to ever be as their home.

Amen. Came the chorus reply.
Blue smiled.
"Amen."