The Elves

In my fan-fiction, a major event happens in Gil'ead and it was brought to my attention that the elves might have already captured this city?

Is this true? I know that Ceunon was already captured, but I had the impression that Gil'ead wasn't taken over yet.

A page quote would be appreciated!

Car wrecks?

Has anyone in here been in a bad car wreck? Or have any of you even watched a car wreck happen right in front of you? Tell us here.

I, personally, was in a really bad car wreck when I was 2, but I can still remember it very well. It was the night before my brother was born, and my family was driving somewhere to eat, I believe. A drunk driver then hit our car, it's front ramming into the middle of our car. Our car spun around and hit another car because of the force. The airbags exploded on my parents (that is the first thing I can remember in my life), and both of them broke numerous ribs, my dad broke his foot. My mom had to be taken to a hospital by helicopter, and we were afraid the baby would die. Fortunately, he didn't and I have a little brother.

The creepiest thing is, I had been sitting in the middle seat the morning before (it was night during the car wreck), but I had asked my parents to move to the third row, because to me it was more fun, so they moved me back there. The middle row of the seat was completely caved in and crushed together, I would have died if I hadn't asked to be moved back.

What's your story?

Light and Shadows, Book IV

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Table of Contents

Chapter 1: A Forced Decision
Chapter 2: Dance of the Shadeslayers
Chapter 3: An Act of Desperation
Chapter 4: A Lesson in Magic
Chapter 5: Proposition
Chapter 6: So Close...
Chapter 7: A City In Ruins
Chapter 8: A Dangerous Deed
Chapter 9: Dragon and Werecat
Chapter 10: A Gift
Chapter 11: Arya's Departure
Chapter 12: Wyrd Eom Aftaka
Chapter 13: The Slave Market
Chapter 14: A Man to Man Talk
Chapter 15: Enemies Along the River
Chapter 16: Battle Along the River
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Here is my first attempt at a fan-fiction, and I hope it goes well.

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Chapter 1: A Forced Decision

Visions swirled around in Nasuada's mind like a fierce storm as she slept. Fire greedily ate and destroyed everything in its path. In the red and orange flames, the shape of a deep, blood-red dragon appeared, only to disappear as a Shade with bright crimson hair replaced it. Her dream shifted once more, and an image of Elva sitting down by a lake clouded her mind. Her sly violet eyes stared into her palms, and her midnight-black hair hung in a mess around her face. In one palm, a brilliant blue pebble rested, in the other, a dark black pebble. An emerald green leaf then fell upon her head.

Nasuada's eyes tore open. Only a few moments of peace and calm lasted until nausea and worry coursed through her veins and knotted her stomach. Her troubles and work never ended. The battle of Feinster had been a tough battle, with heavy casualties on both sides, and now she had to prepare her troops to march across the Empire to Belatona.

Yet Nasuada's dreams aroused another worry, Elva. She hadn't seen the mysterious girl in a while. Last time she had been in her presence, Elva looked to be about six years old, while she wasn't even close to two years old. Her age wasn't the problem, however her loyalties were. She had made it quite clear when Eragon removed her curse that she was uncontrollable. Today she might be trying to help the Varden, while tomorrow she might decide to destroy the Varden and their leaders.

She must decide her where her loyalties lie! Thought Nasuada. She could be a great help to the Varden, and a terrible foe. Her thoughts were suddenly interrupted as Angela the herbalist walked in, with Farica, Nasuada's maid, at her heels.

"Greetings Lady Nightstalker," Angela smiled. "What a lovely name. It's mysterious and powerful, yet graceful and cunning. It sounds like something I would come up with."

"Hello Angela, Farica." mumbled Nasuada, half-interested. Farica walked over to Nasuada, lifting off her clothes, and replacing them with a lovely dark blue gown, sleeves cut off short.

"Let me dress your cuts." inquired Angela. Before Nasuada could complain or disagree, her cuts felt almost nonexistent, Angela had already whipped out her materials and spread them out on the table.

"Angela-" started Nasuada, an idea forming in her mind. "Would you happen to know where Elva is?"

Angela paused her work to look up curiously at Nasuada. "Why sudden interest in the girl?" she asked.

"Stop answering my question with another question, do you know where Elva is?" Nasuada asked again, getting angry and frustrated.

"In fact I do, what is it to you?" stated Angela.

"I need to talk with her, and desperately." retorted Nasuada. "Could you lead me to her?"

"It is in my ability to do so, so to answer your question, I could. As to if I will lead, you, that is another matter."

Rolling her eyes, Nasuada responded with "Angela, may you please lead me to Elva?"

"I would be delighted to!" Angela beamed, finishing up on Nasuada's last cut. "I doubt Elva will be as eager to see you."

"I wasn't planning on it really." smiled Nasuada. "I do need to stop by and get Eragon and Arya, I would like them to be with me as I talk to Elva."

"Well, we can't stand here talking all day." Angela laughed. She started walking off out of the tent, and immediately started indulging in a conversation about the possibilities of the meaning of an oddly shaped cloud. Nasuada's six guards followed close behind.

Nasuada paused at Eragon's tent, then took a deep breath, and walked in. She found Eragon and Arya sitting close together on a soft pallet, silently enjoying each others presence in their mourning of Glaedr and Oromis. Saphira's head poked in, resting on the floor.

Nasuada coughed, and Arya turned around, her raven black hair flying as her face turned. "Nasuada." she nodded towards her.

She quickly explained her idea to Eragon and Arya, asking if they would accompany her. They both agreed, and stepped up, all following Angela. Saphira took a great leap and soared overhead.

"And that's why you shouldn't eat cheese on the left side of your mouth." explained Angela as they reached Elva's quarters.

"Oh great, visitors." came a voice from inside, undoubtedly Elva's. As to how she knew they were there, Nasuada had no idea, but followed everyone else inside.

Elva faced everyone, her violet eyes absorbing every detail. Nasuada swore she looked even older than last time she had seen her. She wondered if she would ever stop growing at an alarming pace, or if it would ever mellow out.

After a few awkward sentences of silence, Nasuada broke it by getting Elva's attention. "Elva" she started. Violet eyes turned towards her. A chill ran down Nasuada's spine. "Listen to us, and listen well."

Elva smirked as Nasuada continued. She didn't know how else to begin the conversation, so she threw herself straight into the heart of what she felt. "Elva, you need to choose your loyalties, whether to the Varden or to the Empire."

"And why should I do that?" Elva asked sarcastically, fondling her slightly curly hair. She seemed bored and full of energy.

"Because you could be a terrific help to the Varden, and a huge foe. We can't live with your uncertainty." sneered Nasuada. "I would love it if you sided with us, but if you decide to side with the Empire and help Galbatorix, we need to know."

"But if I give you my decision on whether to help or hinder you, I loose my advantage." Elva retorted. "If I tell you that I side with the Varden, my work would never end. I know what you want me for, Nasuada, and I don't like it. I'm a little girl. However, if I side with the Empire, you will no doubt try to kill me. I know your every weakness Nasuada, your fears and your worries. Every one of you in hear is at a disadvantage here, except maybe Saphira."

Getting more and more frustrated by the minute, Nasuada tried a different approach. She looked Elva right in the eye and said "Do you truly hate anybody in this room?"

Elva paused for a moment, looking each person over. "Not quite. But I have reasons to dislike a lot of you. Eragon, you cursed me and took away what would have been a normal life. Nasuada, you used me as your pet, guarding you, and you still want to use me in dangerous situations. I can see it in your eyes. Only Angela has shown me true kindness, and Saphira gave me the mark upon my brow, for which I am thankful for. No, I do not truly hate either of you, but I do not truly love either of you also."

"We have provided you with shelter." Nasuada started. "You are fed, clothed, and taken care of by Angela and a few others. I believe we have shown you kindness, kindness that you would never find if you joined the Empire."

Elva gave Nasuada a crooked smile. "But I would be of so much more use for the Empire. I know many of the Varden's secrets. And as you already know, I know all your fears and weaknesses. The Empire would worship me for all the information I could give about Eragon."

"Elva!" yelled Angela. "How could you think such evil thoughts. Galbatorix would use you to no end, forcing you to swear loyalty in the Ancient Language, taking away your free will. At least here you can do what you please, without being forced to do things."

"But what would you have me do, Nasuada?" asked Elva. "You say I could be of great use, but all I could tell you is weaknesses, I am not a physical threat, only a mental one. I would have much more power if I were to switch sides with the Empire."

"So power is what you are after?" asked Nasuada.

"Not quite, I'm just doing what I can do to end the war as quickly as possible. Even though I only see peoples' pains of my own wish, sometimes it can be too great. Once the war is over I will truly be at peace."

"And what if we could help you become a physical threat?" asked Eragon, speaking up for the first time.

"How could you do that?" Elva asked. "I am too small and weak to carry any weapon but a dagger, but even still I cannot be trained to be a warrior."

"Physical strength isn't just limited to carrying a sword and shield." Eragon responded.

"Could you teach me magic?" Elva asked with a gleam in her eye.

"Wait a minute." Nasuada interrupted. "If Eragon teaches you magic, then can you promise to side with the Varden?"

"I'm not making any promises." started Elva. "But if Eragon teaches me magic, I would be more willing, to put it lightly. One conversation cannot decide my loyalties, Lady Nasuada."

"Elva," Eragon said in almost a whisper. "I will try my best to teach you magic. You may not be able to be able to use magic, but I will try my best. I owe you for my accidental curse. I am in your debt, and I will repay you with this."

"Wonderful." Elva stood up, leaving her tent, laughing madly.

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Comment and critique to your liking. I'll take any advice and criticism.

Link in my sig not working.

Hey. The link to my story in the signature does not work. Could somebody tell me how to link to my story? Or provide me with a working link. I don't know what to do.

Thanks!

What will happen to Shruikan?

I don't know if this topic has already been started, but I didn't see it anywhere.

Anyways, what would happen Galbatorix died? Shruikan would be free of his control. He would have two choices. He could (a) be a wild dragon, or (b) find the Rider he was supposed to be with. I like the second point.

it would be cool and awesome if he found a suitable rider, one that he would have picked. If this were true, who do you think he would pick as a rider? I could see either Nasuada or Elva, but that is just my opinion.