Chapter 32: Farewell
"The Varden have begun to reestablish the Alagaësian government. We will keep the same democratic republic government and make sure it plays a part in the new constitution," said Nasuada to Link, who seemed greatly satisfied.
"That's fantastic," said Link. "Will Aberon remain your capital? Or will you move it to Urû'baen?"
"We have yet to decide that," said Nasuada. "The Council is divided on that matter. One thing is for sure, that Surda and the former Empire territory will be combined into one territory."
It was a week after the battle. The remaining Empire forces had either been hunted down and destroyed or employed into the Varden services. All that was left of the Empire after the Battle of Urû'baen had been diminished. The city itself had been reverted to its original name, Ilirea. Alagaësia was finally at peace.
"Where will you go, Link?" Nasuada asked him. "Will you stay here in Alagaësia?"
"I would like to," said Link. "But I've been away from home for far too long. I think I will return to Hyrule for a long time. It's very likely that the Royal Family believes me dead."
"As long as you come back to visit," said Nasuada.
"I wouldn't miss it," Link replied with a smile. Nasuada smiled back, and the two embraced in farewell. "Goodbye."
Vanilor, said Link. Are you going to stay here in Alagaësia? Link hoped he would answer no.
I will only ever go where you go, Link, said Vanilor. Link beamed brightly, very pleased.
Then you'll have to fly solo over us while I ride Epona. She's got to get home somehow, said Link.
Understood.
Link then made his way over to the castle's stable, where Epona was being taken care of for him. He had been nervous to allow Roran to use her as his steed during the battle, but Roran had taken very good care of her. There wasn't a single scratch on her.
Link arrived in the stable and went over to the first stall on his left, which was Epona's. Her head was poking out from the door, and when she saw Link's face she whinnied loudly in excitement.
"Hey, old girl," said Link. "I've missed you." Link patted her neck. "You ready to go home?"
Epona whinnied loudly again. Link smiled. "I'll take that as a yes."
Link opened the stall door and took Epona's reins, leading her out of the stable. He didn't want to leave just yet; he wanted to say goodbye to Eragon, Murtagh and Roran before he did anything else. What he definitely did not want was a farewell ceremony.
He led Epona through the castle's halls, looking for his fellow Riders. He finally found them in the barracks, which used to house the villagers of Carvahall. They had since been moved to their very own subdivision in Aberon.
"Link!" cried Eragon as Link entered with Epona behind him. "Won't you join us?"
Link looked behind Eragon and saw Murtagh, Roran, Arya, Katrina, and several other people he had never met. Most of them looked rather old.
"For what?" Link asked.
"We're celebrating the rebirth of the Dragon Riders. Saphira has laid six eggs!" Eragon said, with a huge grin on his face.
"With Thorn?" Link asked, rather surprised.
"No, with Vanilor!" Eragon said, rather puzzled. "Surely you knew?"
Vanilor! Link cried. Why didn't you tell me this?
I had every intention of letting you know, he said. Eragon simply beat me to it.
Link had to smile. It was definitely very good news.
"You'll have to send word to me when they find a Rider," said Link. "But I'm afraid I'll have to be going right now."
Eragon's face sunk, but he accepted it. There was a rather awkward silence for a moment, until Eragon wrapped his friend in a brother's embrace.
"You'll have to come and visit," said Eragon. "More than once."
"Count on it," said Link as he pulled away from the embrace. Link then moved over to Murtagh, who he hadn't really gotten to know very well. Murtagh held out his hand, and Link shook it.
"It was good to meet you, Murtagh," said Link. "When I return, perhaps we shall get to know each other a little better."
Murtagh nodded. "It was good to meet you too, Link."
Link then approached Roran, who was smiling broadly.
"Thanks for taking care of my horse," said Link. Epona whinnied in the doorway. "I think she likes you."
"I like her too," said Roran. He went up to the horse and patted her neck. "You'll have to bring her with you when you come back to visit." Link nodded.
Link made no motion to talk to Arya. Instead, she came up to him.
"Goodbye, Link," said Arya. "I know that we did not get along very well, but I will miss you. It will be good to see you when you return."
Link nodded. He then turned to his mare, who was still standing majestically in the doorway to the barracks. He placed his foot in the stirrup and hefted himself into the saddle. He turned her around and took one last look at his new friends behind him, who all waved. Link waved back, and then kicked Epona's sides. She whinnied and began to canter out of the castle, headed straight for Du Weldenvarden to the north.
You ready, Vanilor? Link asked. I doubt that the Hylians will be extremely happy to see you at first.
But with you by my side, they will be, said Vanilor. I do not worry for our safety in your home country.
What about your home country?
I will miss Saphira and everyone else, it's true, but I wouldn't be able to part with you for any of them.
Link was touched. He and his dragon had formed a true bond of friendship, one that would last until the both of them were dead, and perhaps even after.
A/N: The story is now at an end. I would like to take this time to thank my many reviewers and the fifty-one people who have added this story to their favorites list.
I would also like to specifically thank BabyGurl278, who has been a faithful reviewer of mine since the beginning of my roller-coaster-like time on this website. Even though she has been extremely busy lately, she has always found time to read and review this story.
Now you guys follow her example and R&R! Now!