Please note that Scira is pronounced Sc-ee-ra. And im aware of the various mistakes in the first chapter and I ask you to ignore them. Thankyou x

The sparring field was alive. Twyla had spent many a day there but she had never fought there as a Rider. She had not been back from Vroengard long and she was glad to be home. Her ebony eyes flashed as the clatter of swords ceased as she and Scira neared the field.

'It hasn't changed at all!' Twyla was obviously surprised.

'Not much does in Ellesmera little one…' 'Well, your right I suppose'

'Of course I am'. Twyla couldn't tell if Scira was being sarcastic or not.

She could see all her old friends. She spotted Nerik and gave a cheery wave. He waved uncertainly.

'They do not know how to act around me anymore…'Twyla was deeply saddened by this.

'Things have changed in the three years we have been gone' Scira snorted and a plume of smoke escaped her nostrils.

She took her ruby blade from the sheath and walked with it over to the sparring mats where Nerik stood. Slowly, the clatter of weapons resumed and the moment of silence passed.

Twyla smiled at Nerik.

"May good fortune rule over you." She said, placing two fingers on her lips.

"May peace live in your heart" Nerik said, after a pause.

"And May the stars watch over you." She finished.

"You shouldn't have started that, I should have. Your above me now." He said.

"No, I might be above authority but never above you old friend." Twyla said as Nerik turned his attention to Scira.

"She's so beautiful Twyla…" Nerik said approaching Scira.

'Twyla, I wish to know, is it this boy who was present at my hatching'

'Yes, Scira it is' Twyla answered.

'Hello master elf' Scira spoke directly in Nerik's mind

'Scira Flametongue, an honour." Nerik swept into a low bow.

'Was he always that…proper?' Scira asked with a hint of amusement.

'No, but I have not seen him in years…' Twyla said.

"Lady Twyla?" She turned Vanir was walking hurriedly across the sparring field "its been a while!"

"Vanir!" Twyla cried and, abandoning all courtesy she flung her arms around Vanir and hugged him "I got your letter! It is wonderful new indeed!" She heard a snort and she and Vanir looked to see Nerik stomping away across the sparring field.

'My congratulations Vanir, it is a great honour to meet the Queen's new Lord.' Scira said, taking advantage of the silence.

'And to you on your completion of your training Scira.' Vanir said with a broad smile.

Vanir was happy to see Twyla again but this time, he felt something else. Even if she wasn't a full elf. Even if her jaw was wider, even if her eyes were not as angled. She had grown up and he had noticed.

"Vanir, we must see each other soon. I want to hear all about the last three years!" Twyla said "but I must see my father and my uncles. They wish to speak to me."

"Of course. Be on your way Twyla Wind-rider,"

"May the very stars watch over you." Twyla said before turning to Scira.

'Shall we my friend?' Twyla looked into her ruby eyes.

'Of course.' Scira bent low to the ground and waited while Twyla climbed swiftly to the saddle. With a scrabble of claws Scira shot into the air and soared into the clouds.

'Things have changed for Vanir and I, though whether for good or ill I cannot tell…' Twyla pondered.

'Do not let it worry you Hatchling, fate shall decide.' Scira said

'Yes, I suppose…'

Scira flew quickly and they arrived at her father's Tree. Arya was waiting for as soon as Twyla landed on the floor; she was caught in a crushing embrace.

"Oh Twyla, I missed you so." Arya cried.

"I missed you too Mother." Twyla said as her mother released her.

"Ah, I see you arrived well then Twyla." She looked up at her uncle Murtagh, looking very tired.

"I did. You don't give me enough credit uncle." She said proudly, hugging him.

"Twyla!" She looked to see her father striding towards them.

'Scira, I know your practically aching to go and see Thorn and Saphira, so go!' Twyla giggled.

'Oh hush hatchling,' Scira muttered before rushing to see the other dragons.

"Glad to be home?" Her father said, giving her a hug.

"Yes, I am but Oromis-elda told me he needs me to go back to Vroengard in a few weeks. Too see to the new hatchling or something." Twyla said.

"Yes, of course but you no longer need to call him Oromis-elda, now he is your equal." Arya said softly. Twyla made no attempt to answer, just walked upstairs to bed.

'Go to sleep hatchling, I will be down here.' Twyla heard Scira's voice but was too sleepy to take much notice.

R & R please my dear readers.