Book 4: Eldunari
Chapter 1: Birthday surprise
Eragon looked around him, dizzy from waking up hanging out of his hammock.
He groaned and lifted himself up, almost falling down again from his vision being blurred.
Tired, little one? Saphira's voice was comforting to hear.
I would think you know the answer to that, Saphira. Saphira did the dragon equivalent of smirking.
What now? Has my head fallen off? Eragons voice was layered with sarcasm as he walked towards the dresser.
No, it's your birthday in case you have forgotten.
Eragon paused while pulling on a pair of trousers, and let them drop to the floor as shock rolled over him.
And does it even matter?
Well, yes, little one, due to many things. Such as you having a pile.. no... a mountain of gifts in the tent. That has for some reason evaded you.
Eragon turned around slowly and saw that Saphira was correct, there was indeed a mountain of presents. Some looked like simple gifts like food. As his jaw began to drop Arya entered looking amused in a way. "I wondered how long it would take for you to wake. You deserve a rest but.. You slept for almost a day and a half."
Eragon blinked, That long? He thought to himself.
"I.. apologize then for that." Eragon apologized looking embarrassed, yet not ashamed. The elf looked at him in a curious way that showed something alike to.. excitement? "Come over here, I expect that your presents not only harbour luxuries but items valuable in war." She said impatiently. Strange, he never had seen this emotion often on her.
Eragon walked over to the mountain. Still in awe at the sheer size of it. It was Saphiras height. Maybe taller, "Did the ENTIRE Varden send me a gift?" he enquired.
"Probaly," the elf admitted. "I suspect even Galbatorix sent you a gift judging by the size of some of them." A joke, but one full with mourning for Oromis.
As Eragon seized the first present – a round box – Saphira spoke.
Read the notes and labels. Who knows, one could be from Rhunon. Maybe a armor of Brightsteel? Or maybe Naegling? Combined with Brom's ring we could...
"Saphira, let me not have foreboding thoughts of tactical warfare for just today." He complained.
Saphira quietened her thoughts, The round box turned out to be chocolates after all. Grinning he grabbed a box the size of him, Looked at the label and exclaimed "The Dwarves!"
Arya, who had been watching from afar suddenly appeared over him.
"This is apparently crafted from their finest and toughest ores." He said, a hint of emotion, gratitude, was hidden in his voice. As he opened the paper that adorned it he marvelled at the armor. A great pale tint was applied to a chainmail made of sapphires. It looked fearsome and brilliant at the same time, "You are lucky indeed to have received such a gift, Eragon." Arya stated.
As the day proceeded, Eragon received other gifts to add with the mountain in his tent. And when night came, he slept soundly.