Disclaimer: I own nothing. Everything comes from the wonderful Inheritance series by Christopher Paolini.

Uncertain Circumstances

Eragon was exhausted from the rigorous training Oromis put him through. It just didn't seem fair that so much was expected of him so soon. Even with a proper timeline of training, he knew he would never measure up to the strength or the swiftness of the elves. Eragon collapsed on the ground. Every muscle in his body ached. He stayed as still as possible afraid he would have another episode. It was what he dreaded the most these days. A course of excruciating pain radiating through his body from that fateful battle. Useless, like a wagon without wheels.

"Try it again, Eragon." Eragon gritted his teeth together, "NO." Eragon tried to reach his mind out to Saphira with no luck. She was busy with her own training. Perhaps a little insulted that Eragon questioned whether or not she made the right decision in choosing him. He may have been a better choice in the beginning, but now he was broken. Walking around in his pitiful little shell, terrified of what may come to be in the future.

He sat up on the ground using a tree to lean his back against. The elf walked over looking at Eragon compassionately. "You're giving up? For what?" Eragon grimaced, he hated to let the elf down. He knew he must have been through a lot. He looked young like all the other elves of course. Though there was something different about Oromis, like he had to endure something that none of the others did. Eragon could see the true age of Oromis in the sadness woven on his face. Eragon could feel the overwhelming understanding that the elf had for him.

"Even if I master the training it won't do me any good. I'm weak. He is so much stronger than I am. I have no chance. I'm a broken blade." The elf took hold of Eragon's hands to help him up. Eragon would rather stay in the shade of the oak tree. Like always he obeyed Oromis. He could only push his luck so far. He would not make a good enemy. "You can't give up. Never that."

"And if I fight, what will become of me then?" Oromis let Eragon's hands fall down by his sides. He looked at Eragon affectionately, "I would take your pain if I could. But I'm afraid that you have a position that can be filled by no other. This is your battle, Eragon." Eragon could tell that he was sincere. He would take his place if he could. If the rest of the world were filled with such kindness! Utopia is a place of fairy tales though. Of course long ago he would have thought the same of dragons.

Deep in thought he was completely caught off guard when Oromis pulled him in for a brief kiss. Not more than a second, their lips touched. A second that felt like an eternity for Eragon. He could feel his heart beating uncontrollably. All thoughts left him completely. All he could focus on was the sound of his heart, like tiny drummer men resided in his head. Thum...thum...thum...THUM..THUM. His first instinct was to run, but the demanding look in the elf's eyes held him back. Eragon starred at those eyes that were once hidden by the elf's silver hair. "Never give up. A broken blade can always be mended. Remember that." Eragon shook his head in agreement. Unable to fathom where the elf's actions came from.

He took a step forward to show he was ready to continue his training. He was still tired and his muscles still ached, but he had a good feeling about things now. Oromis smiled, "Now let's see what Eragon Shadeslayer is capable of."