This is a story that takes place after Eragon leaves Alagaësia at the end of the last book. Any comments/suggestions/criticisms you want to leave for me are always welcome! Hope you enjoy!
4 years 3 months and 14 days. That is how long it had been since Eragon had settled on an island off the eastern coast of Alagaësia. The island was not excessively large and flying at a comfortable pace it took Saphira a mere 6 hours to traverse the entirety of the isle. Eragon along with the 23 elves and the aid of their store of eldunarí had constructed a comfortable home for the future generation of dragon riders that were even now on their way to join him.
Eragon had constructed the Great Hall, as it had come to be known by the inhabitants of the isle, on the far western edge of the isle located between the sea and the large lake that was situated near the middle of the isle. The choice to build on the western edge of the isle had been a simple one for Eragon, much as the choice to construct his quarters so that the window was also facing west. It pointed him towards her.
It had been 4 years 3 months and 14 days since he settled on the isle and decided to make it the new home of the riders, but that is not what made the date so memorable for him. It had been on that date that he had last spoken with Arya, the one whom he truly loved and whom he would love to his final day.
Since settling on the isle his thoughts always wandered to Arya. He longed for her. He needed her. Blödhgram had tried to talk to Eragon on their journey to their new home but to no avail. He had quickly become one of Eragon's most trusted friends on the journey aside from Saphira. He attempted any and all means to sway Eragon, to push Arya from his mind, but all of these attempts had failed. Even when Reyvena, a fair elf maiden who had accompanied Eragon on his journey, had approached Eragon with offers of love and companionship Arya never left this mind. At first Eragon was content with the friendship that Reyvena could offer him and the dull throbbing of his heart left there by Arya's absence seemed to abate slightly, but when Eragon was made aware that Reyvena meant to mate with him Eragon had distanced himself from her, or at least he had tried to. It was not that she was not physically appealing, rather the opposite, but Eragon knew that he could never reciprocate her feelings. He only had room in his heart for one beautiful elf, and it was not Reyvena.
Upon arriving at the isle, and after spending 3 days scouting the island in the company of Saphira, Blödhgram, and Naya, another elf that Eragon had grown into close friendship with, he decided that this isle was as fit as any to be the new home of the riders. It was on this day that Eragon had last spoken to the love of his life. He had placed 4 dragon eggs in the care of the various leaders: a black dragon egg given to Nar Garzhvog and the urgals, a silver dragon egg given to King Orik and the dwarves, a purple dragon egg given to Queen Nasuada and the humans, and a light orange-yellow dragon egg given to Queen Arya and the elves. He had instructed all four of these leaders that once the dragon had hatched and grown strong enough to bear the weight of its rider they were to join Arya and Fírnen in Ellesméra. Once all four pairs had joined Arya and had all been instructed in the basics of the ancient language and the art of swordsmanship they would fly to the isle to join Eragon where he would undertake the majority of their training.
The conversation between Eragon and Arya had been brief, tense, and not a small bit awkward – mostly on Eragon's part. They had exchanged the customary greeting of the elves where upon Eragon initiated the first line of the greeting and ended it with the optional third line as well. He had asked after the state of her health, the health of Fírnen, the state of her queenship, and various other topics about the general happenings of Alagaësia. He was pleased to learn that Arya was in good health as was Fírnen. The kingdom of the elves seemed to be returning to its old ways of hiding in their forest content to let the centuries slip by as they remained hidden from the world. This bit of news Arya reported to him with a forced smile, but he could see the frustration towards the attitude of her race beneath her erected façade. Arya in turn asked about his health, that of Saphira, how the journey went, and of his plans for the future of the riders. After exchanging the necessary pleasantries with each other Eragon told Arya of the location of the isle after extracting her vow in the ancient language to not disclose the location of the isle to any besides the four new riders, their dragons, and Fírnen without his approval – much to the annoyance of Arya. He explained his reasoning for her oath when he saw the annoyance on her face, and she was quick to accept his reasoning when she saw the anguish that her annoyance caused him.
They ended the conversation on a slightly happier note deciding that Arya would contact him once the four new riders had arrived and they had progressed to Arya's expectations in sword play and language so that they could work out the logistics of getting the next set of 4 eggs to the various leaders of Alagaësia.
Eragon had known that he still loved Arya, but after speaking with her he felt loneliness as he never thought possible, even the bond he shared with Saphira left him feeling empty. He remained in this secluded state for many weeks despite the efforts of Saphira, Blödhgram, and Naya to console him. They reached such a point of desperation that they even allowed Reyvena, who they had to that point forbid from getting close to Eragon after her initial pursuit, to try talking to him. None of their efforts had reached him until Saphira had become so frustrated with her partner-of-mind-and-heart that she grasped him in her talons and flew him out over the sea threatening not to return him to solid ground until he spoke with her. Saphira convinced him to focus his thoughts on where to build the Hall of the riders rather than on that which he could not have.
For a while the distraction helped keep Eragon's spirits up, but he soon realized that he would eventually need the aid of another dragon to help erect the massive structures. The thought of contacting Arya and asking her to bring Fírnen to his aid made him shutter. He couldn't stand the possibility of her rejecting him again so soon. Instead he attempted to contact Murtagh to ask for his and Thorn's aid. Murtagh agreed to come, and he seemed glad to be able to help create something anew rather than tear down as he had been forced to do during his and Thorn's stent as name slaves to Galbatorix. During his time with Eragon on the isle he had confessed all of his thoughts about his time under Galbatorix from his and Thorn's torture, to the tutelage of Galbatorix and Shruikan, to his feelings of love towards Nasuada. It seemed a bond was formed and strengthen between the pair due to the fact that Eragon and Murtagh both felt love towards women that seemed unattainable to them.
And so Eragon's routine seemed to fall into place. Working together with Saphira, Murtagh, Thorn, the various elves, and the eldunarí he would work to construct the Great Hall and the surrounding structures then he would spar, practice magic, exercise, or talk with Murtagh while Saphira would fly and hunt with Thorn – the two dragons had become close friends glad to be with another of their own race, but Eragon knew that Saphira longed to be with a certain green dragon who seemed almost as unattainable as his rider, though she was far too proud to admit it. His days would end with Eragon either in his bed in this quarters, which were the western most of all of the individual rider quarters and located on the very edge of the common area around which all of the rider quarters were arranged, or he found himself tucked under the shelter of one of Saphira's large wings.
Eragon found that even though the ground beneath him could get rather uncomfortable at times when he slept with Saphira it was often far preferred to the incessant courtship that was thrust upon him by Reyvena when he would sleep in his own quarters. Eragon found himself seeking sleep with Saphira to avoid such situations for it seemed that no matter how many times Eragon tried to refuse her Reyvena persisted.
One afternoon Eragon tried to bring his predicament to Naya after a particularly difficult encounter with Reyvena. Naya was another beautiful elf with long blond hair reaching down to the middle of her back, shinning blue eyes, and a kind face, but unlike with Reyvena his initial friendship with Naya had developed rapidly into a love that Eragon assumed he would have felt towards his sister if he had been granted one biologically. Naya also returned his sibling love for just like most all elves Naya had no brothers or sisters of her own. Of all the elves that accompanied Eragon and Saphira on their journey only two had been allowed to ride Saphira – Blödhgram and Naya. Saphira was picky with whom she allowed to ride her. She allowed only those whom her partner-of-mind-and-heart trusted enough to allow such an act and also those that she accepted as a friend, or as close of a friend as a dragon can make with a puny-two-legged.
The night prior to his conversation with Naya, Eragon had decided to sleep in his quarters. He had not so much as settled down for the night when a knock was heard at his door.
"Who calls for me at such a time?" Eragon said already slightly exasperated at the intrusion. He had had a long day and was looking forward to some much-needed rest.
"It is I, the one who seeks your affection," replied the voice that Eragon knew only too well.
"I'll be one moment," he replied pulling on a tunic over his undershorts he often slept in. The near tropical nature of the island meant that even in the winter season, as it was now, the temperature was comfortably warm.
When Eragon opened the door to his chambers Reyvena's figure entered, she was half a head shorter than Eragon with flowing coffee brown hair, equally brown eyes, and she had adorned herself in a light silver nightgown that came down to her knees. "Why do you feel the need to cover thyself when even in the company of your mate?"
"Reyvena I have told you that what you seek from me I cannot return to you."
"Why do you seek to hurt me so Eragon! Do you not find my body pleasing? Why can you not love me as I love you?"
"Reyvena, my inability to love you has nothing to do with your appearance for you are beautiful even by the standards of the elves I cannot deny that truth, but the reason I cannot return your sentiment is because there is already one particular elf that has captured my heart. I feel as though my feelings for her will never allow me to love another."
"Why can you not move this maiden from your heart. What prevents you from returning my suit? Surely if they cannot find it in themselves to return the love of one such as yourself they are not worthy to receive such sentiment from you."
Eragon got a faraway look in his eye and a sad reminiscent sort of smile that seemed so often to accompany his features as of late. "If only it were so, but alas I cannot forget her, she has my heart and there can be no other to which I shall ever be able to give myself fully, and I do not wish to take another as a mate knowing that they would not be given all that they are deserving, for I am of the belief that all people ought to feel once in their life a love as pure as that which I feel for her. As for her not being worthy of my love it is quite the opposite actually, for it is I that shall never be worthy of her affection."
"How can you hurt me so Eragon?" Reyvena demanded tears threatening to fall from the corners of her eyes.
"I am not cause you pain Reyvena. For if you sought simple friendship I would return it gladly for I can feel the heart of a good person in you."
"It is Naya you pine after is it not? I notice how you often seek her solitary company in the forest or by the shores of the lake!"
"No, it is not Naya that I seek. I love Naya that is true, but my love for her is one such as a brother would feel for his sister and nothing more."
"Then tell me the name of the woman who seems to have you so ensnared that you cannot return the love of an eligible and admittedly beautiful elf such as myself who has presented a suit before you?"
"I cannot. For her memories are too painful for me to recall. I am sorry Reyvena. My offer of friendship will always remain, but beyond that I must decline."
Frustration evident on her face Reyvena darted forward with such speed and grace that could only be shown by an elf and placed her lips on his in a forceful and desperate kiss.
Extricating himself from the unsuspecting kiss Eragon exclaimed loudly, "Reyvena! Have you no heed for any of the words I have spoken to you? Please leave for we cannot continue thus."
"Eragon I feel the longing and the emptiness inside of you. Will you not allow it to be filled?"
"I am sorry Reyvena, but this cannot be. If you will not leave, then I will take my leave instead. Goodnight Reyvena."
Walking from his chamber and descending down the spiraled staircase into the darkness outside Ergon reached his mind towards the one he could always count on. Saphira!
I am coming little one, I have seen the actions of the annoying-love-sick-she-elf and am coming to you as we speak.
Thank you Saphira.
There was no response other than a deep hum sent through their connection to him.
Saphira landed in the Common Area, which was a simple grass clearing beyond the Great Hall and in the center of the loose semicircle of rider quarters that as of now sat unused, just as Eragon emerged from his quarters. Not bothering to saddle Saphira he jumped onto her back and grasped the large neck spike in front of him. As Saphira took off from the clearing Eragon saw Reyvena's form slip out of his chamber and onto the porch off of his bedroom chamber watching as Eragon disappeared from view.
Do you wish to go to our normal spot little one?
If you have no objections to it, then yes, I would.
Of course, Eragon.
They flew for a short while drifting effortlessly on the soft breeze coming off of the sea while simply enjoying the other company in the comfortable silence. After a short flight Saphira landed on the grass bluff that overlooked the lake and housed the top of the waterfall that fell the 20 feet into the water below. The bluff was roughly the size of the great hall and was large enough for close to a dozen dragons to share easily. Eragon often sought solitude and comfort on the bluff either with or without Saphira's company.
Lifting her wing Saphira spoke gently into Eragon's conscious rest now little one for nobody will bother you here.
Thank you Saphira Eragon replied pouring his gratitude for her into their mental link.
With that Eragon entered his waking dreams to the soft hum of his dragon.
The next afternoon Eragon had walked with Naya towards the sea and they currently stood on the sea shore. Eragon had just recounted his memory of the encounter of the previous night to Naya. "Why does Reyvena insist on pursuing me thus? Have I not been forward enough with her?"
"No, darmthrell (brother), it is not that. The fault for your situation does not lie on your shoulders. Reyvena is slightly younger than I, and even I am considered a child to the elves. She is young and therefore she is reckless. From what you have shared with me previously you have some particular knowledge about how love can effect one who is young and has not yet matured fully no?" Naya said this with a knowing smile pulling on her lips.
Though the melancholy mood that often shown upon Eragon's features was known to all, there were only 5 that knew the real reason for his sorrow. Only 5 that knew of true feelings for Arya: Saphira, Murtagh, Thorn, Blödhgram, and Naya.
"Yes, that I do replied Eragon. Though I would like to think that I have grown out of my childish ways and have matured fully since arriving here."
"That you have Eragon. There is no denying that."
"So, what then shall I do with Reyvena, for her pursuit seems unnaturally fervent and I fear there will be no end to it?"
"Be patient Eragon for troubles such as these have a way of working themselves out in due time."
"For a person that has not yet reached maturity you seem very wise my dear sister."
That conversation had taken place three weeks ago yesterday. It was during the time of his conversation with Naya that Murtagh had received a message from Arya telling him that the four new riders had excelled to the point where they were to be turned over to Eragon's tutelage. What Eragon didn't know was that Arya and Murtagh had also been planning a surprise that would change Eragon's future forever.