Disclaimer: This universe, and its characters, belong to Christopher Paolini. The featured lyrics are parts of Nightwish and Belle&Sebastian songs.

Part one – Haunted

To paradise with pleasure haunted

Haunted by fear

(Nightwish – She Is My Sin)

She ran, thunder roaring in her ears, her heart pounding in its rhythm, her eyes half shut, trying to make something out of the pouring rain. Now and then, lightning stuck, parting the sky in a myriad sparks. As her feet were carrying her by their own power, she stumbled against bodies lying on the ground, sometimes almost slipping in a mix of water and blood. It was so dark she couldn't guess what she stepped into, and for that she was thankful.

Another flash of light showed her the way. The image was terrible, yet somehow glorious in her eyes. Not too high above the ground, skilfully avoiding the lightning, the majestic red dragon was flaying unabridged, his wings spread against the storm. And on his back he was, proud at this time of need, his back straight, his dark, soaked hair flowing in the blast. The very image of a warrior - fearless, yet reckless - for she was coming for him.

She stopped abruptly, dipping her feet into the ground.

"Wherever you flee, I shall find you."

There was no change in his attitude, as if he didn't hear the words uttering in his head.

"You need me, you fool."

Still nothing. The dragon almost disappeared from her sight, carrying his rider without any sign of reluctance. And she grew suddenly mad, and rage pounded inside her as boiling water, for she was used to people listening to her orders, and she was well aware of the strength of her magic. Taking a deep breath, she forced out a silent scream.

"Are you blind, or did he take your common sense at the time of your oath?! I've got something you lack, and it's growing stronger and stronger inside me. And I'm willing to help."

"He knows now", she heard Thorn's harsh voice, floating in her head and reasoning in the manner of a silver gong. "Meet us when the storm ceases, you'll know where to find us."

The air was calm, though thick with humidity. The mighty storm had shaken trees, breaking their branches, and now there were splinters and leaves everywhere, lying on the ground, natural carpets softening her steps. For half a day she walked, until dusk embraced the mountains, and their peaks began to bleed in the dimming light of the sun.

She wasn't tired, yet anger was still reining her thoughts now and then. Not that she knew the reason for these feelings, and she kept walking, feeling their presence nearer and nearer, as she was heading for a narrow gap between two rocks, rising to her left, facing north. When she finally reached the spot, darkness was altering the landscape, trees, rocks and boulders slowly becoming mere shapes.

She looked around her. Everything was still. Not the slightest movement bothered the silence, not as much as a hare jumping back and forth. She was standing at one end of the gap, and the view in front of her was that of bare murkiness. Then she caught a tiny sound, a swish of leaves not so far. The shadow of a smile bloomed on her lips, as she was following the little noise. She needed no other guidance, and her movements were cattish and assured.

A small fire cast its barely gleaming light on the surrounding rock walls. Hiding and protecting it at the same time, the red dragon laid curled on the ground, his eyes half open, his scales emitting a pale, red glare. Leaning against his strong tail, head in his hands, Murtagh seemed asleep.

"I mean you no harm", Arya spoke, still half hidden in the shadows.

Murtagh remained still, his words coming out between his fingers, cold and grievous.

"You wouldn't if you wished it".

"I do not."

She approached the fire, stretching her arms to feel its warmth. Her leather clothes prevented rain or humidity from reaching her skin, yet she felt cold.

"Why have you followed us?"

Briskly rubbing her palms against each other, she gazed in his direction for a while.

"No idea", her answer came.

Then he rose to his feet, and came by her side. He was not much taller than her, but his presence was unsettling.

"It's good to have you here", he whispered.

She turned, facing him. Her gaze was asking countless questions.

He raised his hand clumsily, fondling her cheek.

"Do not pretend you haven't noticed."

She tried to smile, but her conscience was awake.

"If this is a bright idea of trying to deceive me, don't you think you'll succeed", she panted. He was so close, there were merely a few inches parting them. His dark features, relaxed by a faint smile, his dark eyes glittering, his dark tunic slightly unfastened, allowing a momentary glimpse of his skin … she shook her head.

He grabbed her waist, gently, yet vigorously. She didn't struggle. He was hard and strong against her, and a sudden nausea conquered her. The next moment they were kissing, tasting, biting, licking, and the whole world had hampered its boundaries, revolving around them, and only them.

That night they slept into each other's arms.

Now they were heading to Ellesméra, the only place where Eragon would never thought of searching him. Them. Riding on Thorn's back, Arya's arms surrounding Murtagh's waist, they felt the gale in their face and laughed fiercely. Yet each of them was harbouring grim feelings, for none knew what the future would bring.

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