Author's note: Just a little something I felt like writing. This takes place during Eldest as Arya, Eragon, and Orik travel to Ellesmera. I haven't finished the series yet, so this is just what I hope for. Please feel free to review.
Happy reading!
Shadows Pulling Me
An Inheritance Cycle one-shot
By Danielle Cheri
They stood in the shade of the trees. The moonlight danced across Arya's face through the gaps in the leaves. Eragon reached out a tentative hand to brush a bit of stray hair off her cheek.
She stared at him for several long moments. It made him uncertain. His hand dropped back to his side. He was starting to feel the rejection he knew would come, but had hoped wouldn't.
After a moment, Arya stepped closer. She blinked a few times as she examined him some more. Her smooth features gave nothing of her thoughts away.
She suddenly—gently—cupped his face with her hands and then pressed her lips to his for an instant. She was smiling kindly as she stepped back. "I can't tell you why yet, but this can't go any further than a few stolen kisses."
Eragon nodded mutely.
"Do you trust me, Eragon?" she asked softly.
"With my life, Arya." He assured her just as softly.
"Good."
She stepped up to him once more and pressed her lips to his, harder this time. Her hands slipped up into his hair as his arms came around her back. She pulled away just enough to allow her to speak.
"Your hair is softer than I thought it would be."
He smiled. "Your lips as soft as I expected." He pressed another kiss to her lips. He felt her stiffen. He unwrapped his arms from around her and took a few steps back. "I'm sorry, I should have let you do that."
She grabbed his hand and pulled him back. "Why do you run?"
His cheeks reddened and he turned his face to the shadows, hoping to hide it. "I just never thought…" He turned back and smiled. "Whatever you're willing to give me, Arya, I am willing to take it."
She smiled and kissed him softly once more. "You have to promise me you can keep your mind on your duties."
"I promise."
It was her turn to blush. Eragon didn't think it possible.
"We're not usually so frivolous." She admitted softly, seeming to read his thoughts, though he hadn't felt the brush of her mind. "I fear I've been among dwarves and humans too long. None of my kind will recognize me."
"There's far more to you, Arya, than human or dwarf could match."
She smiled and squeezed his hand. She let go and walked away several feet. When she turned back, her features had changed. Her face once again hid her thoughts. "There's much you must know before we get to Ellesméra."