Hi everyone. Please review as it helps me become a better writer, and that is my ulimate goal; to be the best writer I can be.
Disclaimer: (for whole story) I do not own any of the characters, such as Eragon Shadeslayer, Saphira Brightscales, Roran Stronghammer, etc. Any similarities to events or people (alive, deceased or fictional) are purely accidental/coincidental. I do, however, get to own any other character that have never before appeared in any of the books written by Christopher Paolini, unless stated otherwise.
Cedie walked through the crowded market place, looking at the wares on display, brought from the north of Alagasia. The merchants of Belatona did little business during this time, and so many of them walked around, buying as well. Many of the traders looked appreciatively at Cedie, who considered herself rather plain. But with her dark brown hair and jade green eyes, many would disagree. Much like her long time friend, Kalen. Cedie smiled as she saw her fair-haired, broad-shouldered friend pushing through the crowd. He raised a hand and wrapped her in a bear hug. She felt his taunt muscles press against her, and she laughed as he lifted her of her feet. He put her back down and looked at her. "Happy birthday, Cedie," Kalen smiled. "Seen anything you like?"
Cedie shrugged. "The odd trinket here and there. What about you?"
Kalen looked at her for a moment. "Just something money can't buy." Cedie nodded, then blushed when she realised what he was getting at. "Come on," Kalen said, breaking the awkward silence that had settled between them. Cedie followed in his wake as people stepped aside for him. They were almost at the end of the row when something black caught Cedie's eye. A smooth, black oval, with white veins webbing the surface sat on a purple cushion. Kalen turned, and saw where she was looking. He led her over, and struck a conversation with the trader who owned the stall. The trader showed Kalen several pieces of expensive looking, wrought metal, but Cedie was focused on the oval. She reached out a hand, brushing the black and white surface. It was smoother than anything she had ever felt before, and it seemed to tug at her heart. The trader looked over, then leaned across the stall. He grinned, showing her a mouth full of yellowing teeth, and said in a loud whisper, "brought that off an old man up in Gil'lead, I did. Crazy old bugger, 'e was. Was convinced it was a dragon egg." With those words, the trader leant back, laughing like a madman.
"It's beautiful," Cedie breathed.
"Cost me an arm an' a leg, that did," the trader supplied, having stopped laughing.
Kalen looked at Cedie, whose hand still rested on the supposed egg, and back to the trader. "How much?" he asked.
Cedie looked up sharply. "Kalen-"
Kalen held up a hand, silencing her. "How much?" He repeated, more firmly this time.
The trader chewed at his lips, considering this. "Fifty crowns, an' no less," he replied smugly.
Kalen thought for a moment. "Fourty crowns."
"I said no less than fifty crowns." The trader turned sharp.
"Thirty, then. How generous of you," Kalen started to count out the coins.
The trader threw his hands up. "Aie. Fine. Fourty crowns." Kalen finsihed counting out the coins and hand them to the trader, who took them sullenly. Cedie picked up the smooth stone, and almost dropped it in shock.
"Careful," Kalen said, supporting her hands. He looked more closely at Cedie. "Are you alright?" He asked Cedie, concerned.
"Yeah, it was just..." Cedie tailed off, thinking quickly. "It was just heavier than I expected it to be." Kalen nodded and Cedie carefully placed the stone in a pack. She nad Kalen made their way out of Belatona, and to a hill that overlooked the city. To the south of the city, the Varden sat, a low, dark group. Nestled under a shady oak, they sat on the soft green grass. Cedie kept glancing at the stone in her lap, and listened to Kalen tell her about his plans. "One of these days, I am going to be a commander in the King's army. Then, when the Varden are defeated, I will come back. For you Cedie." Cedie looked up to see Kalen watching her intently. He leant towards her, and Cedie closed her eyes, waiting. Instead, she heard a curse. Frowning, she opened her eyes, just in time to see Kalen get to his feet. Cedie looked in the same direction he was looking, and gasped. A blue dragon flew over the walls of Belatona, and, even from a distance, could here the horns being sounding. The horns that symbolised danger. Kalen looked towards Belatona, then back to Cedie, who struggled to her feet. Cedie could see the desperation in his eyes. He placed hi hand on her shoulders and looked her in the eyes. "Cedie, You have to stay here. I can't have you hurt. Stay where it is safe, and when this is over, I will come back and get you." Kalen burshed her lips with hers and bounded off. Cedie watched him go, hands clasped, praying that he would make, praying that Kalen would come back to her. The pack lay forgotten behind her, the stone sparkling against the grass. Intent as she was watching the seige, she missed the slight noises behind her, even as they became louder.
So, once again, please don't forget to review.