Not a new chapter to Inheritance, still having trouble with that by the way, but still it's something. I wrote this whilst contemplating a month without a laptop and possibly four more months without one. But my parents came through and bought me a new one for my birthday. So, happy late birthday to me! Anyway, I'm not sure if this has anything to do with my version of Inheritance, it kinda just popped into my head, so I wouldn't pay much attention to the characters.
Warning: some characters are supposedly dead in both my version and the original Inheritance Cycle. I paid no attention whatsoever to the deaths. I feel like a boss, I have effectively brought back 3 people from the dead. Anyway Arya may be OOC, but I don't really care: the war is over, she's with Eragon and her children. Give her a break, I think she's allowed to a little OOCness, don't you?
I've spent the past 3 hours editing this, but then again I've been on facebook as well. I've never truly realised how distracting it can be. I've gone on long enough, enjoy. Tell me what you think. "Love it" "Hate it" "Disappointing" "What the hell were you thinking?" ecc ecc R&R!
P.s I'll see what I can do about updating Inheritance, I really am trying, but I'm stuck :/
Life after the War
Arya Dröttingu awoke after a pleasant sleep in the arms of her beloved Eragon. She lay with her head placed just over his beating heart and an arm draped across his chest.
The change in his breathing suggested that he also was awake. He began to gently run his fingers through her silky raven-black hair, and absent-mindedly draw patterns on her satin like milky skin.
Arya let a sigh of pleasure and turned her head to smile at him.
"Good morning" she said while placing her lips on his for a quick kiss.
A cry effectively put an end to their alone time. Arya rolled her eyes and moved to escape the entanglement that were her husband and mate's arms.
"I'll go" said Eragon, pecking her on the lips.
A few minutes later he walked back into the room with a bundle of blankets in his arms, that he immediately passed on to the elf.
"Good morning, iet mhùirnìn" she cooed while lovingly stroking the baby boy's rosy cheek. Eragon's heart could only sore with pride and joy at the sight of his elf holding his song. Now there was only one person missing...
As if on cue entered a girl no older than six in her elven styled nightgown. She skipped over to her father and threw her tiny arms around his neck.
"Father!" she squealed as Eragon lifted her into the air. Arya chuckled. The little girl scrambled away and ran towards her mother to hug and kiss her on the cheek.
"Mother, when can I hold Evandar?"
"Amélia, he is still rather small, but you will be able to hold him soon enough" the little girl frowned in response.
"He is too little to do anything" she muttered under her breath.
Little ones, the King and Queen request your presence in the throne room and your little ones' as well said a majestic voice in the Riders' heads.
Very well, Eridor. We will be there shortly.
Ever since the end of the war Arya's relationship with her mother was somewhat fixed, but she still remained rather bitter. The Queen's demeanor changed for the better with the return of the King, but her change in character was not enough to make Arya forget the seventy years she spent away from her homeland in banishment.
They quickly dressed themselves and the children and quietly walked towards the throne room. Nothing had changed much in the last seven years; the walls of the hallways were thoroughly decorated with fairths of the royal family. The newest additions depicted the final battle and how a sapphire sword plunged into the heart of the now dead tyrant.
Eragon greeted his mother-in-law with the traditional Elven greeting, however unnecessary, which she politely returned. The Queen places a chaste kiss on her granchildren's foreheads before returning to her seat - she motioned for both Eragon and Arya to join her. Amélia let go of her mother's hand to sit in her father's lap as the rebellious little girl refused a chair of her own, whilst Arya held on tightly to her son.
The Blue Rider was amazed at how quickly situations change. Before Amélia's birth Arya was distraght with thoughts on her capabilities as a mother. She was terrified of failure and end up being hated by her daughter. She could not have been more wrong.
As soon as the little girl was placed in her mother's arms for the first time, a spark ignited in her. Both her children thought the world of her. If Amélia was asked a question her gaze qould always flicker to her mother before answering, as if seeking approval and Evandar's crying relented only when conforted by her. Eragon could not have been happier.
The party of five was soon joined by the King who, after kissing his Queen, turned to affectionately hug his daughter and shake Eragon's hand.
"Are Eridor and Saphira going to be attending? If not, I would like to start" said the Queen, bringing Eragon out of his musings and ending the not so awkward silence.
"Dearest, there is no need to be formal. They are family afterall" said the King. She smiled in response.
"No, your Majesty. They are out hunting for the day." answered both Riders.
"Very well then. The King and Queen of Alagaesia request your presence at the next council meeting. I know not the details of such meeting, but as they put it, it is of the upmost importance."
Arya and Eragon glanced at each other. "You don't think.." she trailed off.
"No, love. They would have scried us and informed us personally if it had anything to do with them. And besides the Riders have not found any trace of them since they disappeared seven years ago." Arya nodded.
"It is settled then. We shall depart in the morning." It was long, however, until another matter presented itself.
"Eragon, what about the children? Evandar is far too small to be left alone and I do not wish to part from Amélia." Arya istinctively held her son closer to her chest and her mate's own grip seemed to tighten around their daughter's waist.
"Simple" he said with a smile " we take them with us."
Throughout the whole conversation Amélia sat on her father's lap, making faces at her grand-father who was greatly amused,
"She reminds me so much of you, Arya. Tell me does she use the eye trick?" asked Evandar with a twinkle in his eyes. It was clear he was remembering something from his daughter's childhood. Arya looked down at the table sheepishly, while Eragon cast a confused glance in her direction.
"Yes, Father and we can deny her nothing when she does, especially Eragon" At that the King let out a laugh and even the Queen chuckled a little.
Understanding dawned on the Blue Rider and it was his turn to look down at the table. Arya released a hand from cradling the baby to stroke her husband and mate's cheek lovingly. He smiled her favourite smile and the princess swore her heart melted at the sight.
"Father, where's Saphy? She promised to play with me today." asked a voice that had not yet spoken. All heads turned to look at the little girl.
Ever since Amélia could talk, she had nicknamed Saphira Saphy as she could not pronounce the name correctly and Eridor had always been Dio. They did not mind of course, they actually found it quite amusing.
"She is out with Eridor," said Eragon, but seeing the frown form on her perfect little face, he continued "but don't worry, she will be back in time to play with you" That seemed to placate her for the time being as she began to fidget with her father's rings.
Amélia soon got bored and ran off in search of someone to spar with.
"She is most definitely your daughter, Arya." jested the Queen, causing everyone to burst out laughing. The princess' cheeks turned bright red, but her two emerald eyes spoke for themselves and shone with pride.
It was not long after the little girl's departure that both Riders left - Eragon claiming the need to speak with the other Riders, Arya needing to prepare for the imminent departure.
With Evandar safely tucked in her arms, Arya walked towards her quarters. Ever so often would her gaze fall on her son and he would look up at her and give her a toothless grin that was all Eragon.
The hallways were not as busy as usual and there were few elves about. The few that were, greeted the princess with respect and shot an affectionate glance towards the baby. When she reached their small appartment in the East wing, she gently lay Evandar on her bed, while she moved around the room, roaming for travel clothes for her family.
Eragon sat in a chair at the head of table in a council room, surrounded by the very few Riders that were helping in the rebuilding of Vroengard. There were of course his father Brom, his brother Murtagh, Erik the elf who had saved his life during the final battle, Elasaid a human from Illirea, Niall from Ellésmera, Tòmas a human from Dras Leona and of course Arya. After the war Brom had refused the position as head Rider, stating that he would rather help the Riders, but that he was not in search of power.
Murtagh was the first to break the silence. "Brother, where is Arya? It is unlike her to miss these meetings and if I am not mistaken she is the one that drags you to them in the first place" Eragon smirked at the last remark.
"That, brother, is precisely the reason this meeting is being held."
Murtagh was confused, but bit his tongue, waiting for Eragon to continue.
"The King and Queen of Alagaesia have requested both my and Arya's presence at the next council meeting with all the rulers. Now classes and training will procede as normal, however, I need someone who will volenteer to watch over the egg courier." Eragon glanced around the room: most expressions were unreadable. A hand immediately shot up and the Shadeslayer smiled at the elf.
"Excellent. Erik, Lanea is leaving for Teirm in two days. I advise you to make the necessary arrangements." Erik nodded and left the room.
"Last order of business," he said with a small smile "unless no one else has anything else to add, of course. Father, I shall be gone for no more than two weeks, could you oversee the sparring lessons?"
To be perfectly honest, Eragon felt sorry for the poor souls forced to spar with his old master. Brom was not known for his patience. As nobody else made any notion to continue a rather bleek, mundane and routine meeting, the council of the Riders was dismissed. Eragon lightly conversed with his father and his brother before bidding them fairwell and deciding it was best to rally up his daughter, lest she permamently injure some poor unsuspecting elf.
Ever since Amélia had first picked up a sword, it was perfectly clear that she was destined to be an eccelent swordswoman, perhaps even greather than her mother who was thrilled to say the least. Her skill vastly improved as she continued with her training; she could best even Eragon's old sparring partner by the age of five. For his daughter's sixth birthday, Arya had bestowed her with her old Elven blade that was light enough for her to easily hold and fight with. When Eragon reached the sparring grounds, Amélia was currently facing two opponents and was gaining the upperhand. He watched in amazement as she disarmed the male elf in one fluid movement and placed his own sword to his throat, declaring him dead.
The sweet scent of pine cones distracted him from the fight, as it engulfed his senses. He turned around to see none other than Arya smiling lovingly at him. He smiled at her in return.
"Where is Evandar?" he asked.
"He is sleeping at the moment. My mother is watching over him." she replied while reaching out to intertwine her fingers with his. He reveled at the contact. Eragon's focus was once again brought back to his daughter who was now facing an elf called Dared.
In one quick glance, Amèlia saw her parents at the edge of the grounds, watching her. Noticing a mistake in Dared's footwork, she took advantage and sidetracked him, making him lose his balance. With one swing of her silver Elven blade, she forced his sword out of his hand. She pointed her own at his throat and in a sing song voice declared him also dead.
The elf got up and bowed his head. "Well fought, Dröttingu." he said with a warm smile. She graced him with a innocent smile, that reminded Arya once again of Eragon - before unblocking her sword and running off to her parents. She ran to her father first, hugging him tightly around the waist. Her mother was next.
"You fought wonderfully." whispered Arya in her ear. Amélia beamed and hugged her even tighter if that was even possible.
"Really?" she asked. The fierce warrior in the little girl was subsided as a child's innocence made it's way, spreading across her features. Arya got down on one knee and placed both her soft hands on her daughter's shoulders. "Really." Amélia's brown eyes glistened as Arya noticed tears were starting to form. She wiped them away with her thumb and rested a hand on her cheek.
"Now, how do you feel about a trip to Illirea?" asked Eragon. Amélia's head shot up to glance at her father who wore his usual boyish grin. Some things never change mused Arya.
"We are going to see uncle Roran, aunt Katrina and Garrow?"
"Yes, Amélia. We leave in the morning" After his latest remark, Eragon promptly put his hands over his ears as the young girl let out another squeal of delight. Arya could not help but laugh.
The Blue Rider loved her laugh and after almost nine years, her laugh still captivated him. But then again he was mesmorized by everything about her: her emerald eyes that gleamed with happyness whenever her gaze was fixed upon their children, her smile that he and only he was privy to and her playfullness whenever he teased her - which was quite often, by the way.
Without a second thought, he moved closer to her and firmly yet gently lowered his lips to hers. It always surprised Eragon that she allowed him to kiss her. There was a time where she would have thrown him into a tree for merely hugging her.
Arya blinked a few times in surprise, but she was soon taken over by the sweetness of his lips. Momentarily forgetting that Amélia was less than a few feet away, she kissed him back, running her tongue across his teeth, coaxing him into allowing her into his mouth. Eragon chuckled , but pulled away much to the dismay of Arya.
"I love you" he whispered gently, so only she could hear. Arya had now lost count on how many times he had said the words that neve failed to make her heart soar, but she felt as if she would never tire of hearing them.
"As I love you, iet hjarta."
Clearly not happy with lack of attention she was receiving, Amélia tugged at her father's arm, begging him to take her back home. He, of course, could deny her nothing. Eragon smiled down at her before picking her up with his well toned muscled arms and placed her on his shoulders.
The day progressed rather slowly for the Shadeslayers as they awaited the return of their dragons. They had been blocked from their minds, allowing both Riders to get on with their day without filling their heads with rather vivid images of the hunt and any other activities that were unsuitable for Amélia to hear.
Little ones said Eridor just as the sun was setting, how did your day fare?
Quite well, Eridor. Roran and Katrina request our presence in Illirea for ANOTHER council meeting. You know how I hate these mundane meetings, almost as much as I hate formal balls. Eragon laughed at his mate's answer. And he thought he was the one who complained.
Love, how many meetings do you think I have attended in over ninety years? And how many balls do you think I had to endure, considering that I was courted by rather pompous and obnoxious elves?
Point taken. Eridor, where is Saphira? I still cannot reach her. Is she with you?
Aye, she is taking care of the eggs we wish to keep. We will be back shortly. After that Eridor retreated from Eragon's mind and he was left without the always loving presence of his wife in his mind. He shot Arya a playful glare before walking to the sitting room to read a book.
Yet another book, Eragon. You should know better. He grinned.
Good evening, Saphira. Did you enjoy your hunt?
Ah yes! I caught a rather large buck before Eridor... Eragon interrupted her before she could send him a rather vivid image.
No, thanks Saphira. I would rather not have to picture that.
You are growing wiser, Little One.
Well, I am learning from the best. Saphira hummed in appreciation.
I was talking about Arya. That was definitely not the best thing to say or think. Eragon could hear Saphira's growl ringing in his ears, even at a distance.
I take that back. You are still the same.
But you still love me.
Yes, I still love you, Little One. But you do test my patience, how ever does Arya put up with you?
Simple said a melodious voice, Eragon could definitely sense laughter in it nobody else would.
Why I never! Eragon turned, pretending to be offended. Arya could not help but laugh as she placed quick kiss on his lips. His pout immediately turned into a smile.
Saphira, I would like to remind you of a promise you made to a rather stubborn six year old.
Yes, yes, Eragon. We shall be back shortly.
Shortly after Eragon and Amélia walked up to the dragon hold, or rather Amélia dragged Eragon up to the dragon hold leaving Arya to retrieve Evandar from her parents.
Arya easily found the King and Queen's chambers, where they both were keeping a watchful eye on their second grandchild. She gently knocked on the door, announcing her presence, before swiftly and gracefully heading towards the sitting room.
King Evandar sat in a large armchair reading a scroll, while the Queen of the Elves held onto the little one. They looked up at their princess and gave her a warm smile.
Little Evandar seemed to sense the presence of a third party in the room and let out a wail. Arya walked over and sat on the elegant sofa besides her mother and took her son into her arms. His screams stopped almost immediately as she cradled him. e
"Where is Eragon?" asked the King.
"He has just taken Amélia to the dragon hold to see Saphira and Eridor. They have just returned from their hunt." He nodded and returned his gaze to his scroll.
Are you ready for our next adventure, Little One?
I have had enough adventures to last me an entire lifetime, however I hardly see a flight to Illirea as an adventure.
Perhaps. I suppose with all the antics of the war, one should truly consider retiring. Arya chuckled through their link.
And what should one do for the rest of eternity?
Flying, Little One, flying. It has been far too long since you have had the pleasure of a flight with me. Now come up to the dragon hold. I wish to see how much your little one has grown.
Eridor, you last saw him last night.
Aye, little princess, but your eyes cannot detect the subtle changes. Arya sent him the equivalent of a scoff.
Arya carefully rose from the comfort of the sofa, so she would not wake the sleeping infant - and bid her parents good night.
The dragon hold was large, large enough for the two dragons who were lying down, their large eyes filled with amusement. They were obviously listening to whatever tale Amélia was telling. Arya strolled over to her emerald dragon and scratched his favourite spost behind the ear. He nuzzled her shoulder in response.
Eragon silently crept up behind her and wrapped his arms around her delicate waist. Even if Arya was slightly taller than what was considered average for humans, Eragon was comfortably about half a foot taller than her. She turned her head to give him a quick kiss on the lips, at least that was her intention. Eragon, however had different plans. He tightned his grip on her and kissed her with all the passion and love he could muster.
They broke apart after what felt like hours, the only reason being the need of oxygen. Arya sighed. It was getting late.
"Amélia," she called out sweetly "we must awake early tomorrow. It is time for bed." The little girl groaned adn complained of how she was not tired and did not wish for sleep, but a glare from her mother silenced her on the matter.
Eragon, after saying his good night to Saphira and her mate, carried his daughter back to their quarters. He placed her on her bed and kissed her on the forehead, whispering "Good night, iet mhùirnìn" in her ear.
The Green Rider lingered in the nursery. Little Evandar was clutching her index finger in his sleep, subconsciously not wanting to let go of his mother. She chuckled and placed him in the small cot. When she reached her bedroom, Eragon was already in bed.
She quickly disposed of her usual attire, replacing them with a simple white nightdress and slid under the covers next to her beloved. Arya snuggled closer to him and he casually threw and arm around her, holding her. Head rested over his beating heart and she could feel the steady beat.
The last words he heard before succumbing to slumber were "I love you" whispered in the shadow of the night by the elf in his arms. Eragon fell asleep with a small on his face.
The family took off the next day after briefly saying their good byes to the King and Queen of the elves and Erik who wished his dear friends a peaceful journey.
The next few ours went by in a flash, both parents rejoicing in the fact that their presence was no longer unwanted in what once was the Empire. There were of course exceptions consisting mostly of old Galbatorix supporters, but they were far from a threat to two Dragon Riders.
The landscape of Alagaesia truly was beautiful, unmatched perhaps, but Eragon held his gaze upon his wife and mate. The wind blew in her face, sending her raven-black hair flying and raging in every direction. Her emerald eyes, as green as the trees in Du Weldenvarden gleamed with excitment.
The corners of her lips twitched slightly, catching her beloved staring at her from atop of Saphria. Even Eridor chuckled in her mind.
If he is not careful, he will fall off teased the green dragon.
Oh hush, Eridor! Might I remind you of all the times you were fawning after Saphira? I seem to recall the episode in Ellésmera where you were not watching where you were flying and ending up with a pierced wing after flying straight into a tree retorted Arya, smirking when he offered no further answer.
The elf turned her head slightly, checking the straps that locked Evandar's carrier in place. The baby was growing quite restless. Arya sighed. She had hoped to fly for a few more leagues, but unfortunately the youngest in the Shadeslayer family had had enough of flying for one day.
Eragon! she called with her mind. Tell Saphira to land! Evandar is growing restless and I do not feel entirely comfortable a six month old baby squirming during the flight.
Aye! Saphira says she has spotted a clearing a few miles south of her.
That will do.
Even with the war ended, they decided it best they not stay in the towns, unless absolutely necessary. The news of both the Shadeslayer's arrival and their children's would more than likely do more harm than do.
After a rather uncomfortable night, with their two young children, they resumed the flight only stopping when either Amélia or Evandar could no longer handle flying. And so it was that the two Shadeslayers and Dragon Riders continued on their journey, enjoying what peace they could after over a century of war.
So, how did I do? Did I make up for a month's absence or are you all going to hate me for all eternity? I'm rambling again and it's probably caffein startin' to kick in. I've been spending far too much time with Abby Sciuto, never mind. And yes I made Amélia a six year old ninja LOL
Like I said, pay no attention to this, it's probably just a random one-shot, I haven't decided yet. I'll try my best to update and get over my stupid writer's block.
Oh one more thing, I decided to use Gaelic names and words for things that I might not find in the ancient language.
"mhùirnìn" means "darling"
and "hjarta" is ancient language and if you can't be bothered to look it up it means "heart"
Love you guys! R&R!