Hey faithful citizens of Alagaesiaaaaaa!!! A new Eragon writer has joined the show, woot woot! (loud applause) this is my first Eragon fic, so plz be nice, NO FLAMES, constructive criticism encouraged, but don't piss me off by acting like a pro writer yet you have not posted any fics, glare at all youse I'm talking about anyway…
Disclaimer: All guinea pigs in my evil experiment belong to Chris P. All otha puppets are created by me. Mwahahahahahahhahaha…ON WITH THE SHOW!!!
Chapter 1: Fall of an Empire, Rise of an Empire
A handsome, young man of around twenty walked across the battlefield at Tronjheim, glancing with unseeing eyes at the carnage all around him, occasionally bending down to check for life signs in unmoving men.
His face had chiseled features, yet they were streamlined and more delicate than those of humans. His eyes were of a clear blue, intense and piercing, containing a world of loss and wisdom, contridicting his tender age. He had high cheekbones and his mouth was set in a firm line. His physique was muscular from his training over the years but still slender, he was tall, a little more so than the average male elf. Exactly the kind of man women would fall for.
Many who saw him would see a calm, emotionless exterior, hard eyes and an uncaring demeanor. But those who really knew him would see through that strong façade and break it down until inside that body, a slightly scared, numb, troubled, relieved, and saddened boy showed.
Saphira, a female dragon with shining sea blue scales, one of those select few who could clearly decipher the actions and feelings of this particular young man landed carefully beside him, avoiding stepping onto a fallen warrior, her heavy body sending clouds of bloodied dust into the arid air.
Her mind reached towards his.
Eragon.
A single word but meaning so much to many different people.
Loaded fully with concern and apprehension.
Eragon didn't reply, he simply stopped and his glassy-looking eyes stared straight ahead.
Concerned, Saphira carried on. You have been out here far too long, everyone is worried about you, little one.
There still was no answer for a long time, then Saphira felt a quiet voice come into her head.
So many dead, so much waste, just because of one man's greed and revenge.
Saphira bowed her head, acknowledging the truth of his words.
Yes, but don't think of it was waste, these men put their lives and trust in you to overcome the king's empire, and you have not failed them at all. She answered.
So many families, torn apart, grieving for husbands, brothers, sons. He seemed not to hear her at all.
She spoke again. Life must go on, we must honor the victorious dead and remember their sacrifice and use it to the fullest.
She nudged him with her nose and he seemed to have finally been jolted out of his morbid thoughts.
Arya has just informed me that we are needed for an important meeting in Nasuada's study.
He nodded and like a zombie, climbed onto her back.
As they flew, no words were needed, as Saphira felt his pain and confusion.
Little one, there is something troubling you that you are not telling me about. It was a statement that demanded answering, not a casual question.
It is nothing.
Tell me, I have a feeling it has something about Arya.
I…it's just that, now the war is over, they have no need for me anymore.
Oh little one, you are a hero, the first in a generation of Riders, there is much for you to accomplish.
Yes, but what is the point of accomplishments, fame, power, when there is no-one special to share it with? I mean, yes, there is always you…but I mean a mate, a partner. Look at Murtagh, he has Nasuada, what about Roran? Katrina was always with him, through thick and thin. Even Orik has his dwarf woman.
Eragon, do you forget? I also have no mate, your trouble is also mine.
That's not true, you and Thorn are getting closer each day, soon you two will be together and I will be left alone more often, what is the meaning of life if you cannot share it with somebody?
There are a lot of fish in the sea, Arya is not the only one for you.
No Saphira, you don't understand, the first time I touched her mind, there was a connection between us, in that split second moment when I felt the bond, I knew, I knew that she was the one for me, there would be no-one else. Trust me, I feel it deep in my heart.
I have heard from a few people… that they have heard stories about something like that happening, not many of them turn out well. Either they don't get together and feel incomplete the rest of their life, or that they do get together and stay like that for the rest of their life, somehow they have a deeper tie with their partner, they can sense each other's thoughts and feelings, even though they do not have any magical powers. Then if one dies, the other does as well, just like you and I.
I fear that Arya is still rejecting me and that I will have to live out my life alone. I can swear on my life and yours that I cannot love another, she has taken my heart and I know that we were meant for each other, we are soul mates, even if she does not acknowledge it.
They did not have anymore time to converse, as they arrived, Saphira swooped down into the purposefully enlarged window and landed on the spacious windowsill, letting Eragon dismount.
Our conversation is far from over. Saphira said sternly.
Eragon patted her snout before approaching the people crowded around the table. Every being who ranked high was there for the meeting, including Jomundur, Arya, Orik, Nasuada, the Council of Elders, the twelve elven spellweavers, and Angela.
They were all staring at him, and subconsciously he knew that he did not look the best at the moment,
Actually, Saphira told him, you look dreadful.
Eragon hid a rare grin with his hand. He bowed to his liege lord and greeted Arya with the traditional elven greeting, blushing slightly all the while, she watched his with an impassive face.
"Eragon," Nasuada said, her voice full of relief, "we were worried about you, are you alright?"
He looked around the room and decided that was not the best time to answer, "Yes, my lady, I am fine."
She looked skeptical but let it go.
"Where is Murtagh?" Eragon asked curiously, he and Saphira had been able to break the oath Galbatorix had made him swear with the words he had learnt from Oromis. Once he had been freed, Murtagh had instantly turned and attacked the Empire's forces, bringing hope to the Varden.
"He was wounded in the battle, but he is stable now, I visited him not but an hour ago." Nasuada seemed to blush at her last statement.
There was an awkward stillness until she spoke again.
"Congratulations everyone, we have defeated the Empire and Galbatorix, due to the co-operation of the dwarves, elves, humans, and dragons, hopefully, the king that we choose to rule Alagaesia will keep our union going and the land will be peaceful. Now, onto the subject of our meeting, we need to choose a ruler."
Everyone turned simultaneously to Eragon, who looked around in confusion. After a while it dawned on him, and he nearly fell out of his chair next to Orik.
"N..no way," He held up his hands in defence, "I am willing to guide and help the next ruler to keep the peace, but I will not take the throne."
Saphira let out a stream of smoke in agreement.
"Eragon, you are the Leader of the Riders, and saviour of Alagaesia, the people would protest if you were not to rule them." Nasuada said. Everyone nodded.
"I will not, I am not experienced enough yet, no… I will not rule, I, along with Murtagh are going to revive the new generation of Riders."
Nasuada sighed, "Are there any other suitable candidates?"
Everyone looked at each other, then finally, Saphira broadcasted her thoughts to the whole room.
I vote for Nasuada, she is mature, dedicated, and she has had practice leading the Varden.
There was a thoughtful silence.
"It is possible." Orik murmured.
"The elves will support this decision." Arya announced.
"I agree." Eragon said, smiling at the shocked Varden leader.
Do you accept? Saphira asked gently.
Nasuada was speechless and only when Jormudur nudged her politely did she stutter, "I… yes, I will, but after my term is over, I would like to step down and somebody else must succeed me."
That can be arranged later. Saphira said, a happy note in her voice. Now,we need to throw a party, and don't forget the mead!
The occupants of the room stared at her strangely and her grin disappeared to be replaced by a puzzled look.
What? She asked.
If you have read this far, I'm impressed. Hoped you enjoyed it, it's missing a little romance and action, but as you writers out there know, you do have to introduce the story, as boring as it is. Plz REVIEW!!! Every review will be much appreciated, and you will be on my I-LOVE-YOU-FOREVER list!!!
