A/N - Thanks to all the brill reveiwers out there! Love ya! Enjoy the chapter. -wink-
EDITED - 28/10/08
Chap. 2.- Revelations and farewells
When he woke up he was immediately aware that he was airborne. He turned his head and saw that he was on Saphira's back.
He looked at his surroundings and was shocked to see a great silver dragon flying alongside him. On it was the elf, Analísia.
He shook his head to clear it, thinking he was hallucinating but it only gave him a head ache.
The elf had noticed that he had woken and motioned for them to land.
When they had landed he asked her angrily, "Why are you doing this?!"
She didn't answer but instead asked, "Is your head sore? I'm sorry I hit you so hard." She looked at him apologetically.
Her eyes raked across Eragon's face searching for something.
"Yes." He grumbled unwillingly.
"Let me heal you then." She said taking a step towards him.
"No." He didn't want her anywhere near enough to him that she could hurt him again. His pride had been wounded by being defeated by a woman.
"Why not? It is surely annoying and dulling your wits, is it not?" She cocked her head slightly at him as she spoke. She was very persistant.
"Fine" he said grudgingly.
"I won't hurt you, I can promise that." She replied earnestly, her eyes shining.
He nodded as if to say "I know".
She walked over to him and put a hand on his head. A peculiar sensation went through both of them as soon as she touched him that had had nothing to do with the healing process.
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For the rest of the day she kept quiet. Thinking.
What had that sensation been? She pondered to herself.
She was now wary of Eragon. As she saw it, that sensation had been a weakness. It had been a flaw in her otherwise perfect plan. It was a flaw which she would have to repair.
She was not unfamiliar with the sensation, there had been many handsome soldiers in the castle. And when she had grown older they had taken more of an interest in her and had even tried to court her, though with little success. The thing was, she had never felt that strong a sensation with anybody before.
She shook her head tiredly and continued making dinner, vegetables and fruit.
That was when she finally spoke.
She said her words slowly and cautiously, "Eragon" He looked up, "Do you feel that, perhaps, you may have found your soul mate but cannot be with them for fear of them being your enemy or of betrayal or manipulation by threat of their death?"
He looked surprised that she had spoken and of her question. "I'm not sure, no, why?" He furrowed his brow in confusion.
All of a sudden she had this absurd urge to go over to him and kiss him. She was going mad, like her father. She decided but winced as she thought of her father.
"I just wondered." was all she said.
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The next day Eragon asked again, "Why are you doing this?"
A look of deep regret passed over her beautiful features and he wanted to comfort her somehow, but knew he couldn't.
"Because I have to." she whispered.
Her face was suddenly inches away from his, "My father wants you," she paused, "or perhaps he needs you…but he sent me to capture you…" her voice trailed off but she looked into his eyes.
"Who is your father?" he asked, puzzled and uncomfortable that her face was so close to his, it filled him with ridiculous notions.
"Have you not yet guessed?" the look on her face was full of sadness and pain.
"I did not know that the King had a daughter…" he said, the realization hitting him.
She smiled sadly, "You see why I have to do this then."
He tried to think of a bargain. Inspiration struck him.
"What if I brought you with me to help kill the ra'zac and then you could set me free." He looked at her taking in her expression, her face had drained of all colour and she looked as if she was unable to speak, she was so horrified by his plan.
Finally, after a few minutes, she spoke, "That I cannot do Eragon Shadeslayer, for that would be a betrayal to my father of the deepest kind. I am bound by oaths to him and I cannot pursue the ra'zac without causing myself severe harm or death. Although I would like to hunt down the ra'zac…" her voice trailed off and she looked as if she was split between the two decisions, her father or Eragon.
Eragon did not push the matter any further; he let her think about it.
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That evening she spoke, "I will accept your bargain Eragon Shadeslayer, but," she paused, looking wistful, "I will not be coming with you to hunt the ra'zac I will return to Uru'baen and," her face drained of what little colour it still had, "face the consequences of my actions."
Eragon stared at her, stunned.
She will face death to set me free…
Yes, she has grown fond of you, little one.
How so?
You truly are blind. Saphira said, irritated.
You don't mean…that she has feelings like mine for Arya?
It is very possible…you feel the same about her, Eragon. Arya holds no more than a flicker of light compared to this elf in your heart.
What?!
I see it inside of you. Do you forget the bond we share?
Of course not. But you could be right…she could have been the one Angela referred to, she is of noble birth…
Yes, I think that is the case. She agreed.
Will I let her go?
It is her decision, don't push her. It is what seems best to her, Galbatorix will not kill her, she is too valuable.
I see…I will let her go then?
Yes, it is for the best, little one. She said softly.
"Very well, it is for the best." Eragon said, the regret plain in his eyes.
Analísia came over to him, "Why are you so sad? Surely you can't have grown as fond of me as I am of you?" she looked at him incredulously.
Then her eyes widened when she saw the truth in his eyes.
"You have?" she whispered.
"Yes, I think. I can answer the question you posed to me the other day now. I do feel that way. That I cannot be with you for fear of betrayal or of being manipulated by the threat of your death." he answered.
Then he did something completely irrational, he kissed her.
She did not fight him and though at first she was surprised, she melted quickly into the kiss. They stayed like that until they had to come up for air. They broke apart.
"I must leave you now." She said quietly, running her fingers down his jaw softly. "Farewell Eragon Shadeslayer."
She then turned and nimbly climbed onto her dragon Eriador's back.
"Farewell…" He whispered.
The great dragon reared up and spread its wings as it flew away toward the dark city of Uru'baen.
He watched her until she had disappeared completely.
Come, little one. We must leave and return to Roran and the Varden. Saphira nudged him.
I'm coming.
He sighed, gathered his belongings and climbed onto Saphira's back. They flew to the Varden, away from his love.
A single tear slid down his cheek and froze there as they gained altitude.
A/N - You like? if so Review! i'll love you forever if you do. lol.