Restrain yourself, Arya corrected herself desperately as Eragon approached her. She marveled over his strong features and his masculine tone. How honesty and self-confidence wafted around him like a ward. Arya relished the way his conscience gently caressed hers in greeting; her heart and mind lingered over his touch in welcome. He smiled, oblivious to the fact of her internal turmoil, and pressed his two fingers against his lips. "Arya Svit-Kona" he acknowledged, skipping the formal greeting. She returned the gesture, "Shade Slayer." Eragon gave her a sly grin that made her lips follow suit.
"Why the smile?" She couldn't help but ask. She always couldn't help but be interested in everything that he did; it was something she couldn't resist. Eragon had her interest captivated, and it seemed to her that he drew her attention on purpose.
"You have to refrain from calling me that now that you are of that title yourself."
"Why ever not?" Arya felt stupid for inquiring on Eragon's reasons, he always seemed to come up with something, and she should know better than to ask why by now.
"Well, that would mean that I would have to return the gesture, it is proper. Though I have to admit that I favor calling you Arya Drottingu." Eragon explained quickly, then his unwavering gaze fell to the pine needle covered earth as he realized his mistake.
"Are you implying that I do not deserve the title?" Arya asked stiffly, even though deep inside she knew that her heart warmed at his preference. Why do I always push him away? She criticized herself.
"No, my lady, I am out of place." Eragon's mood became formal, unnatural, something that he was truly not. Arya softened towards him as she realized that he was just trying to please her. "My apologies. I will take my leave." He nodded at her, his eyes filled with disappointment as he turned and walked briskly away.
Arya's spirits fell as his warm conscience pulled away, leaving her cold and alone, "Eragon."
He turned back to her; his eyes numb, holding back their brilliance. "No, I am sorry, I was out of place questioning your intentions." Arya smiled slightly, "an old habit of mine that has yet to be broken."
His smile set her heart ablaze. "So we have come to an understanding of my intentions."
"I believe so, Shade Slayer." Arya spoke formally, again.
Eragon's smile faltered," Please, address me as Eragon. I am after all, just a farm boy of Carvahal.
"Hardly," Arya stepped beside him. "Shall we walk?"
He, somewhat subconsciously, stepped closer to her, "As you wish."
Oh, if only you knew what it is that I wish, Arya sadly. "Please, what news did you have for me?" Immediately switching back into work mode. They were working together towards one goal. Other than that they shared no other connection as of now.
A frown appeared on Eragon's appealing features.
"What ails you, Sha—Eragon?" Arya corrected herself as she let her resolve slip a little farther.
"Do I always need to have a message to seek your company, Arya?" He asked, almost upset. Arya gazed at her clasped hands thoughtfully. Was it okay for him to seek friendship from her? She knew that's what the underlying question was, she knew how to read between the lines. "Eragon…" She began. Eragon glanced at her unfathomable expression anxiously, "If it is friendship you seek, then I will gladly take the title." She tensed as she realized what she had just done; she just allowed for more distractions.
"Oh, Arya! This means so much to me!" Eragon exclaimed, unable to hold back his outburst. She smiled, "It is about time I have a friend around here that does not only befriend me for my position in our Race." She admitted. Though she really wanted to say that it was his friendship that she was truly seeking deep down.
Comfortable silence filtered through the forest as they mulled over what had occurred.
"Where are we going, might I ask?" Arya smiled as she realized how deep in Du Weldenvarden they had gotten as their conversation dragged on.
Eragon smiled as he realized their careless mistake, "Well, my next stop was the stump, but of course that can wait." His eyes dimmed with sadness.
"The stump?" Arya questioned, alarmed by his sudden mood swing.
He smiled, though it did not reach his eyes," A training exercise for Oromis," he swallowed painfully," h-he would have me sit for hours and open my mind to the creatures around me. A rebel I was, always trying to prove this exercise unnecessary, and had a short temper. Little did I know how right he was, how right they both were. How I wish I would have listened to them more and cast down my pride." Honest tears slid down both their cheeks as they both cherished Glaedr and Oromis' memories and wise words of wisdom. Just like before, Arya found herself in an embrace, sobbing freely with Eragon as they continued to morn the loss of two amazing souls. Arya cried for the doom they all faced, the doom Eragon and Saphira, two innocents, were sentenced to. Was there hope? Arya could not tell. They experienced each other's feelings through their consciences. Usually by now, Arya would have controlled her emotions and pulled away, like the last time. No, she needed this. She neededto feel Eragon's strong presence in her life; she needed to feel like she wasn't alone in this harsh world.
"Eragon, what are we to do? How can we go on with out them?" Arya sobbed, letting her soft side unveil itself.
"I don't know." He whispered, agonized," I just don't know."
A/N I tried… I tried hard on this chapter. If it didn't live up to what you were expecting and was terrible then… I will go cry in a corner. Just kidding, but I will be open to re-writing and fixing obvious mistakes. Thank you for your past reviews! You're support is absolutely amazing!