A/N: A thoughtful reader inspired me to modify the first several chapters of this story because their instinctive reaction was, "What the heck?" (with a more colorful word, of course ;). I even incorporated their suggestion for the setting of this scene. I realize that many people reading this might not have read The Cycle Continues (which contains content more similar to what this chapter once did), and you might be sampling my story to decide whether or not to continue. With that possibility in mind, I wanted to reduce the likelihood that other new readers would have the same reaction. Chapter Two (this chapter) was originally a much longer portrayal of Eragon and Arya's family life, along with a detailed description of their third child's birth, a heavenly visitation, and a discussion of reproduction. This current version is all that remains. Hope it helps!
2. On Father's Knee
Eragon and Arya's third baby—another son—was born later that same night. Brom and Zadí witnessed their brother's gentle arrival and were thrilled by Eragon's suggestion to name the new boy Evandar after Arya's father.
Several weeks later, Brom lay awake in his bed thinking about his sixth birthday the following day. A strange dream had interrupted his slumber, and when it became clear that he wouldn't soon fall back to sleep, Brom left his room in search of his father.
Brom found Eragon in his study, cradling tiny Evan—which nickname Brom had thought up—on his chest as he gazed into the embers of a dwindling fire. Saphira had managed to fit her head and neck through the larger-than-average doorway and was curled around the back of the cushioned armchair with her head resting alongside it. Brom imagined the dragon was conversing with her Rider, and he hoped an interruption would not be unwelcome.
"Father?" Brom quietly called from the doorway.
Eragon glanced over and smiled, and Brom knew his father had been aware of his presence. "Come in, Brom. Couldn't you sleep?"
Brom quickly padded across the floor to his father's chair after hurdling the obstacle presented by Saphira's neck. "I could at first, but I woke up after an odd dream and kept thinking about other things."
"Sit with me and Evan," Eragon invited, patting one leg. "Mother just fed him, so I offered to hold him while she tries to get some rest."
"Caring for a new baby seems like hard work," Brom observed, climbing onto his father's knee and peering into Evan's face.
"It is, especially for Mother, but these peaceful moments are some of my fondest memories. Once they're past, I always miss the early days when the new baby is so small. But tell me what's troubling you. Have you thought of what you want for your birthday yet? Mother and I would like to do something special for you."
Brom took in a long breath and slowly let it out. "I think I finally figured out what I want. You know how you always tell me the story of my birth? And what happened the next day with Angela?"
Eragon nodded and pulled Brom closer so he could lean in next to the baby.
"Well, was she short? Did she have curly dark hair and a cheerful smile? And a mysterious twinkle in her eye?"
"Yes, Brom," Eragon confirmed in surprise. "How did you know that? I don't recall sharing much about her appearance."
"No, I don't think you have. I saw her in a dream just now, and she gave me some counsel. She said I needed to learn how use magic without speaking words. I've sometimes done it by accident, but she advised me to carefully practice until I could control it. I wonder if it had anything to do with the conversation Mother and I had a few weeks ago."
"How interesting. Maybe the two are related. And this has something to do with your birthday request?"
"I just wondered if I might begin having magic lessons with the elves."
"I have no problem with that," his father said. "I can't imagine Mother would either. Perhaps we can bring it up at breakfast in the morning."
"Thank you, Father." Brom studied Evan's little face and smiled in delight when a big grin parted the baby's lips while he slept. Eragon also noticed the sweet expression and the unexpected accompanying giggle.
"That's another of my favorite things," he remarked. "Those sleeping grins and giggles. I always wonder what the baby might be dreaming of."
"It must be something happy," Brom decided. "Maybe the place he came from was wonderful and he's dreaming of people he knew there."
"I like that idea," Eragon approved.
Brom's face twisted thoughtfully as he remembered another of his sleepless ponderings. "Father, when Evan was born and Zadí, Mother, and I saw Evandar and Islanzadí, why couldn't you?" Brom referred to the miraculous experience following the baby's birth when his elven grandmother and grandfather had appeared in the room.
Eragon rubbed his beard as he considered Brom's question. "I don't exactly know. But it may have been simply because I didn't have the same strong desire as Mother. And you children have always been very believing. Or maybe they only wanted you three to see them."
"It would be nice if you someday got to see your father and mother, just like Mother did. You never even met your mother."
"You're right. I didn't. But your grandfather was a courageous, selfless man. I'm proud to now have two sons named after such good men. You and Evan can carry on their legacies."
"I hope so. I've been thinking about something else, Father."
"What's that?" Eragon asked, shifting slightly in the chair as the baby reached two tiny fists straight up and arched his back in a mighty stretch. Since he was curled into a tight ball with his feet tucked under him, his bottom stuck out in an exaggerated manner. Eragon smiled and murmured, "All is well, little one."
Brom reached over and patted Evan's head as he questioned, "Where did the baby come from? I mean, how did he get inside Mother?"
Saphira lifted her head and cracked open an eye to scrutinize her Rider, which made him smile.
I have often wondered how you would address this question, little one, the dragon said. Now I shall have the opportunity to see.
"What does she mean, Father?"
Still smiling, Eragon replied, "Saphira once shared with me and Mother her opinion on this matter. As you know, dragons are very forward in their mating practices, and Saphira finds it rather unfortunate that many humans don't learn about such things until they are older. And when they do, the subject is often treated as inappropriate or shameful."
"Why?" Brom curiously wondered.
So his father patiently explained the answer to his question—and the others that followed—including why some viewed it as an awkward topic. When finished, Brom had a basic and innocent understanding that satisfied his inquisitive mind.
"It doesn't seem inappropriate," Brom said. "But maybe because you answered honestly without any awkwardness yourself."
"Saphira helped me see that this approach is healthier when it comes to such things."
Well done, little one, Saphira praised, her eyelids clicking as she blinked drowsily. Eragon reached out and rested his hand on the bridge of her snout.
"Well, Saphira is clearly ready to get some sleep. Are you also ready to return to bed? If you are to begin magic lessons tomorrow, you will want to be well rested."
Before he could answer, Brom let out a huge yawn. Then he smiled sheepishly. "I guess I am really tired. I'm grateful I could talk to you."
Eragon smiled and gave him a hug. "As am I, son. My father never had this chance with me, and I'm always thankful that I get to be a part of your life. Let's get you a drink of water and I'll take you back to bed."
As Saphira raised her head to snake it out of the study, Eragon stood with both sons in his arms and carried Brom back to his bedroom after making a brief stop in the kitchen. Snugly tucked in with a kiss on his forehead, Brom peacefully returned to his dreams.
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