Chapter 2
As Eragon made his way to Tialdari Hall his mind instantly thought of the time at the Agaeti Blodhren. He shivered as he remembered how his heart had been crushed. He shivered and suddenly found himself at the gates to Tialdari Hall.
"I should not think these thoughts. That was the past. None of it matters."
Eragon made his way to Arya's room in the complex. He stood in front of the door unable to knock or otherwise move from the spot.
"Gah! I look like a fool standing here and doing nothing."
As Eragon summoned the lsat dreg of his courage to knock a little cough from his left caused him to look left. Leaning on the wall with a small smile was Arya.
"I was wondering when you would do something."
"I- not what you think-" spluttered Eragon as his face turned bright red.
Arya's smile widened even more. She wordlessly unlocked her door and silently motioned for Eragon to enter. Eragon did so feeling extremely stupid.
"Oh...In the name of Alagaesia. Why? Why did it have to right when she was there?" moaned Eragon internally.
Arya sat down on a chair and muttered a word to start boiling tea.
"So. Why did you come?" whispered Arya as her emerald eyes studied Eragon's brown ones.
"No! Not the eyes! Damn it! Why of all times does she choose to look me in the eyes now?" screamed Eragon mentally in agony.
"Oromis-ebrithil has revealed to me and Saphira why Galbatorix and Murtagh are unnaturally strong." replied Eragon as hetried to make himself unreadable.
Arya cocked an eyebrow. She leaned forward and said, "Do tell."
Eragon explained about the remaining Eldunari from the golden age of dragons. He explained about how Murtagh's mind seemed to be filled with echoing spirits moaning for release. Finally, he explained about the Eldunari of Bid'Daum.
Arya's facial expression went from one of shock, then to seriousness, and finally horror.
"Galbatorix has enslaved the soul of the very first Dragon of his ancient order. I would have thought even he would have had the respect to honor Bid'Daum. Instead he- That monster!" finished Arya through gritted teeth.
Arya's venom and hatred disturbed Eragon. He had never seen her in this much anger before.
Arya noticed Eragon's moment of shock and whispered, "Forgive me. I forgot my courtesy and allowed my displeasure to show."
"I should go." said Eragon after a moment of silence. As he rose Arya reached for his his wrist and grabbed it.
"At least stay for a cup of tea. We rarely see each other again. In fact I have the feeling that you have been avoiding me of late."
Eragon accepted a cup of tea and sipped it quietly. It was delicious. Eragon breathed in the aroma of the tea.
"Why did you choose to become the elven ambassador?" asked Eragon quietly.
"It was my choice. I longed to oppose Galbatorix with every fiber of my being. I had no wish to sit in Du Welden Varden as the rest of Alagaesia raged in struggle. Joining the Varden was the quickest way." murmured Arya.
"Forgive me. Saphira returns and I must go." replied Eragon after a moments pause. "Will I see you latter?"
"Yes. I will find you when I have time." said Arya after the tiniest fraction of hesitation.
As soon as Eragon closed the door Arya clasped her hand to her head.
"Ugh... What am I going to do? Whenever I look at him I feel different inside. Even after a century I still don't understand myself."
Arya walked over to her table and picked up a fairth of a handsome male elf.
"I wish you were here. You would know what to do Faolin..." whispered Arya softly as she stroked the picture of the elf lovingly.
