Disclaimer: I don't own the owned! All rights belong to Christopher Paolini, supreme lord and author of this series, and no copyright infringement is at all intended.
WARNING: The first part of this chapter features adult themes, slight lemon but no smut and not too much graphic detail. It's pretty brief and mild but there. This story is rated "M" though so don't say I didn't warn you!
Author's Note: Once again, you guys are fantastic and keep me grinning like an idiot despite my initial uncertainty about posting this fanfic. Since you are all such great reviewers, I'll try to keep this short as I only have a couple of things to say. First of all, I realised that Brom is in character. At first it wasn't intended but then I decided to continue with this and his character just kind of stuck. Also, I haven't read the books in ages so all my info is coming from the Internet so do forgive me if I get a few details wrong. As for Brom's OOC'ness, I thought of a couple ideas explaining it and they will be revealed in latter chapters. But for now, he's supposed to be that way for a reason that I just decided, lol. Just thought to mention that since several people asked about it.
Also, this is an AU but not a rewrite. It's set in an alternate universe where the Dragon Wars happened differently and Galbatorix never led a rebellion with the Foresworn. The Dragon Riders still live and there are plenty of them, the Order's intact as well...for now. The only thing that's different is that elves are slaves and not all of the stuff that happened in the Cycle will happen here. Several plot points, elements from the books and, of course, many of the characters will appear but at later points. This is focussing on Eragon and Arya's rather unique relationship in this fanfic and while I am no expert on such matters I just want to write this story since it hasn't really been done before and there are so many things to explore here.
Well, that's about all for now so enough rambling and let the chapter begin. I hope you like it!
CHAPTER 3:
Early in the morning, Eragon awoke to the rather pleasant sensation of a beautiful woman pressed against his body, leaning her head on his chest and his arms wrapped protectively around her. A faint smile brightened his face only to dim as he realised who the woman was.
The young heir had no idea how they had gotten into that position but he decided to stay like that to keep up the ruse. It was a convincing lie after all and rather comfy. He tried to ignore the emotions stirring in his nether regions and hoped Arya woke up fast before they did something neither of them wanted to happen just yet.
As if that wasn't enough, the doors to his bed chambers burst open revealing several serving girls carrying fresh sheets, pillows, and cleaning supplies. They froze at the sight and Eragon grimaced inwardly. Just then, Arya woke up and her eyes snapped open as she realised the position they lay in. But Eragon held her in a firm grip and smiled down pointedly at her. Arya forced a smile in return but Eragon could see the glare behind the smile in her eyes which made him gulp and sweat slightly. Ignoring her attitude, he rubbed her arm tenderly and planted a kiss on her forehead pretending to whisper good morning in her ear.
When the serving girls saw this interaction, they burst into a predictable fit of giggles and started gossiping in noisy whispers amongst themselves. Completely ignoring Eragon and Arya who were both looking away from each other, the maids began cleaning and dusting the room, opening up the curtains pulling back the drapes on Eragon's bed. They got a bath ready and laid out some fine clothes for Eragon and a simple but revealing outfit for Arya.
After what seemed like an eternity, the girls finally left and Eragon breathed a sigh of relief.
"I think the coast is clear now," He mumbled to Arya.
"Then would you please let go of me?" Arya hissed.
"Um, yes, of course," Eragon stammered and hastily did so.
"Would you wish to bathe first, master?" Arya asked next. "Or may I?"
"Normally you would be bathing me," Eragon retorted. "But in this case you can go first since I need to calm down a little."
Arya glared at Eragon at first but then smirked when she realised what she caused.
"Oh, poor master!" The elf cooed, leaning over and whispering mockingly in his ear. "Look what a pickle he's in. Should I make all his problems go away? After all, I am the slave and bound to obey your every wish."
Eragon sucked in a sharp breath and closed his eyes, fighting an inward battle. Why was Arya so cruel?
"Cat got your tongue?" Arya asked in mock sympathy. "Or are you just too befuddled to make a coherent thought?"
To make matters worse, the elf was grinding against his groin the whole time making Eragon stifle a moan. What was her problem? She knew he didn't want to do this right away so she was obviously mocking him and trying to get back at him for the position they woke up in. But that wasn't his fault.
"You better watch yourself, woman," Eragon growled. "Or I might just let my good father fulfil his wish and buy you for himself."
Arya froze, hovering only centimetres above his groin making Eragon's whole body tense.
"Are you sure?" She asked with an arched eyebrow. "You might not get this offer again."
"Positive," Eragon growled, glaring daggers at her.
"Very well," Arya smirked. "Your wish is my command."
So saying, she climbed off him lightly flicking her foot against his groin, a positively evil glint in her eyes. Without even bothering to ask his permission to shower first, Arya sauntered off into the bathroom swaying her hips seductively as she did so.
Eragon collapsed back in his bed with a feeble groan as he watched his elf retreat. She was really making this difficult and would stop at nothing to get him to snap. Then she could taunt him even further and he would hear no end of it.
Heaving a sigh, Eragon set about relieving himself and began getting ready for the day, knowing it would be torture at breakfast.
- PAGEBREAK -
Eragon stopped by the Dragon Hold on his way to breakfast. He was curious as to why Saphira hadn't interrupted him in the morning with a cheeky remark on his predicament. He was thankful though but still curious. Perhaps it was due to the dragon's inherent hatred of all things elvish due to the massacre of the dragon nesting grounds during the war.
Whatever the case, Eragon felt slightly apprehensive as he twisted and turned through the halls and passageways through the manor house that led to the Dragon Hold. It was on the west wing of the manor and had an open balcony, large enough and strong enough for a dragon to stand on, that overlooked the sprawling grounds (including a lush forest teaming with game and wildlife) enabling Saphira to fly whenever she wished.
Heaving a sigh, Eragon finally stopped when he realised they were at the Hold already. He glanced over his shoulder at Arya who was waiting patiently with an impassive mask etched on her face. Eragon wondered if he should tell her that he was a Dragon Rider or if that would make her want to gut him all the more. After a moment of hesitation, Eragon decided to ask Saphira if she wanted to see Arya first lest he risk her wrath and that of Arya's which would not be at all pleasant even though she was his slave.
With that thought in mind, he turned around to Arya and said, "Wait here."
Arya nodded curtly and stood as still as a statue. Eragon gave her a brief nod in return and opened the door to the Hold, closing it gently behind him. Instantly, a bright light nearly blinded him and he shielded his eyes against the wall of sunlight that poured in through the open balcony.
There were giant thick curtains to block the light if Saphira so desired and powerful wards that could be summoned at any moment to protect her against the elements, but Saphira preferred to keep things natural and sometimes she even slept in the grounds if she was weary after a long hunt.
But most of the time, she respected Selena's wishes to keep the grounds nice-looking and her giant paw prints would simply ruin things. So most of the time, she slept in the Dragon Hold especially since it was easier for Eragon to reach her first thing in the morning which he did on a regular basis. She was his partner of mind and soul after all.
"Good morning, Queen of the Skies," Eragon said softly when his eyes adjusted to the light and he approached Saphira cautiously, still wary about his elf angering her. "How do you fair this fine morning? Are you well?"
In response, Saphira gave a mighty cat-like stretch, spreading her wings out and yawning releasing a puff of light blue smoke as she did so making Eragon cough slightly. Saphira snaked her head down at him and gave him a toothy grin.
A fine morning it is, Little One, She replied and Eragon sighed in relief.
So far, she was not angry at him.
And what do you have to be angry about? Saphira asked curiously, amusement floating through the bond.
Eragon's face flushed as he remembered that she could read his mind.
What if I showed you the memories instead? He asked. It would save me a lot of talking and speed things up a bit. Also, I ask you to maintain a grip on your anger, however justified, until I fully explain myself, please.
But of course, Little One! Saphira said in mock offence. Don't I always?
Eragon rolled his eyes at the comment but closed them quickly. Placing his hand on Saphira's snout (he found that helped him concentrate better), he pulled the memories of the previous day at the slave market, the conversation last night, and the incident in the morning. He blushed furiously as he recalled how Arya taunted him this morning and hoped Saphira would not get too angry.
When he was finally done showing her his memories, he pulled his hand back and opened his eyes. He looked up at his beautiful sapphire dragon praying to whatever gods existed that she would not get upset. But much to his surprise and relief, he only saw a flicker of anger in her eyes before it morphed into understanding and, annoyingly, amusement.
So how long do you think this ruse will last? The blue dragon asked with a gravelly chuckle.
Eragon blushed and clenched his jaw.
That is the first thing you ask after all this? He retorted. I thought you'd be fuming mad and burning the entire estate to ashes once you heard the news.
I would have until I realised how hard it must be for you, Saphira sighed. I am still angry at having another elf defile this place but there is something about the pointy-eared one that confuses me.
What? Eragon asked in shock. Arya confuses you? And I thought that was my job!
It still is, Saphira chuckled. But she puzzles me too. Perhaps you were made for each other.
Some way to determine whether we're a good couple or not! Eragon scoffed, rolling his eyes. I don't know whether to be amused or offended.
Just be thankful I am not angry at you, Hatchling, Saphira warned.
Eragon gulped, recalling the steel in her voice all too well.
I am always thankful for you, He replied hastily, but meaning every word of it. And no slave, even an elf, could ever take your place in my heart.
Saphira only hummed happily in response and Eragon sat cross-legged on the floor, resting against her wing, and scratched her neck fondly.
Are you coming for breakfast, oh Great One? Eragon asked, saying the latter name playfully.
No, Saphira retorted. I need to sort out my thoughts on your elf. I'm not ready to see her just yet. Perhaps a morning fly and a hunt in the forest will help me make up my mind. Care to join me?
Perhaps for the former one, Eragon replied with a faint smile on his face. The other one, not so much.
I understand, Saphira replied. Go now. Your elf is growing impatient and your parents wait for you. Watch yourself around your slave, hatchling. And remember who and what she is. Never forget that.
I shall, Eragon sighed reluctantly. Farewell then.
Farewell, Little One, Saphira replied.
Yawning tiredly and stretching his weary limbs, Eragon pulled himself up and stepped back. He watched Saphira fondly as she climbed into a crouching position and tucked her wings in. With a last glance at him, she leapt into the air, kicking off from the ground and soaring into the clear blue sky.
Heaving a sigh, Eragon departed from the Dragon Hold and joined his elf, making his way to the breakfast table where his parents, and much teasing and joking about their 'first night together' awaited them.
TO BE CONTINUED!
A/N 1: Like it? Love it? Hate it? Leave a review and let me know so I can make this even better yet! And stay tuned for more to come.
