Vanilor
For a minute, Arya started at the dragon sitting in her hand, and the green dragon stared back. Then it squeaked, bringing her to her senses. "I'm sorry," she told it gently. "I didn't feed you yet." She knew the dragon would eat meat. She would obviously have to get meat for it. She reached out with her mind, and located a rabbit. Whispering a word of death, she killed it. Anguish filled her as she thought of the dead rabbit, but that did not matter. She needed to feed her dragon.
She fetched the rabbit, skinned it, and gutted it, then placed it on the ground in front of her green dragon. Smiling absentmindly as she watched the dragon tear up the rabbit and eat it, she thought, What should I name him? For the dragon was obviously male. She ran over a list of dragon names in her mind, searching for one she liked.
The dragon belched as it ate its fill. It started humming a deep, low hum of contentment. Arya cut up the rest of the meat and saved it for later. The dragon would want to eat more, she knew. Are you Vanilor? she asked, reaching out to the dragon.
The dragon stared at Arya with its emerald green eyes. At first, it gave no indication that it understood. Then, slowly it nodded in agreement.
Arya gently picked up Vanilor and held him close. She looked up at the sky, startled by how much time had passed. The sun was now deep down the horizon, almost sunset. She would have to hurry if she were to reach the elfs' outpost on time. Where would she keep the dragon? As if the dragon read her thoughts, it jumped and settled in her raven hair with a squeak of delight.
"Hold on tight," she whispered. Then she ran at a near sprint to the north. Her thoughts were focused on the dragon. My dragon.
It was sunset by the time Arya had arrived at the elves' fortress. Although the fortress had been commonly used during the time of the Riders, it had been abandoned after the fall. Now, the elves were working to restore the place. As of yet, only five elves inhabited the building, although these elves would soon be joined by some soldiers from the Varden.
The elves had been shocked and overjoyed at the sight of the dragon, and had pestered Arya with many questions. Where did you find him? What is his name? Who do you think sent the egg?
Arya now sat at a wooden dining table, telling her story. "Today afternoon, I was running when I heard a bang and saw a flash of red light. I ran over to investigate, and instead stumbled upon a clearing - probably opened by the magic. In the middle of the clearing was Vanilor's egg. I picked the egg up; he hatched. If I had more details of the story, I would tell them, but I myself do not know why the egg was sent, who sent the egg, and who the egg was meant to be sent to."
A dark haired male elf nodded. "It is particularly disturbing that the egg was sent within such close proximity of us. After all, wasn't this location supposed to be kept secret? We have kept this location secret from most of our people, too."
A brown haired, green eyed elf sitting besides him nodded. "Aye. It is most strange. I believe that until we figure this out, this place might be too dangerous to use. If the mysterious sender knew where to find us, why wouldn't Galbatorix? If the sender was a Varden member or a elf, one who knew of this castle wouldn't they send a note to us?"
"It may be possible that this was an accident," one elf said.
"Possible, but highly unlikely," said another.
"At any rate, I believe that you should keep Vanilor hidden until he is big enough to fend for himself, Arya. We do not want to get our hopes up, only to get them crushed by conspirators trying to kill your dragon," said the dark hair elf.
Arya nodded. "I agree. The circumstances are too queer to risk anything. You five shall accompany me into the Du Weldenvarden."
They went on to discuss how a new Rider would affect the events in Alagaesia, their chances of beating Galbatorix and Murtagh, and other similiar topics. Their discussion carried on late into the night.
When Eragon saw the sparring field, he inwardly groaned. Vanir and two unfamiliar elves were standing, waiting, Eragon knew, for him. Three elves! Vanir himself is quite a handful. Two elves were almost impossible. And now three! Does Oromis plan to kill me before battle even takes place?
Relax, little one. It is a rare enough feat to defeat two elves, which you did. You will always be respected for that.
Eragon snorted. Oromis had been pushing Eragon hard for the past three weeks since he had returned, making Eragon do advanced magic that even the most experienced magicians did not attempt, pushing Eragon's endurance and strength to the limit. However, Eragon had to grudgingly admit that little by little, he was learning, growing, and improving more. He was now as athletic, flexible, balanced, and strong as the fittest elf warrior, something that Eragon had not been even after his transformation at the Agaeti Blodhren. Pushing those thoughts out of his mind, Eragon stepped onto the field.
They greeted each other, then drew their swords and guarded them.
"Today, Shadeslayer, you will be facing three elves," Vanir told Eragon. "Are you ready?"
"Yes." Eragon steeled himself for what was going to come next. If he were to be beaten badly, he might as well do so with a fight.
With a cry, Vanir leaped at Eragon, blade flashing. He swung his blade at Eragon's neck. Eragon sidestepped to his right as he noticed a second elf had charged him from the left. The two blades flew past him, a hair's width from his skin. Now the third elf charged at Eragon. Eragon raised his sword, blocking the blow, then jumped back as Vanir and a elf sliced at him.
This is impossible! thought Eragon as he fended off the elves' blows. If there is an opening, I can't capitalize, because another elf will get me! Indeed, the elves had forced Eragon to the defensive, pushing him to the back of the field.
An elf lunged at Eragon. With lightning fast reflexes, Eragon sidestepped the blow, and then, finally, saw an opening in the elves' defenses. The elf had lunged to far, and would be easily disarmed by a flick of the blade. But Eragon knew that such an action would leave him vulnerable to attack by the other elves. In a split second decision, Eragon backflipped away from the elves placing a perfectly aimed kick on the sword. The sword flew out of its master's hands, high into the air. As he descended, Eragon used his sword to ward of the elves' blows, showing the full extent of his flexibility. He caught the elf's sword in his free hand, and, in a rapid motion, placed his blade at the disarmed elf's neck. "Dead," he said. The other elf saw an opening. He thought he saw an opening. He lunged towards Eragon, but Eragon had expected the attack and sidestepped the elf. Once again, he touched his blade to the elf's neck. "Dead." Now Vanir was the last elf left. Eragon grinned, knowing he could defeat Vanir any time.
The wind shifted, blowing Eragon's way. Eragon's heightened sense of smell caught many scents on the wind. He smelled leather boots, leather clothes. He smelled metal. The last scent, a scent of crushed pine needles, made him stop. There was only one two-legger he knew which carried that particular smell. Arya.
A sudden desire to turn around hit Eragon, but Saphira quelled it by saying, Focus.
Of course, Saphira.
Determined to defeat Vanir as quickly as possible, concious of Arya's eyes on him, Eragon began a complex, flowing attack on Vanir's defenses. After five minutes of dueling, Eragon quickly disarmed Vanir and brought his sword to his head. "Dead."
Someone applauded.
Eragon whipped his head around. Arya stood, clapping. She looked exactly as Eragon's mental image depicted her. Possessing a seemingly flawless beauty and grace, Arya never ceased to make Eragon marvel at her appearance. However, this time, there was a difference Eragon could not locate, but one his instincts told were there.
After they had greeted each other, Arya walked forward. "That was amazing swordsmanship, Shadeslayer!" she asked.
"Thank you, Arya Svit-Kona."
Eragon!
What? Eragon snapped at Saphira, irritated.
I smell prescence here - a prescence of someone who has interacted with a dragon. It's coming from Arya somewhere.
A dragon? Eragon asked, looking up.
Yes, a dragon. Arya has contacted us, and tells us she wants to talk to us in private after she greets the other elves.
An absurd thought entered Eragon's mind. Do you think she's a rider?
Perhaps, Saphira mused. At any rate, we shall find out soon.
After Arya had finished greeting the other elves, she motioned Eragon to follow her. He did so without a word. Arya led them deep into the forest, where there would be no chance of being overheard.
In a clearing, Arya stopped and turned around. Suddenly, Eragon noticed something different about her. She was wearing gloves. Thick, leather gloves, like Eragon had worn to hid his silver mark. Eragon had never seen Arya wear gloves before. A sudden wave of excitement seized Eragon. His hand darted out and grabbed Arya's. He stripped away the leather glove, revealing what he had hoped for - the gedwey ignasia.
A curious sensation entered Arya as she contacted Eragon.
Eragon stood there, shocked, still holding her glove in his hands. Arya, a rider! His shock was gradually replaced by joy, as he realized that there would be a new rider assisting in the war against Galbatorix. Plus, it made him closer to Arya - perhaps easing the barriers between Eragon and Arya, barriers that previously would never have allowed Arya to love Eragon and vice versa. Suddenly, he felt an urge to embrace Arya, to show her his passion for her, passion that he had kept hidden ever since the Agaeti Blodhren. Stop that! he told himself. She does not love you. Do not pursue her.
Eragon opened his mouth. "Arya, why didn't you tell me earlier that you are-"
Arya put her hand over his mouth. "Shut up!" she hissed. "Not that loud!" Slowly she removed her hand.
"Sorry," Eragon said softly, confused. "Are you keeping this a secret?"
"Had you not been so impatient, I would have told you." She held out a hand. Eragon put her glove inside. "And, yes, I am keeping this a secret. You must swear in the ancient language to tell no one of this without my permission. You too, Saphira."
Eragon and Saphira obliged. "Why are you keeping this a secret?"
"Because, my dragon is young, and not able to fend for himself. If news of this were to spread, our lives could be endangered."
Eragon nodded. "Can I see your dragon? You must tell me how you got that egg."
"I'll explain to you on the way to Oromis's house," Arya replied. "My dragon's name is Vanilor. He is with Oromis."
"You're taking lessons with Oromis?" Eragon asked, heart pounding. He remembered the last time she had watched his lesson with Oromis. That lesson had been a disaster, ending up with Eragon showing his feelings for Arya.
Arya raised an eyebrow. "Surely a dragon rider has to be educated?"
"Of course. Congragulations, Arya," Eragon said.
Congragulations, Shurtugal, Saphira said, joy in her voice. You will make an excellent rider, I'm sure of it. Thank you for hatching another egg. I have longed to be with more of my kin.
"Let us leave now. I'm already late for lessons, as is." Eragon climbed onto Saphira's back, then extended his hand to help Arya up. Arya ignored it and climbed up by herself. Eragon blushed, hoping Arya would not notice. He had forgotten that she was an elf, not a human, and possessed the physical capabilities of an elf.
Suddenly, Saphira took off beneath him, jerking up at a steep angle. Eragon yelped in surprise, as inertia carried him back. He felt Arya's arms around his waist as she held on to maintain balance.
What was that for? Eragon asked.
Why, is it a crime to express your joy? asked Saphira as she let out a happy bugle.
"Mental dragon," Eragon muttered.
Saphira righted herself, then flew steadily towards their masters' house. Arya's released her hold on Eragon's waist.
"I was outside of the Du Weldenvarden when I found Saphira's egg," Arya said in her musical voice. Eragon turned his head to face Arya. "I was running when I heard a bang and I saw a flash of red light. I ran to the egg, picked it up, and it hatched instantly. That's all there is to my story."
"But who sent the egg?" asked Eragon, confused.
"I don't know."
Eragon nodded. "Nothing exciting about the story? That's all?"
Arya gazed at him, emerald green eyes boring into his. Uncomfortable, Eragon looked away. "We are having enough trouble with Galbatorix as is. When something comes easily to us like Vanilor's egg, we should rejoice the lack of extra complications."
"Of course. However, it is not always that our successes come so easily as this one."
When they arrived at Oromis's house, they saw Oromis and Glaedr standing outside with a small green dragon, two feet tall. The green dragon's scales exactly matched the color of Arya's eyes, Eragon noticed.
"His scales look majestic," Eragon said without thinking. "They match the color of your eyes."
Saphira winced. Eragon.... she warned.
Relax, Saphira. I won't say more.
Time for further comment was lost as Saphira descended. Eragon eagerly jumped off, heart pounding. A newly hatched dragon! He sensed similiar excitement in Saphira.
After greetings had been exchanged, Arya stepped forward and said, "Eragon, Saphira, I'd like to introduce you to Vanilor."
Vanilor jumped playfully towards Saphira and looked up at her with bright, intelligent eyes. Well met, little one, Saphira told Vanilor.
Well met, Vanilor, Eragon said.
Well met, Eragon Shadeslayer, Saphira Bjartskular.
"Arya, you will, Vanilor, and Saphira will be working with Glaedr today. It is the tradition for the dragons to teach new Riders about our customs and our ways. Although you are familiar with them, Arya, it will help to review them again."
"Yes, ebrithil," Arya said. Saphira, Glaedr, and Vanilor flew off, Arya riding on Glaedr's back.
"Come inside, Eragon," Oromis said.
Once they were comfortably seated, Oromis asked, "What do you think about this?"
"What do you mean, Master?" Eragon asked.
"How do you feel about a new rider?"
Eragon smiled. "It's wonderful. We're not alone. Fortune has smiled upon us, a new Rider will help the our cause a lot. Even better, the Rider is a elf, so we will not be faced with the limitations of a human rider. And Saphira might finally find a fit mate in Vanilor."
Oromis nodded. "It is good that you understand this. From now on you will be taking lessons with Arya. How do you feel about this?"
Eragon stiffened. "I will not pursue her, if that is what you ask. Not unless she expresses...." He broke off.
"Good," Oromis replied. "You must not become distracted. It is good that you understand that."
They talked for a while about how a new rider would affect the Varden, how a rider would help their cause, and their chances of beating Galbatorix. Then Eragon asked,"Who do you think sent the egg?"
Oromis shrugged. "It could be anyone, anyone at all. However, we can narrow down the list further to who probably sent the egg. First of all, the sender has to be a magician. That rules out most of the people in Alagaesia. Second of all, the sender would have to be against Galbatorix, taking an active place in the war. However, this makes a new question spring up. If the sender is closely affiliated with the Varden, elves, dwarves, or Surda, close enough so that they know the him or her personally, why wouldn't the sender bother to leave a note? Obviously, the sender would not want any publicity.
"Thus, we could seperate the possible senders into several groups. The first is the group of those under Galbatorix. If the egg were to fall into the wrong hands, they obviously would not want Galbatorix to know, so they would not write a note. It could be a magician who suddenly realized that he or she did not believe in Galbatorix's plans. However, the sender being in the first group is unlikely because all of Galbatorix's servants swear loyalty to him. The second group is the group of humans accidentally stumbling upon an egg. However, this is near impossible - whoever sent the egg would have to be a magician, and know where the elf outpost is. The third group is spies on our side. This group is the most likely group, because a spy would not send a note and risk getting his or her position revealed, and because a spy would not be bound by the oaths that Galbatorix's servants would be. The fourth group would be a elf, dwarf, or Surdan who for some reason would decide to not write a note. However, this group is also very unlikely, because it would be more rational for the sender to give the egg to his or her leader instead of sending it all the way to the edge of the Du Weldenvarden."
A sudden thought occurred to Eragon. "Arya said she saw a flash of red light. It could be Murtagh! He falls under the first group, and he might have somehow freed himself."
Oromis replied calmly, "It could be anyone. Just because Murtagh's magic is red doesn't mean it is him."
Eragon nodded. "It was just a thought." They sat in silence for a few minutes.
Oromis broke the silence by saying, "How did you fare today in sparring?"
Eragon explained how he had beaten two of the three elves, explaining his manuevers and tactics.
Oromis nodded after he had heard Eragon's story. "Good. From what I heard, you were able to react simultaneously to all three of the elves fighting you, and you were able to adjust your style so as to be able to fight all three of them. That is a very impressive feat."
"Thank you, Master."
"You are now ready to move on to the next step in reacting to multiple opponents. Do you think that you could apply the same concept to a magical duel?"
"What do you mean, ebrithil?"
"If you faced two or three elves in a duel, and they attacked you with their spells, would you be able to devise a spell so as to counteract all three of their spells?"
Eragon frowned. "I don't know. While in swordsmanship, you can read your opponent's body movement and react accordingly, you can't do that in a duel. There are just too many possiblities."
Oromis smiled. "You will be trained to try to predict all of those possibilities - analyze them and react accordingly, all in a split second. Tomorrow, after your duel with swords, Vanir and another elf will duel you with magic for half an hour. You and Saphira will then come to my lessons."
"That's dangerous!" Eragon protested. "We'll kill each other."
"I never said that you were dueling to hurt each other. You will be dueling in different ways. For example, Vanir and the other elf will try to light a fire or do some other task. You will try to stop both of their spells at once. You will also be practicing scaled down magical duels. For example, the elves will try to bind you, and you will try to bind them, or the elves will try to hit you with harmless objects using magic, and you must retaliate. Do not worry, Eragon. I do not expect you to excel immediately."
Eragon groaned. "What of Arya? Will she also be doing this?"
Oromis nodded. "Being an ambassador, Arya has already been trained in ways such as this. She is the only other swordsman besides you, who has defeated three elves at once. But yes, although she has little to improve on, she will still spar with and practice magic the same time as you do. But enough of this topic. Today will shall be talking about poisons which affect the mind."
Eragon listened to Oromis talk about poisons designed escpecially to tamper with people's brains, and how to stop them. "Poisons which affect the body kill a person by directly attacking the body parts. However, poisons which affect the mind kill the body parts by killing the part of the mind - not the physical brain, but the mental mind - which controls the body parts. These poisons are traceless, and are mainly used in assassinations. However, they are relatively easy to stop, because they do not require an antidote. All a person has to do is to entered the poisoned person's mind, spin their conciousness around the poison and through the poison, and then jerk, causing the poison to disintegrate. You will soon practice stopping these poisons, because spy reports say that galbatorix is starting to use these poisons. It might sound confusing right now, but it will be explained in greater depth soon."
For the rest of the day, Oromis lectured Eragon about the different types of these poisons, and the most effective methods to stop each type. At the end of the day, when the dragons and Arya had come back, Oromis had given Eragon scrolls to read about the poisons. He also gave Eragon a map of the brain, which, he said, was the same for all two leggers, so as to better understand how the mind works.
Eragon and Arya at last departed (Vanilor stayed with Oromis and Glaedr) on Saphira. As they landed at Eragon's tree house and Arya turned to leave, Eragon called out, "Wait!"
Arya turned. She looked at him, a strange expression in her eye. It was a look Eragon had never seen on her face before. "What?" she asked.
"I just want to know how you feel about being a rider."
Arya frowned. "Why?"
Eragon shrugged. He wanted to learn more about Arya, who had always been an enigma to him - he knew almost nothing of her personal life, emotions, and view of the world. But he didn't want to explain all of that to Arya. "Never mind. Forget that I asked."
Arya nodded, then said softly, "Good night, Eragon, Saphira."
"Good night to you to, Arya."
Good night, Arya.
Eragon sparred with the three elves again the next day. He defeated all three of them without any distractions. After sparring, Eragon walked up to Vanir and said, "My Master said that I was to practice magic with you and another elf."
Vanir nodded. "We shall practice here."
Another elf walked to the sparring field and greeted Eragon. He introduced himself as Lifay.
For the next thirty minutes, Eragon dueled with the elves. As Oromis had said, Eragon had first tried to stop them from lighting a fire while they attacked his mind and he attacked theirs. He had never succeeded. The elves stopped after lighting a fire for the twentieth time, while Saphira watched with amusement.
Oromis is definitely trying to kill me, an exhausted Eragon told Saphira as he and Arya climbed onto her back.
You are becoming more powerful, you know. Saphira turned around and winked. Then she suddenly did a backwards loop, surprising both Eragon and Arya. Arya held on to Eragon's waist during the loop. Eragon felt the familiar tingling sensation in his stomach whenever Arya was near him.
This time, in their lessons with Oromis, Arya and Eragon stayed with Oromis while the dragons flew off. They sat inside his cottage. Oromis quizzed Eragon and Arya (for although she didn't take the lesson, she was expected to know) about the poisons of the mind, to which they answered perfectly, pleasing Oromis.
Finally, Oromis said, "Today, both of you are to be working on magic that you have never been made to do before, but you know how to perform. Let us go outside first."
After the three stood outside, Oromis continued, "You will be working on performing spells without the Ancient Language."
Arya frowned. Looking at her, Eragon felt the same way. Didn't Oromis say before that such spells are too dangerous to perform? None of them voiced their opinions out loud.
"Ah, I see a thought biting at both of your lips," Oromis said. "You were advised, when first learning magic, that performing magic without words is too dangerous. However, I believe that both of you are advanced enough in magic to handle such spells. The only reason why I'm even teaching you to do these spells is because you are Riders. You share bonds with dragons, who perform magic without ever saying the Ancient Language. Your bonds with dragons thus give you, as Riders, more control over magic also. There are many uses to performing this type of magic - duels, where you don't want the opponents to gain an advantage by knowing what spell you performed, and other such conditions. However, becoming adept at this also makes you become more adept at controlling magic in general, and performing magic more efficiently. You will perform for me a spell without uttering a word. Make sure that it is not a complicated spell, however; it would do you no good to kill yourselves because you lost control. Eragon, you first."
Eragon thought of what spell he would perform, concious of Arya's gaze on him. Then an idea came to mind - Brisingr. Eragon felt a inexplicable attraction to that word in the Ancient Language - he had performed his first spell with that word, and shouted that word when he killed the Shade Durza. Focusing on the ground in front of him, he thought of fire, putting his magical power into it.
The ground in front of him burst into flames. Oromis put out the fire, then looked at Eragon. "A good start." He turned to Arya. "Your turn."
Arya frowned, concentration shown on her face. Eragon looked at her. He felt his love for her burn as he took in her beauty - her flawless skin, her perfectly sculpted face, her raven black hair, and her emerald eyes.
A gust of wind blew towards them, lasting for three seconds.
"You summoned that wind, I presume?" Oromis asked, looking at Arya.
"Yes, orom- ebrithil."
Oromis nodded. "An odd choice of a spell, but it works, nonetheless."
They spent the rest of the day performing other similiar spells. Oromis asked them to toss a ball of water around using only magic, to raise stones, and other tasks that Eragon did with ease. Eragon was pleased that he was doing as well as Arya was at magic - it showed how much he had improved as a magician.
When Eragon finally went to bed, he fell asleep instantly - exhausted but pleased by the day's work.
Three weeks passed while Eragon and Arya continued to train together. During those three weeks, Eragon and Arya had become closer friends than they had ever been. Arya hatching Vanilor had given them both something in common, something to relate to one another with. After his lessons, he talked extensively with Arya about his life, while she talked about hers. Eragon always enjoyed talking with Arya, and leapt at the opportunity to do so. Meanwhile, Saphira started spending more and more time talking to Vanilor. When Eragon, happy that Saphira had finally found a dragon of her age to talk to, asked Saphira about her feelings for Vanilor, she ensured him that she only viewed Vanilor as a friend, nothing more.
Meanwhile, Eragon's and Arya's lessons progressed quickly. They had begun practicing healing people affected by mind poisons. Oromis would poison either Eragon or Arya with a poison that made the poisoned fall asleep. Eragon and Arya had both done very well in healing. Also, the two were mastering doing magic without the ancient language - both were now so adept at it that only the most complex of spells escaped their grasp. Eragon noticed that his efficiency in magic had greatly increased ever since he had started nonverbal spells; he required a lot less energy to do spells now, and his concentration was better. However, Eragon still struggled in dueling the two elves at once, only sometimes succeeding. Oromis had comforted Eragon, saying, "Relax, Eragon. No one in history, except the most powerful of Riders, has been able to defeat two elves in a magical duel simultaneously. I do not expect you to be able to do so."
Vanilor continued to grow at a fast rate. When he grew taller than Arya, only then did Arya decide to inform the public about this. After Eragon woke up, he dressed his best in preparation for the party celebrating the new dragon rider.
After Eragon was finally pleased with his appearance, he exited his house and flew with Saphira to the Menoa Tree, where a throng of elves was already waiting. Spotting Oromis and Glaedr, Eragon and Saphira walked over to their masters and greeted them. "Where's Arya and Vanilor?"
They will only show themselves after they are introduced. Such is the custom, Glaedr responded.
After five minutes, Queen Izlandazi walked onto a raised podium, Arya at her side, and addressed the crowd of excited elves assembled below. Eragon smiled at Arya; Arya smiled back.
"Greetings! Today, we shall officially announce joyous news of monumentous proportion!
"It has been a little more than a century from the fall of the Riders, and Galbatorix's ascension to the throne, and for the majority of the century, our cause has had little hope. Very little hope indeed. Until, a year ago, Eragon and Saphira presented themselves to us as Rider and Dragon! Although their power was small compared to the power of Galbatorix, they were a hope. And they have had a great impact on our cause.
"But yet, we find ourselves still overwhelmed by the power of the evil king Galbatorix, and his servants, the Rider Murtagh and his dragon. But, within a year of Eragon and Saphira, we have a new cause to rejoice - for yet another Rider shall walk the lands of Alagaesia!"
The elves cheered and clapped, Eragon enthusiastically joining in. Suddenly, with a cry, an elf pointed towards the sky. Heads turned up. Flying toward the assembled crowd was a majestic green dragon.
The assembled elves cheered even louder, enthusiastic cries echoing throughout the forest.
The dragon landed in the middle of the clearing. Arya dismounted to stand by her dragon.
Izlandazi held up a hand. The crowd went silent. "May I present to you, new rider and dragon, Arya Drottingnu and Vanilor Bjartskular!" Islandazi announced.
The crowd erupted into cheers.
There was a big celebration that day, with a magnificent feast and games. Eragon was content to sit back and watch the festivites, thinking about Arya. His mind constantly strayed to her; today was no exception. He thought of her intoxicating scent of crushed pine needles, her flawless beauty, and the strength which seemed to radiate from her. His heart beat faster, and Eragon felt that his heart would burst from all his love for her. Whenever Arya walked by, Eragon would blush and turn red, hoping she didn't know what he was feeling.
After hours of celebrating, Izlandazi once again went to the podium and announced that there would be a dance. Eragon instantly thought of Arya. Maybe I can dance with her... he mused.
Saphira snorted. You're lovesick.
I am.
Eragon, just remember - don't push her too far.
I won't.
Eragon scanned the crowd for Arya. When he spotted her, he walked over to her. Arya turned to look at him. Suddenly, Eragon questioned the wisdom of what he was about to do. What would happen if Arya declined dancing with him? Eragon panicked. What if he embarrassed himself again? He suddenly realized that he had gone too far. Arya was walking up to him. What would he say to her?
"What is it, Eragon?" she asked.
Eragon took a deep breath, weighing his options. He could pretend that he was looking for someone else. Or he could pretend that he was going to ask Arya about something else. That was what he would do, he decided. But, suddenly, of its own accord, his mouth opened and blurted out, "Wouldyouliketodancewithme?" All that came out was an incoherent jumble of words.
Arya stared at him, her green eyes piercing his brown ones. Obviously, she had managed to decipher his message. Suddenly, a new emotion hit Arya, one that she thought she would never feel again. He's so handsome, she absentmindedly thought. All of a sudden, she felt a strange longing, a strange pull towards Eragon. Despite herself, she took a step closer, heart beating quickly. Why did she feel like this? Was it Eragon? No, it can't be. My feelings for him are only that of a friend's.
Vanilor snorted. He had heard her thoughts. Feelings for him or not, he's still waiting for an answer.
Arya snapped out of her confused state. Should she accept, or should she decline?
Meanwhile, Eragon stood there, terrified. He had almost surely angered her again. Fifteen seconds passed without an answer as her gaze pierced his, a strange glint in her eye. Would she accept? Impossible. Would she decline? More likely. Would she not even reply? He saw Arya took a step closer. His heart beat faster as he quelled his urge to pull her into an embrace. Arya would not like that.
Finally, after forty - five seconds of tense silence, Arya slowly nodded. What am I agreeing to? she thought, suddenly panicking. It'll only make him pursue me more! Her concious mind, her duty - centered mind, told her to reject, but, her instincts drove her to say, "Yes."