Chapter 4: Arya

Eragon and Saphira followed the sorceress deep into the forest, waiting for her to explain her actions.

"Me and Solembum," Angela explained, "have been creating certain spells for you and Saphira's well being." She turned to see Saphira snort and Eragon's quizzical expression on his face. "I can tell that you are both interested," she said, turning away. "Just follow closely."

I wonder what this is about, Eragon said to his dragon. She shook her head and sniffed.

I am just as curious as you are, she replied. Suddenly, Saphira stopped walking and turned to face Eragon. Someone else is here.

Who? Eragon asked. Saphira turned her head to the west and gazed into the slew of trees. From there, Arya emerged wearing a black tunic and her hair tied back in a ponytail. Eragon was amazed at how lovely she looked.

"Arya," Eragon said as she approached him. He did the traditional Elvin greeting by placing two fingers to his lips. Instead of mirroring his greeting, she waved him off.

"May we talk, Shadeslayer?" she asked. Eragon turned to Saphira and then over towards Angela.

"Go if you must," Angela said. "Meet here tonight when the stars shine the brightest. Saphira must be there as well." Eragon nodded at her and turned his attention back to the Elvin princess.

"You have my attention," Eragon said. Saphira let out an uncomfortable snort, but remained still beside her rider.

"I wish to discuss a certain matter with you," Arya replied. "It regards the Blood Oath Ceremony."

Why does she have to bring this up now? Eragon groaned to Saphira. She only lifted her head and sniffed the air.

"Yes?" Eragon asked Arya. "How so?"

"I have been dwelling on our conversation for some time," Arya replied, slightly lowering her head. "With Galbatorix defeated, I no longer have to fight and place duty before my heart. May we walk together…in private?" A familiar emotion hit Eragon in his heart as he heard Saphira sigh hurtfully.

So that is why, he said to her. Instead of replying to him, Saphira leapt into the air and flapped away, roaring in a very depressing tone.

"Is she well?" Arya asked. Eragon shook his head.

"I am afraid not," he replied. Arya smiled slightly and turned her head to watch the sapphire dragoness flutter away.

"I will have our healers tend to her later," she said. Eragon tried to contact Saphira, but she placed a barrier between the two of them. It was obvious that she was upset about something.

"I fear that healers cannot help her," Eragon said. "She suffers from heartache, just like I did so long ago."

"That was the past," Arya sighed as she reached out to take Eragon's hand. "Shall we go?"

"I'm sorry, Arya," Eragon said. He gently broke the contact of his hand in hers. "I cannot. The words I spoke to you were true: I would do anything for you, but I am afraid that the passion of love for you has burned out. You must understand how long it has been; how much pain I suffered. Did you truly expect me to continue after you after such a long time?" Eragon could have sworn that he saw a tear streak across her cheek.

"I was a fool," she muttered. "I tried to put my duty in front of my heart, and look where it has gotten me?" She was letting more tears slide down her face. "I must suffer to be alone now with my decision."

"Do not say that," Eragon cooed, moving closer to her. "You are never alone. You may not have my heart, but you have my friendship."

"Who has your heart now?" Arya cried, looking up into his eyes. Eragon looked deep into himself. He remembered the exact time when Saphira hatched for him in Carvahall, and he held back a laugh when he reminisced on the time she got drunk after her promise to the Dwarves. There was one memory that stood out the most, though, and that was how Saphira acted towards the Sorceress Trianna, calling her a slattern and admitting to some jealousy.

"Arya," Eragon said. "Saphira is the one who has my heart. I cannot give it to anyone else."

"I understand," Arya said sadly. "You truly love your dragon."

"With all my heart," Eragon replied, now embracing her. "I must find her. I am sorry that we cannot be anymore." He released his hold and stepped away.

"It is me who should apologize," Arya said, wiping a tear from her eye with her index finger. "I am heading for Surda tomorrow morning. Perhaps fate will bring us together again?"

"Perhaps, Arya," Eragon replied. He turned quickly and ran in the direction that Saphira flew, hoping that she didn't fly too far.

- - - - - - - - -

I am such a fool! Saphira groaned as she laid her head down on her paws. She was across the stream staring at the creation she and Eragon made together. She swished her tail in the cool water and let out a small growl. Why must I carry on like this? He and I will never be together. She sighed and closed her eyes. It will never work between us. His heart belongs to her now. She opened her sapphire eyes and lifted them to the carving. What is wrong with me! She shouted to herself. I should be happy for him. He has found a mate and will be happy for the rest of his life. She sighed and closed her eyes, letting a single tear fall from them. I knew this day would come. Suddenly, there was a muffled crack that came from behind her on the other side of the stream. Saphira turned to see Eragon stepping gingerly across the black stones to get to her.

"Saphira!" he called. She turned away from him and faced the carving again. Eragon hopped to the other side and stood behind her, waiting for Saphira to say the first word. She gently hit him with her tail, dropped her barriers, and spoke to him.

Where is your new love? Saphira asked in a low, saddened tone.

I refused her, Eragon replied slyly. I realized what your emotions were when you sighed: a mixture of love and depression. Saphira let out a subtle sigh and turned to face him.

She was what you wanted, Saphira said in a low whisper. Why did you turn her away? Eragon walked over to her side and brushed his hand against her, sending a small shiver down her form.

We've been through so much together, Eragon said to her. I think that a spouse would ruin our relationship. Saphira stretched out her wing and draped it over her rider. Besides, he chimed in an uplifting voice. It is only fair to make her suffer after what she did to me.

You loved her, Saphira said, snaking her head under her wing to come level with Eragon. Why did you hurt her when she came to you?

Love and lust are completely different emotions, Saphira, Eragon explained. I believe that I was lusting after Araya, not loving her.

A wise decision, my dear, Saphira replied, licking his cheek as he propped himself against her. But answer this: Is it possible to confuse the two emotions, or have both emotions at the same time?

Yes it is, Eragon said, placing his right hand behind him to rub her scaly side. Saphira hummed loudly at his touch. But that is on a special occasion.

I see, Saphira replied. I find this conversation rather unusual between us. Usually I am providing you with wisdom.

You still do, Saphira, Eragon replied. I love you more than any human. We will never be apart from each other. Saphira let out a comforting growl.

Your words bring joy to my heart, rider, she replied. We must return to Ellesmera. Night is quickly approaching. Eragon lifted up her wing and climbed unto her saddle.

Ready when you are, Eragon said. Saphira roared happily and tossed herself into the sky to return home; both the rider and the dragon wondering what surprise Angela has for them.


PEACE!