AUTHOR'S NOTE:
Abbyforth: I swear we are not dead!
*Saphira appears from nowhere.*
Saphira: I was about to send Eragon after you.
Abbyforth: We're back, so you didn't need to send a search party. We hope you enjoy this next chapter!
We own nothing
Chapter 3
Arya
The dawn was cool and gray with mists that frolicked around my ankles. I was in the midst of my fighting dance, my staff whirling and thrashing the air, full of unseen enemies that I felled. My breaths were slow and easy. I was enthralled as usual, my body swaying and twirling with ease. Yet I watched and heard all. The air was softly thrumming with the waking of the world around me. I leapt high, twisting and straining with all my might to perform each move flawlessly. Every time I did, I thrilled at the perfection. I felt a bright spark come toward me and heard Eragon's mind music. I landed light as a kiss on the ground. I swiftly shrugged the fitted shirt on and awaited him.
"What possesses you to be out here when at any moment Murtagh could come upon us?" Eragon, cheeks bright with passion stalked toward me.
"If he does he will feel the sting of my weapons, I will not cower before his boots like a bitch. I will stand tall; if he wishes to meet over battle then I will have him feast upon his own heart before I am through with him. Need I remind you that I am your senior in years, and knowledge?" I felt fire blossom in my heart, anger arose within me.
"His dragon would have your heart out sooner than you would his, you know this?" I snorted, he held too much faith in all dragons could do, yes they were beautiful beings worthy of respect, praise, and honor, but Thorn had been hatched in the twisted heart of evil that was the Empire, and he was a shadow of what his race had once been.
"You are not yet wise Eragon, you forget that my people once fought dragons." His eyes slid over me then and I saw the appreciative gleam in them. Fire once more arose, he was naught but a child to me, and yet he wanted me, though I had rebuffed him several times.
"Still I caution you Arya, be careful yes you are a being of great capability but you are a female." My temper flared, it was so unusual for me to be so emotionally overwrought, and I think it was the magical changes that had been made to me.
"You need not be concerned for me. Just because I have a vagina and breasts does not lead to the conclusion that I have more weakness in me..." I turned gathering up my staff, the field suddenly rang with hoof beats and I whipped my staff around. Out of the mist a dark brown horse appeared coming straight at me. The horse reared neighing loudly the rider held on and soon the horse was on all four hooves. The rider slid off reins coming over the head. The figure went to the head shushing the beast. I thought of our own horses back home and how intelligent they were. The figure stroked the head as the sun started burning away the mist. Revealing the verdant green field. The figure turned pulling off the helmet a cascade of hair fell rippling down her back. It was Avery dressed in tight jeans a jacket and high polished black boots. The horse was a dark brown with a pure white blaze, the main and tail were black and the legs up to the knees also a pure white. The saddle was light, and the pad a bright plaid with green and gold strips and squares. I was astonished for I had thought that blind people couldn't ride, or drive anything.
"I'm sorry, I didn't think anyone else was going to be out here this early." while she spoke she kept petting the beautiful creature. I hurriedly put on the jacket that I had left on the ground. It was late fall so for humans it was cold.
"There is nothing to be apologizing for." Eragon spoke smiling widely; I saw the light of conquest ignite in his eyes. Who could blame him, and if he became enamored with her then perhaps he would stop bothering me.
"Like I said this field is usually clear, most students sleep in, but I couldn't help myself." She smiled and stroked the horse once more.
"Who is this fine creature?" I asked as I slowly made my way to the horse.
"Oh, this is Becket; his owner is Miles, the owner of the Ministers Cat. He also owns the riding stable around here. He and my dad were very close friends from college, and now that dad's gone he looks after me. Bek here is mine mostly and Miles lets him stay since I help bring in customers." She smiled charmingly at us. I patted the strong neck and touched his mind. It sung of good food, love, and much comfort.
"I think he likes you." The big liquid brown eyes stared into mine trustingly. I scratched him between his eyes where he liked it the most. He sighed which shook his whole body and made me laugh. I pulled my breakfast apple from my coat pocket and looked to Avery.
"He's a beast for apples, watch out he doesn't take all your fingers." The horse snorted as if offended and we laughed. Avery's mind hummed of happiness, contentment, and love for her horse. She had an extremely different mind I realized, and the song was much more elven than I had realized. It had depths that only an elf's would have and I tried not to show my surprise. I tried to look deeper into her mind but the subtle song changed and somehow I was rebuffed.
"Well I should be going," Confusion stole across her features; her posture spoke of a stiffness that had not been there. I chastised myself for being so foolish.
"We shall meet again, have a wonderful ride." I had forgotten Eragon as I turned he came forward.
"Before you go may I say hello to him." A smile blossomed on Avery's face.
"Sure go right ahead," Eragon came and stroked Becket who whinnied softly.
"I myself once had a fine horse, he was white and very handsome, quite the one with the mares, and fillies." Eragon smiled.
"Well like horse like rider as my dad used to say."
"Where do you go to next?" He asked still petting.
"To campus, Amber likes riding with me once in a while and so I'm gonna picks her up." I smiled and turned.
"I will be going now, see you later." The phrase I had learned still felt funny to speak. I once more gathered my things.
"See you later Arya, Avery could I possibly get a ride to campus?" I slowed, curious how his first attempt at winning this human over would go.
"Ok, the pad behind me is meant for a second rider." She vaulted up into the saddle and held out a hand. Eragon jumped slightly and he was in the saddle, a frown crossed Avery's face but then it was gone. She turned Becket and then waved at me. A wicked gleam came to her eye and I lifted a hand to hide my smile. Avery touched her heels to Becket and they were off like a shot, Eragon yelled and Avery's merry laugh made much music. I smiled once more knowing this feisty human would give Eragone, a run for his money, as the humans said. My own laughter rang out sweet and clear. Then I remembered the touch of her mind and knew Eragon and I would need to talk.
Eragon
The woman in front of me had my whole attention. She reminded me of Roran's Katrina. Her fiery hair and personality were always in evidence. For a woman she was strong and capable much like Arya. I still had misgivings about any woman's capabilities due to village life and what my uncle had taught the both of us.
My thoughts were pulled away as we started to slow. I could feel her in between my legs and her body fit snugly into the shirt and jeans which in my land would be scandalous. We came to a fence and I could feel the horse tense. We sailed over and she slid into me even harder and all I wanted to do was kiss her. I tightened my hold on her waist. We sped down a grassy trail and came closer to a building that looked like the English building we had first met at. We came closer and Amber was sitting on a bench. We slowed and Avery whistled a little tune.
"Ho the horsewoman." Amber stood up and walked towards us slowly. Becket stopped in front of her and nuzzled her breathing lightly.
"I have a tag along today." I jumped off the saddle and wrapped my arms around Averly's waist and set her down on the ground. She was an a little shorter then myself and so was glaring up at me.
"Thanks ever so but I am quite capable of getting myself off of my horse." She pulled out of my arms and I starred after her.
"I'm sorry I am just very used to taking care of the fairer sex." She whirled on me eyes really blazing.
"No need for that here in the year 2018 women are pretty good at taking care of our own damn selves so go find someone else to coddle. Opening doors, and pulling out chairs is nice but you are neither my father nor my boyfriend. So piss off friend." She stopped off.
"I'm sorry, please Avery," I walked after her. Women they were so touchy about things.
"Please I won't do it ever again unless you ask me to." She turned once more her face bright red to match her hair.
"Sorry I yelled it's just I'm a touchy feminist about some things. Thanks for the apology." She seemed to cool down and I breathed.
"So how was your ride?" Amber broke the tension and silence.
"It was good. Avery is quite the accomplished horsewoman." Avery smiled and that seemed to mollify her.
"It was fun. Alright Eragon I hope you have a good day. See you around sometime." Amber came forward and wrapped a tiny hand around my arm.
"Don't worry she actually likes you." She whispered loudly Avery flushed and grabbed Amber hauling her away. Amber waved cheerily as she was drug to the horse. I made my way to my room thoughts on the comely red head I had just talked with.