Hi guys, thanks again for the reviews. Good to know people are pleased with how this is progressing. Stay with this story, because there are some exciting things coming up!
Chapter 5: For The Greater Good
The first breeze of Autumn travelled through the forest, ruffling the leaves of fiery maples. A new scent was in the air, the stirring of a new season. Arya trod on the forest floor, her crimson dress brushing the crumpled leaves. Strange creatures with long black and yellow fur scurried away and climbed up trees. All around her she could hear birdsong she was not familiar with. The land was a mystery to her.
She continued on, deeper into Du Belvier Forest. Du Belvier Forest… The Welcoming Forest. A fitting name it was. And she had been welcomed with open arms by the one she had rejected. The trees around her were half bare, shaking off the remainder- like her mind. She was at a loss… what was the answer? Which way to turn? Fifteen years ago, she had decided once and for all. Now… she found herself rethinking all her plans. Her thoughts and emotions thrown into disarray. Arya directed her eyes to the canopy of evergreen pines. She sighed. They were not even pines. This land… the events… her thoughts… him… everything was out of her control. Uncertainty had never been her friend. The line of reason was fast becoming blurred as she spent more and more time here. She could not stay too long. It was a dream that she could be lost in forever.
Dawn was passing as the sun ascended. The molten gold of the sun drenched the forest with its tangential rays. She closed her eyes and breathed in the fresh pine-like scent. Drawing near to one tree, she placed a hand upon it as she did with the pines in Ellesmera. A warmth seeped into her body. At least she understood one thing in Oris-Vel. These ancient giants had always been her companion. And yet… for the first time in a long time, she felt the foundations shake.
How can you forgive me?
It was still incomprehensible. She could not understand it. Had she not pushed him away? Had she not willed that he forget her? His kindness and mercy- they were precious gifts she had not received. Not from anyone, not even her own mother. Nor even from Faolin.
Eragon… I cannot be with you.
She had misjudged him- had thought, foolishly, that twenty years would be enough. It seemed she was wrong. With slow steps she neared a moss coated log, moist with the dew of the morn. Arya was glad for it, as her knees were beginning to give way. She lowered herself down and leaned on it with a hand for support. Her legs trembled and her breath became laboured.
I don't know how long I can continue like this. Perhaps you were right, mother. Perhaps I took on something that I could not handle.
She cast her gaze towards the right of the log and found herself staring at her reflection in a pool of water. The diadem stood out like a bright beacon. She had the sudden desire to throw it to the ground. A deep seated ache throbbed within her.
Memories flashed in her mind without her consent- Eragon towering over her with the sun behind him, his sword directed at her. Eragon saying "I see you", Eragon making his last fairth for her, Eragon walking towards her with kingly glory, Eragon kissing her hand reverently… his gentle look as he gifted the lilies to her. Wiol ono. The words reverberated in her mind like the ancient bells of Silthrim. His smile, his laugh, his frown, his sarcasm. Even the memory of his first confession- awkward and childish, but somehow it had become endearing to her. She realized she had missed him a great deal. And now, to see him so mature, so powerful but gracious… it shook her. He was a new man, one that many women would hope to win.
With each passing day, she found it harder to place the barrier between them. It did not help that Firnen and Saphira were mates, for their bond surely affected her. No matter how hard she resisted, he was always there.
Arya, came Firnen's deep voice.
Good morning Firnen, she answered, although it was not.
Where are you? I awoke to find your bed empty and was so worried.
There is nothing to worry about, I am nearby- in Du Belvier Forest.
I was very concerned about you, he rumbled gravely. Remember the last incident?
You know as well as I that I was well protected.
It still does not quell the fact that you were in danger.
That was in Alagaesia.
It is still a possibility. Though I trust that Eragon would take great precautions if he knew.
Do not dare tell him, she warned.
For now, he said infuriatingly. But if there is even a hint, I will make sure to do so. I will request a personal group of guards be posted at your door.
That will not be necessary and will certainly not happen. She sighed, and suddenly felt her arm tremble and beads of sweat break out on her head. Her skin burned with fever.
Arya? Arya, are you alright?
She could not reply.
Arya I am here, in the forest. Where are you?
Do not worry, she said, gritting her teeth. A throbbing, sharp pain began in her right arm, down to her very bones. I am fine.
For a while, the air was still. Until Firnen stomped through the forest, disturbing the former peace.
Blast these trees, they hinder my movements. Arya…
He covered her with his warm wings, drawing her to his belly and waited till the moment passed. She rested her forehead on his wing.
Firnen regarded her with sorrowful eyes. It destroys me to see you this way.
With difficulty, she looked up at him with a sad smile. Arya placed a loving hand on his snout.
I know. I am sorry.
When will you tell him?
In time. Or perhaps never.
Arya… he has a right to know.
She knew he was right. I will. But not now, she said firmly.
The Queen stood up, drawing on all her strength. She took quick, shallow breaths. The world swayed for a while, then settled. Her hands closed into tight fists.
Must you be so stubborn? Asked Firnen sadly, almost bitterly.
It is persistence, she replied, regarding him sternly. It has what has kept me going all these years.
You do not know if this is really the right way.
I cannot risk everything we have worked for this past century. My life is devoted to the protection of Alagaesia.
You did not have to be Queen.
No. But I am.
You can protect Alagaesia as a Rider. Pass the throne on to another.
I am the daughter of Islanzadi.
Is this about proving your worth to her? Arya, dear one. She rests in the stars and watches her daughter with pride.
You cannot know that. And no, it is not just about that. I… cannot hurt Eragon. It would mar the peace I have worked nearly a century for.
Arya, I know you are afraid but… you cannot throw away your happiness thus.
Yes I can. And I will. I must.
Firnen sighed. I know we have had this argument a thousand times, but it never ceases to pain me.
Then Arya's gaze softened. It pains me also, Firnen. My only worry is you- what of your future? It is obvious you want to stay by Saphira. You should not throw away your own happiness for me.
The emerald dragon growled, baring his teeth. You cannot think I would abandon you like this!
Arya maintained her neutral composure, shaking her head. What Umaroth… and Eragon said has not left my mind. You are the only dragon in Alagaesia. You need the company of other dragons. I would be cruel to prevent you from staying here.
For a time, the whispers of leaves surrounded them. Neither of the two moved.
Firnen spoke, his voice quiet and heavy. That is why you have come, he said accusingly. His green eyes bared his hurt. It was so transparent that Arya's own heart began to break. A lump rose to her throat. She nodded.
You're going to leave me here.
If you wish to stay.
You ask a cruel thing of me.
It is for you.
We are partners of heart and mind!
That is why I do what I do.
The dragon stomped his feet and roared. He whipped his spiked tail side to side, slamming the forest floor and scattering rocks and leaves. Arya stood there calmly while he flailed about. For a long time he fumed and destroyed his surroundings, unleashing his frustration. Then, he settled down, smoke pouring from his nostrils. He glared at her.
Then let it be so, he rumbled. And let us see how you fare. Alone.
Arya did not respond, but regarded him calmly as he left her, taking to the sky.
A cold loneliness swept over her but she lifted her chin.
I have done the right thing.
Yep, I know, that was sad. I have been dying to give you guys this hint since the beginning of the story. Phew, I finally let it out. Let me know what you think ;)