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-Chapter 7-A Jealousy Quenched

After returning from saving Arya from the fake queen, Vanir was very confused. Who was that queen? Why kidnap Arya? No one but the elves, Nasuada, and Eragon know she's a princess. Oh well, no reason to worry about it now, he thought.

Vanir was waiting outside Eragon's tent when he saw Eragon and Arya talking, then he felt a pang of jealousy as he remembered Mirana linked to Eragon's arm. Dumb Rider, you're the reason she won't accept me.

Vanir knew he had upset Mirana, but during their travels to the Varden after becoming the new guards to Eragon and Arya he wished to talk to her. Mirana wouldn't even look at him. The other two elves traveling with them, Turin and Elion, looked at him apologetically.

Vanir realized he would confront Eragon about his attraction to Mirana; he simply wouldn't guard someone who took her away from him. Suddenly, Arya turned and ran off with tears in her eyes and Eragon didn't try to console her. STUPID RIDER! Now you've hurt my sister! Vanir ran for Arya who was already in her tent, running past Eragon who seemed infuriated.

He slowly walked up to the tent and knocked on the post twice. He heard Arya's muffled sobs and burst through the flaps not caring if he offended the other guards.

He saw her back first on her bed; her fists pounding the pillow she was crying into leaving huge rips and feathers everywhere from her elven strength. He sighed and walked toward her. Only then did he see a second bed next to hers and horror filled his head when he heard a musical voice behind him laughing. He smiled as he saw Mirana smiling and laughing but it quickly turned to a furious glare, directed at him.

"Get out Vanir," Mirana said hatefully. Then she must have realized why Vanir was there as she saw Arya weeping and heard her sobs. Pushing Vanir out of the way as Mirana ran towards Arya she said, "Cousin what is the matter?"

Arya looked at Vanir and Mirana. Finally saying weakly to Vanir in a voice so soft he had lean closer to hear, "Thank you… forr ccoming(Sob)...Vanir…Eragon hasss… promised you a sspott …in his ttenntt." Vanir's heart sank, as he saw her face, it was completely confused and her beautiful eyes puffy from the tears that she had already shed, only to be replaced quickly by a fresh set of tears. In a flash, his vision blurred and he saw red in his new anger at the rider; no one, not Faolin nor her mother, had ever made Arya cry.

Vanir wasn't expecting the voice he longed to hear speaking to him, "Vanir, let us go set up your bed, then we can talk." Mirana said quietly.

They walked next door and set up his bed which had the four legs, mattress, and frame inside, just needed to be assembled. They then put on his sheets and Mirana sat on his bed.

"Vanir, I know your feelings but I wish to tell you mine. Please sit," and she patted his bed on the place beside her. As he sat he noticed just how beautiful she was, her hair usually so well kept was now fluffed from running to rescue Arya with Eragon. Her blue eyes which stared at him intently nearly drove a hole in his heart as he noticed her hand grabbing his. He was so invigorated at her touch, her hands fit so perfectly in his, but they were cold. Immediately he wrapped his other hand on hers to warm them. She sighed and favored him a smile and released his hand.

"Before Eragon came to Ellesmera you and I were so close; probably because of Arya, but we were still close. I'm not sure if I loved you, but I certainly wanted to find out. Then Eragon came to our beloved forest and city, finally the Riders would return to full glory under tutelage of the elves. Oromis asked you to be his sparring partner. He was weakened due to his injury from the shade but did you relent on your insults, no. I warned you to be considerate and sympathetic to his pain. But did you listen to reason? No. Then he changed and you saw his brilliance in fighting and his knowledge in magic. You then came to me seeking forgiveness but I must deny still, Vanir. My heart was yours for the taking and you destroyed it. I'm not sure what Eragon is to me, but talking with him tonight made me feel alive again. I was so happy and my heart felt as though if only slowly Eragon could be the cure."

"I had no desire to hurt you, Mirana" said Vanir pain and regret deep in his eyes. He had no idea that his actions had hurt her or anyone this much. "I honestly was upset at the fact that our one chance to be free of the tyrant was here and we were given another…human…a cripple at that…" He was immediately cut off by a slap to his cheek.

"How dare you insult Eragon and Oromis? Don't look at me like that; you know what I mean by Oromis. Oromis was a cripple himself and you respected him. Eragon may have only been a weakened human but he is no longer and because of your feelings of bitterness and hatred, you are being punished by our people and me."
Mirana sat up off the bed releasing Vanir from her marvelous stare as she turned her back on him but continued her apparently well thought speech. "As for my love, Vanir, I truly wish I could give it back to you. But until you prove yourself I cannot forgive you." She turned then and burrowed her eyes so deep into Vanir's he felt his soul twitch, "You have caused me so much more pain than you can imagine. Please, stop trying to win me. If I feel you are worthy of my love, I will come to you." Before she left however she walked to Eragon's little table and she started singing into her hand, slowly Vanir looked over and saw a bright blue light coming from her hand, then looking again he saw a flower emerging from her beautiful honey colored skin. A lighter shade of color compared to Arya's, more pretty thought Vanir.

Vanir was confused about why she decided to sing to the flower in front of him and said, "Mirana, why are you growing a flower here?" But she kept singing until the flower grew into a beautiful tulip. The flower was absolutely stunning; it was a dark blue, the same color as Mirana's eyes thought Vanir. The stem had tiny leaves growing from its sides as if it was stretching its arms and legs. The flower's light then slowly dimmed as she stopped singing. The faint light shown against her face, Vanir swore he would do whatever it took to win her back, just so he could see the smile on her face every day.

She looked at him once more before asking if he knew if Eragon had a vase, they searched and almost touched hands as they both saw a skinny red vase. Mirana pushed away his hand with a look and grabbed the vase. She put the tulip in the vase and mumbled a few words inaudible to Vanir's ears. Water slowly rose from the ground and entered the vase she was holding. She quickly put the vase down on the table and left the tent only to be replaced a few seconds later by Eragon who looked frustrated but then Eragon had a shocked expression on his face. Looking around until he apparently found his meaning of search, Vanir. He glared then used a spell so no one could hear their conversation. Immediately Vanir's hand reached for his sword as he thought maybe Eragon would attack. Eragon either did not notice this action or ignored it completely as he yelled, "MURTAGH!"

Eragon and Murtagh started to talk while Vanir was cleaning the tent out of boredom and desire to get Mirana off his mind. Eragon wasn't messy, but the vast boredom and anger towards Eragon had Vanir feel he was going crazy so he made himself do something. To make matters worse, Eragon was talking to the red rider, the murderer of the elves pride and joy. Eragon, the new resistance's rider, was talking to the enemy! Vanir caught bits and pieces of their conversation trying to intrude but not enough to get caught.

With his back to the rest of the tent, Vanir didn't notice Saphira stick her head in the tent flaps or Eragon move to his bed. Vanir…it's rude to eaves drop, said a voice in Vanir's head. Vanir snapped to attention wondering how someone could have broken his barriers so easily. Oromis himself had taught Vanir to block his mind.

Saphira bent her head toward Vanir and lightly pushed his back startling him. Oh, Brightscales, it was you. How are you? Vanir wasn't exactly sure how to talk to a dragon, as Glaedr never wanted small talk besides his students. Vanir was only an apprentice to Oromis for the arts and mental defense. Oromis was the one who had taught Vanir that magic could be used without language.

Saphira seemed to like this as she was receiving attention and answered him, Well met Vanir-Vodhr, I am tired but well. I feel groggy from the alcohol that I consumed but I will be fine. How are you? Vanir quickly covered his mouth to stop the laughter about to pour from his mouth. Saphira he doubted, would be amused at his laughter for her drunken state.

Vanir then reflected about' how he was' and was annoyed that he had to share a tent because his brethren was still upset at his immaturity towards Eragon. At the moment, Vanir hated Eragon with every fiber of his being; but beneath the hatred, he genuinely respected Eragon. He couldn't understand why the elves wouldn't forgive him for his immaturity and stupidity. For he knew they had felt the same way towards Eragon but he was the only one to voice his opinion to Eragon. He voiced his concerns to Saphira.

I am not sure Vanir, the elves have great pride in Eragon now that he has been changed, and we have lost Glaedr and Oromis. However, knowing Eragon, he will likely defend you from all of them because of your friendship, and your closeness to Arya. Saphira seemed sad at the mention of the rider-dragon pair.

Vanir's chest lifted with pride as he thought of himself being worthy of defense by his 'sister' Arya. He then deflated as he remembered Eragon and Mirana walking together that evening. Saphira, why would my closeness to Arya influence Eragon, I thought he was interested in Mirana? He thought angrily.

Saphira was amused Vanir could tell and said, Vanir, I doubt Eragon has anything but friendship in mind for Mirana, but you can ask if you would like. And to answer your other question, ask Eragon about his and Arya's relationship. And before you ask how I know of your closeness to Arya, she is the reason Eragon is allowing you in his tent. She came to him earlier today and asked that you be allowed to sleep in his tent.

Vanir again swelled with pride due to Arya, he loved her, not like he loved Mirana but as a sister. He then thought, Saphira, does Eragon like Arya?

Saphira laughed her stone grinding laugh and said, Vanir, you are about as dense as Eragon to not notice his attraction to her.

So Eragon does not want, Mirana but Arya? Saphira, the Queen wouldn't allow this. Is that why Arya was crying tonight? He said something about his feelings for her didn't he? Vanir's anger toward Eragon only increased.

Saphira who noticed this, said to him, Vanir, do not be upset with Eragon. For you two are much the same, both love the women in your lives but rejected by both. You and he can learn from each other. Do not be mad at Eragon, talk to him after his talk with Murtagh.

As if it were destined then Eragon said, "Vanir, I just asked you to come here please." Vanir snapped back from his conversation with Saphira and smiled at her then walked over to Eragon and the mirror.

Saphira, knowing that Vanir hadn't been paying attention to Eragon's and Murtagh's conversation, quickly caught him up.

"I find what you're hinting at very interesting, Eragon. What would you call this small group of leaders?" Vanir asked.

Eragon laughed, "Vanir, how about the 'Counsel of the Races' or maybe that's dumb?"

Vanir, still confused why Eragon would ask his opinion on such a serious topic. Vanir then said, "It's not really my place to have a say in the matter is it?"

Murtagh interrupted here and said, "Actually Vanir, your elven wisdom would help us greatly. Although you are young for your race, you have probably looked at just as many scrolls as Eragon and I, maybe more. So please, don't feel as if you're not worthy, if you weren't, we wouldn't have asked your opinion. Am I right in saying this, Eragon?"

"Aye, well said Murtagh. Vanir, I know your situation is on thin ice right now, with the elves and I wish to amend that. But I cannot do it on my own. Please, we could really use your advice in this matter."

Vanir laughed and then said, "Shouldn't we ask Arya's opinion? She is the elven ambassador after all."

Eragon's face tensed and said, "I do not think she wants to see me right now."

Vanir gasped, "Why wouldn't she want to see you, Eragon?"

"Vanir, I, uh…It is not really important what happened. We just have an issue that is my business and mine alone. As one of my guardians I expect you to stay out of my business."

Vanir glared at the two brown eyes diverting their gaze from his jet black ones, "Eragon, as your guardian I need to know your business and what has happened between you and our princess or I may not be able to do my job. My job is to protect you above all things, if that includes the elves then that it will be so. But I'd much rather hear what's going on so we can try to make peace with Arya." Vanir hated being nice to Eragon but whatever he had said had hurt Arya greatly. He had to find out what it was Eragon had done.

Vanir noticed Eragon's face darken as he thought, he looked to Saphira when she nodded he said, "I kind of snapped at her. I don't know why I did it again. I promised myself I wouldn't do that. I wouldn't pursue her. I lied to myself, thinking I could let her go…" Quickly changing the subject, Eragon added, "Actually there is something I want to ask you Murtagh, didn't Galbatorix make it so you couldn't scry me? I mean in case your name did change?"

Murtagh smiled, "He has a barrier around my room so you can't scry me, but he made me swear that I wouldn't scry you. He figured I would never let go of my hatred, especially after all the torturing" Murtagh winked at Eragon then continued, "He didn't make it so I couldn't use spells. He always thought I would snap and actually want to kill you one day. That's why he lets me use spells from my room. But Eragon why can I scry you now when I couldn't while you were with the elves?"

Vanir saw Eragon immediately stare at his own chest and realized the necklace wasn't there. "I guess I lost it during the Feinster battle." Vanir then felt Eragon's presence and allowed him entrance and Eragon said, I remembered having it on this morning, no tonight even for the dinner. Then Arya and I went for our walk and then Mirana told me to… oh no, Lady Lorana must have it!

Vanir asked why Lady Lorana had it with his mind, but Eragon shook his head and they turned back to Murtagh.

Vanir was about to say something when, "ERAGON!" Vanir and Eragon faces looked up slowly, while Murtagh tried to see who it was even though he was facing away from the tent entrance. His face was pressed as close to the mirror as possible, and scrunched up to the side. Finally giving up he said, "Eragon, turn me around."

"Murtagh, I think I have to go," Eragon whispered as deathly quiet as he could.

Before ending the spell however Eragon turned the mirror so Murtagh could see her. "Oh my…she's gorge…" And the spell was ended by Eragon.

Vanir stood up from his chair next to Eragon's bed and walked toward his bed. While passing he pushed his chair into the table almost knocking the flower on top over.

"Vanir, unless you're trying to piss me off, don't knock over my gifts that I leave for Eragon." Mirana was glaring at Vanir and he noticed her clothes seemed torn, but she turned to Eragon with a look that Vanir swore maybe even Saphira would have been scared of.

Saphira attempted to say something but when Mirana sensed Saphira's presence she said, Saphira, I respect you as much as any elf could. But the thing Eragon did is beyond your control. Please, stay out of the situation oh beautiful queen of the skies.

Eragon, what have you done now? Vanir thought to himself.

"Mirana," Eragon looked as though he finally had the courage to move his tongue and said, "What have I done to earn such hostility?"

Mirana's face went from her deadly glare to a mischievous grin, "Eragon, you have upset my cousin greatly. I will not sit around and let you do so again. If you such much as talk to her without her starting the conversation, well…you'll regret it greatly."

Vanir had to find the reason of her torn clothing but as he opened his mouth, Mirana turned to Saphira and said aloud, "Good night, Saphira Brightscales" and she left the tent.
-Twenty minutes later-

Vanir finally thought he could move without falling from terror. Mirana had never shown this anger towards anyone before. Even when Vanir upset her about his confrontations with Eragon she was gentle, like earlier.

He looked at Eragon who had laid down on his cot, looked to be lost deep in thought, and Vanir guessed he was talking to Saphira, her head sticking in a slit next to Eragon's bed, they stared at each other barely blinking. Vanir looked jealously at Eragon. How lucky he is, to have a beautiful dragon. I hope he knows how lucky he is.

Vanir walked over to his bags on the other side of the cream colored tent; again he ran into the table on accident, he grabbed the vase that held Mirana's flower. While looking at the flower it dawned on him, She's asking Eragon to be her friend. That's why she was so upset; he didn't even acknowledge the flower.

"Uh, Eragon, I know why Mirana is upset at you."

Eragon looked as if he'd fallen asleep so Vanir walked to him and shook him awake. Eragon glared at him but wasn't budging. Saphira however glared at Vanir with a large blue eye. She then growled at Eragon.

Shooting out of bed like an arrow, Eragon was standing. He first glared at Saphira and then looked at Vanir, "What is it, Vanir?"

"I know why Mirana is upset with you; Eragon, the flower on the table. You may not know this but flowers hold a special place in the heart of elves and giving one is a symbol of friendship."

"I know of elfish customs, Vanir, I gave Arya a flower not long ago for that reason. Blast it, that's why she's upset. By not mentioning the flower it's like I spit on her offer of friendship."

The sight of his regret and pain caused Vanir to say, "Go apologize, Eragon. You don't want two elves upset at you, especially females."

Eragon looked at Vanir with a baffled expression then asked, "Why would you want me to do that? Wouldn't that make her run to you for comfort?" Vanir had not considered that tempting position. He could see Mirana in his arms weeping as Eragon walked away, he smiled then slapped himself mentally as he thought for a second. Why hadn't she been more upset with him?

It surprised Vanir she had been able to hold on that long, she should've slapped Eragon for his ignorance. Mirana was like the flower; beautiful beyond all comparison, but yet so frail that even the softest pinch could kill the flower. Vanir then said quietly as the two elven females were next door; Mirana and Arya.

"Eragon, Mirana isn't something I want to abuse and destroy; she's like the flower she gave you as a symbol of friendship. So wonderful, yet its will was weak and it needs to be strengthened." Vanir's face turned down as he thought before he spoke the next words. With tears forming in his eyes he continued, "Mirana 'is' the flower and Eragon you 'are' the sun and rain that are needed to make her stonger." He broke down for only a second as he continued once again.

This time however he tried to smile but failed instead an awkward lip curl emerged as he held back the tears, "Mirana is not weak herself but because of what I have done to her by breaking her heart, I almost destroyed her. But she told me that you could be her cure. Do not think I want you near her, I wish it was I that gave her comfort but until she has healed I can do nothing Eragon. I love her Eragon, I would do anything to protect her. Just like you would for Arya, I presume. Saphira told me of your attraction for Arya." Vanir almost smiled as he thought of Arya and Eragon together, but his 'sister' with Eragon? He shuddered at the thought.

"You love Arya as I do Mirana, but you are not ready to have Arya as I am not with Mirana. We are similar Eragon. Similar, yet so different. Where you shine, I darken and where you darken I will shine. I promise you this Eragon. I will fight for you as proof of my love for Mirana and Arya. Arya is like mine sister. I love her more than you could know. It is not a romantic love but it is a familial love I feel for her. Tonight I saw passion in your eyes as you left her. What happened between you two?"

Eragon obviously didn't want to explain his discussion but then he said, "I do not love Arya as you do, I do not even know if it's love. For all I know it could be just friendship. But I need her in my life. As you need Mirana. I know what happened between you and Mirana. Turin and Elion filled me in on you two. I know you did not wish to leave the elves but once you heard she was leaving, you quite literally begged the queen to send you in her stead.

Eragon's eyes turned up to lock in Vanir's gaze; his eyes had such calming and peace in them. Vanir wondered if this was Mirana's reason for her want of Eragon. Vanir then looked away tears burning his eyes as he saw the two lips locked in his mind.

Eragon continued despite Vanir's crying, "The queen declined and you asked to be sent with the three as well. Nasuada told Arya this evening that Arya was no longer welcome in the Varden, when she told me this I snapped. I told Arya why I needed her, and the magnitude of my need." Eragon turned as Vanir saw tears forming in his eyes; obviously he was upset about something.

Eragon continued, "Arya told me she was leaving and I told her I would deal with the problem so she could stay with me, so I went to Nasuada and removed her from command by my right as Lead Rider."

Vanir gapped at Eragon, "You can do that?"

Eragon tried to smile but again failed, "I don't wish too, but she isn't of her own mind, she's being controlled by the fake Queen by her true name. I didn't know that at the time, but it worked out."

Vanir then said, "Eragon, promise me something please?"

Eragon replied, "It depends what it is," and Vanir replied, "I just want an honest answer."

Vanir saw Eragon look around the room, "I promise on my word as a Rider I will answer you truthfully."

"Do you feel anything when you look at Mirana?"

Eragon smiled and replied quickly, "Vanir-friend, I like her...a lot"

Vanir felt like he had been hit with a boulder right in his heart, he thought he could trust Eragon. "But Eragon..."

Vanir was silenced by Eragon's raised hand, "I like her as you love Arya, a sister. Vanir, I like to think of you as a brother to me. And I would be honored if it was you, one day that the last egg in Alagaesia opened too."

Vanir was speechless, that was something of honor Vanir figured. It was not up to Eragon to choose the Rider but if Eragon had a choice, He'd choose me Vanir thought with a wide smile on his narrow lips, shining his white teeth. "Your words Eragon, they make my heart glad."

Shuffle, shuffle, shuffle. Someone's feet right next to Eragon outside the tent made the noise.

They looked at each other, as if they had imagined it. But then they ran for the tent flap and rushed outside to see a little girl running away.

Vanir and Eragon ran towards the sound of the footsteps coming from the little girl when Eragon suddenly roared, "ELVA, STOP!" Vanir stared at Eragon wondering what this little girl had done to deserve this treatment.

Vanir was confused as he had heard of Elva but never had seen her. He had actually looked for her that day but she was gone from Angela, the herbalist's tent. He had been told from Arya where she might be. The little girl finally stopped and turned around. Vanir noticed first that she looked like a normal 6 year old with a blue dress that came to her ankles, white socks and black shoes. Vanir thought the dress seemed a little large on her but ignored the fact. Vanir then looked up to her head and noticed a bright blue-green cloth covering her forehead.

Eragon started walking to the girl when Vanir noticed her eyes were shut. She then said in a voice much older and mature than it should sound, "Hello Eragon, you are faster than I gave you credit for, a mistake I shall not make again. Yes, you caught me snooping but I sensed a new and interesting mind in your tent."

She then turned to Vanir her eyes clamped shut still, "Hello Vanir, I am very happy to have gotten this chance to meet you. My name is Elva and I believe you are the new mind I felt tonight. I won't apologize as I did nothing wrong. I wonder..." Then she opened her eyes with a thoughtful and maybe even hopeful expression on her face.

Vanir looked at her eyes, quickly turning his gaze down; it felt like he had punched him in the stomach as air left his lungs and he couldn't breathe. He lifted his head as he heard the soft padding of feet drawing nearer.

"Why the strange look Vanir?" said Eragon looking almost as dumbfounded but not at Elva but at Vanir.

"Her eyes...they are so..." Vanir was quickly interrupted by the little girl who shamefully looked down.

"Hideous, creepy, wrong, I know the reasons," Elva said as she turned to run away.

Vanir caught her arm easily and whispered in a voice only intended for Elva's ears, "You didn't let me finish, Elva. I was going to say that your eyes are beautiful."
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