The ever-shifting dust encircled the mob of people gathered in the main plaza of the Varden's camp in Surda. The Clan Priest, Nasuada, King Orrin, and King Orik stood before Saphira, Eragon and Arya. The ring of people gave the party a wide berth because of Saphira and the Guard. Saphira, Arya and Eragon stood silently side-by-side, shoulder touching, minds connected.
Nasuada stepped up to the Trio, "Eragon, I am most confident that my message for Trianna will arrive safely." She handed him a sealed envelope. "Of course," Eragon bowed.
"Saphira, may you fly strong and swift. My look outs tell me that the wind currents flow in our favor." Nasuada curtsied to Saphira, who scales glittered brilliantly.
"Arya, you have the difficult task of keeping our young Rider in line." Nasuada smiled. Arya allowed a small smile, "I shall do what I can, your majesty." Eragon nudged Arya playfully. Orik, it seemed, could not help but flash a knowing smile. Muttering was heard in the crowd; they had never seen the Elf Princess smile before. "Fare thee well, Lady Nasuada." Eragon bowed. "May the stars watch over you." Arya bowed her head.
To Arya's complete dismay; The Clan Priest stepped beside Nasuada. "I would like to say a prayer, to ensure their safety." He announced to the crowd, there was a hum of approval. Arya looked at Eragon who shook his head the tiniest bit, only enough for the superhuman to notice. Be civil, she corrected her behavior.
She gritted her teeth as the priests gravelly voice practically echoed throughout the entire camp. He prayed to false, non-existent gods, who had failed to do anything for this world. Even his words seem to die as they reverberated in her ears. The priest's words had no power when it came to the fate of Alagaesia.
One Hour Later…
I still do not understand. Eragon was trying to understand Arya's strong dislike, if not hate, towards the Clan Priest. That, young Rider, is because I have said naught of the subject. Arya did not want to talk about religion; it was an uncomfortable and touchy subject for her. She knotted her hair in a leather band to keep it from flying around in the wind currents that were currently taking them to Feinster. Saphira was giving them a very peaceful trip.
Oh, Arya, you know you can tell me anything. Eragon was trying to keep his impatience suppressed.
I know, she tightened her grip on his waist, hugging him. It is just something I wish not to talk about.
Once, I had asked Oromis about the Elves religion. He had explained how since there was no material proof of a supreme being, that the Elves believed in no one. Eragon admitted.
Arya said nothing.
I think he is wrong. Eragon said confidently. In fact, I know he is wrong.
How could you say that? What proof do you have, Eragon, to say such things? Arya was offended. What exactly do you believe? What kind of god could sit around and watch his creation, his responsibilities suffer and fall like this?
I believe in a God that is true. He does everything for a reason. I'm on a dragon's back with an Elvin Princess, helping save the world of an evil empire, because of God. Eragon tried to explain.
Your God. Arya thought critically.
No, Arya, The God. The Dwarves believe in stone. What can stone do? The Elves believe in nothing at all, just courtesy… and I do not see any progress on your part. But my family, so many others, and I trust and live by a hope that is true. The reason I have not cast a death spell upon myself, or given myself to the Ra'zac is because God gives me the strength and courage to do otherwise. It's not believing, it is knowing. It's trusting completely in one you cannot see, but you can feel.
Arya shuddered slightly at the thought of Eragon killing himself, becoming gone, just like Faolin. What about this hope… this faith that Eragon has? He speaks the truth; he has spoken in the Ancient Language. Something tugged at her heart, asking in whispers for something she could not give, her trust.
If this 'God' exists that you trust so much, then why are we suffering? Why is this world falling to an evil empire? Arya fired off.
Arya, we are not in Heaven yet. Think about it; there never has been just peace in Alagaesia, nor will there ever be. I guess it's always been this way, a world that's full of love and hate. Eragon told her softly.
That struck a chord; it was true. Was that not what Eragon's religion entailed? You live by this Gods rules and you go to Heaven, a place of bliss. From the beginning of Alagaesia's history, there has never been true peace and understanding. Was this real?
Besides, Eragon turned in the saddle and sat backwards facing her. He laced her hands in his; I am not suffering so much now.
Nor am I. Arya gave a little. It was true. If this God had never brought this upon the world, then her and Eragon would have never met. That made Arya frown. And Faolin would have never died. That made Arya look away from Eragon; how could she do this to him? Eragon does not deserve this.
He turned her face back to him, his eyes troubled. I hate it when you do that, you know.
Do what?
Look torn and unhappy whenever we get time like this. Eragon's eyes searched Arya's for the truth.
You, Arya kissed him, are enough.
Always, she promised herself.
Two Hours Later…
The smell of smoke and construction intoxicated the atmosphere the three warriors glided through. The air was a clouded gray that made one feel unsanitary by just touching it. Eragon and Arya prepared to use magic; this setting made them feel uneasy.
All is well, Saphira assured. It is only the aftermath of our last battle.
But the pair did not relax.
Greetings, Rider. Trianna sent to all three of them, yet only addressing Eragon. Saphira and Arya agreed together.
Greetings, Trianna, what news from your part? Eragon questioned the lead Spell Caster as Saphira descended gracefully from the sky towards the camp.
Nothing new, Shur'tugal, we are just so happy that you have come back. Arya could almost hear the sap drip from Trianna's voice. Saphira snorted, fire jetting from her nose, I am sure she is happy for his arrival.
Indeed, Arya admitted grimly. Trianna and her would definitely have a 'discussion' when the time was appropriate.
Saphira landed and was immediately surrounded by awe-inspired soldiers. Eragon dismounted first and took Arya's hand to help her down, even though she was perfectly able. Whispering started circling amongst the on-lookers as Eragon kept her hand as she smiled up at him. The reason was Arya smiling was the reaction on Trianna's face as Eragon interlaced their fingers.
"Out of the way you luts!" Jormundur shoved his way through the muttering crowd, followed by the lead Kull and the one person was looking forwards to seeing, Roran. Roran clasped his brother in a bear hug; "I am relieved to see you here in one piece, brother. You have kept us waiting." With that Roran turned to Arya and bowed, "Princess, I hope you fare well?"
Eragon took her hand again as she replied, "Indeed I do."
"So I see," Roran responded with a grin. His grin reminded Arya on Eragon's, they were more alike than they knew.
Saphira, Eragon, and Arya were bombarded with greetings, questions, and news. Eragon and Arya kept closed to each other the entire time. Most of the questions were directed towards Saphira and Eragon so Arya took the time to observe.
They had recruited near 400 soldiers from Feinster and the surrounding small towns. Nasuada would be pleased. Blodhgarm had already arrived and united with the rest of the Elvin Spell Weavers; who were standing far away in the back of the crowd, looking at Arya intensely. What? Arya asked sharply.
It is not wise, Arya Drottningu. Blodhgarm counseled. Arya knew he was referring to Eragon.
I love him, Blodhgarm. Arya defended.
It should not matter; you know that. Your destiny should not mingle with his. The other Spell Weavers seemed to nod in agreement.
You know nothing of my destiny, Arya restrained herself, trying to be calm. But she could not help the doubt and uncertainty that came along with his words. Maybe he was right?
I know that is it not with the future leader of Alagaesia. His icy eyes bored into hers from afar.
You, Spell Weaver, will do well to remember your place. Or shall I come over there and remind you myself? Arya made herself dangerous. She would not let this Elf-wolf know how much the truth of his words hurt.
No, I forget my place, Arya Drottningu. Blodhgarm corrected himself and lowered his unnerving eyes.
What has gone amiss? Eragon squeezed her hand, noticing her and Blodhgarm exchange icy glares.
When Arya said nothing Eragon guessed for himself, He does not approve. It was not a question.
It does not matter what he thinks. Arya stiffened as an all too familiar conscience tried to pry past her mental walls. I will return shortly. She dropped Eragon's hand and swiftly weaved her way through the crowd that scrambled to get out of her way.
Do not doubt yourself. Your intentions are well. Arya prepared herself for the oncoming conversation. The intruder's trail was easy to follow. Vile, lustful, and jealous emotions wafted from Arya's target, who sulked in her tent. Arya found herself standing before a grimy tent and walked in with out asking permission; startling the woman who was facing the opposite wall. Trianna. "Oh my, Princess Arya," Trianna stumbled and curtsied. "To what do I owe the pleasure?" She feigned her polite demeanor.
"Save it, Trianna," Arya lowered her voice to a menacing whisper. "I am not as unintelligent as you think I am. I hear your thoughts, I feel your emotions."
"My mind is blocked!" Trianna sputtered. Arya noted how she did not defend her false pretenses.
"Oh, Trianna, I am so much stronger than you. Do you honestly believe that your excuse of a shield could block me? Even if you're not distracted by your childish jealousy, I can over take you." Arya disliked being cruel, but Trianna needed to know what she was up against.
Trianna, in turn, blushed a deep red. "Please, You Majesty, do not kill me now. For now is when the Varden needs me the most."
The normal Arya emerged, "I do not wish to harm you, but to remind you of your place and duty."
Trianna nodded, but kept shifting her weight and wringing the hem of her dress nervously.
"Speak."
" Princess Arya, I do not wish to offend you. But if my place is protecting the Varden with spells… what is yours?" Trianna did not dare meet her eyes.
Instead of killing the Varden's most talented Spell Caster, Arya simply spoke the truth, "protecting the future leader of Alagaesia."
Trianna nodded and curtsied deep, "And I, as Eragon's diminished admirer, "They exchanged a smiled, "Would have it no other way."
With that, Arya took her leave and was confronted by Saphira. That was rather entertaining.
Arya shook her head, releasing the leather band encasing her hair. Leave it to you, Saphira Brightscales, to find the humor in that conversation.
I was not referring to the conversation, but to your way of dealing with your own jealousy.
Arya stopped in her tracks and looked Saphira in the eye; this is my way of dealing with doubt I suppose, Saphira. I feel as if I have made a dreadful mistake. Blodhgarm even said that our fates were not to mingle.
And do you, Arya Drottningu, believe in fate?
Why do you ask me this?
You seem to worry too much about something you claim to not believe in.
Arya remembered Eragon's words, "its not believing, it is knowing."
Saphira, I do not 'believe' in fate. Fate is when things happen for a reason.
Are you and Eragon meant to be? Did Faolin die for a reason? Did Eragon stumble upon my egg for a reason? Did he find you in Gil'ead for a reason? Is your love's strength being tested for a reason? Saphira's words revived something deep inside Arya… hope.
Maybe this was not madness after all.
Maybe, just maybe, Eragon was right. There was a true hope after all.
A/N I posted this, deleted, edited, re-edited, and now I'm posting it again. I just had way too many errors. I apologize for any confusion.
