Excuse my language.
Writers block is a bitch.
Ayone want to beta for me? You need a profile I'm afraid.
I need some help guys……
In a sparring match who do you think would win? Arya or Eragon? Also any suggestions for Eragon and Arya's true names would be welcome….it is quite tricky.
Just pop it in an e-mail or review.
Disclaimer: I own nothing apart from the random people and crazy ideas that I throw in.
Fluff and Stuff
………………..
I lay motionless on the ground enjoying the sun's rays on my skin. While the rest of the Varden may have gotten used to the sun while in Surda but the warmth and calm that came alongside it was still a novelty to me. I watched as the few birds that were brave enough to stay so close to Saphira fluttered their wings overhead leaving strange patterns on the dirt with their shadows. It was a beautiful place. Saphira's leg shifted slightly as she moved into a more comfortable position and the gems that adorned her skin cast a blue tinge around the clearing as the light bounced off them. I sighed in contentment.
You sound like an elf.
I turned my head slightly to the side in order to catch Saphira's eye. I am…in a way.
Yes but you have never sounded like one. Her eyes continued to penetrate mine until I turned away, closing my eyes and wondering at the patterns that appeared behind my eyelids.
You're impossible like this Eragon. I felt a soft thud reverberate through the ground as she let her head drop to the dusty floor. I think I prefer the farm boy.
I was about to retort when soft footfalls sounded close by. Opening my eyes I raised myself up so that I was sitting comfortably but in a position that allowed me to jump up quickly in case an attacker made themselves known.
"Eragon?"
I turned slightly to the right to find Arya standing just in front of the trees that encircled us. I smiled in greeting and gestured for her to sit next to me. My mood brightened as she nodded in return and walked gracefully over to my side.
How do you feel little one? Saphira's voice was gentle as she inquired about Arya's health but determined. Saphira would know if she was lying. Arya smiled in response although it seemed slightly forced.
"I am fine Saphira, better actually. Elves recover quickly and there was nothing physically wrong with me." She lowered her head and began pulling up blades of grass before braiding them together. I could see Saphira wanted to press her on the subject but I could sense that Arya was not going to say anymore about it. Undoubtedly she had been questioned non-stop as soon as she awoke.
Leave it Saphira.
She stared into my eyes with her large sapphire one and dipped her head slightly to show that she understood. Her eyes closed with a loud click and her thoughts whirled around confusingly jumping over different topics, I could tell that Arya was in the midst of all of her worries. It took me a moment to realize that some of these worries were also Glaedrs and that they were conversing. Although he was also linked to my mind he preferred to be closer with Saphira as it was more familiar to him and, while I knew Saphira was glad that he was still alive, she felt confused by the thoughts that weren't hers. I rubbed the leg closest to me in comfort and reassurance.
Thank you little one. I need to eat, I'll see you soon.
She rose up and walked away from me and Arya before launching herself in the air. Arya glanced up quickly before returning to her braiding. I sighed loudly and lay back down trying to focus on the sun but finding it impossible with Arya sitting so close. Admitting defeat I looked over to where Arya was still lost in concentration as her hands twisted the thin leaf with amazing speed.
"What are you making? One boat might get by in the world but two could become suspicious." (*)
Arya laughed quietly at the reminder. "I am not making a boat Eragon" She smiled before plucking another leaf, slightly darker in colour, and bending it into shape. "It is a gift."
I sat up intrigued and wanting to get a closer look. Who was she making a gift for? It seemed too human for Arya. I shifted closer in order to see the present but the way her head was bent over her lap obscured my vision. Understanding my desire to see more she angled her head sideways to allow me to see better; I noted that it was thinner and a slightly darker colour before Arya returned to her original position and blocked my view.
"Who is it for?" I tried to ignore the unreasonable jealousy that reared up inside of me and attempted to hide it behind curiosity. "What will it be?"
She shook her head quickly before standing up and walking over to a patch of blossoms. Concerned that I had somehow offended her I jumped up and went after her only to find her inspecting the various flowers that were intertwined below. Bending down she plucked a bright blue flower from the midst and held it to her eyes; it was pure periwinkle blue and its delicate petals curved away from its centre spire from which a slash of yellow protruded, decorating each outward facing petal. It was perfect. Smiling slightly to herself she began to interlace it with the grass in her hands occasionally pulling off strips of the stalk to make it thinner. I became immersed in the construction of her gift and watched in awe as the flower seamlessly wove in between the blades of grass. Using her fingers she carefully split up the stem lengthways and pulled them apart gently so that half of the stem was above the topmost petals and the other was underneath. Then she grasped the blades of grass she had weaved earlier and began plaiting them in at either side and then bending them in on themselves behind the flower. Her brow relaxed from its frown and her expression softened as she tied the last thread of grass and tucked it away. Bending over her cupped palm she whispered a few words then opened up her palm and handed it to me. The grass was weaved into a small disc shape, the consecutive spirals plaited and perfect and in the middle was the flower. The blue of the petals contrasted with the green of the grass and its overall appearance was overwhelming.
"What is the flower called?"
She smiled at my question and at my obvious admiration of her work. "Abor Vitae, but Iris in the common tongue," she paused and ran her finger of the small petals. "It is my favorite."
I nodded and held my hand out offering it back to her. "It is beautiful."
She looked at me strangely then smiled gently. "It is yours."
Are you two still here?
We both looked up simultaneously to find Saphira diving towards us at an alarming speed.
I passed the Varden on the way back, she landed with a loud thud to our right, her tail digging a deep groove into the ground. Nasuada wants to see you.
I looked at her distracted. "What about?"
The egg. She closed her mind so she was only talking to me, and Arya.
I raised my eyebrows but otherwise gave no reaction as her worry mixed with my confusion.
I turned back to Arya only to find her already watching me, she held up her hand making sure that I wouldn't speak.
"Go Eragon, Nasuada waits for no one," She smiled again and gestured to the flower that was enclosed in my hand. "Thank you." She touched her fingers to her lips then ran into the trees back in the direction of the Varden.
What was that for?
I jumped onto her back and waited until she launched into the air before I joined minds with her and showed her everything that had happened since she left to go hunting. We arrived at the new Varden camp moments later and it wasn't until we reached Nasuada's tent that the quiet was broken by Saphira.
Have you ever seen Arya smile so much?
…………………..
I sat, once again, in the main tent doing nothing but listening to other people trying to convince me about the right course of action. Nar Garzhvog had excused himself earlier saying that he had no claim over elves and dragons and that his presence was not needed, however Nasuada, Orrin and the mirror depicting queen Izlanzadi refused to let me leave.. I used magic to clear the air, once again, of the smoke that Saphira was omitting in anger
I can't believe this, say something!!
I sighed in response; nothing I say will make a difference. They just want us to back them up for when they tell Arya.
It's the council of elders all over again. She growled loudly releasing more smoke but allowing me to speak in the quiet that followed.
"Why are we discussing this without Arya?" The room went, if possible, quieter and I took the opportunity to speak the rest of my views. "Nasuada, Arya was the person who allowed you to sneak back into the rank of the Varden during the battle in Farthen Dur when you so desperately wanted to fight for your people. Will you not give her the same opportunity?" I took a breath and skipped over Orrin, I knew that he was only there as back up and didn't really care if Arya fought or not and while Nasuada was worried about her she would not even have thought about leaving her out of any battles. That left Queen Izlanzadi who had still not forgiven me for my last outburst. I looked at her directly before speaking. "Queen Izlanzadi I can tell that I will not be able to change your mind but may I remind you of the last time that you and Arya argued over what you thought was best for her? "
Saphira find Arya and fill her in but tell her to wait until she is asked to come to the tent.
I waited for the queen's response while listening to Saphira telling Arya everything that had been decided until Saphira spoke to me; Pay attention Eragon!
My focus returned to the queen and I winced internally when I saw that her face displayed anger.
"Riders may be above my ruling, shadeslayer but I am still a queen and I would remind you to refrain from judging me so." Her words were clipped as if she was trying to contain anymore anger from revealing itself. I heard Nasuada's intake of breath and I could see Orrin shifting uncomfortably in his chair at the famous wrath of elves. Preparing myself I twisted my arm respectfully. "My queen I was not judging it was only an observation." Turning away quickly to face Nasuada I requested that a messenger be sent to bring Arya in immediately, before slouching back in my chair, Remaining silent and sharing thoughts with Saphira.
…………………..
Arya walked into the tent with her head held high and dignified, radiating confidence and health, contradicting the reason for her being there. She looked as strong and as beautiful as always, her dark hair swung softly as she took a seat at the far end of the table. Nasuada exchanged a quick glance with Orrin before she began to speak.
"Arya we invited you here to discuss something of great importance. The last dragon egg. We have come to the decision that you would be the perfect candidate to protect the egg and hopefully introduce it to its new rider."
Arya's face remained impassive as she nodded her head, accepting. Her back was stiff against the chair as she awaited the next issue to be brought up.
"There is also the issue of the upcoming battles that we will be facing," Nasuada's voice faltered. "We request that you do not fight until we are sure that you have fully recovered."
There was silence in the tent as everyone waited for Arya's response, only I could hear the silent conversation that was taking place as Saphira explained all the different ways we had tried to circumvent them. Soon I joined in their conversation, commenting that I could not think of any other way. I felt her acceptance and worry as she withdrew from our minds.
I'm sorry Arya.
She caught my eye and nodded slowly before getting up from her chair.
"I want to assure everyone that I am completely healthy and that there is no reason that I should be kept from the fights. I say this, not because I enjoy fighting but for the protection that I offer others," her eyes flashed to mine before she looked back at Nasuada. "As an elf I am able to save people that would otherwise die because of my enhanced abilities. However it is not my place to go against you, Nasuada, Orrin and my Queen. I accept your decision however wrong I feel it is," She looked at Nasuada and Orrin. "As I do not need to save my energy for any battles I will go to the healer's tent. I f anyone needs me I will be there."
She left, dark hair swirling behind her and leaving an uncomfortable silence behind. Saphira snorted moments later.
You will regret this in the upcoming battles.
I didn't need to look at the pale faces of Nasuada and Orrin to know that she had broadcasted her thoughts to everyone, although I could tell by the relief that was also shown on their faces that they expected a lot worse. Once glance at the mirror confirmed by hazy suspicions.
She hadn't looked at the Queen once.
……………….
It's done for now.
A bit OOC?
Eragon is happy cause Arya is alive and Arya is grateful for the help :D
(*) in brisingr Arya makes a little boat out of grass and stuff. Just in case people haven't read it.
I'm sorry it took so long but sadly I can't promise that the next one will be up any sooner. :(
In my story nobody knows that Arya is heir to the throne and that Queen Izlanzadi is her mother.
Abor Vitae is a real flower but I couldn't find any good pictures of it and I liked the name so I used it for the name in the ancient language…..just for anyone who noticed :P
Iris: If you give an Iris to someone it represents the following things: Faith, Wisdom, Valor, and your Friendship means so much to me.
I choose to believe that Arya knows the meanings of flowers being an elf and all :D
www. joe barr photography . com/the-blue-iris/
Does the colour remind you of anyone? That's a small hint and you might not get it yet…..I only get it cause I'm writing it :P
The writing program was being all weird and chopped up all the paragraphs, I couldn't fix it. Sorry.
I hope I didn't disappoint too much.
Any suggestions welcome!
As always read, review, inspire.
Ciao x
