"Sé mor'ranr ono finna"………
Wind pounded in his ears as the sapphire blue dragon darted through the midnight sky; moonlight refracting in blue shafts off her scales. The night sky was clear, with stars glistening and the full moon glowing softly. Lazily, he blinked his eyes open as his vision cleared; sleep rested in the edges of his eyes. Lithe arms were wrapped securely around his waist, as a figure rested against his back. Sensing her Rider's awakening, she preformed a back flip, as new found excitement filled her.
Black hair drifted across his face, as Saphira went into a series of complex tricks; tugging on Eragon's conscience, Rider and dragon became one. As the sun rose over the horizon, banishing the night, Arya stirred. Surprisingly, she had slept through the various acrobatics; a yawn slipped its way out of her mouth, as she gently squeezed the warm pillow in front of her, snuggling deeper into it, breathing in the rustic scent.
Realization dawned upon her, as she remembered that she was no longer in Ellesméra. Immediately her eyes snapped open, taking in the sight below her; muscles froze and her heart began to beat faster. Quickly Arya sought to control her heart rate, fearing that Eragon would hear its accelerated speed. She realized that Eragon had no clue that she was awake; selfishly, she took the opportunity. (I shouldn't have to explain that to you girls that are reading this, guys you too.)
As they became two different identities once more, Eragon became aware of Arya cuddled against his back. A deep blush crept across his face as he realized who had been snuggling against him this entire time. His uneasiness drifted across his mental link with Saphira, causing her to laugh in mirth, How long have- has she been….umm like this?
Little one, I thought you would be pleased with the… situation your in? Were you not fascinating about thi-
SAPHIRA, you heard my thoughts?
Unfortunately, yes I did, and she has been asleep for at least three hours.
Dipping into a dive, the dragon began her descent to the ground below her. As always, his stomach lifted, giving him the sensation of freefall. Arya's arms tightened around his waist, telling him that she was awake; to block the cold air, she ducked behind Eragon, pressing her forehead against his back. Roran and Raylene were already preparing breakfast as Edric sat by idly and watched them scuffle about. Razi had curled herself comfortable around her Rider, keeping a watchful eye on the others; Snowfire and Tornac stood near by, lapping up water that Raylene had summoned from the ground.
Body numb, and half way asleep, Eragon undid the bindings on his legs and tried to slide down Saphira's side, misfortune graced him once more, as he lost his balance. As he prepared to eat dirt, again, he froze in mid air, "malthinae," Arya's voice was soft, barely above a whisper. Slowly, he was lowered down to the ground; a scratchy growl filled the air.
See Edric, a woman has to save that pup, he needs more training, Razi's voice broke across his conscience.
Razi, don't worry, we'll train them soon enough that is after they get done with whatever little journey their on.
Little one
Yes
Raylene is looking at you like Kira does…hmmm I believe she, how do humans say, has a crush on you. Razi's last statement sent him into a full blush; thankfully everyone was looking to Eragon, seeing that he was finally awake.
Just as the tips of his feet touched the ground, Roran tackled him causing his to lose his footing and fall backwards. Both cousins were lost in a sea of laughter. A smile surfaced across her face as she watched the two; out of the corner of her eye she could swear that Edric was blushing. She was not able to give this much though because Arya was by her side and spoke to her in a lowered tone, "Hellgrind is only three days away; we should rest for a day."
The idea sounded wonderful to her, and quietly the two sisters concocted a way to tell the others and have them agree. All three boys were gathered around, muttering in muffled voices, cautious that the girls did not hear them, "Eragon, since you have been out for four days, I believe we should rest for one day so we can make sure your muscles are up to it." Edric whispered, glancing over to the girl. Relief filled him, as he noticed they were chatting away, girls.
"Yes, but I am sure Arya will object the idea," Eragon stated rather sorrowfully.
"Well how 'bout we do this….." Edric began to spun a plot
It was still night, and the five travelers had built a warm fire to cook themselves supper. Shafts of moon light filtered in through the leaves of the surrounding pines and oaks, dancing merrily across the ground. Edric, would you mind going on a walk with me? The trill voice of Raylene filled his head, sending shivers down his spine. He looked up and met her gaze, as he replied.
She is making this way to easy, he mused silently to himself; after they had gone a ways from camp, Raylene stopped by a near pine, placing one hand on its rough bark, "Edric I have something to tell you-
"I, too, have something to tell you Raylene," curiosity filled him, twisting his stomach into knots for some unknown reason.
BACK AT THE CAMP SITE
Both Roran and Eragon had become silent after the two left; suspicion filled Arya, and yet she did not know why. A lone wolf howled across the night, driving loneliness into all three companions. Eragon's ears perked up, he could not explain it but he could understand to pleas in that cry; desperate for another to love you. Heart ache pierced his heart as he listened to that sad plea of desperation. I know how you feel……Saphira looked sadly upon her Rider, she also knew the feeling.
WOODS
"Ladies first, I insist,"
"No, I insist,"
Chirps of crickets and the fore long cry of a wolf filled the void of silence; finally they both started talking simultaneously, "Why don't we rest for a day-
"Wait, you mean that you want to rest for a day also?" Edric asked her accusingly.
"What, can't I have a break too? Besides we were only considering it due to poor little Eragon's health." With that, she crossed her arms, turned her head away, and closed her eyes in mock pouting.
Seconds, minutes passed and Edric still didn't reply; slowly she cracked one eye open to see a smirk spread cockily across his face, "What?" her voice was slightly uneasy.
"Did you forget? It's a full moon" smiling, he exposed he razor sharp canines. Eye's wide in true fright, Raylene took off running and screaming into the night, leaving Edric in a fit of laughter.
Next Day
Eragon had fully recovered from his little episode and was spending every waking moment he could spare training; disciplining himself to be a better fighter. Rage fueled his desires; why did he always have to think of her? Quickly, he slashed savagely at an invisible opponent, decapitating him. Turning sharply, he caught another in the gut by his replacement sword. Anger screamed from his actions, though they were executed wonderfully, they would not win a battle against a master. His emotions clouded his thinking as he collapsed to his knees panting for breath.
They had stopped to have one day of rest to themselves and give both the horses and themselves a break from there rigorous traveling. Eragon had decided to vent his pent up troubles by using his muscles; the burning in his arm, the sweat running down his face, and the sharp breathing helped to take his mind off of her; but it did not get rid of her.
Her exotic face haunted his dreams, or was they nightmares? And that laughter brought pleasure and sorrow mixed together, confusing him. The raven black hair, pale complexion, those blazing emerald eyes; fierce with determination and filled with ageless wisdom. All those things, continually taunting him, were causing his heart to race with emotion. Frustration boiled up with in him; crack.
Not having realized it, he had rammed his fist into the dirt; dislocating his wrist. Pain lanced through out his body, yet he welcomed it. It was an outlet to his internal struggle; expressing the way he felt. Eragon sought to control himself, he closed his eyes and breathed deeply until his anger was reigned back in, but still lurking in the corners of his mind. Gently, he held his sword hand with his left hand, murmuring in the ancient tongue, he healed self inflicted injury.
The sun was shining brightly, as two sparrows dipped in and out of the sky playfully chasing after one another. Tree branches swayed rhythmically with the warm spring breeze as the sun made its way into the center of the sky (again, noon for some of you). Arya was curious as to where Eragon had disappeared off to; ever since he woke up, four days ago, he would only spoke when directly asked a question and refused to go anywhere near Arya other than when they were riding on top of Saphira, Have I hurt him so? Mentally, she scolded herself, of course I have. I've only rejected him three times! The first two, he tried to get close but now he is only straying away from me; what have I done? Determined to spend the day with Eragon, she set out in search of him. It didn't take long; a ways from camp, the Rider was practicing swords play.
Once again, Eragon stood up; practicing his swordsmanship. After catching his breath, he continued relentlessly until a foreign blade intercepted his own causing sparks to fly. His eyes traveled up the length of the familiar blade to stare at the piercing gaze of his nightmares; Arya.
Raylene
"Oh, come one it was only a joke!" pleaded Edric, all she did was turn and ignore him once more.
A sigh escaped his lips, as he racked his hand through his hair trying to think of some way to warm back up to her. Laughter filled his head at his pathetic attempts to woo the Halfling, Little one, if you truly wish to be forgiven then listen to me…
For the next half hour, Edric listened attentively to his silver dragon's scheme to gain repentance. Now I will guide you through it so do not worry about making a complete fool of yourself.
Glancing about, he spotted Raylene sharpening her blade, lost in her own little world. Anticipation filled him as he walked over to were she was sitting, "Raylene," the sound of her name caused her to look up, "Raylene I have something to tell you."
Puzzled, she looked at him questioningly, " I must tell you," as he reached her, he fell down to his knees, and cupped his hand in a prayer like stance, "I cry your pardon Raylene svit-kona; I was-
He paused for a moment, seemingly irritated at something, then continued with an uneasy sigh, "I was a complete and utter jack--- and I deserve to be treated as such," again he paused and looked her directly in the eye, with a gulp he started again, "I will understand if you hate me, but I at least have to apologize."
And with that he got back on his feet and slowly walked back to his dragon, silently cursing her advice. Half way there, a clear voice drifted across the clearing, "Edric, you didn't have to do that; I was only joking with you."