'Get up you little fuck!'

Eragon jolted upright, breathing hard as he recovered from his nightmare. Wiping his brow of the sweat that had accumulated he tapped Saphira's side, waking the slumbering beast.

'Did you have another nightmare?' Saphira asked as she lifted her wing. Eragon staggered out of the dais and sat on the ledge, allowing the morning breeze to cool him down.

'I didn't know I could still have them' Eragon answered while he looked down on the forest city.

'What was it about?'

'You can see everything in my mind, just look for it' Eragon told Saphira.

'I could, but I want you to tell me' Saphira responded.

'You are insufferable' Eragon grumbled as he looked over to Saphira, who was staring right back at him, 'it was Garrow'.

'What did your pitiful excuse of an uncle do?'

Eragon sighed, 'I didn't wake up early enough to tend to the farm, Garrow decided to help me wake up, by kicking me'.

Saphira started to growl loudly, 'he is lucky that the Raz'ac got to him first, I would not have been so kind to him'.

'He's dead Saphira, there's no point in continuing your anger towards him' Eragon said tiredly as he rose from his spot and walked off to use the washing room.

'I'm going hunting' Saphira hummed, purposefully ignoring Eragon's statement.

It didn't take Eragon long to figure out all of the kinks in the weird bathing contraption and in the end he enjoyed his wash, though he did unfortunately have to clean his scarred back once more which was still a disgusting task for him. Returning to his room Eragon found a package underneath two plates in front of the stairs down. The two plates had a plethora of cakes, fruits and biscuits though there was a lack of meat, which angered his carnivorous side. Tucking the package under one arm, Eragon carried both plates to his room, setting them down on his bed's side table. Ripping open the package several pieces of clothing felled out, Eragon rushed to pick them all up and set them neatly on his bed while he ate from one of the plates.

When Saphira had returned from her morning hunt she found her rider standing infront of his mirror as he inspected the dark green Elven shirt that he had taken a liking to. 'What do you think?' Eragon asked the dragon as turned to face her.

'It's green' she responded.

'Yes, I figured that one out you useless reptile, but don't you think this is a bit too much' Eragon said, pointing furiously at the V cut around his neck that showed a surprising amount of his chest.

'Why are you asking me? It's not like I wear this weird cloth garb that your race seems so fond of' Saphira snorted, blue flames escaping from her nostrils.

'I just thought you would care' Eragon muttered stiffly, finally settling on the tunic as he ruffled his locks out of his eyes, 'I wonder if Elves have barbers'.

'Judging from what we saw yesterday I don't think Elves practise cutting their hair' Saphira pointed out.

Eragon spent the rest of his morning sorting his belongs into the various wardrobes and drawers, along with removing most of the knots and additional gear strapped to Saphira leaving her with only her saddle. With his own chores finished Eragon went to check on Maria. Eragon found the Dwarf dancing around the kitchen area he had inspected yesterday, however now the room was alive with cooking fires and fresh trays of cakes and loaves of bread.

'Maria you can cook!' Eragon exclaimed as he took in the delicious smells that emanated from her food.

'Of course I can, what kind of Dwarf would I be if I couldn't mould some sort of substance to my will' she cackled as she effortlessly flowed from one side of the room to another.

'Were you the one who left the food upstairs?' he asked.

'No, but the Elf who delivered it was kind enough to show me the Elven markets. You must let me show you the stalls they have' she told the rider as she slapped his hand as he attempted to grab a cake, 'hands off, it's still hot'.

'Ouch' Eragon yelped, cradling his hand.

That'll teach you' Maria warned, 'now get out. You'll have some when it's ready'.

Eragon obediently followed Maria's order and he was soon back in his room, though he soon realised he naught to occupy his free time.

'Did you really let your servant boss you around?' Saphira said as she watched her rider fall onto his bed.

'No!' Eragon retorted hotly, 'it's just her food looked quite nice, I didn't want to ruin my chance in sampling it is all'.

'I must try this food if it looked so good then' Saphira pondered, her attention going towards her claws as she began to clean them lazily.

Morning soon shifted to midday, and as promised Maria served Eragon some of her fresh cakes and bread for lunch, even throwing a whole loaf into Saphira's maw to the Dragon's delight. Eragon noted as he ate one of Maria's raisin cakes that the Dwarf's baking was vastly different to what he had sampled from the Elf food he had for breakfast. While Maria's food had weight to it and an abundance of flavour the Elvish food seemed to favour restrain, being light and partially flavourless in comparison.

'I didn't know I was travelling with a master cook' Eragon told Maria lightly as she threw another cake at Saphira who caught it effortlessly.

'Making food isn't that hard' Maria responded, 'you just have to know what you're doing. Besides I'm no master, though I am glad you enjoyed your meal'.

'I prefer it over what the Elves make' Eragon responded, 'at least my hunger is sated with what you make'.

The Dwarven servant chuckled slightly before returning to throwing her food into the Sapphire dragon's maw. The three sat together on the top of the tree for a while longer, Maria finally loosening up around Saphira as she sat with the giant beast and rubbed vigorously at her snout earning her deep throaty purrs. The pleasant mood was shattered by a hard knocking on the door below, Maria perked up and rushed out of Eragon's room before he could turn his head to the sound. The Dwarven servant soon returned, 'it's lady Arya, she wants you to come with her'.

Eragon nodded and grabbed Zar'roc before clambering down the wooden steps of the tree. On the ground floor Arya stood in the middle of the hall looking up at Eragon impatiently, her headband strangely missing and she was now wearing a leaf-brown tunic. 'Hello Arya' Eragon said as he reached the bottom of the stair, 'where are we going?'

'You are attending a healer's session' Arya answered, 'and you will not need your sword for that' her hand point to Zar'roc pinned to his side. Eragon looked at the sword before he realised the offense of carry a blade to a place of healing. Unbuckling the sword Eragon handed Zar'roc to Maria who quickly leapt back up the stairs to his room. 'Come' Arya beckoned as she walked out of the door and into the Elven city.

When Eragon and Arya had climbed down from the last set of stairs they encountered Saphira crashing down infront of them.

'Are you coming with us?' Eragon asked Saphira as she waited for Arya to lead them.

'Indeed' she told both Eragon and Arya.

Arya sighed in a frustrated fashion, 'Saphira no harm will come to him, and we aren't even going the fraction of the distance we travelled before'.

'I am coming with you' Saphira reiterated, challenging Arya's glare with her own draconic eyes.

'Fine!' Arya told the dragon harshly, 'but you cannot continue to cling to your rider in this way!'

Eragon frowned at Arya's words but didn't dare speak up as Arya shot him a deadly glance as he met her eyes, all the while Saphira was stunned by Elf's bluntness. Arya then strode off at a pace Eragon could just barely keep up with, her speed not slowing at all during their walk through the city. Eragon eventually caught up with Arya as she stood infront of a tree that held a cave underneath it, the Elf then walked down into the cave after she had checked that Eragon had indeed caught up with her.

The cave it seemed was much larger than it looked. Strings of jars littered the ceiling, the contents of said jars held tens of fireflies that illuminated the underground location. The stone walls also held a startling resemblance to Angela's room, with wooden cabinets and shelves filled to the brim with vials and concoctions, with the odd jar filled with a random creature. In the center of the room was several tables, some were topped with white sheets while three other tables were covered in papers and quills. An elf seemed to be looking over one of these tables before turning around

'Ah Lady Arya what a pleasure it is to see you' the male Elf said, his hair could only be described as a chaotic mess of grey, a faded blue robe stained with a myriad of colours coating its surface.

'Greetings Ethric' Arya responded, 'you were told of the rider? I have brought him in for an examination'.

Oh yes!' the eccentric elf exclaimed before his eyes darted over to Eragon, 'hmm a walking corpse it seems, I'll try my best but I already fear the worse'.

Eragon's eyes grew at the healer's statement, his heartbeat ringing in his ear.

'Calm yourself rider, my joke it seems was in poor taste' Ethric said quickly at the change in Eragon demeanour.

'Ethric's sense of humour is not wildly popular, but his knowledge of healing and the body is renowned. You should have little doubt in what he tells you' Arya explained.

'So should we get on with this?' Eragon asked, his enthusiasm for his healer's session was rapidly declining.

'Of course' Ethric responded, 'please take a seat on this table'. The Elf then gestured to a table before walking off to another table.

Eragon did as the healer asked and sat himself down on the wooden table. Ethric soon returned, 'right just take your tunic off and we can begin'. Eragon felt reluctant at the Elf's request, but he couldn't find a reason to resist what the healer said.

Shrugging off his green tunic Eragon shook slightly as his body felt the breezy draft flow through the cave, though the two Elves seemingly didn't notice. Ethric began his examination as he looked over the rider with an inquisitive eye, keeping his hands to himself.

'Good muscle mass, though you are a bit on the thin side. Have you been eating well?' Ethric inquired as he poked his finger at Eragon's ribs.

Before Eragon could respond Arya interrupted, 'he's been skipping meals for the past several days'.

'I've been eating fine' Eragon retorted, causing Ethric to look between both of them.

'Well just make sure to eat your meals' Ethric advised, 'I'd rather not treat you for malnutrition'.

The rider nodded, having no issues with eating. The healer then started to lean in closer to Eragon, grabbing his head when Eragon started to pull back. 'Stay still' the healer told him. After a short awkward pause the Elf retracted himself, 'you've been sleeping well? No problems with falling asleep or any nightmares?'

'No problems at all' Eragon said quickly, catching the look Arya gave him as he lied.

'That's good' Ethric told him with an enthused voice, 'now I'm going to be looking at this scar of yours, I understand that it is quite sensitive so I will be as careful as I can, so if you could just lie down on your stomach this will be over quickly'.

'In Tonjheim the person who was taking care of me wrote down their findings about my scar, should I bring them to you after this?' Eragon asked as Angela's scroll came to mind.

Ethric nodded and Eragon lay down onto the table, waiting for the healer's touch. Eragon soon felt Ethric's probing fingers feeling their way over the edges of Eragon's scar, going slowly closer to the center of the large cut. When Eragon shivered in pain from a pulsation from his scar, Ethric pulled away, 'apologises' he muttered before returning to his inspection. This would occur again and again as the healer probed his way further into Eragon's back.

'Well that's enough for today' Ethric told Eragon after he had gasped in pain for the fifth time. Rolling himself into a sitting position Eragon found Ethric looking back at him with a small knife in his grasp.

'Is there a reason you are holding a knife?' Eragon asked worriedly.

The healer smiled guiltily, 'I need a blood sample, and unfortunately this is the most efficient way to get one'.

Sighing in frustration, Eragon held his hand out to which Ethric cut into his finger, catching the droplets in a glass vial. When the vial was full Ethric muttered a healing spell which closed Eragon's poultry cut and took the vial over to one of his jarred creatures.

'Now hopefully when I feed your blood to this frog it will glow a nice healthy red, anything else and we should be worried' Ethric explained as he pulled the frog from the glass and dropped several drops of blood into its mouth. The frog swallowed the blood in an eager fashion, before its body started to shine in a colourful rainbow before it settled on a solid shade of lime green.

'Ah' Ethric said sounding worried.

'This isn't good?' Eragon asked, also becoming worried by the drop in the Elf's demeanour.

'Not at all' the healer responded, returning the frog to the glass before hurrying around the other shelves, grabbing three flasks before he returned to Eragon's table. 'So I'm going to be blunt with you' Ethric told Eragon with a sudden seriousness, 'you have blood poisoning, that's what the green shade meant, the fact it's lime green makes this infinitely worse'.

'Why?' Eragon croaked.

'I can't tell at what rate it is going' Ethric babbled, 'or if it is actually happening but your bone structure is becoming brittle, this means your bones are going to be easier to break. Look I need to be honest, if this keeps going you can and will die'.

Eragon swallowed, fear rushing over him 'is there any cure?' He asked faintly.

Ethric responded with a smile, 'my dear rider if there is a way to treat your illness I will find it, I can assure you of that'. The Elf then hefted the flasks he had picked up earlier. 'Now this bottle will help to strengthen your bones, hopefully it will delay them becoming brittle' Ethric told Eragon as he showed him a faint blue bottle, 'the other two are going to be used to treat your blood poisoning'.

'Could you tell me what this blood poisoning is doing to me?' Eragon said as he accepted the offered containers.

'Of course, how silly of me' Ethric answered as he smacked his face lightly, 'to put it simply, your blood is what could kill you, but before there will be a range of side effects, loss of energy, sores and light pain in your body, you could also lose your appetite, though you should continue eating regardless. But that's enough of that' the healer told him, 'you will beat this, so just take those three potions and I will deliver you a new dosage of each every day, you need to drink all of them else they won't work'.

'Should I take them now?' Eragon asked which made Ethric nod eagerly. Eragon took the first flask and downed the contents, following it with the other two flasks. After he had swallowed all of the potions Eragon felt like throwing up, the taste of all of the liquids was the worst substance Eragon had ever drank.

'Yes I know they aren't pleasant, but these things generally aren't' Ethric told Eragon as the rider pulled a face as he handed the flasks back, 'but that is all for the exam' he told him, 'if you start to feel any sort of side effects please come to me' Ethric cautioned.

'Wait, before I go is there anything you can do about my scar? Or at least remove the pain this it causes?' Eragon asked quickly as the Elf started to beckon him away.

'Unfortunately I know not what is actually causing your pain' Ethric responded, 'the only oddity from your wound is it isn't closing, but besides that you shouldn't be suffering from pain or spasms. I am sorry, but whatever pain you are feeling isn't being caused by your scar and I am not adept enough in my study of spells or curses to tell you if that they are the cause of this affliction'.

Disheartened by what he had learned, Eragon donned his shirt and walked out the cave.

'Eragon wait a moment' Arya said as she grabbed his arm.

'What is it?' Eragon responded.

'I need to know that you are well, Ethric was not wrong when he said he will find a cure for your blood poisoning' Arya told him as she looked in straight him in the eye.

'I know Arya' Eragon told the Elf, 'but I can't help feel scared by what he told me, I guess I truly don't want to die'. He knew that what he had revealed was hypocritical of what he had attempted two days before, but he couldn't deny how scared he felt when the Elven healer had told him of his affliction.

'But you won't, so there is little to fear' Arya stressed as she gripped his arm tighter.

Eragon's eyes drifted down to his captured arm, when Arya noticed his shift in gaze she released her hand, 'I am sorry' she muttered, 'but at least we know why I broke your wrist so easily before'.

'I just need to remember not to duel you again' Eragon told her wryly,' and if I do I shall keep my distance'.

The faintest flickers of a smile graced Arya's face before she straightened up, 'we will spar again Eragon, but we should get going, the Queen needs to see you again and we have spent enough time here'.

'Can I return to my room first? I need to retrieve something for the Queen' Eragon asked to which Arya nodded in confirmation.

Emerging fully into the outside world Eragon was greeted by the large body of Saphira and the smell of burnt grass, looking around Eragon even noticed some of the surrounding trees bearing claw shaped disfigurations. 'Saphira what will we do?' Eragon said as he rested a calming hand on the blue dragon's snout.

'We will fight it Eragon. It is what we have always done' Saphira told her rider.

The royal hall that Eragon had been inside of yesterday had differed little when he returned, Queen Islanzadi still sat atop her knotted throne though the Elves that dotted the remaining chairs were still nowhere to be seen. What startled Eragon was the look that the Queen gave him, he could not pin the underlying emotion behind the dark eyes that shone at him, and that made him worry.

'It is good to see you again Eragon' the Queen told the rider, forgoing the Elvish verse of greeting and other theatrics, 'I see a night's rest has done you some good'.

'Thank you, your highness' Eragon responded, his voice stronger than it had been the day before.

'Tell me, how was your visit to our healer? I hope that you are well' the Queen inquired, leaning forward slightly as she spoke.

Eragon grimaced at the Queen's question and then assumption, though he knew from the look that Arya gave him from his right that he had little choice in disclosing his condition. Breathing deeply Eragon told Islanzadi about his unhealthy status and the possibility that he may die.

'This is unfortunate indeed' the Elf Queen said after Eragon had finished his answer, 'I had hoped that you could begin your training tomorrow, but now with what you tell me I see little point in doing so'.

'I beg your pardon?' Eragon asked to the queen, 'I did not know that the Queen of the Elves could decide whether a dragon rider trains or not'.

'Be careful with the tone you take with me Eragon' Islanzadi warned, 'I have a duty of care with you in my realm and I hold that responsibility to the highest of regards'.

'Even so, you cannot deny my training just because of my health' Eragon replied, restraining the venom in his tone as well as he could.

'Why should I not?' the Elf said rhetorically, 'if you could die I do not see why you should spend your last weeks undergoing a regime that will only inflict more pain upon you, surely you would prefer to experience some form of comfort?'

'But your Majesty, you base your assumptions on the theory that I will perish from my blood poisoning, do you hold me in a low regard, or do you think little of your own healer?' Eragon retorted. Eragon had though he had been clever with his line of approach, he was wrong.

'How dare you!' Islanzadi thundered, jumping from her throne and walking down towards the rider, 'you speak to me with an arrogance that should not befit a boy your age, and you have the audacity to call me sceptical of my own people'.

'Your Majesty I mea-'

'Silence!' The Queen yelled, making Eragon step back defensively, 'I had thought that with what you have undergone through your life that you would prefer comfort and peace, instead you spit at my offer'.

'What offer? You have only ridiculed me and assumed my death!' Eragon shot back, no longer caring about being polite with the Elven Queen.

'My offer you fool, is to give you a life better than what you received from those animals in your home village' The Queen responded coldly.

Eragon staggered at what the Elf Queen said, 'what do you mean?' he bit back, hoping in vain the Islanzadi didn't hold the knowledge he feared she held.

'Do not play dumb dragon rider, it demeans you' Islanzadi told Eragon, 'I know about your upbringing, my daughter informed me last night'.

'You told her?' Eragon asked Arya, who remained steadfast in looking anywhere but at him. Her silence confirmed the Queen's explanation and Eragon didn't know where to feel humiliated or betrayed in trusting Arya.

'Do not hold anger at my daughter' Islanzadi said to Eragon, who tore his eyes away from Arya to the Queen, 'she did right in telling me, do not fear I will not use this knowledge to blackmail you and nor will I tell another living soul if you wish it'.

'So why have you given me such an offer?' Eragon said in an icy tone, 'do you expect my gratitude?'

'Nay, I give you this chance as a small way to repay a historical grievance on my part' Islanzadi told the angered rider, her expression falling into one of regret. 'Twenty years ago I recalled the Elven watch over the Spine and the small dwellings in Carvahall, I saw no purpose to this outpost and it was only putting my people in harm's way. I see now that my decision has come back to haunt me'.

'So you mean to tell me that your people could have taken me away from my uncle?'

'Perhaps, in truth I know not what choice my scouts would have made. They could have killed your people and stolen you away or they could have simply ignored your suffering' Islanzadi confessed, 'their task was to keep an eye on the surrounding area, interfering was never their task nor was it expected of them'.

'I see' Eragon muttered, 'what do you think Saphira?'

Saphira who was sitting behind him raised her scaled head and held it over her rider, 'I don't think you should explore into the world of ifs and buts Eragon, it will only make you cynical in the world you live in. If are asking whether Islanzadi's decision was the wrong one, I think you know my feelings on the matter, I care little for these Elves but if they could have aided you then they should have'.

'So we should be angry with her?' Eragon asked, his emotions too conflicted to create a sensible conclusion.

'I am not angry with Queen Islanzadi' Saphira told Eragon, 'but if you wish to hold a hatred for her I would say it is at least justifiable'.

Eragon closed his eyes as he tried to deal with the headache that was building, it seemed that his past which he wished would stay buried was constantly being dug up.

'Your Majesty, while your concern is quite generous, I do not think you should hold any guilt for what I experienced. You cannot see what the future holds, and if it eases your mind I do not hold you any deep contempt' Eragon explained calmly after he had wrestled control of his feelings.

The Queen smiled sadly at Eragon's response, 'thank you Eragon, but the pain I hold over what happened to you will not fade easily, please accept my offer. Forgo your training and allow my realm to provide you a peace that you never had, you need not accept the heavy burden others would place on your shoulders' the Elf pleaded.

'And if I accept what you ask of me others will be hurt, more people could die if I ignore my duty. I cannot accept your offer while I know the consequences are so heavy!' Eragon argued.

'But in your state you would only be a figurehead! You could die before your training is even complete!' Islanzadi yelled, stepping closer and closer towards Eragon, ignoring the rumbling that grew in Saphira's throat.

'I will not shy away from my duty!' Eragon shouted back, 'you may think it's acceptable to avoid what is expected of you, but I shall not cower. I know what I shall do and you cannot sway me!'. Eragon then pulled out the roll of parchment he had been given by Nasuada.

'Here the leader of the Varden wished for you to have this' Eragon told the Queen as he passed the scroll to her, the Elf taking the message with shaking hands. Eragon then turned sharply and made to leave the Elven Queen and her daughter, Saphira was already on her feet and closing in on the large wooden doors.

'Hold dragon rider'.

Eragon stopped moving but he didn't turn, his patience for the Queen was hitting a lower point with each passing second.

'I see now that you are fixated on following this path, and I will not become a stone in your way. You can start your training tomorrow if you wish'.

'Thank you Islanzadi' Eragon told the Queen as he looked back at her.

'Do not thank me Eragon' Islanzadi responded, 'I wish that my people did not have to rely on you, it is wrong and what I am allowing you to do is even worse'.

'But it is my choice' Eragon told the sorrowful Queen.

'Not one a child should have to make' the Queen said before returning to her throne, 'leave me rider, we have talked enough for this day'.

Eragon bowed before leaving the hall, now only Arya and Islanzadi remained in the throne room.

'Why does he do this to himself my daughter? His path will only lead him down more pain' Islanzadi asked, Arya finally looking to her.

'Eragon has already told you mother, others would suffer if he abandoned his duty. I do not think he can bear such a thought' Arya said.

'But he is already breaking, you can see it' Islanzadi argued, 'he struggled to even stand today, how can we expect him to fight Galbatorix? It is wrong for him to try and bear this responsibility alone'.

'He does not bear it alone mother, he has others to aid him' Arya responded coolly.

'Hmm you speak some truth' The Queen conceded as she caught a glint of the secret intention held in Arya's eyes, 'I only hope he accepts your aid when you give it'.

A/N:

My new job hasn't killed me yet, yay.

I know some of you are looking at Eragon's condition with wide eyes, but I ask for your patience before you bite my head off. Ethric won't be major to the plot at all, just needed a random Elf so there probably won't be anymore appearances of the morbid Elf. That's all from me, till next week.