Ramblings with Ranger: I really do apologize for the shortness of this chapter, but I figure you'll forgive me since this is the second update within a half hour. Also, this is a transition chapter that, while not the most exciting, is necessary for the good of the story. :)
Chapter Twenty-One
Arya, Eragon, Murtagh, Nasuada and Siobhan all sat around a shaking and pale Loic. He spilled everything he knew, though it was no new information, other than that he had been press-ganged and black-mailed into service. It was obvious by the end of the conversation that Loic was completely innocent and a victim of circumstance. Still, Loic was escorted back to his abode and a guard was stationed outside his tent; it was a mere formality.
Siobhan sat with her arms crossed, clearly worried. "Do you think we'll be able to get them help?" Siobhan asked, studying everyone's face. Nasuada sighed.
"I think we can, but it will be difficult." Nasuada replied. "Will it be worth it?" Siobhan jumped up, a fire burning in her eyes.
"Saving three lives? Yes, it is worth it." Siobhan ground out. Murtagh knew that look. This was something she was very passionate about, that much was clear. "You heard Loic, he is willing to spy, or do whatever else you want him to do." Murtagh leaned back in his chair, surprised at Siobhan's change in tactics. It was most unlike her.
"She's right." Eragon agreed. He glanced at her and gave her a small encouraging smile. Murtagh beat down the jealousy that he felt bubbling up. "On both counts." Eragon looked back at Nasuada. "I think we should do it."
"Word might spread and the Varden could garner more support." Arya threw out calmly. Nasuada sighed.
"Do you have any idea of how we might accomplish this?" Nasuada asked wearily. Siobhan smiled brightly.
"Of course!" Siobhan's sure response did not surprise Murtagh in the least.
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Siobhan looked out over the sunset, contemplating the sudden change in events. Never in her wildest dreams did she suspect things to happen the way they did. She winced. Her conscious seemed to know things were wrong with Aedán, though. Murtagh, too, had known a good deal. Siobhan's thoughts wondered to the dark haired Dragon Rider.
Murtagh was handsome, very handsome, Siobhan thought, and a good man. His eyes were expressive, when you got to know him, and he was athletically built. Murtagh was cynical and jaded, but he had managed to retain a good and compassionate heart. He would go to the ends of the Alagaësia for those he cared about. True, he was snarky and was more often-than-not foul-humored but he was a good friend. He could be overbearing and rude, but underneath was a heart of gold. Siobhan valued his friendship, and wondered about the little caterpillar that seemed to crawl around in her stomach recently whenever she saw Murtagh.
The sun was almost set and Siobhan walked the few yards back to her tent. Ailín, much to her extreme displeasure, would have to begin to roost with Saphira because she simply couldn't fit into Siobhan's tent anymore. Siobhan had given Thorn so that he could calm her down. Thorn always seemed to be able to keep Ailín mostly level and calm, or to level her out. Siobhan, watching Thorn and Ailín stand next to each other, got the impression that they weren't quite discussing the roost.
There's something there.
There is definitely something there.
They're just blind.
No, they're blithering idiots when it comes to feelings.
Thus was the conversation between Thorn and Ailín, the latter being much more forceful and emphatic in her speech. Thorn sighed.
They're not idiots, they're...
Clueless? Ailín suggested. You've seen them, Thorn, especially Murtagh.
He loves her, I know. Thorn agreed. Trust me, I have to listen to him fight himself every blasted minute. Ailín pondered Siobhan for a moment.
She's getting there. Ailín said. She is definitely getting there. She just doesn't know it yet.
I think the field is ripe. Thorn announced gleefully. Ailín hummed.
Are you in?
I'm in.
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"Are you alright, Siobhan?" Eragon queried softly. Siobhan turned around. The sun was beginning to rise, and Siobhan was enjoying the clear air.
"I'm thinking." Siobhan explained simply. Eragon nodded.
"About the mission." Eragon said knowingly. Siobhan nodded.
"There's little chance of it really going wrong, but...but I still have the fear that something will go very wrong." Siobhan replied. Eragon nodded.
"That's normal." Eragon assured. "It means your human." Siobhan gave him a small smile.
"You and Murtagh are similar." Siobhan observed. "In some ways, at least." Eragon looked at her, surprised.
"You think so?"
Siobhan nodded. "Yes, if not only in the little subtle gestures, the way you phrase things." Siobhan explained. Eragon nodded.
"You're quite the surprise." Eragon murmured. Siobhan smiled.
"Murtagh tell me that all the time."
Eragon laughed. "Does he now?" Eragon replied. Siobhan nodded.
"He's a wonderful person." Siobhan murmured. Eragon looked at her cautiously. Siobhan laughed softly.
"Oh, I know he wasn't always like that, Eragon. Trust me. You have no idea how often that thought ran through my head when I began treating him. I know he must have done terrible things under Galbatorix, but Arya has already explained all the weird magic things. I've been able to look beyond his past and see what he is now. He's a good friend." Siobhan said softly.
Eragon regarded Siobhan curiously. He never would have expected this speech from her two months prior. She had grown so much, and Eragon knew she was the better for it. He wondered the extent of Siobhan's feelings for his half-brother. Eragon had noticed a twinge of jealousy in Murtagh's eyes whenever Eragon looked at her. Eragon had also seen Murtagh be extremely over-protective of her. Siobhan seemed oblivious of this, though. Well, perhaps not Murtagh being over-protective – a blind man would have picked up on it.
The plan, Eragon thought, was very good. He had not expected the brilliance of it from her. It was not that he thought her unintelligent or incompetent, but because she had no tactical experience. What surprised him the most, though, was that Ailín was in agreement with Siobhan's plan. Ailín was the most over-protective dragon Eragon had ever met.
Eragon walked quietly away after bidding Siobhan a good day. The mission would be underway that night, and there were things that needed to be done. He only hoped the mission would go as planned.