Chapter 24
So how was everyone's Halloween? I had a rather splendid time with my friends. But we shall not speak of that. Anyways, this chapter is a filler and the next one will feature a time jump and it will be somewhat confusing but I shall try my best to weave the explanation into the chapter itself. Anyways, we have some ways to travel still and I'm starting to feel a writer's muse coming on. (I wish there was medicine to this). In any case, since nothing really stood out to me in the reviews I'll let you all read happily. (Oh, if you see any mistakes PM me!) R&R!
"And so I would like to tell you all that I have made my decision to step down as leader of the Varden," concluded Weldon as he gazed about the table, his eyes darting from face to face. While his own expression remained passive, Eragon took a mild interest in studying those about him. His father, who sat across from him, was frowning slightly but there was a look of understanding in his blue eyes. Beside him, Orik appeared surprised, for his eyes were wide and his lips pursed. Turning his head slightly, he tried to discern Arya's expression.
An indifferent façade dictated her appearance but he could tell from the slight shine in her eyes that there was a slight gleam in her irises that he knew was one of sadness and yet acceptance. In the years she'd served as her father's ambassador, she had developed a steady friendship with Weldon and to see him, aged and unable to continue fighting, must have been a blow for her. And slowly, a piece of that dream in which you can dance and sing without feeling impending doom is chipped away, thought Eragon as he fisted his hands underneath the table.
Moving his eyes away from Arya, he turned to the Council of Elders. Their expression varied from shock to satisfaction and to triumph as if they were the victors in this situation.
Eydis, now aged and gray-haired leaned forward in her seat, her piercing eyes traveling from Eragon to Weldon. "And pray tell who it is that shall be filling in your position as the leader of the Varden once you've stepped down."
Weldon frowned, his eyes darting to Eragon. "I had planned to ask Eragon to take control," said Weldon quietly. Instantly everyone about the table stiffened, turning their heads to face him. Unperturbed by suddenly becoming the focus of attention, he relaxed in his seat as he waited for Weldon to speak. "However, he has expressed a desire to pursue his own interests whilst helping the Varden as he had been doing for the past twenty years. He has no desire to be leader of the Varden."
Just like that, the tension about the room eased significantly. For a moment, Eragon felt somewhat offended that they believed him incapable of leading the Varden but he let the moment pass. Instead, he focused his attention on Weldon as he spoke.
"That would leave the matter of finding someone to take up the mantle as leader of the Varden," said Weldon. Despite being in his middle years, he still spoke with authority and force showing that he still had the capabilities of being heard and understood.
"I believe that the process of finding a successor is a task that should be left to the Council," said Berthold, who was very quick to let his thoughts be heard. The rest of the Council of Elders nodded, showing that they agreed with Berthold's thoughts.
"Your opinions may hold some weight," said Eragon speaking up for the first time since the beginning of the meeting. He straightened slightly in his seat to adopt a posture that he had come to think of as a needed part of his ensemble for his imperious demeanor. "However, do not forget that Orik and Arya also have as much say in the matters of determining a successor to Weldon."
Karvel looked mutinous but he nodded. "Of course, we would not go about choosing a successor without the opinions of our allies." His expression was sour as if he had swallowed a whole lemon. Out of the corner of his eyes, he could see the slight upturn of the corners of Arya's lips but as soon as it was there it was gone.
"In any case," said Brom after there was a few minutes of silence in which they all thought to themselves about the direction of the Varden after Weldon stepped down. "Do you have someone in mind as of yet?"
"Deynor," said Eragon without hesitation. Though Deynor was desperate during his time, Eragon could not see another person left to lead to lead the Varden. He did not want to risk allowing the Varden to stray too far off course as he had remembered it. He lifted his head to pierce Weldon with a somber expression. "He has proven to be an able commander and leader."
"Deynor," murmured Weldon while Berthold glanced at Eragon with a frown.
"You are suggesting a man you've trained?" he asked as if displeased with the thought.
"Does it bother you?" asked Eragon turning his head to Berthold. He could see the man's jaw clenching and unclenching but he did not say anymore.
Saldís, having apparently had enough of her own silence, spoke for the first time during the meeting. "Why not someone other than a commander? Perhaps someone more fluent in the ways of politics and leading."
"And who do you suggest holds such standards as yours?" Eragon cut across her firmly. He refused to let the Council of Elders gain any holdings in the proceedings. Each time they tried to advance, he would firmly force them to retreat. They needed to know that their own self-interests came second to the interest of the Varden. "Deynor is a fit commander and he understands the way of leading a group of people. I see there's no reason as to not having him as a potential leader."
He could see hard expressions on the faces of the members of the Council of Elders but the others appeared differently. Orik appeared to be fighting a smile while his father looked amused. His eyes darted to Arya and there was a touch of satisfaction in her expression. I understand now why Arya was so upset with me when I had agreed to swearing fealty to Nasuada, thought Eragon. The balance of power was a sensitive matter in regards to the Varden and he could not have any one upsetting it.
"Eragon has suggested Deynor," said Weldon as his eyes swept across the table. "Does anyone have any other particular person in mind that they believe would fulfill the post as leader well enough?"
"If Eragon," Arya spoke softly, her rich and accented voice lilting in tone as it washed over their ears. "Believes Deynor to be a capable leader then I shall not argue with him. His judgment has never failed us before. The king would not be opposed to supporting one such as Deynor."
Trying not to look too pleased at her words of certainty, he fought a smile when Orik nodded with a grunt. "Aye, my thoughts are the same as Arya. Eragon has never led the Varden astray in his suggestions and opinions. He has been a steadfast ally of the Varden."
With the two of them having voiced their thoughts, Eragon could see that the Council of Elders was hard pressed to argue their point. Even if they can think of a puppet to manipulate, Arya and Orik would never agree to it, thought Eragon rather satisfied. It was somewhat odd for him to think it, but over time he had grown to become a master at politics. He understood the workings behind others self-interests and knew how to counter them. Not only that but he could effectively corner those when the time called for it. There wasn't a time in which he was unable to turn tables in his favor. Trust comes a long way it seems. Having Orik, Arya, and Weldon behind his suggestion made him confident that the Council of Elders would have to give in to his intent.
There was a long pause in the meetings before Berthold, his eyes narrowed and his jaw visibly clenching, spoke. "Then let us call for Deynor and see how he views this proposal," said Berthold acquiescing to his suggestion. Seeing how their most outspoken member had relented the rest had no choice but to follow behind.
He sat back in his seat satisfied as Weldon sent for a runner to fetch Deynor. He was content to merely sit there in silence as was everyone else. There wasn't much else to talk about while they waited for Deynor. Instead, he let his mind wander. Was it wise of him to pick Deynor as a successor? The only fault he remembered about the man was that he was desperate to strengthen the group of magicians in the Varden. Elsewise, he was an apt leader and had led the Varden until Ajihad had taken over.
Deynor was also the person in charge at the time when Thorn's egg was stolen. He had also made the mistake of accepting the twins into the Varden. Resting his elbow on the armrest of his chair, he rested his chin in his palm as he thought. When were the wretched twins going to show their traitorous faces? They were the ones who had been steadily giving vital information of the Varden to Galbatorix. They were also the reason why Arya and her companions had been ambushed on their return to Farthen Dûr. If they ever did show their faces, he would not hesitate to do away with them on sight.
He was jolted from his thoughts when the door to their chamber opened and the younger runner by the name of Kal appeared, timid and hesitant. He announced Deynor's arrival and Eragon watched as the young blond haired man that he had trained when he was younger stepped through the door. He was not as tall as Weldon but his build showed him as a fit and trained warrior. His brown eyes were dark and they seemed to hold everything at a distance, as if silently judging what they saw.
"You called for me sir," said Deynor quietly as Kal was dismissed.
"Yes, please take a seat Deynor," said Weldon gesturing to the lone seat at the end of the rectangular table opposite the leader of the Varden. The young man moved to do so looking as if he was unsure of himself and why he was called so suddenly. "Do not worry Deynor, you were not called here to be punished or reprimanded."
"We called you here," said Karvel shooting Eragon a fleeting look of distaste, "Because we believe that you have the skill and capabilities necessary to be the next leader of the Varden."
If Deynor was surprised, he hid it well. Impressed, Eragon focused his attention on the man. He had been correct to not change the history of the Varden thought Eragon. Deynor's attitude reminded him somewhat of Nasuada when she was chosen as the next leader of the Varden. He was calm and appeared to be in control of his emotions and actions. It was very interesting thought Eragon as he sat back in his seat to observe Deynor. To think he would be a deciding factor in choosing the next leader for the Varden. He almost wanted to laugh aloud.
"You have proven to be a worthy commander," said Weldon, eyes and voice serious as he observed the man who could possibly be the person to succeed him. Would he pass their test? The first time Deynor was chosen as the successor to Weldon but he had no information nor any sort of reason to trust that it would go just as smoothly this time. His presence could have a big impact as well as the fact that he had suggested Deynor as a potential successor. "And as such you have the fortitude and the capabilities of leading a great group of people such as the Varden."
"However, if you find yourself incapable of carrying out such an important obligation we will not force an unwilling person into such a spot," said Eydis smoothly as if willing Deynor to understand her train of thought. Eragon frowned. If Deynor was as competent as he gave him credit for than the man would not bow his head to the Council's demands.
Would he understand what it took to be a leader?
He stared at Deynor hoping that the man would not give in and show any sort of weakness to the Council. His worries were unfounded for Deynor merely straightened in his head with a proud expression, his chin held high. "It is an honor that you would turn to someone such as myself from but a humbled and quiet background to lead the Varden. If you consider me to be fit to lead, then I shall hold myself honorably and do so."
He fought the urge to grin at the looks on the members of the Council of Elders. They appeared to look as if they had be struck violently. They last straw for command had not swayed their way and it appeared as if they were once more forced to take another step back.
"To hear you say that puts my worries at ease," said Weldon with a smile as he gave Deynor an appraising look.
"Then let us ask you now Deynor," said Eragon as he turned to the man, who tensed at the sound of his voice. Amusement coursed through him, "At ease, whether or not your reply is favorable I shall not make you run laps thereafter."
"I apologize," Deynor said looking rather embarrassed at his own reaction.
Eragon pushed it aside. He understood the man's sudden response to his voice. It was a known fact that he was harsh on all of those he'd trained and Deynor was no exception. To rise to the post he had as a commander below Irvine, he had to survive the strictest of trainings that Eragon had set out for him. His response to Eragon was no doubt out of reflex.
"Are you willing to pledge yourself to the cause of the Varden no matter the cost?" asked Eragon seriously. "It will be more than what you are doing now as a commander. It will involve more than merely fighting but rather it will involve you trying to make a life for those who lost theirs to Galbatorix. Are you confident that you could uphold yourself honorably and carry out what you believe to be right and just for others who do not have the power to make the decisions themselves?"
He was quiet for a moment as he gathered himself but Eragon could tell that his words had shaken Deynor to the reality of what they were proposing. No longer would he be in command of merely fighting but he would have to take the lead and teach the others how to properly live.
Determination shining in his eyes Deynor nod. "I am willing to pledge all that I am to the Varden's cause, without a doubt."
"Strong words," said Brom with a look of approval as Weldon nodded, pleased by Deynor's determination.
He glanced to Arya and spoke, "Will the elves have any objections? Or rather, are there any opinions that you would like to say, Arya?" Weldon asked the quiet elven ambassador who had been quietly surveying Deynor.
She turned to the leader of the Varden, her eyes dark before she shook her head. "I cannot speak for my king but I find nothing objectionable to it. Deynor has my blessing." Weldon nodded before turning to Orik to ask if he had any objections to which he merely shook his head.
After that, they had planned to make an announcement to the Varden as a whole using the underground amphitheater to do so. While they were preparing, Eragon merely watched the ongoing events only speaking when necessary but he found himself distracted by a sudden thought that gripped at him. He had been living in this world for nearly forty two years now and this was another moment that brought to the forefront the realization that he had been living the false life he had built for himself for longer than he did his own life.
If he thought about it, he wouldn't be born until another four decades passed. The moment of convergence, thought Eragon his eyes flickering to the others as he felt a change in the conversation but there wasn't anything important for him to take part of so he remained quiet. His eyes darted to Arya and he wondered for a brief moment what would happen if she found out the truth about him. Would she believe him? Would she hate him for lying to her? Would she believe that he manipulated her into doing what she did up to now? He wanted answers but he couldn't bring himself to ask it of her.
Instead he merely tightly gripped the armrest of his armchair.
"It is decided," said Weldon shaking Eragon from his thoughts. He blinked as he felt the finality of the conversation sink in. Were they done for the day? "Three days from now, we shall begin have Deynor sworn in as the new leader of the Varden."
When all eyes turned to Eragon he nodded. They would be setting a new precedent for the people of the Varden since they had never had the need to decide a new leader for the Varden until now. Everything had to go accordingly else, the structure of the Varden would be shaken. "I see no reason as to not proceed," said Eragon showing his thoughts on the matter. No one questioned him. When the meeting was called to an end, he stood and exited much in the same process as everyone else did.
Before he did though, he paused when Deynor approached him. He bowed his head formally and brought his fisted right hand up to lay over his heart, a salute that showed fealty and respect—a salute that he had made for the soldiers of the Varden.
"You need not continue such decorum, Deynor," said Eragon with an amused smile. "In a few days' time you shall be the new leader of the Varden."
"In a few days' time I shall be the new leader," agreed Deynor with a nod. "But I am still a soldier and you have been with the Varden since before I was born. It is only right that I continue to pay you my respects whether I am the leader of the Varden or not. You have taught me what it was that I needed to bring me here today."
"It appears as if I am very humbled amongst the presence of those part of the Varden," said Eragon remembering how humbled he felt with Weldon in the last twenty years. He straightened feeling Vrangr's comforting presence against his back. "Now, what is it that you wanted to speak to me of?"
"I was told that you were the one to suggest that I take up the post as the new leader of the Varden," said Deynor, this time the person who felt humbled. Eragon nodded.
"I can see your potential as clear as day," said Eragon seeing no need to lie to Deynor. "As long as you can apply it correctly, you will be fine." His expression grew serious. "Do not think of me as condescending when I say this to you, Deynor but if there was one advice that I could impart with you today it would be this: you cannot appease everyone," he paused gathering his thoughts before he continued. "You have to understand Deynor that no longer shall you merely be speaking to warriors who understand the way of the blade but rather to wives, mothers, children, and those who merely sought the Varden to escape Galbatorix. Not only that, but the dwarves will be watching from one view and the elves another. Whatever you do as the leader of the Varden, do not forget the audience that shall be watching and never think that it is your duty to satisfy all."
"I have still much to learn," murmured Deynor as he lowered his head letting Eragon's words travel his mind.
"Do not worry," Eragon reassured him. "You shall have friends to help you along the way."
"It would be an honor to count you amongst my friends," Deynor said solemnly. For one so young, he had a rather upright and noble attitude thought Eragon impressed. He nodded and with a clap of his hand on Deynor's shoulder turned and left. With the most important task done for the day he was left to find something to fill his time with as he usually did.
Arya was no doubt busy compiling a report for her father for next she returned to Ellesméra and he did not want to bother her. After their walk together yesterday, he had taken up enough of her time. If there was one thing that Eragon despised, it was becoming a burden to those he cared about. Unsure of what to do, he eventually found himself sitting on a stone stump in the stone forest of Farthen Dûr.
How odd…trees turned to stone...
Gazing at the stone trees, he took in a deep breath. It was an odd feeling thought Eragon in hindsight. A forest that was turned to stone over time…forever laying beneath the Beor Mountains. Time here was stagnant. It passed but nothing changed. Sitting there, he was content to merely stare at the stone surrounding as his thoughts took the better of him. He wanted to mourn. But for what? He wasn't even sure himself.
"For some reason, I'm not surprised to find you here."
He didn't even have the heart to form a retort to Elvina's words. He glanced up momentarily to find her standing beside him a dark cloak drawn about her shoulders. Her hair was elegantly done into a plait that curled about her neck giving her a rather warm look but her piercing blue eyes spoke otherwise.
When he made no motion to respond to her, Elvina settled herself beside him. She must have sensed the mood he was in for she did not make her usual sarcastic or biting remarks. There were no insults about his rudeness nor any baiting comments that was said to get a rise out of him. For one strange moment, he thought she was giving him silent comfort. But why would she? He did away with the thought as soon as it entered his mind.
Perhaps Elvina had changed in that one short moment that they had shared in the cave when she had saved him. What was it that was bothering him so much in regards to Elvina? Now that he thought about it, she had never been threatening nor dangerous but each encounter with her always left him cautious and alert. Was he being overly paranoid? Maybe Elvina was not as horrid as he considered her to be.
"Are you feeling ill?" asked Elvina after a long moment of prolonged silence. Eragon inwardly sighed. To think that he was trying to see her in a better light. After a long moment, he shook his head. "Your lack of response is rather unnerving."
"I am not in the mood to jest," said Eragon snapping slightly. Why did it always seem that Elvina wanted a cause to spark his anger?
"There was no need to reply like so," said Elvina coolly her blue eyes observing him.
Sighing, he brought his hand up to his face to pinch the bridge of his nose. The last few days had not been pleasant for him. His mind and heart felt like it was being torn every which way with no sense of direction. After a long moment, he turned shook his head taking in a deep breath. "I apologize," said Eragon unable to look at Elvina in the eyes. "I am not feeling myself lately."
"Clearly," murmured Elvina, she remained quiet as if she was struggling hard for words—as if she did not know how to comfort another person. After a long moment, she spoke. "What is it that is bothering if you do not mind my asking?"
His eyes darted to rest on her for a moment as he thought of her question. Her tone was not patronizing as he thought it would be but instead she sounded genuinely concerned for him. He stared at her for a moment watching as her fair skin took on a slightly flushed appearance but her eyes did not waver as they held his.
He turned away from Elvina after a moment not wanting her to feel uncomfortable by his piercing gaze. When she did not leave but let her question settle between them, he closed his eyes. There was no one for him to confide in. Angela understood where he was from but she was too eccentric, to abnormal and bubbly to understand what it was that he felt, and everyone else was under the impression that he was Eragon, the elf that was strong and intelligent, always willing and ready. No one understood him truly. Not even Arya no matter how much he wished she did. There was no Saphira here for him to turn to when he needed to lay out his heart's hurts for her to heal. There was no Arya who would turn away from her duties so that she could comfort him when he needed it.
"Have you ever thought about what it is that you are doing with your life?" asked Eragon quietly.
"Often enough," Elvina responded, her voice just as gentle. "Are you not satisfied with life?"
"When is one ever satisfied with what they have?" questioned Eragon rhetorically. He frowned as he surveyed the stone trees unsure of where to start—of what to say. How could Elvina even begin to understand what it was that he was going through? His entire life here was a lie. What others saw him out to be was a lie, an imperfect perfection created so that he could live through history and try to salvage Alagaësia from the remnants of war that would soon sweep across its lands. After a long moment, he spoke again. "Do you have any regrets, Elvina?"
"Regrets?" she repeated quietly, her blue eyes taking on an odd shine.
Eragon nodded. "I regret," he said quietly. "There are too many regrets that I have in my life, regrets and unfulfilled promises."
"I am a vain person, Eragon," said Elvina, he fought the urge to snort at her words. If he did she would only vehemently respond and his attempts at trying to speak about his feelings would be at a loss. Instead he waited for her to speak. "I always think about myself and in the process I suppose I've lost sight of who I was and what I was becoming. When I look back on my life I wonder where it was that I had changed. I certainly was not born this way and yet here I am. And then I met you."
He tensed, his head turning to hers as she spoke and he blinked when he saw that Elvina was smiling at him, not in her belittling manner or her mocking way but a genuine smile that surprised him. He raised a brow. Ever since they had met and Elvina had taken up to chasing after her interests with him, the two of them ended up in either arguments, circular banters, or just icy remarks. Nowhere did he see where their interactions would be touching to Elvina.
"You were always so giving even though you have an overly rude nature, tend to do everything by yourself, and you always hold a rather demeaning aura about you," said Elvina, a smirk forming her face. He inwardly scoffed. It was too much to ask for a nice compliment from the woman it seemed. Apparently for every piece of praise that Elvina awarded, she had to balance it with a thousand insults. "You never asked for anything and even though you hate to wake early in the morning and doing what you do, you still go about carrying out your tasks. Someone like you can be anywhere he wanted to be, can do anything he wished…and yet, you are here…Why is that?"
"Rather here than living underneath Galbatorix," said Eragon with a dark expression. She nodded in understanding and for a moment she appeared hesitant as if something about the topic of Galbatorix troubled her but she did not say anything more.
"Seeing you work endlessly…well, it makes me think that perhaps my life wasn't really what I thought it out to be," murmured Elvina, studying her fingers which were rather clean and rounded, the nail beds gleaming as if she had used oil to polish the surface. He blinked. There was something at her fingernails that seemed oddly familiar to him. Unable to place it he lifted his eyes to her feeling the need to say something to her after she had spoken her feelings to him honestly for the first time.
"Looking back on my own life," murmured Eragon quietly, "I sometimes feel as if I am not really there. Who is this person called Eragon? Who am I? Am I merely a part of the Varden? Or perhaps more? You say that I am a great mystery to you but oftentimes I wonder if I even know myself. Or if I understand who it is that I am becoming." He wanted to say more but found himself unable to. The words he was searching for didn't come to him and instead he fell quiet, turning his head so that he could stare out at the stone forest. My indecisiveness no doubt amuses her, thought Eragon as he clenched his hands together, breathing deeply.
He sat there silently waiting for her to pass her judgment. He waited for her mocking voice to speak and laugh at him or for her to snort at his words. She did neither. Instead, he felt a shock ripple through his body when he felt a small and lightly cold hand touch his clenched ones, tugging his fingers apart until the hand could slid in between his, curling about his own to hold. Almost immediately he wanted to tear his hands from her. It felt wrong and his body ached for hands that were small and warm—hands that belonged to Arya.
Her hand tightened around his and he was forced to look at her. She shifted closer to him and her breath caressed his face as she spoke, her expression filled with some sort of emotion that he had never seen on her face before. "Seeing you so indecisive is unbecoming," murmured Elvina, her blue eyes dark and piercing as she held his gaze.
He wanted to rip himself free but the grip that Elvina held his hands in made him freeze and her expression held him in place. Despite their closeness, his heart did not stutter, his brain was not addled, and his skin did not warm. Only Arya had been able to extract those types of reactions from him. No one else, not even someone as beautiful as Elvina. He took a tentative breath and instantly, Elvina's scent—spicy and yet soothing, like the smell of cinnamon washed over his senses.
"You are more attractive when you are sure of yourself," murmured Elvina. He felt her nose slide against his and suddenly Vrangr felt hot on his back and his heart clenched painfully, an image of Arya flashing in his mind. Collecting himself, he fought to gather his senses.
"I will take stock in what you say," said Eragon dryly as he turned away from Elvina watching as a deep flash of hurt crossed her face before it was gone and her cool and indifferent expression had returned. A moment passed between them and after another squeeze of his hand, she withdrew her own. He wanted to apologize to her and tell her that his heart belonged elsewhere and that it would forever remain loyal to one person alone. But he couldn't bring himself to do so least Elvina would know his true feelings.
All he could say were two words and they left his lips sincere and grateful, "Thank you, Elvina."
She did not say anything but merely nodded, a sharp motion of her head. In that one moment, he felt as if he understood Elvina a little more and perhaps she understand him just as well. The thought came to him a little later as they sat there in comfortable silence but he had found a friend in Elvina just as she had found one in him.
But the burdens that he carried still weighed heavily on his shoulders and they pressed down on him as he sat there taking in the stone trees and never changing scenery as time passed the both of them by.
Well, then Deynor is the next leader as he was in canon. I didn't want to miss a chance to explore Deynor's character so I kept to him. In any case, the bigger problem to contend with is Elvina. Her character would be understood soon enough I suppose. Since Eragon and Arya are bonding really well, we can't have Elvina losing to Arya can we? Hehehe...What will happen next? In any case, I'm just trying to explore every opportunity possible. Also, my backpacking trip starts after my research is finished so not for some time now. I'll give you all a heads up. In any case, I hope to see you all soon! And remember, message me if you see any typos!