Chapter 25: Revelations and Hard Decisions

Arya woke up from her dreams of love but in her dreams it hadn't been Faolin who had been with her, it had been Eragon. In her dreams she had been with him everywhere she went, proud that she loved him and that he loved her.

She felt warm, even though it was a cool morning. The reason was that she had been sleeping in Eragon's embrace. She looked up at him, to see that he had already woken up and was looking at the sky.

I know why I did what I did. I needed comforting and he was there for me, I needed a friend and he was there for me. I need someone who can embrace me, someone with whom I know I won't be in danger, someone like Faolin and he is there for me.

But why did I sleep by his side? The only person I have done that with is Faolin and that after I realized that I loved him. Do I love Eragon? Is it possible? I don't know…

She remembered what she had almost said to him the previous day but he had cut her off. She was glad he did, for she had been about to say something to him without even realizing it, something that would have led to an extremely embarrassing situation.

Eragon looked down at her and smiled, "Good Morning, Arya."

"Good Morning"

Arya let go of him, and got into a sitting position. There were in the same clearing were Arya had stopped yesterday after she had slapped Eragon and run off. Her actions still confused her; it seemed as if she had completely lost control of her body when she had done that.

I must be more careful next time; I can't go on slapping him all the time. He doesn't even bother to heal himself, I could really injure him.

"Arya, I think we should get back to the camp now. Many people must be worried about us, and I am sure half of them think I am dead." Eragon said as he began to put on his armor.

"I suppose we should, but I hope that there isn't any confusion again." Arya said as she pulled on the padded leather jerkin.

"Hmm, there shouldn't be any more… and I have something that I must do today. I hope Jeod is free."

They made their way back to the camp; Arya knew that it would be surprising for people to find out that Eragon was alive, even though Saphira, Roran and the others must probably have told them. It might have been even more surprising for them to find out that he had spent the night with Arya. But she didn't mind people thinking they were in love. She was sure that Eragon cared for her deeply, but when he had said that he didn't pursue her anymore, it had been a huge shock to her, and it was worse was when he had rejected her friendship, in order to ensure her safety. Though he had made up with her, she had not felt as close to him as she had felt before he rejected him, until yesterday. Yesterday, she had been ready to say that she loved him, but why?

I can't love him, he is too young… No, youth is not a problem, we are both immortal, so his youth is hardly a matter anymore. He has changed a lot since the Agaeti Blodhren and he is no more an immature child.

Also, he cannot live without me, so why don't I give him what he wants and get what I want as well… No I can't… Enough acting and lying, I love him! I love him and I always will, and nothing shall stop me from confessing it to him. But I can't confess it now, I must wait until the right moment, I will have to test him first. N,o there is no need for that either, I'll just confess it now.

"Eragon, there is something I have to tell you." Arya said, smiling as he waved at the people who hailed at him and shouted blessings, or thanked the Gods, the heavens and many other things, that he was alive.

"Yes?" Eragon replied looking at her.

"Eragon…. I-I lov- it is the anniversary of my receiving the yawe and becoming the elves ambassador tomorrow." Arya said hastily, trying to cover up her stammering by saying some thing she had not intended to.

Eragon's hand froze as he realized what she was saying. He looked at her uneasily, then continued walking towards Nasuada's tent, covering his uneasiness by waving at the young women who cheered his name, but looked away, disappointed, when they saw Arya with him.

As well as they should! What makes them think that they will have Eragon leave me and take them? Arya thought mischievously as she noticed the women's reactions to her.

Then she thought about what she had done. It was the custom among elves to give gifts and presents to their friends during the anniversary of their ascending to high and important stations.

Let's see what he gives me.

"Arya, there is something I must tell you as well." Eragon said in an uneasy voice.

"What is that, Eragon-vor?" Arya asked, adding 'vor' to Eragon's name because he was her close friend now.

Eragon gave her a small smile, but there was a sad expression on his face nevertheless.

"Arya, I have to save Murtagh. And now is the best time since Galbatorix is not in Uru'baen. I have to save him since he is my half-brother, and I have decided to leave tonight if possible, or tomorrow morning." Eragon told her.

Arya's smile vanished as she heard him, "You are going to leave your close friend so soon? Fine, but please don't leave tonight. Tomorrow would be better." Arya replied pleadingly.

"If you say so, anyway, I have to give you a gift. So well, tomorrow would be fine." Eragon replied smiling.

They reached Nasuada's tent, and entered after the Nighthawks had announced their arrival. As she entered, Arya saw that the all the nobles and leaders were standing, and Izlanzadi and Orik were present in two mirrors.

"Thank Gokukara, you are alright Eragon, I was worried sick because of you." Nasuada said, appearing relieved to see Eragon. The rest of the people also seemed to feel the same way, even Izlanzadi, though it was apparent that she disapproved of him being with Arya.

'I am fine Nasuada." Eragon replied and greeted everyone else in the room, as did Arya after him. He went and sat down next to Orrin, and Arya sat down next to him. Izlanzadi ahd greeted them in a normal way.

I am sure everyone noticed that I am always with him, but it doesn't matter anymore.

"Now tell me, where have you two been?" Nasuada asked, looking at them.

Eragon opened his mouth to say something but Arya cut him off, "We were in the woods. Eragon was shocked at Murtagh's disappearance, and he was extremely injured, so I stayed with him and healed him. We spent the rest of yesterday resting together in harmony with nature." Arya smiled at the look of surprise on Nasuada's face, and at the hint of anger in her mother's eyes.

"How did Murtagh escape?" Orik asked who was still determined to extract revenge for Hrothgar's death.

"I don't exactly know, but I think he was teleported to Uru'baen. At least that is what Thorn told me… I wasn't there when it happened; I was… recovering from my fall." Eragon said, trying to smile, but couldn't when he saw Arya's expression.

"Your fall?" Orik asked, curious.

"… Yes, you see, Galbatorix was trying to take control over Murtagh and Thorn. I knew that if he would succeed, then the Varden would be destroyed, I and Saphira would be captured and Alagaesia would be doomed. So I…" And Eragon told them what all had happened. He told them how Murtagh had told him how he would know when he was being taken control over, how Saphira had grabbed Thorn from below and half the straps of Eragon's saddle had broken off, how he had frozen Murtagh's and Thorn's muscles, how the last of the straps had broken and he had fallen off. But he couldn't tell them how he had saved himself because Orik cut him off.

"Why didn't you kill him?" Orik said, he seemed to be struggling to contain his anger.

"I didn't have a chance Orik! I was upside-down, and immobilizing him and Thorn was the only thing I could think of doing without knocking myself unconscious. I would have tried to kill him with magic, but I am sure that Galbatorix must have placed a ward on him that prevents people from using that idea." Eragon replied, an irritated edge to his voice, "And anyway, if you want revenge, it is not Murtagh who killed King Hrothgar, it was Galbatorix through Murtagh, just as he had killed my mentors and he was trying to do the same today. It was thanks to Murtagh that I was able to stop Galbatorix and, thus, win the day."

Orik's face remained the same when he said, "You swore you would avenge my foster-father, Eragon."

"And I shall fulfill it; I shall avenge our foster-father by slaying Galbatorix." Eragon replied, his voice calming down.

Orik smiled in reply but was quiet. Since nobody was saying anything, or so it seemed to Arya, Eragon began again. "I am leaving to save Murtagh tomorrow."

There was an uproar of protests, just as Arya had expected, but they were silenced when Eragon stood up. "I understand your reasons for stopping me, but I shall not hinder my decision. He is my friend and brother…" There was a stir among the gathered people when Eragon called Murtagh 'brother', even Arya was a little uneasy when she heard him "… and I will not abandon him to Galbatorix… And, there is nothing for you to fear now. We have captured Thorn; Galbatorix is heading for Vroengard…" There were startled exclamations at this, "… and I am as fit as ever. You are going to be in Belatona for a few days anyway, so there is no problem. Soon you might have two Dragons and their Riders on your side and maybe even three if the last egg hatches for someone." Eragon had a smile on his face by the end.

Arya also smiled, because she understood what Eragon had done. He had told them what they wanted to hear, and had fulfilled their request. Nasuada also appeared content, but she said, "I am sorry Eragon but the egg has not hatched for anyone here. I think it will be safer with you and Saphira, rather than with us." And she stood up, and went to a locked both, which she opened effortlessly, and pulled out the egg. She gave it to Eragon and smiled.

Suddenly, a thought came to Arya,

I haven't touched the egg yet, the last two times I was with Eragon. But there is a less chance for me to be the Rider anyway.

With that thought, she put aside her assumption.

"I take my leave now. I have much to plan and study before I can infiltrate Uru'baen, and precious little time to do it." Eragon said, and made to leave, glancing back at Arya.

Arya smiled as he left and stood up, "I take my leave as well, for I plan to accompany him to the dark city." Arya said, making all the leaders look at her in surprise.

"No you don't!" Izlanzadi replied, her expression showed that she feared something.

"I am sorry mother but this is my decision, not yours." Arya said and made to leave, but Izlanzadi shouted, "YOU WILL STAY AWAY FROM HIM!"

Arya turned around on the spot and faced her mother, anger present in equal amounts on both their faces and eyes. The leaders and the nobles quelled under their gaze. Even the Nighthawks were disturbed when they heard the Queen's shout.

"NO, I WILL NOT! HE IS THE ONLY ONE I HAVE IN THIS WORLD AND NOTHING WILL TAKE HIM AWAY FROM ME. . . . NOT EVEN DEATH." Arya shouted back, and strode out of the tent, pushing the Nighthawks out of her way.

She walked to Eragon's tent, where she was sure he had gone. Sure enough, he was there, but there was someone else there with him. Saphira and Thorn were lying down next to the tent, and Blodhgarm and his guards were discussing something next to Saphira. She stopped outside the entrance to listen to the conversation because she recognized the other person's voice. It was Naeivya.

"Please Eragon-vodhr, please listen to me. What have I done wrong, that you behave in such a manner with me?" She said.

"You have done many things wrong Naievya alfa-kona. First, you are trying to distance me from Arya. Second, you have bended and twisted the truth so that you can use it as accusations directed at Arya. Third, I know everything you said at the Agaeti Blodhren, when I had failed to reach up to your standards by fainting as my body changed." Eragon replied in a cold, harsh tone.

Naeivya was silent, so Arya chose that time to enter. Naeivya had her back to Arya, and Eragon was unbuckling his gauntlets.

"Please leave, Naeivya, and let me have some privacy." Eragon said in an irritated voice, but Naeivya did not move. She just stood there, looking at him as he removed the gauntlet and placed it next to his armor. Arya just stood at the entrance, waiting to be noticed by either of them. She still had her armor on, but she forgot about it as soon as she had seen Naeivya inside Eragon's tent.

"Do you love Arya so much that you will risk your life for her?" Naeivya asked him, fear and pain evident in it.

"It is not a matter of a love; but of loyalty and faith. I trust her with my life, and I have always risked my life for her. Even when I did not know who she was, not even her name; I risked everything so that she could escape with me and my companions. It was not because I loved her; it was because I was loyal to her." Eragon finished and turned her back to her, looking for something in his closet. Arya was astonished, but pleased with his words, though a part of her did sink a little when he said that it had not been a matter of love.

"And yesterday, why didn't you heal any of your injuries and instead of ran after her as if your life depended on it?" Naeivya pressed in the same voice, but Arya noticed that the pain in her voice was true.

She is pain, she in pain because she has learnt of the affection Eragon had for me. She isn't just jealous of me, she loves Eragon as well. . . .Barzuln!

Eragon gave her a critical look, then returned to his searching. He tossed a book at the bed, then said, "My life did depend on it. I ran after her because my life depended on it, for she is the only person who knows me for what I truly am, and I am the only person who knows her for what she truly is. We are close friends and companions, that is all." Eragon replied, and carefully removed a sack, which he placed on the bed as well. Arya was surprised at what he said.

He won't reveal anything to Naeivya anyway.

"Eragon-vodhr, please tell me the truth. I must know, what it is that is between you and Arya, I must know-

"And why?" Eragon asked her in an irritated tone, "So that you can inflame my parents against her after I am dead or gone? Well let me tell you, my parents were dead long before I could call them my mother or father. I did not know who my parents were or where they came from until recently. So, it is useless. Then? Who will you inflame against her then?"

Naeivya seemed shocked at his words, so was Arya but she remained silent, waiting and watching to see what Naeivya would do next. Her voice confirmed her emotions, "No, I didn't mean to offend you, but please, can you just tell me what is it that there is between you two?" she pleaded, as Eragon pulled out a filled saddle bag and carefully placed it on the ground.

"Fine, I will tell you! We are the best of friends who care for each other and don't want to see each other in pain. As far as I am concerned, I don't care about what happens to me if Arya's life is in danger, and I will gladly take the killing blow rather than her. And I am pretty sure she feels the same. Has that answered your question?" Eragon said in an extremely annoyed tone and turned to face her, but spotted Arya who was smiling at him. But she immediately a finger on her lips.

"No it doesn't, Eragon. . . . I love you and I want to be with you. Cannot you forget Arya and come with me? Cannot you forget her? See how much you have suffered on her behalf, you-

"I know how much I have suffered, and I will gladly suffer more." Eragon said loudly, but his face softened and he continued in a warm tone, "I am sorry Naeivya, but I cannot return your love. The love I had to give died at the Agaeti Blodhren, due to my own foolishness." Arya turned away when he said this, but what he said next melted her heart, "But it hasn't returned to me yet. . . .Love is like a phoenix: It may burst to flames when it is time for it to die, but it may yet be born anew from the ashes. Though there is a difference: A phoenix remains true to its own will, and serves its master with unmatched loyalty. Whereas love. . . love becomes the master if you are not careful. This I have experienced and this I know." Eragon said to her, and turned to his closet again, at carefully pulled out a scroll that he began to read, but he noticed Naeivya still standing there. He looked at her regretfully, and said in the Ancient Language, "I cannot fulfill your request. I cannot love a person who is filled with jealousy so great; it does not matter to the her who she harms in her quest for vengeance. You shall have to clear your mind and think properly, and do not bring me such a request again. I know you are more than this, Naeivya, I know there is more to you than just a thirst for revenge or jealousy. Find peace within yourself, only then shall I speak to you. Now leave, I have something to discuss with Arya."

Naeivya's eyes were flooded with tears as she ran out of the tent, not even noticing Arya as she ran past. Arya looked back and she knew that those tears were true, but she could not feel pity for Naeivya, who had caused her so much suffering.

Eragon sighed as he placed the scroll back into the closet and said, "Sometimes, I really find it difficult to understand why people behave in such a way with me, even when they know that I cannot help them."

Arya smiled and looked at the saddlebag which she knew was the bag that contained the eldunarya.

". . . Arya? Why are you still in your armor?" Eragon asked, looking at her.

"Oh, I forgot to remove it, and I had a quarrel with my mother after you left… Not to worry; nothing happened though she is angry." Arya said, and looked at the book.

It was named Domia Abr Wyrda, which Arya had seen many times in the libraries of her people.

"Eragon, there is something I must tell you. I have decided to accompany you to Uru'baen." Arya said, trying to make her tone sound persuasive.

Eragon looked at her helplessly, then said. "Is there anyway I can convince you to stay?"

Arya smiled and shook her head; He really knows that I can't be persuaded otherwise.

"Also, your speech about 'love' was quite good, where did you read it?" Arya asked as she unbuckled her leather jerkin. To her surprise, Eragon laughed and said, "I didn't read I learnt it
from experience."