Firelight Discussion (An Eragon Love Story Part 38)
Kiara slumbered soundly on the bed. Solembaum purred as he cuddled up next to her to keep her company through the long night. Brom rested in a chair with his chin down. Only Eragon and Angela were awake. They sat near the fire to warm themselves in the cool Spring air which found its way into the little house. At long length, Eragon asked, "What brought you here?"
"Let's see. After you left Teirm, the city began to bustle with gossip. They heard rumor of you, or I should say they heard of a rider. I had no doubt that you were that rider, otherwise Solembaum would have never spoke with you and I would have never read you your fortune. I am one to be where there is something going on, so when Terim began to drift back into it's normal routine, I left. News spread of the King making his way to visit Dras Leona, so I decided to come here. A good thing too." She winked at Eragon.
He smiled staring into the fire. The flames danced around in a spectacle of light keeping his interest. Angela continued on. "I assume that at least one of your fortunes came true already. Kiara is a fine young lady, isn't she."
All at once Eragon pulled his gaze away from the flames to look at the witch. Her brown eyes reflected the fires light and on her lips, a small smile formed. "Aye, she is." He admitted.
"I am happy for you. It is obvious that the two of you share something special. Your love is a rare love which will last through generations. But like I said, I cannot guarantee that the love will end in tragedy or end in ease."
"Umm…alright." He was unsure what to say.
"Eragon, what is troubling you. From what I have seen, you normally never stop asking questions. Right now you seem distant. Tell me, please, what is wrong?"
"It is quite lame really. For one I miss being with Saphira. All I am able to do is contact her with updates on our situation and that's it. I miss flying on her back, the wind rushing past. I am growing sick of having to stay inside all the time because someone might recognize me if I went out. I am yearning for fresh air and to move on to the next stage of our journey."
"I see. You plan on waiting for Kiara to heal before you travel again."
"Yes, I cannot stand being without her. In truth, I need both Saphira and Kiara by my side. Without them, I do not feel as strong."
"Even now you surprise me, Eragon. Most men see women as inferior, weak individuals who live to serve them in their needs. You, on the other hand, view women as…how do I say…equals."
"Well, sort of…to a certain extent."
Angela perked up her ears to hear his answer. She was most interested to find out how he really feels about women.
"Look, I am not saying that women cannot do what men normally do, they can and they should. But, at certain times, maybe it is not so bad to have a man do something rather than a woman. For example, Kiara and I both sword fight exceptionally well. I do not want Kiara to quit fighting with the sword, because that is a skill more women should learn, but there are times I fear for her safety. In some battles I would have Kiara be absent, yet I know her very well, and so that will probably never happen."
"It is out of love that you would have her become more like a woman?"
"Ah…" He stammered, "In all honesty…yes."
He noticed Angela beaming at him with her smile. "You do not think that is well…male chauvinist?"
"Not at all. Look Eragon, I already told you that you are unlike most men. I would never patronize you for thinking that way. You love her the way she is. Just because you want her protected at times is not male chauvinist. That is a normal reaction."
"As always, you are right. Lately, I found Kiara to act more like a girl, if you get what I mean."
"I do. When you first met her, she was tough, as she should. Being with you has caused her to be more girlish which I think has done her some good. Understand that all girls dream of love and finding the right man to grow old with. Her life is a sad one up until you came into the picture. I believe that your love for her is the beginning of a new chapter in her life story. All I ask is that you do not disappoint her in the end."
"Huh?"
"Ah! So I guess it doesn't matter how decent a man is, they will never grasp this concept. You are both quite young. I realize that for now you two are in love and so far things have not torn you apart. Heed my warning, even a true love may not last long. The both of you have good intentions for each other, yet youth and lack of relationship experience will be the main obstacle you need to overcome. Your fortune said that your love is of noble birth and is wise and beautiful. Kiara seems to fit this description, at least for now. There are other noble women in this world."
"You doubt that she…"
"I do not doubt, but pray that she is the one."
"Alright. I will heed your warning for I have often wondered that myself."
"Good. Now let us get some shut eye."
The two fell asleep within the hour beside the fire which died without the needed fuel.