For Eila's sake, Arya avoided introducing her in front of a crowd. They instead flew back to the Rider's loft and situated themselves before doing anything else. She gave Eila, Angela and Elva a brief tour of the expansive Loft and rooms, asking them to pick a room if they so desired. Eila chose a room ten doors down the hall from Arya's, preferring to be close but distant. Angela desired to stay in her house down by the lake, which meant Elva would need to follow. Arya promised to send spellcasters to help with repairs if needed, but Angela refused, insisting that it was better to do some things by hand.
The eggs were to be temporarily held in the Loft until a more permanent decision was made on where to keep them. Shruikan was to stay with Eila for his safety and comfort, while Fírnen and Eylörís stayed out on the deck, under the shelter in case it rained.
Once Angela and Elva had left after helping with the dragons' tack and the eggs, they left for their secluded little home in the forest. Arya then showed Eila how to work the taps on the bath, then showed her where she kept personal cleaning supplies, towels, washing cloths, and toiletries. She was instructed to get cleaned up then to meet down in the kitchen for lunch. Arya would do the same.
She made a quick stop in another room firstly, despite the tension that coiled in her stomach. It's her first time coming in here since he left.
With a deep breath, she pulled the dresser drawer open, revealing a small selection of tunics, made mostly with blues, greys, and blacks. Some were the typical coloring of Elvish clothing. Green and brown fabric breathed a familiar scene. Some sported the occasional tawny or white color schemes along with the colors of the forest.
She let her fingers feel the soft material. She was barely touching the surface before she picked a deep blue one and lifted it into the mid-morning light.
His scent touched her nose; a faint fiery smell that had become potent when left to mingle with the other clothing he wore while here. He and Saphira had placed a spell on these articles to retain their cleanliness in an effort to not trouble the Elves. Instead, it had trapped his scent.
Arya closed her eyes as she hugged the bundle of fabric close to her chest. These are the only things she has of his material possessions. They're not even hers to take. She hoped Eragon didn't mind.
In the end, she left with four tunics. She closed the drawer and headed swiftly back into her room, hoping Eila didn't see or hear her.
From there, she made her way into the bathroom where she filled the tub with warm water while she gathered her own cleaning supplies, plus a towel and some loose-fitting trousers. She hated the fact that she'd have to either visit the tailor or wear dresses more often.
Perhaps Eragon's tunics would be acceptable.
Easing herself into the water, Arya sighed with relief when the knots in her aching muscles began to loosen. She let her hands rest upon her swollen middle, finding the change in her physique to be in the beginning stages of cumbersome. At least she's made it just past fourteen weeks and is now into her fifteenth. Everyone was right, the baby stayed.
She closed her eyes and sighed. Despite the fact that her nerves were on edge about being back in Ellesméra, it was also nice to be home. After today, she can rest and relax for a little while to get caught up on lost sleep and skipped meals.
After sitting there for a while, she scrubbed her body clean of any remaining dirt and grime, then drained the tub and rinsed off. She stepped out and dried her body before donning her fresh pair of clothes and underthings. There's nothing better than a clean, comfortable outfit after traveling for so long, she decided, getting reacquainted to the feeling as she tugged on her trousers.
She picked up the same blue tunic and slid it over her head. Her eyebrows rose when she suddenly realized how much bigger Eragon is than her. His physique mimicked that of an Elf since his transformation, but she hadn't quite realized how different their body types were until now. He was usually covered by light armor or thick clothing, distorting his actual structure.
His scent hit her senses and a wash of emotions rushed through her, causing her to feel at ease. When had she become so dependent on him? Was it the baby who was doing this to her mind? The reason seemed irrelevant. It's the most relaxed and okay she's felt all week. Reasons be damned, they're excuses.
Feeling better, she went downstairs to either meet Eila or be met by her, depending on who ended up getting there first.
As it turned out, it was Eila who finished getting cleaned up first. She was already sitting quietly at the dining table, her hands wrapped around a wooden mug.
"You're not hungry?" Arya asked as she walked through the common space.
"I wanted to wait for you, I don't know where everything is and I didn't want to be invasive." Eila responded a little shyly.
Arya smiled lightly. "Thank you, but I do want you to know that this is your home just as much as it is my own. You have full clearance to rummage through the kitchen whenever you want for whatever you need. I'll show you the gardens a little later where we grow the food we eat. Speaking of which, we need to make more bread. Anyway, I have a feeling someone will show up soon, especially since Fírnen and Eylörís just went hunting."
Eila looked a little pale at the thought of meeting new people, and Arya could sympathize with the apprehension due to the uncommon knowledge of her pregnancy. They were both on edge.
Pulling down a cloth filled with crackers made entirely of plant matter, Arya walked to the table and sat across from Eila. She passed one of the bread slice-sized wafers to Eila, then pulled out one for herself.
"Eat. You've grown shaky." Arya encouraged as she bit into her piece. These crackers were the main thing she ate when here by herself, as it was easy to make, the recipe made a large quantity, it was nutritionally sound, and it kept for a long span of time.
Eila gave a slight smile and bit into her cracker, chewing it slowly. She expected it to taste bland or stale but was instead met with a variety of flavors that complimented each other. Arya chuckled at the surprised look on Eila's features.
"You were expecting something different, weren't you?" She raised an eyebrow.
"Definitely." The half-Elf nodded and returned her cousin's smile. "It's really good though."
Arya nodded knowingly. "That was my first reaction too. It was Angela, actually, who came up with the recipe. She is a woman of convenience, I've decided, when it comes to lifestyle choices. I'm often thankful for that. She's taught me quite a lot when it comes to that subject."
They shared the kindred mood for only a moment before a knock resonated through the Loft's common room. Arya sighed quietly. "It's just Rhunön, don't worry. Stay here."
Eila stiffened, but nodded anyways, feeling her heart beat so rapidly she felt that if she removed her clothing, she'd be able to see its outline on her skin as it hammered away at her insides.
Arya got up and answered the door, only to find the blacksmith leaning casually against the banner along the stairs and landing leading up to the Loft's entrance.
"You're back and you didn't even come to say hello." Rhunön raised an eyebrow.
"We've only been here for two or three hours." Arya shied away, suddenly feeling gut twisting self-consciousness grip her, causing her features to become completely pale.
"Alright, alright. Stop hiding behind the door, you have nothing to worry about." Rhunön looked pointedly at her and Arya did as she was told, opening the door some and straightening her posture, all while trying to avoid looking as skittish as she felt.
"See? Much better. May I come in? I want to ask how motherhood is treating you so far and also about our newest Rider " Rhunön smiled as the younger Elf flinched at the word 'motherhood'.
Arya just stood aside, unable to come up with a verbal response and waited for her friend to enter before closing the door.
"Now that it's just us, let me see you. It's clear as day that you're uncomfortable with yourself. Your mother was the same way. "
Arya nodded defeatedly and allowed her hands to cradle her baby bump, knowing that if she didn't do what Rhunön asked of her, the nagging would only continue.
With a fond smile, the blacksmith admired the mother-to-be. "You're about fifteen weeks now, aren't you?"
"Just barely." Arya nodded. It had taken longer to get home than she had thought. It was harder with a larger group to travel as efficiently as she's used to, especially through the forest.
"These are for you." She handed a small, clear glass bottle out to Arya, who took it timidly.
"They're nutritional supplements. Only eat one per day and try to take them at the same time each day. Crush and chew them and drink lots of water." Rhunön informed diligently.
Arya nodded. "Thank you. I'm actually familiar with these. Eila knows quite a bit about pregnancy and has helped educate me. She told the healers in Ilirea that she was pregnant so she could get a hold of the right kind of supplements for me." She said quietly as she studied the jar. These didn't look too much different than the ones she had. They probably tasted just as bad, though. "That being said, who else knows I'm pregnant? You got these from Lyda. They have her stamp on them."
Rhunön raised an eyebrow. "Yes, I did. She's the only one who knows aside from myself. I apologize for revealing your secret to her, but you need these to remain healthy and I wanted to have them before you arrived. She was overjoyed to hear you're expecting, by the way, and she promised to keep the knowledge to herself. It won't be long before the entirety of Ellesméra knows, though. All it would take is for you to step outside. I'm not trying to intimidate you. That fact will make it easier on you when it comes to an announcement."
"No. I'm not making an announcement. It's not the entirety of Du Weldenvarden's business." Arya snapped.
Rhunön huffed amusedly. "Fine, fine, but I would give it thought if I were you. Now, may I meet our newest and quite thoughtful Rider?"
"As you wish." Arya glared, then turned on her heel and led Rhunön into the kitchen.
At the sight of their presence, Eila leapt to her feet, nearly knocking her chair over in the process, but caught it just before it could fall.
"Eila, this is Rhunön, the blacksmith here in Ellesméra and quite possibly the oldest Elf to remain alive. Rhunön, this is Eila, Rider to Eylörís and my new student." Arya let her tone become kind in front of the young half-Elf, who quickly twisted her right hand over her sternum as she shakily recited the traditional Elvish greeting Arya had taught to her while they were traveling.
Rhunön accepted the greeting and recited the rest. She smiled when Eila finished the exchange, who then ran a hand through her damp hair nervously once it was complete.
The blacksmith noticed her ears. "You have Elvish and human lineage." Her eyes widened in surprise and Eila went pale. Arya clenched her teeth, knowing how sensitive of a topic that was.
"I do, yes." Eila nodded, clenching and unclenching her fists.
"Where are you from?" Rhunön asked politely.
"Ilirea, currently, formerly Urû'Baen, and even before that, Ilirea again."
The Elven Blacksmith straightened with hidden concern. "May I ask who your parents are?"
Eila clenched her teeth tightly and willed her eyes not to water. "Can you promise to not make assumptions of me as a person if I tell you? Arya Ebrithil obviously trusts you and I trust her judgement based on the person she is. I've observed and spoken with her over the past few weeks, and I've come to know her and her mannerisms. If she trusts you, I trust you."
Arya's eyes widened at her student's confession to having such a large amount of trust for her and her decisions and opinions. It made her heart warm.
Rhunön nodded, then promised to not speak a word to anyone else in the Ancient Language, leaving no room for exceptions unless it was with Eylörís, Arya, Fírnen, or Eila herself. Once word got out, though Rhunön would be able to speak openly about it.
Then came the hard part. The young woman looked over at Arya, hoping to glean some insight into how she viewed the wiseness of this decision. Finding nothing, Eila realized that this truly was her own choice to make.
"Freydis, daughter of Dellanir and sister to Evandar is my mother." She blinked and looked away, to the ceiling, to the wall and then to the floor. She took a deep breath and continued. "Galbatorix, cruel ruler of the Empire, usurper, egg breaker, and leader of the Forsworn is my father. Let it be known that I hold no love for him, other than the natural love a daughter has for her father, and even that has fallen under his abuse. I've wanted him dead for a very long time." Her voice wavered under her emotions and her legs felt like mush. She didn't dare look up, but she did when she felt a warm pair of arms wrap around her shoulders, holding her tightly. It was Arya.
"I'm so proud of you." The Elf whispered into her ear, causing her to smile slightly. She then returned the embrace, burying her head in her cousin's shoulder, never wanting the warmth to fade.
It had to, though, when Arya pulled away. Her blue eyes sparkled with tears at the effortless comfort her cousin had given her. And she was proud of her. Proud.
Eila looked to Rhunön, who had a rather blank expression on her face as she stared off into nothingness. Worry flooded her as she watched the blacksmith. She looked at Arya again, trying to figure out what had gone wrong.
She hoped the things Rhunön had promised not to do were not the cause of her frozen state. She hoped Rhunön saw her as just a person and not something twisted. She stepped forward and raised a shaky hand to the Elder Elf's cheek with intent to show her the things she's let Arya see too. Pieces of her abused past.
"May I show you something?" She asked when Rhunön didn't look up. "Being around Arya has helped me come to terms with the things that have happened to me. I will show you two memories if you'll permit me to do so. I want to prove my existence isn't naturally evil."
At that Rhunön looked up to find Eila's ice blue eyes full of tears. She nodded without a word and opened her mind.
Eila closed her eyes and focused her attention on the details of what she came to call 'her last major Branding Day'. This time, however, she showed Rhunön the full memory, understanding that she needed to do so for the blacksmith to fully understand.
Strapped to a table from the waist down, she let herself drift in and out of sleep while she waited, nearly completely naked and shivering in the cold room. Her shoulders were strapped down as well, but her arms were free with the exception of her biceps. The buckles were just out of reach. She let her hands fall to her gently swollen abdomen, hoping to comfort the child within, despite her terror. The young life shifted within her, causing tears to form in her eyes. She didn't know what was to come, and the horrendous anticipation was becoming painful for both of them. The maternal side of her mind hoped the child lived through this, but she knew in her heart these were their last moments together. It would be better for both of them. The child would be safer in death than in life while here in Urû'Baen. The thought pulverized her shattered heart more than it already was.
The moment flicked to when her father entered the damp and freezing cell carrying a glass bottle and a steel brush. It flicked again to his hands as he tightened the straps around her wrists then as he pulled the glass stopper off and dipped the brush inside. He started around her shoulders, traveling downwards over her breasts and belly, creating swirling designs that bled profusely. He did the same to her arms, brushing over old scars and fresh ones. The brush was coated in Seithr Oil and she tried not to utter even a small whimper, refusing him that satisfaction.
The memory jumped to the hours she had to lay there, bleeding and burning, before he eventually returned to apply neutralizer. She felt the relief of passing out when whatever he used made the burning worse. That wasn't the neutralizer she was familiar with. Was it even the neutralizer to begin with?
When she woke, she was shackled against the wall. Glowing orange rods were jabbed into her skin, some with designs on the end, others without any particular shape. None were of claws or of the Empire's symbol. Galbatorix used a blade to cut her skin up further, taking pleasure in the way her skin split when it was already burned and charred. He never marked her face. He never raped, touched or mutilated her most private regions either.
The memory progressed to the final brand; The braid that now scarred her back. Her final gift. It shifted again, to the memory of when Galbatorix treated her wounds and the tenderness he showed her in those broken moments, revealing how much she longed to have a father who loved her. Then to Murtagh, who she viewed as an older brother, but she knew he didn't feel the same way. He was just there to help fix her broken body.
Eila let all of her emotions pour into the memory, and by the time she pulled away from Rhunön's mind, she was holding onto a sob with everything she had, causing her body to shake violently. The second memory would hurt more than this one.
Rhunön was similarly impacted as she could feel with shocking realness the pain Eila had to endure. And there was more.
"I've never seen and felt something so terribly horrendous… so… brutally inhuman." The blacksmith whispered as she reached up and touched Eila's tear-streaked cheek. Her gaze traveled to the half-Elf's midsection. "Would it be too cruel to ask about your child?"
Eila remained still as stone, except for when she drew her hand away. "I intended to show you in a second memory, unless you wish me to spare you that pain." Her voice had become more solid, but it still wavered from the old memories.
Rhunön closed her eyes and shook her head. "Let me heal from what you've given me and if you're willing, I'd like to see your second memory. I think it's best to allow what you've given me a moment to breathe."
Eila nodded and closed her eyes. "So be it, but for now, please excuse me. I need to go… be alone for a while." She said quietly, biting back her desire to curl up on the floor in the corner and cry for hours on end.
"I understand entirely." Rhunön said gently, holding back emotions of her own. "I want you to know that I'm in your support. I'll stand behind you if there is backlash."
Eila nodded solemnly. "Thank you greatly. Would it be better to let people know, or to keep it a secret? I want to be open and honest here, but I also don't want people to hate me for what I am." Her body still trembled.
Rhunön nodded. "It would be best to tell them but do so only when you're ready. It'll cause a stir, especially since you're a Rider, but let it simmer and relax. It will do so eventually. Offer to help people and try your best to make some friends to show them you are quite unlike your father before you tell them. Now go, take all the time you need."
Eila looked to Arya for permission, and she nodded. "Go ahead. If you need me, I'll be here. Help yourself to the kitchen, as always. Get some rest."
"Thank you." Eila said quietly with a nod before wrapping her cousin in a brief hug. To Arya, it seemed her student was unused to initiating physical contact and actively seeking comfort in an embrace. This felt like it would be her first time. She smiled and kissed the side of Eila's temple before they pulled away and departed.
Rhunön waited for her to disappear before saying anything to Arya. "I've never met anyone so broken. What she showed me was common and unsurprising behavior from her father. She came to expect his abuse. I'm… speechless."
"Me too." Arya said quietly. "I'm just glad she's here now and that her father is dead. I want her to feel safe. The only trait from Galbatorix I've been able to recognize in her aside from her features is her ability to speak convincingly, but I know she'd never abuse that. She's so paranoid about becoming like him."
"I understand why. I hope she can heal. Let me know if I can help as well. I'll do whatever is needed of me."
"That is very kind of you." Arya gave a soft smile.
"Always." Rhunön returned the expression. "Now, how are you doing?"
"Fine." Arya responded without humor. "You could have told me about how quick Elves are to start showing, and how drastic the change is. That surprise was thoroughly unamusing, Rhunön."
"A lot of things about being a parent can mean expecting the unexpected. It builds character." She smiled, but Arya seemed hurt by the comment. Her arms snaked around her waist and she hugged herself closely, trying to find confidence that wasn't there. Bad parent, bad parent, bad parent for not knowing what to expect. For being so unprepared; for having to read a book instead of having been through formal lessons; for being scared of her own child and yet be in love with him at the same time; for neglecting to share everything with the father of said child; for not taking care of herself; for trying so desperately to be okay when nothing is okay.
The panic that had been locked away for so long was beginning to return and she suddenly couldn't breathe. In the beginning she was numb, then she was nervous, then afraid. After that she was sad, then angry. She never let the situation crash down on her. It never really felt real. Now it did because she was home. This is where her baby will learn to crawl, walk, run, play, jump, spar, and so many other things. She'll give birth here and she might die, leaving her whole family to be alone; her baby without his mother and Fírnen without his Rider…
Her breaths came in short jerks as her eyes widened and filled with tears. Rhunön was by her side nearly immediately and guided her to one of the dining chairs. Her whole body was shaking violently.
"Breathe, breathe. Focus on my hand." The Blacksmith said gently as she threaded her fingers through Arya's raven black hair.
When the younger Elf didn't listen, Rhunön grasped ahold of Arya's shoulder. "Come on, Arya, you need to breathe, take a deep breath and let it out. Use your words. Tell me what's wrong."
"I-I'm…. I'm pregnant…" the young Elf said quietly, attempting to take a deep breath, then failed.
"Yes… you've known this for two months now." Rhunön said as comfortingly as possible while she wiped the tears away from Arya's cheeks.
"But I-... N-... I-I can't…" she closed her eyes and forced herself to take a deep breath. "What makes you think me as a parent is a good idea?" She screwed her eyes shut and clenched her teeth together to hopefully stop them from chattering as though she were cold. "I don't know how to be a good parent." Her tone was angry. "I don't know what to do to keep him safe and healthy and away from harm." Her voice fell and she bowed her head. "I've done so badly so far and it's only been barely over fourteen whole weeks out of fifty two."
"You're doing fine. Your little one stuck around past fourteen weeks. It'll get a little bit easier now that he or she is done growing so quickly. I'm sorry to say that the nausea won't go away any time soon, but you'll feel like you have more energy." Rhunön smiled. "Look at me. Arya, look at me."
The Elf reluctantly did as she was told the second time Rhunön asked and opened her bleary eyes to find the softened expression on her friend's features.
"It'll be alright. I know exactly what you're going through, and I want to tell you, based on experience, that your worry for keeping your child safe and healthy is one of the first steps in becoming a parent. If this breakdown you're having attests to anything, it's definitely in lieu of growing into motherhood." She reached up and kissed Arya's forehead. "You're doing fine. Take some time to yourself so you can learn and connect with yourself." Rhunön found Arya's hand and pressed it carefully to her swollen abdomen. "You referred to your baby as a boy. Are you having a boy?"
The Elf nodded. "Yes. I told Eragon as well. He… he's the… other half. The… father." She replied sheepishly.
"And how did he react?"
"Much better than I anticipated." Arya smiled a little bit at the memory of how excited he seemed to hear the baby was doing well the last time they spoke. That was nearly three weeks ago. She would need to contact him soon.
"Is he returning for you?" Rhunön raised an eyebrow, though internally was quite pleased with herself for being able to help Arya through her panic.
"I told him he needed to find a suitable place for the dragons to call home." She wiped her cheeks again, just to be sure.
"Oh good, because that's what Orik came to suggest. There is a continent south and east of the Beor Mountains he feels would be suitable for training and housing Riders and dragons alike. He has more details than I do because he wants you to be the first to know everything about the situation. He's been spending time with me at the forge lately. He's a fantastic smith."
Arya's expression fell slightly. "How did I forget he was here?"
"The baby, most likely." Rhunön chuckled, then sobered. "Would you consider allowing Eragon to come home sooner if Orik's location is pleasing and suitable?"
Her eyebrows furrowed in thoughtful contemplation. "It depends on how long he, Saphira and the Elves can get settled."
"In a perfect world, then. If it took him a month longer to traverse the seas, and say, two months to get established, you would be about seven months pregnant by the time he arrived, depending on how long it takes him and Saphira to cross Alagaësia."
The Elven Queen smiled slightly. "That's two more months than what I told him. I said he could come home three months before I'm due."
"See? Even better. Now rest with that happy thought on your mind. I'll send word that you're back, but also that you are not to be bothered for the rest of the day. Sleep for as long as you'd like."
"I can do that." Arya sounded positive.
"Good. Sleep well, then." She smiled. "And check on Eila for me. She's in a lot of pain."
The raven-haired Elf nodded. "I was going to do that anyway. I'm worried for her as well."
"Mhm. Now go rest. I'll see myself out." Rhunön drew away without much fanfare. She pressed another kiss to Arya's forehead before quickly stepping away.
The heavy front door opened, then closed, and suddenly, Elva was standing in front of Arya. She had slipped in through after Rhunön.
"Is everything okay?" Arya asked the now eighteen or nineteen-year-old after a long span of staring at each other.
"No."
"What can I do to help you, then?" Elva's eyes were intense and hidden, and it was making Arya uncomfortable.
"I can feel Eila's pain and I wanted to try helping."
With a slow nod, Arya stood with care. "What is your definition of 'helping'?"
"I just want to talk with her, that's all. Keep her company if she'll have me." Elva shrugged.
The Elf gestured for her to follow as they walked upstairs. "I thought you two didn't get along all that well."
"We made up."
Arya stopped in her tracks, then turned around. "Define that as well. You both were arguing hotly the other day and I can't quite believe you two are fine after that."
"She forgave me for ratting her out in Ilirea. We resolved our argument through the use of calm words and reasoning. We've made our peace and are attempting friendship."
With a frown, Arya studied Elva's eyes. She was acting strange. "She's been through a lot today. Please be mindful of that. I'll have your hide if you do anything to hurt her."
"Then I promise to be gentle." Elva raised an eyebrow. She wore a black tunic and black trousers, causing her eyes to stand out.
"Elva." Arya said strictly. "I have a mind to not let you in there at all. You will obey my orders, do you understand?"
"Yes ma'am. Of course." The innocence returned and the girl Arya felt like she used to know returned as well. She didn't know how to feel about the adult version of the Witch Child, though. Elva had become stony and angry ever since the human world would classify her as an adult.
Without a word, Arya led her up the stairs, and to the uppermost floor. They walked ten doors away from Arya's quarters to where Eila's room resided, then knocked.
"Come in." Came Eila's soft voice.
"Stay right here until I either call for you or return." Arya said sternly to Eila before she opened the door.
Inside, the young Rider was laying on her back, atop her neatly made bed while she stared blankly at the ceiling.
"Hey." Arya's voice was soft. "I came to check on you and talk if you wanted. Elva has decided to visit as well. She wishes to spend time with you."
"Oh… I'm okay, thank you. I just… I allowed Lady Rhunön to see more than I intended, and I wasn't quite ready to revisit some of those things. That's all." She said quietly.
"Is there anything I can do to help?" She offered and Eila looked over.
"At the moment, no, but thank you. What did Elva want to visit for?"
"The same reason I'm here. To make sure you're okay." Arya answered.
"Oh, then… yes, I think I'm okay with her company. I'd ask for you to stay, Arya, but I know you're tired and we have a chance to rest." Eila gave a soft smile, then reached out to grasp her cousin's hand, squeezing it for a moment before letting go.
"I'll leave you be. Try to get some rest, we have a rather big day ahead of us tomorrow. You will be accompanying me in our meeting with Orik to discuss Rider matters. Have you ever seen a Dwarf before?" Arya asked with a smile.
"No, I haven't."
Her smile widened. "They're short and loud. Orik is kind, though. I believe he is a good King to his people. On that note, rest well." She bent and kissed Eila's forehead, just as Rhunön had done earlier.
"You too." Eila smiled fondly at her cousin, and Arya smiled back with the same look on her face.
"I will. Let me send Elva in and I'll be off." Arya said as she brushed Eila's hair out of her face just before turning.
"Elva? Come on."
The young woman stepped carefully through the threshold, her demeanor softening from the stony appearance she had earlier the closer she drew to Eila's bed.
Arya watched them for a moment before leaving the door cracked, just in case.
A/N: I know, I know, It's been too long. I'm just trying to figure out where I want this thing to go. Forgive me, I'm working without a script. Anyways, just like the last chapter, this one is rather all over the place as well. It's also quite long, so I hope you guys enjoyed that, considering the last few have been on the shorter side. I swear, I ended up writing just about five chapters within the span from when I last posted up until right now, at 11:08 at night. Those will probably come in handy later, hopefully.
For everyone who reads these author's notes, I thank you greatly, because I want to address Eila's situation. I made the decision to change the rating on this fic to "mature" because I would feel awful if someone who has had to go through an abusive past of any sort enter this fic and get hurt by my descriptions because I know they're brutal. I don't want that. Even though I wish this story to contain great aspects of healing, part of the healing process is to face and accept the troubles and trials the characters have had to face. It's the same in real life. I'm speaking from experience. I'll eventually add warnings, if I can, to the story description. I have to figure that out, if it's possible.
Sorry for the super-serious time, but it's what I needed to say- for my own consciousness at least.
As always, thank you all for reading! Much love, joy, happiness, and healing to you all!
-Lady Arlo