Hey all! Thank you for the reviews...and I was so surprised everyone liked my little story so much! I guess I had better hurry it up a bit if I am to finish this by August 23rd...But you know how things are. People get distracted. I just got finished with my Freshman year of High School, so now homework won't hold me back! This summer, I'll be sure to get a lot of this up, or once again, I give you permission to shoot me or something fun or interesting of that sort. -- Sarahjane
Weeks passed without any incident for the young rider and his azure companion. It seemed that Eragon's days were on constant repeat. It went from waking, eating, flying Saphira, reading dusty tomes from the ancient library, eating, sparring with Murtagh, practicing magic, eating, and then falling asleep back in his cave. Every so often his nights would be interrupted once more by haunting dreams of death and destruction, but it seemed that upon conversing about them with Angela, it was like a mighty burden had been lifted off his shoulders. Angela had actually told him that it was only his conscience sending him those terrible dreams, using the actual occurrences around him and being turned into horrible nightmares. Though Eragon's days were dull--he enjoyed them immensely now that he didn't dread falling asleep.
Rarely did Eragon see Arya. She seemed to be brushing past him, busying herself whenever he came along. If he stopped to say hello, she would give him a nod of acknowledgement, but nothing more. He supposed it was for the better, but seeing one of the Twins sneer as she paid him no attention made him slightly angry. Slowly...it seemed that without having direct contact with the Elf diminished into nothing--his feelings too diminished. He too frequently found himself catching the eye of a young maid walking through the great halls of Tronjheim and smiling flirtatiously. And why shouldn't he? He was now sixteen years old. His heart wasn't tied down yet. And he often looked back and pondered about how he had simply immense infatuation with Arya's beauty. But how did she feel? He couldn't know. But for some reason--he felt that she was having the same misgivings about their relationship.
Eragon and Saphira were currently laying down for sleep. Eragon had pulled on his sleeping britches and climbed into his bunk, and Saphira was now curled in a huge blue sphere. His mind was fleeting, skipping over several experiences that day, and focusing on others. That day, his schedule was just as unvaried as the days before, and the Rider was thinking of all that had come to pass. His mind slipped from eating breakfast that morning to pulling down that enormous purple volume in the library. He recalled it having such brittle pages that a single slipshod move could possibly break the page in half. Eragon had pulled it off the shelf, and blew on its dusty cover. A single embossed word painted in silver ink met his eyes. "Gladantië," read the title. He immediately recognized it as a word of magic...but what did it mean?
From that memory he thought of Arya stepping into the library where he was seated, and quickly ducking out with the sight of him.
I haven't seen Arya in a while, said Saphira with a hint of tease in her voice. Is there tension between you both?
I honestly don't know, Saphira. I thought I had feelings for her... Eragon trailed off.
Well...nothing ever did happen between you two in the first place besides that stupid note. It's not like there was much to be lost in the first place. Plus the energy around her when she passes you isn't extremely powerful when she's around you and you around her, unlike Murtagh and that Nasuada. They simply glow when they are around each other, said Saphira with a matter-of-fact tone.
Wait...they glow said Eragon incredulously.
Well...yes. Almost all the couples around here have certain energy about them--I see it even with new love. But it never happened with you two. I only saw obsession--a deep red, but with everyone else--there's a bright white. And now that obsessive energy that once surrounded you has almost faded completely.
Eragon had gone rigid in his bed, his earth colored blanket pulled up to his chin. Eragon whispered aloud, "Is that why you never liked me being with her?"
I suppose you could say that. It wasn't good energy, so I responded negatively to it. Now, any more questions? Because I am getting tired of this. And with that, Saphira let out a huge yawn of sleepiness.
Just one more, Saphira. Do you see energy around everyone? asked Eragon slowly, as he too was getting tired.
Yes. Perhaps I'll show you one day. It's oddly beautiful. But for now, go to sleep little one. But Eragon didn't hear his dragon. He had already fallen asleep.
Eragon woke that morning with Murtagh blowing air into his ear. Eragon reacted thickly by having his hand connect with the side of his friend's head.
"Ow!" said a voice. "What was that for?"
Eragon sat up, and looked for his friend. He was standing about two yards from Eragon's bed, and clutching his left temple. Swinging his feet out of the bed, he couldn't help but chuckle at his friend's pained expression. But Murtagh too was smiling. "Sorry--you know I get violent in the morning. But that's what you get when you blow into my ear." Eragon stretched and stood. He walked over to his wash quarters and relieved himself, and then splashed cold water onto his face out of the water bowl which was supplied for him.
"You done yet? I have something to speak to you about," said Murtagh. Eragon responded by waving his hand, implying for him to go on. "Alright. Is there something wrong between you and Arya? Because you don't speak any more. Nasuada has noticed the same things--and I--I was just wondering. I mean--after you showed us the note, we assumed that you two would be bursting with mushy goodness in private..." Murtagh asked this with nervousness, switching his weight from side to side--he never quite knew how Eragon would react to different things.
Eragon pondered what he had said. So Nasuada had noticed too? "Yeah, I don't think there's anything relationship-wise between us anymore. Not that there was a whole lot to begin with in the first place."
You haven't spoken a truer word in weeks, joked Saphira as she lifted her massive head, just waking.
Oh, thanks, Saphira, said Eragon. "Well, I am going to go down. Would you care to join me?"
Murtagh smiled. "Of course, I have more things to talk to you about as well."
The two men climbed onto Saphira's vast back between two of her spikes. She took off, her huge wings pumping just a little harder with the weight of another full grown man. Landing lightly upon the ground, Eragon and Murtagh slipped off her.
Do you want to stay down here? Or do you want meat sent up to you? asked Eragon, patting his dragon's massive flank.
Sent up, please, stated Saphira. Eragon and Murtagh walked away from the dragon, and watched her take off for the cave once more, her even more massive body lunging upwards into the air. Eragon watched her soar high above him until she was out of sight. Turning back to Murtagh, Eragon smiled and started to walk forward. When they reached the kitchens, Eragon's stomach was audibly grumbling. He managed to grab a fresh scone to eat before being shooed away by the cook (Murtagh refused to take one--he had already eaten).
"So--now that we have walked all this way and neither of us has said a single word of importance, what was it you wanted to talk about?" asked Eragon through a mouthful of flaky warm scone.
Murtagh paused, and stopped walking. He leaned in close to Eragon's shoulder and whispered, "An egg. One of them have been stolen from Galbatorix."
"WHA--" started Eragon.
"Shh! Please, Eragon, keep it down. Is it alright if we go to the library? No one is ever in there." Eragon nodded slowly, and so they walked briskly to the library, ignoring waves of greeting from children and adults alike. Once reaching the library, they went into the farthest reaches, and found a dusty table to sit at and palaver.
By then of course, Eragon had retained a connection to Saphira. Did you hear that?
Hear what? I was sleeping, replied Saphira.
An egg! Another one was taken from Galbatorix! Still, Eragon couldn't believe the words rushing through his brain to Saphira.
Well, which one was it? The white egg or the green egg? requested Saphira.
How am I supposed to know? I barely heard this news but a second ago. Keep in touch until I find out more, requested Eragon to the dragon.
Now seated, Eragon finally asked his question. "How?"
Murtagh sighed, and ran his fingers through his hair. "No one knows. Ajihad told Nasuada who told me--I guess I can be trusted now--but apparently, someone snuck into the eggs' chamber and stole one. We don't know who, or why what means they accomplished this, but this could either prove to be a fatal disaster for the Varden, or a huge benefit. It depends on who's hands it has fallen into. As no one actually saw it happen--nothing about the actual incident is known--except that the white egg has vanished."
Aah, so it was the white one. I supposed so. He always had a way of attracting attention. The green--she was too shy to do anything rash, commented Saphira. Eragon was dumbstruck--the half eaten scone laying forgotten upon the table.
You mean you could actually communicate inside the eggs? asked Eragon with unbelief. At the same time, he asked Murtagh, "Well, when did this happen?"
"We received news of it but this morning. So by eagle wing--it happened three days ago," answered Murtagh.
Of course we could talk inside the eggs. I could reach them right now if I tried, I got to know them especially well after being locked up with them for such ages. Would you like me to make contact with White? inquired Saphira pleasantly, as if she were asking if she could borrow a cup of sugar from a neighbor.
Well of course you should! said Eragon, now excitement pulsing through his veins.
"Saphira can make contact with the egg!" said Eragon loudly, and looking alarmed, Murtagh lifted a single finger to his lips.
"Shh! That's great though--I have to tell Ajihad. Just stay on the ground level, and I'll find you in an hour or two." Murtagh stood up, and bowed to his friend. "Stay out of trouble."
Eragon rolled his eyes and smiled. "Oh, I will. Or Saphira will have my neck." Murtagh then departed, and Eragon was then left alone in the library. Picking up his scone (now gone cold), Eragon made his way through the aisles of dusty books.
Saphira?
Yes?
Have you made contact yet?
No, not quite.
Alright. I'm going to sever contact for a while. Contact me if you do reach him.
Of course. And with that, his mind was empty. Eragon paced himself through the endless maze of books, stopping every now and then to read the spine of interesting looking books. He looked up to the tallest of shelves, and tried to make out their titles he tried to read one as he turned a corner and--
"Ow! Watch where you are going!" cried an angry female voice. Eragon had flat run into someone, and they both were lying on the floor. Instantly, Eragon colored and stood. Not looking at the girl he had run into, he hastily picked up the books she had dropped, and placed them on the nearest table a few feet away from him. He turned back to her, and helped her up, and still avoided eye contact. "Well?" she said, tapping her foot. "Are you going to apologize?"
Eragon, beet red, mumbled a quick apology. For the first time, he actually looked at the girl. She was of athletic build, and was draped in a light green frock with dark brown shoulder-length curly hair tied back in a green ribbon. She looked about his age (maybe a little younger, as he was bad at guessing ages), and had deep hazel eyes. She was quite a bit shorter than himself, but held herself with an air of high standards--a no-nonsense type. Eragon slowly outstretched his hand. "Pardon my lady, but I am--"
"I know perfectly well who you are, sir. No need for formalities. I, however, am Lana. One of the daughter's of Ajihad's advisors." Lana ignored Eragon's hand and curtsied quickly, her dark hair sweeping from her back to her left shoulder as she bent low. Eragon realized his hand was still held out, and quickly put it down as she stood up.
"Er--Pleased to meet you, er--Lana." He smiled sheepishly--not knowing how to react to her sudden introduction. He was still debating on whether to like this new girl or be completely annoyed by her rudeness. He couldn't tell if she was in a hurry or just miffed by him running into her.
"Likewise. Now please, if you would, escort me to the fountains? I believe I have to talk to you about something important." She turned around squarely, and started running towards the exit. Eragon had no choice but to follow. Speeding up to catch her rapid gait, he jogged alongside her to the fountains, and not a word was spoken between them.
Lana reached the barrier of the fountain and sat down upon it. Her breath was steady--while on the other hand, Eragon was doubled over clutching a stitch in his side. He was physically fit--but he wasn't used to running for long periods of time. Slowly catching his breath, he looked up, and saw Lana examining her left hand fingernails. She glanced up, and noticed him staring at her.
"You alright? I'm sorry I was so cold in the Library--It's all to keep up appearances. I'm known as the snob-daughter-of-the-high-official-who-is-too-above-anyone-to-let-them-speak. But it's all a disguise. I'm not like that at all, actually. First I started being rude to just the Twins, but if they saw me being nice to someone, they'll attack me--wondering why such a lovely girl as I do not spend any time in their company..." Lana stood, and grinned, revealing a friendly dimpled smile and straight teeth. This time it was her who held out her hand to shake. Eragon, still confused--took it. He couldn't help but smile back.
A voice in Eragon's head jolted him back to reality. Eragon! I spoke to him! Eragon dropped Lana's hand suddenly, and a confused look came over her face.
"Just a moment. It's Saphira," stated the rider, and watched as understanding washed over Lana's expression. She crossed her legs promptly, and once again started examining her fingernails. He watched her for a moment, and then said back to Saphira, Great! What did he say?
He said he didn't know where he was--but he was with someone good. A potential rider, stated Saphira.
Girl or boy? asked Eragon.
He did not say. Are you going to inform someone of this?
No, I'm slightly distracted. Eragon looked at Lana, who was now straightening the hem of her skirt, as his concentration went back to Saphira. Will you tell Solembum to tell Angela to tell Ajihad?
Of course. But who are you with? I don't recognize her, declared Saphira protectively. Is she a friend?
I'm not sure yet. She's one of Ajihad's advisor's daughters. Lana is her name. Want me to give her your regards?
No. I'll wait a little until I trust her till I'll do that.
Eragon smiled as he and Saphira broke communication. He once again looked at Lana, who now was looking back. He walked over to her, and sat down beside her.
"I'm sorry...what was it you wanted to talk about?" started Eragon.
"Oh, absolutely nothing, actually," replied Lana with a shrug of her shoulders. "I just wanted to know if I should have you be my friend. See--I judge people on how they react to me initially--as a rude person, and then I judge secondly on how they act when I am my true self. You've passed the test with flying colors, I might add. I can tell we'll be friends...that is, if you want to be of course."
Eragon chuckled. "Of course I'll be your friend...seeing as how hard you tried to meet me in the first place--running into me and all."
At this, Lana burst out laughing. "Actually...I wasn't watching where I was going either. I really like to look through the library in my spare time--and probably was doing just the same as you, not looking ahead. You just startled me, and when I saw that it was you when you helped me up, I decided to put you to the test. I've heard nice things about you from others, but I wanted to see for myself."
Eragon raised his eyebrows. "Who did you hear nice things from?"
Lana shrugged again. "Oh, Nasuada for one. She's my best friend. And Arya told me she liked you a bit--more than any human she's met in a long time--so I thought if they liked you, I probably will too. Though, I don't think Arya likes you that way anymore. Sorry. But anyways--"
Lana started chattering on about random things, and Eragon slowly started to drift away from the conversation and staring deeply into her hazel eyes, a stupid grin upon his face. What is it about her? thought Eragon. I've just barely met her and already I'm entranced. Murtagh will be laughing about this for weeks...and before Eragon realized it, he found himself slowly leaning towards her and she towards him, their faces only inches away...
"Eragon! Hey! ERAGON!" Murtagh's yell snapped him out of his trance as he quickly stood up and backed away from Lana, mortified about what he had just done. Lana looked like a child just having a favorite treat being taken away as soon as it was given to her. Eragon looked back toward his friend, and saw Murtagh waving.
Eragon glanced again at Lana. But there was no Lana. In her place was a small gull. The gull stared unblinkingly at him, and took off, soaring into the air. He wasn't sure, but Eragon swore he saw a small green ribbon tied to the birds left ankle. Eragon shook his head, and walked slowly back towards his friend.