A/N … I know. Very, very late. Quite a few things popped up which could not be helped. Anyways, you've had to wait ages for it, so hopefully I will make this chapter worth the wait. And, I have been planning this chapter for a very long time. Enjoy.
Chapter 42- Confrontation
When Eragon emerged from the bath chamber, now dressed in a new lining shirt and breaches and feeling a hell of a lot fresher, he found Orik and Gimli waiting for him, both immersed in deep conversation. He gave a little cough and the two Dwarves acknowledged him, breaking off their conversation.
"I see you two do not lack in conversation," he observed, smiling.
"We have had a very interesting conversation actually," said Orik.
"Really? What about?" asked Eragon curiously.
"Gimli's homeland, the Dwarves there. Did you know they have kingdoms such as this there to? Wondrous they are," said Orik.
"Nothing you haven't heard before," said Gimli.
They followed Orik back up the steps that lead back up into Tronjheim and exited the city-mountain. Eragon gazed up at the peak and called to Saphira to come down. As she landed people and Dwarves began to trickle out of Tronjheim to get a glimpse of her.
"Best you go now, it is late and I'm sure you are tired. Best you go with Saphira now up to the dragon hold, and bed will have been made up for you there. Gimli, you may go with him if you wish, or we can accommodate you in a room more fitted to you," said Orik quietly as the people began to gather around.
"I'll go with Eragon and Saphira thank you. See you tomorrow Orik, there is still much I would like to know of this place," said Gimli.
"And you will my friend. But right now I think it best you go. Eragon, meet me by this gate tomorrow morning, I'll be waiting," said Orik, stepping back a bit and giving Saphira room to take off.
Just as Saphira was about to leap into the air, a bony hand grasped Eragon's ankle with a relentless grip making him jump. Saphira turned her head to see what the hold up was. Gimli clung to her and looked back with guarded interest. Eragon looked down nervously into a pair of steely grey eyes, which fixed him with a pleading stare. He tried to pull his ankle free of the old women with sunken cheeks and more wrinkles then he could count. She clutched a ragged bungle of cloth to her chest, shifting it slightly to reveal the face of a tiny baby staring up at him with gigantic blue eyes.
"Please Argetlam, bless this child. She had no parents, only me to care for her and I am old and weak. Bless her, give her some chance! Bless her Argetlam!" said the old women in her croaky old voice soaked with desperation.
Eragon was quite taken aback. Bless this child? He had never even contemplated such a thing before, and a blessing was not to be taken lightly, it could sometimes prove more of a curse if not spoken with conviction. But as Eragon stared into those deep blue eyes and innocent rosy face, he made up his mind.
He bent down a pulled the glove off his right hand to reveal the gedwëy ignasia. And laying his silvery palm on the baby's forehead, he spoke the words in the Ancient Language, "Atra gülai un ilian tauthr ono un atra ono waíse skölir frá rauthr."
He felt weak now, as if he had just used magic. He pulled his glove back on and nodded to the women who looked back at him, eyes brimming with tears of happiness. "Thank you Argetlam," she breathed, she went to step back into the crowd but was stopped by a snort from Saphira as the dragon twisted her head round to loom over the baby. The women went rigid as Saphira lowered her snout an brushed the baby between the eyes with the tip of her nose. As she lifted away, a gasp ran through the crowd. There, where Saphira had touched her, was a star shaped patch of skin as white and silvery as Eragon's right palm. The old women who held the baby just gazed up at the mighty dragon, endless thanks imbedded in her eyes.
With that Saphira took flight and people jumped back, blown by the wind emitted from the powerful beats of her wings.
"What did you say to that child Eragon?" Gimli asked once they were high above the crowd, his plaited beard flying back in the air Saphira swept up.
"That blessing? I said that luck and happiness should follow her and that she be shielded from misfortune," Eragon replied.
"And what did Saphira do? That mark on that child's forehead, it glowed like the mark on your hand," said Gimli indicating Eragon's right-gloved hand.
'I gave her hope,' Saphira said to Eragon answering Gimli's question. 'Just as you gave her a future. That child will grow, and her destiny will be more than that of a tavern keeper or farmer now that she is dragon marked and your words hang over her.'
They had reached the dragon hold now. Saphira clattered down on the great star sapphire: Isidar Mithrim. Eragon slid off her back, helping Gimli too, gazing around at the sixty-foot high round roofless room. The walls were lined with different sized caves that went from as big as a man, to the size of a house.
Saphira jumped up into a medium sized cave and called Eragon up after her.
"Gimli, come on. We are to stay with Saphira. Here I'll help you up," said Eragon pulling the Dwarf up the rungs set into the marble.
"She couldn't have chosen one on the ground floor could she?" Gimli grumbled as he scrambled up after Eragon to the cave twenty feet above him.
Eragon and Gimli gazed around the chiselled out cave which went further back then they had imagined. Saphira was curling up on a pillow big enough for her. Built into the wall was an ample sized bed for Eragon and next to that a smaller bed had been set up for Gimli.
Eragon's eyes lit up. "A proper bed! How long has it been since we slept in a proper bed? It seems ages!" he ran over to it and flopped down, gazing up at the high chiselled ceiling that was softly lit by the muted glow of a red lamp. And then he heard Gimli removing his helmet and sitting down heavily on his smaller Dwarf sized bed. Then he felt his eyes grow heavy as they closed and he settled down to sleep feeling exceptionally safe here.
-:0:-
It was late when the knock on the door roused Murtagh from his comfortable sleep. Legolas got up from where he had been lying staring up at the ceiling and stood before the door as it was opened and Ajihad stepped into their room. He inclined his head slightly to Legolas.
"What is it?" asked Murtagh coming to stand at Legolas' side while rubbing the sleep out of his eyes.
"Forgive the lateness of my visit," said Ajihad.
"No, we're honoured, really," said Murtagh sleepily.
"Murtagh," Legolas hissed quietly.
"The Lady Arya wished to speak with you Legolas, she demands to immediately. You will be escorted to her rooms right away," said Ajihad reaching out a hand and signalling Legolas to come forth. "Murtagh, you will stay here. Good evening." With a curt nod he left Murtagh, closing the door behind them.
"Arya, she is better?" asked Legolas as he walked with Ajihad and accompanied by two guards that followed behind.
"A lot better yes. The healers have worked wonders on her," Ajihad replied happier than he had been the last time Legolas had asked that question.
"Why does she wish to see me?" the Elf asked, his curiosity getting the better of him.
"She would not say. She just insisted that it be so." She the leader of the Varden.
Legolas was led through what seemed like miles of tunnelling and uncountable numbers of stairs climbing higher and higher. He only briefly caught the beauty of the place and the quality of the stonework that if Gimli had seen this yet, he was sure would have had him brimming with excitement.
"We are here," Ajihad said at last. He knocked at the softly and a women came to answer it, presumably one of the healers. Just beyond the door Legolas glimpsed Arya sitting in a wicker chair by the large picture window, moonlight lit up her sharp features and made her look enchanting.
"Ajihad, Sela, please leave us. I wish to speak with Legolas alone," she said softly in her musical voice.
"Very well, my Lady Arya," Ajihad bowed and back towards the door.
"You are sure you are well Lady Arya? Is their anything I can get for you?" asked the healer Sela.
"No, thank you Sela, there is nothing and I am feeling much better," Arya replied.
With that they left, leaving the two Elves alone in the room together. Legolas gazed out of the window. The moon. It was full and bright as it shone up high in the clear velvet black sky.
"Please, take a seat," said Arya softly, taking her eyes off the window for the first time and turning to acknowledge him, indicating an identical wicker chair across from her. He walked over and sat down, his attention completely caught for a moment by the monumental beauty of the moon. "It is a beautiful night is it not?"
Arya's gentle voice brought him back to himself and he turned to her smiling. "Yes, very." He smiled to himself. It had been so long since he had spoken with one of his own race, one who also would acknowledge the beauty of such simple things that his other human and Dwarven friends often took for granted.
"You are wondering why I called you here, are you not?" she asked in her quiet silky voice. Legolas nodded. "I wish to know what I saw. When our minds brushed when that boy, Eragon first communicated with me when I was in dire need. I saw many things that I did not understand, things that confused me. I know that you do not come from this land; Ajihad already explained that to me, and of you and your Dwarven friend. So, I ask you to explain to me what I saw."
"And what did you see?" asked Legolas.
"Strange things. Great battles with… strange creatures, huge creatures that I can scarce imagine really exist, a grey clad moving hill…" said Arya trailing off.
Legolas laughed lightly. "I assume you are referring to the Mûmakil, or Oliphaunt as I recall the Periannath Samwise call them."
"Periannath? What on earth is a Periannath?" Arya asked bewildered.
"A halfling, though their name for themselves is hobbits," Legolas laughed at the memory of the four hobbits all of the members of the Fellowship of the Ring had grown so found of. "They are around half the size of a man, but smaller than Dwarves. They are quite an extraordinary folk with little or no care for much except a full stomach."
"What strange folk!" said Arya laughing along with him.
"Yes," said Legolas fondly. "But a very great brave folk they are."
"And these great battles, you fought them along side these Periannath and the Mûmakil? What were you fighting for?" asked Arya deeply interested.
Legolas sighed. "It is a long tale that really begins an age before the battles I have fought in."
"I should very much like to know of these great things. We have had our fair share of battles and long wars here in Alagaësia too; it would be good to know how yours turned out. I am interested also in your culture; I wish to know how the Elves of your land and the Elves of mine differ, how we all came about. Some of our sketcher more forgotten histories state things that have never been truly understood. It says that my people first came from a different land, far across the sea upon great silver ships. They were headed on a great journey when they came upon this land and found it inhabited by dragons and Dwarves. My people have been here ever since and, well I presume you already know the story of the Elves and the dragons and the Riders?" said Arya.
"Yes, I do," answered Legolas recalling that far off time when he had crouched outside Brom's window back in Carvahall, listening to him tell this story to Eragon, who had been rather shocked when Saphira first hatched and this whole great adventure had started.
Arya sat forward, and in her own quiet manner, she seemed to be brimming with excitement. Her eyes glistened in the moonlight as she press, "Tell me, tell me of your land, your people."
"Very well, I will tell you, if you will consent to tell me of your own people, I know you keep it secret, but I too am curious of you as you are of me. I do not ask you to reveal all your secrets to me, for I shall do nothing of the sort for you," said Legolas good-naturedly.
"Very well Legolas Greenleaf, you first," said Arya cocking an eyebrow and smiling.
-:0:-
It was morning by the time Legolas trailed off talking with the completion of the tale of the War of the Ring. He felt as though he had told that story a hundred times before, but now he went into far more depth, the being opposite him listening quietly with understanding only one of his own race could have. He had never talked so much to anyone since been in Alagaësia either, not even Gimli it seemed. Arya had many questions throughout which he answered while she told him what she was permitted of the Elves of Alagaësia.
"The sun is rising, we have been talking all night long!" said Legolas.
"How the time has flown. I have very much enjoyed this conversation Legolas," said Arya, her musical laughter rising above his own.
"As have I Arya. I have not spoken to one of my own people in so long. Do not get me wrong, the company of humans is quite pleasant, them and their youthfulness, but they can not hold a conversation for very long," said Legolas.
"They are mortal, their conversations are bound to be short as their lives are compared to us. But, oh- I almost forgot. There is… another reason I have asked you here. I made a proposition with Ajihad, to try to give you your freedom within this mountain," said Arya turning more serious suddenly.
"What proposition?" asked Legolas narrowing his eyes.
"Well, Ajihad explained to me the reason you have been placed in captivity, you and that other boy. You would not let the Twins test you, not that I cannot blame you, they can be rather repulsive. But, I made a deal with Ajihad that I will put forward to you now. If you agree to let me test you, you may gain your freedom. After all, I do not wish for any Elf to be imprisoned here, or anywhere by humans," said Arya, her words edged with bitterness as the memories of her own imprisonment in Gil'ead flooded back to her. But she shook her self mentally and smoothed over her face, concealing her emotions. "Will you agree to this?"
"No," Legolas said bluntly.
"No?" said Arya her eyes flashing. "You would rather remain imprisoned here?"
"If it meant not having to have my thoughts violated, then yes. For I would not allow that to happen, even by you. My mind is my last sanctuary, as long as no one can possess that, Elf, human, Dwarf or other, I am free," replied Legolas simply, spreading his hands out before him.
"But soon even your mental freedom can be harnessed and taken from you!" said Arya disbelievingly.
"You speak from experience I know. But nonetheless, I will never allow that to happen," said Legolas. "If they cannot except that I have nothing to hide without probing through my thoughts and memories, then so be it."
"You are foolish! They are simple humans; do you think your word alone will convince them? They live a harsh life, worrying always that somehow a spy will infiltrate this place and dish all their secrets straight back to Galbatorix. Let me test you!" Arya demanded rising from her seat.
"No. I have told you all about myself Arya, that should be enough to satisfy Ajihad, or would you rather I tell it you all over again in the Ancient Language to prove I am not lying," said Legolas a little more sharply then he had intended, he was beginning to feel a little insulted by the fact that none here would simply accept him for who he was.
"You can use magic then?" said Arya.
"Yes, I picked it up from Brom whilst he was teaching Eragon," said Legolas, he was on his feet now too. He stood around a head taller than Arya, the morning light falling on his golden hair and lighting it.
"Do they know this here?" Arya asked, her tone urgent.
"I do not know," answered Legolas.
Arya put a long fair hand to her forehead and sighed. "Pray that they do not, otherwise they will not take kindly to it."
"I think I shall take my leave now," said Legolas abruptly.
"Fine then, if you wish to make life difficult for yourself!" Arya said bitingly. "Foolish Elf."
"So be it," Legolas replied. He went to open the door and found himself face to face with Ajihad who was just about to knock.
"Legolas, good morning!" he said cheerfully, looking past the Elf hopefully to Arya who stood staring out of the window, her arms folded and a look of deep annoyance on her face. "Oh, hmm… Arya, did you do as you had hoped?" he said glancing at Legolas from the corner of his eye.
"No, I did not," she sighed.
Ajihad looked at Legolas fully now. "So… erm… well," he stuttered unsurely.
"I shall return to my room, I expect Murtagh is waiting," Legolas said in a clipped tone.
Ajihad sighed. "Very well, guards, take him," he said.
The two guards that accompanied him stepped forward arranging themselves some distance from the Elf. They walked away down the corridor, back down the tunnels and many steps Legolas had traversed the night before.
Ajihad watched him go until he disappeared around a bend. Then he stepped into the room and closed the door softly behind him. "No luck then?"
"None. He would not have it, I do not know a more stubborn Elf."
"Except perhaps you," Ajihad said bringing a small smile to Arya's face.
"Ajihad," she scowled, though could not conceal that smile. "We had a very long conversation that went on all through the night. I learned very much about him, his land and his own people, which I found fascinating. And do you know something? I think he is trustworthy, whether he refuses to be tested or not."
"So what do you think?" said Ajihad.
"I think he should be given a chance," Arya replied.
"Really? Well Arya, your word is one of the most trusted here. very well, I will see what I can do," said Ajihad.
"Good, do that," said Arya. Ajihad went to turn for the door but then Arya caught him just as he was about to exit the room. "Ajihad, just do not let the Twins find out about this. Tell any who question this that I have tested him myself."
"Very well, very well. Good day Arya," said Ajihad closing the door as he left the room.
Arya stood staring out of the window, her eyes reflecting the sunlight that dappled her. She was feeling much better; the healers had done an excellent job. She smiled to herself, and then she spotted her sheathed sword leaned up against the far wall. She walked over a picked it up, removing it carefully and inspecting the shining sharp blade, she smiled to herself then re-sheathed it. She didn't feel much like staying in her room anymore.
A/N Well, there you go, the whole Legolas/Arya thing which people have been asking me about since like chapter 4! Hope you enjoyed it and will enjoy the next chapters to come. Again I would like to apologise profoundly for the severe lateness of this, but hey, life gets in the way sometimes! Anyway, Wahoo! Off to the seaside Wednesday for my geography trip, so hopefully I will be able to get the next chapter up over the weekend, hopefully by next week at the latest.
And thank you all so much for your wonderful reviews! They really make my day and put a big smile on my face.
Moonyasha- oO… well I sure wouldn't like to be Malthen right about now….
Lestatlover1784- Good, good!
Tim, Digidestined of Loyalty- Yeah, anyways, Murtagh and Legolas have loads more space in this chappie.
Cylliel- I am so unbelievably jealous! I would totally kill to go to Disney World! Hmm, what was Legolas thinking? The minds of Elves… we may never know.
Joou Himeko Dah- I actually found I really got into the Digimon movie, but they don't show the episodes here anymore… dammit! Haha, anime freak over here to, just really annoying when they won't show the ones I would really love to see on TV.
Cymraeg- Thanks, yeah I know, will check for typos and stuff.
The-burglar- Yep, and another Twin free chapter. Yeah, thought I'd have a bit of fun with the Dwarves. Yes, we are extremely over populated. Hope your play went well for you! Glad you are enjoying this too.
Zammy- That's ok, my update isn't what you'd call prompt! Hmm, Transformers couldn't really get into that. I've watched it a few times though. Yeah, get reading Eragon, it's one of the best. What did you think of HP? I didn't really enjoy the fifth book as much as the others, and the death was just to sad, my fave character… sob.
Arak Blazer- Wow, thank you! Glad you like this. Yup, two of my fave books too! I think everybody hates the Twins, good point actually, you could be very right but we just don't know…
Theo Gray- Bwhahahahahahahahaha! That seriously cracked me! Next instalment please! Kill Aragorn? He's not that bad… hmmm…. Maybe you are right. Kill him! or at least make him take a bath and save us all please! Thanks.
E.Tphonehome- Thanks, love your name by the way! Erm… Leggy and a girlfriend NO WAY! It's not right for this story I don't think. But he will get to have a proper look around Tronjheim and stuff. I don't know when Eldest is coming out in Australia no, all I know that it's coming out on the 23rd August, I don't know weather that's just in the US or over here in the Uk too. I'll keep my eyes peeled though!
Well, thanks everyone. Check back soon for the next chapter!
Laters
Lolly pop