Hey Guys, I am back for chapter 30!
Jeez that is weird to say! Today is the month anniversary of this story(Although you are probably seeing this the seventh) and I want to thank every single one of you who has reviewed and read this story. I never expected this story to gain any traction when I started but you guys have supported me like I never could have imagined. Thank you so much for everything!
Reviews!
SpaceforceEOD- I actually saw your review as I posted the story and laughed because it was literally just a few minutes before I posted Thanks for the review!
Guest: It is very interesting…. As for what it will lead too…. We will see
IDK- "Laughs evilly…."
Again, thank you to everyone who followed and reviewed!
Chapter 30!
Eragon's POV
Eragon had never felt so alone even as he was surrounded by friends. It had been three days since he and Arya had awoken in the forest and since that moment everything had changed. Everyone that resided in Mount Arngor was furious at him for one reason or another. The elves were furious at him for sacrificing a dragon for "His own needs". Blodhgarm and Nala were especially angry at him because he actively ignored their council. The Eldunari were furious for Eragon going behind their back and the loss of one of their own at the hands of their leader had shaken their faith in him. Eragon had explained several times that Glaedr had willingly sacrificed himself but it did nothing to change their minds.
Eragon could have handled all of this if Saphira and Arya had remained close to him. Saphira was incredibly glad that Eragon had survived of course but she was also furious at the risks he had taken to save Arya. They still spoke constantly but it felt unnatural as Eragon could sense Saphira's anger always bubbling below the surface. As for Arya… Eragon would have given anything to know what she felt about him at the moment. Arya had physically recovered quickly but she was distant and cold to Eragon the few times he had tried to speak to her. Eragon tried not to take it personally for he knew she had taken the death of Glaedr hard, but it still hurt. Furthermore, Eragon got the sense she was not as well as she seemed. She constantly looked tired and Eragon suspected she wasn't sleeping well, and he wasn't surprised. He was constantly plagued by nightmares himself and Eragon had only been under attack for a few hours, not days.
The only people who Eragon felt still liked him was Firnen (Who had been so thankful that Eragon had saved Arya that he bowed to him and said in no uncertain terms that he was forever in his debt), Murtagh (Who after a short bout of anger had accepted the reasons for his actions and forgiven him and worked tirelessly to help repair the riders relationship to the Eldunari.) And Kayla, who Eragon found had been the only thing stopping Blodhgarm from tearing Eragon from Arya's mind.
"Not a great list" He thought in amusement "Two of them have tried to kill me various times in the past"
Overall Eragon had never been so unhappy in his life. He wondered occasionally if he had never really escaped the poison and this was simply another torture session.
Eragon was lost in thought as he exited a scrying session with the Elven council. Lord Dathedr had been appointed the king of the elves as they were still unaware of Arya's survival and Eragon had been forced to speak with him for several hours about different trade disputes. Eragon always felt slightly uneasy around Dathedr although he wasn't sure why. Something always felt off about him but Eragon couldn't quite place the feeling.
Eragon sat at dinner alone. He instinctively looked around for Arya but he was unsurprised when he didn't spot her, She had not been to dinner since they had awoken.
Eragon had asked Firnen to make sure Arya was eating and Firnen confirmed she was so Eragon let the absence go.
Eragon finished his dinner quickly, he just wanted the day to end. He made his way down the streets and entered his room. He collapsed upon his bed and fell into his dreams.
Eragon woke in his bed sweating profusely. An image of Arya's mangled body lingered in his mind as he attempted to fully wake. These dreams had been constant since he had woken in the clearing and they always centered around a random memory he had seen. It was as though the poison continued to haunt him as he slept.
Eragon stood and panic started to overwhelm him as it had every time he woke after such a dream. He knew he was being irrational,but he still made his way across the hall to Arya's door. He had done this after every nightmare he had. It was the dead of night, but he needed to know she was safe. He spread his mind into the room and instantly felt relief flood his worried mind as he felt her familiar consciousness in the room. Eragon began to draw away but to his immense surprise she pressed against his mind quickly and spoke.
"Enter Eragon"
Eragon hesitated before slowly opening the door
The room was dark except a few candles that were lit sparsely. Arya sat along the end of her bed when Eragon entered and shut the door behind him.
Eragon stood in silence as he waited for her to speak. He felt distinctly unsure of what this was about.
Arya turned toward him and spoke in a controlled voice, spoke
"Eragon, you have stood at that door and checked my mind at least a dozen times in the last few days. What is the meaning of this constant intrusion?"
She spoke as though she was slightly annoyed with him but Eragon was just glad she was speaking to him.
"My apologies Arya, I cannot help but worry for your wellbeing. The poison took a toll on me and I was only exposed for a few hours. How you lasted so long…. I do not know. My dreams have not helped my worry-"
Eragon broke off suddenly and cursed to himself. He hadn't meant to mention his dreams
Arya's face softened slightly but her voice was still had an edge when she spoke
"I appreciate your concern Eragon, but I assure you I am managing just fine"
Eragon locked eyes with her and Eragon's emotions got the best of him. He had held in everything for three days and meeting Arya's emerald eyes caused his resolve to burst. He blinked quickly and turned away
"Very well Arya, if you are certain" He tried to sound casual but his voice waivered badly at the final word
Eragon felt Arya's eyes on him as he opened the door to leave
"Eragon, are you well?" Arya asked softly
Eragon stopped at the open door. He lowered his head slightly and couldn't help a small gasp escape him as tears began to fall.
Immediately he heard Arya stand behind him. Eragon started to try to leave but Arya spoke in a concerned voice
"Eragon stay and speak to me"
Eragon slowly turned back toward her and as he did, he felt anger rise alongside his sorrow. Tears flowed from his eyes as he faced her once more.
"Why should I? You have spoken nothing to me since we returned" Eragon said with bitterness
Arya seemed very concerned now, her eyes flashed with alarm and when she spoke, she seemed to choose her words carefully
"I have been trying to figure things out since we returned. The world and my place in it has changed significantly in a very short amount of time. I have reasons for my silence, decisions I have made, that I am prepared to share with you but you must promise to tell me what bothers you so."
He nodded stiffly to Arya and shut the door.
Arya motioned for him to sit next to her on the bed which Eragon did gladly. He had not been so close to her while she was awake since they had kissed several years before. Despite his emotions at the moment, he couldn't help but admire her flawless skin and emerald eyes. He relaxed some as the comforting smell of crushed pine needles washed over him.
Arya spoke first
"I have been having them too you know"
Eragon gave her a confused look and she elaborated
"The dreams, dreams where you revisit the worst of what we experienced. I have been having them every night"
Eragon suspected as much and but didn't respond. He simply rubbed her hand comfortingly; glad she allowed the contact.
"Eragon are you well?" She asked again with more urgency
Eragon shook his head slowly and lowered it until he locked his eyes on a small scar on the back of her hand. He instinctively rubbed the small part of her hand where her nerves had been damaged and he heard her breath hitch slightly as he did so.
"Arya, the dreams themselves are bad but it is when I am awake that I feel at my worst. I do not regret my actions but saving you had significantly worse consequences than anticipated."
Eragon glanced up and Arya looked guilty
Eragon spoke in a soothing voice
"Do not blame yourself Arya. I made the choice and I will deal with the consequences. As I said before I do not regret anything"
Eragon smiled at her slightly and was glad to see her expression lighten some. He looked away and grimaced slightly
"I do not know how to explain how I have felt since we returned. There is so much going on I have not been able to fully unpack it myself But I haven't been myself.-" he trailed off as he wasn't quite sure what to say
Arya studied him for a moment before speaking softly
"If you cannot explain it with words then show me"
Eragon felt Arya's mind at the edge of his own as she asked for entrance. He opened his mind to her and sent the flurry of emotions that had been bottled within him for three days.
Arya's POV
A wave of emotions flowed into Arya's mind. Arya felt Eragon's guilt because of his actions, His loneliness, his depression, his grief at his master's death, his concern for her. All this and many more emotions were sent through their link and Arya couldn't help but gasp at the magnitude of them all. The fact the Eragon had functioned as he did while under this amount of weight was impressive.
Arya also caught glimpses of his dreams through the link and it was clear they bothered him much more than he let on.
Eragon finally severed their connection and Arya was pulled back into her own mind. Arya took a moment to collect herself and reached forward and embraced him tightly. He stiffened but quickly reacted by pulling her tighter. Arya felt terrible as she held him. She had forced him to handle such terrible emotions without any support. Eragon had been with Arya when she had been at her worst and when he needed her, she had blocked him out.
"I am so sorry Eragon" She whispered in his ear as she held him
She could feel his tears falling upon her shoulder as he held her tight, but she didn't mind, He needed support at the moment and Arya was more than happy to give him it. After several minutes his tears began to cease, and he withdrew. She was somewhat disappointed as she had grown comfortable in his arms, but she declined to comment.
Eragon smiled even as his eyes still watered
"You do not need to apologize Arya; you are already forgiven" he said in a shaky voice
Arya smiled at this and spoke
"I should not have withdrawn as I did… I will be better next time, I swear it" She said it with as much conviction as she could and Eragon smiled at her in thanks
"Now…..How are you really faring Arya?" Eragon asked her quietly
Arya felt her smile fade as he asked this
"Like you, my nightmares are terrible and I am not sleeping well as a result." She admitted "But it is to be expected, I unfortunately have experience with nightmares."
Arya looked away and sighed
"But there is more to it than that" Her voice shook slightly, and she wondered if she should tell him what she was experiencing
Eragon seemed to sense her reservations and gave her a reassuring nod.
Arya spoke in a distant voice
"Sometimes my mind plays tricks on me and for just a moment I am back, trapped within my own mind. It has only happened twice since we returned, and they only last a moment, but it worries me Eragon."
Eragon looked concerned and guilty
"I wish you would let me help you" He said in a frustrated voice
"I appreciate your kindness, but you will not always be there to help me." Arya said in a kind voice
"Somethings need to heal on their own"
Eragon gave her a look of such tenderness and care that Arya had trouble stopping herself from throwing her arms around him again
"I will always be there for you Arya, you know that"
Arya tried to smile at this, but it was forced
"Eragon, once I have regained my strength, I must leave for Du Weldenvarden immediately"
Eragon looked shocked and frustrated
"Arya, why would you return? Someone tried to kill you and came very close to succeeding! They have a new ruler! It's time to move on Arya!"
Arya did not allow herself to grow angry. She had expected such a reaction and so she began to lay out her reasons for returning
"Eragon, I understand your reservations, but I must go. I am still the rightful ruler of the elves and there is a good chance Dathedr was behind the assassination attempt. He is not fit to rule! If he refused to give up the throne, then we will be forced to overthrow him…. One way or another."
Eragon's eyes flashed
"Do you know how dangerous that is! You have no idea if the people are even still loyal to you! You would be walking into a death trap! Do you care so little about everything I went through to keep you alive! Does Glaedr's sacrifice mean nothing to you!"
Arya's rage built up at this and it took all her willpower to keep from shouting. She spoke in a voice of forced calmness
"I will forgive you for that Shadeslayer as you are not in a right state of mind… I am thankful for your sacrifices you both made to save me but I will not cower from responsibility. Glaedr sacrificed his life so I can live, not just survive. It is time you learn the difference, Eragon"
Arya regarded him as calmly as she could and to her satisfaction, she could see his resolve begin to crumble. She knew her next news would break it entirely.
Arya took a deep breath and spoke
"Glaedr's sacrifice did not mean nothing to me. It allowed me a new perspective on life. As I said before I have come to several decisions regarding what actions I should take."
Arya smiled at him and said
"I have decided that once Dathedr has been overthrown I will not take back the throne from him. I will help appoint a successor"
She was studying his face as she spoke and found great joy as his features filled with hope
"What are you saying exactly?" He asked her cautiously
Arya smile grew wider
"I am saying that once a new ruler had taken hold, I will come here to live with you permanently."
Eragon grinned broadly at these words and he grabbed her tightly.
Arya smiled at this and allowed herself to sink into him somewhat.
When they pulled apart Eragon still grinned but as she watched his smile faded and a dark look replaced it
He spoke in a suddenly terrified tone that was barely more than a whisper
"What if you don't make it back" his fear was clear on his face
"I will, I promi-" She began but he cut her off softly
"You can't promise that"
He turned away from her and Arya wondered at the sudden change in mood
"His dreams have affected him more than he realizes" She thought to herself as he spoke again
"I can't lose you…. Not so soon after getting you back" Despair gripped his face that only moments ago had held a wide smile
Arya moved so she stood behind him and began running her fingers through his hair. It was unkept and small knots riddled his hair but Arya didn't mind in the slightest.
"Your right" She whispered in his ear "I cannot guarantee I will survive this, but you must trust me that I will do everything I can to return to you"
Eragon relaxed against her has she wrapped her hands around him. He suddenly looked exhausted
"When will you leave?" He asked
"Not for another two weeks or so"
"I will come with you" He murmured tiredly but Arya shot him down
"No, Eragon, you are needed here, trying to repair your relationships with the Dragons and Elves, besides, there are things I need to figure out on my own."
Arya began leading the exhausted Eragon to her bed who was too tired to argue
Eragon frowned although she wasn't sure if it was because of what she said or her actions.
"Are you sure" He murmured as he laid down upon her bed
"I am" Arya stated quietly as she straddled his chest before reaching down and kissing him softly. The kiss was short but full of emotion as she rolled off him and onto her side, facing him.
Eragon tiredly pulled her closer to him and her head rested along his chest and his arm wrapped around her securely. She lay for several minutes staring into his eyes that had begun to flutter.
His eyes closed and Arya thought he had fallen asleep until he spoke
"Arya, while we were trapped within our memories, there were certain memories I felt you were reluctant for me to see." He spoke as though it had been on his mind for awhile
Arya stiffened slightly at these words
Eragon continued
"Do you feel comfortable that I know of these… events… in your life? I have felt terrible about invading your privacy even though it was necessary"
Arya stayed silent as she thought about how she wanted to reply. She decided to keep it simple
"I would be lying if I said I was totally comfortable with it"
Eragon opened his eyes and his face showed some guilt but Arya quickly soothed him
"At any point I could have pulled away from you Eragon, but I didn't. I don't regret my decision. I trust you above all others."
Eragon still looked uneasy about it but only said
"If you ever wish to talk about it…"
Arya smiled at him and kissed him again before saying
"I know Eragon, now sleep, Its late"
Eragon's eyes grew heavy and within moments he was fast asleep. Arya watched him sleep for a minute before his steady breathing and the warmth of her body next to his lulled her into a dreamless sleep.
Hopefully you guys enjoyed this chapter!
ExA are growing more comfortable!
I should be back to my normal schedule tomorrow although I would expect every other day chapters to become more common because these chapters are getting longer than I thought they would!
As always let me know what you think and what I can work on. If you have questions let me know!
Stay safe!