Wow. We updated in the same night! This calls for a celebration! (grabs a bottle of Sparkling Apple Cider) Cheers to all! Anyways, no reviews yet, huh? Well that's ok. The stories getting better. Hopefully by tomorrow we'll have some reviews.
Disclaimer: I think we all know Christine and I don't own Eragon or anything that has to do with it. We do, however, own Elsie, Aya, and the idea for this story which is something! And if you steal anything we own...We'll hurt you with our fly swatter of doom! (smiles sweetly and holds up the fly swatter)
The next morning both girls woke up sore from head to toe. They had never done so much traveling in their life. Also, the fact that they had to ride a horse all day didn't help. Grudgingly Elsie rolled up her bed roll and stuffed it in the burlap bag. Tiredly she mounted Amour with Aya following.
"About how long until we reach the next town?" Aya asked yawning.
Elsie squinted her eyes in the direction they were headed and shook her head. "I don't know." She said quietly. "I'd guess about another day or two."
Aya sighed and leaned against Elsie. After a moment her breathing became deep and Elsie knew she had fallen asleep. Yawning Elsie stuck to the task of trying to keep her eyes open. Noon came quickly and both girls eagerly dismounted Amour to make some lunch. After they had eaten and were content they packed up and climbed back up on Amour.
Night came slowly for the two girls. It seemed to take ages before the sun finally dipped below the vast horizon. Exhausted, both girls dismounted Amour and started to make camp. As Elsie found wood to start the fire, Aya pulled out the meat to cook.
"Elsie, this is the second to last piece of meat we have." She said worriedly as she looked through their pack.
"Don't worry," Elsie said with assurance in her voice as the fire started up. "We'll most likely reach the next town by tomorrow. When we get there we can buy some more supplies."
Aya nodded and sat down to help Elsie cook their dinner. They ate quickly and afterwards sat in silence for awhile. Neither one was tired, but they couldn't find anything to say. Slowly Aya got up and pulled their swords from the burlap bag.
"Do you think we should practice using them?" Aya asked while unsheathing her sword.
"Are you mad?" Elsie asked sitting up. "We'd chop ourselves to pieces."
Aya flushed and put the swords back into the bag. "Well, we need to learn how to use them." Quietly she added. "It was just a suggestion."
Elsie quickly got up and started searching around the camp. "What are you doing?" Aya asked while standing up.
Suddenly Elsie turned and threw something at Aya. Aya squeaked and quickly turned to the side. Looking down she noticed that the thing Elsie had thrown at her was a stick shaped oddly in the form of a sword. "A stick?" Aya asked as she picked it up. "What would we use that for? Other than a fire."
"For training!" Elsie yelled before launching herself at Aya.
Aya screamed and quickly lifted her stick up to protect herself. A loud crack was heard as the sticks collided with each other. Aya gazed up at Elsie who was smirking. Backing away, Elsie stood poised trying to guess if Aya would attack. Suddenly Aya swung her stick towards Elsie's side catching her off guard. Elsie yelped as the hard stick hit her ribs.
Thinking quickly, Elsie brought her stick down on Aya's flipping it out of her hands and catching it with her other.
"Whoa," Aya muttered. Surprise was most evident on her face. "How did you learn to do that?"
Elsie threw down the sticks down and smiled at her friend. "I don't know. It just came to me."
Both girls sat down and watched the fire lick at the midnight black sky. "Well," Aya said grabbing her bed roll and spreading it out. "I've never seen sword fighting before, but I'd have to say that you're pretty good. Better than me anyways."
Elsie laughed as she grabbed her bed roll as well. Laying it out she lied down next to Aya and said, "Thanks, but you're pretty good too. You hit me pretty hard." Elsie winced as she rubbed the spot where Aya had hit her.
"Sorry about that," Aya said chuckling.
Silence consumed them for a few moment before Aya said, "I should have listened to you."
"What do you mean?" Elsie asked tiredly.
"When you told me about your nightmare. You thought it might have been a vision, but I didn't listen to you. Now our people are dead and it's my fault." Elsie saw a single tear slide down Aya's cheek.
Reaching forward she brushed the tear off Aya's pale cheek and said, "No, don't say that, Aya. It wasn't anybodies fault." Aya nodded, but Elsie new she still blamed herself. With a yawn Elsie continued, "Plus, one thing's different than in my dream."
"What?" Aya asked.
"You survived with me." Elsie said before closing her eyes and falling asleep.
Aya smiled and soon fell asleep after her friend. After that night no more sparring took place. Aya had insisted on practice, but Elsie declined saying she didn't want to get bruised again.
The next morning they both ate and then packed up and started off again. They decided to give Amour a break and do most of the traveling on foot that day. Once evening reached they couldn't walk another minute. Blisters devoured their feet while thirst and hunger strangled them. Weakly both girls mounted Amour and kept going.
It was completely dark before the girls finally reached the first town. Elsie sat up straight as the reached the entrance. Two guards stood at the gates watched them as they neared. They finally reached the entrance, but the guards blocked their way.
"What business do you have in Petrovya?" The guard on the right asked.
Elsie opened her mouth to answer, but no noise came out. Her throat ached for water. Swallowing once Elsie finally squeaked, "We seek a place to sleep. We've been traveling for a week and a half now and haven't had any food or water since this morning."
The guard stared at her intently for a few moments and then nodded at the other guard. Both stepped out of their way so they could enter. Smiling gratefully, Elsie nudged Amour forwards into the town. Spotting an inn, both girls dismounted Amour and led her to the stables. After giving the stable boy a few coins to wash Amour, both girls headed inside the inn.
"What can I do for you, miss?" A bearded man asked Elsie as they entered. He leaned against the counter he stood behind and smiled down at them.
Elsie smiled back as Aya slumped against her. "We'd like a room please."
The man nodded and led them down a dark hallway. After a few doors down he stopped and opened up a door on the left side of the hallway. Smiling a toothy smile he said, "Here it is."
Elsie thanked him and asked, "How much do I owe you?"
"How much do you have?" The man asked.
"Well, not counting the money we're going to use to buy supplies." Elsie rummaged through their bag. "Just this." She said holding up five coins.
The man smiled sympathetically and took the coins. "Then that's all you owe me."
Elsie thanked him again as he left. Closing the door behind them, Elsie grabbed Aya's arm as she started to sway.
"Are you awake, Aya?" Elsie asked in a whisper.
Aya grunted, causing Elsie to laugh. Gently she helped her to the bed and laid her down. Smiling at her friend, Elsie quietly pulled out a blanket and stretched it out over her. She then grabbed her bed roll and spread it out on the ground. Curling up inside her blankets she let out a deep breath before closing her eyes and falling to sleep.
Elsie awoke with a start. Sitting up, she wondered why she awoken when suddenly she heard a scream behind her. Standing up, Elsie twirled around to see what was the matter. She raised her eye brow questioningly as she gazed at a terrified Aya. In her right hand she held a stick while her gaze was fixed on the bed.
"What's the matter?" Elsie asked.
"That bed," She said pointing to the mattress with an accusing finger. "Is a nesting ground for cockroaches!"
Elsie laughed as Aya swatted at the bed with her stick. Slowly she packed up everything and ushered Aya out of the room. Elsie breathed in deeply as they stepped outside.
"After we get the supplies we have to leave." Elsie said as she slipped on her brown coat.
"Why are we in such a rush?" Aya asked as they started to walk towards the market.
"We can't stay in a big town for too long." Elsie stated. "If we stay too long, news will reach this town and they'll realize we're not human."
Aya nodded in agreement. The market was all outdoors. Everywhere they looked was food. Both girls licked their lips. Hurriedly they rushed towards a stand and bought some meat and fruits.
Next they found the town well and got their share of water for themselves and Amour. After they had finished with getting the supplies they headed back to the stables and saddled up Amour.
Mounting their horse, they left the city hoping no one recognized them as Seers. The travel to the next town would take another three days. As they made camp Elsie couldn't shake the feeling that they were being followed.
She didn't mention her feelings to Aya the next morning. She knew if she told her it would only scare Aya and she would most likely panic. The next few days passed surprisingly quickly for both girls. Before they knew it the next town was in view.
No guards stood at the entrance of this town. Aya and Elsie gazed up at the many different shops and houses as they rode through town.
"What town is this?" Aya asked as they dismounted Amour in front of the stables.
"I would have to say Cithrí." Elsie said as she handed Amour over to the stable master. Grabbing their bags before they left they decided to get a few drinks. Entering the nearest tavern they looked around in disgust.
Drunken, dirty men sat at every table. Some were even passed out; drooling all over themselves. Cautiously both girl headed towards the counter and sat on the stools.
The bartender glanced at them and then put down the glass he was drying. Toddling over to them he smiled harshly and asked, "What would you ladies like to drink?"
Aya glanced around as some men's head snapped up at the word 'ladies.' Shivering she turned towards Elsie who said, "Two glasses of your mildest whiskey, please."
The man nodded slowly, eyed them both with quizzical eyes, and then went to get their drinks.
Aya tugged on Elsie's sleeve and whispered, "I don't like this place, Elsie. We should go."
Elsie smiled assuredly at her friend and shook her head. "We're fine. Come on, let's have some fun!"
Aya smiled weakly back at her, but her feelings of uneasiness stayed. The bartender dropped the drinks in front of them causing both girls to jump. Smiling unkindly he muttered, "Here's your drinks."
Elsie muttered a thanks as he turned away to serve another customer. Holding up her drink she, clinked hers against Aya's and whispered, "Cheers."
As she gulped down her whiskey a movement outside the window caught her eyes. Putting her drink down she watched the window to see what had caught her attention. Her eyes widened as she saw a group of about three Urgals walk past the window. Grabbing Aya's arm, she pulled her down under the counter.
"What is it?" Aya hissed. Elsie quickly covered her mouth with her hand. Praying the Urgals didn't come into the tavern; Elsie removed her hand from Aya's mouth, and motioned for Aya to follow her. Quietly they both started to leave through the back door.
"Hey!" They heard the bartender yell. "You haven't paid for your drinks!"
Both girls jumped and sprinted out the back door. Elsie quickly stopped Aya before surveying the streets. After making sure no Urgals were in sight, both girls made a dash for the stables. They swiftly saddled Amour up, mounted her, and then galloped out of the city.
Once the city was out of sight, they slowed Amour down to a trot. Elsie sighed in relief as Aya asked, "Why did we leave so quickly?"
Elsie kept looking forward as she answered, "I saw three Urgals pass by the tavern window. I'm not sure if they were looking for us or not." With a chuckle she added, "But either way we're fugitives now. I forgot to pay for our drinks."
Aya rolled her eyes and swatted Elsie's arm. "Great, now everyone's going to be looking for us."
Elsie smiled tightly as she said, "Well, that's not the worst of it. We left before we could buy anymore supplies. We have enough for two days, but the next town is at least a good week away."
She felt Aya tighten at the news. After a moment Aya asked, "What are we going to do?"
"Aya, don't worry." Elsie said reaching back and putting her hand on Aya's for a moment before taking hold of the reins again. "We'll make it."
"How can you be so sure?" Aya asked quietly.
"I'm not sure," Elsie stated. The rest of the night they didn't talk. Both were too consumed by worry.
The next day they ate the rest of the food. All that was left was a flask of water and a slice of dried up bread. The third day rolled around and by then the water and bread were gone. That night both girls didn't bother to make a campfire, because there was nothing to cook.
"Elsie," Aya said hoarsely. It was the fourth day and both girls were exhausted. Their throats yearned for water and their stomachs ached for food. "What town are we stopping at next?"
Elsie weakly replied, "Melian."
As the light started to fade and day became evening a large hill came into view. Elsie stared at it and wondered where the town was.
"Are we going to have to go around it?" Aya asked with a yawn.
Elsie only nodded. Glancing behind them, she made sure there was no one in view. Hopefully they had lost the Urgals at Cithrí. By the time it was totally dark they had made it to the base of the hill. Setting up camp they both went to sleep quickly that night.
The next morning Aya woke with a start. Her ears listened as she heard a soft thunder in the distance. Looking behind her she saw a blur coming fast towards them. Focusing her eyes she realized the blur was actually a band of Urgals. Dust circled up at their feet as they raced towards the girl's camp.
Panicking, Aya leaped up and shook Elsie's shoulder. "What?" Elsie muttered as she opened her eyes.
"We have to go." Aya said as she rapidly packed everything up.
"Why?" Elsie asked as she put her bed roll away.
Aya pointed to the rapidly approaching Urgals. Elsie gasped and quickly mounted Amour followed by Aya.
Kicking her heels into Amour's sides, they galloped along the base of the hill. "Hopefully they haven't spotted us yet," Elsie said. "If they haven't then we can loose them behind this hill."
As they rounded the hill they noticed walls. On top of the walls stood many archers ready to shoot when commanded. Elsie kicked Amour again as they raced through the gates. Praying that the archers would kill the Urgals, they dismounted Amour and led her through the city.
As they hurried along they noticed the streets were empty. Except for the occasional kids running around, everything seemed quiet. Almost too quiet.
"I'm getting a bad feeling about this town." Aya whispered as they kept walking.
Elsie breathed in deeply. "All we have to do is get some supplies and then we can leave."
Shakily they tied Amour to a post and entered the nearest store. "Excuse me," Elsie said as she spotted a lady. "Can we buy some supplies here?"
The woman grunted in reply. Taking that as a yes, Elsie said, "We'd like your biggest slab of deer meat and some fresh fruits."
The woman quickly got all the items and told them the price. Elsie's eyes widened when she realized they didn't have enough money. Handing her the last of their coins she stated, "I guess we'll just get the fruit then."
Putting the fruit away both girls headed to the well and got their fill of water. Hastily they then headed back to where Amour was and untied her. Mounting her once more they headed out of the city.
The inside of Elsie's legs began to itch and as she reached down she felt a warm wetness on her leg. Lifting up her dress she saw that the skin on the inside of her legs had been gnawed away. She assumed it was from all riding they had been doing.
Stopping Amour she gently dismounted her and handed the reins to Aya. She glanced up at Aya as she started to walk next to Amour.
"Elsie, what are you doing?" Aya asked as Amour started to trot.
"The inside of my legs are bleeding because of all the riding we've been doing. I'm going to walk for a little bit." Elsie winced as she walked.
They made camp early that night for Elsie's sake. No fire was made; they new that it would only be a beacon for the Urgals. As they sat in the darkness Elsie stated, "We have no money left." She quietly bit into a piece of fruit.
Aya didn't say anything; she only munched on her piece of fruit. Elsie continued, "This fruit will only last us a few days. The water will last about a week or two. From now on we're traveling north."
"And how long will it take until we get to the next town?" Aya asked as she finished her fruit.
Elsie sighed and threw her fruit to the ground. She quietly spread her bed roll out and replied, "I don't know. The next town is Urû'baen, the capital, but we can't go there. I'm sure whole armies of Urgals are stationed there."
Aya closed her eyes almost afraid to ask, "Then what are we going to do?"
Elsie laid down and pulled the blanket up to her chin. "Pray for a miracle."
Both girls went to sleep hopeless that night. By the third day they were out of fruit and had very little water left. Both were grumpy and neither talked. Upon they fifth day they were so weak they had almost given up hope when they spotted a village in the distance. Swiftly they made it to the town. As they walked down the streets and through the market Aya asked, "This town shouldn't be here. What is it called?"
Elsie smiled and replied, "I don't think it has a name. It must be a nomadic town." Aya nodded in understanding.
"And how are we going to get food?" She asked as she eyed the fruits and meats hungrily.
"The only we can," Elsie said quietly. "We're going to have to steal it."
A/N: Ok, this is the last chapter with just Elsie and Aya. The next will be of both Eragon and Murtagh after Brom dies and before they sell Cadoc. If you don't understand you will oncewe get the next chapter up. Hopefully by tomorrow. Well ta for now darlings!We're off to watch Pirates of the Caribbean!
