Chapter 15

The moment he stepped in the hot water, the effects on his body were immediate. His muscles relaxed and slowly stopped aching. Alex closed his eyes and let his head fall back against the wall. This mad race to save the elf's life was finally over. No more running away from the soldiers, no more ambush. For once, their objective was clear: rest, train, go to the elves, more training and then, kill the Ra'zac. At the moment, their little group was safe, away from the Empire. The young swordsman could now let his guard down a little and boy, did it felt good to know he could sleep peacefully. However, he was still wary of the Twins and his instinct was screaming at him that something was up with them… and because of this, he couldn't trust those two.

A sigh of contentment escaped his mouth.

Now, all he needed to do was eating until his stomach couldn't take anymore and fall asleep in a true bed, with a real pillow. Yeah, that was a good idea. Watering his head, Alex remarked his hair was longer than before, now reaching his shoulders. Maybe he could put it into a ponytail? Or cut it? Nah, he always wanted to try to have his hair long, just like his father so this was a good opportunity.

His thoughts drifted to the next, random topic his mind could think of.

Saphira…

How, why or when, he didn't know but what he was sure was that he had fallen in love with her, pretty hard too. Alex wanted to deny everything, to say it was a stupid crush and it would disappear over time but it would be lying to himself if he did this. In the other hand, if he told her how deep his feelings went for her, she would reject him immediately and it could cost them their friendship. Or at least, damage it pretty badly.

"What to do… what to do." he whispered, weighing all the options he had in hand. "Telling the truth, lying to myself or ignore it. The third choice is the best but what if the feeling is mutual? I know it's like asking for a miracle but… anyway, I'll see what'll happen next and act accordingly to it."

With a grunt, the adolescent decided not to dwell on this matter too much since it wasn't his forte and he had already made his decision. Half an hour later, he left the water, feeling completely refreshed and relaxed. A new set of clothes was waiting for him in the other room. Then, he walked out of the bathrooms, putting the last of his gear on him. Eragon and Orik were in the corridor, standing against a wall and talking. They stopped when the second adolescent arrived.

"Good. Now that you're both here, next stop: the kitchens."

The duo followed the dwarf until they reached a large piece where no less than twenty people were working on today's meal. The swordsman and the young rider sat at an empty table.

"I'll be back with your food soon, feel free to ask one of the cooks for something to drink or serve yourself." said Orik before walking away.

None of the boys talked for a few moments until Eragon broke the ice.

"I don't know what to think after what you said earlier. I know you're telling the truth and I trust you to not lie about something like that but to think you come from another world…"

"… it should be impossible, huh? I would have the same train of thought in your place but you and I know perfectly that my presence is a proof enough that it's possible. Saphira can attest to that since I showed her my memories."

"Yeah. Since we're talking about her… she's been very protective of you lately, and affectionate too. Since some time, she slowly began to act differently. She made you sleep with us, she was difficult to convince when we went on a separate way at Gil'ead and was worried for you during the last few days."

"Don't worry, I saw her change in behavior. She'll be back to her old self soon."

Eragon looked at him, slightly embarrassed and unsure of the words to use. "I don't think so. I mean, Saphira… had a strange reaction earlier when you said you wouldn't stay after the Ra'zac's death. She felt a deep pain in her chest, strong enough to be felt by me over our mental link."

«Okay, it's official. I'm in deeper shit than I thought, she's too attached to me, even as a friend. »

"Things like that happen." Alex sighed. Orik came back at this moment with two bowls full of meat and vegetables. "Thank you Orik. And after all the things we lived since our departure form Carvahall, I'm not surprised. She thinks of me as a close friend. Especially after saving her life two times."

"I owe you a lot for this, by the way."

The man with grey hair shook his head, chuckling and playfully punched his friend on the shoulder. He then, dived into his plate, eating quickly.

"You don't owe me a single thing. Brom asked me to keep an eye on you two. I'm just doing my job, nothing more, nothing less. Think of me as your protector… or guardian if you prefer."

The farmer nodded, then turned his head to the dwarf.

"I think I'll pass the test in two days and use tomorrow to recover as much strength as possible."

"Understood. I'll inform Ajihad about your decision. In the meantime, why don't I show you where you're going to sleep?"

The swordsman, who put his plate away, hummed in agreement. "I'm done with my food and a good night of sleep would be perfect."

"Already?"

"I wasn't that hungry."

When Eragon was done, they followed their guide wordlessly until their reached the end of a staircase and entered the dragonhold. There were at least ten caves, made of marble and with beds carved inside of them. Saphira was in the first on the right, with just her head visible. After thanking the short man, the two boys walked to her. Alex put his hand on Eragon's shoulder and with a smile, added. "Well, I think you already know where you're sleeping tonight. I think I'll take the cave right next to yours. Eragon, Saphira, I bid you goodnight and see you in a few hours."

Before Alex could walk less than two meters away, a blue and ivory blur snatched him from where he was and made him disappear inside the cave. The second after, Eragon heard him yelling.

"No. Bad, bad dragon! Don't touch my hair!"

When he jumped inside, the rider found it difficult to keep his snickers in check because of the sight in front of him. The dragoness was comfortably installed in the dais with his friend trapped on his stomach, under her paw. He tried to hit her on the snout to push her away but she was unfazed by this. She was licking, nipping and gnawing his grey hair.

"Eragon, could you be a dear and tell your crazy lizard to leave me the actual fuck alone!"

"Saphira please, do as he say."

The dragoness stopped, raised her head to look at her rider, growled and resumed what she was doing.

«You have knots in your hair. »

"I know and I was going to take care of it before you decided to do it yourself. But I appreciate the gesture. Now, I'd like to go in my cave so I can sleep in a bed."

«Why don't you stay here? »

"Maybe because the only place to sleep here is Eragon's bed buuuuuuuuuut it's too small for two young adults."

«You could stay in the dais with me. »

Alex blinked.

Once, then a few times. He replayed in his mind what she just said, hoping it was just his imagination who was tricking him. He even pinched himself on the cheek to be sure he wasn't dreaming. Saphira was proposing him to sleep against her side, like usual. It's shouldn't be different from before but in a way, it was. This time, it would be only him and her in the bed and this is what bothered him.

"How about no?"

She stopped her ministrations and released the adolescent who rolled aside.

«To tell you the truth, I was scared when you left Gil'ead on your own. I feel like I HAVE to watch over you, like Eragon even if you're strong enough to do it on your own. But, as my friend, accept. It would put my mind and heart at peace to have you at my side, at least for tonight. »

Her words left Alex completely speechless, he looked away with his best interpretation of the poker face. He knew they had a close friendship but never thought it'd be that deep. The young rider was observing the discussion silently, hoping the one he considered his best friend wouldn't say no.

«Face it, idiot. » he thought to himself. «Even you wanted to stay distant with everyone, it was the others who came to you and you couldn't help yourself but become their friend. Brom, Eragon, Saphira and even Murtagh. »

Sighing, Alex turned his head to the blue dragoness and gave her gentle smile. "No problem, I understand. But I advise you to move your scaly behind so I can have some room. Oh, and please, don't crush me in your sleep. Thank you very much."

After saying goodnight to the farmer, the swordsman put all his weapons not far from him and made himself comfortable against Saphira's flank, using his bag as a pillow and his jacket as a small blanket. He patted her side before turning away, closing his eyes. The big lizard looked at him for a few moments, happy that her… friend decided to stay with them. Just like the night before, when they reunited, her heart began beating a little faster and felt a knot forming in her stomach, even doing back-flips from time to time. She began to see him differently a little after he saved her life during the Urgal's ambush. After all, he brought food for them a few times, found good spots to use as a camp, was capable of protecting himself and those around him and was very mature for his age, maybe a little too much. Those were some of the qualities she liked about him.

He wasn't perfect, far from it, and his stubbornness to track the Ra'zac to the end of the world could attest to that. Confronted to these kind of feelings for the first time in her life, Saphira decided it would be best if she let things go at their own rhythm. Maybe everything would be back to normal in a few days. Secretly, she hoped it wouldn't and that she could understand the meaning of all of this.