And so here is the next chapter! You know I've been doing really well with updates, I'm kind of proud of myself. Anyways, I already have two more chapters finished but I'm going to give it some time before I update those. Or maybe I'll update one later today or tomorrow? Who knows? Oh, and I was listening to this song by Three Doors Down called Let Me Go and I feel that it explains Eragon's feelings to Arya in the first two books of Inheritance. He loves her but doesn't actually know her well was a good song. And I'm rereading the cycle again, just to remember the good was a fun run, I have to admit. I'm glad I read it eight years ago, it was like growing up in a magicial world like Harry Potter. Speaking of which does anyone know any good fiction series out there? I need another good read with Inheritance, the Harry Potter Series, and the Hunger Games over. Anyways, I'm ranting, have fun reading! :)
The following morning, they flew straight to Aberon, the capital of Surda guided by Arya for she knew the way seeing that she'd occasionally visited the city during her time as ambassador to her mother. They hadn't slept since her rather bold confession to Eragon. But she had her reasons for doing so for her doubts about his illness was only hardened by what Master Oromis and Glaedr had told Eragon before he'd left. To guard his heart. And from the connection she made when she saw the research he was doing that was all related to the topic of the soul as well as his own statement to her that night of the Agaeti Blodhren. I'm afraid only half of my heart is in this decision. And she was right despite the fact that she wished that she wasn't. Eragon's soul was stolen from him, taken by Galbatorix and without it he would die. The thought of it made a chill run the length of her body.
She found herself often glancing at Eragon who was sitting atop Saphira at ease despite the thousands of feet they flew above ground. Ever since the Agaeti Blodhren, she'd found herself facing a new Eragon in appearance and voice but that was the only thing different about him. Everything else was the same when she'd first met him. Subconsciously rubbing the scales on Eridor's neck, she thought about his reaction last night to her words. Utter shock and astonishment. Even Eridor was surprised by the turn of events but he had approved of Eragon without hesitation and Saphira seemed rather ecstatic. But what seemed to change the most between them was the knowledge of what one felt for the other. He had not turned away from her last night in the lake but stood his ground and returned her caresses and kisses. And it wasn't until quite a moment after did she pull away to suggest returning to dry ground for the chilled water ate away at her bones.
She caught his brown eyes as he flew to her left, he favored her a small smile that she returned in kind. But before she could turn away, her gaze lingered a little longer on his right eye.
It was late afternoon when they arrived at Aberon, a low, walled city centered around a bluff in an otherwise flat landscape. Borromeo Castle occupied the top of the bluff. The rambling citadel was protected by three concentric layers of walls, numerous towers, and to her distaste, hundreds of ballistae for shooting down dragons. As they descended downward to the inner ward of the castle, she could see the alarm rising in the people. The sight of two dragons must have unsettled them greatly. The horses tethered in the yard didn't neigh in an uproar like she'd thought. She turned to Eragon to find him dismounting from Saphira without a care in the world. It must be his doing. She followed suit.
Eragon with a show of grace an ease sidled up next to her. "It would be a sad sight when they realize how ineffective their ballistae would be against foes such as us."
His statement amused her greatly and she was about to reply before a company of twelve men, some soldiers, hurried out of the keep towards them. They were led by a tall man with the same dark skin as Nasuada. Halting ten paces away, the man bowed—as did his followers—then said, "Welcome Riders, I am Dahwar, son of Kedar. I am King Orrin's seneschal."
She inclined her head, regarding Dahwar and his company which caused some to fidget where they stood. And within the emotions that she felt throughout the city a tinge of lust edged its way into the ocean of thoughts. She ignored it, used to those feelings in her presence. "And I, Arya ambassador to the Queen of the elves." She didn't use her mother's nor her father's name a habit she'd grown into since she'd left Du Weldenvarden seventy years ago.
The others responded in kind and once introductions were out of the way, they drove to the heart of the matter.
Dahwar bowed again. "I apologize that no one of higher rank than myself is present to greet guests as noble as you, but King Orrin, Lady Nasuada, and all of the Varden have long since marched towards the Empire." Arya nodded, she'd expected as much. "They left orders that if you came here seeking them, you should join them directly."
Eragon's stance changed and knowing him, she could perceive that he was slightly amused. She raised a brow at him and he raised one back, his expression reading, where else would we go? It made her want to laugh lightly but she didn't. Instead she turned back to Dahwar.
"Can you show us a map how to find them?"
"Of course, ma'am. While I have that fetched, would you care to step out of the heat and partake in some refreshments?"
"We have no time to waste," said Arya. "The heat matters little."
They turned to Eragon to await his answer. He unfolded his arms and said in a voice unlike his own that she was used to, "A cup of refreshment would be welcomed." One of Dahwar's followers was sent to fetch it. Arya turned back to the man when it seemed he was done talking. Then she began requesting for the provisions that they would need before setting off again. A week's worth provision of fruits and vegetables as well as bread and for their waterskins to be refilled.
Dahwar snapped his fingers, sending another two servants into the keep to gather the supplies. While everyone in the ward was waiting for the men to return he asked directly to Eragon, "Please excuse my impertinence, sir, for I am ignorant of the ways of the Riders, but are you not human? I was told you were."
"That he is," Arya answered, she hesitated, "His appearance only was changed but his origins are still undoubtedly human." Dahwar was tactful enough not to pursue the matter, but she was positive that he would've paid a handsome price for more information for it would put King Orrin on an even playing field as Nasuada.
The food, water, and map were soon brought by two wide eyed pages. At her words, they deposited them beside the dragons, looking terrified as they did, and then retreated behind Dahwar. Kneeling on the ground, he unrolled the map and drew a line northwest from Aberon to Cithri. "Last I heard, King Orrin and Lady Nasuada stopped here for provender. The Varden could be anywhere between Cithri and the Jiet River. This is only my humble opinion, but I would say the best place to look for them would be the Burning Plains."
Arya nodded, she knew of the Burning Plains in her studies or as her people called it: Du Vollar Eldrvarya. Take a look Eridor, Saphira.
The two of them took a step back to allow the dragons to lean forward to observe the map and as they did so, Arya motioned to Eragon who stood drinking from the wooden cup that was given to him. He gave her a questioning expression but moved towards her. "Is something the matter?" he asked softly.
"No," she glanced at Dahwar who looked interested in what the dragons where doing but she could tell that he was trying his best to glean any sort of information from them that he could. "How are you feeling?"
"Fine," he took another drink of water before holding the cup out to her. "Would you like some? It is rather refreshing."
"No thank you." She waved the cup away watching as he took another long drink. "I've had enough water for today."
He chuckled and she could see that he was remembering last night as they stood together in Lake Tudosten. "I have no doubt of that."
When they dragons were done studying the map, they prepared to leave. In short order, she and Eragon packed the supplies, and remounted their dragons. She thanked Dahwar for his services as they were about to take off again. But before they left, Eragon had warned Dahwar of the discord and possible murder brewing between two grooms in the stables.
Arya frowned, that was one reason why she disliked humans sometimes. They were so quick to act on feelings rather than judgment. But you've taken a human for a mate.
That isn't entirely so, he is not one to act on emotions alone. Arya answered her eyes flickering to Eragon and back to the open sky before her.
That is true, Eridor was quiet for a moment before he spoke again, what will you do about his condition?
I…do not know, her answer irritated her for she refused to acknowledge that there was no other way to save Eragon. Galbatorix wouldn't want Eragon to die. Not when he is the rider of the last female dragon. We know that for certain. And so we can only believe that he will also being trying to keep Eragon alive long enough for us to approach Uru'baen.
I have no doubt that there is a way to save him, but we must hurry and find the answers we need for it isn't just only Eragon who is affected by the spirit.
She nodded; understanding where Eridor was trying to get at for Saphira was also part of Eragon's mind and soul. Whatever happened to Eragon would have an equal affect on Saphira through their connection. By unspoken consent, they did not stop for the night but rather forged onward through the blackened sky. Of the moon and stars they saw no sign despite the new moon the night before. The dead hours came and went without remiss and when the sun finally returned did the dragons land by the edge of a small lake so Eragon and Arya could stretch their legs and carry out the normal procedures of everyday life that they were unable to do on dragon back.
"It seems we are closing to the Varden," Eragon commented as they sat and ate together.
Arya nodded she'd gleaned as much from the memories of the birds that flew overhead. "It would seem that way."
They continued to eat in silence. Every once and a while she would glance up to find Eragon intently staring at her before quickly glancing away. When she caught him again, she sighed letting a soft sound from her throat. "What is it Eragon?"
"What?" he raised his brow as if he wasn't quite aware of what she was saying. "I was just…admiring…"
This time, she raised her brow in disbelief. It was hard to image him taken by her appearance so when for the past months he didn't even raises a question or look towards her that spoke otherwise. It was new coming from Eragon but not unwelcomed like most approaches she'd received during her lifetime. Arya finished the pear in her hand before moving to sit in front of him, forcing him to look at her straight in the eye. He wasn't the one for initiating intimacy. For he had never experienced it before and though she didn't either, she knew enough to cover common ground for the both of them.
Without warning, she leaned forward and caught his lips with her surprising him. The apple he was eating fell to the ground as he instinctively reached up to intertwine his fingers in her hair. A small smirk slowly formed on her lips when she thought of Eragon's immediate response to her. He may be indifferent to most, but not to her.
After a moment, she pulled away to find Eragon staring at her with an intent expression. "We're mates, Eragon," said Arya, her voice low. "And as such, tender caresses and intimate gestures are common…or will be common between the two of us."
He nodded, "Forgive me; it's just so new…"
"That makes two of us." Her statement seemed to put him at ease for it shined light on the fact that she too was getting acquainted to the idea of them being an intimate couple. She watched as he picked up his apple which was dirtied from the ground before tossing it to the side and grabbing another apple to eat. While he was doing so, she resumed sitting on the ground, pulling out Tamerlein to study. It truly was a beautiful sword, now the only one devoid of a Rider's blade was Eragon. But he didn't seem to mind for his two blades were enough for him.
As she sat there studying the emerald blade, Eragon's reflection was caught in its smooth surface. When he'd realized that she'd saw him, he gestured with his hand to her sword. "You've yet to test out your new blade, Arya."
"There hasn't been a need to draw it from its sheath," said Arya.
"And that is why I'm offering my services," he smiled slightly. "Would you like to spar with me?"
She considered it for a minute, glancing at the dragons, who laid together resting for the moment before shrugging. "Of course." She stood in a fluid motion drawing Tamerlein from its sheath readying it in her hand. It was light as a feather. Eragon positioned himself a good ten yards away from her pulling out both of his swords. After dulling their blades they stood there face to face with one another. This time it was different, despite the countless hours that they'd spent sparring one another in Ellesmera, this session had a different atmosphere.
Her eyes caught a slight movement of his hand and she knew that he would attack her soon. He did. Eragon usually prevailed in their matches. She'd only managed, rarely, to defeat him a handful of times. Her pride when sparring Eragon was always slightly diminished after every practice. But this time, it would be different. She was sure of it. As Eragon approached her, she closed her mind to everything but him. He always feinted the first move, when he would strike and miss, his instinct was to immediately fall back and defend his flank.
He did just that, when he swung for her shoulders and she easily side stepped it, he drew back, jumping a good five yards away. But this time, she followed not giving him the time he needed to regain his bearings. His expression of slight surprise met her eyes as their blades met. He was stronger than her and she knew that she wasn't going to win from brute strength. The only attribute that she had that trumped his was her knowledge and agility. Dancing backwards from his blade, she brought up Tamerlein to deflect a blow.
There was one strategy that she wanted to try but it was a risk…
Deciding to take it, she waited for Eragon to collect himself and then extended a hand towards him, beckoning to him with her fingers. He'd answered to her taunt and came rushing for her. Eragon was too safe with his strength. He was confident in his abilities to defeat her and didn't need to plan ahead before him but she knew him better. When he was but two yards away, she flashed him a bright and wide smile. His reaction was what she'd predicted.
He faltered mid-step entranced by her beauty, his swords halting in mid stroke. A touch of pride entered her mind at her ability to render Eragon into confusion. Without hesitation, she drew up Tamerlein and with the hilt of her sword knocked it into his chest, sending him flying to the ground with a resounding thud, his swords flying from his grip. Before he could get up, she gently laid the tip of Tamerlein against his chest. "Dead."
Eragon laid there for a moment, stunned, his brown eyes staring up into space. Then he began to chuckle before laughing outright. "What in the name of Alagaesia was that technique?"
She smiled as she stared down at him. "A technique that I've reserved especially for you."
He grinned, relaxed despite his loss to her in their match. "If I hadn't known any better I would've called you out for cheating."
"Cheating? No. Exploiting a weakness in my opponent? Yes." Letting Tamerlein drop to her side, she held her hand out to help Eragon up. He laid there chuckling for a few more moments before gripping her hand and standing. With ease, he brushed the dirt from his clothes and went to retrieve his swords with grace. "Would you like to try one more time?"
Eragon nodded. "After that defeat, it is only fair that I redeem myself."
That was the answer she'd expected from him. Going onto a defensive position, she waited for him to approach her but he didn't do it in the way that she'd expected. Instead of running straight for her like he'd used to, he was more cautious and his eyes moved every which way as if assessing her movements. She flicked her hair out of her face and sent him another smile, this time not bothering to unsettle him. He returned it with ease. It seemed that lately, she was able to see him happy. Though she knew it wasn't going to last seeing that they were returning to the Varden where Brom was. There was no doubt in her mind that his family reunion would be anything but awkward.
He moved forward cautiously and she retreated in return, neither gaining on the other. He moved three paces to the right and she moved three paces to the left. To the side, she could feel the dragons' amusement at their practice. And she had to admit, it was somewhat amusing in its own right. She was sure that once they returned to the Varden, the light atmosphere about them would disappear with the emergence of war.
And it wasn't often that she saw him in such a light mood. It must have been the seal over his right that was allowing him the peace to see the world for the first time. Then as if forgoing caution he ran forward arching in towards her from her right. She turned to bring Tamerlein up to block one of his blows. But before she could pull away, his blades encircled hers holding it in place and it became a struggle to free her sword before Eragon could execute his next move. But as she went to do so, he moved his head forward as if to hit her down but instead, he kissed her. Surprise took hold of her for she didn't expect him to initiate gestures as intimate as this between the two of them so quickly. She'd thought it would be her at the end of all their interactions together. Distracted, he easily dislodged Tamerlein from her hand, the blade falling to the ground without resistance.
"Dead," he murmured against her lips. She smiled, knowing full well that if the opponent was any one else besides Eragon, a situation such as this would never happen. It didn't hurt, however, to indulge him. Reaching out with her right hand, she fisted his tunic in her hand pulling him against her. For some reason, every time she kissed him, a flame would erupt in her stomach and she would find it impossible to sate the ever growing fire. It was a feeling she couldn't control and as much as it unsettled her, she found it enjoyable.
When they needed to separate for air, Eragon gave her a wide smile. "What do you call that?" he raised a brow mockingly. "Exploiting a weakness in my opponent?"
She lightly laughed. "I only hope that you don't approach your real enemies with such an attitude. They will not be as…welcoming." Her statement seemed to amuse him greatly.
What a match, Saphira's voice echoed in her head. The two of them turned to her. The sapphire dragon was staring at them, her jaws parted in a frightening imitation of a toothy grin. If I didn't know any better, it would be an odd sight to behold indeed.
And slightly disturbing, Eridor added jokingly.
"I've no doubt about that," said Eragon as he nodded. "We are quite the pair."
"That we are," agreed Arya, she bent down to pick up Tamerlein. Removing the wards about the blade, she returned it to its sheath, Eragon doing the same to his swords. Brushing any dust that had collected on her shoulders off, she straightened her hair out of her face. "If we get the chance, I would like to spar with you more, Eragon."
"It won't be as easy," he warned. "I've few weaknesses, it just happens to be that you are one of them."
Flattered by his words but not showing it, she nodded. "I'm sure I can find the rest soon enough."
"I'm sure you're right." He blinked before turning his head upwards to glance at the sky and the placement of the sun. "It is time to continue. We've tarried for long enough."
That was right; it was time to return to the Varden. A world filled with war and bloodshed. Mounting Eridor as Eragon mounted Saphira, she felt slightly saddened at the light atmosphere they were leaving behind. Eragon wasn't going to be as relaxed in the presence of others, especially his father, and the time that they'd spent together was something she was going to cherish for the next few weeks or so.
They had just taken off again when a long, low brown cloud appeared on the edge if the horizon, like a smudge of walnut ink on a sheet of white paper. The cloud grew wider and wider as the dragons approached it and already, she could see the tension enter Eragon's form from where he sat between the juncture of Saphira's neck and shoulder.
They had reached the Burning Plains of Alagaesia.
Personally, I loved this Arya POV, it was interesting to write about. Because her character in the cycle is somewhat indifferent but yet caring towards Eragon and to try and expand that to a love interest, it was neat. And I really enjoyed it. So from now on, I'll try to keep Arya's character in canon but it'll be hard because the series never really expressed her as a person that could respond intimately to anyone really. But I love Arya, she's probably one of my favorite female characters throughout any novel really. Well, maybe she has some competition with Ginny but then again, they're from different series. Anyways, I hoped you all enjoyed reading this! I'll upload the next chapters soon!