Hello everyone! I've just finished this chapter! To address your concerns, I know the chapters seemed like they are trying to take a lot and cram it into a little but like I've said before there are just too many unnecessary details going on in the original. Anyways, once the whole dwarf business is over I shall write this story at a better pace. Now people believe that ExA are growing distant? Well, that shall all be explained in this there's a lemon people that's why this chapter is so lengthy. I shall put a warning before it if you prefer not to read it. As for Eragon's older personalities, I've always like the cold Eragon in battle and shall keep him that way. He's only soft on Saphira, Arya, and his mother. And for other's who've expressed their growing concerns with Oromis, no I shall not kill him off so early. That is just a waste of a good fighter. I would also like to say that I had to use some of CP's work. I don't own anything of his! Anyways everyone enjoy this chapter! RR!
It was tense as they stood in Orik's chambers waiting for an explanation from him. Having dismissed their translator as well as Murtagh's guards, Eragon was left with Orik and the others in the safety of his chambers to discuss the matters of the assassination attempts. Currently they were staring at three bound dwarves stacked atop each other bloodied and beaten. He had to admit that it was a form of interrogation that he could agree with if the other party was unwilling.
"And so these three were the ones who ordered the attack on me?" asked Murtagh as they stared at the three of the bound dwarves with varying degrees of emotion. However, there was a common underlying of distaste for the three. Orik nodded. Eragon stared at the three dwarves and unable to help himself, he prodded the one on the bottom with his foot. In response the dwarf meekly kicked his feet.
"How will you deal with Az Sweldn rak Anhûin?" asked Arya as she mentioned the clan that was behind such an attack on Murtagh. At her question, Orik stroked his beard and Eragon could see a slight twinkle in his eyes. Whatever it was that Orik was thinking, Eragon knew that he could manage seeing as Orik was not troubled in the least about dealing with the clan. Having been reassured that Orik could indeed handle the clan as well as its aggressive leader, Vermûnd Eragon was about to return to their quarters but Orik had other ideas. Instead, he asked that the three of them remain within his chambers for the night for it was dangerous for them to wander about especially with what had occurred to Murtagh. Eragon was reluctant at first but seeing as Arya and Murtagh were forced to as well he complied.
Later that night as they were trying to rest Eragon blinked when he felt Arya's mind touch his. Without hesitation, he let her into his mind used to the essence that made her. Is something amiss? He'd thought she was resting or attempting to rest as she laid on one of the dwarf couches in Orik's chamber with Murtagh sleeping on the other one on the opposite wall from them. Eragon had merely resigned to sitting on the ground with his back against the couch Arya rested on as if to guard her in her sleep.
I haven't had the chance to speak to you in private since the attack, she said as an answer to his question. Are you comfortable in that position?
As comfortable as I'll ever be here. I do not particularly enjoy the fact that I have to rest here due to an assassination attempt on Murtagh's life. I can guard myself in my own quarters whether I'm asleep or not.
Maybe but one can never take chances. The Az Sweldn rak Anhûin are a force to contend with. Their rage at the riders are still fresh even if it's been a century and more since the last of the Forsworn had burned down their villages, she replied. Eragon subconsciously nodded. The next words she spoke took him by surprise. After Orik deals with the Az Sweldn rak Anhûin, Eridor and I shall take flight and travel back to the Varden. We've tarried for too long. We've no place here in the deliberations of the dwarves for a new successor. There are pressing matters that we can assist with back at the Varden. Nasuada will soon reach Feinster and our help is needed. He remained silent. It seemed like Arya had given this much thought. While he could not say anything about her departure for it was her own decision, he was worried as to what would happen if they put such a great amount of distance between them. Would he feel as lonely as when he's not with Saphira? Maybe even more? Are you troubled by my decision?
No, replied Eragon. He closed his eyes and opened it once more to stare off into the darkness. He saw Murtagh shift in his sleep. It appeared that he was having troubles sleeping. After a moment, he averted his eyes. With your return to the Varden it will put Nasuada and the others at rest. I am not sure when the deliberations will end nor when the coronation will occur but I have faith in Orik. With what has happened, he will use this momentum to put himself at the forefront of the other clan chiefs. At his words, his mind flashed to the different chiefs that Eragon had met in the meeting. For a second an image of Íorûnn and how she graciously greeted him flashed in his mind. He felt Arya's thoughts shifted as the images faded.
In any case we will depart as soon as Orik calms the situation here. It will be dangerous if this incident grows into a clan war. If the factions are split and start to attack each other, it will only ensure the destruction of the dwarves as well as the Varden's for without their help our numbers will be too few, Eragon nodded noticing the slight change in her tone. He unfolded his arms and turned to her seeing an outline of her face as she laid on the couch turned on her side facing him. He could barely make out her eyes in the dark.
Will you spend some time with me before you leave? It may be a while before we are reunited, asked Eragon. Unlike the beginnings of their bond, he was not embarrassed to ask such of her. After the events they've been through there was no need to be embarrassed. He watched as she reached out with her hand towards him placing it on the back of his neck. Arya shifted on the couch slightly, leaning forward to him. In the darkness of Orik's chambers they were safely cloaked.
Of course, she said as their lips met. He wasn't sure if it was due to what had transpired earlier or because of the news that she was soon leaving but he found himself desiring her greatly. Careful not to make a sound, Eragon parted his lips over hers. Feeling her breath against his face, he leaned forward until she was pressed against the couch with half of his body leaning over hers. Their tongues sliding against each other. They stayed like that for a while exchanging heated kisses and parting for air until a loud gasp from Murtagh startled them apart. Pulling away, Eragon turned to him as Arya sat up. He heard her whisper a spell in the ancient language and a werelight appeared in the center of the room.
Murtagh was wide awake. He was standing staring at the floor, his fists clenched, his chest heaving. Orik's guards from the adjacent hallway to where they were resting glanced in on them with inquisitive glances. Eragon waved them away as he watched as Murtagh settled back onto his couch. However he made no move to continue sleeping. It must have been a nightmare.
He exchanged a glance with Arya. If Murtagh doesn't feel like resting, it didn't mean she didn't have to. Extinguishing her werelight, she resumed lying on the couch to rest. Within a few moments, she was drifting off in her half-awake slumber. Not tired, Eragon just sat there deep in thought. After a moment, he blinked when Murtagh summoned a werelight of his own to once more illuminate the room. Eragon glanced back at Arya, she was unaffected by the glow of Murtagh's werelight and continued her rest.
"Is there something that's bothering you?" asked Eragon glancing at Murtagh. It was the dead of night and knowing what might happen tomorrow, Murtagh should indeed be resting. "If not, you should put out your werelight and rest. There's no need to bother others with your agitation."
"It's not that," said Murtagh speaking in the ancient language surprising Eragon. Usually Eragon only spoke in the ancient language to Arya for he felt most comfortable speaking in that tongue with her. He'd rarely spoke to Murtagh in the ancient language except for the few times he had to during their training in Ellesmeŕa. "I was just—"
"Was it a nightmare?" asked Eragon as he stared at Murtagh from where he sat. His half brother nodded glancing down at his hands unsure of what to do. Feeling rather awkward, Eragon inwardly sighed. If only the dragons were here, it would ease the tension. Thorn could be comforting Murtagh rather than Eragon. But the dragons were instructed to hunt until sundown the next day in order to avoid any unnecessary threats. He knew they were bothered for they were the strongest predators of the sky and could defend themselves but their pride was not worth their life. They were quiet for a moment. "What was it about?"
Murtagh seemed to struggle greatly before he answered Eragon's question. "I saw my father…Or what I thought was my father."
"Morzan?" asked Eragon. Murtagh nodded. Unsure of what to say, Eragon sought words. He could not relate to Murtagh. His father was Brom. Though he despised his father for a greater part of his life, he was never ashamed of him. No, he was always ashamed of himself because he always believed that he was not great enough.
"It's laughable isn't it? He's dead and yet his name still haunts me," said Murtagh looking defeated. Eragon frowned. It was laughable but he wasn't going to say it out loud. Instead he merely glanced away as Murtagh continued to speak, "Mother has never spoke of him has she?"
At the mention of their mother, Eragon frowned slightly. No, their mother never spoke of Morzan. To her, he was dead and will forever remain such. Whatever love she felt for him was gone with his cruel treatment of Murtagh. He shook his head. "No, she never said," said Eragon. He paused, "Do you remember anything about him?"
Murtagh shook his head, "I don't remember anything about him," he sighed, "To think that I would love Brom, the man who murdered my father, and hate Morzan, the man who was my father. Fate works in strange ways."
"A son cannot choose his father," said Eragon quietly. He understood that more than anything. They fell into silence once more. He thought that his statement would be the end of their conversation but Murtagh didn't extinguish his werelight meaning that he had more to say.
"Eragon," he glanced up at Murtagh waiting for him to speak. "Do you think you can tell me about mother's story? From the beginning? Not many people know her as well as you do. And I would like to get to know her history more."
If it would calm his nerves Eragon thought. On the outside Eragon scoffed not wanting to look soft but spoke, "It's only natural that a son should know the history behind his parents. In return…" he hesitated not sure if he wanted to form this question but after a few moments, he continued, "I would like to hear about Brom as he'd lived with you."
"That's a fair deal," agreed Murtagh. The two of them stayed awake recalling events and stories about their parents. Eragon spent the first part explaining to Murtagh the history behind their mother. He was surprised to find that at first she was a cruel servant of the Black Hand, a group that Galbatorix controlled in his city. He then went on to telling him how she met Morzan and in turn fell in love with his appearance. There was something in his cruelness that drew her to the forsworn. His story continued with him telling Murtagh about the change in their mother and how she came across Brom, who was a spy in Morzan's estate. Brom went from wanting to assassinate their mother in order to deal a crippling blow to Morzan to loving her. The reason he knew all of this was because their mother spoke to him about Brom when he was younger, when he demanded to know more about Brom, who he was and where he came from. When he was done with his stories, Murtagh kept up his end of the bargain and told him how he grew up in the farming village of Carvahall with Roran and his family. Compared to Eragon's dry tales, Murtagh's stories were filled with life experiences and despite the foolishness of some, he could tell from his tone that Murtagh regretted little growing up in Carvahall. He'd met Brom and thought of him as a storyteller that wandered Alagaësia saying crazy stories about dragons and such. Through their stories Eragon saw the great contrast in their lives. Murtagh may be poor scraping dinner by hunting in the Spine and bartering with others in his village but he was happy. Eragon grew up wealthy and with his mother by his side and yet he knew that his childhood was much emptier than Murtagh's. He never wanted to admit it thought Eragon as he listened to Murtagh describing how he was dragged through the mud because of the stubborn mule that they raise in order to help plow the crops, but he envied Murtagh.
That was the difference between them while Eragon envied him, Murtagh was satisfied with his life.
The next morning Eragon stood with his back to the wall, between Murtagh and Arya. After much deliberation it was decided that they would use his union with Arya as an advantage in the meeting. If anyone dared to act out of order, they would be hesitant to do so seeing as Arya was present. It was well known in Tronjheim how Islanzadí treated the Varden after hearing word that Arya was killed as she was carrying Thorn's egg. If she were to be killed in a spat between the dwarves over the throne, Islanzadí would no doubt show them the folly of their ways. He watched as the various clan chiefs filed into the round conference room. His eyes glanced of Vermûnd taking in the calm appearance that the dwarf chief bore. He'd expected as much.
When they caught sight of the extra addition to the meeting, a rise of protest rose from several of the dwarves particularly Gannel, whom Arya has had the pleasure of arguing with on various occasions. "What is the meaning of this Orik!" demanded Gannel. Their translator immediately translated for them but without the fierce opposition that Gannel used in his voice. "You dare to bring an outside into our most sacred of meetings? Eragon and Murtagh we've agreed to, but not her!" Arya did not bat an eye when Gannel shook his finger at her. Eragon inwardly chuckled as he glanced at her out of the corner of his eye.
He must still be sore about the last argument you've had, said Eragon.
Though she was not showing it, he could feel her amusement in her mind and through their bond. Gannel was never graceful in the matters of concession. If all is not what he believes it, he will make sure he can make it so.
Not one person was seated as they waited for Orik's reply. He merely held up his hand, "Peace Gannel, I do not mean to make any offense. However by our laws, if one is deemed important enough, they have a place within our meetings. Arya is Eragon's mate, in our terms she is equivalent to a wife," at the mention of wife, Eragon glanced away. They weren't fully mates yet for they'd yet to consummate their affection. "I've decided to ask that she sit in on one of our meetings to fully understand the process of selecting a new successor to the throne. We cannot deny that as separate races we know little of each other and this is an opportunity for us to remedy that. As an honored guest of mine clan as well as Eragon's mate, my brother for he is related to Murtagh whom is my foster brother, I hope that you have no qualms about her presence here."
There was a great amount of tension about the room as everyone stared at Arya, Eragon, Gannel, and Orik. Looking like he was overinflated due to the redness in his face, Gannel nodded. The matter settled the chiefs seated themselves about the circular table in the center of the conference room. Those watching from the perimeter also took their seats along the chairs lined against the wall of the circular room. While Eragon relaxed against his seat, Murtagh sat on edge as if a great battle was to break out. Beside him, Arya was watching with interest the events going on before them. Due to his oath to Orik and the clans, he was unable to reveal any information about the deliberations to those that weren't present. She was no doubt the first elf to be able to witness such deliberations. Though she was interested he wasn't in the least. He glanced at Murtagh, who was trying his best to remain impassive. Though he understood why Murtagh felt agitated, there was no need for they were prepared for the worst. Not only were the three of them present but Orik had stationed a hundred of his warriors close by without the knowledge of other the chiefs knowing.
Having regained his earlier composure, Gannel rose from the table and began to speak. Half listening to the introduction of his speech, Eragon waited for him to hit the heart of the matter. After receiving permission to speak, Gannel continued his long winded report. "Yesterday, while we were lunching in our chosen places of repast, knurlan throughout the tunnels underneath the southern quadrant of Tronjheim heard a noise," that was no doubt the explosion caused from the amber lantern. He proceeded to explain what some of the dwarves found in the tunnel that they fought in. Murtagh became even more tensed and he saw his dominant hand twitch. His eyes caught Arya's as Gannel finished his report. "So my first question for the meet is this: do any of you possess further knowledge of this mysterious action?"
Orik cleared his throat and said, "I believe I can satisfy some of your curiosity upon that point, Gannel. However, since my answer must of necessity be a lengthy one, I suggest you ask your questions before I begin."
A frown darkened Gannel's brows. Rapping his knuckles against the table, he said, "Very well…" he continued on speaking about the movement of armed forces about the underground city. He even went as far as to say that they expel the warriors that were gathering and that a reader-of-law should be appointed to investigate such doings. Eragon watched as a flurry of heated conversation amongst the clan chiefs erupted in the circular room. The dwarves hurled accusations, denials, and counteraccusations at each other to the point that two of the grimstborith were yelling at each other. It was poor form thought Eragon as he observed the meeting. Beside him Arya shifted in her seat. This was no doubt a great difference as to how her people chose rulers. Eventually seeing as the meeting was getting out of hand, Orik cleared his throat again causing everyone to stop and stare at him.
In a mild tone, Orik said, "This too I believe I can explain to you, Gannel, at least in part. I cannot speak to the activities of the other clans, but several hundred of the warriors who have been hurrying through the servants' halls in Tronjheim have been of Dûrgrimst Ingeitum. This I freely admit."
All was silent until Íorûnn said, "And what explanation have you for this belligerent behavior Orik, Thrik's son?"
And so began the long answer that Orik had been saving up. Though he did not start it as Eragon thought he would. Instead he began to speak about the beginnings of history and how the race of dwarves had migrated from the desert to the mountains. From the wars between the clans to the creation of h magnificent cities in Farthen Dûr, Orik spoke of it all. Then he moved on to speak about the elves' arrival in Alagaësia. He spoke of how they fought with the dragons and nearly destroyed each other and how in order to maintain survival they forged the Dragon Riders. He was sure there were a few minor mistakes in the retelling of the history of elves for he felt Arya's irritation peak every once and a while but she remained silent knowing that to interrupt Orik would make him look foolish. He continued speaking about how selfish the dwarves were in their attempt to live isolated from the world and in prosperity. He was angered how none sought to share in the pact of the dragons and how as time passed the pact was remade to include humans and still the dwarves sought no involvement. It was a curious thing thought Eragon as he thought of it. Though most elves belittled humans, he wondered how they felt to share their most precious bonds with the dragons with humans. He even went as far as to praise Murtagh causing him to flush. After a very long speech, Orik finally got to the heart of the matter.
"Otherwise, why would they try to kill Murtagh?" Orik finished his speech with a heavy loaded question that demanded silence in the room. No one dared move for the slightest movement could lead to dangerous assumptions. As the clan chiefs gazed at Orik with unblinking eyes, he related to the meet how the seven black-clad dwarves had attacked Murtagh and his guards while they were exploring the halls of Tronjheim. He explained that they were lucky to escape death for Eragon had followed them to ensure their safety and managed to confuse the assassins and gain the upper hand in battle.
"Last night, my spellcasters and I retraced the assassin's path back to their place of origin, and on the twelfth level of Tronjheim, we captured three knurlan who were hiding in a dusty storeroom. We broke the minds of two of them, and from them, we learned they provisioned the assassins for their attack. And," said Orik his voice growing harsh and terrible, "from them we learned the identity of their master. I name you, Grimstborith Vermûnd! I name you Murdered and Oath-Breaker. I name you an enemy of Dûrgrimst Ingeitum, and I name you a traitor to your kind, for it was you and your clan who attempted to kill Murtagh!"
That was the final straw it seemed. Instantly Vermûnd and Orik began to shout at each other trying to dominate the conversation. Murtagh stood from his seat beside Eragon and hand his hand on Zar'roc ready to draw it if needed. While all this was happening, Arya was watching the two standing dwarves with great interest. Eragon rested his chin on the palm of his hand, waiting for any sudden movements. In its sheath, he could tell that Vrangr was thirsting for the blood of his enemies while Brisingr was waiting to show itself once more in the glory of battle. When Gannel managed to calm them, he turned to Vermûnd.
"Grimstborith Vermûnd, can you refute these charges?" As Eragon expected the dwarf did and now they had to sit and wait until evidence was presented to the other clan chiefs for a decision to be reached. First they received testimony from a dwarf named Rimmar, after swearing in the ancient language to speak honestly, he told them how he and his assistants had made their discoveries concerning the dagger that the assassins had. Then three dwarves the Orik apprehended were brought in. Refusing to cooperate, magicians from each clan invaded their mind to reassert the information that Orik had present earlier. Then Murtagh was called upon to rely his story of the attack and two magicians at random were chosen to inspect his mind to confirm the truth of his words. The inspection went without incident and the magicians corroborated his account to the clan chiefs. When it all seemed like all the evidence was piled against Vermûnd, the dwarf tried for one last measurement and had demanded that Eragon be inspected as well since he was also present during the fighting.
Everyone appeared hesitant at such a request for he was a representative sent from the Varden to merely observe the meetings despite his connection to the Dûrgrimst Ingeitum. "We cannot afford to overlook evidence for this is a serious claim that you are accusing mine clan of," said Vermûnd. Eragon glanced at the dwarf, if he refused that could cause suspicion to rise for they may think that it was a rouse created by Orik to oust out an opposing clan for the throne. He glanced at Arya. She looked displeased but inclined her head. Standing, Eragon waited for Gannel to pick two magicians he thought capable enough to search for what was needed. They were reluctant as they stopped before Eragon. He lowered his barriers to let them in as Arya withdrew from his mind. Like it went with Murtagh, they reconfirmed what was already said.
Eragon returned to his seat, his mind once more joining with Arya's so that they may converse freely as the clans argued. There is no doubt that he shall be punished, said Eragon as he watched four of clan chiefs including Orik and Gannel leave to speak amongst themselves. The evidence is against him.
We do not know that yet Eragon for it seems that Vermûnd is sure of escaping this trespass, replied Arya with a slight hint of distaste. He would not have attempt an assassination on Murtagh if he did not devise another plan in case it was traced back to him. Remember, those who commit villainy know how to escape villainy.
True as that may be, Eragon watched as they returned. Íorûnn spoke, "The readers-of-law are unanimous. Even though Murtagh is a sworn member of the Dûrgrimst Ingeitum, he also holds position of important beyond our realm: namely, that of Dragon Rider, but also that of a friend of high influence with Queen Islanzadí and her race as a whole. In short, he is our honored guest, and we should treat him as such…which every knurla who is not cave-mad ought to know."
"What say you now, Vermûnd?" demanded Gannel.
Vermûnd looked at ease in his seat as he stared at the other clan chiefs, "Unless you are eager to rend our country into a thousand bloody scraps, I suggest you let the wind waft away this morning's discussion and, in its place, fill your minds with thoughts of who should next rule from upon the granite throne." So that was what Vermûnd had in mind if he was pressed into a corner. He was threatening them to either follow his way or be prepared to fight. How childish thought Eragon staring at Vermûnd. Either way, if Orik decided to let this come to pass, Eragon would not. Murtagh's life was not worth Vermûnd's desire to become the next ruler.
Freowin turned to Vermûnd in disgrace, "You have shamed our race, Vermûnd. We cannot retain our honor as knurlan and ignore your trespass."
The elderly dwarf woman, Hadfala, spoke up as well, "What did you think to accomplish, besides our doom, by killing Murtagh? Though the Varden have two other riders to fight Galbatorix with you've forgotten their relation to Murtagh. Eragon Shadeslayer is the envoy of the Varden as well as the savior of Tronjheim when the Urgals invaded. To kill his brother would only show how ungrateful we are to his services. His bond to the elves will no doubt pit their race against us. If you were to kill Murtagh, you not only anger Eragon but you shall bring down the wrath of Thorn upon our people. Farthen Dûr will be filled with a sea of our own blood and by then there will be no need of a ruler."
At her words Vermûnd remained silent.
Just then Orik laughed, he turned to the veiled faced dwarf. Eragon did not understand his laughter until fifteen minutes later, Vermûnd was cursing at the top of his lungs demanding their attention. But like everyone else in the conference room Eragon merely ignored him. Knowing that he no longer held and significance in the meeting, Vermûnd left taking with him the members of his clan. The tension in the room eased with his departure.
Eragon glanced at Arya as she continued to watch the meeting, she was going to leave after this, no doubt in the following morn and return to the Varden now that Vermûnd was dealt with and Orik has propelled the other clan chiefs to agree to vote for the new ruler. The meeting was adjourned for there was nothing left for them to do but wait until the next meet was upon them in which the new ruler shall be elected. Bidding the others farewell Eragon and Arya retired to their quarters that they were given on their first day of arrival.
"That was rather eventful," said Eragon as he closed the door to their room, once more putting into place wards to protect them from unwanted guests. Arya nodded as she unstrapped Támerlein and set it on top of the table off to the side of the room.
"It was a new experience," said Arya, "I am rather saddened to know that I shall not be here to witness the coronation of the new ruler. Such an event does not happen every century." He snorted slightly at her words before placing his blades with hers.
"Banishment amongst the dwarves is a cruel punishment," commented Eragon. Arya nodded moving about the room to gather her things for her journey. "One is better off dead if their existence is to be ignored."
Arya nodded, "To be is to be perceived," she said as she pulled out her bags and began the daunting task of preparation. He watched her knowing that what would normally take him but a few minutes to prepare will take her hours. After watching her unpack and repack her bags, Eragon stood making his way over to her. He wasn't sure if she already knew of his intentions from his feelings or simply from intuition but she easily sidestepped and avoided his arms that came up to wrap about her waist.
"Good preparation takes time Eragon," said Arya sternly as she made her way to the bedside table where her other belongings remained. He followed her knowing better than to admit defeat for he was unsure of when he would see her again. The dwarves had a knack for dragging out processes. Before she could do anything, faster than she could anticipate he grabbed her about the waist and pushed her down onto the soft mattress of the bed they yet to use since their arrival. She stared up at him with narrowed eyes and reached up to push him off but he grabbed her arms and pinned them by her side. Instantly, Arya frowned at him. "Eragon…"
Her voice was one of warning. If he hadn't absorbed Asura's soul he was sure Arya would have been able to fend him off but her strength could no longer match his. He smiled down at her, "You said you'd spend time with me before you leave."
"I will after I pack," promised Arya. He shook his head.
"It'll take you too long to pack and by the time you've finished it shall be sunrise," said Eragon as he leaned down and placed his lips against the base of her neck. "Let us spend some time together and I promise I shall not bother you afterwards when you are packing." He could feel her resolve waver as he slid his tongue out to taste the skin of her neck, subconsciously gripping her hands tighter. He leaned up and captured her lips in his kissing her roughly before pulling away from her. One kiss was enough to ignite the desire in Arya. "We've been busy as of late and haven't had time to spare for our affections. Will you not let me love you tonight Arya? As your mate?"
WARNING! WARNING! A VERY DANGEROUS SCENE AHEAD!
He kissed her once more. This time she responded to him leaning up to fervently kiss him in return. He smiled against her lips slightly surprised at how she gave in. He was sure it was a combination of things that spurred her on. For one the dragons were still hunting giving them peace and quiet for the moment so that they could spend time together without the influence of their dragons' emotions. Another reason was that she was leaving him and this would be the first time since after their bonding that they were going to put a great distance between them. He was unsure of not having her by his side. Releasing her hands, he pushed against her when she reached up to wrap her arms around his neck pulling him flush against her. A gasp escaped her lips as their bodies met. Despite their layers of clothes, he could feel her acutely beneath him. Prying her lips open with his tongue, he reached down to touch her waist feeling aggravated to touch leather rather than her soft skin.
With as much strength as he could muster he pulled away from her breathing harshly. A sound of protest left her lips as she tried to draw him back to her. Inside, Eragon shook his head. He reached down with his right hand and roughly pulled on the laces of his boots. In his hurry his magic unraveled and instantly unlaced both of his boots for him to pull off and toss to the side. He paused momentarily distracted by Arya's soft kisses on the side of his face and jaw line. Regaining some semblance of his mind, he did away with her knee length leather boots and when the last one was tossed over the side of the bed, she reached up and in a quick flourish pulled his tunic off. The article of clothing went to join the boots on the ground. He was about to do the same for her before she tugged his head back to her and kissed him roughly.
In order not to crush her with his weight, he readjusted himself using his knees to brace his lower body while his hands braced his upper body. Feeling Arya's hands glide over his shoulders and down his arms, he shivered. He felt her fingers tracing the contours of his muscles, gliding down his chest to his waist and back up as if to memorize the outline of his body. Feeling like his heart was ready to burst, Eragon pulled away for a moment to try and clear his mind. He clenched his hands when she turned her attention to his shoulders suckling the skin there with her strong teeth. The desire to devour her combined with his own ardent feelings rose up in him like flames. He'd never felt more needy of anything else in his entire life. He wanted everything about Arya, he wanted her mind and body, he wanted to be one with her.
He could feel her own passion adding to his burning fire. Arya may seem like a stoic warrior but she desired and lusted just as much as any person. Knowing that she sought the release that only his touch could give her, Eragon reached down and pulled her leather clothing from her tossing the offending material off to the side leaving just Arya underneath him. He took a moment to appreciate her appearance before bending down to kiss her once more. Their lips sought to mold about each other's as their tongues sought dominance in their heated kissing. He felt Arya's left hand flat on his stomach before she reached down and undid his belt, pulling the leather strip out in a fluid motion of her hand. Then without any difficulties, she undid his pants and pushed the clothing from his hips letting it fall. Without breaking contact with her, he shifted his arms and raised himself up slightly to kick his pants off. When he was freed, he used a kick of his feet to throw the last of his clothing to the pile of clothes on the floor.
Without any barriers between them, Eragon could feel the heat between them escalate until it felt like a fire was burning within their room. The fire was internal however and it was burning them alive. Their raw emotions made their nerves sensitive and every touch made their skin blaze with need. He was glad to know that being with Arya in such a way was not only driving him to the brink of insanity but she was also feeling it. They had taken baths together before and at times when they were alone to their own devices shared their love for each other through intimate actions. But they'd yet to consummate their love. He reached down between them and pressed his thumbs against her hip feeling her jerk against his hold gasping in slight surprise.
Like always he wanted to touch every inch of her as much as he could. He took pleasure in seeing her writhe underneath him from the passion of their embrace. Thinking just that, he slid his hand back up gliding over the plane of her flat stomach to the swell of her breast before taking her bosom in his hand. A moan escaped her through their open mouthed kisses. He felt her pleasure within him peaked as he gently massaged her breast. He wanted her to be ready so he could show her truly how much he loved her.
Knowing that teasing her too much would only serve to torture them both, he released her breast and reached down with the same hand to stroke her between her legs. In response, she moaned her hips bucking to meet his hand like it did the first time he'd pleasured her. Taking this moment, they broke for air. Leaning his forehead against hers, his eyes sought her emerald ones. Unlike the usual sharpness in battle, they were clouded with lust and desire and were so dark they were almost black. Her cheeks were flushed and her breathing was harsh.
"Arya…" murmured Eragon as he pushed three of his fingers inside of her, feeling her wetness. She gasped her hands coming up to grip his shoulders to steady herself against him. "You're so—" he groaned as he pulled his hand back out and entered her once more. He felt her chest pressed against his as she heavily breathed. Like the few times they'd come together in such intimate ways, Eragon set a tempo to which she danced with him to. His fingers moved against her as she met each push with a push of her own hips. He glanced down to see his fingers become hidden within her folds and it was almost too much for him as he turned back to her kissing her roughly mid gasp. She was close and as his fingers plunged into the very core of Arya, he pulled away from her lips to bite her shoulder eliciting a cry from her as her release crashed through her body. Watching her underneath him, Eragon pressed himself against her unwilling to let her desire subside. As he'd wanted, her desire only increased as she turned her smoldering eyes to him.
Pulling his hand from her, he readjusted himself to settled over her and between her legs which she spread a little wider to accompany his mass. Eragon stared down at her with a blazing expression before bending down to kiss her whispering in the ancient language against her lips, "Are you ready Arya? To become one with me truly?"
Her lips moved against his as her own words left her mouth in the soft caress of the ancient language, "I'm ready Eragon," that was all he needed to know. He felt a great amount of anticipation form in his chest as well as insecurity. Her own anticipation rolled off of him. He had never been this far with Arya and therefore was unsure of himself. He glanced down at her to find her watching him. Seeing her trust in him so wholly gave him confidence. Not only that but she was willing to entrust herself to him mind and body. She was willing to give to him her entire being and that made him sure. Sure of his love for her more than anything. Positioning himself before her, he pushed himself against her feeling her tense. Then taking a deep breath he broke past her barrier, sheathing half of his length in her with a quick thrust of his hips.
He saw her wince and heard her gasp and through her desire, he felt a tinge of pain. Arya despite being a deadly warrior was smaller than him in mass and it no doubt felt painful to her to feel herself being stretched. Eragon waited on baited breath for her pain to subside. He kissed her all over her face to distract her from the pain. A minute or two later, she tightened her hold on his neck shifting against him slightly sliding more of him into her, her pain subsiding. He took this as a signal from her to proceed. Gripping the mattress on either side of her, Eragon groaned when he finally buried himself fully into her. He felt dizzy with desire and pleasure. Never before had his body felt so warm and free. It was a different experience from being drunk. He was more aware of anything. He was aware of his own fired nerves as well as Arya's body beneath his.
He took this moment to feel her about him. To feel her warmth. They were finally one. It was a beautiful feeling. His mind tried to form coherent thoughts to describe his physical joining with Arya but all he thought of was the pleasure he felt and how much he wanted to move his hips. She shifted against him, her mounting desire alerting him to her needs as well as his own. Taking in a deep breath, he pulled back until he was almost free of her before pushing back in. Her reaction enflamed him, her mouth was open as sounds escaped her that he thought wasn't possible from her. They were moans of pure pleasure.
Spurred on, he began to thrust in and out of her creating a rhythm that was pleasurable for them both. After a few thrusts, she began to move with him meeting him for every thrust. Eventually as he became more apt at their union, she leaned her head up and kissed him with an opened mouth kiss. While they were exchanged such kisses, groaning and moaning, he continued to thrust against her gradually picking up speed. Sweat covered their bodies and he could feel his arms shake slightly from exertion. Within him, he felt both of their pleasure mount, climbing higher and higher soaring above the highest of clouds they'd ever flown. This was just like flying Eragon thought dimly in his mind as he continued to love Arya fully and with every bone in his body. They were free with just the two of them and their affections for each other.
Gripping her hips in his hands as she gripped his shoulders, he met her hips roughly pushing against her. She came against him, arching her back against the mattress her mouth was open as she let out a cry, her emerald eyes were wild and unfocused. He felt her nails dig into the skin of his back as he too came with her. His body shaking, he tried his best to keep himself up as tremors racked his body. When it subsided, he fell against her breathing heavily. He could feel her emotions and how relaxed and content she felt. Tiredly blinking, Eragon pulled out from her causing her to gasp slightly, rolling to his side, he collapsed beside her.
END! YOU ARE ALL CLEARED!
With the little strength he had left, he drew her close to him her head resting on his chest where she could hear his pounding heart beat and he could feel hers against his own body. Dragging the covers over them, he glanced down at her lightly stroking her long ebony tresses the silky feeling of her hair similar to the silky feeling of her skin and yet different.
Her hand glided over his chest and intertwined with his other hand as she whispered to him in the ancient language, "I love you Eragon."
"And I you Arya," he said content.
Outside their quarters, Murtagh and Orik as well as the rest of the Dûrgrimst Ingeitum were celebrating their victory against the Az Sweldn rak Anhûin through their feasts and celebratory entertainment. They noticed the lack of Arya's and Eragon's presence but none gave it much thought as they drank the night away. Eragon tiredly smiled as he heard Arya's breathing even out. Mind and body, they were finally one.
The night stretched on as well as their content feelings.
I know what you're all thinking: finally! It seemed like Arya and Eragon were growing distant but Eragon had plenty of things on his mind especially with the dwarves and Arya though reluctant about it, had to make the decision to rejoin the Varden. She's the type who always has to think of duty you know? Anyways now that I've portrayed their actual physical union, there will be less lemons from now on or rather ones that aren't as descriptive. Firsts are always important. I tried to write their coming together as best as I could and I hoped I've portrayed it well. Like I said before I don't usually write lemon buts this is a different case because I love ExA. Please stay tuned readers and if you have any comments/questions do review! I hope to see you soon!