Good day everyone! This is a pretty long chapter and you're going to know why if you read all the way to the end. I shall warn you here that there is a lemon at the end. I've put warnings before it. So if it offends you/you're not old enough just skip to the bottom and you'll be safe. Anyways, this is another filler chapter in my opinion. There might be another and then the battle for Belatona. Because this chapter is ridiculously long, I shall speak less in my A/N. I do not own anything relating to the Inheritance RR!
The city of Feinster was silent in the early morning despite the great battle that tumbled through the streets three days earlier. Lady Lorana, since the defeat of the Shade, had been in the Varden's care and as such she had to abide by their terms and those who lived in Feinster had no choice but to follow. It was not because they were bound to her by their oaths but because they were devoted to Lady Lorana and her family. It was because of that devotion that they fought arduously to defend their city and accepted defeat when their Lady was escorted from the keep in the hands of Jörmundur. Though the fighting had stopped, the great hatred that those of the Empire had for the Varden did not diminish with the last of it. It only grew.
Even those in the dungeons showed their hatred. Though they were not a part of the fighting, it seemed as if they held the same regards as the rest of the Empire. Despite them being imprisoned as long as it was by their own people they would not resist, however if it was done by the Varden an up rise was undoubtedly brewing. She stood with Murtagh in the dungeons underneath the keep they had fought in during the battle for Feinster. It was a nicely kept dungeon she thought somewhat impressed. The concrete floor was smooth and the cells barely spotted any dirt as if it was cleaned often. However, the occupants within the cells were not as neat as the surroundings.
She walked by a cell easily stepping out of reach when a hand shot out from between the bars as if to grab her by the neck. The man behind the cell door was glaring at her. His gray eyes were narrowed as he glared at her no doubt wishing that she was killed in the fighting. Then he began to curse so violently and vividly that Arya had the urge to silence him with magic but she did not. She merely stared at him with an impassive expression knowing that it would only serve to anger the man even more. His cursing continued and she could see his anger continually climb as she did not react to his words, he grabbed the bars with his hands as if to rip the metal rods apart and free himself.
Akin to rabid wolf, the man growled and shook the bars of his cell. Murtagh opened his mouth but Arya shook her head. She understood how hard it was to change one's mindset. Humans may be narrowed minded but she herself was ignorant at one time. She had lived for near a century, it was not long in elf terms but it was long enough for her to see the folly in her thinking and for her to learn more about Alagaësia.
"It appears that all the prisoners in here are in here due to their own actions," observed Murtagh with narrowed eyes, his expression hard. "None have been wrongly accused and was given a chance to defend themselves before Lady Lorana."
"It is a rare to find a dungeon that lacks a wrongly convicted person," said Arya as they walked up the stairs to leave the cold dungeon. The memory of a whip coming down on her back made her lips curl into a frown. She did not want to remain in the dungeon a moment longer. The moment the oak doors closed behind them Arya felt her muscles relax. The guards stationed outside the door were from the Varden. The men bowed to them as they passed.
"Argetlam, Shadeslayer," she glanced about at her new title half thinking that they were addressing Eragon until she realized that they were speaking to her. She had forgotten momentarily that she was indeed a Shadeslayer now. She was now on even foot with Eragon. The thought made her smile slightly. Rather than exiting the keep, they twisted about and made their way up the stairs passed the chambers where they fought the Shade through another set of doors to find twelve of the Varden's guards stationed outside of the study that Nasuada had taken for herself. There were six Urgals and six men. Before they had left the Burning Plains, there were a handful of dwarves as part of Nasuada's guards but with the death of Hrothgar they had returned to Tronjheim to honor the fallen dwarf king.
They stopped when the guards immediately barred they way. She was impressed Arya had to admit as she stared at the bulking Urgals and the vigilante soldiers before her. These were Nasuada's personal guards: the Nighthawks. Though they were indeed dragon riders, Nasuada's guards were no hesitant in stopping them for the safety of their leader. "May I ask who it is that seeks an audience with Lady Nasuada?" the lead captain asked, Garven if Arya remembered him correctly. She inclined her head as Murtagh answered in a confident voice.
"Dragon Riders Murtagh and Arya," answered Murtagh not minding the formalities in the least. It was a measure of precaution and Arya had a fleeting feeling that Murtagh did not mind having to speak before a hundred soldiers as long as they guarded Nasuada. Arya had no doubt that Murtagh thought of Nasuada romantically. However, she had yet to hear of any developments between the two. Unlike Arya, Nasuada was in a critical position as the leader of the Varden. She was the tip of the spear that they were attempting to launch within the heart of the war. Nasuada could not afford to be distracted. And though she did not want to say it in order to crush Murtagh's hopes but he was a Dragon Rider and Nasuada was a human. They could never overcome the boundary of time. Nasuada was not like Angela or Rosalie in which time left them untouched.
Garven gestured for one of the soldiers to enter the study and inform Nasuada of their arrival. They waited before the guards. After a few moments, the soldier returned and nodded to Garven. The captain turned to them and sheathed his sword fully before gesturing for them to enter. Murtagh nodded and Arya merely just walked past. Behind the doors was a large study with multiple shelves of books filled with texts and scrolls. Though Arya would like to go through and see what was written in the books of Feinster, she had to suppress the urge. Despite being a warrior, she also preferred to study scholarly texts. Nasuada was sitting in the armchair behind a beautiful wooden desk. She was conversing with Rosalie and Bard. Arya and Murtagh had both learned not to be surprised at the sight of Eragon's servants appearing here and there without any contemplation. Arya eyed Rosalie. She could tell from slight observations that Blödhgarm was interested in Rosalie. There was a slight humor to their interactions thought Arya. Blödhgarm had an aroma that cloaked his body as a side effect of his wolf-elf form and because of that, he ended up attracting women like flies. When dealing with Rosalie, however, she did not spare much more than the good will of a friend to him. She spoke to Blödhgarm whenever he approached her but did not linger more than necessary. It was similar to a polite indifference.
Arya regarded the beautiful red headed woman. Like Arya, she wore clothes fit for a man but the way she held herself was like a noblewoman. When Arya first met Rosalie, it was obvious with how she followed Eragon's orders so well that the woman held affections for him. But she was not sure if Blödhgarm had managed to capture any of her interests.
"Ah, Murtagh, Arya, I hope the day finds you well?" Nasuada glanced up at them with a smile. Arya inclined her head while Murtagh nodded greeting her politely.
"As well as we should be," his blue eyes lingered on the dark-skinned leader. Arya glanced at Nasuada and was not sure whether or not the woman reacted favorably to his apparent feelings for she continued speaking.
"I was just speaking to Rosalie and Bard on how to continue our march to Belatona and then Dras-Leona. There is also the matter of Aroughs," Nasuada's brows furrowed. As her eyes darted to the desk before her which was stacked high with scrolls and reports. Aroughs was the city to the very south of the Empire. They had overlooked it in coming from Surda and marched straight to Feinster. Nasuada did not want to travel south and roundabout north for it would waste their resources but now they had their rear unguarded. If they were attacked from the south, it could turn into a pincher move on the forces of the Varden. "I cannot simply leave it as it is. It will be too dangerous for us to march north and hope that Aroughs will not send reinforcement to chase our tails."
"Send me," said Murtagh stepping forward. Nasuada's eyes flickered up to him and she shook her head.
"No, you are not my vassal Murtagh, if I were to send a rider it shall be Eragon," Nasuada straightened. She caught sight of Murtagh's expression and was pressed to explain her reasoning, "Eragon is my sworn vassal Murtagh. You despite being his brother and having pledged yourself to our cause cannot fly about freely even if it is for the Varden. The dwarves shall be joining us soon and you need to remain here until I've spoke with King Orik about any further actions regarding you. And though I would like to send Arya to aid in the capture of Aroughs, I need her here for she is still the elven ambassador. No, if I am forced to send a rider, it shall be Eragon." Nasuada's eyes flickered to Arya.
"Shall I ride to Aroughs?" asked Bard offering his services. They all glanced to him. Bard was a valuable commander. During the battle for Feinster he let his warriors through the streets with little hesitation. He knew how to inspire others to follow him and it was odd thought Arya to see someone such as Bard spend the remainder of his time cooking dinner for Selena and Brom. He was content to being a cook thought Arya as she stared at the blond haired man.
"No, you are needed here Brom," Nasuada shook her head. "I have already decided to send Brigman and a thousand of our warriors with him to see if he could take the city. I will also personally ask Trianna to pick a few of her spellcasters to join Brigman and his forces. From Feinster they shall march to Aroughs and lay siege to the city. However, I can only hope that Brigman can resolve the situation at Aroughs or I shall have to expand more time and resources into trying to guard our rear end."
Her fingers tapped against the table, she was staring at them but not seeing them in her deep concentration. After a moment, she nodded to herself. Nasuada made no move to explain her train of thought to them but turned to Murtagh and Arya, "With the matter of Aroughs aside, is there something that you needed Arya, Murtagh?"
"We checked the dungeons as you have asked and those that are locked behind cell doors deserve to be there," said Murtagh simply. Nasuada nodded. It was a simple task that she had sent them on. However, it held much meaning. By checking the dungeons and the prisoners there, Nasuada was trying to bring about fairness in the political system about Feinster. Rather, she was attempting to show to the people of the Empire that the Varden was more than traitors and unnatural creatures desiring to destroy their way of life. In order to keep up appearances of the Varden being justice bringers and liberators, they had to maintain appearances. Due to that the dragons were asked to remain outside the city for the sight of Eridor and Thorn would only serve to unnerve the citizens.
Almost all other races apart from humans in the Varden stayed outside the city walls. Unnatural creatures frightened them. Nasuada had ordered that the Urgals kept their distance except for those in her Nighthawks and though she did not ask Arya to keep out of Feinster, Arya tried her best to do so. She did not want to be turned into a symbol of hatred. Murtagh was allowed to walk about Feinster exploring but it often caused trouble for wherever he went his twelve guards followed him. Mothers would close their windows at the sight of them walking down the street, children were not allowed out of their homes, and the men would glare and those brave enough would curse at them.
"Good, I apologize for putting the two of you to work such as I have but it is needed to ease the tension in Feinster," said Nasuada. She glanced at Arya and Murtagh her eyes darting to the door. Just outside, Arya knew that Blödhgarm and the others were waiting. "Have any of the citizens done to offend the both of you and your companions?"
"Nay," Murtagh shook his head though his voice sounded slightly strained.
"It is only natural," said Rosalie for the first time since they had entered the study. "They fear what they do not understand." Her green eyes held a depth to them as she glanced away. Bard rubbed his stubble looking rather downtrodden at her words.
"In any case we shall only tarry here until early morn," said Nasuada a faint smile appearing on her face, "I believe that Eragon and Saphira shall be arriving tonight if they have traveled at a timely manner. We do not want to miss them if we were to continue our march on Belatona." They spoke for a moment about the preparations for the march on Belatona before Nasuada dismissed them to return to her work. Exiting the room, Bard and Rosalie were about to depart before Murtagh called out to Rosalie. She turned to him in surprise.
Out of the corner of her eyes, she saw Blödhgarm and the others slowly approach. "Is there something you needed from me Murtagh?" She addressed Murtagh by name. It seemed that titles were only used when referring to Selena and Eragon. Bard was waiting for her curiously and Arya was also interested as to what it was that Murtagh wanted to ask of Rosalie.
"I never had a chance to speak with you and the others even though the four of you have followed my mother and brother for quite some time," said Murtagh and Arya could see that he looked genuinely curious when it came to the servants. "If you have time could you accompany us back to the camp? I would also like to spar with you."
Rosalie regarded them for a long moment and she inclined her head, "I see no harm in that," her eyes darted to Bard, "You should go and prepare dinner for Lady Selena. Remember that her lady cannot eat fish and do not char her food like you did last time."
Bard shrugged walking away muttered 'Finny did that' underneath his breath as he did so. Murtagh gestured for them to continue. Not bothered with the presence of Rosalie, they continued to walk Blödhgarm and the rest following behind him. "Have you always followed my mother and brother?" asked Murtagh as they descended the stairs.
Rosalie shook her head, "No, I was traveling with Angela for some time before I met his lordship," she said. Arya was rather surprised that Rosalie had a past with Angela. The witch was a wise one amongst the elves and Arya held a great respect for her for she had saved her life back in Tronjheim. "I spent a great deal of time following Angela, with her I learned a great deal about magic and such."
"Do you ever get irritated by her? She never answers any of my questions in a straightforward manner," said Murtagh with a slight grunt as if it annoyed him. Rosalie smiled.
"If you know how to ask her then she will be forward with you," they traveled together out of Feinster. As they emerged from the keep and out onto the streets, Arya once more felt the discrimination from the citizens there. Rosalie merely walked forward not paying any mind to the people about them as they tried their best to return to their lives before the Varden attacked. As they walked, Rosalie spoke to them about the history behind Feinster and the few times she had visited the city to settle several matters with Lady Lorana. "Of course, it was a different situation when we met Lady Lorana once more but I was rather glad that she had surrendered as she did. Lady Lorana was always a very kind person unlike the other lords."
As she spoke, Arya heard a sound coming from the wayfarer's house. It was small at first before it grew louder; she paused glancing at the door to their right. The wooden door burst open, slamming violently into the wall as a drunken man came walking out or rather stumbling out of the house. He saw them and in his drunkenness, a dark rage came onto his face as he stared at Murtagh then Arya and the elves ignoring Rosalie's presence. Heaving back, he spat on the ground before them. No one moved as the man stared at them.
"Foul demons the lot of you!" he yelled his words slurred pointing at them. Arya raised a slight brow. He was not the first one to curse them but he was the first to curse them and continue to do so due to his drinking. "You come here, you disrupt our lives. You fill our streets with the bodies of our friends and families. You have done nothing for us! Free us from Galbatorix, bah! You just want Alagaësia for your taking! You want it all for yourself!" Through his rage, Arya saw a deep grief in his eyes. He must have lost a family member or a close one in the battle thought Arya glancing away from the man. She caught Murtagh's eyes and gestured for him to move ahead. Rosalie spared the drunken man one last glance and continued.
He called for them yelling and screaming at their backs for them to acknowledge him. Attacking him out of spite would only cause to stir dissent in Feinster after Nasuada worked endlessly to reign the city in as best as she could. Arya could only wander how her mother and people were faring at Gil'ead. While Nasuada was a human, her mother and people were elves. The citizens of Gil'ead were no doubt going to see the elven army as creatures come to invade their homes. Sighing Arya rubbed her temple as they exited the gates of Feinster now guarded by men of the Varden. The Varden's camp was west to the city and was but a short walk. In the distance she could see Eridor lazing about in the Jiet River. He padded along and she remembered how small he was when he was swimming in the Gaena River when they were returning to Ellesmeŕa in her case more than his.
That seemed like it was a distant memory now.
Rather than watching Murtagh and Rosalie spar, Arya took her leave and made her way over to Eridor as he continued to wade against the currents of the river. She smiled as she took in his head above the water. She walked up to the river bank and stood there watching Eridor. Are you enjoying yourself, Eridor?
He did not lift his head to face her as if afraid to be distracted, this is rather relaxing. Did you finish what it was that you had to do in Feinster?
As much as I could have done, she sat down on the river bank and unlaced her boots setting them to the side. Careful not to wet her clothing, she dipped her feet into the cool water. It was nice thought Arya lazily. She took in a deep breath allowing her body to relax. The past few days she had felt rather tense and it did not help to keep the exhaustion at bay. Her duties were tiring and then there was the fact that she had to compile a formal report for her mother. She had yet to speak to her mother as a daughter should ever since the argument between them pertaining to her choice in mates. Arya refused to budge on her decision and if that meant continuing the silence between them once more so be it.
Whether or not the two you admit it, Eridor lifted his head higher from the water to turn to her. She watched as the water droplets fell from his scales causing rippled in the surface of the water below. You will have to face each other soon and speak of such matters. You do not need to always be so stubborn Arya.
I would prefer if you would call it strong willed or steadfast, said Arya, stubborn has a harsh sound to it do you not think so?
Strong willed then, said Eridor lightly chuckling. The vibrations of his chest caused the ripples in the water to grow. She smiled at the good mood he seemed to be in and splashed his face with her feet water as the water hit the emerald of his scales. In retaliation, he splashed her with his tail. Arya lifted her hand and whispered a spell watching as the water that was flying to her accumulated into a ball floating before her. Letting the water hover in the air before her, she released it over the river watching the water join the flow of the stream.
I shall try to put forth my best efforts when speaking with my mother. However, I cannot say if it will end well, said Arya promising Eridor that she would try to be open minded about her mothers. Her eyes traveled to Eridor. After the battle for Feinster, Eridor and Thorn had flown out to eat. They could not eat the livestock of the city for that would only serve to anger the citizens of Feinster. He appeared to be in good health and such. She splashed him again as she sat underneath the sun letting the warm rays bathe her in its warmth. Outside of Feinster she felt relaxed and at ease. She would be lying if she said that the discrimination from the citizens of the city did not bother her. She thought of the moment she joined the Varden and how at first they discriminated her with the same attitude as they did in Feinster. However, they were not rude due to the fact that she was the elven ambassador. It was the same in both instances.
Seventy years…
The first time she had ventured forth from Du Weldenvarden, she remembered the excitement she felt. She remembered the anxiety to leave the protection of the lush pine trees. Most of all, she remembered the fear she harbored in her heart to go outside of a world that she knew and venture into the unknown. She was young at the time barely twenty years had passed since she was born and she decided to become an ambassador for her mother. She had heard word that the elves needed an ambassador to travel to the Varden and make sure that their best interests were not overlooked. There had been long discussions about who was to be chosen to become the ambassador. She thought about the opportunity to leave Du Weldenvarden and she took the chance. A decision such as hers would have taken others months if not years to contemplate. She was unsure whether or not it was her youth or her desire to leave Du Weldenvarden but she made her decision shortly after she heard about the need of an ambassador.
"Mother, I heard that an elven ambassador is needed. I would like to become the ambassador between the Varden and the elves."
That statement had caused for an outbreak of fierce arguments between her and her mother. Days on end they volleyed their reasons for their decisions back and forth until her mother sensed her 'strong will' behind her decision and allowed her to take the position only to be followed by banishing her from her mother's presence. She was allowed to return to her family hall but her mother would not have her in her presence like when they were younger. Sighing, Arya leaned back on her hands staring up at the blue sky.
"You desire to leave Du Weldenvarden as our ambassador Arya and as the Queen of Du Weldenvarden I shall grant you leave from your position to do so. However," her mother's tone grew cold and she heard a quiver of slight pain as Arya knelt before her and her throne. She tilted her head up to watch her mother stand swiftly staring down at her with impassive eyes. "You have disregarded my counsel and ignored my advice. You shall have your position as ambassador Arya but you shall not have my counsel no longer. From the moment you leave my presence may you not return until I deem it so."
Her eyes closed as her mother's words seventy years ago washed over her. Her stubbornness refused to ask for her mother's forgiveness. She was not wrong in her decision. Nor was she ignorant of her mother's feelings when she decided. It was with a pained heart that she bid her mother farewell for seventy years. Had she been a normal human, she would have died with the regret of not being able to see her mother in those seventy years. But she was not.
Days passed and with time she found herself growing used to her isolation from others. The leaders of the Varden died one by one the title replaced by a new face each generation and sometimes not even a generation. She saw the horrors that her mother tried so hard to protect her from. She saw those who she grew to admire assassinated. She saw her comrades fall like reeds in the storm. She had killed for the first time while she carried out her duties as ambassador.
And her mother would hear none of it.
The cool water flowed past her feet as Arya lips curled downwards. She tried not to think about her past often but it crept up on her like a shadow constantly coming alive in the dark of night. She felt Eridor's snout nudge her feet as her thoughts passed through his mind. His deep voice rumbled in her mind. You have endured much Arya.
A few years later, Glenwing had joined her as a guard while she completed her duties. Then a few decades passed before Faölin too joined her. She was happy when he made the decision to for she considered him a dear friend of hers before she left Ellesmeŕa. They had spent days together speaking of the wonders outside of Du Weldenvarden and she was positive that she harbored a great depth of emotions for Faölin. She opened her eyes slowly deep in thought. The blue sky had turned a fiery orange showing the great lengths of time that had passed as she thought. The river had become cooler. She no longer felt the piercing loneliness that she felt when Faölin was with her. Did she love him?
"Arya, I would like to show you something," Faölin was smiling at her kindly as he stood before her outside of her chambers in Tialdari Hall. She raised a brow sending him a questioning stare but he merely smiled. She followed him to the bed of flowers. Her eyes glided over the beautiful colors as Faölin led her forward. They stopped before a bed of flowers that was not present last Arya had visited. "A gift for you."
She stared down at the Morning Glories and felt a great rush of feelings in her heart. She stared back at Faölin and his bright eyes.
Shaking her head, Arya took in a deep breath her thoughts getting the best of her. Why was she suddenly thinking about this now? Usually after battles such as Feinster, her thoughts often wandered and she found herself thinking about her past more often than she should. Is it bothering you? That you do not know how you felt then, asked Eridor as he climbed out of the Jiet River.
I do not know myself, said Arya honestly. She thought she loved Faölin. She thought she was sure of how she felt. She had save one of his flowers that he had given to her in glass to preserve the beauty of its bloom. Not only that but she had also made a fairth of him in her chambers back in her family hall. Her head ached as she sat there the water now icy against her skin but she barely gave it any thought. As she thought of Faölin and how he fell from his horse her throat constricted a familiar pressure washing over her. Had he been alive would her life had gone differently? Would she still have grown to love Eragon? Her heart knew the answer even before her mind could give it words.
You are being silly, commented Eridor.
I am, admitted Arya glad to have Eridor there to steady her. Faölin would always be the good friend of hers in her past. She would never forget him or how he brought her a moment of happiness in the seventy years outside of Du Weldenvarden. He was her Morning Glory in the darkness of her past. But she had found the white rose that had allowed her to escape from the high window in the dungeons of Gil'ead.
You certainly are poetic when you are in deep thoughts, commented Eridor trying his best to elevate her mood. She nodded feeling a faint smile grace her lips. Just then she heard a horn sound from the Varden's camp followed by a cheer and a roar. Turning her head, Arya caught sight of a dark figure emerge from the night sky. As the figure neared the Varden, the light of the lanterns began to reveal sparkling sapphire scales. They have returned.
Withdrawing her feet from the river, she dried her feet and laced up her boots once more as she felt Eridor's excitement course through her. She made her way onto the saddle and strapped herself in as Eridor with leaps made his way to the Varden's camp the ground shaking beneath Eridor's weight. It was not difficult to find Saphira for Eridor could sense his mate easily. She could feel the strength of Eragon's presence that she had not felt for near two weeks. Saphira had landed on the northern front of the camp away from the tents and the people. In the dim light Arya could make out a tall figure sliding down from Saphira's saddle. There was a gleam of sapphire at the figure's waist and back. As Eridor neared Saphira, Arya undid her straps and jumped off of his saddle as he readied for the final leap which would put him directly in front of Saphira. She watched momentarily as Eridor and Saphira circled each other nipping each other in the way dragons did before they mated. Blocking out their feelings, she turned to Eragon. He walked towards her slowly and she watched as the dim light of the lanterns fell on his appearance.
Her blood pounded in her veins as the sounds of Saphira's and Eridor's biting was blocked from her ears. She saw him then. Her own feet compelled her forward to Eragon. Two weeks. It was not long in her people's term. No, two weeks was equivalent to elves could be considered a day. And yet two weeks and the events that occurred during the two weeks made it seem like it had been a year since she'd last seen Eragon. She reached forward as he soon as he was within her reach the same time he did. Her hands run over his arms stopping at his elbow and he did the same for her. The moment he touched her she felt her body involuntarily shiver. She blinked feeling her eyes sting and her heart pound. She stared up at Eragon and how beautiful he looked to her then. Her eyes traveled to his tunic, it was white. White rose…
He was staring at her waiting for her to say something but she couldn't find her voice to speak. Her thoughts were getting the best of her again. Eragon's smile was kind and warm as he stared down at her. "I missed you," he whispered in the ancient language. His hands glided up her arms and soon she was wrapped in his warm embrace. "I'm sorry for leaving for Gil'ead without telling you first."
"I understand now," murmured Arya resting her head against his strong chest. She could hear his heart beating steadily in his chest and the warmth of his body against hers. Reaching up, Arya wrapped her arms about his waist. "Thank you, Eragon."
He took in a deep breath his nose breathing in her scent. "Always, Arya Shadeslayer." She smiled when he addressed her with her new title. Her eyes closed as she listened to his heart beat content to just stand with him. Their time apart was difficult for her and for Eragon no doubt. She found her thoughts always wandering and felt ill at ease.
After a moment, she pulled back to study him. He was uninjured looking the same as he did when they parted ways at Farthen Dûr. Except the depth in his brown eyes had grown. Arya blinked when Eragon reached up to caress her cheek with his hand, cupping the side of her face. "Let us fight together from now on Eragon," whispered Arya as she thought of the time they spent apart constantly worried for each other. She felt his warm breath kiss her skin as he leaned down and her eyes began to slide close.
"Yes," his nose slid against hers as he kissed her upper lips once before fully meeting her lips with his. Momentarily forgetting that Eridor and Saphira were rolling about still snapping at each other in the background, Arya fisted a handful of Eragon's tunic in her hands as he returned his kiss. It was not passionate nor desperate but rather sweet and tender like the petal of a rose.
ADDED ExA BONUS-RED LIGHT! RED LIGHT!
"It is rather late for you to set up a tent," Arya said as she walked with Eragon, their hands intertwined through the camp to her tent. He had went and paid his respects to his family taking part in the dinner that they were having before he arrived. She felt her blood boil as she led him to where her tent was. The moment they emerged from the clusters of tent, she saw Eridor and Saphira waiting by her tent which was set aside from the main body of the camp. They were waiting for Eragon and Saphira to remove their saddles. She was distracted as she saw how Eridor was forcing himself to wait patiently for her to free him from the confines of leather that bound him. Moving forward, Arya easily undid the straps of the saddle tempted to go slow. When it was apparent that she was teasing him, Eridor snapped his jaws at her in slight annoyance. She smiled and pulled the saddle from him as Saphira took to the skies. Eridor soon followed after. The dragons circled each other for a moment before flying east towards the Jiet River.
"Well that was quick," commented Eragon. Arya set Eridor's saddle beside her tent watching as Eragon reaching into his to bull out a fine black wooden chest. Her eyes darted to the chest and she knew instantly that in it was the Eldunarí, Fundor. Having been told that the Eldunarí was unable to think clearly at the moment. She followed him into her tent Eragon entering as if it were his own. He studied her tent for a long moment before walking to a patch in a corner and crouched. Arya took a seat on her cot and began to unlace her boots as she watched him dig a whole with magic for the chest setting it inside the ground. He covered the chest with magic once more and started setting a great deal of enchantments on the patch of dirt. It was a measure of protection for the Eldunarí.
When he was done, he sat back with a sigh. "Does it bother you that you cannot speak with him?" asked Arya as she stared at Eragon's back.
"Aye, Oromis had told me that Fundor was rather young when his rider was killed in the fall," said Eragon softly. Sensing his mood, she stood her feet touching with light touches as she came to stand behind him. Kneeling, Arya wrapped her arms about his neck leaning against him.
"He will be fine as long as we give him time to recover Eragon. Being tortured for a century does not take days to undo easily, we are here to help him: you and I as well as Murtagh and the others," Arya reassured him. He nodded against her. His fresh and slightly musky scent washed over her and despite the topic of conversation, she felt her skin grow warm. "Let us leave Fundor in peace…and retire for the day. I have missed your warmth." She pressed her lips to the side of his head. Eragon shifted in her arms and soon she found herself leaning over him, her lips pressing against his. Their sweet kisses soon became heated and passionate. Eragon rose slightly pushing her to her feet. And soon enough it was Eragon who was leaning over her as they stood together their lips pressed together. As they stood together in each other's embrace, Arya pulled away when she felt a pressure against her side. The pommel of Brisingr was pressing into her.
Rapidly blinking, she did not step away from Eragon as he focused his attention of her neck. She reached with her hands to remove Brisingr from his waist placing it on the table behind her. Her eyes nearly closing when she felt his teeth against her skin, her fingers glided up his stomach to his torso and she undid the strap that circled his back to hold Vrangr. Quick despite her distracted state of mind, Arya grabbed the sword before it could hit the ground and placed that too on the table behind her. His tongue licked a path from the crook of her neck to the bottom of her ear. She shivered feeling her body flash with need. Remembering that Támerlein was still resting against her hips, she tried to step away from Eragon for a moment finding it difficult to remove her sword since he was pressed against her. However, the moment she took a step back, Eragon stepped with her.
"Eragon," his name left her lips in a breathy sigh, "Támerlein…I need to remove…" she trailed off when he lifted his head to kiss her again. She felt his hands against her hips before his right hand easily slid Támerlein out of its position for her waist and reached behind her to set the sword on top of his own twin blades. The moment they were free of their weapons, he reached about her once more and crushed her to his body. Not feeling any pain from his strength she responsde to him by wrapping herself about his embrace parting her lips as he parted his. She felt his tongue slid into her mouth gliding over her teeth before brushing her own tasting her as she tasted him. Her hands moved of their own accord, slipping under the hem of his tunic they glided up his stomach pulling the white fabric up. Eragon pulled away from her and hearing her silent request removed his tunic, pulling it over his head and throwing it to the side. She was going to have to tell him that she preferred the color white on him. His hand behind her head, Eragon pulled her to him once more. Her hands began to occupy themselves as she traced the contours of his chest and the flat plane of his stomach. Brushing over his nipples, she smiled when she heard his growl against her lips, her hands rested on his waist before she dipped both thumbs underneath the waistline of his pants. Arya felt his response against her thigh.
Without breaking contact with her swollen lips, Eragon pressed his feet together to pulled his boots off loosening the lace as he pulled his feet through. When his feet were free of the leather boots, he kicked them to the side murmuring against her lips. He was rather impatient thought Arya amused. But her mind was cleared of all thoughts and replaced with desire when she felt Eragon ground his hips against hers. She gasped.
Her clothing suddenly felt like they were suffocating her and she was glad when Eragon broke the kiss to remove her leather top, the piece of clothing fell to the ground soon forgotten as Arya was pushed back until she hit the table behind her. She took in Eragon's swollen lips and his messy hair but what caused her desire to pulse through her was his dark brown eyes. Rather than return to her lips, he bent forward wrapped his lips about the nipple on her left breast. Immediately a moan was ripped from her throat as she reached up to wrap a hand in his hair.
"Eragon…" purred Arya tingling as he continued to devote himself to her breasts. His left hand came up to palm the nipple of her other breast. She instantly felt her desire for him climb. It was like how he first touched her chest. He kissed, licked, and ran his teeth over the sensitive body part nearly driving her insane. Unable to take anymore, she yanked Eragon back up and kissed him. Driving her tongue between his lips Arya reached forward and undid his pants pushing it over his hips. He stepped out of them and in turn reached for hers. Within a few seconds the two of them were pressing against each other without any barriers between them. It was skin upon skin, the heat of their contact turning their passion into a fiery desire. When she felt Eragon reach for her as if to lift her onto the table, Arya pulled away panting.
No, she was not going to make love to Eragon after their reunion on a table. Her eyes darted to her cot the distance was small but it seemed tremendous as she felt his hands roam her body and his hardened member pressing against her. His hand gripped her chin and she was once more lost in the throes of passion as she kissed him. Her mind made up, Arya pushed away from the table and began to lead him to her cot. Not willing to let her escape his reach, Eragon followed until the two of them tumbled onto the her cot in a tangle of limbs and moans. Lying on her back, she blinked when Eragon suddenly pulled away from her. Murmuring her protests she gripped her sheets as he kissed his way down her neck, between her breasts, down her stomach before stopping at her center. Feeling disorientated from her want, Arya stared down at Eragon as he lifted his head his eyes asking for the permission that she had already given long ago.
Settling himself between her legs, Arya watched, the sight new to her as Eragon lowered his mouth to her folds. Without warning, she felt her hips automatically buck against his face. Her panting increased. When she felt his tongue dart out to lick up the length of her folds, Arya threw her head to the side. The amount of sensations that was bombarding her was enough to make her faint. With great effort, Arya dug her heel into her cot to keep from bucking into Eragon's face as he continued to make love to her with his lips and tongue. She felt him lick her folds before his tongue entered her. Her legs trembled and unable to stop herself she bucked against his face and the moment she did, his nose pressed against her causing her to cry out. Too much…
The sensations were too much thought Arya as Eragon's hands came up to hold her thighs in place and prevent her from bucking her hips into him. Within time, one of her hands had reached down to keep him in place as he continued to lick and taste her. This was the most intimate action outside of their union. Never before had she ever thought she would allow someone to place his mouth on such a sensitive part of her body. And yet…
"Ah!" Despite Eragon's best effort, her hips bucked once more into his face as she felt his teeth graze over the bundle of nerves in her center. The feeling of being ripped from her body washed over her as her world came crashing down. Her vision flashed as she felt herself come and in the back of her mind she felt a deep pleasure to know that Eragon did not move from his position from between her legs and his tongue continued to tease her. When the last of the tremors died down, Eragon raised himself up on his arms and covered her body with his. His lips met hers and she was shocked to taste herself on him. As his hand reached down to cup her face as she leaned up to kiss him, she wrapped her legs about his waist.
Without breaking their kiss, he slid into her and the feeling of being filled once more fought its way to the forefront. He grunted against her lips when he situated himself fully within her. A moan left her lips dying in his mouth. Then he began to move against her. Unlike the first time they came together, the both of them were desperate for release. The pent up emotions over the days and the longing that came with the night drove them. She would even go as far as to say that it was wild. It was building up, she felt it as she met his every thrust with her own. His back was covered in a sheen of sweat as her hands glided up the smooth skin.
"Arya," her name was a sweet whisper on his lips and it was her undoing. Her walls came crashing down on her for the second time that night. He thrust into her a few more times before he too came. Her nails dug into his back as she cried out with abandon in the safety of the wards of her tent. Breathing heavily as their lips came together once more, she reached forward with her legs and flipped them about. It was instinct that drove her now. A primal nature of hers was coming forth. After already feeling herself lose all self control twice, she could no longer hold onto any more rational thought. She just wanted Eragon.
He laid beneath her sweaty breathing rapidly. Having come apart since she'd flipped them about, Arya sat against his taut stomach her hands resting on his chest as it raised and fell. Guilt entered her seeing Eragon breathing so hard. Leaning down, she kissed him suckling his bottom lip between hers as she pulled back. "Let me now Eragon."
Sliding back, she reached for his still hardened membrane and never breaking eye contact with him slid down onto him until her weight full rested on him. It was different when she was in control thought Arya in a haze of pleasure. So far, it had been Eragon who set the tempo and she had always danced to it for him. Now it was her turn. Moving against him, she watched his expression trying not to fall to deeply into the sensations burning her alive. He was watching her with such a powerful expression that she felt a surge of pleasure from it. As she moved atop of Eragon, he reached up to rest his hands on her hips before moving with her. When she felt herself coming close, Arya leaned forward over his body to kiss him. She heard his groan as he came once more and feeling him within her made pleasure rip through her body once more so hard that she had turned her head and bit down on his left forearm drawing blood.
As they held each other, Eragon reached forward and kissed her once more this time softly as their bodies began to calm. That was when she recognized the taste of iron on her lips. Her eyes flew open in surprise as she sat up glancing down at Eragon. Arya wince slightly at how sensitive her body was at her movement. She saw his forearm and the blood there however the wound had closed up. He saw her expression and merely smiled as he reached up and pulled her down on him sliding out of her as he did so. Not bothered by the sweat or the stickiness, the two of them were too tired to move as they settled under the covers of her sheets.
END! YOU MAY READ ON!
Lying against him, Arya took this moment to reexamine his bitten arm with a slight frown. The healed skin was pink against the rest of his skin. Eragon had bitten her before out of his passion but never enough to break the skin. "You turn me into something…feral. Not myself," she murmured against him. She felt the vibrations of his chuckle underneath her as his hand lazily glided up and down her back oftentimes moving lower.
"Perhaps Eridor's habits are growing on you," suggested Eragon.
"Perhaps," Arya smiled slightly. Her body still humming, she felt the grips of sleep calling for her. Tiredly blinking against his chest, she thought she could hear the roars of Saphira and Eridor as she relaxed into a restful sleep.
Why the long lemon? Well because I feel like there aren't enough of that with ExA up and I wanted to write this one tastefully you know? And because after several chapters of being apart, I feel like ExA are probably deprived at this point. So let's give them a pretty nice reunion. News about the story, I am considering picking a beta reader so that would mean that chapters might not be updated daily so keep that in mind everyone. But I'm still considering the idea. Anyways, I believe there is nothing for me to address and nothing that I want to say. Oh, for the lemon I shall not have one (especially with so much detail) for a few chapters to let you know. Anyways, let's see each other soon!