VI

Recovery

Arya's POV:

I felt myself slowly float back to consciousness, my mind pushing aside the cobwebs which were clothing my mind in exhaustion. I slowly push myself off the mattress reluctantly, enjoying the comfort it brought. For a minute I think I am in Tialdiri Hall. As I stretch, I feel fine.

Then, the last three months come crashing down on me.

Pain.

Burning.

Poison.

Lungs aching.

"Easy there, easy. Just breathe" I look up to see a man, atleast three score old, dressed in black clothing, with hair a mixture of black and grey, clean shaven. His dark grey eyes are filled with concern as he puts an arm around me, his hand resting on my cheek.

And I just lose myself to the storm.

I pressed my face into his shoulder and howled. All my pain and misery I released in cries coming from my very depths.

The egg.

Glenwing.

Faolin.

"'Salright little girl, you're safe now. Ain't no monsters ever going to find you" I feel it rumble from the chest I was holding. Something about the voice and smell gives me a sense of safety, allowing me to regain my composure.

I look up to see the man who had protected me from the guards. As if sensing my thoughts he immediately replied.

"Allister here is now a wanted man. Reason: Aiding and abetting the escape of a known war criminal" he said, his voice deadpan. Allister gives him a mildly offended look, but it seems to be a joke with the both of them. But then a pertinent thought crossed my mind.

"How long?" I ask, my voice a croak. His expression becomes grim.

"Five days. It was touch and go. You still need to recover, another four days, five max" he says, his accent and inflection strange, sharp and precise, his words quick and precise. Allister nods behind him, his expression the same.

"What is your name? And where are you from?" at my question, he raises an eyebrow, his lips quirking in a wry smile, as he stands up.

"Well, my dear. My name is Erik Lensherr, and where I am from, well its far from here. And I have been in a state of suspended animation for the past millennia"

As I look closely at him, I see things that I had missed.

Slightly angled cheek bones.

Slanted eyes.

And ears that were tapered, but not full points.

"You're a hybrid! And suspended animation? For a millennia?" I gasp. He just pats me on the head.

"Yes dear, I am. And its my...heritage that resulted in the latter happening" he replied, giving me a look that's vaguely paternal. A wry smile on his face, he walks out.

Allister is about to follow him when I say "Wait"

He turns to look at me, his curious expression turning to concern when I start coughing. He takes a wineskin and gently guides my head to drink the water in it.

My throat wet, I continue with what I have to say.

"I failed to thank you for protecting me in Gil'ead"

He smiled warmly at me and said "It was the right thing to do. No thanks is required"

His warm grip and kind eyes anchor me as exhaustion starts to take me. I was guided down to my bed, as sleep spread its blanket over me.

Next up: Brom, Eragon and Saphira!

R&R!