Hi. This is not CP. This person only owns Tania and Ophelia.
Ophelia flew well above Saphira, making sure to keep her scales the exact shade and color of the clouds. Tania shifted uneasily in the unfamiliar saddle, nervous about the outcome of meeting this new stranger, and worried for Brom, who, hopefully, wasn't already dead by now.
If you keep thinking thoughts like that, I will turn completely black and give away my position for all to see. Ophelia's stern voice cut through the haze of worry like a knife.
Sorry. I really can't help it.
There was a mental sigh. I suppose you wouldn't be humane if you didn't worry.
A good choice of words. After all, I'm hardly human now, am I, thanks to you, replied Tania.
What, do you miss being 'normal'?
Not in the slightest. I get much more food now that you've come into play. And I am less likely to freeze to death.
And don't you forget it, Ophelia replied smugly.
They had been flying for a while, when a very familiar presence exploded against her mind.
TANIA! You're alright! And Ophelia!
Tania reeled from the relief and joy in Eragon's mental voice. Great galloping boarhounds! You did not need to give me a mental bruise, she joked. Why were you worried, anyway?
Eragon huffed. We thought you might have been caught by the Ra'zac, he said.
Then you should know better. If we met the Ra'zac and did not win, we would fight until we either died or were defeated into submission, and if that happened, we'd just kill ourselves.
Well, I'd rather stay alive, thank you very much.
There is the choice of being alive under Galbatorix's clutches, or dead in freedom. Then again, you could always avoid both and be alive in freedom, but that is a bit more difficult, stated Tania.
No kidding. Then, Saphira will land in a moment. Murtagh is very… curious to meet you. Where will Ophelia be staying for the time being?
Tania conversed quietly with Ophelia. Either flying above, hunting, or near the cave. Generally close by.
Good. I guess I'll see you in a minute.
Hnh.
A moment later, Saphira circled down to land in a clearing. Nearby, a semi-tall cliff rose up from the land; Tania could see a cave of sorts cut into the cliff face. For a moment, she thought she saw a dark figure standing near the opening, but it turned away before she could get a good look. Saphira landed a few meters away from the cliff, and Ophelia flew above, hovering like a vulture. Tania almost dismounted Saphira, but the blue dragoness said, I would suggest staying in the saddle if you want to get into the cave.
Tania considered it. Good point. I guess I'll just crouch, then. Saphira chuckled, folding her wings as she strode over to the cave. When the saddle was level with the opening, Tania stood and stepped onto the rocky ledge.
And was then greeted by an extremely enthusiastic embrace. "Gods above who never listen, it's good to see you,"said Eragon.
"You as well," Tania replied. Eragon turned. Near the back, sitting on a ledge, was the stranger. Wild, dark hair, stormy gray eyes, and a wary posture. Tania assessed him quickly, and could see him to the same.
Eragon cleared his throat nervously. "Um… Tania, this is Murtagh. He saved Saphira and I from the Ra'zac. Murtagh, this is Tania. She's been traveling with us for a while now." The man nodded, and Tania returned it.
Tania turned to Eragon. Where's Brom? Saphira said he was injured.
Over here. Eragon led her over to a pile of blankets, which had a white-haired head sticking out the top. Tania crouched beside him.
Tania… Brom's weak voice echoed softly in her mind. Is that you…?
Yes.
Good. I have something I wish to tell you, but you must swear in the Ancient Language not to tell any other—especially Eragon. Saphira already knows this, and I suppose you may tell Ophelia, as long as she swears not to tell.
Tania swore it.
And Brom gave her one last message. I am Eragon's father. It is the reason I decided to come, as well as to honor a promise I made to Selena.
Are there any others besides Saphira and I who know this?
A few.
Have you told Eragon that you are a Rider yet?
Yes.
Tania nodded, solemn. Thank you, Brom-Elda.
And thank you, Tania Edoc'sil Istalri. May the fire in your heart never die.
Tania bowed her head respectfully, a single tear free-falling from her eye.
I had to stop, else I would have started bawling. So.
Please Review!
(a slightly more somber) Falcon