Chapter Six

Arya slowly opened her eyes staring blankly at the dark blue sky, and then she leapt to her feet silently drawing her blade in the process. What have I done? In a crouch she stared over at the slumbering form of Murtagh and then glanced up at a sleeping Thorn. I killed him and then I saved him. What is wrong with me? He killed Oromis and Glaedr and countless others. Why did I save him? Arya slowly slid her sword back into its sheath and stood straight. She didn't know why she had saved them but she must have done it for a reason, she would find out if it was the right decision in the weeks to come. Shaking off her thoughts for now she set about restocking the fire and wandered over to the stream, pulling her hair loose from the tie it had been in. Stretching she slowly moved her body into the various positions of Rimgar, starting from the easiest levels and then progressing to the final and hardest level as the sun slowly climbed in the east. Her muscles were stretched and she was sweating by the time she had finished, she sighed feeling relaxed for the first time in many days. Taking off her clothes but leaving her undergarments on, she took a few running steps and dived into the ice-cold water that still lay within shadows.

Diving under the layers of water she flattened herself down on the rocky streambed and opened her eyes and looked about her in wonder. Fish of all shapes and sizes had come to gaze at her sensing her presence. Reaching out with her hand she stroked the underbelly of the one closest to her, ignoring the slight burning in her lungs as she began to crave air. To her great amusement the fish lay still as she ran her fingers down its silver belly, when it began to quiver she took her fingers away. Turning upright she kicked herself upward, pushing herself off a rock. She shot quickly towards the surface, as she exploded out of the water then suns first rays hit the plane of water and she was bathed in a halo of golden light as the water droplets fell around her, reflecting the sun.

Flicking the long midnight locks of hair out of her eyes, she came face to face with Thorn. The ruby dragon stared at her for a while before lowering his crimson head down to where she treed water. Extending his neck he held it inside her reach and waited. Feeling wary she slowly and cautiously slid her arms around his neck and clutched her hands together as he raised his head and lifted her gently from the water. Stepping back he tenderly lowered her to the grass and drew back. She slowly examined every inch of him from the stump of his once glorious tale, over his wings down his scales to his claws, across his ivory spikes and finally down to his eyes once again. Staring into them she ignored her body shivering and looked into the depths of his soul. While on the outside he was a ferocious and dangerous beast, on the inside he was a small hatchling inside a body he didn't know, serving a master he didn't want to and killing people who he never wanted to. As she stared at him she realised he was not the heartless monster he was made out to be.

I wanted to thank you Thorn spoke slowly and hesitantly staring into her eyes. Kneading the earth beneath his talons, he seemed nervous as he continued. Not many people have ever shown me, he paused and his eyes flicked to the still sleeping form of Murtagh, Us, kindness. You are more than justified to want to kill us for some of the terrible things we have done under Galbatorix's name, but you have shown us compassion, more than we deserve. So thank you for saving the life of my bond brother. Arya stood grounded, as slowly the sun crept along the ground and warmth seeped into her chilled form, washing the water away.

Arya took a deep breath and then made one of the most brazen moves she had ever made. She spoke slowly as she had once spoken to Saphira not so long ago " Skulblaka, eka celöbra ono un mulabra ono un onr Shur'tugal né haina"; pausing before uttering the final words, "Astra nosu waíse fricaya." Arya let the rest of her breath out and looked away, shocked at what she had done. She had just offered friendship to the ruby dragon and by connection his rider. The murderers of Oromis and Glaedr bet it unwilling, and the former Dwarven King. Thorn's response, when she returned her gaze back to him, was worth it. The crimson head jerked back in shock and a misty dragon smiled crossed his face. Leaning in he pushed his snout against her face, Your heart is pure, emerald eyes. He said humming. Arya reached up and stroked his scales, slowly drawing her fingers down from the crown of his head, between his eyes and onto his snout. She looked up at him and smiled; pleased she had made the right decision.

Murtagh groaned and rolled over feeling stiff and sore. He bit back a yelp as he sat up, his muscles screaming in protest, having not recovered from the tremendous workout they had been put through the night before. He sighed as he blinked the sleep from his eyes and squinting into the sun, took a look around the camp. Good morning, being brother Thorn thought through their connection, his voice giddy. Morning Thorn. He felt a strange sensation flow through their link and asked Thorn what it was. Thorns reply was a few seconds in coming. Mmm? What is that? The feelings rippled through Murtagh again, it wasn't painful it was…. Murtagh's jaw dropped open in shock he had never felt this feeling emotion from Thorn. His eyes frantically scanned the edges of the woods to his right before snapping to the river. Thorn lay there, his entire body stretched out like a cat in front of a fire, Arya stood next to his neck but hidden behind his head.

Murtagh got slowly to his feet, his belly grumbling, the small meal of berries had not been able to curb his hunger and now it was back in full force. He winced as he stood in the sun yawning, what time is it? He asked Thorn trying to ignore the powerful feeling shivering through Thorn. About an hour past noon, you slept for a while. An hour past noon! No wonder he was so hungry. There is some food for you in the cloth next to the water canteen. Thorn rumbled purring loudly. Murtagh looked to the canteen he had seen earlier, moving slowly he walked over to it. As he got closer a tantalizing smell made his mouth water, upon opening the folds in the cloth he discovered two long crisp fish. Murtagh licked his lips and hurriedly reached for the fish. "Aren't you going to wash your hands first?" A soft musical voice interrupted Murtagh's hasty snatch of the fish.

Murtagh looked up at Arya as she came out from behind Thorn slinging a dirt stained cloth over her shoulder. She was wearing black breeches and a loose black tunic with a simple yet affective design in silver at the collar and sleeves. Her hair was braided down her back in a single thick strand and she was wearing coal black wrist guards. The overall affect was striking; the only colour on her was her olive skin and her intense emerald eyes. She taped Thorn affectionately on the snout as she came past his head and walked towards Murtagh. "It's not going anywhere, you have time to wash your hands before you eat." She informed him as she came closer, her elegant strides capturing his complete attention.

Murtagh nodded and put the fish down. "Good idea." He replied looking at his dirty blood stained hands. Pushing himself off his heels he walked towards the stream. Thorn? What's happened? He asked his bond brother as he reached the great ruby dragon. You wouldn't believe it, Murtagh! Thorn grumbled excitedly. She offered us, well me, friendship! Murtagh took a step back in shock. Friendship? She had saved his life after killing him and she had been nicer to them more than anyone else. But she wanted to their friend? Thorn raised his head and nudged him. I have never had a friend before. And not many people have ever shown me kindness. Thorn confessed. I want her to be my friend; she is nice to you and me. Murtagh acknowledged this with a nod. I have... Thorn interrupted him. You don't count; you have to be nice to me. He sounded smug as he finished.

Murtagh's feet crunched on the small stones on the streamside. What could her motives be for being our friend? He asked Thorn, still suspicious of Arya. I have spent all morning with her Murtagh, and I know some about her from your memories. I don't think she means us harm or has anything to gain from being our friend. Apart from being labelled as a traitor. Thorn growled shuffling his wings. She is very loyal and proud. He added as an after thought. Murtagh having finished washing his hands got to his feet. How do you know that? I gathered that from how she talks of her people and how she treated me. And what she did for you. Murtagh nodded. Right, what could she possibly do for me? He said sitting down on the stump and picking up the fish. He was about to take a big bite when Thorn roared in his mind.

Murtagh gulped as he saw Thorns memories from the morning. He watched Arya moving her body in weird positions. He saw her dive into the stream and stay under for a few minutes. He walked forward, missing the balance his tail provided, to stand at the waters edge. Peering into the crystal water he made out the elf floating on the bottom and stroking fish. He leaned his neck out over the water, hoping she would grab it and feeling Thorns delight that one person apart from his bond brother didn't think he was a cold blooded monster. Murtagh's jaw dropped as he saw Thorns next memory. Arya stood before him, he was gazing into her jade eyes and she spoke slowly in the Ancient Language. "Dragon I honour you. I mean you and your rider no harm. Let us be friends." Murtagh gasped as he felt Thorns happiness. One being wanted to be his friend, one being wasn't afraid he would kill them, one being wasn't afraid to like him.

She actually meant it? He asked Thorn. For an answer Thorn showed him more memories. Scenes flashed past him, Arya sitting on his neck talking to him while braiding her hair, the elf offering to clean his scales and then the final memory. Arya asked if Murtagh had any food and then when he had said no she asked if Murtagh ate fish. He watched as she stoked the fire and then walked over to the stream raising her palm to the waters crystal surface. He watched as two silver fish rose to the surface and gently landed limp in her hand. He saw her turn to him and grimace as she walked into the forest. When she returned the fish each had a slit down their bellies and she placed them on the red-hot stones on the fire.

Murtagh looked up to see the elf in question watching him curiously "Thank you for the fish." He nodded gesturing to the food quickly approaching his mouth. Arya suddenly smiled and inclined her head, the smile disappearing as quickly as it had appeared. "What are you doing out here, by yourself? Murtagh asked, his mouth full making the words difficult to interpret. Arya shifted on her log. "I needed to get away from some people." Arya sighed. "A forest like this. So untainted and pure, everything is fresh, there is little or no unnatural deaths. The sounds are always pleasant no humans come here. It is not un-similar to my home. "The elf looked blankly into the distance. "I miss home, it is so perfect."

Murtagh continued to eat happy to let the comfortable silence lie. What is Ellesméra like? Thorn asked yawning. Arya's head jerked over to Thorn and a big smile crossed her face. "Ellesméra is the most beautiful place in the world." Murtagh having finished his mouthful asked. "What do you love about it?" Arya looked at him as he wiped his hands on the grass her brow furrowed in thought. " No one has ever asked me that before. It is so difficult to explain, you have to truly "see" Ellesméra fully to appreciate all its glory." "Could you try? I doubt I will ever get to see it." Murtagh said bluntly. "I can try." Arya said and then launched into a full detailed account of the wonders in Ellesméra with Thorn and Murtagh occasionally asking a question or asking for more detail. Now and again Murtagh would ask her what she loved about a certain thing and only the sounds of the forest could be heard as she contemplated her answer. As the afternoon drew on he gained sufficient details about Ellesméra, enough to make him desperate to go there, and he learned more and more about the elf sitting opposite him.

The sky had turned to coal by the time Arya had finished and rain fell from the sky on the horizon, the storm gathering power as it came closer. They lapsed into silence before Arya asked. "Why are you out here? Shouldn't you be trying to capture Eragon and Saphira or go attack some people?" Murtagh took a sip out of his canteen wondering how to answer. " Galbatorix has… obtained new, reliable information about another Dragon and Rider. Thorn and I have been ordered to find this Dragon and Rider and report to Galbatorix where they are." Arya blinked. "Another Rider? You think that if we had another Rider Galbatorix wouldn't already know? The Rider would be on his doorstep if we had another." She shook her head when Thorn asked if the elves were hiding another Dragon. "No. Oromis and Glaedr where our last from the fall." Murtagh looked away, ashamed. "Galbatorix says the pair are extremely strong and powerful." Arya snorted. "If they exist."

Murtagh looked into her eyes as the wind picked up and they could hear thunder in the distance. "They exist, Galbatorix would not announce to his entire court the existence of another Rider without believing it was true. I saw the lists he has, there is no doubt." Murtagh looked away, unable to meet her eyes. "He got the information from an Eldunari, a huge one. Other Eldunari have confirmed the information, but their identities remain unknown. For some reason Galbatorix was unable to determine, the knowledge has been lost."

Arya nodded, finally believing him. "What do you know?" The dragon is a female. Thorn said. If Galbatorix, he said the name bitterly, gets a hold of her, he has no immediate need for Saphira, she and Eragon would be expendable. Murtagh continued. " The Dragon and Rider where bonded shortly before the Fall. Also the Dragon and Rider are extremely powerful and the rider is an elf." Murtagh leaned back, looking out into the rain as it rolled towards them. Arya got to her feet and walked to the edge of the camp speaking in the Ancient Language she raised her hands. She stood there as the rain came closer and closer, Murtagh was about to say something when the rain hit… and bounced off an invisible shield. Murtagh got to his feet, groaning as his muscles protested. He looked up in wonder as the rain swept over them and recoiled off the big oval barrier Arya had placed over them. Walking over to where he could see rain streaming down the sides of the air he cautiously reached out and then drew his hand back as rain splattered into it. "How did you do that?" he asked in awe. He had never heard of a spell that could do anything like this. Without any visible affects of energy loss as Arya had shown. Arya smiled sadly. "It's a trick my father taught me, when I was young."

Murtagh rolled his shoulders and lay down on his bedroll and watched Arya as she gazed into the night. Lightning suddenly lit up the sky accompanied by the boom of thunder. As the lightning flashed again Murtagh saw Arya suddenly stiffen and turn pale. He leaned on one elbow as she suddenly looked around wildly. When her gaze briefly met his he sat up suddenly worried. "Arya?" he asked. Thorn feeling his distress lifted his head and looked at Arya. "No, Ashanti." She whispered her eyes full with horror and then she turned and fled, out of the barrier and into the rain. "Arya" Murtagh roared trying to be heard over the rain. Getting to his feet he stumbled after her. Steam rolled off him as rain struck his skin and he ran a few sloshed steps before peering crazily into the rain. He could see her anymore and he didn't know where she went. Murtagh, come back. She is gone. Thorns voice was bitter and mournful. Murtagh his shoulders slumped turned and walked back onto the rain free camp.

You were right about her, Murtagh. Thorn said hanging his head in sorrow. I thought she was different from other people, obviously not. Murtagh felt his bond brother's sadness and put a hand on his scales. It will be all right Thorn. We don't need anyone else. I know, but I liked her, I liked her a lot. Murtagh walked over to his bedroll and dragged it over to Thorn. Laying down he placed his head next to Thorns and closed his eyes. Night Thorn.

Good night Little One.

Best Regards, Con Dar Lioness

Authors Note:

As always help a writer out and review!

Naruto the sage: Thank you. As for Arya and Murtagh, I don't think that would go to well… I did think about it, for a brief moment.

P.S. Unedited still