A/N – I walk onto stage 'Hi guys…' I say tentatively lone reviewers pelt me with tomatoes 'Ok I'm sorry, sorry for not updating in a month, sorry for not sticking to my promises, sorry for making you listen to my lame 'sorry' excuses and yeah. Please forgive me.' Not that many people ACTUALLY read this story but any who. I should probably stop going on. And on. Well here you go; you probably don't like me much anyway and can't be bothered to read this A/N. P.S. Once again this chapter is non-betaed so if anyone will be my beta I am practically begging you.
Chapter 3 – Nasuada
After trekking throughout the rest of the day Roran could see the lights of Cithrí just as the sun was setting. He decided against entering the city that night, his dragon was getting tired and Nasuada wouldn't be able to talk with him long enough if he arrived at night. No he would wait until dawn.
He started a fire and reheated a rabbit each for him and the dragon. Together they ate and watched. Watched each other. Watched Cithrí. Watched the stars.
Roran worried that his dragon's innocence and early life would be tarnished by the Varden's actions. This little dragon was so perfect and un-tainted, and Roran didn't want that ruined.
With his mind concerned and restless Roran once again fell asleep with his dragon at his side and a future too great to comprehend on the horizon.
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As a new day dawned Roran hid the dragon in his pack – he couldn't just carry it through the city.
'Now you be quiet' he told the little dragon as he stowed him away in his pack. 'I can't have you squeaking as I walk through the city now can I?'
The dragon looked at Roran with solemn eyes as if to say 'I understand'.
As he ambled down to the city's gates his mood brightened as he remembered Katrina. How he missed her when he was on his tasks for the Varden, after all he had done to be with her he had to spend so much time apart.
Reaching the gates he passed the guards appointed there.
'Who are you and what business do you have in Cithrí?' one enquired.
'I, Roran Stronghammer, wish to seek counsel with Lady Nasuada about new information that is very important to the Varden.'
'You're Rider Eragon's cousin aren't you?'
'Yes'
'Welcome to Cithrí! May the Varden accept your information in good health.'
'Thank you, I'll pass that on.' And with the pleasantries completed Roran continued on towards the Varden's headquarters where he could see Nasuada.
Roran heard a muffled 'Humph!' from his pack.
'It's all right, shush, we'll be there soon.' he comforted the impatient dragon.
He stopped wriggling and settled down in the pack, still again.
As Roran approached the Varden's headquarters his heart quickened. How would Nasuada react? Would she be pleased or angry? Maybe she didn't want another dragon and rider – it would defiantly make things more complicated.
He absentmindedly ascended the steps leading to the Varden's entrance.
'Hey!' barked a guard grabbing his fore arm. 'Do you think you can just enter like that? What be your business with the Varden?'
'I wish to seek counsel with Lady Nasuada.' Rotan said for the second time that morning.
'I'm sure that Nasuada herself does not wish to waste time with a' his eyes swept over Roran's scarecrow appearance, 'wanderer.'
Roran scowled. 'Why don't you ask her yourself?' he queried angrily, 'Tell her that Roran Stronghammer is waiting her counsel on a recent incident that will change the fate of Alagaesia forever.'
'As you wish sir' said the guard venomously and with a satisfied smirk and a confident voice said. 'Pray tell Lady Nasuada that a man named Roran Stronghammer has apparently discovered something that will 'change the fate of Alagaesia forever' and is waiting her counsel.'
There was a patter of feet while the messenger ran to relay the message to Nasuada.
The guard smirked again, sure that the answer arriving back from Nasuada would be a firm no.
The drumming of running feet returned.
'She'd be delighted to speak with Roran and welcomes him to the Varden. She also asks if he knows the health of his cousin, Rider Eragon.' came the squeaky voice of the envoy.
The huge oak doors swung open, much to the amazement of the cocky guard Roran was warmly invited up to Nasuadas private chambers.
As the door was slammed in his face the guard muttered, amazed. 'Eragon Shadeslayer's cousin?'
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'Roran' smiled Nasuada, 'To what circumstances do I owe the pleasure of your company?'
'Rather important ones' he stated solemnly 'Ones that will change the Varden's stance in this battle for the better'
'Well may I learn of the subject of this situation? If it helps the Varden in such great a way it would help if I knew what it is.'
Shrugging his pack off his back, with a muffled squeak from the dragon, Roran loosed the drawstring.
'On the day before yesterday after conveying your message, I was walking back to Surda when I stumbled upon an egg. A dragon egg.' Nasuada's eyes widened. 'It had signs around it of magic, it seemed that a weak magician had attempted to destroy it, but failed. I took it with me, ready to bring it to the Varden when in hatched. For me.'
Roran lifted the baby green dragon out of his bag. Nasuada's mouth dropped open.
'This is him.' he mumbled, suddenly embarrassed. The little dragon rolled his shoulders and sniffed indignantly. He seemed pleased that he was finally out of the stuffy bag.
'May I?' she murmured, her hand outstretched.
'Of course' gestured Roran and watched as Nasuada tentively stroked his dragon's head.
'He's beautiful' Nasuada patted him with renewed confidence. Her face was full of emotion when she looked up at Roran. 'You don't know how much this means to me'
All of Roran's previous worries about Nasuada's reaction were washed away. She was truly touched by the presence of the dragon.
'How much,' her voice cracked, 'How much this means to the Varden. We have hope.' Her face glowing she questioned him further. 'What's his name?' she said gesturing at the dragon.
'I, I don't know' stated Roran, ashamed and unsure. 'Should I have?'
'Well I'm not completely sure,' she said. 'Because of Eragon and Saphira, well because Saphira has a name I just assumed…' she broke off uncertainly.
'Maybe it would be best if we contacted Eragon,' stated Roran. 'Then we would at least know what we were doing.'
'Yes, yes of course. I'll inform Arya now; she'll be able to communicate with him.' Nasuada hurried out of the room.
'Well I guess it's just you and me now eh little one' the dragon looked up at Roran with sparkling eyes. He trotted over to Roran and jumped into his arms.
'What was that about mister?' Roran chuckled, 'Was the mighty dragon intimidated?'
The little dragon shook his head vigorously.
'Even not a little bit?' prompted Roran.
It began to shake his head, then nodded shamefully.
'It's absolutely all right' Roran laughed. 'She has that effect on most people.'
A/N – OK I personally didn't like that chapter – I really enjoy writing the Roran/dragon fluff. Next chappie I am doing Arya stuff (I'm so scared, what if I completely mess her up!!) If anyone can help me, give me ideas….. If I have any fans left…. See you next time and I 'm not promising anything, it will probably be a lie.