Evalin waited for Eragon to wake up, hanging her head over the loft and watching him sleep upside down. He stirred and woke, finally, standing and stretching. Evalin beamed and leaned forward, throwing herself from the loft to do a backspin in the air and land on her feet. Eragon watched with tired eyes and Evalin gave him a hug. "Good morning! What are we going to do today?" She asked, stepping back to pet Saphira lovingly on the snout. Eragon sighed bitterly.
"Nothing I suppose, as per usual." He replied. Evalin sighed.
"Oh well, I suppose that gives you time to yourself then." She said happily. Eragon shook his head.
"Unfortunately, yes." He said with a hint of anger. Evalin was surprised.
"You don't sound too happy about that. I'd think you'd love time to yourself. Time to stock up on energy, meditate, explore!" Evalin said excitedly. Eragon sighed again.
"You make it sound so fun. But I feel so useless, while everyone rushes around, taking care of important matters, I am left on my own, with nothing productive to do." Eragon said. Evalin thought for a moment.
"You could help people. I'm sure that there are weapons to be made, or you could use your magic. Put protective spells on armor, accuracy spells on swords, things like that. For a man like you, I'm sure there is always something to be done. You just have to look for it." Evalin said. Eragon thought about this for a moment.
"You know, you're right. I guess everyone's been avoiding me because of my mood." Eragon said. Evalin grew quiet.
"I'm really sorry about your friend. I tried to help him." She said quietly. Eragon gazed hard at Evalin, who couldn't meet his eyes. "I really did try." She added in a whisper. Eragon nodded.
"I'm glad, he was a good friend." Eragon said. For a moment, he thought he was going to sink back down into his foul mood of mourning, but Evalin clapped her hands suddenly.
"Come on, Eragon. We cannot let him get away with this. With anything he's done. I am no longer useless, tethered by his power. I've broken free, and I intend to stay this way." Evalin said with such confidence that Eragon sincerely believed her. "You are a dragon rider, a real one, and you have powers that human's can only dream of. So go out and help! You don't wait around for someone to give you orders, you allow them to request something of you and do it when you feel." Evalin said, slipping down into her child form. Eragon laughed at the such a stern face placed upon a child.
"Stop lecturing me and let's get out of this city. The Varden has set up camp not too far from here, we'll go there. I'm sure I can be of some use mending armor." Eragon said, pulling his jerkin over his head. Eragon glanced for Evalin and found her perched upon Saphira's back. "I suppose we don't need the saddle for such a short flight." Eragon said, agreeing to Evalin's unspoken statement.
Saphira landed with her usual grace smack in the middle of a frenzy of bodies. She was careful to avoid stepping on anyone, but had no issue in moving people out of her way with her snout. Evalin slid off and quickly disappeared into the crowd, though Eragon felt her mind gently pulsing against his. She was excited and off to explore, and though Eragon felt nervous letting her wander among the people he had grown to love, he figured he ought to show that he trusted her at least a little. He was sliding from the back of Saphira so she could get out of the mess of human's when Evalin's consciousness froze with momentary fear. Eragon instantly looked to the skies for signs of Murtagh, and upon seeing none, rushed to Evalin. She had gotten much further than any human child should in the five seconds Eragon lost sight of her. He found her, sitting on the ground where she had fallen backwards, gazing up at Garzhvog. Eragon nodded a brief greeting to the Krull leader, then averted his attention to Evlin. I do not know what it is! She said in shock. Never before have I seen or read of a creature like this. And yet, from you, I know it is called Krull. Eragon nodded in conformation. "Hi." Evalin said, standing at last. Garzhvog appeared uneasy, never having been approached by a human child before.
"Greetings." He replied. Evalin smiled widely up at him. Suddenly she turned.
"I'm starved!" She announced, following her nose to the kitchen tent. Eragon followed, and, after a moment, so did Garzhvog. Evalin ran through the tent, crinkling her little nose at everything but the ale. As she reached for a pint, a homely looking woman slapped her hand away.
"Nice try, deary. "Ow about ye try fer the cooled cider in'ead?" She said with a wink. Evalin stomped her foot and glared at the woman, who would not be swayed no matter how unnerving the girl's eyes were. Eragon came up and reached over Evalin's head, grabbing a mug. He smiled tauntingly at Evalin and took a deep swig, wiping his mouth on his tunic. She rolled her eyes and, quick as lightening, grabbed herself a mug and fled. Eragon watched her run, and she flashed him a smile, only to run smack into Garzhvog. She stumbled backwards, managing to keep her balance and not spill the sloshing ale, then grabbed the Krull's hand and pulled, running wildly as the large woman dashed after them. Eragon laughed until tears streamed down his face, his laughter only increasing when the red faced and short of breath woman returned empty handed.
"Tha' friend o' yours be outta control, shadeslayer." She muttered to Eragon, who nodded wholeheartedly.
"Indeed madam. 'Tis true."
Eragon ran, catching up with Evalin and Garzhvog who were sitting in a glade some distance in the forest. "What ghastly food you survive on." Evalin said, not bothering to act the part of a child any longer. Garzhvog blinked and said nothing about the womanly voice emanating from the tiny child. "Not even a simply plate of fruit. Fruit tastes the same everywhere, you know. But alas, you people have to drown it in gravy and meat, or turn it into drinks and brews. Why not eat a simple strawberry or fig? Instead you turn it into puddings and cordials. Blegh." Evalin said, downing her ale in one gulp and tossing away the empty tankard. "Hey, thanks for aiding in the escape." Evalin said to Garzhvog, who seemed quite dazed.
"It looked to me like he was most unwilling in your escape." Eragon said with a smile.
"Yes, but who is going to stop a Krull from charging through a crowd? Were I alone, someone would have easily prevented my escape, and then they'd be sorry." Evalin said with a grim smile. Eragon chuckled. It was both hilarious and unnerving to see such expressions on the face of a child no more than eight.
"I apologize if her fun interrupted your duties." Eragon said to Garzhvog. The Kull shook his head.
"No, indeed it was quite a welcome change from the stiff respect and fearful hurrying that I usually endure. However, pressing matters do call for my attention, so I take leave." The Krull said, standing. He pressed both fists against his forehead. "Firesword, child." He said in departure. With a sort of loping walk, the creature soon disappeared from the glade. Eragon turned to see the fully grown Evalin digging in the dirt, her hands somehow remaining clean. After a moment she pulled up a potato and, in the manner of a starving beggar, bit into it, devouring the root plant, grassy top and all. She smiled at Eragon's look.
"It is much better plain than drizzled with artificial flavors. There are some things you learn when growing up as I did, and it is that the simple things in life are the one's worth savoring. Besides, I always did love potatoes." She said. The ground crackled behind Eragon, and Evalin quickly shrank down, wide eyes watching with curiosity as Roran appeared behind Eragon.
"Ah, brother, I'd heard you returned from the city. And who might this be?" Roran asked, referring to Evalin. As much as it pained him to lie to Arya, it pained him double to lie to Roran. If you trust him, I do not mind the truth. However, some factors I would leave out. Evalin told Eragon. He nodded slightly.
"Can you keep a secret, brother. Even if Nasuada herself demands to know it?" Roran glanced at Evalin, then nodded. "She is a dragon rider. She stole into Galbatorix's rooms and the last egg hatched for her. Arya knows only that the egg has hatched, not that Evalin is the rider. There is much to the tale, and I fear you will have to trust me when I say I cannot tell anyone, but I do not know how to confirm the truth without telling lies." Eragon said. He looked to find Evalin gone, and was grateful for the privacy with his brother. Roran's usual smiling face was stern.
"One thing is sure. You have to tell Nasuada about the girl. To hide something this large is to withhold much needed hope. With two riders against two, the odds will greatly improve in our favor." Roran said wisely. Eragon nodded.
"Galbatorix is quite angry with her. Stealing into his rooms, walking away with his… a dragon. When word reaches him that she is here, it can be undeniable that he will attack in full force, without care of who dies. Believe me when I tell you that he still has a hundred times more power than us as of now, Roran. I do not think we can afford to tell the people of Evalin's true identity." Roran nodded, soaking it all in.
"At least tell Nasuada and Arya. They'll know more about what to do then I." Roran said. Eragon nodded.
"I shall, though I fear their hearts, though in the right place, are not for her safety. Arya cares mainly for her people and keeping their location hidden, while Nasuada cares for the Varden. If I tell, they both may very well tell their people, and in doing so endanger Evalin. There is more, Roran. A secret so dark that I fear even to tell you, for you'll think me mad for ever trusting Evalin. Saphira, who had been silent for much too long, spoke out against this. He cannot carry the burden that comes with this knowledge, Eragon. Do him a favor and say nothing. Eragon shook his head. He deserves to know. "She is not as you think, Roran. She is not a little girl as she appears. Evalin takes that form to throw people off, because Galbatorix is desperate to find her. You see, Roran… she stole not only the egg, but his dragon. Shruikan is hers now, and Galbatorix needs him back." Eragon ended. He had been planning on telling his brother the whole truth, but Saphira's words prevented him from doing so. Roran had enough worries, with Katrina pregnant, him constantly off to war, Eragon did not need to burden him with thoughts of betrayal and a crazy brother. Roran's mouth was frozen in an "o" shape as he absorbed the knowledge. He glanced at the spot Evalin had been sitting only moments ago.
"How… how could anyone manage such a feat?" Roran asked. Eragon sighed.
"It is complicated, and this is the part where you will have to trust me when I say I cannot tell you. But she is trustworthy, if not a little quirky." Eragon said. Roran nodded.
"To have two dragons, her power must be near limitless!" Roran muttered. Eragon nodded.
"Now comes the question, do you still feel I should tell Nasuada and Arya?" Roran thought about it for a moment, then nodded.
"I really do, Eragon. I think you underestimate their respect for you. If you wish not to tell the rest of the Varden, they will respect your wishes. How does Evalin feel on the subject?" Roran asked.
"I trust Eragon's decisions. I know not who I can trust, so I leave the judging to him." Evalin replied. Roran jumped at the woman who appeared beside him.
"I suppose this is your true form then?" Roran asked. Evalin smiled shyly and curtsied.
"It is good that Eragon trusts you so fully. I wish I had a brother to be close to." Evalin said wistfully. Roran smiled and, overcoming his shock, grappled Eragon in a headlock.
"Indeed, having a brother to practice on has come quite handy." Evalin smiled.
"Oh please, I could take you any time!" Eragon said back, flipping his brother over and straddling the bigger man.
"Yeah, well you have the power of the dragon on your side. Let's see what happens when Saphira isn't lending you strength!" Evalin laughed.
"My money's on the big one. Come on, you can take him!" Evalin shouted from the sidelines as the two brother's grappled. The fight ended as randomly as it started, and Roran and Eragon broke apart to see an young girl watching and giggling from the side and Horst chuckling beside her.
"Someone said I could find you here. Who's the tyke?" Horst asked, ruffling Evalin's hair.
"A friend." Eragon replied. Evalin scowled.
"I am not a tyke. For your information, I'm nearly seven. My name is Evalin, and I do not like my hair to be mussed." She said most firmly. Horst chuckled again.
"My apologies, dear lady. How can I beg of your pardon?" Evalin considered the man, then crossed her arms.
"You can show me how to make a sword like Eragon." Evalin said with a firm nod. Horst laughed.
"So a pretty little thing like you wants to learn the smith trade, eh? Well come on then, I think I can do that." Horst said with a wink to Eragon.
"She's a handful, Horst, I warn you now." Eragon called after the two. It was then that Evalin turned and did the most childish thing yet, she stuck her tongue out and blew a raspberry. Horst laughed and lifted her onto his shoulders.
"I've raised two sons yet, Eragon, I think a girl will be quite simple." Eragon shook his head. Careful with him, he has much stress because his wife is having a difficult time with her unborn child. Eragon chided to Evalin. Don't worry. Evalin assured. Then, as an afterthought she added, I've always wanted to learn how to create a sword. I shall never be helpless. I will learn everything I shall ever need, and never require the help of any man ever again! Eragon smiled at her resolution.
"Should we stop them?" Roran asked. Eragon shook his head.
"No, let her go have fun. I will tell Queen Nasuada of her tonight, with Evalin present. Tomorrow you I will tell of what went on." Eragon said. Roran nodded.
"Well, I'm off then, to help Katrina. Are you going to be alright? I know the death of the elfish dragon rider has hit you hard." Roran asked. Eragon smiled at his brother.
"I'm fine. I think I'll sit here for awhile and meditate." Eragon said. Roran nodded, and as he left the glade Saphira landed, chops bloody from a snack she had recently acquired.
"Saphira." Roran said with a slight bow. Saphira in return ducked her head as the man walked away. Eragon stroked Saphira's nose for a moment, then got into the pose Oromis had taught him to meditate. He opened his mind to the forest around him, feeling every living creature within a mile radius. He sat there, letting the energy flow in and out of him, relaxing completely for the first time in a long time. So a part of nature did he come that shy rabbits and other such critters approached Eragon as if he was a rock.
Evalin sat as close to the forge as she could without singing her glassy hair. Horst was explaining things, names, movements, temperatures, but Evalin was only half paying attention. Instead she was watching carefully at the way he hit the metal, how hard he hit it, how hot the metal was. She knew that when the time came, it was going to be these things that she needed to know, not that the rock he hit the soon-to-be sword was called an anvil. It took Horst a few hours to create the sword, but Evalin sat still through the entire thing, something Horst found incredible. "Awe, now missy, you must be terribly bored! Hows about you go inside the tent and my lovely wife Elain will fix you up something to eat?" Horst offered. Evalin slid wordlessly off the stool she had perched on for the last few hours and smiled, walking into the tent as if she lived there herself. "Now that there is an unusual child." Horst said to his eldest son. Baldor chuckled.
"After all we've been through father, you think a silent child is unusual?" Horst smiled.
"Ah, perhaps your right. I guess it was the lass's eyes." He said, pumping air to the forge. "Ah well. No rest for the weary, eh boys?" Horst asked, getting a start on another piece of bland metal.
Evalin looked at the frail woman lying in the makeshift bed, who smiled when she saw Evalin.
"And what can I do for such a beauty as yourself?" Elain asked, rising. Her stomach bulged with the threat to explode at any moment. Evalin stared, having never seen a pregnant woman before. She had read of pregnancy, how it felt, how it came to be, but in her isolated existence she had never encountered it. "Would you like to touch it? If you're patient, you can feel him kick." Evalin reached out and rested her hand on the woman's stomach.
"How do you know it will be a boy?" she asked quietly, as if her voice would disrupt this unborn child.
"I've had two already, I fear that I shall never have a girl." Elain said with a sad smile. Evalin, her hand still on the woman's stomach, reached out with a tendril of magic, sexing the babe in an instant.
"I bet you it's a girl." Evalin said. Elain was slightly taken aback, but smiled anyways.
"Well I sure hope so. I don't know if I can take another blacksmith traipsing dirt and ash around my home." Elain said. "Now how about a small snack? I'm sure I have some raisin rolls around here somewhere, unless the boys have devoured them all!" Elain said with a smile. Evalin quickly found the treats and sat with Elain, listening to the woman talk about nothing in particular, marveling at how normal humans interacted with each other. To be honest, she had been most nervous when entering a place devoted to so many humans. She would have been lucky to glimpse even one living person when living in the castle, Galbatorix keeping her existence a secret. But now, with this woman talking to her as if they had been lifelong friends, Evalin was starting to understand the devotion Eragon had felt towards these people. She herself felt nothing for the strangers, but it was becoming easier to see how one could become attached. "… oh look at me, blathering on to a child about adult matters. Well off you be, go play with some children before your mother calls you in for supper!" Elain said. Evalin smiled.
"I have no mother. I'm staying with Eragon." She said as she danced off. Elain sat down in a huff, expecting to be out of breath. Instead, however, she felt more invigorated that ever before. Energy flowed through her veins, and the aches of pregnancy seemed non existent. Deciding to take advantage of her newfound strength, Elain set to tidying the makeshift home, sweeping the dirt floor and getting to washing her boys' clothes. Evalin whispered a few words of strength, sending them Elain's way. Though she would never lay her life or the life of her dragons' down for this woman, a few words of help wouldn't be too much.
Evalin was walking quietly in the woods when she felt Eragon call her. Yes? She asked. Eragon hesitated before answering. If you don't mind, I'm going to tell the Varden's leader, Queen Nasuada, and Princess Arya of the elves of you. Not quite every detail, but I would like you in your adult form to be present. Eragon said. Evalin smiled. "Alright." She answered out loud, starting to run. It took her less than a minute to reach Eragon, dust in the air the only evidence that she had not simply appeared from nowhere. "Let's go." Evalin said, securing Eragon's hand with her own. Suddenly a fully grown version stood beside her. "But." Evalin said, blushing deeply. "I know it's not true. And I know how you may feel of it…" She started. It was the first time Eragon had seen her hesitate about anything, except for when they talked in the forest for the first time.
"Yeah?" Eragon asked, curious as to what had turned her usually arrogant demeanor into one of shyness.
"You could, I mean, it would explain why you are so willing to trust me, you could introduce me as your sister. I mean to say half sister of course." Evalin said. Eragon paused, considering what she asked him. "I know Murtagh didn't work out so well, but he was fine until Galbatorix stole his name and his soul. I've already proven to you that I can steal mine back, so you don't have to worry about that." Evalin's voice said, fading to a squeak as Eragon looked at her. She quickly glanced away, dropping Eragon's hand. "Forget it, I don't care. It was just an idea." She said, walking on. Eragon left the question hanging in the air as they approached Saphira, who was taking them back into the city.
"Alright." He said at last, as the two perched on Saphira's bare back. Evalin's face broke into a smile, and she somehow turned around on Saphira, hugging Eragon fiercely. Eragon patted her on the back gently, then returned the hug. Saphira mocked Eragon with mental images of fat animated lips covered in rouge kissing his face. Eragon chose to ignore it.
"Queen Nasuada, Eragon is here to see you, with a woman." Jormunder, Nasuada's most trusted friend, announced. Nasuada nodded their entrance, and Eragon and Evalin did indeed enter, to the surprise of Nasuada and Arya, already perched on a soft chair.
"You look just like…" Nasuada started. She glanced to Eragon. Where are the elves sent to protect you? Should they not be here as well. I have a feeling this is going to be a great explanation." Nasuada said almost angrily. Eragon shook his head.
"I prefer not. Though I trust them with my life, it is not my life that could be ruined should they announce what I have in store for you." Eragon replied. Evalin took a seat on the ground, not bothered by the fact it was packed dirt, and stared up disrespectfully at the queen of the Varden.
"Well then, get started." She said, a hint of exhaustion slipping into her voice. Eragon recited the origin of the woman in much the same manor he did to Roran, leaving out only the part of Shruikan, which Eragon knew would immediately send Evalin to the gallows. Arya glared at Evalin all the while, her distrust growing stronger and stronger. When Eragon finished, Arya cleared her throat.
"So then, who is her father?" She asked, a little too strongly. Evalin smiled sarcastically at her.
"Who is yours?" Arya rolled her eyes.
"Eragon, are you sure she is trustworthy? Your family doesn't seem too fond of playing the good guy." Arya said. This angered Eragon.
"What, because my mother was a slave to a man, or because Galbatorix found out Murtagh's true name?" He asked rudely. Arya was taken aback.
"I didn't mean to imply…" She started. Eragon cut her off with a frustrated sigh.
"Either you can trust my judgment or you can dismiss it, but two dragon rider's against two seems like much better odd's to me." Eragon said. Nasuada, who had remained quite silent through this, stood.
"Have you seen her mind?" She asked. Eragon nodded.
"Every inch." He answered. Nasuada looked at Evalin.
"Well, have you anything to say for yourself?" She asked. Evalin grinned.
"I am going to stay with Eragon whether you like or not." She answered. Nasuada raised her eyebrows.
"And if Eragon didn't want you?" Evalin shrugged.
"Why dwell on 'what ifs', when I know what is." Evalin answered. Nasuada gave her a look, but said nothing else on the matter.
"Would you be willing to pledge your loyalty, and the loyalty of your dragon, to the Varden and me?" She asked. Evalin pondered for a moment.
"No. I will not. Eragon has my loyalty, but it is to him I am loyal, no one else. There is no one here who cares for me, and I care for none of them. But Eragon does, and for him I will fight for you. But I will pledge nothing." Arya started to say something, but Nasuada stopped her.
"You understand then, that you are a risk to us if I let you stay? To have someone among us with no loyalties is a dangerous thing to do in times like these." Evalin sighed.
"I have said, I am loyal to Eragon. I swear that so long he fights for the Varden, I fight for the Varden. To that I will pledge." Evalin said nonchalantly. Nasuada considered this, then shook her head.
"Why such loyalty to a man you've just met?" She asked. Evalin looked at Eragon, as if reassuring herself that indeed he had agreed to it, then said,
"because he is my half brother." Nasuada nearly choked on her cider and Arya leapt off her seat, as if ready for battle.
"How can this be?" Nasuada demanded, much more awake than only a moment ago. Eragon stepped forward.
"It seems my mother was not as ill as my uncle thought when she dropped me off." Eragon said. Arya eyed Evalin.
"Who is your father then?" She asked. Evalin smiled.
"I cannot say, dear elf." She replied in a mocking tone. Eragon looked to Nasuada.
"Please, Nasuada. I know this to be true, she is related to me through my mother. I have very few with whom I can feel close to, as family. Allow my half sister to stay, and I promise she will prove as useful as Roran and I have been." Eragon said. Nasuada took a deep breath, then closed her eyes. Eragon could see the struggle she was in with her loyalty to the Varden and her need to keep Eragon close and loyal. Finally she let out a sigh.
"Very well then. Evalin may stay with the Varden. Eragon's promise is worth more than all the gold in Alagaesia. The only question comes to who will train you." Eragon nodded his head.
"I'm sure I can train her. I was trained by the best, and memorized his every word." Eragon said, referring to Oromis. Nasuada nodded.
"With the combined efforts of you, Eragon, and Blodhgarm and his clan I'm sure you can fitfully train Evalin. Now if you'll excuse me, it has been a trying day." Nasuada said. Eragon stood and bowed, taking his leave, whereas Evalin simply left, paying no courtesy to the Queen or Elfish princess.
Evalin almost believed it would be that easy, however then Arya ran after them, eyes full of distrust. "Wait! Nasuada may have given in without question, but I most certainly will not." She said. Eragon sighed.
"Arya…" He began, but Evalin raised a hand.
"What is it you wish to know?" She asked. Arya glared at her.
"Where is your dragon?"
"Hiding in the surrounding forest. I did not wish for everyone to know what I was. Too many questions, and I wish not for Galbatorix to learn of my whereabouts. That wish still remains intact." Evalin replied. Arya glowered.
"And how is it you know of Eragon, being locked away in the castle?" Evalin smirked.
"Who in the castle doesn't know of the only man in the world that can frustrate Galbatorix?" Arya huffed.
"And the form of a child? How can someone inexperienced with magic know a spell like that?" Evalin gazed at the ground as if ashamed.
"I lived in a castle full of black magic. Everyone picks up a trick or two to avoid detection." She replied. It is true, a simple trick I learned from observing a shade. Evalin assured Eragon. It was then that Arya gathered her demeanor and asked the question both expected and feared by Eragon.
"How is it you came to be at the castle? Galbatorix has many men at his command, I'm sure it was no easy feat." Arya said. Evalin shrugged.
"The real feat was getting out. My mother was a slave to Galbatorix, but he could not watch her every move. She became pregnant with me and hid it from Galbatorix. When I was born, not soon after she was dead. I was raised by another slave, in secret, and kept from sight. Naught more than maybe four people knew of my existence. Because of this, I had free range. Dress as a servant, act a servant, and no one questions you, for how can a child possibly breach the walls only to serve the dark king as reward? It was only when I broke into his chambers did the alarm rise, and by the time Galbatorix arrived, I was long gone. And still, even Galbatorix does not know who to look for. Without a name, I am no one." Evalin answered. Arya scowled. I do not like lying to her. Eragon said to Evalin. I have not lied. Everything I spoke was true, if not a bit vague. My mother was a slave, dying soon after I was born, if you count a shade living. I was raised by a wet-nurse, who cared for me like a woman cares for the lice upon her head. Regarding my true name, it has long since changed upon becoming a dragon rider and fleeing the castle. I doubt Galbatorix himself could guess what it is now. Evalin replied. Eragon thought about this, before agreeing that it was in fact, all true.
"I am not as easily swayed as Nasuada." Arya said menacingly. Evalin shrugged.
"It is not you who concerns me." Evalin said with a note of finality in her voice. She turned with a whip of her raven hair and walked into the growing night, back towards the gates of the city where Saphira waited. Eragon turned to Arya.
"Please, trust me Arya. I have put much more faith in the elves than they in me. This is one thing that I ask of you. I promise, she is different than Murtagh." Eragon spoke in the ancient language, before turning and following Evalin.
Upon riding back to the Varden camps, Evalin hesitantly brought up the conversation between Arya and Eragon. It means much more than I think you can ever know, to know that you trust me. Evalin thought. Eragon nodded. I don't really understand why. But I do feel that you are telling the truth. I only hope I am not being a fool. Evalin smirked. No, you are many things, Eragon, but a fool you are not. Eragon smiled, and Saphira made an excited loop in the air.
As Eragon settled into his usual tent some ways out of the direct camp and Evalin sat in the corner, watching the people outside. Saphira poked her head in through the back flaps and purred as her head lounged in Eragon's lap. "They look so… ordinary." Evalin said, watching as people laughed and talked away their last chores of the day. Eragon chuckled.
"They are ordinary. Ordinary people fighting for what they believe in." Eragon said. Evalin nodded, watching two young children run beneath the feet of the adults.
"Everyone seems so happy, even though the thought of death is everywhere. No one acted like this at the castle. No one was happy, or strong. People there feared death, the people here seem almost uncaring." Eragon rose and stood next to Evalin, glancing around.
"Where you come from, the people have been beaten into submission. Here, the people have been chased into a corner. And when a dog is cornered, it fights back. That is all they know how to do now. It is our life, to fight, and though we may all perish trying, at least we did not give in." Eragon said. Evalin sighed, and Eragon gave her a questioning look.
"You seem so noble, fighting for a cause greater than yourself. You care not what becomes of you, so long as you leave the world in peace. I fight for myself. I will be controlled by no one, and detest Galbatorix for trying to do so. I child should never hate her father, that much I know. But oh how I loathe him." Evalin said sadly.
"The point is, Evalin, that you are fighting. The point is that you do not give up, that you persist until Galbatorix is dead and a new leader is elected. It matters not who you fight for." Eragon said. Evalin smiled up at him.
"You are a very good half brother." She said jokingly. Eragon smiled. The two sat there, watching the bustle of the camp until Eragon could no longer keep his eyes open.
"Go to sleep now, Evalin. We start your 'training' in the morning." Eragon said in a falsely stern voice. Evalin saluted him.
"Yes, dragon rider!" She said, curling under the covers of Eragon's roughly constructed bed. He preferred sleeping against the warmth of Saphira's belly anyways.
Evalin was awake and gone when Eragon sat up, rubbing sleep from his eyes. He dressed quickly and walked off in search of her, smirking at the student awaking before the teacher. Eragon found Evalin by the forest's edge, deep in conversation with Garzhvog. Her simply dress had been exchanged for breeches and a loose fitting tunic that hung off one shoulder, making the seven-year-old appear even smaller. "Eragon!" She exclaimed happily when he was sighted. Eragon waved his greetings to both Evalin and Garzhvog. "We were just talking about your brother. Garzhvog has a deep respect for a man that can take on a Kull. I told him that you could take down any one of his rams any time you wanted." Evalin said proudly. Garzhvog smiled at the girl.
"She is an unusual human. Both a child and a woman at once. I do not understand magic, but I do understand when it is being used." The Kull answered. Evalin smiled at him.
"Well I trust you can keep a secret. Besides, what is it to you if I use magic to conceal my true age?" Evalin asked with a smile. Garzhvog shrugged his heavy shoulders.
"Nothing to me at all." And with that, the Kull lumbered off along the edge of the camp to where Eragon assumed his clan was waiting.
"So, how about we get started on your training?" Eragon asked, putting on a stern face. Evalin sighed.
"Are you really going to make me go through everything? I'm sure there is little you can teach me, and I would much rather prefer to see Shruikan and Silicis." Evalin said with a longing sigh. Eragon hesitated, then agreed.
"We can both fly down. I'm sure I will not be missed for a few days." Eragon said. Evalin beamed at him, but then her smile faded as she glanced over Eragon's shoulder. Oh great. She sneered, turning her back on Blodhgarm as he and three other elves approached. Their faces were blank, but all eyes trained on the girl sitting in the dust at Eragon's feet pouting.
"Greetings, shadeslayer. Nasuada has told us of the new rider, but I am afraid I still do not fully understand what is going on." Blodhgarm said. Eragon nodded.
"I'm afraid I'll have to keep you in the dark on this one. But yes, this is the new rider." Eragon said. Evalin looked up at him frostily.
"You have poor timing." She pouted.
"We were just about to depart to see her dragon, hidden in the forest a few miles away." Eragon said. Blodhgarm nodded.
"I wish to accompany you then." Blodhgarm said quickly. Evalin's scowl deepened. Eragon ignored her.
"That's fine, so long as it's fine with Saphira to carry you." Eragon spoke over Evalin's hiss of anger.
"I prefer to run, thank you." Blodhgarm said, ignoring Evalin's obvious distaste. Eragon and Evalin took their time getting ready, Eragon packing a few things in the saddlebag and Evalin searching for something she considered edible in the food tent. This went on, much to the irritation of Blodhgarm, who Eragon could tell was anxious to see what Evalin already knew in the ancient language. I do not wish him to come. He is suspicious enough of me, I do not know how to explain to him my knowledge, nor do I wish to play dumb and sit through agonizing lessons. Evalin complained. Eragon smirked. Ah, so already I know you must work on your patience. I'm sure we can think of something between here and there. You may have to put up with relearning your lessons, but I'm sure Blodhgarm will stumble upon something you do not know from time to time. You can only improve. Eragon reasoned. Evalin huffed. I do not want to improve. I want to ride Shruikan and talk with Silicis. I do not want to worry about what will happen if I am figured out by a nosy elf! Evalin snapped. Eragon could feel her emotions, see in her mind that she was debating what to do already if Blodhgarm found her out. Would she stay with Eragon and let Shruikan flee, or leave Alagaesia altogether with her dragon friend? Do not dwell on 'what ifs', only know what is. Eragon said. Evalin's anger diminished slightly, and Eragon knew she was smiling.
Evalin slipped Saphira a large piece of smoked ham, then gave her scaly head a squeeze. What a pretty dragon you are. Evalin complimented. Saphira purred and flicked her tongue out teasingly. Evalin smiled widely, her mood more chipper than usual since the decision to see her dragon today was confirmed. There was only one damper on her happiness, but she figured if she could convince Saphira to fly high enough, Blodhgarm would get lost and, hopefully, eaten by a bear