Beneath Menoa's Roots
Disclaimer: Don't own. Don't sue. Thank you.
Eragon stirred slowly. He glanced at Arya, who was still lying next to him. He had half wondered if last night was a dream. Now he knew for certain it had not been.
How is it, he wondered, that Eragon, farm boy of Palancar Valley, shared the night with the princess of the elves?
It was not that Eragon. You are not that Eragon anymore. That Eragon no longer exists, Saphira told him.
Eragon realized she was right.
How is it that I have changed so much? he asked Saphira.
I know not, but you have. All of Alagaësia should rejoice for that, the blue dragon responded.
Did you make any progress in finding your true name? Eragon inquired.
No, I couldn't concentrate on anything while you were with Arya, Saphira snorted. Your emotions were quite intense.
Eragon turned red.
I cut myself off before you peaked, Saphira comforted.
Eragon growled angrily.
Saphira snorted again.
Arya stirred as well. She looked up at him and yawned.
Eragon watched her out of the corner of his eye. There was a question he had to have answered.
"Arya, what changed?" he asked.
"When you were away, I realized I missed you more than I would a friend," Arya explained after a moments thought. "I'd thought I might love you for awhile, but I didn't wish to distract your training. I realized I had to do something, or I was afraid I would loose you."
Eragon nodded. "I love you," he whispered as he kissed her neck.
"And I you," she murmured back. They kissed for a moment, and then Arya broke it.
"Eragon," she spoke.
"Hmm?" he questioned.
"I have a favor to ask," she answered.
"What is it?" Eragon asked.
"This should not become widely known to the elves. I wish for it to be kept a secret from as many people as possible. It could cause a political uproar if everyone knew. The elves would think you were trying to gain dominion over them, and the humans would think I was trying to gain dominion over the riders. It would not be a pleasant situation," Arya explained.
Eragon nodded. "Are you intending to tell your mother?" he inquired.
Arya shook her head. "She would not approve."
"What of Oromis?" Eragon continued.
Arya paused before saying, "I think he needs to know as he is training you."
"Do as you wish," he muttered. Arya kissed him one last time before getting up to leave.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Vanir sat by Ardis' bedside. Her injury was not terrible, but she still had not awoken. That worried him. Kazul looked even more nervous than he.
"Is she alright?" Alanna asked in a scared voice as she entered the room.
"She's fine. She just got hit in the head and needed to recover," Vanir told his sister curtly.
"I brought you some food. Father wants to know why you brought the rider into this house," Ardis said, sitting a plate next to him.
Vanir sighed. He and his step-father were not the best of friends.
"She was injured. Her dragon wished her to come here," he replied.
"If that's what you say," Alanna responded with a knowing expression on her young face.
Vanir put his head in his hands as soon as Alanna had exited the room. This girl was only six years older than Alanna, one of the youngest elves. He himself was one-hundred ten. How had he fallen in love with this girl? She was beautiful, yes, but he was an elf. It wasn't as though he was deprived of beauty. There was something deeper. Vanir almost wondered if it was Ardis' humanity that drew him. She possessed all the stubbornness and determination of that short-lived race. She was weaker, but she kept trying because she knew she had to. Elves knew much of the same thing, but they had so many advantages.
He could not believe that Eragon had chosen Arya over her. He had read the girl's mind just enough to know what had happened to her last night. His curiosity had gotten the better of him. That didn't often happen.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ardis opened her black eyes.
"Vanir?" she asked incredulously.
"Am I someone else?" he quirked.
She groaned, "Oh, you're as insufferable as ever. Why am here?"
"You hit your head running around in the woods. Your dragon did not wish for you to return to the tree-house. I took you here because I had found you," Vanir explained. He paused.
"Ardis-vodhira, you asked me last night how I could say I loved you. I will answer that now," he continued.
"Vanir-vodhr, I do not wish to hear any explanations of your drunken behavior," Ardis stated formally.
Vanir shook his head. "You were drunk too," he told her.
"I don't wish to be reminded of it," Ardis retorted, pulling the pillow over her head. She knew she was acting like a little girl, but Vanir had infuriated her. He never seemed to respect her or like her at all, yet he had claimed her loved.
Vanir pulled the pillow off her head and spoke, "Hear me out. You do not have to like what I say. You do not have to change your mind because of what I say. You can hear me once and never think of it again. The choice is yours. Just listen. That is all I ask of you."
Ardis nodded slowly.
"When you came to Ellesméra, I confess I was angry that another human had become a rider, and the elves had been ignored once more. Why is it that we, who founded the riders and let the humans join, be ignored in this time of need? I felt that we should be able to oppose Galbatorix. I was guilty of the prejudice that inflicts all races yet again.
"When I saw you, I wondered how such a small girl could save us. I noticed your beauty and your pride even then. You had them, yet they were very human in manner.
"At first, I taunted you because of my anger at your humanity. I began to grow more and more attracted to you, and I continued to taunt you in hopes of driving myself away from. I wanted to stop feeling these things for you because you were so young. I thought myself unsuited for you. I could plainly see your affection for Eragon, and I thought it pointless to cause either of us unnecessary discomfort.
"Last night, I was as drunk as the rest of the party. I found you and told you how I felt. It was foolish of me. I know that I should have kept to myself now, but I was incapable of such judgment then.
"I apologize for the discomfort I have caused you. I think it wise that I see very little of you now, Ardis-vodhira. I have arranged that you should spar with Edurna from now until you leave. I shall leave with you to prepare the Varden's troops for the battle against Galbatorix. The rest of the elves' army will come after. Good-bye." Vanir kissed her on the mouth again before he left the room. He seemed to be releases all his passion and pent up emotion when their lips touched.
Ardis felt herself tremble in spite of what she felt for Eragon. She realized with a start that Vanir was the dark elf from the night before.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Eragon had dressed and was meditating when he heard a knock on his door. He opened it and saw Vanir standing there.
"What is it, Vanir-vodhr?" Eragon asked coolly.
"I only to inform you, Shadeslayer, that your fellow rider injured herself last night. Her dragon and I found her. She is currently recovering at my house. Do what you will. Only know this: you are one of the greatest fools I have ever known," Vanir stated. The elf's voice remained flat and emotionless until the end when his voice rose a little. He turned and walked out the door before Eragon could respond.
The young rider stared after him, mouth agape. Why had Vanir taken to taunting him again? He stood up and followed Vanir back to his house.
Ardis was lying in bed, thinking about everything. She had never experienced anything like this. She had never felt anything as intense as what she felt for Eragon, yet she could still enjoy Vanir's kiss. It made no sense to her. Her reverie was interrupted by Eragon entering the room.
Ardis felt her breath catch in her throat as it always did when she saw him. She also felt a terrible sadness knowing that belonged to Arya now and was lost to her forever.
"Ardis," Eragon greeted. "I heard of your injury. Vanir told me. Are you alright?"
Ardis nodded. She hadn't been ready to see Eragon so soon after last night. Of course, he didn't know that, and it would be pointless to tell him.
"How were you injured?" Eragon pressed.
Ardis paused before answering, "The man I loved chose another over me. I was drunk, and I ran to stop the pain. I hit my head on a branch."
"He is a fool if he chose another over you, Ardis. You are a wonderful girl. Most men would be lucky to have," Eragon protested.
Ardis almost cried at the irony of the whole situation.
"Thank you for coming to see me, Eragon. I need my rest. Would be so kind as to allow me that?" Ardis whispered.
"Of course," Eragon conceded. He left the room, hopelessly unaware of the pain he was causing the girl whom he had just left.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Roran opened his eyes. His head was pounding. He realized that he was holding a woman in his arms. He looked down. It was Shaheen. Wait. No, this wasn't right. How could this have happened?
Memories of last night flooded back to him. The dancing. The passion. The twisted, drunken pleasure.
"What have we done?" he yelled.
Shaheen opened her eyes. She seemed to be just remembering everything too. She didn't answer.
"This should never have happened," Roran continued. He pulled himself out of bed and dressed. He threw Shaheen's things at her. He wanted to undo what he had done somehow.
"Roran, I'm sorry about what happened," Shaheen spoke up slowly.
"Why did you have to come onto me last night?" he shouted.
"Well, you were pretty receptive if you ask me," Shaheen retorted. She was getting angry as well.
"Just go," he whispered.
"That's all you have to say? 'Just go.' What is wrong with you? What makes you think you can sleep with me and just throw me out? What kind of girl do you take me for?" she shrieked back.
"What do you want me to do? You don't understand anything," Roran volleyed.
"I understand. You were lonely, so you decided you might as well f--- the only human girl around," she shot back.
"You came onto me!" he screamed.
"I hate you!" she retorted.
"I hate you!" he yelled in return.
Shaheen pulled her clothes on so quickly it was amazing and stormed out the door.
Roran lay back on his bed. His head pounded. How could he have betrayed Katrina for her? He cursed himself and Shaheen over and over again in his mind as he lay there. This hangover wasn't making things better. As he vomited over his bedside, he thought that his hangover wasn't making things better.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Eragon reached the tree-house. He wondered with whom Ardis was in love. He may not love her as he did Arya, but he wished the best for her. He hoped the young man would come around.
Eragon! Saphira yelled jubilantly.
What is it? Eragon asked eagerly. Saphira sounded excited.
I have found my true name, she exalted.
Eragon gasped.
I can help you find yours, Saphira continued.
Eragon nodded and accepted her help.
He and Saphira dove into his mind and sorted through all his adventures. At last, Eragon found something in there that echoed his identity. It was a word he had never even heard, but it was more familiar than any he had.
Blagden flew into the window.
"Beneath Menoa's roots
Lies the loots
Of past glories
Of the old, forgotten stories.
Unlock the secrets with your name,
And yours shall be renowned in fame."
Eragon understood. He thanked Blagden and ran to find Oromis and Ardis. He had to tell them what he had found: the answer to Solembum's prophecy.
Ardis was lying asleep when Oromis entered the room.
"Awaken, Ardis-finíra," he whispered.
Ardis stirred, opened her eyes, and stared at Oromis.
"I have heard of your injury. It was most irresponsible. Imagine if you had been killed. You should know better," the elf scolded.
"I am sorry, ebrithil," Ardis replied. She was too tired to retort or defend herself. She knew Oromis was right.
Oromis' face softened a little. "I know you had a great disappointment last night, Ardis. I ask only that you put it behind you for the sake of Alagaësia."
"You know?" Ardis questioned, sitting bolt upright.
"Arya told me what had happened between her and Eragon. She felt I needed to know. I observed you, and I saw how you felt. You have a very easy face to read, I'm afraid," Oromis explained.
"I am sorry for both things, ebrithil. I will not allow Alagaësia to be doomed by this," Ardis replied gravely.
Oromis nodded his approval and smiled.
Eragon burst into the room at that moment, his face alive with excitement.
"What is it, Eragon-finiarel?" Oromis demanded.
"I have found my true name, ebrithil. There is more. I must go to the Menoa tree. Please, come with me both of you," Eragon exclaimed breathlessly.
"Eragon, I am not certain that Ardis is ready for this," Oromis cautioned.
"I am feeling better already. The rest has done me good," Ardis protested.
Oromis considered it for a moment, and then declared, "Then come with us."
They all trooped out of Vanir's house. Kazul, Saphira, and Glaedr waited for them.
Ardis pulled herself into Kazul with some difficulty. After she was done, all three sets of riders and dragons flew towards the Menoa tree.
Eragon leapt off of Saphira first. He cried a word Ardis had never heard before in a voice so deep she couldn't make it out anyway.
One of the tree's humongous roots flew out of the ground. Clutched in it were three sheathed swords. One was white, one was violet, and the third was a deep orange.
Oromis stared at the swords as though he scarcely dared believe his eyes.
"Draw the white one, Eragon," he ordered. The young rider obeyed and unsheathed the sword the tree held in front of him. It was a beautiful blade. Its balance was as perfect as Zar'roc's. He knew just by looking at it that it would be as good a blade as the one he had lost, perhaps better.
"That sword is Mor'ranr. It was the sword of Eragon, the first rider. He brought peace to the elves and the dragons and so was his sword named," Oromis explained.
"Now draw the violet one, Ardis," the aged rider continued. The female rider obeyed. She was surprised she could lift it. It was more perfect than any sword she had ever held. She wondered if it had been spelled as Murtagh said Zar'roc had been. She guessed it was so.
"Unin," Oromis commented, "sword of Anurin, the leader of the riders who added humans to the enchantment and united them with elves and dragon."
"What is the last sword?" Eragon asked.
"That is the blade of Vrael. Do not attempt to draw it for the enchantment Vrael placed upon it is still active. None but he may draw it. The consequence is death," Oromis replied.
Eragon rejoiced that he had found his weapon. He felt more powerful than ever now. Maybe he and Ardis now had a hope of prevailing against Galbatorix.
I hope you all liked that chapter. Please review. I think this chapter had reviewable material as well. I think five reviews would be reasonable. Next chapter is entirely in Urû'baen. If there's any Ellesméra, it'll be brief. Here are the review responses for last chapter.
Mrs. Storm: I'm sorry you dislike that pairing so much you're not going to read the story anymore.
Parnagan: I like that pairing sometimes. I'm glad you do.
Amantine: It was a long chapter, and it took me awhile to write. I hope I gave enough insight into Vanir's mind in this chapter.
The Icebird: I have theory that the reason Arya seems so Sue-ish is this: Eragon sees her as perfect and we only see her through his eyes. I've read worse Sues in fan fiction. They can be well-written, and I think Arya's written pretty well.
King Palancar: Thanks.
Elemir: You'll see. I feel sorry for her too. I found the whole "spike the drinks" thing funny as well.
Fiercer Dragon: Thank you. Thank you very much. The thing with Roran and Shaheen was meant to add conflict and drama. It may also affect the sequel I'm considering writing for this.
Vixen Hood: I'm glad you agree. I hope I answered all your questions about Arya and Vanir in this chapter. Arya was one of the few people who didn't have any drinks that night. The way I write them, Edurna and Celdin are more trouble than they're worth.