Wyrda

Ch. 5

(Farthen Dur, Springs)

There was an enclosed area just off of the main baths. The springs had rocky walls, floor and ceiling. But, Phoenix had used her flare for beauty to decorate it. There was a small hole on the ceiling that shone sunlight right in the middle of the pool, acting like a spotlight.

There was a silk curtain in the corner. That's where Phoenix was now undressing. Eragon was already in the 5 feet deep pool, taking in the scenery.

"Ajihad let me keep this as my own little private bath," Phoenix explained, as she wrapped a large cotton cloth around her.

The cloth draped around her shoulders and hung just past her knees. Phoenix slowly walked out into the open space. Eragon had did his best not to gap at her, wide eyed. He was ashamed that he could ever poke fun at her many years ago.

"Turn around so I can get in," She said shyly.

Eragon obeyed. He swallowed and attempted to clear the tight ball that was collecting in his throat.

"Is it safe?" he asked, playfully.

She rolled his eyes at him, made a noise in her throat and splashed him. This was a sign that it was, indeed, safe to turn around. Phoenix, then, swam over to small opening in the wall that had a clear, crystal bottle full of a dark pink liquid. She opened the bottle and poured just a few small drops. The water immediately smelt a light sent of roses.

"Essence of Rose," she told him, putting the bottle away. "The elves make it. Arya gave it to me for my birthday a few weeks ago."

"Who else knows about this?" Eragon asked conversationally.

"Just Ajihad and Arya. Orik knows of it. But I'm refusing to show him. Dwarfs feet can get pretty stinky and his is no exception," Phoenix told him knowingly, with a small grin.

"So that's what that smell was?" he asked, desperately trying to keep a straight face.

She merely nodded before dunking her head in the warm water. Eragon followed, keeping his eyes shut as he went under. The water was warm and soothing to the ached muscles from traveling for so long. When he reached the surface again, he found Phoenix had begun to swim around the pool of water.

"I guess it's my turn to apologize," Eragon said after a few minutes of silence.

Phoenix stopped swimming around. She remained silent, however.

"I'm sorry for thinking that you and Murtagh . . . "

She went over to him and put her index finger over his soft lips.

"Let's pretend that, that never happened yesterday," she said slowly.

She put her finger down. He nodded and then did something bold and unexpected. Eragon kissed her passionately on the lips. Phoenix had almost pulled away in surprise, instead she completely gave in and moved closer to him. Eragon then wrapped his arms around her gently and continue to kiss. Only giving a quick pause to take in a breath. The kiss could have gone longer if the two weren't interrupted by their dragons.

Aren't you two moving a bit fast? Saphira said through their link.

Eragon and Phoenix broke apart the kiss, but Eragon remained in his embrace.

Normally, the Rider would need to have their Dragon's opinion of the one that they want to start a relationship with first, Aiedail told them.

Phoenix rested her head on Eragon's shoulder as they listened to the dragons discussions.

However, this situation is not a normal one, Saphira said.

We can't ignore our past relationship, Saphira, Phoenix reminded the dragon.

Which is precisely why this is not a normal situation, Aiedail said. We trust the both of you to make the right decisions from here on out.

Phoenix lifted her head and the two Riders looked at one another.

Meaning, that you have our blessings, young ones, Saphira told them softly.

Thank you, the two Riders replied.

When the dragons released the link, Eragon and Phoenix kissed once more.

(Dinning Hall)

Phoenix and Eragon entered the large hall dry and clean. They had resisted the temptation to hold hands. They didn't want to let anyone from the Varden know that they were romantically involved. Murtagh had spotted them and went over to meet them.

"The two of you sure took your sweet time," he commented, as the Riders grabbed their plates of food and headed to a table. "The dwarf is keeping perfect time with my one hour of freedom. And with just him to talk to, it was a long 20 minutes."

Eragon sat down next to Phoenix, while Murtagh sat across the two.

"So? What took you so long?" Murtagh asked, eagerly.

The Riders exchanged half guilty and half amused looks.

We should tell him, Phoenix said. He is a friend.

"Promise me you won't announce it to anyone," Eragon said, seriously.

"You have my word," Murtagh told them. "Now what is it?"

"Phoenix and I have decided to rekindle our relationship," Eragon said slowly.

Murtagh clapped loudly. The sound echoed around the large semi-empty room.

"I am hoping that Saphira and Aiedail has approved," a voice asked from behind.

Arya made her way around and stood behind Murtagh.

"Of course," Phoenix told her.

"Good," Arya glanced down at Murtagh. "I am to escort you back to your room, Murtagh."

"Wonderful," he got up. "At least you're much nicer company than the dwarf."

Phoenix and Eragon shook their heads and smiled as they watched Murtagh and Arya leave the hall. The Riders ate for a moment before Eragon asked,

"So, when do you think I will be strong enough to initiate the link between us?"

Phoenix glanced at him and said, "I have a confession to make."

Eragon raised an eyebrow at her, "I'm listening."

"Last night I heard you and Saphira talking through your link."

"What parts did you hear?" he asked.

"All of it," she told him. She had resisted the urge to wince. "And you succeeded in linking with me when you told me you loved me. I wanted to respond. But, well, my emotions were still crazy last night and I wasn't ready to tell you."

"I've never stopped loving you, you know. Even after you left," Eragon said.

"Nor have I," Phoenix was about to continue, but was interrupted be an aggravated Arya.

"Murtagh is the biggest flirt I have ever met!" the elf said, sitting across from the two Riders.

"I thought that all elves had control of their emotions," Phoenix said.

"Aye, but just because we have control, does not mean that we can show them, on occasion. Murtagh can annoy any elf, no matter how controlled their emotions are," she said with a huff.

Phoenix and Eragon exchanged a knowing smile.

And I thought Murtagh was only interested in you as a serious relationship, Eragon said through their new, stronger link.

Orik had made his way over to the three.

"Ajihad needs all of us immediately. Urgals have been sighted entering Farthen Dur," the dwarf said urgently.

To be continued . . .

(A/N: My computer ate the first version of this chapter. And again, this version turned out better. Also, I would have uploaded sooner. But my 16 year old brother has been in the hospital for 6 days. I hope that you all understand.)