Wyrda
Ch. 11
(Ellesmera, Phoenix's Room)
Her bones ached, her head throbbed and the only thing that she accomplished all day was give Eragon a few bruises. Phoenix had collapsed on the bed the moment she entered. Aiedail curled up next to her bed like a cat.
You look like I feel, Aiedail said through their connection.
Why didn't I focus on my magic more, instead of my swordsmanship? She asked.
You were more stubborn and angry back then, Aiedail told her wisely. You have grown up this past year.
There was a knock at the door.
"It is Arya. May I come in?" the elf asked.
"Sure," Phoenix said, getting up from the bed, slowly.
Arya entered and greeted Aiedail.
"You look terrible," Arya greeted Phoenix, taking a seat on the bed next to her. "How was your training with Oromis?"
"Tiring," Phoenix answered, rubbing her head. "How was your day? Anything interesting happen?"
Arya stood up and began to pace in front of Phoenix's bed.
"What?" Phoenix asked.
"We've received word that Murtagh has been taken by Galbatorix's men on the way to Surda," Arya told her.
Phoenix looked up at her. Aiedail lifted his head up with interest.
"So, what are we going to do?" she asked the elf.
"You will be continuing with your training with Eragon. Nasuada has sent out a few members of the Varden in search to where they have taken him. We will know where soon enough," Arya told her.
"Right," she sighed and fell back on the bed.
It had been two weeks since they arrived in Ellesmera. Phoenix has gotten used to using magic and was now beginning to use it instinctively. Yet, Eragon was still better at magic than she was. Eragon and Phoenix were now equally matched in their swordsmanship.
The two Dragon Rider's spent all of their mornings sparring and their afternoons practicing their magic with Oromis. Aiedail and Saphira were off with Glaedr learning how to perform difficult maneuvers in the air.
On this particular morning, Orik decided to watch them spar. Eragon's scar that Durza had given him on his back had begun to irritate with sharp stabbing pains coming from the scar. But it wasn't enough to keep him from his daily, rigorous training.
Eragon had collapsed to the ground as a wave of sharp pain flared down his spine. Phoenix immediately stopped and dropped her sword.
"Eragon!" she exclaimed as she fell down beside him.
Eragon shut his eyes tightly and his face screwed up. He was trying so hard to fight the pain. She held his head still as he began to shake violently on the ground. Phoenix caressed his cheek, desperately trying to calm him.
"Eragon, look at me," she instructed him. When he didn't, she said again, "Eragon, open your eyes and look at me."
He reluctantly opened his eyes and starred into her gray ones.
"Breath," Phoenix told him. "In. Out. Come on."
Eragon took in a sharp breathe, held it for a moment in his lungs, and the released it slowly. This continued for several minutes until the pain eventually died away. Phoenix looked up and Orik, who was watching.
"Go get some water," she told him.
The Dwarf huffed and walked away hurriedly.
Phoenix turned her attention back to Eragon. She helped him sit up against the nearest tree trunk.
"I love you," he told her, huskily.
She smiled at him.
"I love you, too," she said, wiping his face off.
"Marry me?"
(Ellesmera, Phoenix's Room)
"So, what did you say?" Arya asked.
"I couldn't speak. I just stood there like an idiot," Phoenix answered, sighing. "Luckily Orik got there before I could say anything."
"What would you have said if Orik hadn't interrupted?" the Elf asked.
"I have no idea," she walked over to the mirror and looked into it. "On the one hand, I think that we'd be moving to fast," Phoenix turned to face Arya. "But, on the other, I love him." she said simply. "What should I do?"
"I think," Arya went over to her friend and put a hand on her shoulder. "you should listen to your heart on this one."
Phoenix nodded, sighing deeply.
(Ellesmera)
Phoenix made her way over to Eragon's room. Instead of knocking, she touched his mind.
It's me. Can I come in?
Of course, he answered.
Phoenix pulled open the door and entered. The room was the same as Phoenix's. Saphira was absent. She was out hunting with Aiedail. As she closed the door, Eragon walked out from the bathroom. She saw that he must have taken a bath, for Eragon had only his pants on and his hair was still wet. Phoenix spotted the scar on his back before putting a white tunic on.
"How are you feeling?" she asked.
"Better. The pain comes and goes," he told her.
"Yes," she said rather suddenly.
"Yes?" he asked, slightly taken aback by the abruptness.
"Let's get married," Phoenix said.
"Really?"
She went over to him and planted a kiss. Eragon wrapped his arms around her, lifted her up slightly and spun her around. He put her down, but didn't let go of her, still kissing her. Phoenix and Eragon parted and rested their heads on one another's forehead.
To be continued . . .
(A/N: The holidays are here. I'll do my best and update more often. I've spent the last week working on the ending for this story. Don't worry, it's gonna be a while before this thing ends. But, at least, I have some idea. In case I don't update until the New Year: Happy Holidays everyone and I hope everyone has a fun and safe New Year.)