Thanks for the reviews, and please forgive me if I don't answer to all the questions in them though if you do have somthing you want to make sure I read and respond to then feel free to shoot me a PM. Im working on fixing those few errors in grammer but it seems no matter how many time I proof read a chapter I always find something after I post it, i guess ill look for a beta. Any way here is a new chapter. Enjoy and review. Thanks!
Dream Stare
Arya was standing on her balcony over looking the gardens she loved so much. The sight did nothing to sooth her troubled thoughts as it usually did. It was very early morning, perhaps three hours before sunrise. She thought back to her dream and frowned and it replayed through her mind.
In her trance she was visiting memories of the battle at Feinster. Saphira dropped out of the sky trampling soldiers underneath her when the dream changed. This dream was different, so life-like, so vivid and vibrant; she shuddered as the scene replayed.
In a clearing unknown to Arya. Frost covered the ground, with wet pools of purple and red. Blood she realized. Blood from both men and Ra'zac. Eragon stood in the middle of this clearing with Brisingr in hand. Four Ra'zac surrounded him; several more already lay dead on the ground at his feet along with many men. Six men stood to the far right chanting in the ancient language, they all had a crazed look in their eyes. Eragon held his own while battling the Ra'zac and another fell. A man stepped from the line of six, the man had a long bow in one hand, and in the other hand he held a black arrow with a slight green glow. She looked to Eragon then back at the archer who had the bow drawn, ready to loose the arrow. Arya could not tell why but she knew this arrow was deadly. She turned to shout a warning at Eragon. As soon as this man fired the deadly projectile her dream started fading out of reach.
Arya awoke in a cold sweat, and not able to fall back into her waking dreams she got up and made her way to her balcony where she now stood. Never before had a dream seemed so real. She wondered what it could mean. This was no normal dream, a premonition maybe. She thought. No, Eragon killed the last of the Ra'zac. An old unease filled her as she remembered Galbatorix state that he hid more Ra'zac eggs.
Arya considered waking Fírnen to ask his opinion on the matter but thought better of it. It was just a dream. She told herself. Eragon once told me he had such dreams, I will broach the subject when next I see him.
Eragon invited her to dinner the previous night and though she would have loved nothing more than time alone with him, Arya already had plans to dine with Lord Däthedr and Lady Athem to discuss who would represent the elven race in the up coming games to be held in Ceunon. The games were still a month away, Arya usually sent Vanir in her stead as ambassador but she thought maybe it was time to leave the forest once again. When she told Däthedr as much he disagreed profusely, arguing that her place was here and she must not leave her people without a ruler no matter how short the time.
Arya scoffed at that. She would not be told how she must or must not act, like a child. This has been his argument for two hundred years. How her mother stood for such, she did not know. If I want to leave the forest all I have to do in hop on Fírnen's back and be gone. She smiled as the thought passed through her mind.
I need to clear my mind of such thoughts; perhaps a walk would do me some good. She left the balcony, dressed in a hurry but paused as she glanced at the fairth on her desk. The one Eragon made just after meeting Fírnen. It was that image of her and the way it represented her true self that inspired her to reveal her true name to Eragon. She didn't regret it, nor did she think he would judge her for her faults. She shivered then tore her gaze from the fairth and left her rooms.
Arya descended the stairs, made her way out of Taildarí Hall and into the night. Her feet carried her down the foot paths of her city. She thought of everything that was, that is, and that could be. Saphira was right, I have neglected my duties as a Rider. I thought it was best for my people if I took the throne, but a name sitting on a chair of roots is all I have become.
She emerged in front of the Menoa Tree some minutes later, the monarch of the forest stood tall and wide, the branches swaying slightly in the breeze, the roots twining around one another spread out for many yards in every direction. Breathing in deeply she reveled in the scent of pine needles and the early morning dew. Glancing up, the stars looked like thousands of diamonds on a blank canvas.
Arya continued winding her way in and out of the pine trees without conscious thought of where her feet were taking her when she happened upon a small glade. She knew this glade, it the same place Eragon tried at one time to woo her and win her affections. However the glade was not empty, a lone figure stood over a shallow pool gazing into its depths.
"Draumr kópa." The figure said in a low voice, then. "Letta." Over and over again the process was repeated. Dream stare, Arya realized.
This person was scrying. Who or what was being scryed she knew not. Then she heard someone else speaking in the pool.
"Yes Eragon-elda, everything is well on the island, is something amiss in Alagaësia?"
What is Eragon doing out here? Arya thought. And why is he asking Blödhgarm about the safety of his island?
"I do not know Blödhgarm, something stirs in the land. A dormant shadow full of malice which seeks to destroy the peace we have created here. I do not like a faceless enemy." Eragon said in reply. "Continue to scry the island, along with the wild ones. Also consult with the Eldunarí and if they will consent to combine their power and cast their minds out to look for this unknown threat it would be of much help."
"As you with Shadeslayer, shall I try and gain anymore information from The Seven?"
The Seven? Who do they speak of? Arya thought as she lingered at the edge of the glade. She felt like an intruder, it was clearly a private conversation but if the subject was about danger to the land then she had a right to an explanation.
"You may try but I doubt they can produce any information of worth. Be careful regardless. They are just as dangerous as they were when we first discovered who they were. I shall inquire with Queen Arya about the situation, she should know as well." Eragon said to Blödhgarm.
Arya assumed this was the best time to reveal herself, she stepped forward. "I am aware." She said simply. "Though the details of such a situation would be appreciated."
Eragon's head snapped up quickly at the sound of her voice but his gazed softened when he looked upon her. "Nen ono weohnata, Arya Dröttning." As you will, Queen Arya.
He turned back to Blödhgarm. "I will contact you if I come across any new information. Thank you for speaking with me at such an hour Blödhgarm-vor."
The pool cleared and Eragon looked up at Arya. "What brings you out at such an hour Your Majesty?"
She grimaced. "Can we please leave off the titles Eragon?"
"Of course Arya, now back to my question." He smiled and took a step closer to her.
She could smell his scent. A mixture of musky mountain scents with a faint hint of fire, like the smell of Saphira's bright blue dragon flame, it was an intoxicating aroma that immediately comforted her overly tense mind. He was dressed in a black tunic and with a black cloak trailing the ground.
"I was restless in my waking dreams and hoped the night air would sooth me."
He frowned. "Yes as was I. How much of our conversation did you overhear?"
"Blödhgarm informed you all was well in the Silent Forest. Who are the Seven?" Arya asked Eragon.
He grimaced then looked at her intently. "What I am about to tell you must be kept secret, only Blödhgarm the Eldunarí know of the Seven." He paused. "They are Eldunarí. I would tell you their names but I cannot remember them, they are seven Eldunarí from the dragons of the Forsworn."
Arya was stunned. She knew every one of those dragons were dead but never once thought they could be living in their heart of hearts. They were traitors and do not deserve life. The implications of such a revelation churned through her mind. "Are they not dangerous? Is it even safe to keep them alive? They may not have bodies but you and I both know how deadly the mind can be, especially a twisted mind such as theirs."
Eragon was already shaking his head. "They are hardly anything more than an energy source, with the exception of a few scattered memories they do not even know what they are much less who they are. As you are aware, after being stripped of their names they were hardly more than dumb animals and after having their minds broken by Galbatorix the Seven were left incompetent."
This relieved Arya somewhat, she did not like to think of the danger seven Eldunarí combined could cause. She knew of the power of Glaedr held so she was wary those Seven.
Eragon then added. 'Unfortunately one memory from Morzan's red dragon was that of Galbatorix speaking about hiding six Ra'zac eggs in his possession."
This was starting to trouble Arya greatly. She then told him of her dream, when finished she looked at Eragon and was surprised by the look on his face. He looked dangerous and deadly. His elven shaped eyes were narrowed; his eyebrows met in a deep V much like her own did when she was angry. But his eyes suprised her the most, the fury in them swirled like thunder clouds.
"Do not worry Arya, this threat whoever it may be will regret ever bringing unrest to this land. I have not worked for two centuries maintaining peace to have it dashed away. Please do not let this trouble you overly much." He assured her.
Arya already felt better. It takes so little for him to comfort me; he just knows what to say and what to do. He has changed so much, I wonder if he still holds his childish affections for me, for he was but a child when he proclaimed his feelings for me. It was in this very glade as a matter of fact.
Finally she responded. "I will try to push these thoughts from my mind. You have changed much Eragon, to feel this unrest in the land."
"No Arya. I have merely grown over the years. But you seem to have truly changed." He stepped even closer, only a foot separated them. "I have wondered…." He trailed off.
Then he leaned in close, right next to her ear. Her heart was thudding in her chest. She herself could hear it so she knew Eragon could as well. Arya knew what he was about to do and was terrified and elated in equal measure. He knew her true self, her true name which he was about to speak.
Eragon whispered the words, so very softly in her ear. Her entire being seemed to vibrate from within, down to her core. She seemed to glow through her honey colored skin. She shivered, looked up at him and smiled slightly.
Then she stepped close to speak his name in return and as she opened her mouth to utter the words Eragon placed a finger on her lips to stop her.
"Shhh. My name is not the same as it once was." He said.
Those few words hit her like a battering ram. She felt her stomach fall; she dropped his gaze and lowered her head trying to ignore the feeling of loss. His true name has changed, he is no longer the man that loved me so deeply. I always assumed that his feelings would change, so why does it hurt to know it has actually happened?
She wanted to turn around and run. Run as fast as her feet would carry her, to try and out run her loss. The loss of something she never realized she possessed, nor did she understand what she had lost only that it was something she held close to her heart. These thoughts and many more were running through her head when she felt a finger slip very gently under her chin.
Eragon lifted her chin slightly so she was looking him evenly in the eye once more. "You misunderstand Arya, I said my true name was no longer the same…. not that it has changed." He said like he read her thoughts, though her mind was firmly shut to him. Then he added so softly she had to strain to hear him. "Some parts of me will never change."
He again leaned in next to her, so close his lips brushed gently against her ear causing her to shudder. As he spoke the words Arya's eyes grew wide, his name seemed to ring forth in her mind. His name was much longer than before, it was longer than hers. The words spoke of his achievements, his experience, and his devotion to all the races. They spoke of his pain, his sacrifice and his longing, but most of all the words spoke of her. Of how much he loved and cared for her, how much he has longed for her. His true name made her want to sink into him, to be wrapped up in the love, care, and devotion he held for her.
Eragon was watching her to see how she would respond. In truth she did not know how to react, she was astonished by the depths of his affections and that he still carried that affection after everything she put him through.
When she could finally control her emotions she said. "You still have a good name, a beautiful name and I am honored to be included in such a name."
Eragon still held his finger under her chin as she spoke. When she finished he moved his forefinger up from her chin, and trailed it lightly across her cheekbone. The movement, small as it was, caused chills to race from her head to her feet. "I thank you for your words Arya."
She stared at him for many more moments even as he stared back. Then she finally asked. "Why Eragon? Why hold onto to me when all I have caused you is heartache and pain? Why not move on and find a human bride to spend your days with?"
Even as Arya asked those questions she already knew the answer. A conversation she once had with Roran while they camped after seeing Eragon off slowly floating back to her.
She sat next to Fírnen's belly staring into the flames of their small campfire and Roran sat across from her looking up at the stars. "Where do you think they will end up?" He asked her.
"I do not know, hopefully they will find a place where they can rebuild their home." Arya answered.
"No Arya, they will find a place where the dragons can rebuild their home but for Eragon and Saphira Alagaësia will always be home. He is by far a stronger person than I; to make the sacrifice he has made would have killed me. I could not continue on without Katrina."
Arya stiffened. She knew what he was insinuating and did not want to broach the subject. It was over and finished, she and Eragon both did what was best.
"Perhaps now he will be able to move on, find himself a human wife the way he should have from the start and forget about this ill fated love affair he clings to." She said.
Roran slowly turned to meet her eyes, his gaze was angry and fierce. "Tell me Arya, what human do you know that will endure the countless centuries to come? What human do you know that looks as Eragon does? That has the strength, speed, magical and mental capacity he now carries? He is no more a human than you are."
Arya did not grant him a reply for she did not know of such a human. Roran was right, Eragon was no longer human. He was completely other, a being without a race he could now call his own. Unless she called The Riders a race to themselves, then she would be included as well. Roran then spoke again.
"I spoke with him about this before we raided Helgrind because I too could not understand why he would not even think of taking a human bride. Consider for a moment that he did, how would he bare having to watch his loved one grow old and die while he remained untouched by time? Should he just trade this woman in for someone younger and take wife after wife through the years? I know my cousin, nay my brother and he would never inflict such cruelty on another person."
To this Arya responded. "Yes it would indeed be a cruel experience for him to leave an older woman for a younger one every century." She was thinking of the very story she once used to try and dissuade Eragon from his affections for her. The story of Linnëa and the Menoa tree was a perfect example of why the old are not well matched with the young. Then the night was silent.
Arya brought herself back from her memories when Eragon said. "The heart is a fickle creature Arya and my brain hardly has a say in the matter. As for why I do not take a human wife lets just say it would be too complicated."
"I think I understand but allow me to say that I am truly sorry for the hurt I have caused you." She said.
Eragon smiled at her sadly, his eyes rolled with emotions that he did not give voice to. "Do not apologize, I do not regret my feelings nor do I regret any hurt they may have caused me."
"Perhaps now I may begin to make amends for some of the pain you have suffered on my behalf." She spoke the truth, she did not want to see him suffer any longer and though she may not fully understand her feelings where Eragon was concerned she knew she cared for him. If anyone deserved to be happy it was him.
"I would like that." He said as he breathed in deeply. "Shall I walk you back to Tialdarí Hall?"
Arya smiled back at him, a true and joyous smile. "Yes, I believe I may be able to fall back into my dreams a bit easier now."
This time Arya left the glade with Eragon at her side and tried to ignore the memory of the last time both of them had been in that place, her heart gave a tug at the remembered sound of Eragon's sobs. This feels right she thought as they walked in comfortable silence. Eragon was the one to finally break it.
"With the consent of Fírnen and yourself I would like to send his and Saphira's egg to Palancar Valley with the others to be tested." He said.
"I will speak to Fírnen about it but I do not foresee it to be a problem." She said.
It is not a problem, I would be very much happy to be a Sire to my hatchling. Fírnen said in her mind.
Arya was startled at the sound of his voice. How could she not know he was awake? Fírnen! I did not realize you were awake.
It is alright partner-of-mine, your troubled thoughts woke me but you were already speaking with Saphira-rider-Eragon so I did not interrupt. He thought back to her. Arya turned to Eragon.
"Fírnen gives his blessing for the egg to be tested." She said.
"Good then. Will you tell your counselors about the unrest I feel in the land?" Eragon asked her.
"Not yet I won't. If the feelings you and I both have about trouble stirring continues I will. But as of now I fear all it would cause is an uproar that is not wanted nor needed." Arya answered.
"Alright, I plan on having two riders check Dras-Leona to see if the dark priests still practice their arts in the area and after the Blood-Oath Celebration I myself plan to fly out to Ilirea and check the crown there to be sure nothing is amiss." Eragon said.
Arya was somewhat shocked by this but then again Eragon was not one to sit back and wait for someone to be attacked by those foul creatures. Arya had a very strong urge to join him, as a rider it was her duty to ensure peace throughout the land. I have been remiss in my duties as a rider, this is the time to start making up for my shortcomings. She thought.
The two of them carried on this way until the entrance of Tialdarí Hall was upon them. As Arya was turning to the doorway Eragon caught her hand, bowed, and lightly brushed his lips across the back of her hand.
"Thank you for you company Arya, you have put my mind at ease after such a troublesome evening." He said.
"Your welcome Eragon, I too feel much better than before." Arya nodded then smiled as she responded.
Then he turned and left her at the entrance to her hall. Her hand had a faint tingle where his lips brushed. The lightest of his touches have such an affect on me. She closed her eyes and imagined the feeling of being wrapped in his arms. Yes I could defiantly get used to this. She thought as she made her way back to her sleeping quarters, the smile never fading from her lips. Tomorrow would be a new day and she was determined to make up for lost time.