A/n: So sorry it's been so long, but summer is here and my pencil is rearing to go! Enjoy!
Acceptance
As DuWeldenvarden faded from sight Aris rested her head against the warmth of Eragon's shoulder. She took comfort in his familiarity and the connection he shared with her heritage. This time she wouldn't be alone. This time he would be there to remind her why it was she persevered, and to remind her who she was.
"Saphira," Aris began as a question occurred to her, "Where are you going to be throughout all of this?"
"Never fear little one, I'll be close enough to stay connected with Eragon, but I will be far enough that no one else shall detect me."
"But where? The Hadarac? Surely Galbatorix will sense you if come too close to Uru'baen."
"Saphira's connection to me is far stronger than that. She'll stay in the Spine as we get to Gil'ead and as we ride south."
"Then I shall shift to the mountains near Kuasta when you near Uru'baen." Saphira finished.
"That's quite a distance." Aris murmured.
"Yes." Saphira sighed grumpily as a growl of displeasure rippled down her spine. "My aid if needed will not be as quick in coming as I would like, but getting too close would make this a suicide mission for the both of you."
"I see." Aris murmured.
"Tonight she'll drop us on the eastern side of the spine and we'll camp outside of Daret; then we'll head into the city in the morning and buy horses under the pretense that we were robbed at some point along the way."
"From there we'll ride to Gil'ead." Aris finished and watched the back of Eragon's head as he nodded. "And, from what province did we gain our nobility?"
That question stopped him, Aris waited several moments before he replied, "Kuasta, nobody is known from there."
"Do you know all of the odd customs? With that story comes the act."
"I…I…no, I don't." He sighed.
Aris unconsciously shifted closer to him, seeking refuge from the chilly wind that surrounded them at Saphira's new elevation, "What if you married me?"
He was silent. "And tell them what?" His voice was strangely choked.
"That I was the daughter of a nobleman and you were the son of a merchant whose ship traveled past Kuasta. You married me and when my father died took his title. Then you can say that you ordered me to rid myself of the customs."
"Oh!" He exclaimed, "Right." He gave an awkward laugh.
"Yes…is that acceptable?" She asked, confused by his reaction.
"Yea! That's fine, he said quickly as a chuckle shook through Saphira.
"Very well." Aris filed her curiosity away and closed her eyes, still tired from the night's long work.
o0o0o0o0o
Although she was very aware of when the night fell and Saphira began her descent into a hidden valley behind an outcropping of rock, Aris chose not to fall back into full consciousness until Saphira's powerful legs made impact with the ground.
Pushing away from the strong musculature of Eragon's back she released her grip around his waist so he could dismount. She threw down their packs and then accepted his helping hand down, needed or not.
Quietly she grabbed her pack and walked away, giving the companions their privacy. Eragon stood for a moment, simply looking up at Saphira. Then he took a step forward and wrapped his arm as far around her neck as he could.
"Do not fear little one, we will still be together, and the two of you will be fine." The gentle thrum of her consciousness accompanied her soothing words. He let go of her neck and stepped back, keeping a palm on her front leg.
"I don't fear for me, I'll be fine. I fear for you and I fear for her." He replied.
"There are no creatures in these mountains that would dare challenge me and no human alike." She scoffed in amusement, "and as for her…trust, she's capable."
"She's delicate and too proud to admit it." He argued.
"Before, when Arya went into battle, you always worried. Don't use Aris' condition as an excuse; you simply can't stand the idea of seeing her hurt again." Saphira chortled, "Regardless, she's strong and she trusts you as she doesn't many others. Repay the favor and believe in her to know her own limits."
Eragon looked down and kicked some sand aside, "I suppose I can try." His thoughts were skeptical.
With another quaking laugh Saphira bowed her nose to Eragon's forehead and rested it there gently, "Be safe little one."
"Be safe." He replied solemnly.
With that she lifted her head and broadcaster her thoughts, "Work together and be wise." She spoke as she launched herself from the ground. Her heavy wings beat strong currents of wind into the soil, swirling the granules around the two near humans on the shore as they waved.
When she faded from view he secured their connection and turned to find Aris' azure gaze watching him unabashedly from across the clearing. Fighting back the blush that threatened his cheeks he smiled awkwardly and cleared his throat, "Ready? We've got a league to cover tonight."
"Yes, however I'm not sure of my running in this dress." Aris gestured lamely to the excessive material of her skirt.
"I'm more concerned with your climbing." Eragon looked pointedly at the rocky façade surrounding them.
Aris' lips tightened momentarily then she held up one finger and bent forward, grasping the hem of her dress and pulling it up. Eragon's eyes widened and he struggled for words as he quickly turned his back, "A-aris, uh I think-"
A tinkling laugh cut him off and he peeked over his shoulder only to feel the air rush from his chest as he saw the very first full fledged smile light up her face. "It's okay Eragon, I just adjusted the material." The smiled shrank but the hint of amusement continued to play at the corners of her lips.
He blinked and took in her dress once again. Where the dress was parted for riding she had pulled one side to each leg and wrapped it around, tucking it into her belt. It looked almost as if she was wearing loose breeches. He couldn't stop the blush and he rubbed the back of his head with an embarrassed grin on his face, "Ah…well…ok, lets go then."
Aris nodded once and slung her saddle bags across her back and slung a smaller bag across her shoulders. Eragon followed suit then stepped forward towards her, "That's a lot to carry for one person."
Her eyebrow arched ever so slightly, "Then it's a good thing that neither of us is completely human."
Eragon couldn't help but smile and he resignedly followed her to the cliff face as she began to deftly find foot and hand holds to pull herself up. They finally crested the rocks when the moon was full above them in the night sky. With a sigh he slid his pack from his shoulders and crouched on the top of the mountain ridge they had just scaled. When they had neared the top he had seen Aris' arms relentlessly pull herself up. The strain was barely visible but she had been tiring. He could have kept walking and she knew that she would have done so as well. But, despite her pride he could tell she needed a breather.
She sat beside him after shrugging off her own pack. She followed his gaze out at the gently sloping green valley as she began to nimbly braid her hair. "A beautiful night." She murmured after she tied her hair off with a piece of leather.
"Mm." He agreed, "I like the peace."
"Indeed…there isn't much of that left."
Eragon looked at her, "Exactly," He smiled, "I think people have forgotten what it's like, being at peace…I want to give it back to them."
"A noble goal." A small smile pulled at her lips.
Eragon laughed, "No more noble than anyone else fighting Galbatorix."
Aris looked at him steadily for a moment, "I'm afraid that's not entirely true." She then stood and gathered her bags, "We should be off."
With a furrowed brow Eragon led her down the steep slope of the other side of the mountain. They reached their destination outside the city walls in plenty of time. Aris, having slept on the way, took watch of what remained of the night. They ate dry bread with the rising sun the next morning and delayed no longer than the time it took Aris to fix her dress and do her hair in a noblewoman's fashion.
Before they left the cover of the wood Eragon pulled a thin chain from inside of his tunic. Dangling from the miniscule links was a sharp piece of shiny black rock; it resembled a time smoothed fang of a large predator.
"It holds the spell for my human appearance." He explained as he slipped it over his head, "I believe Arya made you exempt from it."
She surprised him as her fingers combed his hair back from his ear, "It would seem so." She confirmed as she brushed the tips of his pointed ears lightly.
Eragon gulped and nodded quickly, "Uh, right, good." He stumbled slightly over his words as she withdrew her hand and lifted her pack. "You might want to drag that, you're supposed to be a weak human female." He shot her a quick grin as she sighed unhappily. "Get used to it, you're a noblewoman now…well a human one…which means you do nothing."
"Except wait on my husband." She scoffed not noticing when Eragon started. "How productive."
He laughed, "Well this will be the first test, let's get it over with."
She nodded glumly and they emerged from the forest south of Daret, making it look as if they had come from a lower region. Eragon had is pack on his shoulders but he staggered slightly for effect. He had trouble not laughing at Aris' performance though, she dragged the bags across the ground her knees bent, hunched and breathing heavily. Every few steps she paused and turned pulling with what looked like her entire strength to regain some momentum then she would continue, wiping her brow now and then.
He arrived at the gates moments before she did and he kept his expression tired as he heard her drop her bags heavily and exaggerate her breathing. He looked back to see her bent slightly over her knees, hair falling out of its styling, and her face maintaining a bedraggled expression under the critical eyes of the guards.
"What d'you want?" One asked gruffly.
"Simply to purchase new horses my good man. We were ambushed by a group of bandits, and while I managed to defend our belongings they stripped our horses from us." Eragon replied politely.
"That's a fine sword there…who the hell are you anyway?"
"I'm Lord Garrow and this is my wife Lady Marian of Kuasta." Eragon smiled arrogantly.
One of the guards narrowed his eyes, "I've met an odd one from Kuasta, and you don't sound nothing like him."
Eragon's smile remained relaxed, "I'm a Tierm man myself, I married into Kuasta." He gestured at Aris with his thumb.
"Why'd you go and do something like that?"
"Wouldn't you?" Eragon gestured again, Aris fought a frown at the blatant lewdness, but seeing the guards agreeing grins she held her tongue.
They chuckled, "Where you headed anyway?"
"Gil'ead, I daresay my wife can't walk that far."
"No, I doubt a pretty little thing like that could." This time it was Eragon that fought to keep his easy expression as the guards eyed Aris' figure with hungry eyes. "All right, go on through Milord."
"Thank you gentlemen." Eragon bowed his head and started forward. Aris followed with as haughty an air as she could while dragging her bag.
After a few minutes of walking they came upon the town stable and quickly explained their needs for horses. While the stable owner went to retrieve the horses Aris spoke quickly and quietly in Eragon's ear. "I despise this cover, I don't appreciate being ogled like a piece of good meat."
Eragon jumped at her hissed words but turned to her with apologetic eyes, "I'm sorry, but they were already thinking it, I knew it would help us get in without questions." He touched her cheek with his fingertips, "I know it's no consolation but I wanted to strangle them myself…unfortunately it could get worse if situation requires it."
Aris sighed, "I know, it just…goes against the grain."
He smiled ruefully, "If it makes you feel any better, know that I'll never mean a word, I have the highest respect for you. Besides, you're my wife and that means I have a solid excuse to make sure nobody ever acts on their thoughts." He winked and pulled her hand up quickly, kissing her fingers just before the owner returned with two horses in tow.
He turned away, but not before he caught the red flare in Aris' cheeks, hiding a grin he quickly handed over the money for the horses. They quickly saddled the horses and rode from town, Aris half a trot behind Eragon, riding side saddle as a lady would be expected to.
The day passed slowly, the road was crowded with travelers, traders, and troops, headed to and from Gil'ead. The sun was hot on the road and their backs and yellow dust rose in plumes under the feet of horses and the wheels of numerous wagons. Forced to the side to give way to larger parties their progress was slow, and when the rode was less populated there were always enough witnesses that prevented Aris from righting herself in the saddle and galloping as she desired. By the time the sun began to set they could see the wooden enforcements that surrounded the empire's army city. Aris smoothed her hair and grasped at her smaller bag, fingering the top of the scroll as if to reassure herself that it was there.
Finally they approached the front gates, and Eragon bowed nodded to the four guards in the watch towers above, "Good evening gentlemen." He called up in friendly tones.
"And to you, what business do you have in Gil'ead." One of the soldiers answered.
"I'm afraid…that I can't tell you that." Eragon made it sound as if he regretted the fact.
"And who are you to keep it from us?"
"Lord Garrow and my wife Lady Marian, from Kuasta." He gestured at Aris behind him.
"Ah, I apologize milord, but what are you doing here from such distant reaches." One man frowned down at him.
"As I said before, it's a private matter." Eragon maintained his forced smile.
"Well that just ain't good enough, I need some idea of what you're going to be doing in Gil'ead or I can't let you in." The guard crossed his arms.
"We aren't here to cause any trouble." Eragon spoke through clenched teeth.
"And how are we supposed to know that? Give me your proof."
Eragon ground his teeth together in frustration, "Sir I-" Aris interrupted with a gentle hand on his arm. He sighed and nodded, to let her speak.
"I have something…a family heirloom, it will help the empire I believe." She kept her voice soft to hide her accent. Eragon shivered at her tone, he looked at her and swallowed, her lips were parted softly and her eyes hooded as she gazed up at the guards. The warm orange and yellow light bathed her skin in mesmerizing patterns and several pieces of midnight hair had fallen to frame her narrow face. Eragon looked up at the guards and realized that this was intentional and she had indeed had the effect that she had surely desired. The guards were captivated, Eragon knew not whether it had been from the luring seductive tone of her voice or her fierce beauty in the firelight but he had a feeling it mattered not, for one was enough for any man with eyes or ears. "May we pass? The journey has been a long one." She spoke again and another shiver stole down Eragon's spine but his expression was strained.
One by one they nodded and the gate doors were cranked open by entranced men, Eragon doubted they were aware of what exactly they were doing. They rode through and headed straight for an inn. An hour later, with thankfully minimal trouble they were in a comfortable room with the sole problem concerning the single bed. Eragon set the saddle bags to the side and warded the room as Aris washed her face. When he was satisfied with the defense he turned to her with a furrowed brow.
"What was that?" He probed, determined to know.
"What do you speak of?" She turned to him as she began to carefully unpin her hair.
"That! Out there at the gate, what magic was that in your voice." He gestured angrily in the general direction of the gate. Something about the performance had unsettled him.
'Eragon, watch yourself, you know she did what was needed.' Saphira was back now that the rooms were warded against eavesdropping and sensing magic.
"I did what I had to; your logical arguments were getting you nowhere, and you know as well as I that I cannot perform magic upon anyone." She picked up her brush and began to drag it through her heavy locks.
"So instead you decide to make yourself look like an unruly flirt as soon as we arrive." Despite Saphira's words his anger was getting the best of him.
She set down the brush on the dresser before her and spun angrily to face him, the amount of fire in her expression caught him off guard, "No. I used what every woman is born with to try and get us in without having to use any gramarye, I know that would have been your next step. It was no different than what you did this morning." Her voice was full of venom.
"What does that mean?" He spat, the memory of her speaking so seductively threatened to spike his temper again.
'Eragon! Calm down, she did nothing wrong! You have no claim upon her." Saphira chastised harshly.
Her jaw was clenched, "You offered me up for the guards to gawk at, it was lewd and disgusting but as you said it was necessary. This was no different, I put an idea into their heads and let their imaginations do the rest, don't you dare criticize me." She spun from him again in anger and sat on the edge of the bed pulling off her shoes with unnecessary force.
Eragon stood there for a moment as her words sank in. He took a calming breath and ran his fingers through his hair, 'Ah…that was jealousy…how idiotic can I be?'
Saphira chuckled, 'You're taken with her, its normal I daresay, but her anger with you must be worse than her using her natural beauty for the benefit of both of you."
'Right…okay…now to make it up to her.' Eragon sighed. He rolled his shoulders and walked around the bed to face her. "Just…Just don't do it again okay? It was…I don't know just don't." He started. He couldn't seem to phrase how unnerving it had been that his mind had strayed with her tricks as well…and how he had enjoyed it. How was he to explain that he only ever wanted to hear her speak like that again if it was to him and him alone?
Aris looked up and met his gaze with bitterness, "Fine, next time you do it, I'm sure the effect will be the same. " She spat.
Eragon closed his eyes and sighed, "Look I'm sorry, it just…I didn't like it, I don't want anyone thinking badly of you, especially not in that way." He tried to explain himself and begged to Saphira for help.
'Just tell her that she deserves to be obeyed and respected for reasons other than her beauty." Saphira suggested.
"I just believe that guards and people like that should listen to you and respect you for reasons other than your beauty; you shouldn't have to lower yourself like that." He bit his bottom lip and almost let loose a victorious yell as Aris looked up with a hint of an amused smile.
"Tell Saphira thank you." She smirked and shook her head.
Eragon flushed and laughed self consciously, "She says 'you're welcome'…am I forgiven? I'm sorry I overacted…it just caught me off guard."
Aris tucked his hair behind his ear gently with the tips of her fingers, "Yes, you're forgiven, I should not have reacted with such anger," She shyly withdrew her hand and clasped it in her lap; "I believe I understand why it would have upset you so."
"Oh." Eragon's turned an even deeper shade of red but shook his head to regain himself, "That's all right, it's good to know that you have a temper to match mine."
She smiled slightly, "Indeed, I haven't expressed anger in a very long time."
"That means you're comfortable around me, good." Eragon grinned and sat down beside her to remove his own shoes.
"You enjoy my yelling at you."
"That was hardly yelling, but yea, I'd rather know that you felt comfortable enough around me to yell as opposed to knowing you didn't ever speak your mind." He laughed and removed his jerkin, tossing it to lie over the back of a chair.
"Well you've achieved your goal." She shook her head. Eragon touched the soft strands as they brushed past him with her movements.
She looked up at him in surprise and he grinned, "Not quite, but I'm willing to work at it." It was her turn to blush and he chuckled to himself, "So what are we going to do about this bed situation?"
"We are married, so we might as well get used to it, it would look odd if we asked for separate beds would it not?" She studied the bed for a moment, "It's large enough for the both of us."
He gulped and licked his lips nervously, "Okay, I'll try not to roll into you."
"You would wake up before that no doubt." She looked down for a moment before shooting him a shy look, "I do need to change however…"
"Oh…well…okay…um, I can turn around?" He suggested.
"That should do…that was not my concern however, can you…unlace this?" She gestured at the top of her dress, "I never mastered it."
His cheeks heated and he nodded slowly. He brushed her hair over her shoulder and fumbled with shaking fingers at the top of her dress. He tried to divert his eyes as it grew loose and bared some skin on her back and shoulders but he couldn't help but notice the milky smoothness of it.
"That's far enough; I can finish it from there." She spoke up when he had reached the lace just below her shoulder blades.
"Okay." His voice was unusually high and he jumped away, turning his back on her. He thought he heard her laugh but didn't dare look back to check.
Only moments later she laid her dress over his jerkin on the chair by which he stood, "We should sleep now."
He nodded and slowly dared a look at her; she wore a thin white nightgown with a cover on her shoulders. It extended to her mid thigh and tied at her waist. They lay down beside each other and silence captured the room. 'You know, after sleeping in my arms for a whole night, this shouldn't be overly awkward."
'I would guess that a bed is a little different.' Saphira chortled through their link.
"Well goodnight." Aris spoke suddenly; he rolled over to see her blow out a candle. The darkness made no difference to his eyes and he traced the line of her form as she kept her back to him.
'Still too thin.' He sighed.
'But better, there is roundness to her hip now.' Saphira allowed. Eragon blushed as his eyes automatically looked for proof in Saphira's words. He flipped over to avoid the temptation and closed his eyes. 'Good night little one, and good luck in the morning.'
'Good night Saphira.' He sighed and relaxed, knowing tomorrow would decide whether their mission was successful or not.
A/n: I was looking over my story stats just before I posted this, and I noticed that I have a lot of people who have favorited and alerted my story, so I'm really confused as to why I don't get many reviews. It really is discouraging and truly irritating, I mean if you like my story then say so! It doesn't take that long to type a quick good, and trust me I'd be happy with that. Please review, my drive to write increases so much when you do.
Thanks to my betas: Tigermoonlight67 and Chupacabrita!