Once again thanks for the reviews and thanks for your opinions on who Eragon should end up with.
Disclaimer; Christopher Paolini owns all the characters, etc…
Chapter Ten
Eragon awoke in the middle of the night. He sat up in his bed and then decided to read through the literature Oromis had given him. He read glorious tales of brave elves and epic battles. What fascinated Eragon the most was the writings about Allea; land of the elves. It was an undiscovered place but many had tried to travel to it. As far as the scrolls went the co-ordinates were known by only a few wise and ancient elves. Another interesting story was that of the way magic could be manipulated. It foretold about dark Shades and the way black magic could be powerful enough to blind the wisest elf. Eragon didn't feel tired so he continued reading until the sun rose to proclaim the beginning of a new day. Eragon could feel Saphira awakening.
Slept well?
Eragon asked.
Yes, wonderfully, in fact.
The faelnirv didn't affect you at all?
Eragon asked confused and a tad disappointed he had hoped to tease Saphira about it the following morning.
I didn't get a chance to have any. Beroan was going on and on…
There's always tonight.
Eragon suggested.
Maybe. And what are your plans for today?
Saphira asked.
Actually I wanted to speak with Arya. I wanted to ask her about Brom's message. It was about her anyway.
I shall be with Beroan. He wanted discuss certain matters with me this afternoon.
Then I assume we shall meet tonight at the feast?
Aye.
After Eragon bathed and dressed he went to Tialdari Hall. Unfortunately Arya was not available.
"I'm sorry, Argetlam. She is busy with the Queen attending to private matters." the elf in charge of Tialdari Hall said.
"No matter. It is not important." Eragon said before walking away.
Eragon, as he walked through Ellesmera wondered about Murtagh. He had wanted to say farewell but Murtagh had been in a very frantic state. Eragon was about to go back to his quarters when he knocked into an elf.
"Sorry." Eragon muttered and looked up for his eyes had been focused on his feet as he walked.
"Eragon."
It was Arya.
"Arya. I looked for you but the elf said you weren't there so I-" Eragon began.
"Is there a problem?" Arya asked, bewildered.
"No. Well, not that I know of." Eragon tried to explain but not managing to get his words out correctly.
"Do explain."
"This may take a while." Eragon said.
Arya suggested they walk whilst Eragon explained. They walked through Ellesmera no particular destination in mind. Eventually they ended up in Tialdari Garden.
"…and I still don't understand what he meant." Eragon finished.
"This is interesting. I shall have to think about it before I come up with any conclusions." Arya said.
"This garden is even more beautiful than I remember." Eragon said in awe.
The garden had flowers of every kind interwined each with its own unique colour.
"I assume you and Saphira shall be attending the feast tonight?" Arya said.
"Aye, we will." Eragon said.
They walked and explore more of Ellesmera for it was vast and Eragon had not seen everything. Time seemed to go fleetingly fast for Eragon. It was early evening by the time Eragon and Arya had finished exploring. Eragon greeted Arya before going to his quarters to change into more formal attire. In the end Eragon decided to were a plain white tunic and a blue jerkin along with black breeches. He kept to his brown boots and once he was finished and satisfied with his appearance he waited for Saphira.
What's taking so long?
Eragon asked, impatiently to Saphira.
Sorry. Talking with Beroan lasted longer than I thought.
Eragon noticed Saphira sounded more cheerful than usual.
Saphira, what aren't you telling me?
Before Saphira could answer an elf appeared before Eragon. It was Vanir.
"Argetlam. I apologize for our past differences; you are indeed a mighty warrior. I came here delivering a message from the Queen."
"Apology accepted." Eragon said, stunned, "What is the message?"
"The feast is about to start and your and Saphira's presence is requested. It shall take place under the Menoa tree." Vanir finished and then left immediately.
That must have taken a lot out of him.
What do you mean?
Saphira asked.
To apologize. And do not think I have forgotten about our discussion. We shall speak about this later.
Eragon then went to find Saphira who was waiting outside their quarters. They both walked to the Menoa tree conversing about general topics.
They really put in all their effort.
Eragon said as his breath was taken away by what he saw. Lanterns were set around the Menoa tree which illuminated the true beauty of the forest. Eragon saw the Queen and sat down next to Saphira when the Queen gestured that he should be seated. It appeared that every elf from Ellesmera was present. The number of elves whom recited poems seemed endless. The poems were very impressive although more than a few were long-winded. Eragon soon became bored as did Saphira.
Honestly, these poems are brilliant but my appetite has increased and I grow tired of this.
Eragon said to Saphira.
As do I but we need to be patient.
Are you going to tell me of your day with Beroan?
Eragon asked, bluntly.
I already have. I told you we spoke-
What did you speak of?
Instead of answering Eragon, Saphira showed him the memory of the conversation she and Beroan had.
"WHAT?" Eragon asked, aghast.
A few elves turned to look in his direction trying to find the source of interruption. Luckily they hadn't noticed it was Eragon.
Not here. Not now, Eragon.
Queen Islanzadi turned to smile at Eragon and Saphira. Eragon forced a meek smile although he felt sick to his stomach. Fortunately the poems ended and Queen Islanzadi allowed the elves to do as they please. Some elves decided to sing, other drank faelnirv that they had brought along (Eragon wished he had a bottle) while others played melodious music on instruments. Eragon moved away from the elves but not completely out of sight with Saphira.
Saphira, surely you should have known how this would affect me.
Eragon said. Saphira turned her head away.
I did not choose this, Eragon. You can never really choose with whom you fall in love with, can you?
I understand. It was and still is just…surprising. I shall need some time to gather my thoughts.
I know. Beroan wishes to speak with me.
Eragon looked over to where the great green dragon was watching Saphira.
Go.
Saphira turned to face Eragon.
Are you sure?
She asked, uncertainly.
Yes. Follow your heart, Saphira. You may never get a chance like this again.
Saphira thanked Eragon before going to Beroan. Eragon watched a trail of ants marching up a tree trunk and sighed.
"And that?" Megiltura asked, as she approached Eragon.
She stopped right next to where he was standing and followed his gaze to the ants.
"Fascinating, aren't they?" She murmured.
"Indeed they are." Eragon said, then looked away to stare at her face.
She looked up to meet his gaze.
"You do not seem to be in love with Blodhgarm." Eragon said, pretending to inspect her.
"Oh, you still on about that. The only thing Blodhgarm and I did was talk." She said.
Eragon looked around. There were too many elves here, Eragon realized. What if one of them sees something? Worse, what if Arya sees? Then again, she wouldn't even care.
These thoughts plummeted through Eragon's mind.
"What's wrong?" Megiltura asked, frowning.
"Nothing." Eragon answered, looking back at the ants.
"You're not a very good liar," Megiltura said jokingly, "Oh, I know. You're other elf is here. You don't want her to see us together."
She was right about that, Eragon thought although not about Arya being his elf.
"Tell you what. To ease the tension I can see building up in your mind let's go back to your quarters."
Eragon turned his head sharply.
"Don't look so worried," she said, soothingly, "I have an interesting artefact I wish to show you."
"What is it?" Eragon asked, curious yet nervous.
Megiltura did not reply and led the way to Eragon's quarters. This is not a good idea, Eragon thought to himself as he found himself in his room. Megiltura sat on the edge of his cot. Eragon joined her and watched her reveal a scroll from the pocket of her garment.
"It's part of a map. I would guess of Allea. I don't know if you've heard about it-"
"Yes, I have. I've been curious about it. It is a shame so few have explored it." Eragon said, the excitement he once had had faded at the thought.
"Elves know where it is. Well, some of them but they refuse to share their information." Megiltura said, rather bitterly.
"No matter. If I didn't know better I would have thought you were trying to get rid of me." Eragon joked, feeling more confident and comfortable with Megiltura.
She must have felt the same way for she reached in very slowly to hold Eragon's hand. Eragon's chest felt tight and he felt hot even though the door of his quarters was still open. This time he leaned in and only stopped until his lips met hers. He felt astounded at how natural this had become. He wasn't going to stop but Megiltura pulled away. Confused looked to where she was staring. Eragon felt as though his blood had froze over as he saw Arya standing in the doorway. Megiltura started the formal Elvin greeting but before she could finish Arya had already left.
"Did I do something wrong?" Megiltura asked, confused.
"No. It was I." Eragon said.
"You? Well, whatever it is you have to fix it. You can not have the heir to the Queen's throne angry at you."
"What should I do?" Eragon asked in a dead voice.
"Go after her, Eragon. Find out what the problem is and fix it." Megiltura said before leaving she pecked Eragon on the cheek.
Eragon took off right after her. Eragon sprinted through Ellesmera searching for Arya. He had to stop not because he was tired but because he had run out of places to search.
Saphira.
Yes, Eragon. Are you okay? You don't sound well?
No. I have to find Arya. There-
She is here at the feast. Where else would she be? She was going to see you and tell you something about Brom's message.
I know she came…
Eragon trailed off, reluctant to go further. He started sprinting again as he went back to the Elvin feast.
Tell me, Eragon. Perhaps I can fix-
You can't fix it. The damage as already been done. She just doesn't understand.
Who? Who doesn't understand what? What are you talking about?
Eragon stopped as he scanned the crowd of elves searching for Arya. She was talking to Rheunon. Eragon pushed past elves to get to them. They were still in the middle of a conversation when Eragon finally reached them.
"…so I told him that if he thought I was going to make him another sword-" Rheunon was saying.
"Excuse me, Rheunon-elda but I need to have a few words with Arya in private." Eragon said.
"That's mighty rude of you to interrupt me like that but as you killed Galbotorix you can be forgiven. I was leaving anyway. Don't like feasts much."
That was the easy part.
Eragon thought as he watched Rheunon move away. Arya was still not meeting his gaze.
"Arya, we must talk somewhere more private." Eragon said, urgently.
"There is no need for that." she said.
"At least hear what I have to say." Eragon pleaded, lowering his voice.
"Follow me." she said.
She led him to the enclosed Tialdari Garden. She cast a spell preventing anyone from hearing their conversation before saying;
"What is it you have to say?" she asked.
Eragon wanted to say so much that he didn't know where to start. He then realized this may be the only chance he would get to release all his feelings thus he shook away his insecurities.
"What you saw…it wasn't. I mean I like her but it's not love." Eragon said, frustrated with himself.
"Your personal matters are known of my concerns." Arya said, she still refused to look Eragon in the eye.
"You're so stubborn. I just don't understand!" Eragon shouted, alarmed at his own outburst.
Arya raised her eyebrows, startled as well.
"Why does it even matter to you who I see? You don't even care." Eragon's anger had not yet died down.
"You have no idea who you're speaking to-"
"I'm sorry. But I need answers too. Why did you walk away like that? If you didn't care, then why?"
Arya finally looked up.
"You wish to know the truth?" she asked.
Eragon nodded.
"Then I shall tell you. We are friends and nothing more. I could not share with you information I thought I might have uncovered for you were…occupied."
"So, that's it, then?" Eragon asked.
"That is all." Arya said.
She was about to turn away when Eragon did something he would not normally have done but since his emotions were turning against him he reacted this way. He grabbed her arm. She turned around and their faces were so close. Their eyes met for a second but all Eragon could see was nothing and strangely enough he felt guilty. He let go and watched her walk away.
I know Arya happening to come to Eragon's place at that exact time is sort of cliché but there's more to the story. Anyway I don't know when I'll get to updating because I have to study. Also I've been experiencing log in problems but hopefully they're cleared up now. Don't forget to review.