Chapter 5:

Revealing

"I…Eragon, I love you." His smile faded and was replaced by a look of disbelief. He thought frantically, No, no, that's not possible, she insisted upon hurting me and leaving me alone. Why now? Why not before? "Eragon?" He looked at her and then thought, my training is over…my training was the only reason she insisted upon keeping me away. Also Oromis and Glaedr are gone, she probably didn't want me to be alone.

He looked at her and said, "Why? Why now?"

"I hated seeing you so sad and alone. You were always so secluded after the siege of Feinster and I couldn't stand to see you in that state of mind."

"When?"

"What do you mean?"

"When did you start loving me back?"

"After the Blood-Oath Celebration you were really changed. Not only did you look like an elf and have the agility of an elf, but you acted like one. You were more open and that night when we were in the woods I realized how much I really did enjoy spending time with you and I realized that I loved you then." He looked at her with a joyous sparkle in his eyes and a smile upon his face. He looked into her eyes and then laughed a little.

"I never thought it possible that this would happen but one thing's for sure," He leaned in closer and said, "This is truly the best night of my life."

She leaned in so that their faces were inches away and replied, "It is also for me." He smiled kissed her with such passion and vigor that the birds and other animals from miles around started chirping and squawking and singing a beautiful song of love. Energy surged through him making him feel more alive than ever before. They both got up and she wrapped her arms around his neck and he put his hands on her waist. They kissed, putting so much love into it that the animals renewed their song with an even louder and more joyous chorus so that when the sound fell upon their ears they smiled and could also hear some people outside complaining about the noise. They pulled away for a second to laugh and then pulled each other closer, embracing the other lovingly.

*

Eragon woke up and remembered the night before. He smiled and rubbed his eyes.

Good morning.

Good morning. How are you?

I'm good. I ate a small doe and a rabbit. I fell asleep after a quick drink and flight.

I'm glad you had a good time.

What's wrong, little one? Did Arya hurt you yet again?

No, he hadn't got a chance to tell her because she had already fallen asleep. She…she loves me. It's crazy I know...but it's true. He told her the whole story of what she had said and everything that happened.

Wow, even after touching her mind numerous times I never guessed that. I'm happy for you. I hated to see you in pain. It is good that your suffering is over.

Aye, I think so too. I still can't believe it though. It's amazing that she would tell me now and so spontaneously. He washed his face and shaved with magic. He then shed his shirt and walked out of the tent. He practiced the Rimgar and then went back into his residence to wash the sweat off his body. He had dug a small hole in the ground for washing his feet, hands and body. He always kept a small amount of water in it for washing. He had to refill it to a certain extent so that it was deep enough to wash in. He got out and walked outside to ride Saphira.

He noticed that almost half the tents were gone and that many of the Varden were packing up.

No! I totally forgot about the trip that will take up the next few days. I can't believe I didn't remember!

Maybe you should have remembered. Mumbling, he went back inside and got his things. They all fit into his backpack because he had already put his armor and Glaedr's heart-of-hearts into the saddlebags. He soon had his possessions packed up and was ready to go. He slung the belt of Beloth the Wise around his waist and hooked Brisingr to it. He strapped his bow and quiver under his pack. He laid them down across Saphira's back quickly and strolled away. He walked over to Arya's tent to find it demolished. There was no sign that betrayed it ever existed. She sat on a rock a few hundred feet away, staring at the gilded lily the spirits had made into gold after he had sung it for her.

She caressed it like a mother would a baby and when he stepped on a branch her head shot up and she looked around, alert. When she saw him she beckoned for him to go sit by her, so he did. He sat and she said, "Did you sleep well?"

"Yes, I did. I dreamed of you," Her cheeks turned a little pink, "and how did you sleep?"

She paused, and then said, "Very well actually. I had a very vivid dream. I think it is strange how time and fate intertwine things into inescapable loops. And now the Journey of Destiny has begun-,"

"And will continue on-,"

"Until the king has been slain-,"

"And with you by my side." He finished. She looked at him contentedly, and he stared back into her deep green eyes. She smiled and a grin overtook his face too. He kissed her and said, "I need to talk to Nasuada."

"Me too." He smirked and offered his hand to her. She took it and then they walked towards her tent. It didn't take long but when they got there the guards went through the usual routine and then admitted them. They entered without further ado.

Eragon looked around the small tent and noticed Roran in a corner. He was curious as to why he was there but turned to face Nasuada quickly after.

"Eragon, Arya, it is nice to see the two of you."

"As well as you My Lady." Eragon stated formally.

"Yes, it is good to be here." Arya followed quickly after.

"So why do you ask for an audience with me?"

"First off I was wondering when we might reach Belatona? And also why is Roran here?" Eragon asked monotonously.

"Well we should arrive by the morning of the day after tomorrow. We can unpack and sleep and then attack at night. As for Roran, he has been assigned a mission."

"What?! Why? We take siege on Belatona in two days! Why is he going-,"but he was cut off.

"We must take the villages around here. We have little time and we need able-bodied men to fight with us or we'll never win. We need to take risks and not be rambunctious or lenient. This is our last stand and if we can't do this then all hope is lost for Alagaesia. I'm trying to make the best choices I possibly can so as not to anger the Varden. I seem to have done it already and I regret it but to win we must be strong!"

Eragon stood, shocked by her fierceness and passion. He bowed and apologized.

"I am sorry. I will not be so ignorant in the future. Forgive me."

"I'm sorry Eragon this war has been hard on all of us but I can't let the Varden fall or all will be for naught. We must saddle up and move out. You and Arya may relay the message." Arya then stood up and looked at Nasuada.

"If Eragon may leave to start informing the people of the plans, I must talk to you." Eragon looked at her questioningly and he heard her mentally say, Later. He nodded his head and walked off. As he slid out of the tent he heard Roran get dismissed and slip out of the tent a few seconds later. He looked sunken-faced and solemn.

"Roran, wait," He looked back but continued walking, "What's wrong?"

"I have to go on one of these ludicrous missions again, that's what! I have no idea if I will die or not and I hate leaving Katrina! It is so repetitive. It's too much for my liking."

"You're telling me."

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