Thank you all for caring!

Chapter Five: Change is Good, Right?

The trees were bathed in the dying rays of the sun. The rising and setting of the sun has been a constant in history, and it is believed in many cultures that the color of the rising and setting of the sun can denote changes in the land and its people. While the elves did not believe in this, they do realize that certain colors have an effect on the mind of all animals.

Saphira knew this from glimpses into Eragon's mind about his native culture and their belief, and the teachings of their masters. So when she saw that the trees were covered in an unusual purple, it added more disquiet into an already worried mind. Purple is the color of change, but it doesn't tell if that change is good or bad. Now purple rays covered the tree that held the Rider's loft, and to her, it was another omen that denoted the strange transformation in her Rider's mind. No one seemed to care, since he had now thrown himself into his studies; they were simply happy that he had made huge leaps and bounds in his abilities. However there is a consequence for every change, and it seemed that she was the only one who saw those consequences. She sighed, and reached out her mind to the one person who might be willing to help her.

'Emerald Eyes?'

There was a long pause that stretched for minutes. Just before Saphira decided to cut the link, the smooth mind of Arya's touched hers and responded.

'What is it, Bjartskular?'

'I am in grave need of your help. The situation that I am facing is of the utmost importance, and as far I know, you are the only one to see as well'

'What is this problem that no one can help you with?' Concern radiated from her thoughts.

'It concerns my Rider, or rather the shift in personality he has had.'

Arya's tone quickly became bored. 'There is no major change in him that worries me. If anything he has became more…'

Saphira grew angry and the emotions spilled into Arya's mind, causing her to pause. 'You see only the work that he has completed, not the effects of the mindset that allowed him to accomplish it. Look, he has closed his mind from everyone! He studies hard, but rarely eats or drinks! He does not seem to be able to interact or even communicate with others. He simply goes through the motions, without being aware of his environment. He even just vanishes for hours and no one can sense him! Have you looked at him lately? My Rider seems to have none of the animation or spirit he once had. If this continues, he might just become a puppet for everyone to use! I know somewhere inside of your mind, you liked the naïve boy who saved you. Are you willing to let him slip into…'

'Enough' The reply was terse, and Saphira could sense that she had struck a nerve in Arya. 'Even if I did care for the immature boy that Eragon once was, what would you have me do? He has to grow up at some point.'

'Aye, but not like this. He should grow with beliefs and support. Only that will shape him into the man who can inspire the Varden, and have the mental strength to combat the black king. You had the strength to resist the Shade only because you had people to protect, and beliefs that anchored you. Even now you still talk to me when you are in distress to sooth your mind. Do you think Eragon can have strength when he has nothing to fight for? How long would he last without the support of others, and the need to protect them?'

There was a dead silence that seemed to stretch out for hours. Finally, the resigned reply came. 'Your argument is sound; we cannot afford a Rider who fights for nothing. It is possible that he would be able to be swayed by others who give him a reason. What would you have me do?'

Saphira nearly howled with rage. Did no one care for her Rider? Everyone was more interested in his ability to fight, not his wellbeing. Still, Arya was trying to help, unlike everyone else. 'Talk to him; bring him out of his shell. He cared for you, and part of the reason that he could continue to fight was the need to protect you.'

'I am not some…'

' You are missing the point Emerald Eyes. He fought to protect you, Roran, Nasuada, Orik, and a few others. In his mind, he failed to protect Brom and Murtagh, and that failure haunts him. You and the others are family to him, the only people who see him and not the titles he holds. This fact keeps him centered and gives him the will to fight on. Without that, he will be fall into the darkness that surrounds him. You have the ability to stop that descent. He has helped you, can't you do the same for him?'

'I…I…don't know…'

'Besides, if I had wanted a Rider who had no emotion and would blindly follow orders, I would have chosen an elf.' Arya started to protest against this statement, but Saphira quickly cut her off. 'He saved your life, now it is time to repay the debt that you owe him.' Before Arya could retort, she cut the mental link. 'I hope she does the right thing. She does owe us, and if she doesn't believe that, I'll make sure to remind her of the fact. In a very harsh manner.' With this thought in mind, she fell into an uneasy slumber.

Arya sat down on the forest floor, disturbed and confused. With Eragon learning at a phenomenal rate, her mother had told her that there was no reason to stay close to him. She had felt relief at first and had not seen the Rider since, but lately she had been a little worried about him. She had dismissed the thoughts as a left over remnant of the mask she had used to stay close to him, but Saphira was right in a way. She did owe him, and she admitted to herself that part of her missed the Rider that could distract her from her worries and dark memories. With this in mind, she stood up, and started to search for Eragon.