Hey guys! Thanks for the two reviews, by name Elvendiath and Archillon Shadeslayer. I will probably be updating once a day, maybe more, maybe less. So… here's the fourth chapter! R&R!!! Again, sorry if there's any misspellings. Spell-check doesn't work very well at my house.
(To Archillon- will you share Arya? PLEASE???)
Disclaimer: Chris P owns the Inheritance Cycle.
Eragon woke up at dawn, smelling a strong scent of crushed pine needles lingering upon his clothing. His eyes watered as he remembers the tragedy that occurred yesterday, and a broad smile appeared on his face for a minute when he remembered last night.
You shouldn't have done it, Eragon. Saphira said through their mental link.
All I wanted to do was comfort her! And she brought it on. I thought you were the one that knew her feelings for me. Eragon's smile dropped then. His face became expressionless.
Saphira sounded exasperated. Well, don't be bringing on anything else, alright?
I'm not planning on it. But if she does, then I have no choice but to go through with it. Eragon ended the conversation.
He got up and changed, pulling on his tunic and breeches. He could still taste Arya in his mouth, and smell her on his body. Eragon stretched a little, then entered the spare room Arya was resting in. He walked slowly to the bed, and sat on the edge. He lightly touched the woman elf's cheek and whispered, "Good morning, Arya. How was your night? Did you sleep alright?"
Arya's eyes flickered open. A small smile appeared on her face when she saw him. "I slept fine, Eragon." She sat up, and remembered that Islanzadí, her mother, was dead. Tears ran down her face once more, and Eragon moved closer to her. Arya once again laid her head on Eragon's chest and cried. Just then Eragon realized Arya's mind was open to him. He opened his to her.
This will get better, Arya. Eragon said. He rubbed his hand along her back gently and in circular patterns.
I know. It's just… it's just so hard right now. Arya took in a breath sharply and continued to weep.
By the time Eragon had a messenger come to bring Arya a change of clothing and for Arya to get dressed, it was time to see the burial of the queen. "Will you be alright, Arya?" Eragon asked. She nodded slightly, but asked Eragon to stay close to her. She kissed him lightly on his lips before they departed. They hadn't touched their morning meal, and neither on them seemed hungry enough to do it. Arya put a hand on Eragon's hip as if he were supporting her and Eragon did the same.
The two elves walked together, their goal to find the burial site of past monarchs. Arya led him past the Menoa Tree and deep into the woods. A clearing similar to the one Arya had practiced in stood before them. Islanzadí's casket lay before them. It was fine stonework that only the most skilled of dwarves could have accomplished. Made completely out of pure white marble, a work like it was never seen before. On the center of the lid lay Islanzadí's name, engraved into the marble with a design around it. Arya wasn't ashamed to cry, and leaned on Eragon for support. He let her lean into him as other elves arrived; only the palace guards and elves closest to the queen were allowed to see the burial. Afterwards, as a palace guard had told Eragon, he was expected to make a speech in front of all of Ellesmera. Kneeling before the casket, Eragon payed his respects. "Thank you for taking us in, Islanzadí. Because of you, Saphira and I have grown strong. You were a wise queen, and I will do all I can to prevent the elves falling into chaos, ad assist your daughter were needed." A tear fell from his cheek and onto the ground. "You will be missed." He made a blessing in the ancient language and stepped back to let others pay their respects. Arya clung to him like a lifeline. Finally the grave was dug and the marble was set into the ground and buried, along with a legendary leader. Eragon carved a gravestone with magic and left with Arya.
--
"Islanzadí was a noble, powerful leader. She had fought many battles and always made the correct decisions, even when there was nowhere to turn. She was valiant, and will be missed by all." Eragon's speech had begun, "We now have a new ruler rising to take her place: Arya, Islanzadí's only daughter. She will be a strong leader and as wise and canny as her mother and father who have passed, but will live on in our hearts. Our strong new leader will aid us in war, so that finally, Galbatorix will fall!" Cheers rose from the crowd. "But first, we must take time in mourning our queen's death. Arya, will you come?" Eragon looked to Arya, who was standing a few yards away. She walked up to him and he knelt, drawing his blue sword and offering it up to her. "Arya, just as I have done for Islanzadí, I swear my fealty to the elves and to you. I will assist you when you need assistance and will advise you, and protect you. I offer you my blade."
Arya held the blade a moment, placing the end upon his head. "Take your sword, and stand before my elves as my vassal." Her voice was quiet and shaky, but Eragon stood and resheathed his blade.
"Islanzadí will be missed." He finished his speech. And stepped down from the platform. Arya leaned against him for comfort, and he put his hand on her waist. The elves surrounding the two seemed to know that is was only comfort, also. They walked away from the crowd.
"Where do you want to go, Arya?" Eragon asked the new queen gently.
Arya hesitated at this. "I want to show you… my special place." She directed him to her clearing.
--
Both elves put their hand on their knees, panting. They dropped their swords to the ground. "Draw?" Eragon asked. Arya nodded. The sheathed the blades and sat down under Arya's tree, watching the sun dip below the horizon.
When either of them could speak again, Arya asked if they could go to her quarters. Eragon nodded and they walked together across the elven capital city. It was then that Arya did the strangest thing. She retrieved a pack and began placing clothing and necessities into it. Eragon question her why, and her only answer was, "I think I'm going to spend more time in the treehouse with you. I need support right now, and there's no way I'm ever going to live in the palace." Eragon accepted this answer, sitting down on Arya's bed while she packed, taking in the news. She was ready, and Eragon pulled himself up off the bed.
Eragon…. Are you allowing this? Saphira asked.
She's the queen now. I can't deny her orders, Saphira. You of all beings should know that. And, if we feel the same way about each other…. Why not?
Saphira hissed and blocked him from her mind. Eragon instantly regretted what he had said, knowing that she would feel the same thing he did. He knew he would have to apologize to his dragon tonight.
Once again, Eragon and Arya kissed fiercely before retiring to their beds. Eragon was careful to block Saphira from his mind then, so she wouldn't get angry at him. "Good night, Arya."
"Good night, Eragon." Arya smiled slightly.
Eragon had a long conversation with Saphira after he slipped into bed. He apologized, then told Saphira that he and Arya would continue to go steady in their relationship. Saphira made sure that Eragon knew to block her and his link during times like that. Then they drifted off into dreams.