Pre-chapter notes: I remember this one being really fun to write, and it sort of had a spoof-type sense to it. I try to incorporate some humor into my writing, and this was the best way I could do it in the situation.
The song that appears about 2/3 of the way through the chapter is Without You by Breaking Benjamin.
Chapter 4: A Day With Arya
Eragon stood next to Saphira outside his tent. He had woken up a few minutes earlier and he had just finished freshening up. Usually Saphira would go off and do something in the morning if Eragon didn't mind so he wanted to talk to her for a moment before she left, which he accomplished.
Saphira said to him, I am glad Nasuada made the choice that she did. I'll give you a bit of time to yourself while I go take a bath, a dragon has to stay clean.
Eragon grunted as she took off and flew away, leaving him standing near his twelve guards. He wasn't exactly sure what he wanted to do for the day…especially since he hadn't made any plans or reservations with anyone.
With a slight shrug he decided to go and check on Arya to see if she slept well. Eragon began walking in the direction of Arya's tent, his guards following close behind. Nasuada had arranged so that Arya's tent would be pitched near Eragon and the other elves for convenience, something which Eragon was grateful for because he only had to carry Arya a short ways the previous night when he set her in her tent to rest.
It took only a few moments for Eragon and his guards to reach Arya's tent. Eragon knocked on the support pole and asked, "Arya?"
"Come in, Eragon," she said, sounding surprised by Eragon's presence.
He pushed the tent flap open and walked inside, leaving his guards outside. As he entered he glanced around quickly, he hadn't gotten a good look at the inside of her tent the previous night, as it was pitch black when he had placed her in her bed.
Arya was sitting on her bed drinking a cup of tea. She motioned to a space beside her and he awkwardly sat down. She set her cup down and said, "I suppose I should thank you for pampering me last night, it was most appreciated."
"Ah well," he said, looking down due to the reddening tip of his nose. "I knew that you hadn't really slept well for a few days so I thought you might appreciate uninterrupted sleep, apparently I was right."
"Aye," Arya confirmed with a smile. She changed the subject and asked casually, "What are you planning on doing today?"
Eragon hesitated, unsure if she wanted to know what he was doing out of curiosity or because she had something that she wanted to do. He decided that he would leave room for ambiguity and said, "I had a few things in mind, but nothing important. What about you?"
"I have nothing scheduled." She looked up at him, "If you wanted, we could spend some time together, I would enjoy not being alone, for once." She spoke the last words with sadness and distaste, as if she despised how she lived and wanted something better.
Eragon noticed that her expression started to harden once again. He attempted to relieve some of her stress by saying, "You don't have to ever be alone. You can always come to me with any problem or any situation and I promise that I will be there for you."
"Thank you," she said in a whisper. Silence dominated their conversation for a moment before Arya asked, "What exactly did my mother tell you a few nights ago?"
Eragon hesitated. He knew that Islanzadi must have told Arya that she should try and get close to him or something along those lines, but he wasn't sure if he should reveal exactly what she had said to him. A half truth presented itself to him and he decided to go with it, saying, "She asked me to be there for you, she knew that you were still sad about Faolin. And she also knew that you would be sad about Oromis and Glaedr."
They were interrupted as Blodhgarm said from outside, "Lady Nasusada requests your presence, Eragon, and yours as well, Arya."
Eragon gave a slight grunt and Arya sighed slowly. In a monotone that fit his mood Eragon said, "Very well Blodhgarm, we're on our way."
"One moment," Arya said to him. She placed her cup in a drawer next to her and slipped on a more formal tunic than the one she wore. He looked away as she removed her original tunic, even though he knew that she wore some sort of undergarment. Eragon almost felt as if Arya was in a way testing him with her behavior, seeing if he still cared so much about her appearance that he would take any opportunity possible to see more of her.
He was still facing away from Arya as she walked up behind him and tapped his shoulder, saying, "Let's go." Eragon, Arya, and the twelve elves walked at a brisk pace towards Nasuada's tent, ensuring that they didn't trample any of the Varden on their way.
--
Billy was chasing a ball that he had just thrown a moment before. He was a small child, a citizen of Feinster. He was enjoying the mass of tents that the Varden had set up as a small playground.
As Billy chased after the ball he accidentally tripped on a branch that was on the ground. He groaned as he fell face forward towards the unforgiving ground. To his relief and surprise a slender arm appeared in front of him and caught him softly, just a few inches above the ground. When he again examined the ground he saw that there was a dagger pointed upwards in the soil; he would have died if the person hadn't caught him.
Now far more grateful than he was a moment before he stayed still as the person stood him up gently. He looked into his rescuers' eyes and saw soft brown orbs. What made him flinch were the pointed ears of the figure and the graceful blue blade strapped around his waist, also the thirteen other elves that accompanied him.
In that instant Billy knew who had saved him, the symbol of hope, the guardian of Alagaesia, Eragon Shadeslayer. As he realized whom he was looking at he looked down shamefully, feeling that someone as low as him shouldn't have even distracted a great man like Eragon.
Eragon lifted his chin so that he again looked into his eyes. He patted him on the shoulder and said in a caring tone, "Be a bit more careful, Billy. There is no reason to die from something like chasing a ball, just watch your step." Eragon reached down and pried the dagger out of the ground, tossing the knife into a pile of scrap a small distance away.
"T-thank you, Shadeslayer," Billy said, trying to look down again.
He could tell that Eragon was wondering why he was trying to avoid his eyes, but Billy was relieved as Eragon released his shoulder and walked away, leaving Billy alone amongst a large mass of Varden who were quickly approaching him, asking what Eragon had said to him.
--
Eragon walked away from the child whose life he had just saved. It disgusted him that someone would be as careless as to leave a dagger point-up in the ground. He could see smiles on the faces of the elves and concluded they were proud of his action, especially Arya, whose face bore the most visible grin, but when she noticed him looking at her she looked away slightly, obviously embarrassed.
The group arrived at Nasuada's tent and Eragon and Arya entered quickly, ignoring the Nighthawks stationed outside. Upon his entrance Eragon noticed Nasuada, Orrin, Jormundur, Garzvhog, Narheim, and Islanzadi, who was in a mirror. They all greeted Eragon and Arya as they took their seats near the mirror, eyeing Nasuada expectantly.
Before anyone could begin Islanzadi said, "I need to speak with Eragon and Arya for a moment, there's no need to give us privacy, we can use the ancient language. We just need a short moment."
"What is it, mother?" Arya asked in the language of no lies.
"I am sending another six elves to join your guard, Eragon. I am also changing the purpose of your guard. From this point out they are to protect you, Saphira, and Arya. Arya I would be appreciative if you could move your tent next to Eragon's so that they can guard you both." Eragon was slightly amused by Islanzadi's words, for he thought he sensed a second purpose behind her actions.
Arya appeared to notice is as well for she asked, "And is there no other reason for this action?"
"I never said that there wasn't," Islanzadi said mysteriously, although both Eragon and Arya knew what she meant, even if they didn't acknowledge it to the other. "In any event I sent them two days ago so expect them within the next couple of days. I think you might even recognize one of them, Eragon."
"Oh?" he asked, his curiosity piqued. He also noticed the other people present giving him strange and impatient looks, obviously wanting to get on with the meeting. He said, "Never mind it will have to wait, they are getting impatient." He switched to the normal dialect and finished with, "Thank you, Islanzadi. Nasuada, we can begin now."
"Anything we should know about?" Jormundur asked, voicing the opinion of most of the leaders.
Arya said, "Six more elves are less than two days away and will be joining Eragon's guard when they arrive."
"And why was that so secretive that you needed to speak in another language?" Orrin asked, growing slightly angry.
"Your majesty," Islanzadi said. "They never said that was all that I told them. There are things only elves should know." Eragon almost laughed at Islanzadi's half lie, for he knew that nothing which was spoken required the ancient language. She had used it in an attempt to ferret out a few emotions from Arya or Eragon, which she had unfortunately failed at. And she had also used it to ensure privacy, thus showing respect for their situation and desire to keep the secret limited to as few people as possible.
"Enough," Nasuada commanded, obviously annoyed with the pointless bantering going on. She said, "We only have one real thing to discuss, and then we have an event to plan. Let's get this over with." The leaders shuffled their positions slightly and nodded, notifying her that they were ready.
"As you all know," Nasuada began. "We plan to conquer Belatona before winter and the snow comes. We would be at a huge disadvantage and many would starve if we were cut off from supplies due to the snow. Keeping this in mind we are aware that winter begins in roughly a month, and the dwarves are planning on arriving at Belatona at that precise time. The question is, do we wait for the dwarves and then attack the city together, risking being stuck on the plains, or do we fight them in two weeks, the time it would take to prepare and march?"
"We have to fight them early on," Garzvhog commented. "We need time to calm the yammering citizens so there aren't riots over winter, and we need time to properly ensure the city is stocked."
"The dwarves and bringing enough food to feed them and the Varden for the winter," Nasuada said, ensuring that no more points would be about the food.
"I agree with Nar Garzvhog," Narheim said, much to the surprise of many of the leaders. Everyone knew of the relationships dwarves and Urgals had, it was uncommon for them to agree. "The dwarves hate to miss a good fight, but we must ensure that our safety in the city is likely, and if we attack in roughly two weeks there is time to retreat to Feinster if we are somehow pushed back. It is the logical course."
"All in favor?" Nasuada asked.
"Aye," everyone called out, including Eragon and Arya. To Eragon the choice was simple; ensure that the Varden had a safe place to stay for the winter. They had to fight.
"Very well then, that's decided. Now, our second matter of business," Nasuada said, clearly pleased to be done with the official problems of the Varden. "We are to be leaving Feinster soon, but I would like to hold a celebration before our departure. It would take place tonight if we agree, and it would be in the keep's courtyard."
"That sounds like a grand idea!" Orrin exclaimed, standing upright abruptly and knocking his chair over. He obviously loved celebrations.
Most of the others added their affirmations as well, deciding that they would indeed hold a massive celebration that evening. "Very well, I and my advisers will organize it," Nasuada said. "If you want anything to be included speak now or forever hold your peace."
"Swordplay," Garzvhog said.
Narheim added, "Mead!"
"Faelnirv," Islanzadi said, surprising several people by her contribution. "The elves will provide plenty, it is a wondrous drink. Eragon, would you mind giving the people a taste?"
Eragon quickly asked Blodhgarm mentally if he had a bottle of it, and to his relief the elf entered the tent and gave him one. He passed the bottle around and everyone took a sip of the drink. Each and every person uttered exclamations at how great it tasted and how invigorating it was.
"Well fuck the mead!" Narheim shouted. "Let's have that!" Eragon, Arya, and Islanzadi laughed, pleased that the elven liquor was well received among the alcoholic dwarfs.
"We can have both!" Nasuada said enthusiastically as she tasted the Faelnirv as well.
After the leaders had collected themselves and stopping laughing and shouting over who could get the last bit of the Faelnirv Nasuada asked, "So is there anything else you would like to have?"
"Dancing," said a voice from outside the tent. Everyone turned and looked as Lady Lorana walked into the tent and took a seat. Eragon was surprised that she was walking around free, but he reasoned that Nasuada determined that as long as an eye was kept on her, she wouldn't try to do anything to undermine the Varden.
Lady Lorana added, "I would like to help you organize this celebration that you are planning to hold in my city. I think it would be a great deal of fun." Her eyes fell on Eragon and Arya and she said, "Ah, Eragon. It is good to see you and your wife again."
The tent went quiet as people realized that either Eragon or Arya were likely to get quite angry about the statement. Eragon stared at Lady Lorana for a moment before switching his gaze to Arya, who was maintaining her standard appearance of impassiveness, but he could tell she was angered by the claim. Out of the corner of his eye he saw Islanzadi fight off a laugh, for she knew that they were close, but not together.
Eragon said quietly, "You are mistaken, my Lady. One, we are not married. And two, elves don't even believe in marriage, so it's impossible for us to be married. Next time I would recommend you ask someone credible rather than believe all the rumors."
"I did ask someone credible," Lorana said, confused.
"Who?"
"Orrin."
Everyone looked at Orrin who had gone blood red, for he realized the mistake he had made as well. As if trying to explain himself he said, "She asked me if they were together…personally I thought they were so I said yes. Apparently I was wrong."
"Why in the world would either of you assume that anyway?" Arya demanded. Eragon saw Islanzadi hiccup slightly, avoiding laughter. He was bemused by her reaction, and noticed that she had a glimmer of hope in her eyes when she heard Eragon and Arya be considered a married couple, despite the fact that elves didn't believe in marriage.
"Well," Lady Lorana said, ignoring the looks from the majority of the other people. "I saw how close you were when you fought that shade, and you have the same last name…I just assumed."
"What's this?" Islanzadi asked in the ancient language.
Arya quickly replied in the same dialect by saying, "While we were fighting the shade Eragon was also experiencing flashes from Glaedr's mind, we found out he died just after Varaug was killed, so we comforted each other. Nothing more." Switching back to the normal tongue she said, "How many other people assume that we are together?"
Orrin piped up, eager to contribute something but incorrect information for once. He said, "A good portion of the Varden, you have to understand that people want to believe that you are great, and in most great men's lives there is a woman whom they love, so they assume that Arya is that woman."
They're not far off, he thought to himself, disturbed by the people's perception. He was, however, grateful for the explanation so now he understood what exactly people were saying. He contacted Arya mentally and asked, What should we do about this?
Just let them think what they want, it really doesn't affect us and it would be a huge mess to fix if we tried. Only you and I know the details of our relations, and I would prefer to keep it that way, she replied hesitantly.
"The Varden can believe what they want if it gives them more hope of winning this war. However, I would prefer if the leaders, you, don't buy into the rumors without at least asking me or Arya first, because they are likely not true." With that everyone looked down and mumbled to themselves, clearly embarrassed by their lack of common sense when it came to dealing with simple rumors in the Varden.
Nasuada finally said, "This meeting has been full of stress and unnecessary conflict, unless anyone else wants to add anything to the party I want you to all get out of here, now."
Nobody said anything, so all of the leaders scrambled up and left quickly, including Eragon and Arya, but only after the queen said to them, "Eragon, can you and Arya contact me in a few minutes? I would like to speak with you again."
Eragon nodded slightly, not feeling the need to reply with words. On their way out Lady Lorana approached them and said, "I apologize for that, I honestly thought you were a couple. Please forgive me."
"It is of no consequence, Lady," Arya said. "From what Orrin said you aren't the only one. If you have any future rumor questions or assumptions please ask one of us in private before you say it before an entire meeting, however. That is all we ask."
"I will, thank you, Shadeslayer."
"Lady I would gladly spend some time discussing a few things with you later if you need, but the queen has asked for Arya and I to contact her so we must go, I'm sorry." Eragon nodded to Nasuada and walked out of the tent, Arya following close behind.
Through unspoken consent they decided to go to Eragon's tent to make the contact. On their way there Eragon said to his guards, "Six more elves will be joining you in a few days. And you are now assigned to guard Arya as well, the queen insists."
"Very well, Shadeslayer," Blodhgarm purred.
One of the other elves said, "It's no big deal, you're usually together anyway so we won't actually be doing much anything different."
"True," Arya admitted. She turned to a female elf walking behind her and asked, "Would you mind moving my tent next to Eragon's? It should make it far easier for you to guard all three of us if we are in the same general area."
The elf bowed and said, "Nen ono Weonahta, Arya Drotningu." She broke off from the group and jogged to where Arya's tent was pitched.
By then they had arrived at Eragon's tent. Eragon and Arya entered as usual and scryed Islanzadi in the mirror which had yet to be moved since the last time they scryed her. The mirror faded to black and then brightened to reveal Islanzadi once again, this time she seemed a bit more relaxed than she was during their meeting a moment before.
Skipping any formalities the queen said, "I wanted to finish our earlier discussion and ask the two of you a couple of questions. First, the elf you know, Eragon, is Vanir. He requested to be added to your guards and I thought the idea was fine, seeing as how you seemed to become good friends before you left Ellesmera."
"Vanir," Eragon whispered. "Aye, I'm pleased he will be here. He is a fine warrior and a good friend, thank you Islanzadi." Eragon bowed slightly in gratitude, having a friend around always made him feel better.
"Also," Islanzadi added. "Vanir will be carrying Naegling with him. Oromis told me, before he died, that the sword was to be sent to you if he perished."
"Naegling…" Arya whispered, remembering Oromis' golden sword. Eragon could tell that even the mention of their names was enough to bring her to the brink of crying, but she restrained herself in front of her mother.
"Thank you, Islanzadi. The sword means a great deal to me, I appreciate you sending it with Vanir. Is there anything else?" Eragon asked expectantly. He anticipated a question about his and Arya's relationship, and he wasn't let down.
The queen asked in a more friendly tone, a knowing twinkle in her eye, "So, how are the two of you doing?"
"Erm…fine," Arya said hesitantly. Eragon nodded his agreement with the statement, he couldn't think of anything worth noting that had occurred.
"What are you planning on doing today?" Islanzadi persisted, eager to discover their plans and to see if they were getting closer or not.
Damn, Eragon thought to himself, seeing as how Saphira was still gone. She's really serious about this relationship stuff. He chose to let Arya speak, as he didn't want to say something that she didn't agree with or wasn't willing to admit in front of her mother.
Arya eventually got the message; Eragon was giving her the go-ahead to say what she wanted. She said cautiously, "We were going to spend a bit of time together before the celebration this evening. Eragon said he had a few things to do so I thought that I might help him."
Those things are simply visiting a few people, but you're welcome to come, he told her. She gave him a mental nod, not wanting to tell Islanzadi that they were communicating mentally while talking to her.
"I see," the queen replied with a slight, knowing smile. "In that case I'll let you go and enjoy yourselves, have a nice day Eragon and Arya."
"And you as well," Eragon replied, ignoring the stress he was feeling. Never before had someone been so eager to get him into a relationship with their daughter, the thought was strange.
Islanzadi ended the scrying spell and the mirror faded back to its own reflective surface, showing Eragon an image of himself and Arya standing next to each other. He gave a long sigh and plopped on his bed, already tired. Arya sat near him on the bed and asked, "So who is it that you wished to visit?"
"Horst's sons, his wife is expecting a baby and I promised that I would try to be there when she gives birth to help out. And after that I was considering a visit with Angela, but I think I'll pass on that for the time being. I suppose after I visit Horst's family I'll just go talk to a few others such as Jeod, and then go for a walk in the nearby trees."
"Well then let's go," Arya said and stood up. She beckoned to him and walked out of the tent. He grunted slightly, not exactly wanting to get up off the bed, but in the end his desire to spend time with Arya overcame his spontaneous laziness and he got up and followed her out of the tent.
Blodhgarm and the eleven other elves spread out around Eragon and Arya protectively. For the first time Eragon noticed just how much space he occupied when moving from one place to another. At least three quarters of the width of a passage was occupied by Eragon and his guards, something that made him feel a little bit guilty.
As they entered the Carvahall portion of camp Eragon asked one of the villagers where Horst had his tent set up. It took him and his companions only a few moments to reach the tent that they had been directed to, at which time Eragon knocked on the pole.
"Who is it?" came a female voice from inside.
"Eragon," Eragon said.
"Oh, Eragon come in please," Eragon realized that it was Elain who was talking. He gave a quick nod to Blodhgarm before entering the tent, Arya followed.
Elain sat at a table knitting a blanket next to one of her sons, whom Eragon recognized as Baldor. The tent was very disorganized, but Eragon paid no heed. Elain motioned to a pair of chairs opposite from her and Baldor, Eragon and Arya sat down quickly.
"So," Elain said. "What do we owe the pleasure of this visit Eragon, and…who might you be?" she nodded in Arya's direction.
"I'm Arya Shadeslayer, the elves' ambassador," Arya said simply. Eragon noticed Baldor eyeing her oddly. He didn't exactly blame him; Arya was easily the most beautiful woman for five hundred leagues in any direction.
"And what does the elven ambassador require from us?" Baldor asked, assuming that she wanted something.
"Why is it that you assume I desire anything? I'm just accompanying Eragon, he wanted to see you." Eragon noticed Arya growing slightly defensive. It bemused him how even some random villagers from Carvahall were able to annoy the great princess of the elves.
"Indeed," Eragon confirmed. "I promised Horst that I would do my best to assist in your pregnancy and to check up on you every so often."
"Oh," Elain said, clearly surprised by the statement. Eragon deduced that Horst hadn't informed her that Eragon was going to help out, something that puzzled Eragon greatly. Perhaps he was going to reveal the surprise when she gave birth to give her some sort of hope…ah I don't have a clue.
Eragon was sitting with one hand on the table and one hand on his right thigh. He glanced to Arya briefly as he felt her hand slide over his gently, creating a strange sense of anticipation from Eragon. He consented to the touch and gripped her hand loosely, pleased with the contact.
"I have a few questions for you, Eragon," Baldor said, seeming to speak to him as if he was more of an old friend instead of the Lead Rider. That gift alone made Eragon smile slightly. He gave a brief nod to encourage Baldor to continue and the man said, "I would like to clear up a rumor or two, and also ask you why you have seemed so sad lately. I've talked to many of the villagers and everyone has said that in the past few days you have been a different person than the one we knew from Carvahall and the Burning Planes."
Eragon's smile disappeared, for now he was forced to discuss Oromis and Glaedr again. He gave Arya's hand a quick squeeze and waved his hand slightly, an image of the dragon and rider appeared in a bowl of water that was in the middle of the table. He said, "My mentors were killed in Gil'ead some few days ago, at the same time Arya and I killed Varaug. They were the last dragon and rider besides me and Saphira; it has been a trying time."
"I'm sorry to hear that," Baldor said, hiding his shock at there being another rider. He moved on quickly from the subject and said, "I feel a bit awkward saying this, but the Varden say that you are married, is that true?"
Arya sighed slightly, but didn't seem all that irritated with the question. After what had occurred in Nasuada's tent that morning it was to be expected. Eragon said, "No. We aren't even together for that matter, and elves don't believe in marriage."
"They don't?" Elain questioned, surprised. Among humans a marriage was a huge part of a woman's life.
"Elves," Arya answered. "Take mates for however long they deem fit."
"Strange," Baldor remarked.
"From a certain perspective, perhaps," Arya admitted.
Eragon noticed Elain studying him with an odd intensity. He raised his eyebrow at her, causing her to say, "I have seen many relationships develop, prosper, or fail. I find it hard to believe that you feel nothing for each other. From everything I've seen and heard you would be considered married amongst the humans by the way you act."
"Of course there are feelings between us," Arya said, clearly amused by Elain's claim. She added, "But those are feelings of friendship and trust, not of love. Can we move on from the topic of Eragon and me? We have already said that we aren't together, what more do you require?"
"I'm sorry for appearing so persistent," Elain apologized, although Eragon gathered that she wasn't entirely sorry. She had meant to act that way, and he wondered what she had hoped to accomplish through her actions.
Eragon and Arya answered a few more of Baldor's questions, an activity that had seemingly become habit as of late, before excusing themselves from Elain and Baldor. The pair wandered throughout the Varden together, accompanied by their guards. After a short time Eragon and Arya found themselves in a group of trees. Their guards retreated to a far more discreet distance, thinking that they wished to be left alone.
"We can't stay long," Eragon said regretfully. The sun was beginning to descend and they knew that Nasuada expected them at the celebration in the evening. They continued to walk slowly, hand in hand, past many of the animals and plants littered throughout the swath.
They came upon a group of wolves gathered around a single wolf that was lying on its side. Eragon released Arya's hand and approached the wolves tentatively. From behind him Arya said, "Be careful, Eragon."
When the wolves turned to look at Eragon he whispered, "Eka eddyr ai fricai." They tore their hungry glares off of him and returned them to the fallen wolf. Eragon knelt next to two magnificent wolves, whom he assumed to be the parents. He examined the wolf and found out that it had been bitten deeply on its belly, and it was close to death.
One of the wolves nudged him slightly, willing him to do something to save the animal. Eragon couldn't just sit there and let the wolf die before him. He placed his hand over the wound and murmured, "Waise heil." The wound immediately healed and life again returned to the fallen wolf.
Eragon knew that the other wolves didn't understand exactly what he had done, but they knew he had saved their companion. One of the wolves next to him licked him on the face gently, causing a tingling sensation to run down Eragon's spine. He decided it was time to go so he stood up and began walking away, but was surprised when the wolves followed.
Arya gave him a strange look, but he just shrugged and smiled slightly, pleased that animals were so easy to get along with now that his powers had increased so much. He again grasped Arya's hand, and accompanied by the seven wolves they walked back to the Varden, heading towards the celebration.
When they arrived at the Varden's gates the wolves growled at one of the guards, who drew his sword, shocked by the animals' presence. "No," Eragon commanded. He turned to the wolves and motioned with his hand towards the human, "Fricai." The wolves backed down and returned to their position beside Eragon. He grinned at the guard as the man's mouth fell open out of amazement at Eragon's abilities.
Eragon repeated 'Fricai' each time one of the wolves appeared to be a bit agitated, and soon they had abandoned growling at the nearby humans, so long as Eragon was near them.
He wondered where his guards had run off to, but he assumed that it must have been their duty to get enough Faelnirv for the celebration so they were creating some with magic. He smiled at the thought of how everyone had reacted to the drink earlier in the day. Eragon told Arya what he thought about the guards going missing and she confirmed it, saying that she had told them to go make the liquor.
They finally arrived at the courtyard, Eragon's seven wolves still following. The man managing the guests smiled at them and said, "Ah, Shadeslayers, your seats are over there." He motioned with his hand towards a six person table, two seats were empty. The other four seats were occupied by Nasuada, Orrin, Jormundur, and Narheim. There were couples dancing on a massive dance floor that had been laid out. Eragon noticed his guards scattered around in pairs throughout the gathering, watching for any suspicious behavior. There was also a music group in the corner singing and playing their instruments, entertaining a large portion of the people.
Eragon and Arya walked over to their table and sat down side by side. The table was triangular and on each side sat two people. Nasuada and Orrin sat together while Narheim and Jormundur sat on the third set of seats. Eragon grinned as the wolves laid down around the table protectively.
Guilt flowed through Eragon as he noticed Saphira drinking a barrel of mead. He hadn't even noticed her until then. She said to him, Don't worry about me, enjoy your evening with Arya.
I will, he said, smiling slightly.
"What's with the wolves?" Orrin asked, betraying a hint of unease at their presence.
Eragon shrugged and said simply, "I healed one of them and they seemed to want to follow me. They won't hurt anyone as long as I'm near them so don't worry about them." Eragon smiled at the king's confused expression. Never in any tale did wolves willingly follow someone around like a dog would.
"Strange," Narheim remarked, seemingly unperturbed by the creatures. Eragon quickly noticed why. There was a large bottle, one quarter full, of Faelnirv next to the dwarf. He couldn't have been afraid even if he had wanted to.
"You did a remarkable job organizing this," Arya said to Nasuada. Eragon was surprised; he had rarely heard Arya praise Nasuada's actions.
"Thank you, Arya."
Eragon noticed dozens of women looking at him, obviously eager to get a shot with the great Shadeslayer. He sighed slightly, depressed that he would have to likely hurt more feelings that evening by declining them all. Jormundur noticed and said, "What's wrong, Eragon?"
"Nothing," he said, smiling once again. He motioned with a hand towards the general direction of a few women and added, "I can already see dozens of them watching me, waiting for their chance. It is rather annoying."
"Most men would enjoy that," Nasuada remarked, obviously a bit surprised by Eragon's increased maturity. He noticed Arya watching him carefully as he spoke.
Eragon said, "Perhaps, but not me." Out of the corner of his eye Eragon noticed Blodhgarm murmuring to the lead singer of the music group in between one of his songs. He looked at Arya and she shrugged, she had noticed it as well.
A moment later the singer shouted, "Could I please have your attention?" He waited until everyone had grown quiet and was watching him. "Upon a request from the elven government, the next song is dedicated to the only two living beings to have ever survived slaying shades, Eragon and Arya Shadeslayer. These two have managed to slay two shades, not alone, but by working together as a team."
Eragon let out a bark of laughter and said quickly, "This must be Islanzadi's doing, let's hope it's not what I think it is." Arya nodded, thinking the same thing. Everyone had stopped what they were doing to hear the song in honor of the Shadeslayers.
Search for the answers I knew all along
I lost myself, we all fall down
Never the wiser of what I've become
Alone I stand, a broken man
All I have is one last chance
I won't turn my back on you
Take my hand, drag me down
If you fall then I will too
And I can't save what's left of you
Sing something new
I have nothing left
I can't face the dark without you
there's nothing left to lose
The fight never ends
I can't face the dark without you
Follow me under and pull me apart
I understand there's nothing left
Pain so familiar and close to the heart
No more, no less, I won't forget
Come back down save your self
I can't find my way to you
And I can't bare and face the truth
Sing something new
I have nothing left
I can't face the dark without you
there's nothing left to lose
The fight never ends
I can't face the dark without you
I wanted to forget
I'm trying to forget
don't leave me here again
I'm with you forever, the end
Sing something new
I have nothing left
I can't face the dark without you
there's nothing left to lose
The fight never ends
I can't face the dark without you
Holding the hand that holds me down
I forgive you, forget you, the end
Holding the hand that holds me down
I forgive you, forget you, the end
The group received a standing ovation from the crowd, including the elves, who were very difficult to impress with music. There was only one word to describe the song, "Beautiful," Eragon whispered. Even Eragon's wolves stood up and howled happily.
Arya laughed at the wolves slightly. Both she and Eragon personally thanked the music group for their performance, to which they replied with the customary 'it was our pleasure' line, but Eragon could tell they were honored to perform for them.
Many more couples began to flock to the dance floor as time passed, including Nasuada and Orrin, much to Eragon, Arya, and Jormundur's surprise. Eragon watched them with a hint of amusement. It was obvious that Orrin liked Nasuada, but he wasn't sure about Nasuada liking him.
Eragon had been trying to work up the guts to ask Arya to dance all night, but he wasn't able to pose the question. Eventually he noticed her giving him a strange look. She asked, "What is it?"
He thought for a moment, considering how to reply. "Fuck it," (Oooh Bourne quote, what now?!) he blurted out. "Would you like to dance with me, Arya?"
She raised her eyebrows and smiled slightly. "Of course I would, Eragon."
That went well, he remarked to Saphira.
Yes, but don't make a mistake now, you must tread carefully. Eragon detected a hint of uncertainty in her voice, meaning her usually unmatched logic was being affected, likely by the barrels of mead she had been consuming.
I'll keep that in mind, and I think maybe you shouldn't do anything like attempting to bow again, it didn't turn out so well last time. She hissed slightly, not loud enough for a human to hear but Eragon noticed it. He grinned, feeling accomplished.
He and Arya began dancing in the center of the floor, not too far from Nasuada and Orrin. Eragon nodded slightly to them and they smiled in return, Orrin shot him a victorious look. He shook his head ever so slightly as if to tell him to shut up and he wasn't correct.
Eragon could tell that Arya was impressed by his skill at dancing, and her surprise was warranted. He had never actually learned to dance nor had he danced with anyone before. She said, "You dance quite well, Eragon."
"I'm surprising myself too," he admitted with a slight grin. Out of the corner of his eye he noticed Trianna staring at Arya with an unblinking stare, daring her to do anything to Eragon. He whispered to the elf, "There are many humans jealous of you, but Trianna looks ready to kill."
Eragon led Arya a bit and turned slightly, as if it was part of their dance, so she could see Trianna's expression. He saw her smile at him once her face was out of the sorceress's view.
Nasuada, off to the side, gave Orrin a quick kiss before they left the dance floor and returned to their table. Many of the Varden cheered at the kiss, and then their eyes fell on the dancing Shadeslayers. They crowded around the now semi populated dance floor and started chanting, "Kiss!"
"Kiss!"
"Kiss!"
"Kiss!"
Eragon looked at Arya with a hopeless expression. He quickly reached out to Saphira and asked desperately, Saphira?
Yes?
Help?
No.
Useless.
Coward.
Traitor.
You.
This is hopeless! He exclaimed and withdrew from the dragon's mind without another word. Eragon noticed Arya getting more and more angry at the people's actions towards them. He said mentally, We're not going to get out of here without appeasing them, or hurting them. What should we do?
She took a moment to reply, obviously thinking hard about the possibilities. Eragon was surprised when she said, It's not that I would be embarrassed for kissing you, Eragon. It's just I wouldn't want it to ever happen under these circumstances, it isn't their choice if we kiss or not.
I agree, so what do we do?
We don't have any options, Arya said, frustrated. The crowd was drunk on Faelnirv and it would be nearly impossible to escape without harming people, well at least without Saphira's help. What about Saphira? She asked.
She has decided that this is amusing and won't come to our aid. I tried already.
Eragon felt anger course through Arya at the statement. She said, Fine let's get this over with. Just a simple kiss, nothing more.
Nothing more, he repeated.
His heart quickened as Arya began to lean in slightly, going through with their plan. He mirrored her movements and their lips brushed for a moment. The sensation was invigorating and it brought new life to Eragon's mind, but what surprised him was how willingly Arya had gone through with the gesture. In the past she would have done anything possible to avoid such an occurrence.
As quickly as the moment began it was ended as they backed away, staring into each other's eyes with awkward stares. The crowd cheered jubilantly in victory, thinking that they had just proved their rumor true. Eragon was relieved when they finally made a path for him and Arya to return to their table in peace, but not without dozens of shouts coming from people.
When they arrived and sat down Nasuada gave them an amused look, and Orrin smiled slightly. The king said, "I'm starting to think I wasn't so far off with my assumption. How was it?"
"How was what?" Arya asked, not understanding what the human meant.
"The kiss, obviously," Orrin said.
"It was a kiss." Arya wasn't giving the king any room to work with.
"What Orrin means is did you like it?" Nasuada filled in for him, shocking Eragon with their forwardness.
"And I should tell you that, why?"
"I'll take that as you liked it," Orrin said, a victorious gleam in his eye.
"In that case I ask you the same question, how was your little kiss. Unlike us, you actually meant something with that kiss. What is it between the two of you?" Eragon grinned at Arya's way of reversing the conversation. She was amazing with words.
Her attempt failed as Orrin waved his hand dismissively and said, "Unlike the two of you, Nasuada and I aren't afraid to admit that we fancy each other."
"I am not afraid of admitting that I am Arya's friend," Eragon interjecting, helping Arya out. "But it would be a lie to say that we fancy each other." Arya nodded in support of the statement and in thanks to Eragon. One of Eragon's wolves howled and Eragon tossed him a strip of meat, quieting the animal. He said, "I take my leave. I am tired and wish to return to my tent, goodbye Nasuada, Orrin, Arya, Narheim, and Garzvhog."
"I take my leave as well," Arya added, standing up next to Eragon. He noticed a slight smile cross Orrin's face, but he paid it no heed as he and Arya walked out together.
On his way out Eragon said to Saphira, Arya and I are returning to our tents, I suppose you'll want to stay here and get drunk, just remember to cut off the connection a bit so I can rest.
Of course, Eragon. Have a nice evening, although I think you already did.
Shut up.
Why? Didn't you like it?
Of course I did.
Eragon! Arya exclaimed in his mind. Redness flooded his cheeks as he realized Saphira had included Arya in their conversation, embarrassing him in front of her.
Saphira, why must you do this to me? Eragon asked with despair, knowing Arya would likely be angry at him for his feelings. The dragon withdrew from contact, leaving Eragon and Arya still linked. He decided to take a risk and ask her, in the ancient language, Well what did you expect? Did you enjoy it?
Eragon felt her trying to say no, but the ancient language stopped her in her tracks, rendering her silent. Finally, Yes, I suppose I did.
Then don't get mad at me for feeling the same way, he smiled at her and didn't press the topic anymore. He had no desire to make her question herself, he just wanted to save himself some trouble.
Eragon realized that Arya was no longer following him. He turned around and saw her looking downwards, a tear in her eye. As if she could tell he was concerned she said in no more than a whisper, "When you kissed me…I thought that for a moment you were Faolin, and you had come back to be with me again. He was everything to me, Eragon. You know that."
Tears began to fall down Arya's smooth face. Eragon held her close and let her rest her head on his chest, somewhat protecting her public image of an emotionless warrior. When they reached their tents Eragon noticed none of the elves outside, they were still at the party. He didn't mind, he knew nothing would happen anyway.
To Arya Eragon said, "We're here. Do you want to go to your tent or talk to me about it?" She urged him on towards the direction of his tent's entrance, telling him that she wanted to talk.
Inside his tent Eragon let go of Arya and allowed her to sit where she want. The elf took the liberty of lying down on his bed and giving him a sad stare. He pulled a chair up and sat next to the bed, watching her. She finally said, "Faolin was always there for me. His absence has been the hardest experience of my life, even more difficult than my separation from my mother. What makes it worse is that I still have memories of my torture at Durza's hands," Eragon's ears perked up slightly, she had never told anyone the details of what Durza had done to her before. "He found out about my love for Faolin through my mental barriers. Many times he would disguise himself as Faolin and, at first, talk kindly to me, making me think that Faolin was there to rescue me, but then he would cut or whip me in some cruel and unnatural method, still in the guise of Faolin. The experience was so terrible that I nearly lost my mind multiple times."
Anger threatened to dominate Eragon as he heard Arya continue to confide in him. He noticed the tears were now falling freely and endlessly down her cheeks. She continued by saying, "Not only that, but he would also spend hours and hours, even days, telling me about how he had tortured Faolin and how he had cried for mercy before Durza had killed him. At first I knew it wasn't true, for I had seen Faolin die alongside me, but as the days melted into weeks, and I kept hearing the same stories, they began to sound true to me. I'm not sure you understand what it would be like to think of your mate as a coward and traitor."
Eragon shook his head ruefully, unable to imagine what it would be like if Arya was turned against him. Even thought she wasn't his mate, she was the closest thing he had and would likely ever have. He stayed silent for he wasn't able to come up with anything to say to her at that point. She reached out and cupped his face saying, "And then you came, Eragon. You saved me from utter misery and torment, and you probably saved the elves and dragons as well in the process, for as you know I was about to be transported to Uru'baen."
"I have to admit," Eragon said, trying to smile slightly, "That I can't think of something that I am gladder that I did than that. You may not know this, Arya, but you are my only true friend, Saphira aside. Everyone else knows me for what I am, not who I am."
"I didn't know that," she admitted. Arya quickly continued, eager to confide in Eragon and relieve some of her stress, "Eragon, you know this, but you are the only person I have ever confided in, ever, except for Faolin. Without you I would be completely lost and miserable. I need you there for me; my mother doesn't quite cut it."
"And I will always be there for you, Arya," Eragon promised, easing her stress slightly. He clasped one of her hands in his own and gave a small smile, causing her to do the same.
After a moments indecision he pressed against her mind and she allowed him in. He sifted through her recent thoughts and saw first hand what she had been talking about, how she had been tortured by Durza. Nobody else had ever seen or heard about those memories, it made him feel special.
When neither he nor Arya spoke for a reasonable span of time he helped her up and guided her to her tent, saying, "Everything will be alright, Arya. Don't forget that I am always there to help you."
"Thank you, Eragon, for everything. You have done so much for me," Arya said; her tears had reduced in intensity.
"I would gladly do more for you, you just have to ask," he whispered. Arya nodded slightly and he left her in her tent, hoping that she would be fine.
Eragon returned to his tent, removed his tunic and long pants, and climbed into his bed. He fell into his waking dreams promptly, thoughts of Arya filling his head. He thought about how she had confided in him, how she had agreed to their kiss, and how desperate for companionship she seemed.
One of Eragon's spells woke him up a short time later. He had designed the spell to wake him if someone entered his tent while he was asleep. "Brisingr rauhdr," he muttered, creating a very soft red werelight above the bed.
"Arya?" he asked as he saw the figure. She was dressed in a soft nightgown, and she still looked sad.
"I couldn't sleep," she explained. "So I thought I might come and see you, that is, if you don't mind."
Eragon sat up slightly and said, "Of course I don't mind. You can come to me anytime, what is it that you need?"
"I don't know," she admitted, a tear fell from her eye.
He leaned back, extinguishing the red werelight. To Arya he said, "Do what you feel necessary, I will be here for you."
Surprise filled him as he felt the bed tilt slightly to one side and then return to its original position, meaning someone had just laid on it. Arya moved over to Eragon's side on the bed and wrapped one of her arms around him, nuzzling her head into his chest affectionately.
What the…? He thought with amazement.
Eragon didn't press the matter, Arya had her reasons for whatever she did, so he simply consented and wrapped one of his arms around her, holding her closely. He once again fell towards his waking dreams, this time with Arya by his side.