Time Flies…
The days that followed passed far to quickly for their liking, though they made the best of the time they had.
Whether they were working with the new Riders and their dragons, or engaged in some other matter – picking a name for their new stronghold, for example, Eragon and Arya were never apart for more than a few minutes at a time.
They spent the nights in either Eragon's or Arya's quarters – either talking, or simply enjoying each other's company...
During the second night of Arya's stay – which they spent in Eragon's quarters, Arya asked after the 'Eldunari' that had been rescued from Galbatorix's citadel… During the next hour, Eragon told her about several of the conversations he'd had with some of the newly- liberated 'Eldunari': It had been a rather grim two- hours…
Then Eragon began to describe the ways in which he'd begun to help them recover – and methods he intended to use, when the opportunity arose...
Once he'd explained that Galbatorix was dead – and that they were free, Eragon had begun to tell the 'Eldunari' of the task he had undertaken: To build a new stronghold, and restore the Riders to what they had been in the centuries before Galbatorix. Then – desperate to find some way to help the tortured- 'Hearts', Eragon offered to find some way in which they could help in the Rebuilding of Their Order…
Flashback: The moment Eragon had voiced his idea, all of the newly- liberated 'Eldunari' who remained– even a few of those still asking to have their 'Eldunari' smashed – stopped speaking… and turned their attention to Eragon: Many of them had been so far- gone, that the idea that they could help to repair the damage Galbatorix had forced them to inflict had never occurred to them…
The idea was enough to chase all thoughts of 'Entering the Void' from their minds, and they began insisting that they start immediately…
That news had brightened the mood in the room considerably, and deepened Arya's feeling of satisfaction – when she thought of the previous night…
At the start of their third night together, Arya told Eragon that she was pregnant…
Several expressions flashed across Eragon's face in quick succession: Surprise, than a flicker of uncertainty – as though wondering if he'd heard her correctly… Finally, a combination of awe, wonder – and all of the other emotions that Arya herself felt…
The main topic of conversation that night had been possible names for their child… To their mutual surprise and delight, they discovered that they were both drawn to the same two names:
If they had a son, his name would be 'Evandar' – after Arya's father…
If they had a daughter, her name would be 'Selena' – after Eragon's mother.
Curiously, Arya had asked Eragon to explain his reasons, Eragon had replied, "A child is like a flower that has yet to bloom – Full of life, and potential. During his rein, Galbatorix set many fields aflame… burning countless flowers, and leaving deep scars. I would not want to look on the face of a child, and see the scars of the last person to carry their name." –– Arya nodded; She herself had been thinking along similar lines…
On the fourth day, Arya and Firnen prepared to return to Ellesmera: Eragon, Saphira, their students, and the other elves came to see them off – and wish them fair- winds.
Neither of Arya or Firnen was 'pleased' to be leaving, though this separation was not nearly as hard as the last one had been: They could send and receive letters – as before, and they could visit – either for business, or pleasure…
Arya glanced back – to check that the chest with the (four) dragon- eggs, which she was bringing back with her, was secure. As she did, her hand drifted down to rest on her lower- belly, 'And this time," she thought, "We will not be entirely apart…"
END