bit of fluff in this chapter, hope u enjoy it:D
claimer:i own most of this ..whatever...CP owns some other parts too ...whatever...
:D
42.-Fear of a huntress
We padded along the concealed pathways, exploring the strange and beautiful city. Even though they were preparing to fight the atmosphere was still relaxed and peaceful when the road was devoid of passers-by. I felt more at-peace than I had in months, but a small twinge of anxiety lingered at the back of my mind, reminding me that not everything is always as it seems, and peace could turn to danger in a blink of an eye.
Maybe after we eat we should find out where they're keeping Eragon and see if he's alright, I suggested to my companions, Faolan walking beside his brother instead of astride him.
Don't you think we should go see Eragon first, remember that we're not allowed to bring meat back here for some unknown reason, so our hunt might be a while, Dorran thought back, his onyx eyes regarding mine silently.
I shrugged, as you wish, I replied mockingly, and made my way over to one of the elves that were playing instruments in the trees above.
Excuse me, but do you happen to know where Eragon is? I asked the one nearest the ground, which had to be a good twenty feet above the grass below.
The elf looked down, startled, but when he realized that a dragon was talking to him he straightened up and leapt down in one fluid movement, landing gracefully on the soft soil in front of me.
"Of course, Bjartskular, I would be honored to escort you and your companions to the healers' rooms. If you would just follow me…" his voice was clear and supported the same tenor as the flute he had been playing. His unusual blonde hair glinted gold in the sunlight as he glided through the trees, Dorran, Faolan and I following, keeping pace easily.
"I am Boden, and if you do not mind me asking, what are your names, great dragons and rider?" he directed the question to all of us, but his eyes never left mine, his gaze intense, as if he were staring into my very essence. I shifted uncomfortably and answered his question, trying to sway his stare.
Dorran and Faolan stated their names in the like and Boden smiled, his teeth glinting white and his tawny eyes sparkling. I shook my head and carried on walking and we soon emerged in a large garden, the ground was strewn with so many sweet smelling, and vibrantly colored flowers that it was impossible to see even a miniscule trace of grass beneath the plentiful hordes.
"These are the adjacent gardens, the flowers here rely on our magic to survive and they are in season all year round." I stared awestruck, then picked my way through the continuous plants, attempting to avoid squishing them with my talons. The trees started to thicken until I realized that we had entered upon a hall, the trees entwining to create solid walls of wood. The trees on the inside of the wall had been stripped of their bark and polished to gleam like amber, a few gaps in the thick trunks acted as windows, allowing honey-colored light to filter through.
"This is Tialdarí hall, no two rooms are the same, here you would stay were you not dragons and rider."
It is magnificent, I whispered, projecting my thoughts around the room. Elves that were sitting, playing instruments, or challenging each other in games looked up, their beautiful faces seeming to light up as they saw us. They all stood and made the strange gesture, touching their first two fingers to their lips in greeting, and then bowing towards us, their faces beaming with happiness.
Boden led us to a room that was covered in different assorted herbs and plants, the greenery covering the entire space, including the floors and ceiling. Against one of the sweet smelling walls was a bed where Eragon laid, his face peaceful and unmoving. Saphira lay beside him, her face anxious and talons scraping up the soft and lush undergrowth.
How is he? I asked her, making my way over to lay next to her, her form larger than mine, my head ending a couple of inches beneath her jaw. She closed her eyes and let out a puff of smoke, her head reached down and her muzzle brushed against mine, he is getting better now that he is here, thank goodness, but if you hadn't found us last night there is no doubt that we would be dead. Thank you for all that you have done, Kalanie.
I blinked in surprise, it was just my healers' instincts kicking in, just kind of like a reflex I guess, there is no need to thank me, it was what I was brought up to do, I rambled, I didn't particularly feel at ease with people thanking me, I don't know why, but it just makes me uncomfortable.
Dorran came over and lay down next to me, the feel of his scales against mine comforting, Faolan came and sat on the earth, leaning against his brothers' side.
"The healers say there is nothing more they can do now but wait and see if he recovers, the strange dark mark on his chest has faded slightly so he is hopefully recovering. If you want, I could send someone to get you if we notice any change in his state so that you do not have to wait around here." Boden suggested, attempting to be helpful, his ocher eyes wide and eager to please.
I glanced over to Saphira, if you do not mind we are in desperate need of a good hunt seeing as no one caught anything this morning, you are welcome to join us if you want, I added, trying to take her mind off of her unconscious rider.
She shook her great sapphire head, thank you for inviting me, but I must decline, my place is with my rider and he needs me now more than ever. Go and eat your fill, I will survive on the fruits the elves provide. One side of her lip pulled back in a half-smile, but the movement was only half-hearted and it didn't reach her duller-than-normal eyes.
I stood, brushing my muzzle against her cheek on the way up, and padded out of the room, Dorran close behind and Faolan behind him, talking to Boden.
We reached the garden and I spread my wings, circling them slowly to loosen the muscles. I looked back to see the others watching me with wide eyes, their expressions stunned. What? I asked in annoyance, I was eager to be up in the sky and stretching my wings, and their mindless expressions were starting to get on my nerves.
It's nothing, it's just that…you look beautiful, Dorran thought, and then when he realized what he said he turned his eyes away in embarrassment. The others looked down too, Faolan's face ashamed and Boden's was red, the sight of which was terribly amusing, I'd never seen an elf blush before.
I shook my head, ignoring what had been said, although deep down something stirred in side of me, the likes of which was alien and unfamiliar to me. I turned around and unfolded my wings to their full length, brushed them down, then pushed off from the ground, the exotic flowers stirring beneath the gusts of warm tropical wind.
I propelled myself into the sky, relishing the feel of being free once again. Dorran followed with Faolan on his back once again, and we made our way deeper into the forest and away from the vegetarian city. How should we hunt? I asked, circling around a patch of trees that looked thin enough to be able to break through and land.
As wolves, it will be easier in this thick forest, Faolan replied, leaning forward on his brothers back, ready to jump off and start running.
I nodded and dove down, my form vibrating as I went with excitement, this would be the first time I hunted in full consciousness, and the idea of that sent a sudden thrill through me. I broke through the canopy and landed softly, Dorran following right behind me and Faolan vaulting off his back and sprinting into the trees with a sudden wild excitement. I made to follow him in but stopped short, remembering all of the other times I had hunted. What if the predatory side took over again and I ended up killing one of the brothers, or even a wondering elf. The thought made my body freeze, fear overcoming me, what's wrong? Dorran's voice entered my mind, concern toning his words.
I turned and looked deep into his onyx eyes, what if I lose my mind again and end up hurting one of you? I could never forgive myself. My voice drifted off and I looked away, unable to face him after voicing one of my fears.
I startled as I felt a strong hand stroke my cheek, and looked down to see Dorran in his human form, his intense black eyes boring into mine, as if trying to communicate something more.
I morphed and looked up at him, I felt as if I was going to cry, his understanding expression meant much to me, but I found myself unable to shed a tear, I supposed that the knowledge that I was to help save the empire had finally sunk in and I knew that crying would do nothing to help it.
I had someone to tell my fears to, and I knew he would listen and comprehend my feelings, and that fact made relief flow through me, and I realized that before then I had felt as if I couldn't trust anyone, as if I was apart from the world.
Don't worry; you will always be able to trust me, I will always be here for you, and I will let no harm ever befall you. I lov-
Before he could finish his sentence a crashing sound resounded around the trees and a huge red mass emerged from the greenery.
It was Thorn, he had found us.
awww, poor Dorran..so close...:D Thorn's back...yay? anyway..
PLEASE REVIEW!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
-Firesilk:D
