13. Compromise
The next morning found the group consisting of Eragon and Arya, Murtagh and Nasuada, Willow and Varhog, and Angela and Solembum ready to depart for the Urgal village near Lake Fläm. The dragons met them in the sprawling courtyard. Each twosome mounted their respective dragon, leaving Fírnen to fly alone for the first leg, as Eragon and Arya wished to be together.
The dragons departed in a great flurry of colorful wings and bursts of wind. Their farewell party consisted of Elva, Jeod Longshanks and his wife Helen, Nasuada's war advisor Jörmundur and his family, and a few royal servants, who waved until they were out of sight.
When they had been flying about an hour, Eragon noticed Thorn begin to rise high above the rest of the dragons. Somewhat concerned, he asked Saphira, including Arya in his conversation, Do you know if Thorn is well?
Saphira did not immediately respond but first asked Thorn to learn the answer to Eragon's question. When she did reply, it was with indulgent amusement. Thorn said, 'My riders wish to mate on my back.'
Eragon was so surprised by the response that he scoffed. But upon sensing that Saphira was serious, his skepticism gave way to mirth, and he let out a loud laugh that carried far on the wind. I wonder if this is the 'most interesting compromise' Murtagh mentioned last night at dinner.
Arya also seemed delighted by the prospect. Why didn't I ever think of that? That's a really good idea! Leave it to Nasuada to come up with all the fun. She turned to look at Eragon, eyeing him suggestively.
Eragon returned her look with one of disbelief. Really, my love? Would you not get cold?
Not with the heat of your passion to warm me, Arya insisted. And all of the spells we are using to divert the strongest wind.
And you wouldn't be embarrassed by Saphira's unavoidable observation of it?
Now it was Arya's turn to scoff. Both of our dragons have witnessed us making love before! And she has already experienced most of it through your mind! Besides, she understands the fire in my belly and the iron in my bones. Isn't that how you once put it, Saphira?
Yes, little one. And the fire in your belly for Eragon almost exceeds the fire in my own belly, as intensified as it is with your youngling growing inside of you. I sometimes wonder if his is sufficient to match yours, which is saying something, considering I know how much he burned for you all those years. I would consider it a great honor if you brought him that happiness on my very back.
Eragon bristled at Saphira's jab to his manliness. So now I must prove my passion for Arya to you, privy as you have always been to it? Is that it? Well, I can't have you thinking me a cool, listless fop. At least fly away a bit to give us some privacy from the others.
Saphira rumbled her approbation and obliged by turning and flapping far enough away that they were out of sight of the other dragons, or their Riders at least. Once they were sufficiently distant, Arya twisted completely around, lifting one leg between them so she could face him. Then she wrapped both legs behind him so Eragon was encircled in them. She smiled eagerly, and a few wisps of hair that had escaped her now-customary flying braid fluttered around their faces, but it didn't bother Eragon.
Arya was clearly anxious to begin, for she did not allow Eragon to be soft and tender. She began swiftly undressing him, ordering Eragon to unclothe them as quickly as he could. So he did, stowing their clothing in a saddlebag within reach.
Eragon worried about the cold again, but Saphira demanded, Can you not feel the fever in her skin, you dimwit! You can do better than this!
Leave me! he growled.
Arya did not mind if I observed.
How can I do better with you constantly distracting me? Get out of my head!
Saphira snorted but withdrew enough to let Eragon focus on Arya, continuing to hum her approval of the situation to show she wasn't upset.
Arya echoed the sound, purring her pleasure in Eragon's ear. "You're doing fine, darling."
But in spite of their reassurances, Eragon was determined to pleasure Arya more fiercely than ever before to prove himself her equal in passion. This he most certainly did. After a time, when the lack of relief must have become nearly painful, Arya grabbed his head and cried, "Please, Eragon! I can bear it no longer!"
Eragon turned his face, exulting in the heaving of her chest and the pounding of her heart. This was the first time she had ever begged for him to cease. How was that! he challenged Saphira.
I will never again question the fire in your belly, little one, Saphira humbly responded, though Eragon sensed her teasing tone. See how Arya trembles in your arms? Beware though. Having now tasted the true extent of your passion, she will not likely settle for any less in the future.
Your deep, rumbling approval served only to intensify everything, Eragon acknowledged. So thank you, I suppose. Perhaps I would not be as formidable on my own.
No, Eragon. Arya truly was helpless in your clutches. Although as far as I am concerned, you are welcome to do that on my back whenever you wish. Sharing in your happiness is an honor I do not fail to recognize. And Fírnen agrees.
Eragon laughed. Should it be strange that we can speak so openly of this, or that Arya and I are content to be in your presence during our expression of physical love? He knew the answer as he spoke. His and Saphira's minds were so intimately connected that even when Saphira was miles away, she could feel what he felt when he loved Arya in this way, just as he always sensed what Saphira was feeling when she was with Fírnen.
I suppose it would seem strange to someone who does not understand the pure nature of our intimate bond, Saphira replied. Our relationship has always been one of the love of friendship and trust, but never passionate love. How ridiculous would that be! And because of the intimate nature of knowing one another's minds, it would be foolishness to think that we could hide feelings as deep as these from the other. Even more laughable is the idea that we would be ashamed the other is aware of them. These feelings and expressions are nothing to be ashamed of, nothing we should keep from the ones nearest and dearest to us. I always thought it regrettable that so many humans kept such discussions so private, almost viewing them as shameful and inappropriate. What kind of an impression does that give the younglings?
Eragon had struck a chord without even meaning to. He gazed up at Arya and smiled as they continued listening to Saphira's rant. Then they grow up believing that the feelings that naturally build in them as they mature, urging them toward the finding of a mate and the establishment of a family, are somehow wrong and must be ignored or suppressed. Yes, I can see how it is essential that they be controlled until the right moment, as you demonstrated before your marriage with Arya, but to grow up thinking they are wrong is wrong. Plain wrong.
I feel to agree with you, though I hadn't given it much thought until now, Eragon said. As recently as I personally experienced this, I remember all too well the feelings of shame and embarrassment whenever I was curious about intimate expressions of love. One quickly learns not to ask such questions when they are met with shock, shaming, and scolding. I can see how it would be easier to grow up with an open, honest understanding of this topic.
Exactly! Saphira fervently agreed. I am glad you understand my meaning. Now perhaps you can teach your own young ones to have a healthier, more realistic view of it than you yourself did.
That I will, Eragon promised. And I know Arya agrees. She nodded that she did. You know of all the frank lessons she has given me about the true nature of things and how that has dispelled so many superstitious misconceptions I held. Having an honest understanding of things brings confidence and empowerment.
Yes, little one, Saphira approved. I am proud of you. Now mind your wife.
Arya's pounding heart had quieted and her breathing had slowed, but she couldn't relax against Eragon since he was still pinning her to his chest with one arm. But she didn't seem to mind. Throughout the entirety of Saphira's soliloquy, Arya had kept her arms cinched around Eragon's neck, gently running her fingers through his hair.
Eragon now straightened, loosening his hold around Arya so she could sit forward in a more comfortable position. She gratefully relaxed, but didn't yet snuggle against his chest in his final favorite moment of sharing their love.
"That was amazing, incredible, indescribable!" Arya exclaimed. "I felt like I was soaring through the sky on the back of a dragon." She giggled giddily, and Eragon laughed. "Of course I was, but I meant within my mind. It was sublime, Eragon. Whatever you did, do it every time! Not that I ever doubted your passion before, as Saphira implied, but I can see now that you never shared it as openly as you did just then, for whatever reason."
"Perhaps I just needed a challenge of my manliness to defy," Eragon suggested, pleased she had enjoyed the experience as much as he had.
"If it makes you feel any better, I have never doubted your manliness," Arya asserted. "You always satisfy me, Eragon. You are the embodiment of masculinity in my mind."
"Even if you're saying that only to flatter my pride, I will accept," Eragon said, gratified.
"No, my husband. I'm not just saying that." And then as if to prove it, Arya began one of her examinations of his body, the kind that always left Eragon's head spinning and the rest of him trembling and breathless.
Eragon couldn't resist the tantalizing effect of her thorough exploration, nor did he try. Their effect on him was something Arya seemed to greatly enjoy, given the way their bodies were still connected.
"That feels so good," she told him in a voice low and thick. Something about the way she sounded during these moments made Eragon feel wild, and he loved it.
After only a few more moments, Arya buried her face in her arms by his ear, where he clearly heard the evidence of her bliss.
"How was it, love?" Eragon murmured, wanting to hear her voice again.
"Mmmm," Arya replied, still not quite able to speak. After a few deep breaths, she added, "Amazing as always. Thank you, my darling. Your turn now? I haven't given you the chance to keep up."
"No objections here," Eragon managed in response to both her question and her comment. "Just kiss me."
"Gladly." Arya smiled as she returned her mouth to his, resuming the urgent exchange until he pulled away. Eragon stared into her face, noticing even in this moment of deepest pleasure how she admired him.
"You always seem to have more self-restraint than I during these moments," Arya conversationally observed after a time.
"Really? Is that how it seems to you? I always feel like I'm a ravenous beast," Eragon admitted in surprise.
"No, I think I deserve that description, what with the unladylike sounds I make."
"You know how much I love that," Eragon insisted. "Almost nothing arouses me as greatly. It's as if the true, instinctive Arya comes out from behind the prim, proper one. It gratifies me that you will be that open and vulnerable. Do you know that I once snatched my hand back after reaching to take your own, knowing how much it would offend you if I presumed to touch you in concern? From that to this. How far we have come."
"Truly," Arya agreed. "When was that moment?"
"We were traveling together to Ellesméra for the first time. You had just given me a lesson in elf etiquette. When you stood to go, I asked you to wait and reached for your hand, wishing to ask if you were well. But before you turned around, I thought better of it and jerked my hand away so you wouldn't see. When I asked, you were terribly angry and stalked off. Saphira made me run after you to apologize. I was so frustrated that I didn't want to, but she insisted. That trip was the first time I learned your age and realized you were old enough to be my great grandmother."
Eragon gave her an impish grin, which Arya returned with a similar expression. "Lifaen suspected my growing and confused feelings for you and warned me I ought to guard my heart," Eragon went on. "He told me it wouldn't be well-placed in affection for you. Orik agreed. It was humiliating."
"Interesting," Arya murmured, apparently intrigued by his detailed recollection of the events. "Do you recall many of our interactions with such impressive accuracy?"
"Aye, all of them," Eragon confirmed. "Remembering them both helped me through the years apart and made them more difficult. We were so often together, looking out for one another. By the time I left, I couldn't help but feel such a deep admiration for and connection with you, since we had shared so much of import. That's what I attempted to capture in that last fairth I made of you."
"Did you know I kept it?" Arya asked.
Eragon couldn't hide his surprise. "No, I didn't. After your reaction to my first one, I thought you wouldn't likely keep a reminder of my feelings for you, as little as you seemed to regard them."
Arya closed her eyes as a pained expression crossed her face. "Looking at it and thinking your true name was the only thing that made me feel warm in the years of bitter cold I endured. When I first admitted to Fírnen that I loved you, he just said, 'Yes, little one,' like he had known it all along. But he made me come to the realization myself, knowing it would do no good if he tried to force me to see it. He knew it would provide the extra incentive I needed to make the difficult decision to fly to the Isle and leave behind everything in Ellesméra."
Eragon swept the loose hair away from her face, holding it together with her braid. "That's sweet, my love. I'm glad I was indirectly able to provide you with a small measure of comfort when I couldn't be there for you."
He then caressed her cheek with his other hand and said, "One of the last touches you shared with me was one such as this. You told me you didn't want to make a mistake with me. It broke my heart hearing that you thought being with me would be a mistake. At least, that's how I interpreted it. You let me return the gesture. It was so exquisite and painful at the same time. Leaving you was the hardest thing I have ever done."
Tears filled Arya's eyes as Eragon calmly relived these painful memories. "I'm so sorry for the pain I caused you, Eragon."
"You needn't be," he comforted. "I admired you for your decision, though I hated the decision itself. Being apart gave me time to grow into the man you now love and gave you time to realize your feelings for me, or to develop them and then realize them. As such, it seems it was a necessary separation. And the pain of those memories has long been swallowed by the joy of the present." He tenderly hugged her, and she snuggled into him.
"Are you cold now?" Eragon worried, noticing goosebumps on her skin. He rubbed up and down her back to warm her.
"Starting to be," Arya admitted. "But perhaps we could do that again. Have you had enough time to recover?"
As much as I hate to interrupt, Saphira interrupted before Eragon could reply, the other dragons are concerned about our long absence. It has been over an hour since I first flew away from them.
Really? Eragon thought in surprise. That's disappointing. I suppose we should get dressed.
At least we need never wait to do that until our travels bring us to our next destination, Arya consoled.
Aye, Eragon agreed. Now we might actually be able to get some sleep at night. He grinned. Not that flying on your back has ever been dull, Saphira, but this makes it infinitely more enjoyable and interesting.
Arya giggled, continuing to snuggle against him. I want to delay the moment when I won't be able to feel your warm chest against my bare skin. I can never get enough of you, darling.
For which I will always be the luckiest man alive. Remind me to thank Nasuada for the inspiration.
Arya laughed, reluctantly pulling away at last. Retrieve my clothing, please. Though it is a poor substitute for the warmth and softness of your chest, I suppose my desire to be modest around the others requires it.
Eragon did as Arya asked. They laughed for several minutes at their awkwardness of trying to dress on Saphira's back. Finally Arya simply stood up to pull her pants on.
Eragon pulled his shirt over his head before copying her method of donning his pants. As he resumed his seat, Arya once again snuggled into his chest.
I could not forgo this final pleasure, Arya thought. It is one of my favorite moments.
Mine also, Eragon agreed, wrapping his arms around her and resting his chin on her head.
They remained in their warm embrace as Saphira rejoined the other dragons and began a slow descent.
-:-:-
After they landed for a brief rest, it didn't take long for Murtagh and Nasuada to learn that Thorn had given away their secret and that Arya and Eragon had boldly copied them.
Arya regarded Nasuada for a time before Nasuada finally asked, "Why are you looking at me like that, Arya?"
"Eragon told me I must remind him of something," Arya said with a grin at Eragon, who shifted uncomfortably where he was sitting.
"Must you, my love?" Eragon helplessly asked.
"She does deserve our thanks," Arya insisted with exaggerated innocence.
Eragon sighed in resignation. "Very well." He turned to Nasuada. With a tone of underlying humor, he formally said, "Your Majesty, I wish to thank you for the inspiration you provided my wife during our flight just now. It made for a most interesting and enjoyable experience." He looked back at Arya and, noticing her obvious delight, allowed his own enjoyment to be more pronounced. "Was that sufficient?"
"Yes, darling," Arya said, smiling as she leaned into his chest.
With a pointed glare at Thorn, Murtagh let out a sigh of mock exasperation. "And here I thought to have one situation I would be first at."
"Unless you were very slow in your elderly age, I'm sure you were first, old chap," Eragon returned without missing a beat. "The question remains as to how many times you engaged in said situation before landing here. That will determine the true victor."
Murtagh couldn't restrain a bark of amused laughter. Their wives also laughed, both pleased and slightly humiliated this discussion was happening in front of the others, though they needn't have worried. It didn't bother Varhog or Willow in the slightest.
Willow slyly glanced at Varhog. "Most interesting, indeed. I hope we will continue to have opportunity to fly together after we're married."
The calm amusement in Varhog's expression deepened. "That would be interesting," he simply agreed. Willow laughed and took his hand.
Angela looked mildly disapproving, as she often did when their conversation turned to this topic. She huffed and rolled her eyes, not taking them from the sweater she was knitting. Solembum, of course, was completely apathetic. He sat licking his paws, for he assumed his cat form whenever they were on the ground.
Murtagh finally rejoined, "It was . . . ah . . . most pleasant, though I fear for the sake of my wife's dignity that I ought not to delve into the details."
His expression became scandalized as Nasuada boldly said, "Three times to be exact. So who is the victor?"
Eragon laughed loudly, as did Murtagh when he recovered. "If you're speaking of Murtagh, then he is," Eragon answered. "Although only over me. That would put him in a tie with Arya." Arya laughed delightedly as the conversation continued. Saphira, Thorn, and the other dragons rumbled appreciatively.
Nasuada asked in confusion, "Wait, if you only . . . then how did she. . . ? Oh, never mind. I see." She opened her mouth as if to say something but apparently changed her mind. Instead she said, "I'll have to consult with Arya about that sometime."
Murtagh laughed again, clearly relieved that his wife's warm wit could extend to such a discussion. He put his arms around her and asked, "What were you going to say before you changed your mind?"
"I fear you will find it unforgiveable, my dear, but I was going to suggest you get some pointers from Eragon on the matter," Nasuada admitted.
Murtagh scoffed. "Unforgiveable? Never. You will never do something I cannot forgive. You have been forced to forgive me of some monstrous crimes, and I will always follow that noble example. Besides, that's probably not a bad idea. I can't help it if Eragon was first to enjoy such expressions, though younger than I. And I refuse to resent the fact that he and Arya copied your magnificent idea. It was still your idea, first and foremost, and we will all be forever grateful to you." Nasuada smiled at him and kissed his cheek.
"I only know what Arya likes," Eragon objected.
"But you would like it," Arya confidently assured Nasuada. "There's no question. Although it might help if Murtagh would grow a beard." She laughed as she stroked the side of Eragon's face, and all the other females—including Angela—joined her, though Angela quickly sought to suppress it and kept her eyes down on her project.
"Give me a few months and I'm sure my wife will also be begging for mercy," Murtagh said. "It is fortunate that we will have such opportunity to practice these next several days. Speaking of which, the dragons really aren't that tired. Shall we once again take to the skies?" He authoritatively stood, helping Nasuada to her feet.
The others laughed at his obvious innuendo. Having finished their brief late-morning meal, they all shifted and prepared to rise.
As Eragon stood and helped Arya up in a similar chivalrous gesture, Arya mischievously asked, "How did you know I was begging for mercy, Murtagh? Were you spying on us as you did Willow and Varhog?"
She let out a trill of laughter when Eragon and Murtagh both colored in embarrassment. Murtagh opened his mouth, but no clever remark seemed ready to roll off his tongue so he closed it again. Arya reached up and placed her hand over Eragon's burning ear.
"Why should you be mortified? I would have thought based off your bravado of moments ago that you would burst with pride to have your wife admit such a thing. You know, the one thing about your beard that I'm not fond of is how it hides most of your face when you flush like that. It somewhat diminishes the triumph of making you ill at ease."
In the end, Murtagh simply laughed as he guided Nasuada toward the dragons. Upon reaching Thorn, Murtagh smacked him amiably on his nearest foreleg and said aloud, "Thank you, old friend, for your confidence. I can trust you with anything."
In his deep, musical mental voice, Thorn replied in turn for all to sense with their minds, I saw no harm in answering Saphira's question. Little did I know it would lead to this. But there is no shame in this expression. Mating is as basic a need to survival as eating, once the time is right. The transformation it has wrought in you is proof enough of that.
"Too true, old friend," Murtagh agreed. "And since you were the one who had to endure my pre-transformation misery the most intimately, I cannot begrudge you your relief and happiness now."
Thorn rumbled, and the ground trembled in response. Murtagh helped Nasuada up into the saddle. As he also began to mount, he turned to Eragon and casually asked, "Say, what was your method for removing your clothing?"
"Easy," Eragon replied with equal calm. "I ripped it off. Would you like Arya to teach you the spell for mending torn clothes?"
Murtagh could barely contain his laugh. "I think I can manage. Does anyone object to simply eating our lunch during the flight? We can land again this evening. I'm sure I will be in need of rest by then."
This was met by many laughs, and no one objected. But Willow did say, "Eragon, Arya, will you be flying with Fírnen this next stretch?" They nodded. "Then perhaps Angela and Solembum wouldn't object to flying on Saphira, as they are more used to her than the males from their interaction during the war. Then I could ride Sunset. What do you think, Angela?"
Angela said, "If Saphira will fly as gently as your kind dragon has, then I do not object." When her curiosity seemed to get the better of her, she added, "But why do you wish to change arrangements now?"
Willow cleared her throat. "The knowledge of what all the married folk will be busy doing might prove more of a temptation than I wish to endure snuggled comfortably in Varhog's arms. Better to avoid the situation altogether." The married couples sympathetically assented, which settled the matter. Willow gave Varhog an apologetic glance.
"I couldn't agree more, Eartheyes," he gratefully reassured, and Willow smiled in relief.
Then they all mounted their various dragons and once again took to the skies.