30. News
Eragon and Arya did fall back to sleep before dawn and slept until long past morning. They awakened at the same time just before midday, as they had their first morning after getting married. But this time Arya's stomach grumbled loudly in complaint.
She opened her eyes in surprise and found their hands exactly as they had been—protectively and lovingly over her womb.
Eragon murmured in her ear, "That's unusual. I've never heard your stomach rumble more loudly than mine."
"Nor have I," she replied, a happy smile spreading across her face. "Can it be possible that I am already feeling the increased demand of growing a baby?" She paused to consider it and, upon deciding that must be the case, added, "How wonderful!"
They ate swiftly, now wishing to return to city so they could share their joyful news with Saphira and Fírnen, Willow and Murtagh, indeed, anyone who would care to listen.
They were actually not far from the stronghold, as they had only run about ten minutes before Arya demanded they stop. Then they had walked slightly farther to the stream, which is where they had remained, finding the nearness of the water convenient.
They had often seen dragons flying overhead during their honeymoon but never minded much. Everyone could have easily guessed what they were up to, and Eragon and Arya weren't ashamed. If they ever spotted someone when they truly did not wish to be observed, they simply made themselves invisible with magic, which resulted in some interesting and humorous intimate exchanges.
They bathed once more in the pool, anticipating a warmer bath before long. After drying themselves with magic to save time, they quickly donned their clothing, both agreeing it felt foreign and chaffing after over a week of not wearing anything.
And then they were off, walking hand in hand toward the city, ready to return but also enjoying the last moments of their honeymoon.
"We should tell Saphira and Fírnen first," Eragon suggested. "They were very concerned about you after that day." He knew Arya understood him.
"Certainly," she agreed. "I suppose we will also tell Angela."
"Aye, though I'm apprehensive what her reaction will be. She seemed so insistent about it."
"But it's difficult to imagine that she would react badly."
Before long they could see the city, and they reached with their minds in search of Saphira and Fírnen. Their dragons were near and swiftly flew toward them, anxious to be reunited.
Once they had landed, Eragon and Arya each took a moment to greet their dragons individually. Eragon pressed his forehead to Saphira's snout, while Arya hugged herself against Fírnen's smooth belly.
I didn't get in trouble while we were apart, Saphira, Eragon teased. At least, not in the way you always once thought I did. I suppose this was the first time we were apart at all in the past ten years, wasn't it?
Saphira rumbled her amusement. Yes, but neither of us was lonely. What sort of trouble did you get into?
Only the very best kind, Eragon assured her. We have some news.
As planned, Arya finished, I am with child!
Their dragons' disbelief was promptly replaced by rejoicing as they trumpeted and roared their approval. Saphira released a stream of blue fire into the sky before tenderly thinking, Little ones, I am so happy for you. There was nothing to fear after all.
No, nothing, Arya agreed.
Perhaps this is the appropriate time to share our news then, Fírnen proudly rumbled, in hopes of adding to your joy, not outdoing you. Saphira will be a mother! Even now an egg develops within her body.
Arya clapped her hands together and delightedly crowed, How marvelous!
Saphira, that's wonderful! Eragon was so overjoyed he almost shouted, knowing how important this was to Saphira. For the first year of her life, she had believed she was the only remaining dragon save Shruikan and that her race would never again be mighty. Her advances on Glaedr had left her embarrassed and frustrated. Now she too would have one of her deepest wishes fulfilled. Eragon jumped up, hugging her large head as tears filled his eyes for her happiness.
Thank you, little one. My joy is full. I did not know how to tell you this without worrying it would cause you pain and be a reminder of something you might not also enjoy. But now we will become parents together! She hummed happily against his chest.
Tears of joy once again streamed down Arya's face, and she laughed. I keep surprising myself. Just when I think I surely couldn't be any happier and that I would explode if I felt any more joy, I suddenly feel more joy and it only makes my heart expand.
My feelings exactly, Eragon agreed.
They resumed their walk toward the city as Saphira and Fírnen flew. When they arrived, no welcoming party awaited them. Everyone was going about their duties as if it was a regular day, unaware of just how special it was for Eragon and Arya.
They first sought out Murtagh, Willow, and Blödhgarm. Murtagh whooped at the news and clapped Eragon on the back while squeezing Arya with an arm around her shoulders.
Willow squealed and jumped up and down. She gave them each a joyful hug then repeated her reaction again. Varhog was with her, and he offered a quiet congratulations.
Blödhgarm was the most appreciative of just how momentous their news was. He raised his shaggy eyebrows in astonishment and solemnly regarded them. "Congratulations, Shadeslayers," he formally said. "That is truly most amazing." And then he bowed.
Once he had left them, Arya burst out laughing. "He seems so formal after how casual I have been. Was I once that way?"
"Once perhaps, though your time with the Varden must have softened your proper behavior somewhat," Eragon mildly replied, innocently adding, "These past couple of weeks might also have helped."
Arya smiled up at him, and at that very moment, neither of them was surprised to see Angela hurrying toward them.
"So you're back, Shadeslayers," Angela declared, beaming at them with a knowing wink. "And how was your honeymoon?"
Eragon laughed. "It was wonderful, as I'm sure you well know, since you usually know something about everything going on."
Angela smiled mysteriously. "But of course, my dear boy!"
"And since you virtually predicted it with your precious gift," Arya interjected, "I am sure you must know this too, but I will tell you anyway, for nothing makes me happier. We are expecting a child!"
Angela's face fell, her eyes betraying deep fear. "So soon?" she fretted. "Even I didn't expect that."
Eragon and Arya glanced at each other in surprise at her reaction, not understanding why she was so clearly unhappy. "But why do you say this, wise one?" Arya implored. "Surely you are keeping something from us to seem so afraid at this news?"
"Aye, Arya Shadeslayer," Angela solemnly agreed. "But I will keep it from you no longer. It is time you understood some of my secrets. Come. I have a story to tell."