Going to be a lot of POV switching in this. Also, Nasuada is a bit OOC. I was having trouble writing her character in modern times. Get over it. And this will probably be the last super fluffy chapter for a while. Crap's about to hit the fan and they're going to be on the run.
No, Gabe and Theresa aren't going to get hurt.
-A-R-Y-A-
It wasn't until seven-thirty that Theresa had called it a wrap and had them stable the horses. Each was brushed down and given enough water to last them until the morning. All in all the day had been brilliant. She'd always loved horses, ever since she was seven. She'd learned that all of the ones raised here were bloodhorses, meaning they were purebred Arabian's. They were being raised for endurance riding, and of all of the ones she'd watched today, she'd believed Titan to be the strongest of. Although, she might hold a bias because he was the stallion she rode and trained with.
He definitely lived up to the name and his midnight black coat was well taken care of and shimmered in any kind of light. But he was a handful, barely past four years of age and still resistant to certain commands and leads. She loved it. Her hand ran slowly along his neck, the brush smoothing the coat and soothing the stallion that was still itching to move about. A noise behind her caused her to still, but she remained facing the horse, not wanting to spin around and alarm whoever it was.
"He likes you."
She smiled, still watching the horse.
"I like him as well."
Theresa stepped beside her, patting the stallion on his side.
"He's been a tough one to train, sometimes seeming like he is only green-broke. In reality, he's just rebellious."
Arya finally set the brush down and turned to the older woman.
"He's got fire."
"Definitely. Others, buyers, they don't see it that way all the time. It's seen as a weakness."
Arya felt irrationally offended.
"Well then they're stupid."
Theresa laughed.
"Oh yes they are my dear. But it's good because it means somebody who truly knows and cares for these animals will take him. Spirited horses are always powerful performers."
They began their trek back to the house alone, having been the last two in the barn. They were just entering when a crash sounded. Fear skittered through her, her muscles tensing and the worst possible realities clashing in her mind. Everything eased once more when laughter sounded. They rounded the corner to find Alric standing over a broken pot, his face red in guilt and the others covering their mouths and trying to hide their amusement. Theresa sighed, motioning to the broom.
"You guys are so clumsy. I have to replace some kind of glassware or pot at least once a week. Clean this up."
Her words were serious but the tone she used made it obvious that she didn't actually care. Alric nodded, mumbling an apology and heading for the object she was still pointing him to. Arya glanced around, looking for Eragon, but saw that he nor Gabe had returned. Theresa, noticing her question before she asked, only smiled.
"Oh honey they're going to be out there until dark. Gabe works till he can't see no more."
She nodded, thanking the woman and excusing herself to get cleaned up. She had no doubt she smelled like a barn. Making her way up the steps she locked herself in the bathroom and turned on the shower, stripping off her dusty clothing and walking under the burning water. It was strange not having a mission to follow through with or an upcoming mission to prepare for. She could just. . .be. And Eragon could just be there with her. It seemed so normal, so. . . right? Was that the proper word?
She shook her head, clearing the image that flashed there. Yet it came back within seconds, causing her heart to clench painfully. She wanted it. Badly. This normalcy; this freedom. With Eragon. Possibilities poured through her mind, causing the desire to increase and spread to other things. If she could just make it through this war, if she could just finish the job set before her, she could have it. She would leave this life. Determination filled her and she made a promise to herself that both Eragon and her were making it out alive. Nobody else she cared for was going to die.
As Arya stepped out of the bathroom, she noted the sun was setting. She finished dressing and waited patiently for Eragon to enter the room complaining about having to work later than everyone else. Yet, as the door opened and he walked in, all he did was grin.
"Hey."
He was coated in a layer of sweat and dirt and his hair was a mess. The stetson he'd grabbed earlier was nowhere to be see, probably discarded somewhere once he realized it was just absorbing the sun's rays. His body was weary but his eyes were anything but. She raised a brow.
"Hey. You good?"
He let out a breath, his smile widening.
"Actually. . . yeah."
She caught a look in his eye that she understood immediately. He'd been having the same thoughts as she was. He ran a hand through dusty hair.
"I haven't worked that hard for something so simple in a long time. It's refreshing."
She sighed.
"I get that." He made as if to sit beside her and immediately her focus shifted. "Nope. Don't even try. Go clean yourself off."
He acted shocked and upset at her rejection.
"Excuse me, I smell like a summer rose."
She grinned.
"Eragon shut up and shower please."
He seemed to ponder it, eventually giving her a nod.
"Fine. But only because you asked nicely."
She rolled her eyes and watched as he walked into the bathroom. Without closing the door, he lifted the tank top and tossed it to the ground. She bit her lip subconsciously, having trouble removing her eyes from the sight of him shirtless. He glanced over and gasped with a girl's voice, covering his chest like he was embarrassed.
"That is not appropriate behavior Miss Drottingu! Just want do you think you're doing?"
Laughter bubbled out of her and she fell back on the comforter, her smile wide and infectious. He grinned at his own ploy, closing the door after a moment so he could actually undress. It was still only eight-thirty when he'd clothed himself and walked into the room, his arms crossed over his chest in disapproval.
"Do you go around to all the boys and watch them disrobe?"
He continued his game and she allowed it, enjoying his happiness.
"I just might."
He pouted suddenly, dropping on top of her instead of next to her.
"Damn. I thought I was special."
She tried to shove him off to no avail.
"Special Ed. maybe."
He laughed.
"How is that nice? You are just running with the insults tonight aren't you. Would you like to pour some more alcohol on my wound now? It might make you feel better."
"Shush."
He was silent for a moment, rolling off of her and settling down beside her.
"You're day was good?"
She nodded.
"Yours?"
He was more elaborate.
"Awesome. Gabe's a good guy. Means well for his workers. Your choice of grandparents is well placed."
She rolled her eyes at him.
"Stop it."
He lifted up on one elbow to look down at her.
"Ok. So tell me Miss Know-it-All, how can you ride and work with horses?"
She shrugged.
"Learned as a kid and took lessons until my dad passed. I was pretty good."
"Humble. Did you enjoy today?"
"More than anything. I miss normalcy."
He nodded.
"Agreed. Once everything is over we can have this all the time."
She let out a sarcastic chuckle.
"That is unless we die."
He growled, actually angry.
"You are not going to die."
Her calm eyes met his light, golden-brown ones.
"Why don't you include yourself in that statement?"
He looked at her, completely serious.
"Nothing is going to happen to you, Arya. I will happily die if I know I succeeded in keeping you alive."
She showed no emotion, her entire being rejecting that reality and wanting to shut down. Her voice was empty when she responded, part of her living in that alternate universe for a moment.
"I wouldn't want to live in a world without you."
He narrowed his eyes at her tone.
"Arya. You wouldn't. . . ."
She looked away, her jaw clenched so tightly it hurt.
"No I would never take my own life. I just, Eragon if you died I'd probably lose all interest in staying. What point would there be?"
He ran his fingers through her hair, noticing how tense she was.
"Arya I want you to promise me that you'll move on if something ends up happening to me."
Her heart almost shattered at the thought and she found herself struggling to breathe. When she didn't answer he turned her face towards him. "Arya."
She swore, angry at him for saying such things and terrified now of the possibility.
"I'm never going to promise that. You are somebody I cannot lie to Eragon. And that promise, that revolting promise, is one I would never intend or be able to keep."
She pushed herself off the bed and to her feet, anger and fear all swirling around in her mind, filling her with a sense of despair. She made her way down the steps and gave a quick excuse to Theresa who asked where she was going. She thought she'd said something about a walk but at this point she wasn't sure. Her mind was fully stuck on the idea that she might actually lose him again, this time permanently. It was unacceptable and so wrong that she could hardly stand it. Of all the people that should survive, he topped the list. She would not allow him to die.
-S-A-P-H-I-R-A- (Night of the Escape)
She had been relieved to hear about the blast on the radio, knowing it meant their secrets were safe and any remaining enemies were down burnt crisps. Beside her, Firnen watched dutifully for anything suspicious or out of place. Thorn was busy listening to patrol patterns and making sure none of their own had been caught yet. He'd hacked a police database from his phone and turned it into a receiver. Nasuada was staring blankly out the window still, her face wet with silent tears. And Murtagh sat awkwardly in the middle, unsure of what he should do.
They'd been driving for over two hours and her body began to tire. Firnen glanced over, the night shadowing his face.
"We should stop soon. We have money for a hotel although that's a bit risky. Camping might be the best option. Of course they'd need to lose the bloody clothing and shower."
She nodded.
"Look for a thrift shop in the next town. We'll park on the outskirts and you, Thorn, or I can go buy any missing supplies."
He did as she suggested, coming up with several options.
"There's one twenty miles from here but the town rather small. Going in and buying a bunch of clothing might seem odd. I would lean towards the one forty miles from here."
Saphira sighed at the prospect of driving for another hour.
"I agree. Give me directions to get there."
-M-U-R-T-A-G-H-
Saphira, Thorn, and Firnen had gone into town together, leaving him and Nasuada to watch the car. Saphira had been hesitant to leave him with her, but Nasuada had rather forcefully told her to go as well. Apparently the blonde wasn't as trustful of him as she'd pretended to be. He glanced at the distraught, war ravaged soldier beside him. He felt completely awkward and uncomfortable with the situation, but he had a strange desire to help her.
"I'm truly sorry."
The darker woman scoffed.
"I don't need your pity And I certainly don't want to talk."
He frowned.
"I was offering condolence, not pity. "
She was quiet, looking at the floor as if held the most interesting of secrets. When he thought it most likely she wasn't going to speak, he simply accepted it. After over an hour of them sitting in complete and awkward silence, she glanced at him.
"Did you ever talk to him?" He showed his confusion and she elaborated. "My father, did you ever hold a conversation with him?"
He nodded slowly, not sure where she was going.
"Once. It was actually the reason I decided to share everything. He was a very kind man. Very clever."
Nasuada nodded.
"That he was. That's why he was the leader. Nobody could see the whole picture like him. Nobody could understand the details and see possibilities as he could. Your brother, Eragon? He was the one who brought him in. Arya, his now constant partner, argued against it fervently. Now he's one of the most important agents we have."
Murtagh felt a certain bitterness for his brother.
"Impressive."
She seemed to note the tone in his voice and narrowed her eyes.
"You seem less than pleased with Eragon."
Murtagh noticed the random change of topic but let it slide, realizing that maybe she couldn't keep the thoughts of her father in mind without it hurting too badly. He chuckled darkly.
"He's not very pleased with me either. Which I understand. That is not the reason for my annoyance."
She tilted her head.
"No? Then what is."
He shrugged.
"We speak of fathers and brothers and it leads me back to my past. Eragon was raised in a decent home with loving protectors. I on the other hand . . ." He almost shivered at the memories. "I definitely did not. The inequality of it all is upsetting."
Nasuada rested her head on the seat.
"I feel you have the wrong impression. His upbringing was not all roses and sunshine. Foster care filled most of his childhood and then homelessness. It wasn't until he was older that he gained a semblance of a father. That surrogate dad then proceeded to get killed and his 'brother' disowned him. Not a spectacular life."
Murtagh seemed abashed.
"I didn't know."
Nasuada watched him before asking a question about something he'd rather keep to himself.
"I read the reports. What Morzan did to you. . . ."
He winced.
"Change the subject please."
She seemed surprised, as if not realizing she'd said something so personal.
"I'm sorry. I don't know why I thought that was an appropriate statement."
He shook his head.
"Probably read so many of my files that you felt more familiar with me. It's ok. Truly."
She sighed, letting out a sad laugh.
"I hate this."
He watched her, suddenly drawn to the curve of her jaw as she talked.
"What?"
"Everything my father built is gone. The Varden was the thing he poured his entire life into after my mother passed. It was his life-long project. Now he's dead and it's followed him."
Murtagh was somewhat amused at her quick switch, this one back to her father.
"The Varden are the people that he brought together. It's the acts he and those agents accomplished. The building might've held memories, but the Varden still exists through you and the others."
She smiled at him. It was tired, her dark eyes were still sad, but something in them was captivating.
"You're not so bad to talk to."
He shrugged.
"I've just dealt with a lot of shit in my life."
She nodded.
"Fair enough."
He looked out the window just as Saphira's blonde hair appeared around the corner. Perfect timing. He didn't know what the hell had just happened, but for some reason he was having thoughts about the woman beside him that he definitely didn't understand. The three DRAGONS piled into the car carrying bags in every hand. Saphira took in both of them in the mirror before speaking.
"It's still late so finding a place to shower is going to be hard. We can sneak in somewhere but that puts us at risk. Ten miles down this road there's a river that would be safer to wash up in. Might not work as well but it's better to do that than chance capture."
Again, there was a unanimous agreement and Firnen took over driving, giving Saphira a chance to rest her eyes before they stopped once more.
-R-O-R-A-N- (The Day After the Explosion)
He waited in the scorching sun, staring across the mass wreckage that he assumed was an old headquarters. He and several of his fellow FBI team members had arrived on the scene just minutes before, and he'd been shocked at the damage. All around, trees were annihilated and charred. The grass was burned away and only dirt remained. To describe the building itself, well, it was in shambles. Brick was strewn everywhere, mixed with wires, shrapnel, and material he couldn't even identify from where he stood.
They hadn't been given authorization just yet to enter the premises as sections were still being checked for safety. He was about to forgo that measurement as the itch to investigate was impossible to deny. Just as he was to make his move, Katrina walked over to him with a thumbs up.
"We're good to go. For the first few levels at least. The rest have yet to be checked."
He exhaled.
"Finally."
They began the harrowing trail through the wreckage, trying to find anything- big or small- that would possibly give them a clue to the reason for this. Every fiber of his being was screaming his bother's name and he was inclined to believe those instincts. Still, he couldn't be sure and jumping to conclusions would do him no good. They made the rounds, spending over four hours scouring the site, finding nothing but fragmented objects and fried hardware. The cleansing had been done so thoroughly that he was becoming disheartened every moment that passed. Katrina noticed, laying a hand on his arm.
"We'll come back when they've cleared the last floors. Getting down there is going to take a lot of time and material."
He moaned in annoyance.
"I don't have a lot of time! The blast was so powerful that it could've easily disintegrated bodies! What if he was in the building and is now a pile of ash. Or what if there's a clue somewhere that will lead us to him? We need this to go quickly!"
She tightened her grip.
"Roran, patience. Being hotheaded and rash will only get you hurt. Just wait for them to secure the last floors and I promise I and the team will do everything we can to help you. Finding the true perpetrators is important as well. It might not even be them who caused this. You are only guessing."
He nodded, a headache coming on and making him was to sit down.
"You're right. Just. . . let's just get out of here."
They walked through the rubble back to the car. Hot leather waited and he complained unnecessarily about it, only for Katrina to grin.
"You need to sleep."
He rolled his window down, the sun setting as they left the sectioned off area.
"Maybe that's it."
It was a weak response and he knew it, but he was in no mood to be coddled. He wanted to find his brother and would stop at nothing to accomplish it.
-E-R-A-G-O-N-
He sat up as she stalked out of the room, not sure at that moment whether following her or giving her space was the better option. Well, he knew, but he didn't want to. She was somebody who needed to figure things out in her own time. Yet he was somebody who needed to fix things. Somebody who wanted people's pain, especially hers, to go away. He decided on both. He would give her time, a small amount of it, and then follow after her. By the time he did so almost thirty minutes later, Theresa was in the kitchen talking to Gabriel. When she saw him she nodded, a knowing expression on her face.
"She said she was going for a walk. My best guess is she's at the the barn."
He thanked her, heading out into the warm night air. A slight breeze was the only relief from the heat. He veered to the left, towards the massive structure, his boots crunching in the grass and alerting her, as he drew close, to his arrival. There was a single light on inside. The one over the pen that was home to a black, very powerful looking horse. Titan. . . He grinned at the name. Of course that's the horse she would go for. She was standing at the gate, her head resting on her arm and one hand brushing slowly down the horse's coat.
"Arya."
She sighed, her posture straightening and her hand retracting.
"I'm not prepared to have this conversation right now."
He nodded, moving closer and leaning against the wooden stall.
"I know. And I tried to give you as much time as I could bare. But I don't like when you're mad at me, and I don't like when you're hurt."
She chuckled sarcastically.
"Yet you seem perfectly able to believe that I would be fine if you were hurt or killed."
He took her hand, eyebrows raised.
"It's not like that."
She pulled hers back.
"No? Because I am hearing the words come straight from your mouth. It's foolish of you to think I could care less."
He groaned, inching a step closer.
"Arya I don't think you get it! I know that you care! I do! But you are so much stronger than I am! You can do so much good and you can change things! At my death you would take action, you would complete the mission, you would finish your duty. I am weak where you are strong. If you died I would collapse. I wouldn't function properly. That is all I am saying. Rather the powerful live and fight than one who would abandon his duties. Do you understand?"
Arya looked back to Titan, her face downcast.
"I understand and persist to disagree."
He rubbed his hands down his face.
"Arya I don't like arguing with you."
She shrugged, her anger with him obvious.
"Then stop." He punched the wood of the stall, sending the horse into a frenzy. Arya grabbed his wrist. "Eragon!"
Titan bumped against the gate and whinnied until Arya calmed him down. She looked back to him to find that he was pacing, his hands on his head in. He wanted to apologize but she'd pissed him off by this point.
"You can't just win the argument by forcing the issue, Arya!"
She gripped his arm tightly and led him away from Titan.
"And you are never going to make me agree with you! So drop it!"
He held up his hands in surrender.
"Fine! It's dropped."
She rolled her eyes and tried to walk around him.
"Good."
He caught her, not allowing her to escape. Her muscles were still coiled as they'd been earlier and now he just wanted her to calm down.
"Please don't walk away again."
She paused, her head down.
"It's what I need to do. I'm mad, Eragon. At you. My words will not be kind and I will not be who you want."
He sighed.
"You are always who I want. Please just talk to me."
"We already talked."
Eragon faced her, cupping her cheek and turning her towards him.
"Stop it. You're reverting and you're shutting me out."
She stood her ground for several moments before going slack and closing her eyes. He could see her wheels turning. He could see that she was literally fighting herself for him. Finally she nodded.
"I'm sorry."
He smiled tiredly, resting his head against hers, his arms going around her back.
"That's a first."
She went willingly, embracing the comfort he offered and resting her head on his shoulder.
"Quiet."
He grinned, kissing the top of her head.
"Ok."
They remained in that position for an uncertain amount of time, their arms grasping tightly to the other like they both feared the outcome that had been the topic of their dispute.
After their fight, things had gone back to normal. Mostly. At certain times he would catch Arya staring off into space, an unsettled look in her eye. When he would ask her what was up, she'd simply shake her head and smile, claiming it was nothing. It drove him crazy and it was to the point that he was close to cornering her and pushing the matter. They'd been at the ranch for three days now and she still had yet to confide what she was mulling over. He assumed that it was about their conversation, their disagreement, which is why he'd been silent on it. They'd both lost their cool and bringing it up again seemed like a bad idea.
But now he wasn't so sure. They'd been separated once more for the day, leaving him frustrated in her absence. He shoveled horse manner out of the stall, tossing it into the collective wheelbarrow. He'd been at this for an hour, going through several enclosures, clearing it, and laying down fresh hay. It was thoughtless work, leaving his mind way too much time to wander about. Ryan interrupted his silent toil ten minutes later to tell him that he could be done for the day. It had been different each afternoon. The first, they'd worked until dark, the second, they had only worked until around five. Right now, it was around six o'clock. When he voiced his query to Ryan the man laughed.
"It's kind of scheduled in. On Mondays we work basically dawn till dusk, getting everything ready for the week. Tuesday through Thursday we do the required work and train with the horses, but not much else. Friday and Saturday we run the horses in the afternoon and allow visitors and possible buyers to watch them. Sunday we do as little as possible."
Eragon assumed the man continued to talk but he was stuck on the fact that other people were coming to the ranch. He thanked the man and headed for the house, prepared to tell Arya they had to leave by a Friday morning at the latest. As he entered the air-conditioned mudroom he found her speaking with Theresa. They turned to him as he came into view. The older woman was grinning broadly.
"You want to learn to ride, Eragon?"
He hesitated, honestly nervous.
"Umm, maybe."
Arya smirked but remained silent as Theresa tried to persuade him, smiling sweetly the entire time.
"Come on! You'll have so much fun and I'm sure Arya is a good teacher."
He scoffed, remembering back to his first days at the Varden. The thought of that place sent a pang of sadness for it's loss but he ignored it.
"She is a brutal teacher. I think I'd rather have you do it."
Arya chuckled, walking past him out the door, her expression clear. He really didn't have a choice. Theresa patted his arm.
"Oh I would but these old bones ain't what they used to be. Go have fun."
He thanked her and followed Arya outside. She was already halfway to the barn. He jogged to catch up, throwing his arm over her shoulders and kissing her cheek. He noted the faint smile from his actions and grinned. He definitely loved this woman. He just hadn't found the right place to tell her.
"So am I riding Titan?"
She snorted.
"Hell no. He'd kill you."
He bumped her arm.
"Rude. I could handle him."
She shook her head.
"Somebody as green as you couldn't stay on- let alone command- such a rebellious stallion. I've watched a few of the others and found one that will work particularly well. She's gentle and emotional just like you."
He laughed.
"Whatever. I'm a manly man."
They pushed through the wooden doors and she led him to a stall four down and to the right.
"This is Cinder. Named for the color of his coat."
He took in the beautiful creature, appreciating the brown fur that seemed tinged with some black. He reached out his hand to pet Cinder's neck but Arya caught him.
"Let her smell you."
She changed his arm's direction, pushing his fingers to the horse's nose. After a moment it sniffed loudly and swung it's head. Arya grinned.
"She likes you."
Eragon put on his best haughty face.
"Of course she does. All the ladies like meh.'"
Over the course of ten minutes, Arya had saddled and harnessed both horses and was leading them in each hand over towards the door. Titan glared at Eragon as if remembering two nights before when he'd punched the stall. Without realizing it, he inched a foot away from the muscular beast. Arya shrugged.
"That's what happens when you piss off a horse."
He reached for Cinder's reins but Arya didn't let go. She paused and stopped them both.
"Eragon this isn't something you can just pick up. You're not going to be great at it at first and it's going to take time. Don't go in expecting perfection."
He nodded.
"I know, I know."
She smirked and handed over the leather lead, explaining basic points and tips to him. Once outside, she tied Titan off and removed Cinder's reins from his hand.
"Do you think you can manage getting up or would you like a step?"
He made a face at her before turned to the horse. He stopped mid action, trying to figure out exactly how to do as was expected.
"Do I just step on it? Wont the saddle twist?"
Arya chuckled.
"No. place your right foot in the stirrup and swing the left over. It's simple."
He followed her instruction but apparently didn't lift his left foot high enough because it grazed over Cinder's back. The horse shifted slightly but remained in place. Arya patted Cinder's neck.
"If you had done that to Titan he would've thrown you." She handed him the reins. "Don't move or pull. Just wait for me to mount."
Of course, when told not to do something, Eragon had a difficult time listening. He tapped the horse's side, seeing if it would really get her going, only to about pee when she started to move. He yelped and Arya glanced back to find him trotting down the dirt pathway. She threw herself up on Titan and caught up within seconds, taking the reins.
"Woah, Cinder."
They both slowed to a stop and he gave her a sheepish smile.
"Sorry."
She rolled her eyes, smiling at his mistake.
"Eragon you are a terrible listener. Now pay attention because I'm only saying this once. 'Woah' means stop. It doesn't mean slow down. Slow down you say-"
"Slow?"
She shook her head.
"No. Too close to Woah. To slow down you say 'easy.'"
She spent the next five minutes explaining the commands and gestures as best she could. When they eventually started off it was at a casual pace, Titan a few paces in the lead. By the time they'd been riding for twenty minutes he figured he had the hand of it. Not warning Arya, he pressed his heel into Cinder's side once more and immediately she obeyed, going from a walk to a trot. He almost lost balance but steadied himself. Arya caught up, disapproval on her face.
"Don't do that again. It's going to get you injured."
He rolled his eyes at her warning, annoyed that she was being so serious
"Just tell me how to work with her so I'm not bouncing about like this.
She watched him before going into the explanation of how he should hold his body and move with the mare. It took another thirty minutes on the path, at that pace, for him to get the hang of the motions. He debated telling her of his plan to speed up once more but instead decided against it. He didn't like being told what to do. So he pressed his heel, again, into Cinder's side, sending her into a canter. It was definitely a different feeling and he was definitely not prepared. Especially when Arya decided to teach him a lesson. She matched Cinder's gait and reached out to tap his horse's side, bringing her to a full gallop. He held on for dear life, his body jolting everywhere, making it almost impossible to remain situated. He clenched his jaw tightly, barely looking to see Arya glaring at him from Titan.
And that was his downfall. He became distracted by the fact that she was truly angry, making him take his mind off of trying to stay on Cinder's back. He suddenly lost all balance, flying off and heading for collision with the dirt path. Using instinct, he tucked into a roll and slowly came to a stop, albeit a painful one, a few feet from where he landed. Arya had caught Cinder and was busy leashing both horses to the fence they'd been riding beside. She then stormed over to him, pushing him back as he tried to stand and straddling his hips.
"Why can you not just listen?! Why is that so hard for you!?"
He frowned, his body aching and his arm burning in discomfort.
"Arya what—"
"Is it really that hard?! Please tell me because I think I am at a loss."
He took a breath, trying to figure out what had her so mad. He shook his head, showing her that he was truly confused.
"Arya I honestly don't—"
"Get it? Really? You don't get why you putting yourself in danger is a problem? Are you dense or just plain thoughtless?"
Eragon had had enough. He knocked her arm off, swinging himself over and pinning her to the ground instead. She struggled but he wasn't about to let her up. She was mad and would not be sticking around to talk.
"Arya explain yourself!"
She glowered, her gorgeous green eyes boring into his with a fire so evident that he felt he was going to cripple under her gaze. She was breathing hard, much harder than she should've been, and he knew that it wasn't from exhaustion. She was pissed. And then suddenly her eyes were glossed over.
"Eragon."
He waited, wanting to help her but needing to know how.
"Tell me, Arya."
He was begging. He wanted to understand her. She took a deep breath, a tear escaping her eye before she finally gained control.
"Why can't you just listen?"
Her voice was strained and questioning. He frowned.
"All I did was speed up. Why are you so upset?"
She closed her eyes.
"I don't know how to explain."
He pushed the subject.
"Try."
After several seconds she spoke.
"You do not listen to me even when you are in danger. You don't seem to think I care for you as much as you do for me. And that is so wrong! I love you. I fucking love you and you don't believe it! You feel that your life is worth less than my own! Your say that in a situation you would gladly die for me! Meaning, I couldn't stop you. I couldn't tell you to stay because no matter how hard I tried you wouldn't listen. And you have to listen! You have to because I would not function without you. I wouldn't survive without you. Do you understand?!"
He couldn't think straight. She had literally just confessed what he'd wanted to tell her for the past five days. And he felt like an ass because he understood now why she was so mad. And why she'd been distant at times.
He'd been selfish in speaking the way that he had. It wasn't a lie. He would lay down his life for her, but to believe she couldn't do the same. . . . He was an idiot. Eragon groaned, wiping the stray tear from her cheek.
"Arya I'm so sorry." She tried to shove him off but he pressed her hand away. "Wait."
She tried once more, not meeting his eyes, but he gripped her wrists and held them to the path. Arya still struggled but it was a half-assed attempt. He kissed her. "I love you too. You know that though. I just, it seems so strange for somebody of your talent, with your beauty, and of your stature, to care as much. But it was folly for me to think that."
She pulled again at his hands.
"It was."
He still didn't release her, pressing his mouth to hers once more and then whispering against her cheek.
"Arya forgive me."
She was still resistant to his words but her lips said otherwise as she kissed him back. His heart was beating rapidly, his emotions all over the place, and he needed her to forgive him. To know that she had been dealing with this anger and hurt for days because of his words was killing him. She tugged on her arms once more, trying to free them as she leaned up, her lips to his ear.
"Eragon let me go."
The only reason he complied was because her voice wasn't upset. It was filled with want and he released his grasp. Immediately her fingers buried themselves in his hair and she pulled him down to meet her. She was forceful in her actions and his desire for her grew intensely as they continued. Her tongue pushed impatiently to tangle with his and her hands slid achingly down his neck and back up into his hair. He groaned when he finally retreated, allowing himself to pepper a few more kisses along her skin. She dropped her arms to her side and watched his eyes as he tried to catch his breath. After a second he glanced around and chuckled.
"We probably shouldn't do this here. Ya' know, in the middle of the road."
She nodded, gaze still on his.
"Yeah."
Eragon pushed himself to his feet and helped her to hers, pulling her into a tight hug.
"I'm sorry, Arya."
She sighed into his neck.
"You were already forgiven."
This is super random but look up the song "Take What I Can Get" by Matthew Mayfield. Idk why but I've been listening to it for days. I think I heard it in a tv show or maybe somebody told me about it. Love it.
Struggling Against the bonds: I've actually only watched Vikings all the way through of the ones you mentioned. I've watched some of GOT but I definitely need to finish it.
Guest: Thank you!
Ocadioan: Lol hopefully your mostly surprised because most of the stuff you say near the stop of your reviews makes me look pretty shit. Maybe I subconsciously put it in there or something but I wasn't trying to copy anything. I don't exactly remember of it much considering the movie sucked pretty hard. Lol sorry. Wait you thought he was a mole? That would be a a terrible way to represent him lol. Haha well my version was writing stories and adding in super sexual stuff. That's what they didn't like. Lol maybe they'll never have sex because they never get married ;) They're all going to be centered on a lot in the coming chapters because Eragon and Arya on a farm would get old fast. Luckily this guess of yours was accurate and nicer than the others lmao ;P
FanBoyNinja: Good! And thank you very much! I'm glad you feel that way about the sex thing as I was worried people would stop reading or something because of it. Thanks and he's going to have a whirlwind time with this investigation lol. Oh just wait, their confrontation is actually already written.
TheeRoyalJester: Lol yeah I'm totes popular. . . .*sniffle* Only in my head. Lol ok cool. Sure sure we all know you want the Noon. I will share mine but the problem is, the reason I like mine is from their characters in tv shows/ movies. Number one is Kathrine Winnick from Vikings because holy crap she's a bad ass mofo. Although she's somebody on the list that is still just as epic in real life. Like, 3 black belts to her name. Johanna Braddy from Video Game High School is on there as well because, of course, her character is amazing. She's just a bamf as well. And I had two but then I went and watched Edge of Tomorrow and am forced to add Emily Blunt to my list. She was amazing in that movie. I realized that if I was a lesbian I would really like blondes haha. Idk what it was either now lol. Cause' Rain and I are twins separated a birth. I would've done that as well. I'm not happy when people wake me up. Apparently Noon doesn't like to be showered with pity so you must shower him in other things. (no, not yourself. You dirty dirty girl). I said acid and baby panda. Lol I don't think he's wearing a gown now. It's from X-Men. Jean Gray. I hope you become Ester. I would laugh and call you the Easter Bunny.
Guest: Thanks and I will definitely add those in! :)
S.M wane: Haha thank you.
Blue51818: Thanks a million!
TheLoneVoyager: If you think about it though, Arya doesn't get attached and Eragon didn't know Ajihad very well. The base being destroyed can be seen in two ways in my eyes. A tragedy and a terrible thing, or a win. They defeated the attacking troops and most of the people escaped. Everyone is now on their way to DuWeld or Beor and they'll be safe. The information within the Varden is safe because it's burned to a crisp. Lol I mean, I get that about Theresa and Gabe. I sometimes forget that you all don't know what I know. I know they aren't traitors or bad guys planning to betray Eragon and Arya but you all technically don't. Overlook on my part. As for relationship stages, some of the ones you mentioned are unrealistic. Over-dependence? That's not a healthy thing and people who experience that are doing something wrong. The fights are still happening now and happened even before they were dating. As for trust, think about the characters and they're lives. They've had to trust each other so much over the year they've known each other that now it is natural. They just got that trust a lot sooner than most couples. And there are still definitely secrets lol. I'm glad you agree with the no sex thing. It's good to have readers on my side for the most part. As for Brom, he'll be there a lot more in a couple chapters.
IIIMagic: Thanks! And thank you so much for saying that. I was definitely worried about making that statement at the end about sex but I knew it needed to be said. Thank you a third time lol. You're awesome.
Walter Peterson: Thanks haha! And no probs :) Will do!
strawhatmikans: Lol thanks and it takes some practice. My first story was barely in the twenties for number of chapters. My old chapters were also only like, 3000 words. Now 5000 seems short. It'll get easier as you go!
Rainxoxo: That's good I hope it all goes well! If you get it published tell me immediately! I want to be the first to buy it lol. Why are you renovating your parents house? Just for fun? ;) then lets hope nobody dies before that time comes. . . hehehe
Some1udontkno: Thank you! And yes, I caved to peer pressure in my old story and there were several raunchy scenes. That's why it was removed (by my parents. . .awk). So I'm redoing that story and uploading it again. The reason I can't just upload is because I'm rewriting it. Which is a bit harder than I thought it would be. I will try and get on it soon :)
Unresolved Emotions: I sent this in a PM as well but I should mention it here so others who might be interested can see this as well. It's more of a thing where they've "decided" without deciding thing. It hasn't been spoken of but it's been physically set by what they've done. At some point they will have the actual conversation. It will be from Arya's POV because we don't know her reasons yet. Thank you!
BlossomHunt: Thank you! And no, my mind is set :P lol
mr rophone: Thanks! And I definitely intend to explore their characters as much as I can. When this story eventually ends, I will possibly (not at first because people would kill me for not finishing the others) be writing a sequel. :D
bigmatt365: Thank you! It will sort of follow canon but in other ways it wont. I'm picking and choosing lol.