Another long chapter. It will start with the next morning. It will be another long chapter so enjoy. Thanks all those all who reviewed. I would like to see the reviews reach a 100 before it is over.
Slowly Arya started to wake and become aware of he surroundings. First thing she noticed was the warmth she felt along her body then she notice a smell, a smell she associated with Eragon. It took her a minute to remember the night before.
She slowly opened her eyes. She noticed that she was snuggled up next to Eragon with her head resting on his shoulder. Her left hand had ahold of the shirt he slept in that night just above his heart. The last thing she notice was her left leg was laid over Eragon also.
Arya could tell Eragon was still asleep. She slowly put some distance between the two with out waking Eragon. She knew that he would be worried about how she would take how they woke up. Even if it was her that move over and snuggled up to him.
After disengaging herself from Eragon, Arya got up so that she could clean up and think. Arya gathered her clothes she would need for the day and went in the wash room off the room they stayed in. Arya stripped of her clothing and got in the bath and started to wash herself.
Arya had never shared a room much less a bed with another. With Eragon she felt comfortable to do so. She knew like most males she had known her whole life that they would have tried to take advantage of the situation.
Eragon on the other had while physically attracted to her had always shown her respect. Starting with the day he saved her. She had been topless and even though she was sure Eragon saw he never stared. She notice he would always look her in the eyes. Even when he washed the cuts on her chest and breast he only did what was needed to clean her injuries so he could heal them.
Then there was the day she went to the stream to bath and Eragon was still there washing. He turned around till she was in the water. Again he looked her in the face instead of staring at her chest.
Arya thought back to all what Eragon said that day before she left. Arya realized that Eragon did love her for her and not just how she looked. While there was physical attraction there was also love for who she was on the inside, the good and the bad.
Arya thought about how she felt towards Eragon. She would have to admit she found him attractive. She like the mixture of human and Elvish physical characteristics. He was still attractive while he looked like he was fully human.
Then there was the way he treated her. He was kind but not overbearing. He respected ability to take care of herself but worried. He trusted her and thought enough of her to ask her opinion. He was also kind and wanted what was best for others even at the coast to his well being.
Some of the things she didn't like was how he felt he had the weight of the world on his shoulders alone and would blame himself for things he could not control. Still she liked that about him too.
Arya closed her eyes. Arya knew she cared for him but how much. She knew it had to be more then friends. Her actions yesterday told her that much. How she reacted to Roran attacking Eragon and more how she felt when Katrina hugged him and he hugged her back. She knew that they were nothing more then friends and Eragon saw her as family.
Lastly there was how she woke up this morning. She felt comfortable and safe. She never felt like it before not even with Faolin. Not that they ever shared a bed.
The question was what is it that she felt for Eragon. Friendship yes. Love. Did she love him. Yes but was she falling in love with him. Was he the one she could see herself becoming his mate. She knew she was not there yet but would it become that. That was what scared her. She was brought out of her thoughts when she heard Eragon move around in the other room.
E/A
Eragon woke up to the light coming in the window. Even though Arya had already left the bed he could still smell her on the sheets and pillows. He heard someone in the wash room and figured Arya was getting ready for the day. Eragon got out of bed and started getting ready himself.
Arya came out a few minutes later. "Good morning Arya. Did you sleep OK?" greeted Eragon.
Arya felt her face give off a small blush. "Morning Eragon. Yes I did. You did as well."
Eragon saw the slight blush and thought he was better off not asking. "Yes. I am going to get cleaned up. Do you want to contact Oromis and Brom and start filling them in."
"I will wait for you to return." replied Arya.
Eragon went to the washroom while Arya got the mirror out. When Eragon returned a few minutes later Arya was sitting at the edge of the bed with the mirror floating in front of her. Eragon sat next to her. Arya said a few words and the mirror showed inside of what Arya recognized as her mother's office. Oromis and Brom were there talking with Islanzadi.
Arya decide to be the one to speak. "Mother, Oroms-elda, Brom."
The three turned to see Arya and Eragon in the mirror. Arya looked defiant while Eragon looked a little nervous but also determined. Both gave the Elven greeting.
Islanzadi spoke before the two riders could. "Arya you and Eragon have some explaining to do."
Eragon sensing an argument coming spoke before Arya could say what was on her mind and by the look of her eyes it would not be any good.
"Your Majesty. First I would like to Apologize. I had hope to meet you and introduce myself along with the dragons but a emergency came up that I needed to take care of. It was a good thing I left when I did. Not only was I able to save the life of my Uncle who is like a father to me but Arya and I arrived in time to hopefully prevent the villagers of Carvahall from all being killed." Eragon greeted.
Brom spoke up "Garrow is well then and what is going on that the entire village is in danger."
Eragon replied "He is healed I have not seen him this morning but he should be awake soon. As for the villagers."
Eragon explained about the warning the village received and the hiding all the young men. How things got worse when several soldiers tried to take Katrina and more then likely rape her. He explained when Garrow introvigne and was nearly fatally injured how other villagers killed the soldiers.
"Now Carvahall has been fortified the best the villagers could do. Three days ago a rider was sent to get reinforcements. We believe he will need to travel to Gil'ead. Best guess is that the village as 3 weeks before more troops arrive." Eragon finished.
Oromis spoke up "Yes Galbatorix will not let this stand. What do you have planned?"
"The village needs to be evacuated. The first thing I need to figure out is what the best option will be. Getting the to Surdan or to the Varden would be for the best. The question what is the best way to get them there."
Eragon unfolded his map. "One option and the most dangerous would for the village to cross the Spine and head to Narda. They could hire a ship to get them to Surdan or at least a barge to get them to a port with larger ships. Best option would be Teirm. It is also the most dangerous option. Brom has a friend there that could help but one of us would have to seek him out before the village made it that far."
"Yes that would be extremely dangerous. I know that Jeod would help if we could get word to him. That's if they made it that far. The Spine has it's own dangers. Then you would need to find someone in Narda who would not betray them. What other options have you come up with?"
"Another option is they head south out of the valley threw the pass and by Utgarg. hey could follow the Spine southward. That area is barren of people. They would be fine till they came to the road that ran between Dras Leona and Teirm. That is a small risk if they cross it at night. They would need to stay on the west side of the lake and continue to follow the Spine till they were south of Belatona. Then head east and cross the Jiet River and follow it south till they reach Surdan."
"Last option is head east after leaving the valley and travel between Du Weldenvarden and the Hadarac Desert. They head east till they reach the Edda river then head south to the Boar Mountains when head back west to Surdan or join the Varden in Farthen Dur. Assuming the Varden will even be there by the time they made it that far. The problem there is it is the longest route and they would not have the supplies here to make it." explained Eragon.
"It would require help from the elves and the Dwarfs." stated Arya. "It would also be the most taxing on the villagers."
"The last option while the safest does not seem like the best option." stated Islanzadi. "The elves would help if needed but I foresee issues with the two interacting. I am well aware of humans views about elves."
Eragon was starting to get mad at her superior attitude. "Yes humans don't understand Elves but Elves have their attitudes towards humans." Eragon saw Islanzadi start to interrupt. "Don't deny it your Majesty. All races have issues with others born out of ignorance. That's why we need the riders. If that was the option the villagers wanted I would have Brom travel with them. He is well know and respected by the Elves, Dwarfs and the villagers."
Arya decided to give her opinion. "I think the best option would be the second option. The danger is minimal in all but a couple places and a shorter route. It would still be better if a ride was with them to scout ahead."
"Arya who would you suggest travel with them?" asked Oromis.
"Brom. Eragon and I still need to travel to see Nar Garzhvog and gain the aid of the Urgals. This also could benefit the villagers as Nar Gazhvog could insure the villagers were not attacked from the Spine. Once we talk with Nar Garzhvog we need to head to the Varden. Galbatorix is drafting conscripts all over the Empire. He must be getting ready for a major attack. That can only be Surdan or the Varden. My guess is Surdan."
"Daughter why do believe Surdan?" ask the Queen.
"Because Eragon already foiled Galbatorix's plans to attack the Varden and Dwarvs using the Urgals. Ajihad and King Hrothgar have already been warned. That leaves Surdan." replied Arya.
"I would have to agree." Eragon spoke up.
"Eragon you and Arya speak to the villagers and see what they want to do. If they do decide to flee they need to leave as soon as possible." Oromis suggested.
"We will speak to Horst and my Uncle today. We may need to reveal the dragons and let the village know who we are. So far only a few know we are here and none know we are riders." explained Eragon.
"Do what you need to do. I will leave and join you as soon as I can. Keep us informed." Brom told the two.
"Arya be careful. I nearly lost you because of your choices." stated Islanzadi.
Arya emerald eyes harden and was about to comment when Eragon ended the connection. Arya turned those eyes on him but he didn't back down.
"Arya I know you are upset with your mother. She is wrong but arguing will do no good. She will still hold on to her opinions." explained Eragon while taking her hands in his.
When he was done he realized he had her hands in his and quickly let go. "Sorry, Now we need to speak to Horst."
They both headed down stairs and was surprised to see Garrow sitting at the table. When he saw Eragon he stood with the help of Roroan. Eragon approached his uncle who took Eragon in a tight hug.
"Thank you Eragon for saving my life. I can't say I am happy with your choices but I understand wanting to protect ones family. You got a lot of your mother in you." commented Garrow.
Elain spoke up "Sit and have breakfast. Arya, Eragon explained about what Elves eat so I have some fruit, bread and cheese for you and Eragon."
"I still can't believe Eragon who spent half is life hunting gave up meat." said a laughing Roran. Which had others laughing.
Eragon and Arya sat at the table next to each other and ate quietly. When everyone was done Eragon turned to Arya and got a slight nod. Facing the others.
"We spoke with Brom, the Elven Queen and another this morning threw a scrying mirror. We discussed what the options were for the village. The way we see it you have no choice but to flee. The only question is to where and the best way to go about it." explained Eragon.
"Is there no way we could stay." asked Katrina.
"No Galbatorix can not have you defying him. It would lead to other villages doing the same and he already has enough trouble with the Varden and with Surdan as an independent country." answered Arya.
Eragon then explained the three routes that was discussed earlier. He told them the positives and the negatives for each option. He and Arya also told them they felt option two was the best option. Garrow and Horst asked questions and the two riders answered best they could.
"No matter which option you decide you will not be alone. While Eragon and I have other missions to accomplish, Brom will be on his way here to act as a guide, scout and o help protect you all." explained Arya.
"How will Brom even get here in time. You said he was with the Elves at the moment." asked Horst.
Arya and Eragon looked at each other before removing the gloves on their hands and holding their palms on their right hands up for all to see. Everyone was surprised to see the mark of the riders.
"The item I found in the Spine was a dragon egg. Saphira hatched for me an another egg we retrieved hatched for Arya. Brom was given a second chance and a second egg hatched for him. He can get here with in days by flying." explained Eragon.
Everyone was shocked by what they just heard. "This explains much Lad." commented Garrow. "Is there any ore surprises you have for us.
"Arya if you would change me back?" asked Eragon. Arya moved her right hand over Eragons face bringing his elfish characteristics back out.
"All riders go threw changes that take years but the dragons used their magic to change me so that I would be stronger and faster. Better able to deal with what was to come." explained Eragon.
"You look like an elf. Are you one now?" asked Baldor.
"No I am not an elf I just have elfish characteristics. Such as I am as strong and as fast as an elf. My magic is stronger and yes I look a lot like one." Eragon informed them.
"Do you live as long as Elves?" asked Katrina.
"Not because of the changes. Because I am a rider I will live till I either get sick or fatally injured or if I just become to tired of living and decide to pass on." answered Eragon.
"So can you still take a human wife. I know you always wanted a family." aske Roran.
"I could but I would not. I will not age like a human will. I would have to watch my wife and any children grow old and die. If I was to take a companion I would need to take an elf mate or another human rider as a mate." Eragon informed them.
Albriech asked the question Eragon had wished he didn't. "Is Arya your mate. You to seem close and the look she gave Katrine when she hugged you would scare anyone stiff."
Arya's eyes narrowed that had his fear for his life. "Eragon and I are not mates but we both care for the others and are good friends. That is all you need to know. Nothing else is any of your business." Albriech just nodded while everyone else wondered what was their relationship.
"Let's get back to the topic at hand. Horst you and Uncle need to call a meeting of the whole village. Arya and I will be here waiting to here what the village wants. Let us know and we will do what we can to help you." Eragon told the two.
"Will you not be there?" asked Garrow.
"Not at the moment we will speak to them if needed but considering the attitudes towards elves it is best we wait to reveal ourselves." answered Eragon.
"OK, we will call it for this afternoon at Quimby's tavern." Horst informed everyone.
E/A
The meeting happen just after the lunch hour. Everyone had an opinion and some of those were better never spoken. After several arguments the village came to an agreement. There were a few who refused to leave Carvahall and would take their chances but everyone else decided to leave. All that was left was dealing with the soldiers camped outside the village and packing everything they could take.
Horst and Garrow would also need to speak with Eragon and Arya about what the village decided and the problem of the guards.
E/A
A young man in his early 20's approached the throne that the King sat upon. A blood red dragon at his side. Both waited to hear what the king they were force to serve had to say.
Arya is still struggling with her feelings for Eragon. She knows she cares more then friendship but not sure how much or too scared to believe. Garrow and Eragon have reunited. Things are still bad between Arya and her mother. Brom will be joining them and leading the village to safety but which way will they chose. Hope to have another chapter out soon.