Eragon reveled in Arya's presence. They had never lived together in a time of peace. There was always the weight of the war and their duties. Right now though, he felt closer to her than ever before. Everything was perfect. They walked together hand in hand, looking through a myriad of various goods. Neither of them had much want for material things due to their positions, but Eragon wanted a trinket to remember this day well. Arya seemed interested in looking through the various enchanted items she found, so he pushed ahead of her a little. After browsing at the nearby booths for a few minutes, he came across a human woodcarver.
The man's skill was evident in his wares, and Eragon had an idea.
"Excuse me," Eragon said.
The man looked up and quickly paled, evidently he hadn't expected it to be the Lead Rider. Familiar with this reaction now after his short stay in the city, Eragon continued.
"I want a custom piece created to commemorate my return here," Eragon said. "Could you carve a likeness of Saphira and Firnen holding up a tablet over the perch of the stadium with the Beors in the background? It doesn't need to be overly large, perhaps only as big as a shield. I want the tablet to be inscribed with the song sung at last night's feast. Do you know it?"
"Yyes of course," the man replied. "To both your questions rider. I would like to do them justice though, and it may take some time."
"Time is not an issue," said Eragon. "For I have plenty. I may leave Alagaesia in the coming months, but if I cannot retrieve it, I will send another."
Eragon paused then, realizing he hadn't even introduced himself properly.
"Apologies," he said. "I have forgotten my manners. I am Eragon, and what is your name friend?"
"I am Kelton son of Harlow," the man replied. "It is my honor to meet you."
"Where do you hail from?" Eragon asked.
"I have lived here in Tronjheim most of my life. My mother and father joined the Varden when I was but a babe. I remember your visit here when I was a young man not yet fit to wield a blade."
Eragon nodded. "What price would you put on your labors Kelton?"
"Well, with materials and time, I would say 35 crowns."
Eragon smiled at the number.
"You undervalue your talents I think," Eragon said. "I passed many others of your profession, but their work did not draw me. You have skill and should be rewarded well for it.
"You honor me," Kelton said then. "I shall not forget it."
Eragon nodded and reached for his magic then. His gedwey ignasia glowed a bright white. He commanded his magic, searching for gold from the soil deep below them. He managed to find a sizable chunk. He commanded it to burst forth from the ground and land in his outstretched palm.
"Here," Eragon said, placing the chunk into Kelton's hand. "For your troubles. I shall find you upon my return to Tronjheim to see your progress. You have my thanks."
He walked off then before Kelton could refuse his generosity. Eragon could tell from his thoughts his pride would not allow him to accept the gold. He also knew that it was enough for most to live on for a year or more. To him, it was but a small bit of energy. To Kelton, it was freedom from worry. He knew from his experience with Elva that blessings and gestures such as these must happen sparingly though. It could upset the balance of things.
Eragon walked back to find Arya talking with Angela.
"Greetings Mooneater," Eragon said. "Ah Eragon!" Angela said. "You look well."
"I am!" He said. "We both are. And you and Solembum? What has kept you busy these long years I've been gone?"
"Wouldn't you like to know!" she said. "That's too easy Kingkiller."
Knowing Angela's incessant love for secrets, Eragon decided he would have to propose a trade.
"Tell me of your pursuits, and I'll tell you of a secret in Arngor," he baited.
"Ooo he has learned," she said, eyes sparkling now with curiosity. "Very well," Angela said. "We spent several years helping guide and raise Elva. You owe me years of life for that still by the way. And, what else? Solembum found himself a father, which halted our adventuring for a while. Since the war, things have been most boring in truth. Perhaps the only thing of note is my discovery that a new species of mushroom is sprouting at the edge of the Beors. That wouldn't usually be of great consequence, but if you eat enough of them, your body grows to almost twice its original size!" Angela said excitedly.
Eragon laughed loudly. "Don't tell the dwarves," he joked. "There will be none left by morning."
That earned him a laugh from Angela, and he could tell Arya fought hard to suppress her own mirth.
"Now tell me," said Angela. "What secret is there in Arngor that would interest me."
"Tenga," Eragon said simply, looking rather pleased with himself.
"What is that old fool doing in Arngor?" Angela asked.
"I hardly know myself," Eragon said. "He is ever finding answers to questions. The ancient ones assure me he is no threat to our order, so he is free to come and go as he pleases. He has mentioned you though."
"Hmm," Angela said. "I wonder what question he is working on now."
"Perhaps you would like to come see for yourself?" Eragon said. "You are most welcome in the land of riders."
"Perhaps I will," Angela said. "Now I must depart. Thank you."
"Farewell," said Arya. Eragon inclined his head as Angela disappeared into the crowd.
Eragon and Arya walked back towards the loft. Eragon reached out his mind to locate Saphira.
"Do you wish to fly together after we rest?" Eragon said to Arya. "I could do with a break from the crowd."
"Have you grown shy Eragon?" Arya teased. "I remember the days when you seemed to enjoy their awe."
"I never enjoyed it!" he protested. "I was always uncomfortable with the attention. There wasn't anything special about me. It was Saphira they were there for really."
They reached the confines of their room, and laid down on the bed to rest. Arya turned and spoke to him in a loving but serious tone.
"One day you will see that it is not your deeds or station that set you apart Eragon," Arya said. "It is your heart."
Eragon didn't know quite what to say, so he took her hand and kissed it. He looked at her then with adoration. He would never grow tired of those emerald orbs.
The heat in the room seemed to go up as they remained with their eyes locked for an inappropriate amount of time.
"Yes, Shadeslayer," Arya said, breaking the haze. "I will fly with you as we once did."
"Saphira, would you and Firnen like to fly in a bit?" Eragon thought. "Always," she replied with joy. "We are not too far. Perhaps seven or eight leagues." He sent her feelings of warmth and happiness at that.
"They should be here in a half hour or so," Eragon said to Arya. "Let's rest."
"Mmmhhm," Arya murmured sleepily in agreement. "Hold me?" She let out a massive yawn.
Eragon moved closer to her, wrapping his body around hers and draping one arm over her side. He tightened his grip around her waist, linking his mind with hers. He registered mutual thoughts of peace and safety, and they both drifted into their waking dream.