Hi there! Back again! You know the drill, read and review!!! There will be some action in later chapters, I promise, for now I'm planning to take it slow.
Disclaimer: All hamsters used for my experiments belong to Chris P! He came up with the idea, used the idea, copyrighted the idea, and now, we, fanfiction writers of Alagaesia have twisted the idea. ;-)
Chapter 2: The Fight for his Heart Must Start.
Eragon's mind drifted, floating in the calm black of sleep, dreaming of nothing, completely contented and relaxed.
He was brought from his stupor by a voice, so melodic and heavenly that he thought he was still dreaming.
Eragon. Eragon.
It called to him, urging his to awaken.
"Eragon."
It became more insistent and louder. He was aware of a warm body next to him, a smooth hand on his cheek.
He reluctantly opened his eyes and promptly squinted. The sun was rising and the bright, white light of the early morning shone into his eyes.
Slowly his eyes adjusted and he blinked to clear any remaining vestiges of sleep from them.
He turned his head and immediately drew back when he found that he was nose to nose with Arya.
She gave a small smile, "You finally are awake."
She gracefully stood, her tunic swishing behind, leaving a smell of pine needles that lingered in Eragon's nostrils and burned permanently in his soul.
"Come, we have much to do." She beckoned with her hand.
Eragon grunted and hauled himself up, stretching his arms above his head, limbs protesting and joints cracking.
He yawned.
"Let us go then." He answered Arya.
They strolled together down to the encampment, it seemed to Eragon that their fragile friendship had strengthened considerably and he made a mental note to remember to never endanger it again.
Wise thoughts, little one. Said a amused female voice in his head.
Saphira! Did you have a good sleep? Eragon asked.
Indeed, I did. I assume you did as well?
Yes
Obviously, seeing who you were sleeping with.
Saphira! We-
Okay, okay, little one, I was just teasing.
Eragon let out a disgruntled noise before blocking her out.
They walked through the camp, occasionally nodding their heads when men bowed in respect. The pair made their way to Nasauda's tent, stopping just so Eragon could show the Kull guarding the tent his insignia so that they would let him in.
As they approached the brown-skinned lady, Eragon bowed and twisted his hand in the Elven gesture of fealty.
"Good morn to you, Lady Nasauda." He said.
She looked up, "And you, Shadeslayer." She walked from around her desk and embraced him, and he returned the hug affectionately.
"Feeling better? You seemed very saddened when we met like this last time." Nasauda said, her arms still around him.
"Yes, thankyou, I am fine now."
She smiled, "I am glad."
A cough came from next to them.
Nasauda looked up at Arya and noted the heated jealousy and warning that flitted across her face, which was quickly suppressed and controlled.
She hurriedly let go of Eragon and stepped a few paces back, not wanting to risk an elf's wrath.
"So, Eragon, is it acceptable to you that you return to Ellesmera? We are sorry for not asking you first, it's just that everything needs to be planned, and quickly, the Empire does not show any mercy when it comes to the Varden."
He nodded, "Yes, I just have a few things to fix up, including Elva, the dwarves have not yet organized the pieces of the crystal yet, so I shall fix it upon my return, also, I must attend Hrothgar's funeral."
"Then go with peace, Eragon, I will see you off, inform me when you leave."
"I will." He said.
"Arya, we need you here, will you think of staying?" Nasauda asked.
Arya shook her head, "No, I am going with Eragon, he could use some help, and also, I am eager to return home, I do not wish to miss the Midsummer Ball that is held there again, like I did last year."
Eragon turned to her, "I am capable of taking care of myself, Princess," he said hotly, "besides, Saphira will be with me."
"I come not to protect you Eragon, for I am aware of your skills, I merely come because if you do encounter trouble, you will not be held up for longer than necessary." Arya said, calming Eragon slightly.
"I'm so-" Before Eragon could apologize, the tent flap blew open and a woman rushed in.
She seemed out of breath, as she bent over, sucking air into her lungs.
Nasauda seemed alarmed, but Eragon calmly spoke for her.
"Trianna."
Arya looked hostile.
Eragon continued, "What brings you here? It's a private meeting."
She looked up, "I apologize, but your cousin sent me, he somehow knows that you are about to leave, and since I was nearest the high ranking personnel to him, he urged me to find you. He gave me a message that he expects you to help him retrieve his fiancé from Helgrind."
"I almost forgot about that, thankyou for informing me, Trianna, it is greatly appreciated." Eragon bowed to her with a smile.
Trianna beamed at him, "also, he recognizes that he is not yet strong enough to defeat the Razac and is not apt in magic, so he bids me to come with you. He told me to tell you to inflict as much pain onto the vile monsters as possible for revenge that they killed his and your father, Garrow."
"Well, of course!" Eragon said.
"If you plan on rescuing Roran's fiancé, you'd better leave within the next few days instead of waiting a few weeks, Eragon, you should go and heal Elva now if you want to leave on schedule, you are dismissed." Nasauda said to all of them.
"Yes, My Lady." He bowed to her and made for the exit, Trianna and Arya following behind, slightly jostling each other, while Nasauda watched, amused from behind.
So Arya does have feelings for him…She thought.
Yay! another chapter done, did you enjoy it? of course you did!!! Now REVIEW or I WILL hunt you down…