[lt dragon]

If you're thinking about reading this, please don't decide not to after the prologue, or first few chapters. Honestly, if I had started reading this fanfiction, I would have probably quit it before getting too far in favor of reading something else, and I can't blame you if you do. However, and as bad as a start as I got off too, I can honestly say that it does indeed get better, which, in my opinion, isn't really saying that much when judging by this start. If I ever find myself with a lot of free time and nothing to do, which I don't foresee happening anytime soon, seeing as I can barely find time to work on the rest of it now, I would like to go back and rewrite at least the first few chapters. Unfortunately, until then, they're not that great. If you do decide to suffer through the beginning, I hope you won't be disappointed. Thanks for reading, and thanks for comments.

Table of Contents

Chapter 1
Chapter 2
Chapter 3
Chapter 4
Chapter 5
Chapter 6
Chapter 7
Chapter 8
Chapter 9
Chapter 10
Chapter 11
Chapter 12
Chapter 13: Part I, Part II
Chapter 14
Chapter 15
Chapter 16
Chapter 17
Chapter 18
Chapter 19
Chapter 20
Chapter 21
Chapter 22
Chapter 23
Chapter 24
Chapter 25
Chapter 26
Chapter 27: Spoof, Part I, Part II
Chapter 28: Part I, Part II
Chapter 29
Chapter 30
Chapter 31
Chapter 32: Part I, Part II
Chapter 33
Chapter 34
Chapter 35
Chapter 36
Chapter 37
Chapter 38
Chapter 39
Chapter 40
Chapter 41
Chapter 42: Part I, Part II
Chapter 43
Chapter 44
Chapter 45
Chapter 46
Chapter 47: Part I, Part II
Chapter 48
Chapter 49
Chapter 50
Chapter 51
Chapter 52

Prologue

Eragon and Arya were standing on a grassy hill, he wearing a sapphire tunic, and she a brilliant emerald dress. There was a huge tree beside them, which rivaled the Menoa Tree of Du Weldenvarden in size. Behind it, the sun was sinking low on the horizon, causing the once blue sky to turn various hues of red, yellow, and orange. The tall, round hill, stood up amongst a small forest of trees that circled around the base of the hill in a belt that was about a hundred yards thick. Galbatorix’s evil reign had fallen and Eragon knew in his heart that all was right in Alagaësia.

He breathed in deeply the smell of crushed pine needles and leaned forwards to kiss Arya lightly upon her lips. As they made contact, he suddenly woke up. He was back in his tent in the Varden camp. He thought back to the dream that he had just woken up from. It seemed so real, like the one he had had so long ago of the mysterious figures leaving on the ship. It took him only a moment of getting woke up to realize that something was wrong. It was still in the middle of the night, and the air was filled with the smell of smoke and fire. Standing up, he quickly dressed himself, choosing to forego his armor for the sake of speed. After dressing, he quickly strapped Brisingr to the belt of Beloth the Wise, and ducked through the flap of his tent. He looked around at a scene of carnage. It seemed as if the entire Varden camp was going up in flames. Around him, Varden soldiers, hastily readied, were putting up a desperate, yet valiant attempt to halt the onslaught of the King’s mages and elite soldiers. However, the Varden, not having time to prepare, being desperately outnumbered, and facing the core of the Empire’s army, never really had a chance.

Eragon drew his sword as he heard a roar, and saw Saphira cascading blue flames down on a group of imperial mages. Their wards held for several moments, but broke down to the fury and heat of the dragon’s rage. Saphira he yelled out with his mind. She turned to see him running to her side, cutting down several soldiers who were foolish enough to stand in his way. I see you finally decided to wake up and join us. She goaded him. He quickly climbed up onto her back, and she took off into the air. Where is Arya? He asked. She is currently with the elves. I believe she was visiting with her mother when we were attacked. But I would suggest that you not go rushing to her aid. She does not need it nearly as much as the rest of the Varden. The elves are more powerful than the imperial forces and can manage on their own. Feeling a little disheartened, for rushing to her aid was exactly what he planned to do, he submitted to Saphira’s reasoning. She was right after all.

Looking around, he kind of wondered what he should do. The Varden would normally have had a plan, but everything was now simply chaos. He decided to merely launch an attack here and there where he thought that it seemed that Varden soldiers were having the most trouble. After surveying the battle field for several moments, with indecision as to where to lend his assistance, for the combined might of the Varden, Urgals, and dwarves, for they were having trouble on all fronts, he saw where he thought he should lend a hand. Through their mental bond, he requested that Saphira fly closer.

His target was two figures, standing back to back, and surrounded by both imperial mages and soldiers. Around them, scattered on the ground, were the corpses of dozens of imperial men, but the two still relentlessly fought on, giving no quarter. However, the appearances of the two were what surprised him. He was sure that they weren’t with the Varden, for he would have surely recognized them, or at least their unique armor, yet, here they were, fighting with the free Alliance against the empire’s forces. One of the figures was taller than most humans, but short for an Urgal, and wearing some type of strange, iridescent green armor. The large green figure wielded a hefty battle-ax, which he swung with a grace that didn’t befit his size, or the heavy weapon. The other was clearly an Urgal, but wore shining silver armor, with a tint of purple mixed throughout it. The Urgal was wielding a marvelously designed sword, which supported two, long and sharp blades, extending from a horizontal handle, which was held in his fist. The sword, a deep light shade of purple, which semi-matched his armor, was swung with the strength of a true Urgal warrior, and continually found its mark in delving into the chests of its targets, or chopping their heads clean off.

Eragon leapt off of Saphira when he was near the two warriors. He hit the ground rolling, and stood back up while, at the same time, lashing out with Brisingr to sever an enemy’s head from its body. He had landed right outside the circle, but several of the imperial soldiers had quickly turned around so as not to be caught with their backs turned. Three of the many soldiers attacking the two strange combatants turned to Eragon and attacked him all at once, one coming straight at him, and the other from either side. He stepped to the right, causing the man on the left to miss completely, and pulled his sword up and at a diagonal to meet blades of the other two. He pushed back with all of his elven strength, making the two soldiers stumble backwards several feet. He turned around just in time to block a blow aimed at his head from the third soldier. He brought Brisingr up right next to his head, stopping the enemy blade inches from his face. He then pushed the sword away, and lashed out with his own, stabbing the man in the chest. The man fell to the ground and quickly bled to death. Eragon then whipped around to face the other two soldiers again. One of them recovered faster than the other and charged at him. Eragon sidestepped the man who, in his mad haste, kept going forwards, and brought Brisingr down along his back, cleaving the man nearly in two. The other also stood back up, but took a more cautious approach, circling Eragon carefully, looking for an opening. Eragon merely stood still, waiting for the man to strike. However, that strike never came. The two figures who he had meant to assist had used his arrival as a distraction, and quickly dispatched the rest of their foes. The one in the strange, gem-like, green armor then motioned with an arm, and a huge boulder rose from the earth and struck down the last soldier facing Eragon.

Eragon watched in amazement as his enemy was thrown several dozen feet by the boulder. He then looked at the pair of warriors; apparently they hadn’t needed much help after all. Eragon was about to ask the pair how they had come to be fighting for the Varden, when the Urgal yelled, “Eragon, behind you!” Eragon spun, but it was too late. He had no idea how, but somehow Galbatorix had snuck up on him. From Shuriken’s back, Galbatorix launched an energy bolt from his palm. Eragon only had time to realize that something was wrong before the bolt hit him in the chest. As he fell, a single thought ran through his head. We should be right outside Feinster. However, he had just seen Uru’baen on the horizon, behind Galbatorix.

Eragon awoke again, and set up on his cot. This time he was actually awake, and actually in the Varden camp. He reached out with his mind until he found Saphira. She was still asleep. Slightly reassured that he was actually awake, he swung his feet over the edge of his cot, and set there thinking. His entire dream had been so realistic, and so similar to that dream of the people leaving which he had come to believe was a premonition. Was it possible to see the future through a dream in another dream? He wondered if either of the dreams should come to pass. He feared that the second one seemed the more likely of the two, but surely, to be struck down by Galbatorix, couldn’t be his fate. After all, Angela had predicted that he would live a long life. Then another thought hit him, what if he was destined to live a long life, filled by war? What if the Varden wasn’t marching to the end, but the war was only going to be prolonged? With this disconcerting thought, he stood up, shaking his head slightly, almost to clear his mind, and got dressed. After getting dressed he walked, once again, through the flap of his tent and looked out at the city of Feinster. It had only been three days since they had captured it, and since the death of his masters. This thought brought a tear to his eye, but he quickly brushed it away. The Varden was awake and preparing. They were going to began their march the next day.

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So, a dream/possible premonition within a dream/possible premonition. I've read several fanfics, and I am trying to stay as unique as possible. Sorry if anything seems too familiar to another, I'm really not trying to copy anyone else. I hope that this seems pretty original so far.

This is probably a lot longer than my other chapters may be. It depends on how long I have at a time to write.

Thanks for any comments or suggestions.

P.S. *possibly a spoiler* If you didn't get this from the dream/possible premonition, this story is probably going to be AxE, unless I get an idea that I like during the writing process that contradicts this. Other than that, I've got no clue about other details at the moment, except, that the guy in the green armor, and his companion are my original characters, and, I plan, for them to have a major role in the novel. This isn't really important at the moment, but that green-armored guy is named John, not sure about the other yet.

Also, even the title of this book is very changeable. I honestly didn't really like the title that I have now, but I was a little brain dead and wanted to use something in the AL. If anyone has any other ideas for me, please post them. I may use them if you don't mind. Thanks for reading. I'll be happy to answer any questions if you have them.

This post has been edited by lt dragon: 02 February 2010 - 11:10 AM

[Burrosis]

First, I will be more than happy to ready the chapters you put up and give you critiques.

Second, you need a C Level. They range from 1 to 5. 1 being you really don't want critiques and are just writing for fun. 5 being you want story slaughter and want it looked at as if you were going to publish it.

Before I even read, I could spot 2 huge things. You need to s p a c e out your paragraphs. Also you need to put italics for thoughts. Wether they be for communication or inner monologue.

Now that I have read it. Your battle scene was great. Description was very good. In a chapter like this there couldn't be to much emotion so I can't pass judgement on that.

I did however find one typo.

He wandered if either of the dreams should come to pass.

It should be "He wondered"

Aside from that, the story was really good and I hope you can update more than you have said. I'm interested on how you will introduce those two characters into a book four of a series. Though I do think that the name "John" should be changed. It's too common of a name, and there is nothing like John or Matt or any other biblical name in the books so far.

Keep on writing and I will keep on reading. You have potential, and I think that you should keep writing. I will give you some advice, I am a writer much like yourself. I need to feel it if I am going to throw out a chapter. What has helped me out in keeping up consistency is whenever I feel creative enough to think somewhat ahead I write down my "plan" for future chapters. That way I always have a plan a few chapters ahead of where I currently am in my story. But thats just me, you could be completely different.

P.S. As for a different title, I agree that it could use some work, but I can never think of a good title.

This post has been edited by Burrosis: 01 September 2009 - 07:32 PM

[bromsson14]

As burrossis said, you need a Clevel and to space out paragraphs and italicize. Instead of looking like this,

Where is Arya? He asked. She is currently with the elves. I believe she was visiting with her mother when we were attacked. But I would suggest that you not go rushing to her aid. She does not need it nearly as much as the rest of the Varden. The elves are more powerful than the imperial forces and can manage on their own.

it should look like this,

Where is Arya he asked,

She is currently with the elves. I believe she was visiting with her mother when we were attacked. But I would suggest that you not go rushing to her aid. She does not need it nearly as much as the rest of the Varden. The elves are more powerful than the imperial forces and can manage on their own.

But other than that, I think you were solid on all the basic points of fanfiction. I will be waiting for more chapters to come.

May you have time to do what you need,
Bromsson

[Burrosis]

Also you shouldn't wait until you get followers to post new chapters. In all of the fanfics that I have read and the one I am writing, you should post chapters when they are ready not until you have a certain amount of comments.

That just leads to spamming by the people who follow your story at the time.

[soldierofwill]

Yes, exactly what bromsson said. Space it out. To be honest I didn't finish the chapter because it got pretty hard to read with a wall of text. Although, The parts I did read were quite interesting. Can't wait to see more!
Keep it up!
Your interested reader soldierofwill. Bye

[lt dragon]

Wow. That was a lot faster than I expected. I actually typed the whole thing on Microsoft Word and copy and pasted. I didn't even thing about the thoughts not staying in italics when I switched over to the internet. I guess that it couldn't just be that simple. In that case, there probably won't be as much thought-speak as I originally intended, but I'll just work with it. I'll go back and change that in a moment.

As far as the C-level goes, I don't see how to change it. A point in the right direction would be appreciated.

As of the name of John: Sorry, it stays. He, and his role in the book are one of the reasons that I even started to write this fanfic. I wanted something completely new and original, and, if my writing ends up matching my vague ideas about where I'm going, I think John and his team will be new and original. As far as the name, it isn't biblical, at least, not in my use of it. I'm all for religion and everything, but I'm not the kind of person to throw it in there because of the Bible. His name is a reference to something, what it is will become clear in time, that is when it becomes important, but it isn't a reference to the Bible.

I'll fix the typo as well.

I might start working on the first chapter. I don't know, just not really feeling the inspiration. If I do write something, it will be up by 11.

Thanks for the comments.

EDIT: Okay. The paragraphs are now spaced, at least, I think I got them all. Eragon is now wondering instead of wandering, and thought speak is different than everything else. I think I might go ahead for the next one.

This post has been edited by lt dragon: 01 September 2009 - 08:11 PM

[Burrosis]

I didn't mean that religious stuff. I was just using "biblical" names as names that appear in the bible. i.e. Matthew, John, James, Luke ect. I was only pointing out that there were no common names that were used today in any of the books so far.

Now that you say that his name holds significance then I guess I deem it "worthy".

As far as the C level goes. You do a full edit of your original post and put a C-5 (or whatever number you want) next to the title or in the subtitle. Just so people know, I guess, "how" to read it.

[lt dragon]

I meant to mention this earlier, but I forgot. My memory isn't so great. Okay, here is a list of things that I hope to cover in this book because they are things that I think CP left open to be covered in the final book:

what elva's going to do
what's up with Angela
of course, the fall of Galby
the RoK and VoS
Eragon's debt to the Menoa Tree
Birgit vs Roran (not very important in my opinion, but I may include a bit)
murtagh's fate
possibly a visit to Brom's tomb

EDIT: See? I knew I'd forget something. I'm just glad I saw it before anyone else pointed out my stupidity and lack of attention. The third dragon egg (definitely going to be covered). Oh, and also Tenga. He'll be mentioned at least a little. Now, if there is anything I forgot, please mention it.

As I said, my memory's not so great, and I was making this list at around midnight last night when my brother and sister's guinea pigs kept squeaking every time I started to dose off, so it was probably missing something to begin with, plus something probably got left out from yesterday to now. So, if anyone has anything that they think CP has left open for the last book, or anything that they would want to be in the last book in general, even if CP hasn't allured to it, please post it. I think that the worst possible thing in a fanfic is when something is forgotten that seemed like it should be there. As far as the things you might like to see. Post them, if I think I can work with them, and like where they are headed, I will certainly use them. Plus, I think I'm gonna kill someone. If anyone has any preferences, speak now or forever hold your peace. I think I'll make a poll for that. Thanks for the assistance.

@Burrosis: I know what you meant now, but don't worry. John may seem too normal, but his last name makes up for it. I wasn't going to announce it yet, but here it is: Einsjaután. I doubt anyone can figure out what it references to anyway. I may just make his last name his first, and forget about John, but that wouldn't give the character the full comedic effect.

@anyone reading: If anyone can tell me what John Einsjaután is referencing to, I will give a major spoiler, or at least a possible spoiler. My story can change at any possible moment, so spoilers might not always mean much. I guess it's only fair to give you a hint. Einsjaután is from Old Norse.

This post has been edited by lt dragon: 01 September 2009 - 09:15 PM

[lt dragon]

Sorry that I'm double posting, I could have clicked edit, but didn't really want to. I normally just edit, but I thought that this deserved its own post anyway. Sorry, but no update until tomorrow. (I hope I'll get one up by tomorrow.) However, the "John" thing has been bothering me and I think I will change his name. It really doesn't fit into the Inheritance Cycle at all. From now on, I think his name will be Ein Sjaután. I like John better, but it really doesn't fit. Now I'm going to need to change the names of the rest of his team that I plan on introducing. Just for the record, and another hint towards what the character formally known as John is referencing to, the rest of his team was going to be derivative from the following names: Sam, Linda, Kelly, and Johnson. I'll still give a spoiler if anyone can tell me what Einsjaután is referring to.

[Shruikanisbeast]

Halo and Halo Reach?????

Sam, Linda, Kelly=Spartans

John=Master Chief

Johnson= Sgt.Johnson????

This post has been edited by Shruikanisbeast: 01 September 2009 - 09:39 PM

[Pixel]

Second, you need a C Level. They range from 1 to 5. 1 being you really don't want critiques and are just writing for fun. 5 being you want story slaughter and want it looked at as if you were going to publish it.

We don't use C levels anymore, guys. I don't quite understand why everyone thinks they are required again, there was a big announcement about it.

And please don't make pointless two word posts, Shruikanisbeast.

This post has been edited by Pixel: 01 September 2009 - 09:38 PM

[Shruikanisbeast]

One of the figures was taller than most humans, but short for an Urgal, and wearing some type of strange, iridescent green armor. The large green figure wielded a hefty battle-ax, which he swung with a grace that didn’t befit his size, or the heavy weapon. The other was clearly an Urgal, but wore shining silver armor, with a tint of purple mixed throughout it. The Urgal was wielding a marvelously designed sword, which supported two, long and sharp blades, extending from a horizontal handle, which was held in his fist. The sword, a deep light shade of purple, which semi-matched his armor, was swung with the strength of a true Urgal warrior, and continually found its mark in delving into the chests of its targets, or chopping their heads clean off.

Master Chief and an Elite, not the Arbiter....I don't think

[lt dragon]

One of the figures was taller than most humans, but short for an Urgal, and wearing some type of strange, iridescent green armor. The large green figure wielded a hefty battle-ax, which he swung with a grace that didn’t befit his size, or the heavy weapon. The other was clearly an Urgal, but wore shining silver armor, with a tint of purple mixed throughout it. The Urgal was wielding a marvelously designed sword, which supported two, long and sharp blades, extending from a horizontal handle, which was held in his fist. The sword, a deep light shade of purple, which semi-matched his armor, was swung with the strength of a true Urgal warrior, and continually found its mark in delving into the chests of its targets, or chopping their heads clean off.

Master Chief and an Elite, not the Arbiter....I don't think

Yep, that's who the original characters are going to be based off of. But I'm still looking to see if anyone can tell me what Einsjaután means. But since you got the closest so far, I'll give a spoiler, kind of: The Urgal in the above is unique in the fact that he lacks horns and has a very strong connection with magic. I figure that some people can guess why, but I'm not telling yet... ha ha ha.

And, just for the record. I didn't find your post pointless at all. It answered the spoiler question.

Yeah. Definitely no post tonight. I kind of got distracted and started playing the new Fire Emblem for the DS. Goin' to bed now, without the chapter done. I may finish it tomorrow if I get a chance. I'd like to at least. Thanks so far guys.

This post has been edited by lt dragon: 01 September 2009 - 10:08 PM

[Burrosis]

Sorry Pixel, I guess I missed that announcement.

[lt dragon]

Okay. Sorry this is so late guys. I meant to get it up MUCH earlier. However, I had a lot of things that needed to be done, and this chapter kept growing and growing every time I stopped and then came back to it. This is actually only the first part of what I've written today. I decided that, in the interest of not putting entirely too much pressure on my future chapters as far as length goes, that I would cut this one into two. As I said. The next two were supposed to be one, so they may be a bit choppily cut, but I think they'll be okay. Honestly, I've never divided any of my works into chapters before I was finished with them before, so this is a new experience for me. I have a Star Wars novel that is currently over 60 pages long that has a prologue, but isn't divided into chapters at all because I don't like the idea of cutting a thought short just to make an average length chapter. Okay I will stop my endless rambling, and post the chapter.

Here it is:

Chapter 1
Eragon glanced around at the numerous members of the Varden within his line of sight. They were all doing something constructive to get ready for the march to Belatona. Looking around, he felt kind of useless. His things, which were always ready to move at a moment’s notice, were packed away within his tent. He was completely ready to start up the march. The only thing still weighing him down was his grief. He had tried to stay strong in front of others, for the sake of his image as a bringer of hope to the Varden. However, he was truly overwhelmed by the deaths of his previous masters, and all the while he was watching, but was powerless to intervene. He had shed many tears, but all in private.

However, at least their deaths hadn’t been completely in vain. Nasuada had received word from Queen Islanzadí that very morning that Gil’ead had been cleansed of all resistance the day before and that the elves were making good time to Teirm. After the pair had died, Murtagh and Thorn had retreated due to Thorn’s wounded tail, and the fact that the entire elven army had, in short order, organized all of its magical energy into an assault on Murtagh and Thorn. Fortunately for the pair, their wards, powered by the heart of hearts of several dragons protected them just long enough to escape, but barely. After the rider and dragon had left, the elves had cleaned up the rest of the city quickly, efficiently, and deadly. After a short ceremony for their fallen rider and dragon, followed by a massive funeral pyre, fueled magically by golden flames, the elves had readied the camp to leave. The next day the entire army packed up and began the march to Teirm, with the same speed and efficiency that characterized its slaughter of its enemies.

Saphira had woken up while Eragon was standing around lost in his own thoughts of Oromis and Glaedr. Morning, Little One. She greeted him over their bond. Morning Saphira. He replied. What’s wrong Little One? Your mind is troubled even more today than yesterday, you must learn to let your grief go. I don’t know what to do Saphira. He admitted. Everyone close to me ends up dead. Would it be better if I went ahead and flew to Uru’baen by myself to face him alone? Even if we flew to Uru’baen right now, you wouldn’t be alone. I would be there with you. Saphira stated simply. Unless of course you plan on growing wings. She joked, then continued again in a serious tone. And it’s not your fault that Galbatorix defeated Oromis and Glaedr. Their deaths weren’t a cause of you actions. They were a dragon and rider just as much as you and I, and therefore just as much of a target. Be that as it may, I can’t keep from blaming myself when I feel that I could have stopped it from happening. Eragon thought to her. And I don’t want anything to happen to anyone else because of my presence. What if Roran or Arya are the next to fall? I couldn’t live with myself if something were to happen to them because I couldn’t protect them. You can’t protect everyone Little One. Saphira wisely stated. Eragon shook his head. He knew she was right, he couldn’t protect everyone, but why not? He was now the only dragon rider in existence. Was it not his job to protect the people of Alagaësia. Stop dwelling on what is impossible for you to do. Saphira reproached him, cutting into his thoughts. With this, he decided that he would go visit Arya again to see how she was coping with the deaths of the elven rider. They had spoke on the subject a little, but he felt that she was feeling more pain than he, and more than she would let on. Saphira, who had already felt his intentions, agreed with him that he should go see her, but to tread carefully around her feelings.

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Arya was sitting on her cot in her tent in the Varden camp. She hadn’t really done anything except reevaluate her life and emotions since she had learned that Oromis and Glaedr had fallen to Galbatorix’s might. Oromis had been important for all of the elves. He had been their pride and joy, their symbol of eternal hope, even in the face of the Dark King’s wrath, but now that symbol was no more. However, he had been more than just a symbol to her. Several times in her life she had gone to Oromis to seek advice and comfort, and she had come to look at him as a father figure. While, because of her responsibilities, she hadn’t spent much time in Du Weldenvarden, she had always looked at Oromis as a constant in the world, someone who would always be there if she needed him. Now, however, he too had fallen to Galbatorix, and she had never got to express how thankful she was to him for the guidance he had offered to her throughout the years. In fact, now that she thought about it, she had received his words of kindness more often with a cold demeanor, than with kindness in return. This thought brought a new wave of sadness and tears.

She thought she heard someone approaching her tent, and extended her mind to see who it was. An unbidden feeling of joy leapt into her mind as she realized it was Eragon. He was the other reason for her emotional distress. Where she had once turned him away because he had seemed too young and immature, the war had changed him. He was now someone who she had found that she could have a serious conversation with without him making a fool of himself, at least most of the time. This was bringing her distress because of the feelings that she had once had for Faolin. She and Faolin had been very close, and it was this that had caused him to agree to guard her in her travels, and what ended up costing him his life. After Faolin’s death, she had hardened herself from the world, and was now still reluctant to open back up to Eragon. However, she had been, almost unknowingly, letting down her defenses when she was around him. She wasn’t sure what it was about him that made her defenses against the world fail, but it was happening at an increased rate whenever they were around each other. She tried to wipe the tears from her eyes as she heard his voice from right outside her tent.

“Arya, are you there?” She walked over to the flap of her tent and opened it, letting her appearance serve as the answer. “I just wondered how you were holding up after…” he stammered at the last few words, not wanting to bluntly bring up Oromis’ and Glaedr’s deaths. “the last few days.” He finished. Arya contemplated her answer for a moment before she gave it. She wasn’t sure if she wanted to admit to him how badly the deaths of the rider and dragon affected her. In the end, her silence and the redness in her normally beautiful green eyes gave Eragon his answer without her needing to speak it. “Would you like to talk?”, he asked her. She noted the cautiousness in his voice, and barely kept a smile from floating across her face, despite the sadness in her heart. He was afraid of what her reaction might be. She simply nodded and walked out of the tent, with no particular destination in mind, Eragon following closely behind.

Arya walked aimlessly through the Varden camp, with Eragon silently walking by her side until she saw a glade of large trees. This was the perfect spot for her and Eragon to talk. She slightly changed her course, walking towards the glade. Eragon still followed, following her lead in staying silent. All the while that they had been walking, Arya had been thinking furiously. She was still confused about how she actually felt towards Eragon. They had no doubt grown closer the longer that they spent near each other, yet she still felt like she was betraying what had been between herself and Faolin every time she looked at Eragon. On the other hand, however, she realized more than ever after Oromis’ death that the war could change things at any moment, and that her indecision could cause greater pain in the long run. In the end she resigned herself to stop thinking about it and just see what Eragon’s intentions were.

As she came upon this decision, the pair of them reached the small glade of trees. Despite Eragon leaving early to see Arya, it was getting later in the afternoon, due to people holding him up wanting advice, assistance, or just to see him in general. Then their walk around the Varden camp had eaten up more time, bringing them to the glade in the late afternoon. Arya walked into the patch of trees until she found a small clearing. She looked around and was surprised when she didn’t see Eragon. A spike of fear rose in her chest for a moment to soon be replaced by anger for him leaving her without even saying anything. She sat down, deciding to stay in the small meadow for a while even without him. She had always enjoyed being in the woods since she had left Du Weldenvarden. While no other forest could compare in beauty to that of the elves’, getting lost in nature had always been relaxing for her.

She woke from her thoughts a short moment later when she heard a rustling from somewhere in the woods. She drew her sword and backed to the opposite side of the clearing to give herself maximum sight and maneuvering room. A spike of fear found its way into her chest once again, perhaps something had happened to Eragon. She found the magic in her mind, and prepared herself to use it as the sound got closer to her. She gasped when she saw that it was Eragon.

A mixture of surprise, relief, and anger passed through Arya’s mind when she saw Eragon carrying a small bundle of wood step through the trees. “What was the meaning of deserting me?” She asked him, her words heated by anger. “I’m sorry”, he quickly stammered. “I found something, and was undecided if you would want it or not.” Angry or not, this comment certainly piqued her curiosity. She waited a moment in silence until Eragon felt brave enough to continue. He removed one arm from behind his back, which she hadn’t noticed was placed there, and in his hand was a lily. However, this wasn’t a normal flower. Its petals were made of pure gold, and its center a large sapphire. “Apparently they did spread”, he commented, handing the flower to her. “I’m sorry”, he continued, “for seemingly leaving you. But I saw the flower and was mulling over whether I ought to pick it for you or not. I didn’t want to disappoint you by killing something so beautiful.” Arya looked down at the wonder of nature she held in her hand. She didn’t like seeing something so full of natural beauty plucked up by the roots, but she was far from disappointed with Eragon’s gift.

Eragon motioned with the wood he had gathered. “I thought a fire would be nice, seeing as it’s almost evening.” Arya answered with a smile, and the sheathing of her blade. After a few moments and a little magic, Eragon had a fire blazing away, happily crackling in the growing darkness. He and Arya spent the remaining hours of the day talking and simply enjoying each other’s company after all of the pain that the two of them had experienced because of the war.

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Eragon looked down at Arya’s head lying on his chest. They had been lying next to the fire, looking up at the night stars through a hole in the tree canopy above when Arya had slowly drifted into her waking dreams during a break of silence in the conversation. Eragon could only see the top and back of her head, but he marveled once again at her beauty. He softly sighed. He wasn’t so sure that she would look as appealing when she woke up in the morning and realized that they had slept together. He shoved the thought from his mind however, and fell into his waking dreams beneath the open night sky.


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Okay. I guess late is better than never. I'll have chapter two up shortly, seeing as it was originally supposed to be part of this one. For the record, I am way out of my element here. I normally write more in the whole sci-fi spectrum, and, as of yet, I don't have much romance in my works. However, I thought it was important to include, seeing as I plan for this to have them getting together. Originally the scene was going to stretch out longer, with dialogue, but I got bored with it. I'm also not sure if I like my version of Arya. I'm more used to including the murderous blood rush that comes into a battle than the heartfelt emotions between a future couple. Please comment on how you thought it was, and give me any suggestions.

P.S. I think I got all of the paragraphs spaced, but if I didn't, and it seems that there is an extremely long paragraph somewhere that kind of switches ideas about halfway through, please point it out to me. Thanks for reading. Chapter three should be up in a little, depending on if it grows out of control like this one did, of course.

This post has been edited by lt dragon: 14 October 2009 - 05:06 PM