FicWad

The day was rather bright when Eragon rose. It was a week or so after the Battle of Burning Plains and he was still well exhausted and sorer than his counterparts. Both Eragon and Roran had retrieved Katrina safely, and Roran and Katrina were intending to head back to Carvahall with the rest of the townfolk in attempt to rebuild it.
Saphira was still snoring contentedly outside of Eragon’s tent, her mind still wavering in the dark abyss of sleep and dreams; bordering on semi-consciousness.
As he ran a hand through his hair, his thoughts strayed to the previous day. About Murtagh and how he had been sworn to Galbatorix with the ancient language under oaths. Eragon was grateful that Murtagh had let them go, though disappointed in himself and his inability to defeat his brother.
Eragon shuddered at the thought. Murtagh, his brother? Both of them the sons of Morzan, the first and last man of the Forsworn?
Do not let your mind wander to thoughts of those not as pleasant as this glorious morning.
Saphira interrupted his train of thoughts with a better one, surprising Eragon when she spoke.
Saphira, I didn’t even hear you wake. He said, standing to peek outside the tent.
Saphira blew a stream of hot air into his face once he peeked out and Eragon coughed as he caught her eyes twinkling with what looked like amusement.
Good morning little one. She said, changing her tone and expression to one a bit more serious.
Good morning as well Saphira. Eragon answered, breathing in the crisp morning air.
Are you recovering from the battle yesterday? Saphira asked, sticking her head through the flap in Eragon’s tent to watch, as he got dressed.
Eragon chuckled dryly.
Recovering. Not recovered quite yet, and I don’t think I will be for a while. How are you Saphira? He asked, slipping his tunic over his head and strapped on a temporary sword that had been given to him for protection.
I’m okay. Not yet recovered yet either. She said, her eyes still twinkling with amusement with the formal conversation that took place—like they didn’t already know how each other was already feeling.
Suddenly, there was a shadow just outside his tent and Saphira moved her head away, growling at the intruder.
Who is it Saphira? Eragon asked, heading over to the tent flap to move it aside.
A very flustered and excited looking boy messenger stood just outside, looking a bit fearful in the presence of Saphira.
“Yes?” Eragon asked.
The boy jumped, unsure of how to proceed.
“Sir, the council of Elders are asking for you. They say that there’s a new Dragon Rider come down from Belatona. The information isn’t finalized, but they believe that there is indeed another Dragon Rider alive, accompanied by a younger girl. They are in need of you immediately.” The boy said, breathless with excitement. Excitement he might not be so accustomed to.
Eragon let a smile grace his face. He could already feel Saphira’s excitement coursing through his veins and the excitement of his own was almost too much to handle.
“Thank you for informing of this. Are the Elders meeting in the original chamber?” he asked.
“No, sir, they’re meeting in the meeting hall. Many will be there. Would you like me to lead you there?” the boy asked, looking hopeful.
Eragon smiled.
“Yes, just a moment though so I might finish readying myself.” Eragon said, retreating slightly back into his tent while the boy waited patiently outside.
Eragon threw a cloak over his shoulders, then proceeded to tighten his sword belt around his hips.
Eragon, can you believe it? A new Rider! Saphira said as they followed the boy to the meeting hall.
It’s almost too hard to believe. I am excited as well Saphira. We will meet a companion that will help us bring down the evil rein of Galbatorix.
Then suddenly they arrived in the stone meeting hall—raised and excited voice bouncing off the stone to almost deafen Eragon’s ears.
He saw Arya cringing in a corner and knew she was responding the same way to the volume of the chatter.
But despite all the excitement, Eragon had yet to meet the Dragon Rider and his dragon. As he reached out his mind, he could not sense them either.
“I call this to order! All those of you who where not summoned here, please stand back so we can assert authority and gain some organization to this chaos!” Jörmunder shouted out to the crowd, practically straining his voice in attempt to control the chaos he had mentioned.
Everyone eventually settled down and those who were not summonded to the chamber stepped back so that those who were could step forward and greet the new Dragon rider. After a couple of minutes or so with nothing happening, most civilians stepped away to get to other business and when the Dragon Rider arrived, only a small crowd was still there consisting of those who were to be present.
Suddenly, in the distance there was the reflection of a million brilliant jade green scales; just as beautiful as Saphira’s scales as they were in the distance.
Don’t reach out just yet Eragon. They might become suspicious. Saphira said, just as excited but not wanting to turn them away.
Eragon nodded.
I will do that Saphira. Thank you, I didn’t think of that repercussion. Eragon said, withdrawing his mind. No doubt whoever the Rider was, they’d be able to feel Eragon’s probe.
Everyone stepped back as the brilliant jade dragon landed on the outcropping of rock where the procession was gathered. The dragon fixed Eragon with one brilliant green eye, just like Saphira, then moved his head to look at Saphira.
Are you two the dragon and Rider? The beast asked, his mind open to anyone who was listening.
His voice inside of Eragon’s head was musical and melodic; rich like the elves.
We are indeed. My name is Saphira and my rider is Eragon. Who are you? Saphira asked.
Suddenly a boy jumped down. He had wind-swept, straight brown hair, his face burned by the slightly cold wind. He wore leather trousers—his tunic and vest askew.
“This is Niyol. I am Alastair. It’s nice to meet you.” He said.
Alastair offered a hand and Eragon shook it warmly.
“Are you-“
Niyol let out a coughing laugh.
Is he the Dragon Rider? No, he can barely stand without some misfortune falling over him, much less use magic and fight with sharp objects. He said.
Alastair shot a cold look toward Niyol, but a smile twitched at the corners of his lips.
Then, a girl jumped off of Niyol’s back and there was a collective gasp throughout the procession from all the men.
The girl in front of them was as beautiful as any elf. Her skin wasn’t pale porcelain, yet it wasn’t so tanned that she had the elves complexion. Her skin was fair, with only one indentation of a scar on the left side of her temple. Her hair was dark red—so dark red it was almost a purplish red—and she had bangs swept to the side of her head that wasn’t covering the scar. Her lips were full and light pink, parted with a smile as she looked at all those who were gathered to welcome her little party.
But her eyes where what held everyone’s attention. They were large and almond shape with a kaleidoscope of different colors. The most prominent color was a rich forest green with freckles of black and yellow like picture windows on the outer rims. Around her pupils though, a spider web of hazel and light brown spiraled; like they were thrown in without any consent as to where it would land.
She wore leggings and a tunic with calf-length brown boots, much like Arya would.
“Quite a welcoming. I’m Caprice. I see you’ve already met friend Alastair and Niyol. Excuse me for not coming down earlier, I was securing other belongs to Niyol’s back to makes sure they didn’t fall off while he walked on land.” She said, her voice so closely resembling an elf’s, Eragon had to make sure her ears were rounded and her eyebrows were not as slanted as ones.
Eragon stepped forward, the only one to do so, and offered her a hand.
“I’m Eragon, and this is my dragon Saphira. It’s nice to finally meet another Dragon Rider. The burden had been lifted from my shoulders.” He said with a joking air.
Caprice grinned, her eyes flashing.
“Well, not completely. I don’t believe I’ve had as much training as you have. I had to rely on my own common sense and Alastair here to help me. And even then I believe that his training could unintentionally harm even you.” She said.
The group around them broke into laughter, the tension in the air broken.
“Nice to meet you Caprice.” Eragon said.
It is nice to meet you. I believe we all will get along nicely. Saphira added, causing Caprice to turn her attention to Saphira.
Caprice bowed.
I have heard many tales of Eragon and yourself while I was still trying to keep Niyol a secret in my town. It gave me hope that I was not alone—that I wouldn’t have to make this journey on my own. I traveled here to hopefully learn from both of you. Caprice said, speaking to Saphira with her mind.
Saphira smiled—if a dragon could smile—at Caprice.
Do not worry little one. Eragon and myself will do our best to make sure you are well prepared for the demands of the future. Saphira said.
Eragon nodded and Caprice turned her brilliant eyes back to Eragon.
“I thank you then, in advance, for all the help I’m sure you will administer toward myself and Niyol. Perhaps even Alastair as well, for I am afraid if his talents go any longer without proper training he might shoot a hole in his foot.” Caprice said, smiling back at Alastair.
Alastair rolled his eyes at her.
“Is today the day you and Niyol set aside to pick on me?” he grumbled.
Niyol let another coughing laugh.
Perhaps. He said.
Niyol turned his eyes towards Saphira and ducked his head for a moment.
Like Caprice said, it is nice to meet you. It is a great honor to be in the presence of tales that Caprice and myself thought only rumors and fairy tales. Ballads have been sung in appreciation towards both of you and your hope of ruining the horrid Empire Galbatorix has bestowed upon this land.
Saphira’s eyes sparkled with mirth.
Thank you Niyol, and you Caprice for all your kind words. But I believe others of the Varden have been waiting eagerly and hopefully to ask questions of you, and I’m sure Nasuada has to question you with probes of sorts. We wish all the best to you both and I’m sure Eragon and I will see you soon.
With those words, the rest of the Varden converged on Caprice, Alastair and Niyol. Eragon watched with concern as all three of them were swept away into the masses, but could do nothing to help them though he wished to.
Don’t worry little one. If they made it across Alagaësia without the help of Brom and Murtagh as you had, I’m sure they will be able to fend for themselves among a few members of the Varden. Saphira assured him.
Eragon shook his head, chuckling.
I believe they will be fine as well. Caprice doesn’t look like the kind of girl to bend so easily to the persuasions of the Varden nor unable to fend for herself if the occasion calls for it.
Exactly my point. Eragon, did you notice her eyes? Extraordinary! I’ve never seen any like hers before!
I did notice Saphira. Quite unique if I do say so myself. I wonder if she sees the world differently than we do with eyes like hers. It was not only the color I noticed, but also the personality behind them. She could completely make me rethink the world. Eragon said, running his hands over his hair.
Do you fancy her already? Eragon, you are of very fickle heart if this girl has already caught your attention! Saphira jested, nudging his arm with his snout.
Saphira! Eragon protested, his cheeks red, What are you thinking? Of course not! She does have certain enchantments that might attract a mortal man, but I barely know her. Eragon said, already returning to their tent now that the excitement was over.
Eragon, we share a mind. I am privy to information that you would not even realize. That girl already has you under her spell, well like her so called ‘friend’ Alastair there with half the men of the Varden. Do not be surprised if she has her sights set on someone else. Though, from her thoughts, I could tell she thought of you fondly as well. Saphira said.
Saphira! I no longer want to continue this conversation, when the high altitude and sun has addled your brain. Eragon said.
Saphira let out a smoke filled scoff, but was silent.
In that silence Eragon contemplated Saphira’s words and wondered if she could indeed see and feel something that he couldn’t yet figure out yet.
Or if she just fancied Niyol herself.