Dawnbreaker [Inheritance Cycle]

13. Offered Job

Sometime later, Serafyna found Roran leaving the blacksmith's house, repaired chisel in hand. Meeting up with him, they departed the village and silently started the long walk home.

Eventually, Serafyna broke the silence, saying, "Apparently, I'm named after a dragon."

Roran glanced towards her, raising an eyebrow. "That's one way to start a conversation, I suppose."

She ignored him. "Eragon was named after the first elf that became a Rider and his dragon was Sera'Feana–though in my case, Brom says the name was likely changed to be more.. normal, I suppose."

"I.. see?" Roran made an incredulous face. "Clearly, you made the most out of your time with Brom."

"Oh, you have no idea." If only you knew, Roran.

They continued to walk up the snow-covered road, the sun weakly beating down on them in a futile gesture, unable to banish the cold.

"There was a stranger at Horst's today, from Therinsford," Roran spoke up, shaking Serafyna out of her thoughts. "A man named Dempton. He was here to commission some sockets from Horst."

"Okay?" She looked up at him, sensing something was up. He wouldn't be sharing this unless it was important. "Did something happen?

"Sure did," Roran grinned, "I was offered a job by him, to work at his mill in Therinsford. Said he was expanding his mill, which is why he needs those sockets and was looking for extra hands."

That surprised Serafyna. Being offered a job was a big deal, especially for them with how they struggled to get by, year after year. Yet being a miller was no easy feat either, they worked all year round, turning wheat into flour and selling it. It was hard, dangerous work; where losing entire limbs to the mill was a very real possibility.

She understood where he was going with this. "You mean to take the job, don't you?"

"I do." Roran gave her an amused smile.

Sidestepping a patch of ice, she slowed her pace and Roran did likewise. Serafyna frowned, saying, "But why? We have struggled, but always managed to get by."

"It's not for our family, Sera," He replied, shaking his head. "It's for me and... Katrina." He met her eyes. "I plan to marry her, preferably sooner rather than later."

Serafyna halted in her steps and Roran did likewise, facing her.

Ah, so that's why. She should've seen this coming, recalling the moment when she walked in on Katrina and Roran kissing during the traders' visit. Eventually, the romantic affair was bound to become large enough to affect their family as a whole. "Garrow won't take the news well. Neither will Eragon. You know how they react to the idea of any of us going away."

"Which is why I'm telling you first. I know you've always been looking for an opportunity to leave Palancar Valley and go exploring." Roran breathed into his hands and rubbed them together, before stuffing them into the pockets of his coat. "I haven't asked her yet–about marriage–but I will. As soon as I have enough money to raise a house."

He looked at her expectantly. "Well, what do you think?"

Serafyna had... mixed feelings about the situation. On one hand, she approved. Firstly, Roran was right, she always had that wandering spirit; which is why she was slightly jealous of him, aiming to one day leave the valley behind, so fighting him on this would be hypocritical of her. Second, she knew that once he left, It'd be a lot easier for her to hide and manage her dragon's presence.

Yet, on the other hand, she selfishly didn't want him to leave. Without his large, cheerful presence, the house would be a lot more quiet, even depressing.