Adurna

Not Ready

Chapter Twenty Five-

Eight months passed quickly in the Varden. Eragon had been called away for much of this time, but there was much for me to do as well. I spent most of my time in the arena or with Derikia. I perfected my archery and soon mastered the weapon while riding on Derikia. He was excited to help and learn new ways to move in the sky with me. Once I was familiar with archery both on the ground and in the air, I moved on quickly to the sword. I had only had a few lessons with Eragon regarding the weapon, but others helpfully stepped in when Eragon was absent and I was in need of assistance. I didn't know where Eragon went off to, but he assured me it was boring meetings and things of that nature whenever he returned. Sometimes we go days or weeks without seeing each other, but Eragon never says much about it. I want to ask, but there never seems to be enough time with him and I don't want to waste any time we do have.

Those weeks spent traveling up to the Varden have seemed almost like a dream these past months. Eragon and I had gone from seeing each other every day to barely passing by each other within the small outpost set up for the Varden. I understood, of course. There was a war going on. I was busy myself, though not with as important things as Eragon.

In Eragon's absence, my friendships with both Thomas and Quentin grew stronger. We trained together on most days. I helped in Thomas's training with archery while Quentin offered assistance with my swordsmanship. He was able to teach me the art of using two lighter swords rather than one. He assured me it would benefit someone as fast as me and it would look much cooler. I rolled my eyes at the last point, which always made his booming laughter erupt from him. They were good friends and I was glad to have met them. The woman Angela, who I had met at the first dinner party, was able to further my knowledge on magic while Eragon was away. She teaches me important herbs that will allow me to expand my skills of healing. I learned different spells quickly. Angela said Eragon teaching me the Ancient Language in such depth while we were traveling benefited me greatly. 

I also grew closer with Eragon's family. Though Roran was often gone, similarly to Eragon, though not as often, he was always happy to see me. He enjoyed sharing tales of what Eragon was like as a boy and their life before Saphira. Katrina seemed less curious than I in regards to her husband and Eragon's absence from the camp. I suspect it was because she knew something I didn't, but she never let on just what it was. Katrina and I spent many of our days together. She was a comfort to have around. Her presence was calming and she was able to talk about anything while I just listened. Sometimes it was better to listen to someone speak of trivial matters than to think of your own problems. We went on many walks together to enjoy each other's company. Sometimes little Garrow would trail behind us, though these days he was more content to be with his friends than to wonder around with his mother. It was during one of these walks that Katrina confided in me that she was pregnant once again. She suspects it is a girl, though I don't know how she could be so certain.

Being with Eragon's family has reminded me of Gran and Marcus. I wondered what they were doing in Rakr without me. Perhaps Marcus had found a different girl to place his affections in. I hoped so. Although I also hoped that he continued to help Gran maintain the restaurant. I worry for her in that big house all alone. Though I miss them each day, I found that it hurts less to think of them as time moves on. I am content with the memories I am able to look back on, though I know now I probably won't be able to see them again.

My life had somehow, through its exciting and new way, taken to a dull routine. There wasn't much for me to actually do with my time. I didn't know exactly where Eragon would go to, but they didn't seem to require me for much. All I did was train and talk to people. But soon the people of the Varden grew accustomed to my presence and their novelty to me soon wore off as mine had for them. I was happy to be there, of course, yet I felt as though I was wasting my time and theirs. When could I fight for the Varden? When could I fight for its people I had come to know?