Curse of the Phoenix

Ch.10 -Midnight Trip

Eventually my dinner was cool enough to eat, and I wasted no time doing so. Grimm simply ate all of his dinner in three huge bites, bobbing his head like a frog would. The sight was so hilarious, that I burst out in laughter while drinking. I accidentally inhaled a bit of the water. Saphira curled up in the corner, while Eragon had to pat my back a bit so I didn't choke. We still went to bed laughing. I practically jumped into the bed. I sighed in content. Dinner and the time up until now had blurred a bit. As if I was coming to my senses now. Grimm was easily able to come through the open doorway. He settled down in his own sleeping area. The way he curled up was like a fox, literally curling himself and his tail tip draped over his snout. I couldn't even go to bed. I tossed and turned. Eventually Grimm noticed. One amber eye lazily drifted open.

Iara?

Yes?

Why aren't you sleeping?

I dunno. He could tell I was bothered by something. Something I didn't know.

What is it?

Nothing.

Well nothing isn't something. And you are bothered. So it is something. Grimm always found a certain delight in debating with me. Maybe because earlier today, before the meadow, there was nothing better to do.

Well....

Yes?

I think maybe....I don't know. Eager to stop thinking and maybe find a solution to my non-sleeping problem, I had an idea. Grimm I'm going to go get a drink of water. Are you going to stay here?
His tail slid off of his nose as he raised his head. He yawned, exposing his long, sharp teeth, and then stood.

Might as well. When you can't sleep neither can I. We silently made our way down the hallway, trying not to wake Eragon or Saphira. Well, I was silent, but Grimm's footfalls echoed in the silence. When we were in the kitchen I grabbed my cup from earlier. The water was once again cold. Once I was done, Grimm actually drank a little,  submerging his snout in the stream. When he pulled his head back out, the small drops of water that clung to his scales sparkled. I smiled, and surprisingly held that smile. When we exited the kitchen, I glanced up and saw the moon. The whole shape was visible through the window, and it was full.
Grimm, where did the moon come from?

Wherever Alagaesia did. Maybe Eragon would know.

Maybe. We walked up the stairs, and back into our room. At nighttime, the whole castle had a sort of creepy feeling, as if the shadows wanted to reach out and grab me. So when we got to our room I, rather than jumping into my bed and covering myself in the blankets, I curled up with Grimm. He had a wing draped over me, making the world a starless night. I crawled out from under his wing as I remembered something. I grabbed Maja. And then I returned. The inner fire coming from Grimm kept me warm, even on the stone.