Chapter 4 - Love is in the air

Descent to the valley and reaching Carvahall took me most of the day as most of the people would be readying themselves for supper by the time I arrived. The village was composed of log houses with low roofs, some thatched, others shingled. There was not a single stone building in here not to mention clay bricks. This really reminded me that I was in a different world.

Pasing sparse people that were yet to go home I noticed Katrina talking with Horst. I decided to go and greet them.

Eragon: Good evening Katrina, Horst.

I nodded to them in the greeting because I was carrying the doe on my shoulders.

Horst: Eragon, good to see you were successful.

Katrina: Eragon it's good to see you.

They both smiled at me in a familiar manner while Katrina seemed slightly more happy.

Eragon: Yes. This one will really help going by in the winter.

Horst: We will eat supper soon would you join us?

I slightly hesitate.

Eragon: I don't know… Garow is awaiting my return.

Katrina: You were carrying your game all the way here. You must be tired and you still have ten miles to go!

I see Katrina's worried look and see that Horst will probably insist too. This could be even a good opportunity for me to fish for some info to give my plans some "legitimate" background.

Eragon: All right. I'll stay for the night. But you Horst can go first. I would like to have a word with Katrina before we part.

With a knowing smirk the blacksmith gave Katrina his goodbyes and went home first. I stayed with Katrina alone and she seemed even more expectant than earlier. I make a serious face and start talking.

Eragon: Katrina… [dramatic pause] I would like to set a date for you…

Katrina gagged hearing the news. She was probably thinking about "someone" else…

Katrina: [kof, kof] What are you… talking about.

Eragon: Oh! Not with me… Roran will come into town as soon as merchants arrive and he wants to meet with you then.

Katrina: Oh… Thank you. That's great news. Didn't he speak something else?

Eragon: Yes he did. But let me put it in words as best i can. When it's breakfast he can't eat because he only thinks of you. When it's dinner he can't eat because he reminisces about your beauty. When it's supper he can't eat because he thinks about moments you spent together.

I ended the cheesy poem on a fast note and awaited her reaction. I hope Roran won't have it against me for this little joke.

Katrina: How sweet of you Eragon. From when are you so good with words.

Eragon: Well I had the whole hunt to think and there is little entertainment deep into Spine. But honestly you two should tone town now Roran can't even sleep at night…

I pause to bring her hopes up for continuation of the romantic poem.

Eragon: … because he's hungry!

Katrina: Hahaha!

Katrina laughs at the joke, which is unsurprising for me, because nobody knows otherworldly jokes here other than me. After saying goodbyes we split and I went sup with Horst and his family. Really they are such nice people to me, Roran and uncle Garrow. During small talks during eating I dug out the info about Albriech wanting to become a master smith. I still did not conclude what to do with Roran but it's good to have options.