#tftwatw

[where-dreamers-go]

Reading and rambling: The Fork, the Witch, and the Worm

(Tales from Alagaësia VOLUME 1: ERAGON)

~~~

PART TWO: THE WITCH

IV. Rhymes and Riddles

~~~

The Witch, eh?

Rhymes and Riddles?? My brain is in the wrong fandom right now...

Eragon stared across his desk at Angela the herbalist, studying her.

It's my giiiiirrrrrrllllll!!!! Hey!!!!

Eragon, scoot over.

Actually, no. It's snowing??? It's winter! Was your harvest good? Do you have enough food?

(I, a Floridian in the USA, have never seen snow in real life. Anyway...)

Solembum! Hey, I always have trouble spelling your name. I second guess myself.

. . . but for the most part, the wards Eragon had set kept out the snow and cold.

Wait. You don't have curtains or shutters or SOMETHING? I know they're probably huge, but... brrrr

Elva is there too???

*visibly uncomfortable*

I wonder how her growth and lifespan will be.

Okay okay. We got Eragon who still feels responsible for Elva and cringy about not having finished the hold to live in.

I like how Angela is calling Eragon a different title or name every time. Like same. "Argetlam." "Kingslayer."

The last thing he wanted to do was offend this quicksilver-like woman.

Yes. Don't do that. Ever. I'm one who thinks she's one of the grey ones or whatever they're called. Something I barely remember, but I remember my thoughts of, she must be waaaay older and not human.

". . . how Nasuada's pet spellcasters in Du Vrangr Gata are making life difficult for harmless, innocent hedge witches such as myself."

See? See? I told you! (Okay, maybe not you personally, but I've said it out loud in rants at home.) It's a difficult situation... Tricky. I'd move.

Also, Elva is still so young and has had much thrusted upon her mind. She does have much to learn and some guidance needed. Hopefully nothing unnerving has happened... or was implied.

"An autobiography of sorts, if you will."

Uhh. Angela, what has Elva hinted to you? Or did you sense something? I need details. Are you okay???

Same. Except I have a lot of white hair from years and years of stress and anxiety. And genetics.

The curly-haired woman didn't look any older than her early twenties.

She made an expression of mock outrage. "Here now! You dare question my conviction, Shur'tugal?!"

Reading on, I love whatever kind of friendship this is.

Do you know what fun conversations you could have with them together? Or separately??

She called him, "Bromsson" now. I love her.

OHMYGOODNESS, I WAS JUST TALKING ABOUT THE PUZZLE RING A COUPLE OF WEEKS AGO! Of course, I just remembered the puzzle part and how Eragon couldn't figure it out until he was elf-upgraded without his permission.

"And what perspective is yours?" he asked softly.

"That of the ring maker," she answered in an equally soft tone.

Okay. Okay.... Come on, brain, I know it's getting late, but you got this. Goodness, that's a good response, Angela. I mean, she's making the book, writing it, and all. But what else?

Then we have Solembum:

Beware of shadows that walk, human. There are strange forces at work in the world.

Why do I love those two so much? Would my opinion change if I reread the earlier books? (I read Eragon and Eldest in middle school, Brisingr is high school, and Inheritance in college.)

I would probably annoy Eragon with going back and forth talking with Angela if he had questions. Sorry, darling, I have worldly theories to discuss and ones to expand upon. Have a cookie.

Anyway, it looks like I get to read Angela's manuscript too? Yay!!!

[ivorydragoness44]

I promised myself that I wouldn't start with Murtagh book theories but...

What if the "Something wicked is lurking near Alagaësia" isn't necessarily all wicked and it's Selena? The angst. Might even explain how those guys that Murtagh fought in tftwatw evaded the Ancient Language.

Someone had probably already typed this, but it's just a thought I had. Especially with others in the fandom re-reading Eragon and how Selena left as opposed to proof of her death after giving birth to Eragon.

Idk, obviously correct me lol I haven't read Eragon since it came out🤣

I hope you have a great day 😃

[alagaesia-headcanons]

I've started reading the new book and I'm very tempted to live blog extremely vague posts about it

EDIT: Alright guys here we go. tftwatw-reading . This will not be spoiler free.

[jana-reads]

... but still, art should be protected.

The Fork, the Whitch, and the Worm by Christopher Paolini

[dameronalone]

[heavy breathing]

obviously i had to draw thorn. he's too much of a good boi. @ paolini give 👏 us 👏 more 👏 murtagh 👏 and 👏 thorn 👏

tftwatw is really good. i have one section left. pray for me pls

[ivorydragoness44]

That is definitely the full name that he should keep. 😁

Also, I know that it was talked about in the Replies and such, but I thought that the war during the course of the books only took about 9 months to a year. I kinda measured the timeline alongside Katrina's pregnancy.

I obviously could be wrong, but I just thought I'd drop this here.

just a reminder that by my calculations, eragon was an 18 yr old boy in ‘Inheritance’ and that is STILL. YOUNG. and if this poor, long suffering boy wants to call himself Vanquisher of Snails for a few minutes let him be the goddamn Vanquisher of Snails. I for one cannot wait until the day a new rider asks for his name and he responds with: “Eragon Shadeslayer, Kingkiller …and Vanquisher of Snails”

[morzanssxn]

YALL

[deathvsthemaiden]

(Hope it's fine to just drop by) but I finished reading the Fork the Witch and the Worm and it was good! I really loved the moral of the last story, there are things you can't do no matter how hard you try and it is okay, you can still live your life!

Scream!!! Of course it’s ok to stop by!! 🤗💓 Ty for sharing your thoughts! No one I know who’s read the og series has gotten around to reading TFTWATW yet 😔<\3 Also my memory of the book and the series are a /smidge/ foggy, I just skimmed my copy again though so I think what I say below should be like,, mostly correct qgshwhshs 🤭 but if it’s not you know why! 🤫

Was The Worm also your favorite story in the collection overall, would you say? 👀👀 I’ve always loved the Urgals, they’re so refreshingly different from the elves, humans and dwarves. I feel you totally about the moral, I’m glad Paolini was consistent about the Urgals being misunderstood and painted one dimensionally as warmongers with skewed priorities by the other beings of Alagaësia and had the epic contradict that idea.

Not to mention how the ending asserted that there’s always going to be danger and obstacles and whatnot but it’s not worth running yourself ragged to defeat them as long as you and your loved ones are safe etc etc, it feels opposite to that myth about the dwarf in the original series who devoted his whole life solely to carving Isidar Mithrim, the giant gem rose, and neglected everything to do it, even his wife. The contrast in intended takeaways is delicious 👁👁!! Ilgra being a girl made the whole thing more enticing to me personally, Dwarven and Urgal women in Inheritance fascinate me in general since we barelyyyy get to see them. I might be mistaken about this but I feel like she mirrored Eragon in some ways which was very neat 👀👀 (what with the Brisingr spell and the title she earns at the end of the epic) and I remember for years I’ve been dying to know what the original Eragon, that our Eragon is named after, was like too. Id love to have enough info on all 3 characters to compare and contrast them! maybe I will when my hair turns fully grey! Perhaps! GWZHSHHS 🔪 (I sound salty but I’m just. Agitated. I hate waiting 😢!)

Hands down my favorite story was The Witch. It checked so many of my boxes and Angela is one of my favorite kinds of characters. (Mischievous, knows things, baffling, literally always has a wisecrack ready etc. also: “im writing an autobiography Eragon here you can read it it’s out of order because that’s how my mindddd works 😌” ADHD represent....) and Eragon humoring her without a tinge of annoyance makes me 💖💕💖💓 he’s still such a good kid... wild to think he has chest hair now (I know he was old enough for that by the end of the original series but I still. Did a double take reading that in TFTWATW it’s just so FUNNY to think about he’s just. An earnest little dude to me, still. What does he need chest hair for (I’m kidding)) I think to protect my sanity my brain made me forget how exciting this specific story was until today because I just know Paolini will take years (yearsssss!!!!) to expand on it >_< but GOD. So many hints to juicy lore and past drama. I’m also fucking DYING to know who this Keeper of the Tower dude she won’t let Eragon talk about is... an ex? An estranged male relative she has bad blood with? An old mentor? im going insane as I type ngl.

And I’m less interested in knowing what /specifically/ Elva said to Greta but that. That was totally wild and fairy tale-ish (I loved it) I wonder if it’ll come back to haunt her? Biting the hand that fed her I mean. Her resentment towards Eragon for messing up her blessing as an infant so royally was totally understandable in the og cycle, but she’s not totally a child anymore, thus def responsible for her actions, and the possibility of her repeating his mistake in a roundabout way is so yummy I could screammm !!

All I have to say about the Fork is: 1) I think the Fork should be called SIR stabby, not Mr but whatever v_v 2) WOOO Murtagh update fi-na-lly—!! 🥳 3) I do like Paolini. I do. I liked Essie too but...I also love when you read a book with child characters and can tell whether or not the author has spent a lot of time around children or not 🤫

Do you plan to read that new sci fi book Paolini is coming out with? I do but idk whennn and I don’t remember the title atm 📖🪐💫

[tallgrassstore]

Today was an important day. Today I got to go to my 2nd Christopher Paolini book signing!! I first had the amazing chance to meet him at the Supanova convention in Sydney, Australia, in 2012 (3rd photo) where I gave him a letter and later learned he knew who I was from Twitter and snail-mailed me back a response which i obviously had to frame (4th picture). Today he completed my signed series by signing his newest book (TFTWATW), along with my first copy of Eragon that started it all for me 15 years ago; Eldest and of course Brisingr. He signed my copy of Inheritance in 2012 at Supanova, so that helped lessen the burden by one book. I'm never able to properly speak to the guy when I meet him in person - his books mean so much to me, and I'm so bad at social interactions - so at least I can say a bit more in this post! Thank you so much, Mr Paolini, I cant wait to see what other stories will come from Alagaësia ❤ (hopefully lots of Murtagh!!)

[where-dreamers-go]

Reading and rambling: The Fork, the Witch, and the Worm

(Tales from Alagaësia VOLUME 1: ERAGON)

~~~

PART ONE: THE FORK

I. Mount Arngor

~~~

Ahem.

*looks at tiny, cute, little, colored map of the EASTERN REACHES*

That looks like it would have taken me the days to color. *imagining the ache of non-stop coloring the same spot over and over and over)

Anyway, what's with the random mountain? They don't get earthquakes do they?

*flipping pages*

Angela! Angela!

... Hmm 2018 copyright. Took me long enough.

*sees drawing of a fork*

Oh! The Little Mermaid! Cool.

What's with the hanging ornament with the page numbers? Should I know these symbols??

The day had not gone well.

I'm sorry. .. Blackberry mead... Like wine or expensive juice?

...picking berries in Palancar Valley.

Awh. Farm boy.

A pang of homesickness struck him.

Now?

...the Academy...

Academy? Oh okay. Not sure I even thought of him giving it a name. Then again he gives names to a number of things. Right?

He sighed, finding the sight depressing.

Do you need help? I can do that. Is it a lot for you? Or a lot in general? Are you exaggerating "mounds"?

It stood alone in the green expanse...

Oh, gosh of I were a place to have dragons... Where would I be? Hmmm. Maybe the big random mountain. A good stronghold though.

Two weeks of sailing to get there??? No. A close environment with the elves and Eragon? No. Can't do it.

How many names can this mountain have? Au least the dwarves know their history. Also, what the crap, elves? You know the mountain's name, but not where or why it has the name??? What? Like that's all you remember from class or something? Not important enough as your obsession with dragons and controlling nature that you claim to respect?

Dealing with them had proven far more frustrating than Eragon anticipated...

FINALLY! Eragon is with all the races in one place. Not just one. At least the dwarves gave him access to history and a MAP back in the day. But now... Oh oooooh. Do you know how happy I am, years later after reflection, that he's able to compare and contrast people? Also in a completely different situation.

Okay, so Eragon is eating. But it's never enough with all the energy he's using to help build??!?!!

I need to introduce him to carbs and stuff. Something.

Good, good. He doesn't want to experience anything like what happened fighting the Empire. Yeah, exciting, Eragon, but... Maybe you need a small hobby to entertain you.

"Barzûl," Eragon muttered.

Oh! That's a curse word. I know that. Right? Wait... Ha! Yeah.

A quill. Good to know.

Awwwwhhh he sleeps under one of Saphira's wings. Where else would he sleep? A rock?

Oh my goodness. Eragon and Saphira, let me do the paperwork. Just pay me in telling me what words you use to get the hair off your face.

A dragon destroyed his homework. That's messed up. I'd be upset about just that. Why don't you just burn it? Huh?

I wanna help decorate the halls!!! The echoes must be creepy in a place that large.

...and then the elves had refined the details.

Dude! The dwarves know very well how to build! When was the last time elves build anything out of stone? You didn't like Eragon's plan enough?? Just want the last say?

Darn, Eragon, get an assistant. Please.

I'll do it, but I require indoor plumbing and a cool cloak.

Oh. Eragon wants to problem solve. He wants to feel productive. Same.

Okay. I need to look up what an 'eyrie' is exactly.

Yeah, those Eldunarí need years of therapy. Poor things.

They can feel the light on their facets? For real or...?

Oh, the elves did windows. Cool. Cool.

*reads about Eragon talking with dragons*

See? I was right. Eragon needs something to do to distract himself.

Wow. That's a lot of information. I'm glad to see Eragon in a different setting, not war. But it's very new for him having so much pressure for the present to make sure the future is safer.

He's working smarter, but also a lot harder.

Woo!

[someeragonmemes]

To everyone asking: Yes! Paolini says he will be writing another book that follows up on the events after Inheritance (probably after TFTWATW too). Book 5 will happen baby!

[where-dreamers-go]

Reading and Rambling: The Fork, the Witch, and the Worm

(Tales from Alagaësia VOLUME 1: ERAGON)

~~~

PART ONE: THE FORK

III. The Hall of Colors

~~~

It was night when Eragon returned to himself

Boy gotta PEE!!! He's probably hungry, sore... FEET ARE DEFINITELY ASLEEP!

He deserves to be happy, Eragon thought.

Darn right. He and Thorn have been through crap and worse.

. . . for they reminded Eragon of how much he still didn't know about Alagaësia and its denizens.

Yeah... Better get up on learning. There. That's your new hobby. Learn one new thing everyday, even if it's small.

Besides, none of the problems he was wrestling with were half so unpleasant or daunting as that nasty Hjordis.

Exactly, you good now? Take breaks, freshen up, see through different perspectives. Drink water.

Wait... has Eragon been having some insomnia with all his worrying? That sucks. Cuddle up and go to sleep~ Dream of puppies and little dragons. Dream dream dream~.

A short chapter. And an intriguing drawing for part two~ hello~

I'm just surprised that his legs were only sore...

[where-dreamers-go]

Reading and rambling: The Fork, the Witch, and the Worm

(Tales from Alagaësia VOLUME 1: ERAGON)

~~~

PART THREE: THE WORM

IX: New Beginnings

~~~

And suddenly there are less than ten pages to read. Huh.

"New Beginnings" I like that.

That's what it's all about there on Mount Arngor.

Eragon blinked and rubbed his face, feeling as if he too were waking from a dream. Around the hearth, the rest of the Urgals likewise stirred, statues coming to life.

Hehehe. I'm sorry, I'd be clapping vigorously. That story was awesome. And of course Saphira liked it. (The dragon won.)

It was late--far later than he made a habit of staying up--but he didn't mind.

So like, what, one on the morning? There's an owl lately that whoos after midnight. Oh! Wait, Eragon is a morning early bird! Duh.

Farm boy. Hehehe

Happiness, Eragon had decided, was a fleeting, futile thing to pursue. Contentment, on the other hand, was a far more worthwhile goal.

Our boy really has grown up, hasn't he? Accepting that life has moments or beings one cannot overcome. Not being bitter about the thought. I'm so proud.

Even with all Eragon knew it magic, the thought of having to again face the creatures, Ra'zac or Lethrblaka both, was unsettling indeed.

*shivers* Same. I forget how scary they were. Maybe my mind tries to forget them. Maybe I should review the Guide to Alagaësia again... It has pictures! 😁

A new beginning had dawned for the dragons.

WOOOO!!!!

Okay, but can we just talk about the Urgals forming ranks and Eragon being unnerved by the elves smiling with excitement. The Urgals thought they were going to attack?!??

The elves really do love dragons, don't they?

But the elves calling Eragon master/Ebrithil throws me off.

Either way, what a read! ✨

[where-dreamers-go]

Hi,

Checking in to say I'm about a third of the way through chapter viii of TFTWATW.

Which only adds to my brain going back into Alagaësia imagination mode.

[where-dreamers-go]

Okay, wait. I'm about halfway through The Fork, the Witch, and the Worm and Part Three is the rest of it???

Hello????

Is the worm an actual worm?

Guess I'll find out...

[where-dreamers-go]

Reading and rambling: The Fork, the Witch, and the Worm

(Tales from Alagaësia VOLUME 1: ERAGON)

~~~

PART TWO: THE WITCH

VI. Questions and Answers

~~~

Ooooo we're back to Eragon. This is gonna be good. I mean, how much did he comprehend?

Eragon lowered the sheaf of pages and stared for a long while into the whirling snow outside the eyrie.

Hehehe He's thinking. Our boy is thinking. Hehe

Still holding the papers, he stood and descended the long curve of stairs that led to the common area at the base of the stone finger.

😂 From his silence, I hear ALL his questions piling up.

"...base of the stone finger." What? Stone finger? I don't think I understand why it's called that...

"I have questions," he said.

🤣🤣🤣 He just walked all the way to her and got to the point. That just brings me so much joy how he did that. So simple.

He frowned, frustrated as always with the herbalist's answers.

Why, because you won't figure out what it meant until later? Later when you experience the thing that you must learn from or make a smart decision for? Angela's answers are still answers, just not long explanations. You have to figure some things out on your own, Eragon. How else do you learn on your own without following someone else's script?

"In that case, I should see to it that she has the sort of training that a young person of such great promise ought to have."

Oh snap. Eragon is going to help with Elva. Good. Responsibility. There are plenty of teaching opportunities, teachers, and responsibilities there. She could surely find herself in the quiet. Maybe discover a hobby!

Either way, this should be interesting. At least Saphira is there as well to help. And she's a dragon.

Hopefully everyone can learn something while living in Mount Arngor.