Outside of the Varden, a girl stood alone, wondering what to do next. She'd come a long way to be where she was. The Burning Plains of Surda peered out around her, in the early morning sunlight. She sighed and sat down on the hard ground. It's been so long since I last was able to rest as I wish.
A boy came running in her direction, his blond hair shining in the sun. He was tall and slender and seemed to be about the age of 13. She stood up quickly and dusted off her long brown skirt.
"Who are you?" The boy demanded when he reached her.
"My name is Aryna," She announced with confidence.
"What do you want?" The boy asked.
"I wish to join the Varden."
"It's not that simple," The boy laughed.
"I can wait as long as it takes, I've traveled far to be here, I want to belong somewhere… I have no home, no family, nothing. This place will be a safeguard for me."
"I'll talk to Lady Nasauda," The boy sighed.
"Thank you sir," Aryna emitted, dropping a curtsy.
"There's a fire over there if you want to sit," The boy said as he walked away.
Aryna gladly walked over by the tents to where a fire was burning. She sat on the ground on the very edge of the pit and warmed her frozen hands. If I could only get some food, this would be heaven.
A man with dark hair walked around to the other side and outstretched his own hands to the fire, his palm was shining silver.
"Hello," He smiled.
"Good day," Aryna replied shyly.
"I don't think I've seen you before, what's your name?" He asked politely.
"Aryna."
"I'm Eragon Shadeslayer," He answered quietly.
"Atra nosu waíse fricai," Aryna muttered.
"Atra nosu," He replied, "Where are you from Aryna?"
"There's no need to open old wounds," She replied.
"I know what you mean."
"Where is your dragon Argetlam?"
"She's over by my tent."
"She?"
Eragon laughed heartily, "Yes, She. Her name is Saphira."
"Saphira," Aryna whispered, "That's a beautiful name. I'm sure she's a beautiful dragon."
Eragon smiled. This girl fascinated him. Her auburn tresses were long and unbraided, her bodice was stained with blood, and her skirt was torn and dirty. To any other person she would seem to be a poor peasant, but she knew Ancient Language, she knew that Eragon's gedwëy ignasia meant he was a rider. Who was she?
"Aryna," A voice called.
"Yes," Aryna answered weakly.
"Lady Nasauda will see you now."
"Thank you," Aryna replied standing up.
"We'll meet again Argetlam," She said turning towards him.
Eragon reached out his hand to her, "I hope we do friai."
Aryna walked solemnly into Nasuada's tent.
"You wish to join the Varden?" Nasuada asked.
"Yes ma'am."
"You will have to work."
"I know that ma'am."
"I know nothing of who you are and where you're from. How do I know you don't mean the Varden harm?"
"You'll just have to trust me," Aryna replied shyly.
"I can't just trust someone. You need to give me reason to trust you."
"I will not reveal my past for it does not shape who I am now."
"It seems you won't take no for an answer. You can stay as an honorary member of the Varden, but if you seem up to anything at all, you'll be banished. Is that understood?"
"Yes ma'am."
Nasauda outstretched a dark hand, "Welcome to the Varden."
Anceint Language:
Let us be friends
Let us