AN: I OWN NOTHING OF THE ERAGON FRANCHISE!!!!
Arya's Side,
Arya was shocked and broken by the news she had just received. Oromis and Glaedr, dead? It wasn't possible. They were the most respected warriors the elves had; they could not have succumbed to death. No. She found herself allowing tears to freely flow down her face in front of Eragon; something she had forbidden herself to allow to do in front of anyone. Not even her mother. She found this news, added to the ordeal she had just gone through with slaying her first shade and Oromis's death overbearing.
Without thinking of the pact she had made with the dragon rider, Arya turned herself into Eragon's arms for comfort. For some reason it seemed right to her, more than right. She allowed Eragon's tears to mix freely with hers as she clung to him as a tether to reality. She knew there were plenty of other times she could have done this, could have gone into Eragon's arms out of free will, but had chosen against it due to her selfish pride; and though she still stubbornly refuses to tell even herself this truth, her grief over Fäolin. He meant everything to Arya; he was her best friend, her besought soul mate. Thinking of Fäolin only made Arya cling to Eragon more; though she knew it and strongly opposed it, she had feelings for this young rider, and being near him lifted her spirits; regardless of whether or not he's doing a reckless stunt, or simply there to catch her tears in his own.
"Take naught sorrow and isolation from the death of loved ones, but the knowledge, will, and desire to know that life is but a short journey; therefore, though the process may cause pain, heartbreak, and tears, seize the day, Carpe Diem, seize the day, and fall in love whenever you can. No peace as blissful and wonderful may be found in this world, than the knowledge that two hearts, can beat as one."
- Colby Mears, Age 14.