The sun beat down, burning into the young rider's arms as he let fly a volley of arrows, which shattered into the target with such precision that many of the men around him cheered. He heard none of the cheers, his eyes burned with loss, shame and guilt as he continued to demolish the target.
A large shadow passed over the training field. He looked up and saw a pale dragon belly almost perfectly blended with the sky.
Eragon?
Yes Saphira?
Arya would like a word with you, when you are ready.
Please tell the princess that I will be with her as soon as I am decent. Where is she? He asked the dragon, watching her scaled body glimmer in the afternoon sunlight.
She landed gracefully and a slender figure climbed down and greeted him in the Elvin manner. Eragon caught his breath; she was wearing a soft sundress made out of a simple fabric, much different to her usual attire.
Arya noticed his gaze; she began to blush before hiding it and cursing her own stupidity.
'Arya svit-kona, you wished to see me?' he asked in the ancient language.
She nodded, 'Yes, I hear that you and your cousin are planning to take Helgrind. Is this true?'
'Yes. I promised him that I would, considering that it is partially my fault that his fiancé is a prisoner there.' He noticed an odd glimmer in the green depths of her eyes.
'Good, then I shall come with you.' Eragon opened his mouth to argue, 'Don't argue with me Argetlam, I am coming.'
He stared after her as she disappeared through the throng of men, many of which turned to watch her leave. Saphira, how am I supposed to keep my word when all she does is constantly thrust herself into my thoughts? I don't know if I can handle the trip to Dras-Leona and back with her.
You will, little one, I will speak with her. I'm sure she'll understand.
Eragon shuddered at the thought of Saphira scolding Arya, It's alright Saphira, if it gets to complicated I will try to walk away.
Saphira smiled to herself. He was trying so hard. I'll be back in a few hours, she told him.
Arya gently tugged at the dress nervously as she watched Saphira fly away. If she'd known that Eragon would look at her that way, she would have discarded it for something more suitable, considering the circumstances.
Would you? Arya spun around to find Nasuada sitting under the tree behind her, a suspicious grin illuminating her dark features.
'I have absolutely no idea what you are talking about, Nasuada...' Arya said sitting next to her friend.
'Arya, do not lie to me. You're really bad at it when it comes to this topic. I know exactly why you want to join them at Helgrind.'
The elf rolled her beautiful green eyes, Nasuada had a knack for deciphering even the most cryptic of Arya's actions, and she didn't like it. 'Nasuada, what makes you think that I am willing to see Eragon as more than a friend?'
'Well, you dressed differently today. Subconsciously you knew that the dress you are wearing draws attention to your petite figure. And you know for a fact that you look beautiful with your hair out... Why do that if you didn't want him to notice?'
Arya felt herself blush, Nasuada had got her again. 'Can we not discuss this?'
'If it is making you uncomfortable, princess, I shall stop.' Nasuada held her friends hand gently, seeing the distress in her angelic features, 'Arya, worry not. I'm sure he will keep to his word, you will not be put into any painful situations...'
Arya squeezed Nasuada's ebony hand gently, 'What if he gives up on me before I'm ready?'
'Then, he doesn't deserve you. Somehow, I don't believe Eragon could ever give up on you.'
Arya smiled gently and rested her head on the young woman's shoulder, I hope not.
When do you leave? Nasuada asked silently, playing with a strand of the elf's hair.
I believe early tomorrow, Nasuada frowned, Arya had grown into her best friend since she had last returned from Du Weldenvarden. She was the only one able to console Nasuada after she found out about Murtagh's betrayal.
Arya, I can't have my hearts desire because of one man... You deserve yours, even if you believe its not right. Usually those things that taste sweetest are those others believe are no good.
Arya sighed gently. Why was Nasuada always right?
Eragon packed quickly, the moon was already high over mountains, casting a ghostly glow over the camp.
He jumped violently as a pale figure pounced onto his balcony, his hand reaching for his dagger.
'Damn! Arya, what are you doing here?' he asked dropping the dagger and covered his half naked body with a sheet.
He noticed the shadow of a grin creep across her lovely lips, but it vanished almost instantly.
'I'm sorry to intrude, Shadeslayer, but I wanted to speak with you.'
His eyes roved over her lithe form, tonight she was wearing a deep green tunic, several sizes too big. It hung casually lopsided, with one perfect pale shoulder obvious to the eye. The black belt she wore just above her hips accentuated her nearly non-existent waist and the curve of her slight breasts.
Her cheeks burned as he looked at her, slightly confused before her threw her the blanket he was holding.
'What is this for, Eragon?' she asked as he pulled a shirt on.
'Your legs are bare, you'll freeze on Saphira dressed like that.'
She found it hard not to laugh at his concern, 'Thank you for pointing that out.'
Eragon found himself looking at the floor, the woman in front of him was a puzzling piece of work, 'What are you doing here?'
She didn't answer straight away, instead she sat on his bed and looked around as if trying to gather her thoughts. 'Do you promise you won't hate me, Eragon?'
I could never hate you, he thought to himself. 'I promise.'
She closed her eyes, her face showing more emotion than he had ever seen. Was that... Guilt? The last week since the battle, she had definately not been herself.
He sat beside her, 'What has happened, Arya? What have you done?'