"Dramur Kopa" said a worried voice as he gazed at the darkened water.

Out of the mist rolled a calm little town tucked into Palancar Valley, the man looked, in the town was a man with a haggard expression as through the last few days had only been worse than the one before.

Breaking the connection to the spell Eragon had made a decision that it was time to return home to Carvahall. He had completed his training and had been allowed two weeks of travel time with this he could spend a few days among familiar faces and haunts. Deciding to send a message to Nausauda he summoned his magic and waited until the water cleared.

"Eragon, I had not expected to hear from you so soon after your trainings completion."

"I was told I was allowed two weeks of travel time between Ellesmera and the Varden."

"Yes, as we are still attempting to get settled in Surda you can take your time coming back."

"I understand, and because of this I have a favor to ask."

"What is it Eragon, spit it out already?"

"I would like to stop off in Carvahall on my way back."

"Orik agreed to fly?"

"….No." the tone was depressing as he waited for the answer he expected.

"You can go…. Only if Arya agrees to watch you." Nausauda said jokingly

"Really!" excitement was barely contained behind the dark brown eyes

"You might want to request Arya before you get your hopes up." Serious tone returning

Opening up his mind he searched for her presence then when finding her impressed the need for her to join the conference between the two. Within ten minutes Arya had entered the room and conversation.

"What is this about?" the voice was unemotional but inquisitive

"Eragon wishes to fly to Varden and by doing so stop in Carvahall for a few days."

"Orik agreed to fly?" surprise laced her voice.

Flinching as his hope plummeted faster than Saphira in a dive Eragon squeaked out, "not exactly."

"I said he could go if … you agreed to accompany him, and seeing as how you both need the break I don't see it as a bad opportunity for the two of you."

After several long thoughtful moments Ayra looked to both of them "Very well, I will go."

Smiling Nausauda told them that she would see them in two weeks and to enjoy the flight.

Ayra looked over to Eragon, as she seen his barely contained excitement but beyond that she also seen the pain and worry veiled in his heart.

"When do we leave Eragon?"

"Would tomorrow morning be okay with you?" trying to be as courteous as possible to his new travel companion.

"That will be fine, however we are going to have to discuss a few things first." Catching his attention he looked at her questioningly.

"About?" watching the smug grin as he looked completely confused.

"We'll let see the fact of a cover story for: who I am, where have you been, amongst other extremely important fact that you look like an elf on a dragon."

"oh." Dazed by the thought he sat there in silence.

"I have to keep an eye on you at all times for the visit it will seem less weird if we say we are engaged."

Blushing a furious red color at her surprising suggestion all Eragon could do was nod.

"I also think we should make ourselves look more human just to prevent questions and hassle from stupid superstitions."

"I agree it will also make us easier to recognize to my village."

" Since, it will be a long flight we will think of a cover story for where you have been, but I suggest we not bring Sapphira into the village but that is for you two to discuss." As she rose and headed towards the door she turned her head "just a reminder but you need to tell Orik tonight."

Nodding that he heard her he began to pack his things. Collecting Sapphira's saddle bag he collected his nicer tunics, the razor, and his bow into them. On his way to gather food for the trip he stopped by Orik's room to tell him of the change in plans.

Upon entering he heard a grunt of acknowledgement from his foster brother. "Orik, there has been a change of travel plans."

"What kind of change, I am not getting on Sapphira's back if that is what you're suggesting."

"No, the change is because of that actually, I received permission to stop in Carvahall if accompanied by Arya and she agreed."

"I see where this is going I am going to take the long way around while you two fly yes?"

"Yes that was the idea."

"Good I am not getting on the dragon, so when are you two leaving so I can plan."

"We decided early tomorrow morning, it is about a full day's flight to Carvahall from here."

"Alright then I will see you when we get back to Surda, don't be late or you will never get this again."

Running out the door Eragon quickly gathered the supplies he needed for the journey and shoved them in his pack, as he was starting to doze off Sapphira had just returned from her hunting trip. He started sharing the plans for tomorrow with her.

"What has you so excited little one?"

"Nasuada has allowed us to stop over in Carvahall since Arya is going with us." He went into a full explanation and details for tomorrow. Through she was not thoroughly happy with not being allowed in the village she relented with the fact that he was watched at all times. As the discussion came to a close and the lights faded out, all that could be heard was their gentle breathing as they slept.

The next morning Eragon and Sapphira flew towards the training field to meet Arya. When they landed she was wearing her typical leather outfit and sword belted on. They quickly put her bag in Sapphira's saddle bag before saying goodbye to those who had gathered around them. With the wave of goodbyes, Arya and Eragon climbed onto Sapphira, leaving Ellesmera behind them.

They were maybe an hour into the flight before "Eragon"

"Yes?"

"We need a story for where you have been for the last year."

"Your right."

As the day grew on both concocted an elaborate story that didn't include: Sapphira, the Varden, the Dwarves, or Elves. By the time both had it memorized to a fault, they had reached the outskirts of the Igaulda Falls.

"Let's stay here for the night and head down in the morning, I don't think they would appreciate us right now." Eragon said cooly

Sensing something else behind his logic she agreed. They quickly set up camp and before long were laying out on their bed rolls gazing at the stars which put them to sleep. The next morning they had woken up at dawn. After a quick breakfast of bread and fruit, Eragon went and changed into his decent traveling clothes and whispered "Shrikian de vandr moi." Slowly Eragon's features returned to how they were before, his ears weren't pointy, his cheekbones lowered, his eyes seem to taper lower. When he looked in the water he seen his old self but rougher and leaner. When he returned to camp Arya had done the same spell, and although she looked breath taking as a human, she didn't act human. Giving a slight cough and feeling his face burn "Arya, you look beautiful, but human women wear dresses." Watching her stiffen at the thought of wearing a dress made him laugh while she simply stood there with a dirty look.

"However if you do not wish to wear one, I could care less."

"Would I still get to wear my sword?"

"Does the sword go with a dress?"

"Not changing then."

"Very well."

Making the slow descent to Carvahall after Sapphira took off towards the Spine. After an hour they finally walked into the Village only to be met by a large crowd with pitchforks.

"Stop right there." A gruff but familiar voice yelled out

Both stopped where they stood, and before either could say anything another voice rung out. "Who are you, and what do you want."

Watching the sly smile on his lips as he said "Wow gone a year and this is the welcome I get, that hurts Horst and you too Roran."

Watching the confusion come over their faces and realizing this is not going to speed up the process she quickly said "Eragon, if I knew you were going to play around I would have stayed home." Watching as the shock rose over the crowd.