"Stay with me…" he said in a breathy whisper, his face just inches away and his eyes half closed with the intensity of his emotion.
Her head jerked up sharply, "I cannot." hoping desperately that he wouldn't hear the catch in her voice.
"… stay with me till the first bend in the river." He replied, leaning his forehead down to rest on hers, he clasped her hands in his, pulling them towards his chest.
As his warm breath washed over her lips she felt herself succumbing to his will.
The first curve was fast approaching, yet she felt herself unable to move away, to end their last moments together.
"Arya." He whispered ever so gently, breathing her true name against her lips.
"Eragon." She said responding in kind, watching the slight shiver run up his spine as she said his true name.
Their faces were so close now, almost touching, but the river bend was closer.
Without thinking he closed the gap between them, pressing his lips to hers, surprised, yet thrilled, when they softened under his touch and responded with vigour. The kiss was gentle, but she wanted more. She would never see him again, never feel his warmth, and never get another chance to embrace him.
The first curve came and went, and the two broke apart at its passing.
"Stay with me." He whispered once more as she gazed at the retreating river bend.
"Wiol ono." Was all she said – it was all that was needed.
The next curve passed and then the next; the two dragons continued to fly overhead; all the elves but one had retreated below deck; and the two remained lost in each others embrace as they left behind everything they had ever known.