Thank you all for not being mad at me and giving this new story a chance. And I'm possibly going to put up an Epilogue for "FtP" at some point but I'm not sure. And Eragon is king and he isn't part elf. Yet. :) Also, you'll get a background on this AU world as it goes along. And I think I answered all the questions. If not, feel free to ask again and I'll get them next chapter.

She knocked on her mother's door fifteen minutes later and Islanzadi called her in.

"Arya."

"Mother."

"What did you wish to speak with me about?"

Arya fought the urge to roll her eyes.

"You didn't ask me."

"Ask you what?"

"Seriously? Mother, you scry me three days ago and say I am to be married? I was not even consulted. You made a decision that will affect my future and you don't even allow me to be part of it?"

"Arya, this is how it has to be. This is the only way to unite the people against Galbatorix. I'm so sorry that it is at the loss of your freedom but this is not some form of punishment. Please understand. . ."

"Understand?! You traded my freedom because of a war you started!"

She frowned as she repeated the exact words Eragon had earlier. Her mother sighed and her usually passive expression disappeared as she moved toward her daughter.

"Arya, I am sorry." Arya watched her carefully as Islanzadi continued. "medh allr iet hjarta (with all my heart). Please, can you forgive me? If this wasn't going to ensure our two races allegiance I wouldn't even consider it."

Arya took a deep breath and let it out slowly. Her mother, who was usually so distant, was almost begging for her forgiveness. She nodded and moved to leave but her mother grabbed her hand.

"He's a good man."

Arya looked down.

"And you know this how?"

Islanzadi smiled.

"Well I will admit the idea of a marriage crossed my mind a couple months ago. I sent spies within the palace to watch him and report to me. Everything he does is for the right reason's, Arya. But still, I wasn't going to do it. And then he saved your life. That convinced me because despite the battle between our two races, he still risked his life to rescue you. I knew then that he would be the one to unite us, if anyone. It seems fate agreed as he has now become King."

Without a response Arya nodded and dropped her mother's hand before walking out of the room and heading to her own. She moved slowly, taking in the paintings that hung along the stone wall. All things considered, this was a beautiful palace. She arrived at her room and whispered a spell that unlocked it. She'd been provided with a key but it didn't seem secure enough to rely on it alone. Closing the door behind her she looked around the room. It was nice, really. The lighting left you with a warm feeling and the bed was big enough to hold four people. The covers were a satiny silver fabric that had impressed her and the pillows were perfectly comfortable. But it wasn't home. Sighing she put on her night clothes and climbed into the overly large bed.

The next morning she woke to to the unfamiliar surroundings and once again missed her homeland. She chided herself for letting her emotions get the best of her and forced herself to get up. This was going to be her home now. This palace with all its stone and cold corners. Running a hand through her hair she walked to the closet and changed into her favorite leathers, not caring that it wasn't proper for a future queen. She was going to enjoy her freedom until it was taken from her.

Walking out onto the balcony she closed her eyes and breathed deeply, taking in the warm breeze. The air here was not as pure as it was in Ellesmera. Another thing she'd have to get used to. She stood for a few minutes, looking out into the town. Even though it was different, it had its own beauty. The brick and stone houses were artfully designed and lay in a maze of side streets and large market places. And if she looked far to the left she could see the beaches and the ocean past it. Just then a roar split the air and she looked up to find Saphira flying a hundred feet above her. The great dragon twisted in the air and barreled down. At her. Fear struck her but she held her ground, knowing that she wouldn't be hurt. Saphira shot out her wings and landed on the balcony before Arya. The dragon's powerful mind brushed her own and Arya let her in tentatively, careful to block any of her thoughts not meant for others.

"Alfa."

Arya listened in wonder as Saphira's voice echoed in her mind. She was talking to a dragon. She responded.

"Skulblaka."

The dragon regarded her with curiosity.

"You do not cower at my approach?"

"Should I? What harm have I done to you for you to respond in kind?"

The dragon's amusement was obvious.

"Most hide like the little deer I hunt."

Arya smiled.

"Would you rather I hide?"

"No. Their cowardice is a little off-putting. I'm not that scary."

"Of course not. But your great strength and form are not to be taken lightly. You could easily destroy any who crossed your path."

"Flattery? Do you think me petty?"

Despite her reproach Arya could sense the dragon's pride in her power.

"Of course not. I was merely explaining the people's thought process."

"Eragon has tried many times to do the same."

At her fiancé's name she flinched and cut off the emotions she was feeling so Saphira couldn't see them. The dragon noticed and her thoughts became serious.

"Do you mean to harm my rider?"

"No."

"I do not trust you, elf."

Arya sighed and switched back to the ancient language.

"Skulblaka, eka celöbra ono un malabra ono un onr Shur'tugal né haina." (Dragon, I honor you and mean you and your Rider no harm)

"Then why do you hide from me how you feel of him? Your thoughts of him?"

"Because my thoughts are my own." Saphira's annoyance was plain and Arya chuckled. "That's the reason you came here isn't it, Saphira? To see what I felt?"

"Of course. I wish to know if you are going to hurt him or hinder him in any way. He respects you greatly and regards you with the upmost honor. He is worried of course, but all too trusting that this arrangement is for the greater good. I am here to tell you that if I see that you are here for your own gain, spying for your mother, I will not hesitate to kill you."

Arya knew her to be telling the truth.

"I understand. Eka wilae neo haina onr shur'tugal allr" (I will not harm your rider at all)

Saphira regarded her for a moment and then nodded her huge head.

Very well. It seems we can be friends. Now tell me what you feel of Eragon."

Arya chuckled again.

"A very noble effort but I shall keep my thoughts to myself. Did he put you up to this?"

The growl that tore through Saphira's throat surprised Arya and she took a step back.

"I am not just here to abide to Eragon's whims. You think so little of me?"

Arya faltered and tried to regain the camaraderie with which they had been speaking.

"I meant no offense, Saphira. Please forgive me."

Saphira blew smoke in Arya's face.

"Very well. Eragon needs me so I must go. And Arya. . . this conversation is not to be repeated to anyone. Understood?"

"Understood."

With that the great dragon unfurled her winds and took off. Arya watched her go and then did what she'd been planning on doing in the first place. Stepping over the balcony, she started the long climb towards the ground.

-E-R-A-G-O-N-

He had been blocked from Saphira's mind for almost ten minutes and it was beginning to anger him. He had wanted to fly with her some before going to train with Brom. Even with everything that was going on, Brom said he needed to continue his drills. Eragon was just about to leave his room when Saphira opened to him. He caught the image of Arya on her balcony in black leather just before Saphira took off.

"My apologies Eragon. I was in the middle of a conversation with Arya."

"Why? And why am I not allowed to listen in?"

"Because Arya's privacy is her own."

Frustrated he walked out onto his own balcony and waited for her. Soon enough he saw her hulking mass heading for him. She hovered at level with him and he ran and jumped, using the sharp spikes to steady himself when he landed. He then made his way to her shoulders and settled down.

"So you aren't going to tell me what you talked about?"

"No."

Sighing, he let it go.

"Fine, take me to the arena."

"Do you think you'll have an audience?"

"Probably. And I really hope I don't embarrass myself and lose the little respect I earned last night."

"Eragon, you are one of the most skilled swordsman in the land. It's been said by all who see you. Do not doubt yourself."

They flew in silence for a moment before Eragon asked again.

"So you're really not going to tell me what she said?"

"Eragon. . . ."

Grumbling, he stayed silent till they arrived at the arena. It was actually settled on the beach. It was a huge building with four walls that enclosed bleachers and the actual arena. Inside there was sand surrounding a square platform sixty yards all around. Bleachers were situated along the walls that surrounded the sand and platform. It was a set up unique to the land of Carvahall and Garrow had always been proud of it. Saphira landed with a gust of wind, sending sand flying everywhere, much to the annoyance of the spectators unlucky enough to get splattered with it. He jumped off and made his way to where Brom was already waiting. As he walked over Brom tossed him a sword which he caught easily from years of practice. For show he twirled the blade a few times around. Brom laughed.

"Stop showing off, Eragon."

He shrugged with a grin.

"Hey, people come for a show so why not give them one?"

"Focus Eragon."

Eragon bowed mockingly and looked back to find Saphira curled into the sand, watching him. He felt her amusement as well. Stripping off his shirt he threw it to the side and blunted his sword as Brom did the same. They walked toward each other and Brom frowned at him.

"Feet Eragon."

"We haven't started yet!"

"You need to be on your guard even when in a practice with a friend. Get your feet in the ready position even as you walk. And was it necessary to remove your shirt?"

"It's hot out here."

Brom chuckled.

"It's perfectly fine out. You just want to be a spectacle."

Eragon bit the inside of his cheeks to stop a grin.

"You could always do the same. . . oh wait, nobody wants to see all that."

He motioned to Brom's torso. Shaking his head, Brom circled him.

"Too cocky, Eragon. Control yourself."

"Of course."

Just then he heard gasps from the crowd and turned to find Islanzadi walking in with three elves. Orik was behind them with two of his dwarves and Nasuada and Orrin were right behind with a crowd of around two hundred following closely. The crowd consisted of people from all races. They settled in among the stands, the Kings and Queens taking the middle section set up for royalty and guests of honor. His heart thudded nervously until a cold point settled on his cheek and pulled his attention back to Brom.

"Eragon, focus on what we're doing. Forget them. Forget their stations. They are just here to watch you like everyone else."

Taking a huge breath he pushed everything from his mind and got into a fighting stance, his sword out before him and at the ready. Brom was the first to move as he took a step towards Eragon, sword slashing at his midsection. Eragon blocked easily and countered with a stab at Brom's chest. Brom parried, pushing the sword to the side and swinging at Eragon's unguarded neck. Eragon ducked swiftly and rolled to the side before returning to his feet. After that the battle became heated, slashes and strikes coming in flurries of blows between two equals. It lasted for over ten minutes before Eragon tried something different. He shifted his guard, allowing for his shoulder to be exposed.

Brom saw an opening and aimed for it but it was a false weakness. Eragon, who'd anticipated it, dove to the side and then rolled, kicking Brom's feet from under him. The man fell back and Eragon rose to a kneeling position and held his sword to Brom's throat.

"Dead."

Brom smiled and pushed Eragon's sword away with his hand, rising from the ground.

"Very good." And then he turned to the crowded Arena. "As you can see the student surpasses the teacher. Is there any who would like to test their steel against his?"

All who knew Eragon and his skill, those who had seen more of it, kept their heads down. But many from Surda, who'd never even gotten word stood at Brom's call. They came down to the sand and waited for him to call one forward. Before he could Brom spoke again.

"You three." Eragon looked to where he was pointing. "Do you care to fight King Eragon?" They nodded slowly. "Then all three come forward and grab a sword."

Eragon fought to keep his face blank as he turned to Brom. There was a hint of nervousness when he spoke.

"Brom, three at once? We don't even know how good they are."

"Take a look Eragon. That big one is obviously strong but his excessive muscle will slow him down a lot. That tall one might be quick but his arms look like straw. You aim a forceful blow at him and he wont be able to parry. The only who might give you trouble is the one in the middle. He looks fast and he has a good bit of muscle on him to boot. And there is one other thing. They aren't very smart."

"How do you figure?"

"They saw the level of your skill when you fought me. Obviously they are either very dense or very egotistical. Either way, it will factor into the battle."

Eragon nodded, his nerves slowly calming as he set his feet and rolled his shoulders in an effort to loosen his tense back. The Surdans grabbed swords from a rack in the sand and stepped onto the wooden floor. He waited patiently as they approached, Brom making his way off to the side.

-A-R-Y-A-

She dropped to the stone pathway she made her way quickly out of the castle and to the village below it. People gave her strange looks because of her exotic looks and inappropriate clothing and women smacked their husbands and lovers who couldn't pull their gazes from her. She ignored everyone, the venders throwing useless trinkets into her face, the people yelling out prices and deals, and made her way into the alleyways where people were less likely to be.

She had just turned a corner when she heard a scuffling of feet from behind. Whirling, she ducked in time to dodge a blow aimed at her head. The attacker stumbled and then steadied himself to face her. Arya slid her sword out of its sheath and held it point down in front of her. She sighed when she saw it was just a boy of ten or eleven. He glared at her and then whistled. More scuffling feet and then there were boys and girls pouring around corners and surrounding her. Most were younger than fifteen but there were a few older than that. In all there was about twenty total.

One girl, at least nineteen, stepped forward with a boy a little older next to her. Obviously the leaders.

"You are surrounded by so many. Why don't you just give us what you have and we'll be on our way?"

Arya smiled.

"Because even with these numbers, you're chances of survival against me are little to none."

Laughter burst from around her and the girl spoke again.

"Why is that?"

Arya brushed her hair behind her pointed ears and gasps replaced all amusement.

"I could bring you all to your knees in seconds. And if by some crazy fluke, you even scratched me, I'm sure my fiancé would throw you in jail for your crimes. Execution is more likely though."

Another round of nervous mumbling and gasps as they realized exactly who she was. The girl who'd spoken narrowed her eyes and took a step forward but the boy grabbed her.

"Anna, don't be stupid."

"Shut up Devin. She could be lying."

"I don't think so. Annabel, lets go."

"No, take the young ones just in case and get out of here."

"Ann-"

"Do it!"

Devin turned and ushered all the kids younger than sixteen away. That left four and Annabel. She looked at the girl's dirty face and could see, even with the mud, a beautiful young woman with silver-grey, intelligent eyes and golden hair that was streaked with blue.

"We aren't afraid of you, elf."

Arya smiled and motioned to the four guys spread around her.

"It seems that you are the only one who claims that. And even with those words I see the fear in your eyes."

The girl stepped forward, pulling out a slender blade. Impressive equipment for somebody who made a living stealing from people in dark alleys.

"Let us see what you can do then."

"Garjzla, letta." (light stop) The people around her shouted in surprise as she took their eyesight from them. After a moment she returned it and spoke a different spell. "Reisa du rakr." (Raise the mist) The air around them clouded and mist shielded her from everyone's sight. She, as an elf, could hear exactly where they were and still see their outlines. Quietly she walked around the boy to her left and got behind Annabel. Without warning she pressed her blade to the girls throat and let the mist drop away. When the others saw her with her blade to Anna's throat they blanched and dropped their weapons. Arya whispered so only Anna could hear.

"Tell them to leave."

Anna did as told and when they'd all left, Arya released her. The girl whirled and struck at Arya's head which Arya blocked as if swatting a fly. Anna backed away and then attacked in a flurry of well placed strikes that Arya parried without effort. The girl seemed to see then that she had lost. Still, she held her sword at the ready.

"I wont go down without a fight."

Arya nodded.

"I see that. But your sword arm is two low and your feet are off slightly, it'll make strikes harder to block." Arya sheathed her sword. "I'm not going to fight you, Annbel. Go home."

The girl shook her head.

"I wont cower from a fight."

"Brave." Moving quicker than eye could see Arya knocked the sword from her hand and grabbed the scruff of Anna's collar, pulling her off the ground so she was eye level. "But the true strength of a warrior relies in his humility and brains. Running into a slaughter is pointless. Know when you are beaten and go home to train harder, longer, until you know you can best your opponent." She dropped the girl to her feet and stepped away. "Although don't ever challenge an elf. Even the most untrained could easily break you with swipe of their hand. Understand?"

Annabel swallowed and nodded.

"Yes."

"Then go home and let your parents know you're alive. I'm sure tales of your death are already spreading through the town."

The girl took off and Arya continued to the far gates that led out onto the beach. The guards stopped her.

"Ma'am this area is closed due to the King's presence in the arena. You can go out later."

Arya frowned. She had just planned to walk the beaches but she had to admit she was curious at Eragon's skill. It was wide-spread that there was no one better.

"Why would his future wife not be allowed to watch this battle?"

The guard regarded her and then blanched. Still he held his ground.

"I believe you but if I could please see some proof. This is a tense time-"

Arya pushed her hand in his face and showed the ring of Ellesmera royalty.

"I am the daughter of Islanzadi and this is my proof."

The guard nodded and let her through, motioning for a group of guards to go with her.

"I can almost take that as proof but just in case, I will need you to travel with a guard who can check with her before we let you in. I really do apologize, milady."

Sighing Arya nodded and followed the guards onto the sand that radiated heat onto her face. At least I wont have to worry about security being lax. It took five minutes to walk the distance between the North gate to the arena that was a huge mass of wood and stone sitting in the sand. When they arrived at the entrance they stopped her from entering and sent a runner. Minutes later he returned, face pale and waved away the guard. She entered and walked through a stone corridor.

As she arrived at another door she could hear the clashing of weapons. Opening them she was met with Eragon, spinning into a crouch and slashing at the legs of a fighter. His sword connected with a sickening crack and the man shouted, dropping his sword and falling to the ground. One was left standing and another was limping off into the sand. Looking back to Eragon, he was just turning to face the last man. His shirtless body was covered in sweat and she couldn't help but admire the very defined muscles of his chest and abdomen.

She watched as his toned arm brandished his sword before a dizzying number of attacks was set at the last fighter. The man held his own for a moment before it became too much and Eragon knocked his sword to the ground. With quick movements he flicked the tip of his sword to the man's throat. Cheers erupted all around and the opponent collapsed exhausted onto the wood. Eragon went to the one whose leg he broke and he knelt next to him. After a minute or so he stood and helped the man up. Arya raised her eyebrows. He knew the human body well enough to be able to heal bones. Impressive.

As the defeated left to be tended to and to rest, Brom, whom Arya had learned was Eragon's guardian, looked around the crowed. She noticed many men who'd been standing in the sand, as if waiting for their turn, returned to their seats. Two remained. One who Arya knew. She'd seen this guy fight before and he was not to be taken lightly. The other she didn't know but he seemed quite capable. Brom motioned them forward and Arya caught Eragon throw him an annoyed glare before facing the approaching opponents.

The one she knew of stopped at the edge.

"I'd like to fight alone."

Brom raised his eyebrows and then shrugged.

"Fine. You can each have your own fight. You can go after this man."

With that Brom told the other to grab a weapon. To Eragon's obvious surprise, the man grabbed a spear.

"Let's see if you can fight with more than a sword."

Eragon watched him carefully and then nodded and motioned for his opponent to toss him a spear. The man did so and Eragon caught it easily, spinning it in a single hand for show before stopping and blunting the tip. He did the same for his opponent. The match was over almost as soon as it began.

As Eragon's opponent struck, Eragon parried, twisted, and swung around, slamming the shaft of the speak into his opponents ribs. The man stumbled backwards and tried to block the next hit but only succeeded in leaving an opening for Eragon to slam the butt of the spear into his stomach. With a flick of his wrist, Eragon had the tip of his spear to the man's throat. His opponent dropped his own in defeat and left the platform dejectedly.

Now it was time for the last man. Eragon tossed the spear to the side and took his sword back from Brom who he'd given it to before the last battle. He looked at his opponent.

"What is your name?"

"Tristan Faucon."

Eragon nodded and wiped his brow before getting into stance. Tristan was the first to strike and Eragon seemed surprised at his strength and quickness. He backed away and studied his opponent from head to toe, summing him up and looking for weaknesses. For the next few minutes, it was back and forth, parries and counters and neither gaining an edge. Eragon frowned after a succession of strikes from Tristan caused him to stumble slightly in trying to escape. Tristan smiled as if believing he'd almost won, and that was when she saw it. Eragon's body shifted, just enough for her to see what was coming.

As Tristan struck at him again, Eragon spun around him and swung his sword at his back. Tristan barely had time to turn and block and he lost his balance. Eragon swung at his opponents legs and was blocked. He stepped backwards as a futile swing came from Tristan and then struck in quick succession until he was completely off balance. Eragon's victory was swift after that. He grabbed Tristan's sword arm and pressed the edge of his blade to Tristan's throat. Another victory. This time the cheers were even louder. When Tristan had cleared the platform, Brom returned and smiled at the people.

"Any more challengers?"

-E-R-A-G-O-N-

"I will."

He turned to the voice and when he found it's owner his stomach dropped. There, standing twenty feet away, was Arya.