Elva glared at the old crone who had taken care of her since her parents' deaths. "More food," she demanded. The crone bowed and left the room. Elva sat on the floor and sighed. She leaned her head forward slightly so that her dark locks fell forward to obscure her odd facial features. She hated this, this constant hunger. She hated this ability to sense all misfortune in the area, as well.

There was a knock on the door. "Who goes there?" Elva demanded chillingly, although she already could sense that it was the witch, Angela the Herbalist, and her werecat, Solembum. The doors opened and the guards inclined their heads to the curly-haired woman as she entered the cold room with the werecat on her heels. In his human form, Solembum grinned at Elva, displaying perfectly pointed teeth.

"Elva, I need to tell you... Eragon has left with Roran and Saphira to fight the Ra'zac at Helgrind. There's no telling when they'll return, but when they do, Eragon will lift your curse," Angela said.

"Or so the Rider claims," Elva replied darkly.

"There's more," the herbalist continued, "some of the Varden are returning to Tronjheim to join the dwarves at King Hrothgar's funeral. Because of Eragon's acceptance of Hrothgar's offer to become one of the king's clan, Durgrimst Ingeitum, Eragon is required to join us. But he's going to Helgrind instead, the blockhead."

Elva's eyes narrowed. "Nasuada is returning to Tronjheim as well?"

"Aye, as are Solembum and myself."

"I must accompany Lady Nasuada."

"Yes, and you're my responsibility, so you definitely have to come with us."

"When are we leaving?"

"Tomorrow morning."

"Wonderful," Elva said sarcastically. She wasn't too eager to feel everyone's pain from the loss of Hrothgar.

Suddenly there was another knock on the door. "Who's there?" asked Elva again.

"'Tis Lady Nasuada, here to see you," answered one of the guards. The doors opened and in stepped Nasuada. Elva almost flinched; at the sight of Nasuada, all of the Varden leader's troubles washed over Elva's senses.

"You did your very best in the Battle of the Burning Plains," Elva said soothingly, her curse forcing her to try to ease some of Nasuada's pain. "Congratulations. I doubt even Ajihad could have done as well as you."

"Thank you," Nasuada said, her expression not softening. She seated herself on the floor next to Elva, and after throwing a glance in Angela's direction, said, "I presume that Angela has filled you in on the goings on among the Varden?"

"She has informed me that we are returning to Tronjheim for Hrothgar's funeral, if that's what you mean, Lady," Elva replied softly. "She also told me that Eragon has set off to attempt to kill the Ra'zac." With a nasty smile, the girl added, "I wish him luck."

Nasuada seemed to be fighting the urge to shiver. She managed to maintain her composure, however.

"Very well," she said, "then we shall set off for Tronjheim at dawn." And with that she rose and left Elva's chilly room.

"Well, well, well, looks like we're in for a long journey!" Angela said. Solembum bared his teeth, apparently not sharing the witch's enthusiasm.

Elva wished dearly she could stay behind in Surda.

That evening Angela and the old crone that brought Elva her food assisted the girl in packing things for the journey tomorrow morning.

"You'll want some changes of clothes, of course, some of these pretty little dresses that were gifts from the Varden!" said the old crone nervously, clearly frightened of the child.

Elva narrowed her eyes. "Very well." She didn't really enjoy packing.

"You'll also need a lot of provisions, with your appetite, Elva," Angela said with a wink.

Just then there was another knock on the door. Lady Nasuada had returned.

"I just wish to inform you that Trianna and Arya managed to mentally contact Eragon and Saphira. ...It seems that Eragon, Saphira, and Roran have been captured by the Ra'zac and imprisoned inside Helgrind."

Solembum, now in werecat form, arched his back and hissed.

"That blockhead!" Angela cried. The crone merely placed a hand over her mouth.

"That fool," Elva said quietly.

"My thoughts exactly," Nasuada agreed. She paused, then said stiffly, "We cannot afford to lose Eragon and Saphira. They are our only hope against the Empire. Without them, the rebels don't stand a chance!"

"I understand the predicament," Elva said slowly. She thought perhaps it was best to keep her own selfish thoughts about her curse private right now.

"Now, I must attend a council meeting," Nasuada said, "to discuss Eragon's capture and decide whether or not it will be possible to save him, or if perhaps we can afford to allow him to try to save himself."

"And you want me to attend the meeting with you," Elva finished.

Nasuada paused, then said, "Precisely."

There was a moment of silence.

Elva said, "It is my duty, Lady Nasuada. I have pledged myself to serve you, so I really have no choice but to accompany you to your council meeting."

Nasuada smiled, although there was something in her smile that seemed fake. Elva sensed that Nasuada was still not completely comfortable around her. She could understand that; Nasuada was a perfectly normal human being, with no magical powers even. It was natural for her to fear a – she hated the word, though she felt it best described herself – repulsive thing like Elva.

"Is there any chance that Solembum and I could accompany you?" Angela asked tentatively, and the werecat grinned.

Nasuada looked at the herbalist a moment, and then shook her head. "No, Angela, I'm sorry, but you and Solembum aren't council members, and King Orrin may be uncomfortable if you join us."

"Oh, Orrin is attending too, is he?" asked Angela.

"Aye, he is the king of Surda, why shouldn't he?" stated Nasuada rather matter-of-factly.

Angela shrugged. "I suppose you have a point there." She turned to Solembum, and she and the werecat seemed to be having a private mental conversation. After a moment Angela said, "Yes, I suppose you're right. It's best if Solembum and I don't attend. But please be careful with our little girl, I'd hate to have Eragon's curse force her to suffer too much."

Nasuada nodded, and her eyes flashed. "Elva has been fine attending council meetings before. I appreciate you looking after her, Angela, but you must remember, she has agreed to serve me."

"She's right, you know," Elva piped up.

Angela smiled. "Very well... but please do me a bit of a favor... express your feelings about Eragon's capture, and, if you must, call him a 'blockhead' or another suitable name, for he was a fool to tarry with the Ra'zac at such a young stage, Rider or not."

Nasuada nodded. "I shall honor your request." She then motioned for Elva to rise, which she did, and the woman swept out of the room with Elva at her heels.

A/N: Yep, I finally updated! - Please forgive me for taking so long... I had a terrible case of writer's block. A bit of this chapter was forced at first, but then by the end it had actually taken me someplace I hadn't expected to go. I hadn't originally planned on Eragon getting captured at Helgrind, and I hadn't planned on the council meeting. But, looks like that's what's gonna happen! I really liked how the end of this chapter sort of wrote itself, what a relief to be over my writer's block, ya know? Anyway, please review this chapter and tell me what you think!