Eragon allowed his jaw to drop as he stared at the elven queen standing on the dragon's head that protruded the front of the ship. Saphira? he called to his dragon, still staring Arya. Yes, little one? Saphira responded from the courtyard outside of Eragon's window. Is Firnen with the Queen? Saphira snorted. That's the last thing you want to know, and I know it. Make yourself presentable and come out here, I'm sure Arya will want to speak to you privately.
Eragon sighed and looked away from Arya and down at the courtyard before walking over to the clothes he had set out last night. "Ugh," He muttered to himself. "Not formal enough."
As he dug through his closet, Eragon began to wonder. Why was Arya coming? Why now? Was something wrong in Alegaesia? Was Nasuada okay? Why? Calm down, little one. I'm sure she just wanted to see how the riders were progressing. Saphira's voice calmed Eragon down, but he was still worrying. Yes, but wouldn't she have told me?
Maybe she didn't want you to make any special preparations.
Maybe…
Find something to wear or you won't find out until I decide to tell you.
Once Eragon was properly dressed, he walked outside to find his 'second in command', as Eragon liked to refer to her. "Karai, full report." Eragon spoke quietly to the rider, hoping nobody would overhear. "I know as much as you do. We saw Queen Arya standing on the bow of the ship. Everyone gathered out here to see what we could find out." The young rider's report was unsettling to Eragon. "And you're sure there isn't anything else?"
"Positive, Master Eragon. Is something wrong?"
"No, of course not. I was just wondering why she'd pick now to visit."
"Aren't we all?" Karai chuckled. "Aren't we all..."