Author's Note:

EragonxArya time! I'm a firm believer in happy endings. Are you? Because I think Arya will only make Eragon happy, truly happy.

Again, these are probably AU, my only thoughts, etc. And I really don't know how Eragon will have to leave, so I made something up. (:

Enjoy!

Loligo7687

Author's Note (6/19/11):

Spelling/grammar is edited.

~Lucy

Ten Things You Didn't Know (Or May Have Known) About Eragon and Arya

1. When Eragon had ventured into the Spine, not knowing that he'd be thrown into the world only Brom the Storyteller had illustrated with words, it was for food. Sloan had driven his prices higher and higher, and his Uncle Garrow could no longer afford to buy quality meat from the butcher. Eragon was shooting game for a meal and his dignity. Roran was always going on about how he'd come home empty-handed or how terrible his accuracy was. With determination, Eragon pulled back on the string to release the arrow at his target.

The arrow missed. The deer sprinted away. All that gave Eragon ease was the bluish looking rock that had magically appeared on the ground naught a few feet from his hiding spot. Picking it up, he figured it might fetch a nice price.

He was wrong. Sloan refused his sale, especially when Eragon let slip the origin of the rock. Returning back with nothing but a blue rock, Eragon sighed. Roran was going to tease him to no end. That was the least of his problems.

Eragon would be thrust into a position he believed to be extinct. In fact, it was very much extant.

2. Durza had been the ultimate cause of Fäolin's death. Well, Arya had concluded that he had perished in the mission. No body was found and she had barely escaped death herself. Durza was slowly killing her with torture. And she would never tell where she sent the dragon egg, even if death would soon overtake her.

It did reach its destination, just not to the right person. Intended for Brom, it had ended up in Eragon's possession. But it had been right, since the dragon egg had hatched for the teenage boy. And that also had saved her ultimately.

Traveling with the dragon's egg for so long had made a connection between them, however weak it was. But it was strong enough to lead him to her and rescue her from Gil'ead. Then she led him to the Varden, in her comatose-like state. She was given the antidote and Arya was saved yet again.

She didn't like to be the lady who had to be rescued. But somehow, Arya didn't mind much that Eragon had bravely been her knight.

Even if he had been rash, young, and inexperienced; qualities Arya loathed.

3. Saphira was the most beautiful creature Eragon had ever seen. Er… maybe Arya beat her out by a smidge, but he'd never let on. Though he was sure Saphira knew, since his dragon's jealousy was ever prevalent. Eragon reassured Saphira and she seemed content for the moment.

When her egg had hatched, he was relatively displeased that she was the cause for the mark on his palm and her insatiable appetite was getting harder to hide. Overall, however, he had loved her since she had first hatched. It was a different type of love, one he couldn't exactly describe. They shared the world as one and he'd be devastated if any harm befell her.

They grew together as the months and years passed and they became more and more powerful. Allying with Nasuada and the Varden, they were well on their way to destroying the evil king.

Did you know that you were my first love?

Saphira laughed, in her dragon-y way. Do you not still love me, Eragon?

Of course I do. Why would you even need to ask?

I don't. I just don't understand why you haven't moved on.

Eragon glanced across the night to the elf pacing around the fire.

You mean, from you to Arya?

Precisely. Goodnight, little one.

I think you're a little jealous.

Saphira opened an eye. Jealous?

You have competition.

What competition?

It was Eragon's turn to laugh. You're jealous.

Of course not. In any case, you have my approval.

Thanks, Saphira.

At that moment, Eragon hoped that Arya had not been paying attention to him, especially with the color rising to his cheeks.

4. Eragon thought he was going to truly die. He saw the maroon eyes flicker to his chest, the spot that would end the Rider's life. The teenage boy did the only thing he could with an injured back: he winced and waited for the blow.

It never came. Eragon heard the destruction of the Isidar Mithrim and he saw the opportune moment to strike back at Durza. While the Shade was distracted by the falling shards, Eragon took Zar'roc and launched it hard into Durza's chest.

The Shade looked at the sword sticking from out of his chest and his face revealed pure astonishment. Eragon still felt faint and somewhat pained from the blow to his back. But something changed from that moment on. The teenage boy was no longer just Eragon.

He was Eragon Shadeslayer, the one who had defeated Durza. The one who had saved many lives and possibly more lives in the future. He was the new hope for Alagaësia.

He had Arya to thank, of course. Her quick and possible rash thinking had led to his great deed. And he'd never forget it.

5. Eragon had learned a lot when he had stayed in Du Weldenvarden, land of the elves. He learned elven customs, the way the elves lived, how to train his skills carefully, and many others things that blew his mind.

For example, Eragon had been graced by the dragons with a gift. The gift had transformed him into an elf and he became much more agile and fit for his Rider position. And best of all, it was another thing that made it possible for Arya to like him.

Even though she seemed to be avoiding him…

Maybe because he had eaten meat? Or continued to?

That's the natural order of things. You don't see me eating leaves off a tree so I can spare whatever prey I may come across.

That had been Saphira's current argument for getting Eragon to eat meat again. He did eat meat again, however. Eragon missed the taste and Saphira's first sentence had combated his conflicted feelings.

He also learned that his father had been Brom. Eragon couldn't have been happier. He was going to revisit the grave and make sure it would never be harmed.

It was the least he could do for his father. Eragon wished he could have done more. But somehow, beating Galbatorix would make up for everything. Hopefully.

6. Arya had loved Fäolin. She tightened and clammed up at the mention of his name nowadays, especially when Eragon was advancing ever so quickly on her. His death was a burden on her soul, a toll that made her seem incapable of moving on.

She wanted to move on. Fäolin would want her to. But Arya was the older one now and by far larger a number than Fäolin was to her. For that, she was hesitant to show feelings for Eragon. She only meant well. It would be too hard to bear the death of another companion, especially when Eragon was so inexperienced as a Rider and susceptible to harm (for example, Durza).

That changed, of course, when Eragon was transformed into an elf. Even so, something made her pull away from him. Maybe it was the amount of time they had been acquainted? That he was far too quick to move in such a romantic relationship?

Arya didn't want to hurt him. But she had to end his advances. Regrettably, she realized that (as she spent more time with the Rider) she began to question her previous actions. This was only regrettable because she had finally moved on.

7. Islanzadí was murdered, like the leaders before her. Galbatorix was finally striking at the positions of power, to rid the leader and weaken the race under his control. However, this plan had failed in many ways.

Nasuada, Orik, and Arya had inherited the position of power. Rightfully earning the spot, or even in the case of pure inheritance, the murders had simply made the alliances between races stronger with time.

To say the least, Arya had cried for days after the news of her mother's death. Not even Eragon's flower had cheered her and she was inconsolable to all. Arya would not leave her tent, even on the night of battle.

Eragon risked his life by entering her tent, clearly unwanted, and tried to cheer her up. Even though the two armies were lining up for the greatest battle of them all, Arya seemed content enough to grieve while her world was fighting for freedom.

"Arya," Eragon said, in a firm but nice tone. "I can't comfort you if you don't let me."

Arya turned to face him, her face serious. There were no tears staining her cheeks, but her eyes looked severely pained. Eragon had never seen Arya in such a saddened state and he hesitated.

"Eragon," Arya started to say, annunciating his name clearly, "I'm sorry."

With elf-like grace, Arya prevented Eragon from replying. His eyes had widened, but his lips moved gracefully with hers when the initial shock had ceased.

Murtagh had checked the tent for Eragon, needing to answer some questions that Nasuada had regarding the upcoming battle. Nodding to Saphira, he hadn't understood her dragon-y smile. He did, however, when he saw the pair kissing.

"Finally," he murmured to himself, deciding to wait outside instead.

8. Murtagh had always mystified Eragon. Why had he been hesitant to take him to the Varden? Why had he refused to be probed? And why on Galbatorix's dead body did he save Eragon in Gil'ead?

He felt a bond with the troubled Murtagh and later did he realize that the bond was like that to family. In fact, he couldn't believe that they were brothers.

Well, half-brothers. Galbatorix hadn't known any better and therefore told Murtagh the truth he believed. Even though Murtagh came close to killing him, Eragon wasn't angry. He was hurt, but it was outside both their controls.

"You'll forgive me, Eragon?" Murtagh said, starting off their first conversation since his kidnapping and forced servitude. "I didn't want to kill you, it was Galbatorix-"

Eragon interrupted him. "I understand, Murtagh. You had to do what you had to. I cannot put that against you. We're brothers," he said, nodding for effect.

Murtagh smiled, which was more common nowadays since his released bondage. "Not quite brothers."

Eragon paused. "Nasuada told you."

"She thought it was only fair for me to know the truth."

"Of course. I'd hardly expect you to believe me if I told you outright."

They shared a laugh together and Murtagh's past had been forgotten for once.

9. At twilight, the Varden sensed that the enemy was taking advantage of the growing darkness. It had eventually grown so dark that Eragon could barely see his hand in front of his face, even with perfect elf vision. Most of the Varden were on vigilant watch and Galbatorix's army had progressed further in the night.

The next morning, the first arrow had been fired, and war finally broke out between the two sides. Magicians, sorcerers, Riders, and all races fought in the bloody battle for days. Neither side bulged, but a stroke of luck let the Riders advance on Galbatorix.

The Varden had the upper hand and it drove Galbatorix to pieces. Even with the Eldunarí, he was still overtaken by the Riders. It was three dragons to one and three Riders to one. Shruikan could not endure all the pain he was receiving and eventually fell limp with exhaustion.

Galbatorix was fearfully alone. He had his skills as a magician and warrior, but he been stripped of his power source. With nothing but a sword and weakened magic, he dueled Eragon to the death. Until those seven words uttered by Brom were of use… Galbatorix was not favored to win any longer.

Eragon held Brisingr steadily as he aimed for the evil king's heart. With a sickening plunge, Galbatorix looked down on his bleeding chest.

He laughed. "I have not died, Eragon Shadeslayer. I died the day my dragon died."

With that, Galbatorix, once a great and good Rider, slumped to the ground and died.

Eragon returned to Saphira, weary and tired, and returned to the where the Varden was. They were celebrating the victory as Galbatorix's army was retreating, but some were mourning. Eragon saw Roran, Nasuada, and Murtagh among the crowd, but Arya was nowhere to be found.

"Take care, Eragon," Arya had said before departing, for she was helping the other magicians as assigned. And now she was missing.

Hurrying over to Nasuada, his eyes conveyed the long awaited message. He had killed the king and freed Alagaësia from oppression. Eragon also couldn't help but to express his worry over the Queen of Du Weldenvarden.

Nasuada led him over to the wounded. Among them, Arya was surrounded by Angela and Trianna. They were healing a wound inflicted by an arrow. As Eragon approached, Arya stuck out her hand for him to take.

"I'm proud of you, Eragon," she said quietly, wincing as Trianna performed a healing spell.

"I love you, Arya," Eragon replied, but that hadn't been what he was going to say. It was what he wanted to say, but the embarrassment rose on his cheeks anyway.

"I love you too, Eragon."

Angela giggled. "I'm always right, aren't I?"

10. The days after the war were utter peace.

Eragon was favored to head Alagaësia, but his heart wasn't into it. The prophecy was bugging him, as he wasn't sure how long he had left to stay. Instead, he offered the position to Roran. Roran had sacrificed so much and it was only fair to give to one who had given much themself. Roran accepted and Katrina became the queen alongside him.

Birgit finally rescinded her threats to kill Roran. After all, Galbatorix was dead and that was the ultimate cause of her husband's death.

Arya returned to Du Weldenvarden to rule her people. Eragon joined her some time after, since Saphira was hesitant to leave Thorn. After some convincing, they bade their goodbyes and helped rule the elven land peacefully.

Angela approached them years later, with a strange smile.

"The prophecy, Eragon," she said simply.

By that time, a purple dragon had joined the royal family. Saphira's daughter had hatched to Arya and it was fit as Eragon had seen before.

"I'll miss it," Eragon said, mounting Saphira.

"As will I," Arya countered, mounting her dragon.

"It won't be as bad so long as I'm with you."

"I'm yours, forever."

Both Riders sailed through the air as they left Alagaësia forever. Eragon looked back once, but that naturally couldn't be helped.

I never asked for any of this, Saphira.

Well, are you happy?

Yes. Yes I am.

That's all that matters. No regrets, Eragon.

None whatsoever.