Okay, I admit it, I am LOVING this story As a result, I've decided to turn my one shot into an actual story, which hopefully is going to live up to your expectations. Also, I apologise if Arya seems too emotional, but she is a very hard character to write well.

As always, I don't own anything it's all Christopher Paolini's.

To the wonderful, wonderful reviewers, you make all the sore fingers from typing worthwhile To me, one review is worth one hundred, so thank you

Arya POV (again... might try Eragon next chapter..)

I lay motionless, looking up at the stars (for all the dedicated readers, you might have realised I allude to the stars in some way in every chapter), happier than I'd been for a long time. No, happier than I'd ever been. Lying in Eragon's arms was just, right. I couldn't explain it, I just knew that I was meant to be here. I had only ever felt what is called love once before, with Faolin, but even that wasn't like this. Faolin had been understanding, comforting, but still, an elf. Courtesy was an innate part of him, and a part of me, and that was where Eragon set the balance. Eragon was the antidote to my ceremony, the perfect balance to my composure. We were halves of a whole, and I had realised it that day on the dock. I suppose I had known it when I lay in his arms after defeating Varaug, I just hadn't accepted it for fear of what could happen.

Then, I felt a presence pushing against my mind. I threw up my defences quicker than lightening before recognising the familiar touch of his mind. I could sense Firnen's annoyance at my defensiveness, but it dissipated quickly, eager to ask me something.

Are they back?The words echoed in my mind, and I could feel his elation. Smiling to myself, I answered.

Yes, they are back

Are they back for good?

They are

I felt a swooping sensation and I realised Firnen must been flying. Then I realised where he was flying to.

"Eragon!" I hissed, scrambling up and grabbing my clothes. "Eragon!"

"Mmmmh?" was his reply, as he sleepily opened one of his delightfully brown eyes

"Get up! Firnen is coming to meet me!" I cried, even as I pulled on my leggings.

At once, Eragon bolted upright, his tiredness forgotten. "My shirt!" he cried, motioning at me. I gathered it up and threw it over to him, no sooner had he pulled it on did Firnen land in the clearing, along with Saphira.

I met her along the way. She told me Eragon was with you.

Over our mental connection, I felt him registering the fact that Eragon's top button was not done up, and one of my slippers lay two feet from where I stood.

In a frightening manner, Firnen's mouth contorted into a strange shape I had never seen before. It took me a moment to realise he was smirking.

Having fun? He asked me, still smirking.

I glared in response, turning to Saphira. Twisting my hand into a gesture of fealty, I told her how glad I was to see her again.

And Eragon too I see.

Her reply as accompanied with a smirk of her own, and Eragon's ears turned very red. That hadn't changed.

"Arya and I were just going to head back to the main city. Of course, you two should hunt. It's been a long journey." Eragon said, masking his feelings.

Saphira and Firnen both let out a strange throaty growl, and I recognised it for a laugh. I drew myself up to my full height, trying my utmost to remain calm.

"It was a pleasure to see you again" I said, pleasantly smiling at Saphira, who probably guessed just how much of a pleasure it had been. She and Firnen then turned, and with a flap of their wings, flew into the night, more graceful than our most skilled dancers. They were both beautiful and terrifying, utterly unique.

They hadn't been gone for less than thirty seconds before I felt his arms holding me to him.

"A pleasure indeed" he whispered. I turned to him, searching his face for any sign of mockery, but I found none, and simply relaxed. Yet, all too soon, light was beginning to break over the tops of the trees.

"We should be heading back" I said reluctantly.

"We should" he agreed, as he kissed me again.

"I'll be late" I warned him.

"Yes you will" he smiled, leaning in to kiss me again.

Fighting my emotions, I stopped him with a finger.

"Duty." I said, turning away, hating myself even as I rejoined the little path, leaving him standing there in the clearing.

Another ending I'm unsure of, but I was trying to show Arya's instinct to do as she always has and put duty first, which should create some good plotlines... I hope... I guess you'll either love or hate it...