A/N I just finished inheritance. I changed some things about the story. Aritrl is Eragon's apprentice who was sent back to train riders (BTW) and Arya is a rider.
Artemis stood with her back to the forest. Her hair billowed behind her in ink blackness. Her features showed her astonishment at Eragon. Eragon and Arya were the only two to stop dancing; no one else noticed the interruption.
"I didn't think you would be joining us" Eragon said letting go of Arya and taking a step away for good measure.
"I felt left out, we used to dance and sing like this back home" Artemis said
"My, where are my manners? I should have come to ask you to join us" Arya said
"It is fine my lady" Artemis said. She turned to look at Eragon "Can I talk to you"
"Yes, here" Eragon said leading her away from the party into the trees. He shot Arya a sorry glance.
"Why…" Artemis started
"I didn't say I loved you, and anyways…" Eragon interrupted only to get interrupted
"But you let me fall in love with you" Artemis said
"I'm not even really an elf"
"I can't believe that"
"She's my only friend, Artemis. My best friend"
"Getting a little too friendly" Artemis retored
"I can if I want to"
"I'm a queen too, well technically" Artemis said
"I need to figure all of this out, okay" Eragon said turning around
Artemis caught hold of his arm "You're all I have to remember my home". She let go of his arm and walked off away from the party.
Eragon sighed.
"She loves you" Arya commented form behind Eragon.
Eragon jumped slightly "I don't know who I love"
"No matter. I would just warn you not to get as drunk as Saphira over it, she nearly burned down the woods if not for the spells put to protect it" Arya said
Eragon laughed softly "She has grown"
"You both have changed" Arya said
"So have you" Eragon said turning towards Arya
"Being a queen can be difficult"
"I'm sure" Eragon agreed
"I thought you were never to return" Arya said
"I don't know anything about myself anymore, I needed to return"
"I need to go, enjoy the rest of the feast"
"Yes my lady"
"I'm your friend Eragon, besides you could take my throne and the throne over all if you wanted to. You've always called me Arya"
"Our places have changed; I'm now your ambassador"
"You don't really think so" scoffed Arya
"Of course not" Eragon replied coolly "I know I won't be doing the duties you had been doing, you gave me the title to bind me to come here every so often"
"I'm starting to appreciate that you're our friend not foe"
"Why would I turn against you?"
"Why did Galbotrix turn against us?"
"I'm not like that"
"I'm grateful" Arya said. She turned to leave "Don't hurt her feelings, she will hate us for it if we do"
"She would hate me"
"I take my point has gotten across"
"Yes"
"Very well, I'll see you tomorrow then" Arya turned back to him lightly kissing his cheek. She turned quickly and walked swiftly off.
Eragon smiled; at least they still had their friendship after this long…