The next morning found Arya sitting quietly with Eridor outside of the castle. Nasuada would have fully disapproved if she had known that Arya was currently sitting by a slowly drying up river hidden by the numerous trees that surrounded Borromeo Castle. She was outside the walls now, not to far away though, but enough to get some privacy. She had flown on Eridor for the very first time and he had brought her here. He could tell that she needed some time to think.

How are you feeling? He asked.

She shrugged. She was still annoyed at the fact that she hadn't been able to talk to Eragon about her feelings for him. She had tried to see him again last night, but Nasuada had been visiting with him and it seemed to be a serious conversation, so she decided to wait awhile longer.

And now waiting was really starting to really get on her nerves.

Annoyed, she answered honestly.

The dragon shook his tail humorously and answered, That is to be expected.

Arya rolled her eyes. Maybe Eragon and I are just not meant to be. Perhaps that's what the fates were trying to tell me when Roran came bursting into the room or when Nasuada was speaking to Eragon earlier.

Eridor snorted. I don't think so, Arya. I think you've just been having bad luck. Maybe if you can get him completely alone with no distractions.

Arya shook her head and replied, Which has been impossible, lately.

Then you're just going to have to wait.

Arya sighed. I've gotten quite good at that during these past few days.

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Later that evening, Arya made her way to Nasuada's study. Nasuada had just sent for her and said that it was rather urgent. Eridor was out hunting with Saphira, although she knew he would be listening intently into their conversation.

"Hello, Nasuada," Arya said as she entered the room.

"Arya," Nasuada said, standing up to greet her, "have a seat." She motioned to the small chair that sat in front of her desk.

Arya obliged and turned quickly to Nasuada. "What did you need to talk to me about?"

"I've spoken to Eragon," she began and Arya couldn't help but throw her tiny glare. Nasuada didn't seem to notice. "And he's agreed that as soon as he fully recovers, you two should return to Ellesméra."

Arya was tempted to tell her that she and Eragon had already somewhat discussed this, but she decided to just let it be.

"Is that all?" she asked.

"No," Nasuada replied wearily, "Now I know you're not going to be pleased with me, but both Eragon and Saphira, as well as myself, have agreed that you and Eridor should remain in Ellesméra until we receive further news of Galbatorix's plans."

Arya glared at her. "I don't think that's your decision to make."

Nasuada sighed. "I knew you were going to say that, Arya. Maybe you should speak to Eragon on this matter. He could probably persuade you."

Arya stared at her, at a complete loss for words.

"What is that supposed to mean?" she angrily said.

Nasuada stared at her firmly and replied, "It simply means that he has more influence over you-"

"Influence? What-"

"You and he are much closer than you and I," Nasuada said in a more hesitant tone. "I thought that you would listen to his reasoning with a more open mind than you would listen to mine."

Arya sighed and shook her head. "I don't know where you got that idea."

She vaguely noticed Nasuada roll her eyes, as if saying the whole thing was quite obvious. But then again, Arya reasoned, it probably is.

Arya wasn't quite sure why she was so irritated at the concept of Nasuada's plan. It wasn't a horrible thing, that was certain. She didn't know how long they would have to stay there, but a bit of peace that Ellesméra could easily bring would do her good.

But at the same time, she knew she would hate the feeling of being almost completely cut off from the real world. Would she even receive news about what was going on? Or would she have to wait until the last minute? She was also unsure if Eragon would be free to go while she stayed behind. That thought extremely agitated her; she didn't think it would be fair at all. After all, they were both Dragon Riders with equal duties and rights.

"How long will I have to stay?" Arya asked grudgingly.

"It could be a few weeks," Nasuada calmly replied, "or it could be a few months. But Arya, I promise you that you will be constantly informed of all the developments here. You will not be kept in the dark. Also, Eragon and Saphira will also be in Ellesméra most, if not all, of the time you are there. I would not ask you of this if I did not think it was necessary."

Arya closed her eyes and slowly nodded. Perhaps it wouldn't be so horrible.

"Alright," she said, standing up.

"Thank you!" Nasuada said, standing up with her and quickly walking around to her and giving her a hug.

Arya smiled slightly as they both pulled away.

"It won't be too bad, Arya, you'll see. We'll have you back here in no time. Although, from the little Eragon has told me of your city, I'm not quite sure why you'd ever want to leave there."

Arya shrugged. "I have my reasons."

After saying their goodbyes, Arya decided that she was in no mood to talk to Eragon. She had had a long day and all she wanted to do was rest.

What do you think of these recent developments? Arya asked Eridor.

I think that we will be safer in Ellesméra. We are extremely important when it comes to getting rid of Galbatorix once and for all and I think it is wise not to take any chances.

Yes, Arya agreed, once again, you are correct.

I always am.

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Three days later, Arya was sitting down by the river in the same spot she had been days before. She had started coming here often during the past few days; most of the times when she was feeling stressed or just needed some quiet time. Eridor had not come with her today; she had insisted to come alone and he did not persist. She had found a route to get to the river from the palace and, although it was crowded with overgrown weeds and scattered branches, it was fairly easy to navigate.

She had gone to see Eragon a few times since he had first woken and he was recovering nicely. Each time she had gone to see him, her nerves kept on getting the best of her and she found she was not able to speak to Eragon about her feelings for him. Often times during her visits, she would come up with many excuses in her mind as to why she was unable to tell him. The most constant of those excuses was the fact that there happened to be no privacy in Eragon's room. Angela or another healer always seemed to be coming in and out of his room and Arya was not keen on any of them overhearing or interrupting their conversations.

Eragon and Arya talked little about their upcoming trip to Ellesméra. Arya suspected that Eragon thought it was a rather touchy subject for her. Nasuada probably had something to do with those thoughts.

They did talk about Eridor and his progress and of Eragon's current condition. Sometimes they talked about Galbatorix and even Murtagh, but mostly they talked about less serious matters. Eragon would give her tips for flying on Eridor and sometimes, especially when Roran would join them, Eragon would tell her about some of the people in his village or some of his and Roran's childhood adventures.

Arya couldn't help but feel comfortable around Eragon. He was one of the few people that she actually found easy to talk to. He didn't pressure her to talk about certain things and she didn't pressure him. That was how it went.

But she knew things would have to change if they ever were to have a more intimate and personalrelationship. She would have to tell him much more about herself for him to truly know her. Eragon certainly had no problem sharing his life with her and she found herself wishing that she could do the same as him.

"What are you thinking about?"

Arya jumped as a startling voice from somewhere behind her spoke. Arya instinctively reached for her sword and turned around to greet the intruder.

She was completely shocked to see Eragon staring innocently at her.

She sheathed her sword. "Eragon," she asked quietly, "what are you doing here?"

He laughed at her shocked expression and spoke in the Ancient Language, "The healers said I was free to go. They say I've recovered quite nicely."

Arya couldn't help but smile as she joined him in her native tongue. "How did you know where I was?"

"I came looking for you after I was released. I found Eridor out with Saphira, but he said you'd gone. He told me where to find you and so I decided to journey out here to come and see you." He grinned. "I don't think Nasuada would be happy if she knew where you were."

"Then let's make sure she doesn't find out."

Eragon nodded and let out a light chuckle before becoming suddenly serious.

"Arya," he said, "I couldn't help but notice that you've been a bit distant in your recent visits." He took a seat next to her on the large rock that she was currently sitting on.

She turned to look at him, but didn't know what to say. Should she tell him now? They certainly wouldn't be discovered; it was just the two of them. Suddenly she felt extremely nervous.

"I have had quite a few things on my mind," she murmured. It was the truth.

He nodded and looked casually over at the river.

"I just…" Eragon said, before trailing off.

"What?"

"I-- when you-- before Roran interrupted us, when you came to see me after I had awoken, I thought you were going to tell me something… But maybe I was imagining things."

She sucked in a deep breath but did not say anything. She could not lie to him anymore.

"I was, actually." She smiled. "Your cousin has impeccable timing."

It was a few more moments before she spoke again, but Eragon waited patiently, knowing she had to gather her thoughts.

"Eragon," she began slowly, not knowing exactly where to start. She soon decided to just start at the beginning. "You know that when I was ferrying around Saphira's egg I was also traveling with two other elves. One, I told you, was Glenwing, the other was Faolin." She paused.

Eragon took the opportunity to speak. "You did not tell me much about Faolin."

"No," she said, "but I will tell you now. Faolin was my mate." She waited to see Eragon's reaction, but his face remained expressionless.

"We had been together for almost two decades and I loved him more than I could ever imagine," Arya continued, "but, as you know, our love could not last forever. When he was killed, I didn't even have time to mourn. Durza captured me and poisoned me and during that time I had little chance to even think about his death. Looking back, I think I am somewhat grateful that I did not dwell on his death so quickly after it occurred. I suppose I had some time to get over it. It was hard, though, after I had recovered from the poison to come to the realization that he was truly gone. There was no more poison to distract my thoughts. I thought I could never love again. I don't think I even wanted to love…

"But I am done mourning over the dead. I know that he would not have wanted me to live such a cold and isolated life, never sharing my feelings with others or being open to new relationships. It is hard losing someone you love, as you well know, but I've recently learned that you cannot drown yourself in their memories. Faolin is gone and I've moved on and, while I'll never forget him, I have proven myself wrong and fallen in love again."

Eragon gazed at her intently, sucking in his breath. Arya gently brought up her hand to his face, brushing his cheeks, and stared directly into his eyes.

"Eragon, I know that I have hurt you in the past. I told you that we could not be together, that I was much too old for you and that the elves would look down upon us. I know now that those things don't matter. It's what you and I want that matters.

"I don't know when it happened, but I've fallen in love with you. I didn't know it that night during the Agaeti Blodhren, but I know it now and I know I was incredibly foolish to ignore it. When you were almost killed by that assassin, I couldn't help but think about how I would have felt if you did die. How would I be able to live knowing that you never knew of my true feelings for you? It was then that I decided that I need to tell you. I couldn't waste anymore time holding these feelings in. It would be unfair not only to you, but to myself."

He placed his hand on hers and slowly brought it to his lips. She could feel the tears brimming in her eyes, but she refused to let them fall.

"I know that you've wanted this and you've been so amazingly patient with me. I don't even deserve you, but if you agree to it, then I want us to be together. I love you, Eragon."

She had finally said it and she couldn't believe how easy it had been.

"Arya," Eragon began, clearly at a loss for words, "I love you, too."

She grinned as she slid even closer to him, "Yes, I think I knew that."

He wore a sloppy smile as he gently placed his hand on the crook of her neck. They slowly moved closer and closer until their lips almost met. Before she could say anything, his lips met hers in an explosive kiss. Their tongues danced around each other, wanting more, and her hands roamed freely around his upper body. But too soon, he pulled away. She knew that he needed to say his part.

"Arya," he said quietly, staring lovingly into her eyes, "You know the depths of my love for you. You know that I would do absolutely anything for you. This…this is something I've dreamed of for a long time, now." He looked at her hesitantly. "Promise me you won't change your mind about us. I wouldn't be able to stand it."

A tear slid down her cheek. "Eragon," she said hugging him close to her, "I will never change my mind. Ever."

He sighed contentedly and gently strung his hands through her hair. They stayed there like that, holding onto each other, for a few minutes before Arya brought him in for another kiss. This kiss was less passionate than the other, but their love for each other was clearly made known through the pleasure of that simple kiss. It lasted longer than the other. They moved together in an almost synchronized motion. Arya was actually surprised at how experienced Eragon seemed to be at it. She would have to ask him about that later.

But now…now was just about them. For just those few moments, it was just her and Eragon in this world. All that mattered was their love for one another.

Time quickly went by and Arya knew that they should head back to the castle. The sun was slowly setting as night set in and she knew that their absence would soon be noticed.

She gently pulled Eragon up. He placed his hands on her waist and brought his head down to her. He was taller than her, she noticed, only by an inch at the most, but it was still noticeable enough now that they were so close to each other. He pulled her in for a brief kiss before leaning towards her, their foreheads touching.

"We have to get back. Nasuada will worry," Arya said regretfully.

Eragon moaned softly. "Let her worry."

"Eragon, we can't stay here forever," she said, smiling.

"I wish we could."

Arya lightly brushed her lips against his. "Come," she said, taking his hand and leading him up to the path towards the castle.

Eragon let out a loud sigh before reluctantly giving in.

As they made their way into the castle, Arya couldn't remember the last time she felt so happy. She knew that their relationship was something special and yet it was so much different than it was with Faolin. Eragon had been loyal to her since before he even met her. She found it so hard to believe that she had been denying him for so long.

She looked over at him and noticed that he seemed to be wearing a permanent smile. He looked over at her and his smile deepened.

Men and women still wandered through the castle halls and Eragon quickly pulled her aside.

"Do you think we should go out there like this?"

She grinned. "We have to do it sometime."

They made their way, hand in hand, towards Arya's room. Some people looked their way with raised eyebrows, while others didn't even notice.

Arya couldn't help but feel a little disheartened as they reached her door. She didn't want to leave Eragon, but she knew that they would have to part ways eventually, if only for a couple of hours.

"Arya," he said quietly, tucking a piece of stray hairs behind her ear, "Thank you…thank you for everything."

She grinned. "No, thank you, Eragon, for giving me chance that I truly didn't deserve."

Eragon kissed her before slowly pulling away.

"It is I who doesn't deserve you. But let us call truce and just say we both don't deserve each other."

"Yes," she laughed, "I can do that."

"Good night, Arya," he said, turning away.

"Good night," Arya softly replied.

Arya felt much like a lovesick young girl that night as she lay in her bed. The thought of it annoyed her to no end, after all she was not the type of person to be lovesick, but at the same time she couldn't help but feel extremely happy.

She already didn't like the idea of being away from him, but she knew that their time together would be plenty. They would be going to Ellesméra and during that trip they would be together constantly. Their relationship might prove to be difficult for others in Ellesméra to understand, but she knew they would come around, although she had no idea what her mother would think of it.

Yes, their relationship was just the beginning of something that would be truly extraordinary; something that she knew would be strong enough to outlast empires.

A/N: Catch that last line? Yeah that's pretty much Angela's prophecy about Eragon's epic romance. Arya fits the description, don't you think? But I'm sure you don't really need me telling you that!

I'm not normally one to complain but this story has gotten around 511 hits and only 3 reviews… Come on guys, it's really not hard to review. I'm not forcing you to review (trust me I'm totally grateful that your even taking the time to read this story), but I would love some feedback. Anything is good. So, review if you can and thanks to those three who have reviewed so far.

Thanks for reading!