Dear Pie in the Face, I find myself looking forward to your amusing reviews. Dear Every1's Beta, thank you very much for your review. I appreciate the correction, and no, you don't sound like a total jerk. P.S, I enjoy making shout outs to my reviewers—Watch out! You could be next! …Wait isn't getting a shout out a good thing? Well, I guess not if you're the shy type. So yeah, now I have to stop my senseless rambling… On with chapter four!

Chapter 4

"Why Go Through The Long Arduous Struggle?"

Arya awoke early in the morning to the feeling of a presence close to her mind. She threw up her barriers as a precaution, though soon realized it was only Saphira. She allowed the dragon into her mind.

They spoke in the ancient language. Hello, Brightscales, Arya said.

Hello, Shadeslayer, Saphira replied.

Is there a reason that you are contacting me? Arya asked, not unkindly.

Yes, Eragon has gone off with his nest mate, Roran, and will be gone for hours. I wonder if you would like to go swimming with me.

Swimming? Arya could sense Saphira's amusement.

I shall take that as a yes. Get ready, princess, I will be at your tent soon. Saphira exited Arya's mind.

Arya sat up on her cot, pausing before she got up. There was a rush of air outside behind her tent, and she knew that Saphira had arrived. She rushed to get dressed, putting on her casual clothes.

Arya pushed the tent flap aside a minute later and walked out into the morning sun. She took in a deep breath, and then walked around to the back of the tent. She gazed up at the beautiful sapphire dragon.

Are you sure Eragon won't mind me riding you? Arya asked.

He might be a little jealous, but he'll get over it. Besides, is it not my choice as to who sits upon my back? Saphira smiled as only a dragon could.

Arya chuckled and leaped onto Saphira's front leg, then leaped into the saddle. She sat down and buckled her legs into place.

Saphira fanned her massive wings in the sun, enjoying the warmth. Hold on, Shadeslayer! Her muscles bunched together and she launched herself high into the air. She snapped her wings open and flapped a few times, and then allowed herself to glide on the warm air.

Arya and Saphira circled above a reasonably sized lake. The surface below was very calm, and it resembled clear glass.

Ready? Saphira asked.

Am I? Arya seemed slightly hesitant, though not afraid.

Hold your breath! Saphira turned into a deep dive, and was almost immediately above the water. She dove in, slicing through the cool liquid, enjoying every moment of it.

Arya gazed around, taking in the beauty of it all. Fish bolted away from them, searching for safety from Saphira. Grass growing on the lake floor danced back and forth. Arya's dark hair streamed behind her as Saphira swam through the water.

Saphira shot out of the water just as Arya's lungs began to scream for oxygen. Arya took many deep breaths, preparing herself for another blissful dive.

This continued for a long while, each dive more fun and creative than the one before. But they were eventually forced to stop because Arya was getting extremely light-headed and Saphira was continuously coughing up water. They flew over and landed on the dry bank.

Arya unbuckled herself and jumped down to the ground where she landed in a crouch. She straightened and gazed up at Saphira. The water on her scales made her sparkle extra bright in the sun.

That was absolutely amazing, Saphira! Arya exclaimed excitedly, letting her emotions show freely. This was a rare thing for her, but she felt very comfortable around Saphira, and saw no need to hide herself around the dragon.

I knew you would love it, Saphira said, slightly smug.

Arya smiled and lay down in the plush green grass. She closed her eyes and let the sun warm her face and begin to dry her clothes. Saphira chuckled and also closed her eyes to rest.

After a long while of comfortable silence, Arya asked, Saphira, can I ask you something?

Of course, Saphira replied.

There was a pause. But you must not talk to Eragon about it.

Saphira reluctantly agreed to this, not keen on the idea of keeping something from her Rider.

Arya was thoughtful for a moment as she attempted to sort out her thoughts. I feel as if something is literally pulling me toward Eragon, She finally said.

What do think it is that is pulling you? Saphira asked after a short moment of thought.

Arya took a long time to respond. I don't know. That's why I'm telling you. I hope that you know what the force is. She could feel from Saphira a large amount of amusement, and she in response felt confused.

Arya, you are not blind, that I know, but you surprise me now. Saphira's mental voice was rich in silent laughter and amusement. The force you speak of is Fate, and you should not fight it, so why do you?

Arya thought intently about Saphira's words, eventually grasping their meaning.

Saphira nodded, feeling Arya's understanding. You should not push Eragon away, because as you do, you're denying fate. Why go through the long arduous struggle when you can just accept it and allow yourself to be happy?

But Saphira, you know why I cannot, Arya said.

Yes, but you and I also know why you can.

I seemed to enjoy this chapter a lot for some reason. lol. My point is to show how close Saphira and Arya really actually are. Do you like their relationship? Your thoughts matter a lot to me! Haha I kinda have a theme for the chapter titles. If you know what it is, review and tell me your guess. If you're right I'll be your best friend forever! What do you think Arya is going to do? Is she going to continuing fighting fate?