Early the next morning, Arya got up and ready before she grabbed her bag and ran off to Eragon's tree. Lithely she climbed up and went over to his cot and roused him. He did not stay bleary-eyed for long when she informed him as to the Varden's predicament; she had to stop him from rushing Saphira too much as they had a long journey ahead, and may be needed as soon as they got back.

The three of them began their journey as the sun rose over Ellesmera. Arya had relayed this fact to Nasuada, and nearly smiled when she found that she had woken Eragon's liege-lord. They took three short breaks throughout the day's travel to stretch their legs and allow Saphira to drink from secluded pools of water. As the end of the day neared, Saphira landed near a small copse of trees and the elf and Rider contacted Nasuada before setting up to sleep for the night. Having gathered and eaten some nuts and berries for their dinner, they quickly settled down, and while the embers of the fire died out, they chatted.

'Eragon, as you know from what I said earlier, there is a large army approaching the Varden and we are to assist in the fighting. If it were in my power, I would not rejoin our forces like this, but rather in a more peaceful time. However, fate has decreed that not possible, and so it must be.'

'I appreciate your concern Arya, and I understand why you wish it were not so. On behalf of Saphira and myself, I just wanted to say thank you once again for all you did to help us. I realised on our way here that I had not actually said it, and felt ashamed of myself. You helped me in a way that Saphira did not know how, so thank you. I –'

'It was my honour Eragon. Through you, I helped the war effort and we, once again, stand a chance against Galbatorix. Anyone would have done it and –'

'But not all would have succeeded nor known how to. I am extremely grateful to you Arya, for you helped me out of a situation I did not have the mentality or integrity to deal with myself. It is only now, looking back that I see how close I came to letting everything drop and us all becoming slaves to the King.' He paused to take a deep breath, and Arya could see in his eyes the depth of his gratitude. 'It scares me now that I have so much power and so many lives rest on my staying sane. Saphira says not to worry, and that we'll get through it, but I can't help worrying. There are so many people I want to keep safe, but I do not know if that'll be possible. It's a basic state in war that people die, but I've lost so many people already... How do you deal with the loss of people you love Arya?'

The elf paused and approached the subject cautiously.

'I never had time to mourn Fäolin or Glenwing properly, as I was captured by Durza. But when King Evander died, there was an empty pain in my heart. I quickly went from sadness for my loss, to anger at those who caused it. I soon learnt that the anger did nothing though, except for making me closed and bitter to the people around me. I got on with my life and embraced each new activity with as much effort as I could; I never forgot those who died in the course of our fighting, but nor did I let it take over my senses. Does that answer your question Shadeslayer?'

'Yes, thank you.'

'I think it would be best if we slept now, for we have a long journey tomorrow, and in the days ahead. Goodnight Eragon.'

'Goodnight Arya.'

The next day began early, and once again the elf woke Lady Nasuada up. It only took a few minutes to cover up any trace of them being there, before Eragon and Arya clambered onto Saphira and took off. The mighty dragon had recuperated a great deal of strength, so she did not need so many breaks and was able to fly smoothly without interruption for the majority of the day. Arya loved the feeling of being in the air and having the wind rushing through her hair. She had her arms wrapped around Eragon and smiled into his back. She felt the Rider's mind brush with her own – speaking while on dragon-back was near impossible.

Arya, what's so funny?

Nothing Eragon, I just feel so free and exhilarated being up here. It is completely different to when I have flown on Saphira in a battle; I see why you enjoy riding her so much now.

I am glad that you too have found pleasure in this. Maybe when the war is over there will be more time for such activities. Until then, Saphira and I are cornered by constraints, and it is rare to enjoy flying as you are at this moment.

There is hope yet Shadeslayer.

Arya withdrew her mind from the contact and enjoyed the journey, the feeling of Saphira's powerful wings beating them through the air, closer and closer to the next battle for their lives.

When they landed, Arya contacted the Varden and then began to prepare for the night. Swiftly she collected food for them to eat, while Eragon sorted out beds of sorts. Saphira was busy hunting for small morsels of food as they settled down. That night there was little said between the two travellers other than goodnight, for the journey was beginning to tire them.

The next few days passed in a similar style, and it was merely four days from when they set out until they first sighted the Varden's encampment. It was only a few leagues away, but they stopped momentarily to refresh themselves and have a drink. Arya contacted Nasuada using the pool of water in order to update her and let her have a small warning that they were due to arrive.

Minutes later they landed in the space Nasuada had cleared for them, and they dismounted from Saphira. There was no time for them to exchange any formalities because they were ushered into the main tent to discuss the upcoming battle. King Orrin was present, as were the elven spell casters and Jörmondur; Nasuada wasted no time in introductions, instead she sent a servant to get some drinks for them all, and then began.

'As you all know, there is a large army approaching us, and the Varden's army is preparing for battle. As of yet, we are unsure whether the Red Rider flies with them, but hopefully Glaedr's parting gift to them will keep them land-borne for a while longer. However, we cannot bank on that, which is one of the reasons as to why you have returned Eragon.'

Arya nearly graced the room with a smile as Saphira snarled softly, reminding them that she was there too.

'Sorry Saphira. Is there anything that anyone feels needs to be added?'

Everyone glanced at the other occupants, trying to think of any other essentials.

'Well, if that's it, then I think we should all go and ready ourselves and conserve what energy we'll need.'

Nasuada exited from the room, flanked by Jörmondur and her Nightguards. Arya and Eragon were the last to leave, and they were shown where their tents were by servants. The elf pitied Orrin, for he was effectively under Nasuada's control, despite being in charge of Surda. However, for Nasuada, she felt nothing other than admiration; she really was Ajihad's daughter.

The next day was spent in relative peace and Arya took the chance to relax fully before the tense time of the battle. In the afternoon, she and Eragon went for a short walk to try and stay calm; they eventually went for a short flight on Saphira. Despite the beating wings lulling the elf and Rider into a calm mood, as soon as they landed and climbed down, the tenseness was reinstated. The atmosphere around the camp could be cut with a sword, and everyone was on tenterhooks waiting for the horn blasts to signify the Empire's army had arrived.

However they were forced to wait another two and a half days before the army was sighted. The army formed itself up on the encampment, waiting to move out. Arya exchanged a few, quick words with Eragon before they all had to go and form up on the hill.

'Eragon, if Murtagh should appear, and the elves are not close enough to aid you, do not forget to use Aren. There is a large store of energy in there, and it will be able to replenish you until you can get back in range, if not longer.'

'I will not make that mistake again; it has happened too often, and I am sure I will remember this time.'

'Make sure you stay safe Argetlam. Please.'

'Only if you do, Arya Svit-kona'

'Wiol onr ilian.'

With that, the elf ran off to where she was stationed. She could only hope that fate would spare the Rider and his dragon to fight another battle. She made sure that the elves were with her, and that they all knew what they were to do. There was a mass intake of breath as the army arrived, everyone hoping or praying that the fight would be won.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Okay, I felt really bad for not updating for ages... so here's a really long chapter to hopefully make up for it!! Thanks to all who reviewed, they really do brighten my day up =p

However it would be great if more people reviewed, as I get so many hits, but not that many reviews in comparison...

Special thanks to Elvendiath, as she really has helped me with it all =D